Between The Hidden World And Ours... - [YEONGYU FF]

Chapter 11

"Who are your closest friends?"

Besides me, maybe.

"I only really have one. His name is Taehyun, he's also a scientist at HYBE. I don't have any online friends," Yeonjun responded.

"That's the opposite for me," Beomgyu replied, serving some fruit salad into his small bowl.

"Who are your online friends?"

"They both live in Korea, but in different corners. My friend Soobin lives up in Ansan, and my other friend Kai lives down in Busan. He's also American, so he's great for practicing English with."

"From the way you're talking, they seem like great people," Yeonjun remarked.

Beomgyu nodded.

"They are... we all played LOL back in high school, so we exchanged numbers and started chatting more often. What's crazy is that we still have yet to meet, you'd be surprised at how long it takes online friends to meet."

"No no, I can imagine. Life keeps us busy after all."

"It does...

They continued enjoying their food, sharing a little about their personal interests and their favorite hobbies outside of science.

Beomgyu shared that, given how often he draws maps, that he likes sketching in his free time.

"Which is barely," he commented.

Yeonjun shared that he also enjoys photography, and that he had a major K-drama phase when he was a teen, often re-enacting scenes from his favorite ones.

"My mom caught me at the wrong moment sometimes when I was still living with them," he laughed.

"Did you pretend to kiss a girl?" Beomgyu chuckled.

"Maybe?"

Maybe not a girl...

Yeonjun decided to change the topic.

"So... I've been meaning to ask this," he said.

"Hmm?"

Beomgyu paused in his eating, giving Yeonjun his full attention.

"The cave paintings... they seem rather old, judging from the colors. So... since you're an archeologist and I believe you can determine the age... could you perhaps, please, go up there with me to check? Only if you want; I don't wanna force you," Yeonjun asked, gradually getting quieter.

Why am I feeling shy?

Beomgyu thought for a while, before smiling.

"If you help me clear the dishes right now, then yes, I will."

Yeonjun grinned.

"Deal."

Before heading back up the mountain, where the cave was, Yeonjun quickly headed to his room to collect his flashlight and safety gear, and a first aid kit in case anything happens to either of them.

Once he collected everything, he headed back downstairs, where Beomgyu was patiently waiting in his sweatshirt.

"Just in case it gets cold," he said.

"Fine by me."

Yeonjun and Beomgyu exited the house and started walking through the jungle, the vines and sand crunching under their feet.

The soft sound of crickets was heard coming quietly from the bushes, setting the atmosphere into a mysterious yet calming mood. It smelled like the ocean, salty yet not too much, just the right amount, and like the night too, sweet and humid.