celestial strings | h.js

one.

It just made him feel so frustrated. You escaped your city years ago yet somehow, you two have never crossed paths before. He could have given you a home earlier, he could have helped shoulder your survival responsibilities earlier. He could have done so many things for you, but he wasn't able to and he didn't. And even though he was not at fault, he could not help but feel incompetent in some way. He resented his past for not having you in it.

"Jisung, this isn't your fault."

"I know," he said, gulping down a knot. "I just wish it could have been my fault. That way I might have been able to do something about it, at least."

You bit your lower lip. God, Jisung is so lovely. He is so damn lovely. His voice, his heart, his attitude, and everything. He was just born with it, wasn't he? He was just born precious as such, born with immense empathy, born with the capacity to care and to love like no other.

And anytime when it would dawn upon you that you got the privilege to experience how tender he has learned to cradle one's heart, and how you could now laugh in a world where he exists right next to you, you just freeze with a mindful pull in your chest. Your heart falls to your sleeve, beating at the sight of him, beating for him.

And you love him. You really do love him.

"You can be here for me from now on," you said quietly, not looking at him.

Jisung softened. These cheesy lines were starting to become less and less rare, and he was so delighted to see the progress of you becoming more and more comfortable with him. Your heart was finally settling down alongside his. He nodded enthusiastically. "I will, I promise."

A small snort escaped from behind you both. You could not recognize the voice but Jisung certainly could. Widening his eyes, he spun around and glared at Hyunjin, who had probably been listening long enough for him to make Jisung's lunchtime a living hell hours later. Pink blushes quickly formed on Jisung's cheeks at the thought of it.

"Good morning, Jisung," Hyunjin greeted slyly.

You watched as Jisung shoved his friend on the shoulder before grabbing him by the collar and pushing him back. Hyunjin was giggling and not attempting to get Jisung off of him, clearly enjoying the moment of Jisung's misery.

"How long have you been listening?" Jisung asked in a low whine.

"Long enough to hear you make that cheesy promise," Hyunjin snickered out. He then feigned a pout, his lower lip jutting out dramatically as he blinked his eyes until they looked soft enough to be romantic. Tilting his head to the side, he dialed his voice up and mocked, "I promise I will stay with you forever. I love you so much, oh my god–"

"I will end you right here, right now," Jisung threatened, which didn't feel much like a threat after he clamped his palm over Hyunjin's mouth.

Hyunjin rolled his eyes and peeled Jisung's hand away from him. He stepped away, finally settling his eyes on you before he did a curious head tilt, scanning you from head to toe. Jisung frowned from the side, feeling the uncomfortable tension rise in his chest as you challengingly held Hyunjin's gaze for longer than he liked. You looked rigid, like the first time he met you.

"Stop staring," Jisung groaned, reaching up to smack Hyunjin's cheek and mess up his hair when he turned away to dodge the attack.

"You two are the reason why people think students from our school are ill-disciplined." A calm Seungmin has appeared from behind the two, brushing past them and stopping in front of you with the same amount curiosity Hyunjin showed you. After a moment of silence, he nodded. "My name is Seungmin, a pleasure to meet you."