Beautiful and engraved

and disappeared quickly

like fireworks

I don’t know how long it’s been 

since I’ve forgotten the old times

First night in Yamanashi, November

If compared to the previous times I have been here, this time the weather is not considered to be so cold that it is painful. outside that window The leaves are falling

Taehyun had decided that the first day would be spent sleeping around in the hotel.

…until tomorrow afternoon

The songs in the playlist return to the first song. He let the second, third, fourth song play on repeat.

Except for that song

The song was the reason he was here.

It's strange that almost two years have passed smoothly, but one song caused some feelings to make me have to pick up my phone and search for that person's name.

For what reason would you call?

miss?

Would that sound too funny?

...but it seems like he's not the only one who acts funny.

The screen appears for an incoming call before you can call.

Are you well?

That question didn't seem like a polite question. …or maybe he was being too hard on himself.

…Because we haven't talked at all since that day.

I'm fine. How about you?

fine

Did you call me or something?

I miss you.

A sentence that he didn't dare say. Someone else said it clearly.

Taehyun didn't know how long Minho had decided to say it. But when he heard that, the invisible wall melted away. Until he dared to reply in the same way.

me too

And then the autumn trip happened. It's scorching hot in the middle of August.

Since I figured our matters were over

Every sound of emptiness under the faded sky

I know there’s no way,

but I miss you so much.

It was a more active afternoon than the previous day.

…actually more than any other day in several months

Taehyun tucked his hands into his coat pockets. From the cold weather that was tolerable yesterday, suddenly It can become negative.

I looked on tiptoe several times and the person who told me to wait at the west exit still hadn't come.

It's been fifteen minutes now. Whenever he shows up, he'll complain and his ears will go numb, so I'll just watch.

Yesterday's playlist is still ringing in my ears. Even though I'm bored, I still can't find a better playlist. Even if there are songs that you have to skip...

#7 faded sky – demo

The song's intro begins with a bright melody. It's like the smell of the summer air. But the next section of the song is the opposite. Because Taehyun intended it to be like that. ...Another person is the same.

It might seem like I’m lost

He didn't skip ahead like he had originally planned.

Yes, Taehyun is lost. Whether when composing the song or now

Every step I take seems so far away

It's like doing the wrong thing over and over again.

Is it really that good? ... If you just turn back, all your feelings will still be hidden as before. in a safe spot

Since we met until you had to go

It's been a long time.

He should get used to this.

But in my heart, I still haven’t forgotten once.

Why?

The thoughts floating in my head caused the next part of the song to float meaninglessly into my ears. …Even when the headphones were pulled out, I didn't even feel it.

Until a familiar deep voice sounded beside his ear.

“Wait a long time?”

Taehyun hurriedly turned around to face the source of the sound.

His face must have looked really funny for Minho to laugh like that.

"It's been so long that I almost changed my mind," he replied with a displeased tone.

“Hey, you're being too impatient.” The person who arrived late not only didn't show any remorse but also put his hand on his head until his hair lost its shape.

Minho's casual demeanor made him keep his excitement inside. ...I will definitely not let you know. How fast is your heart beating right now? Without him knowing that the other party was also experiencing the same symptoms.

Silence fell for a moment before he spoke.

“If you're really impatient. It probably wouldn't have come from the beginning…”

“That's…”

The feeling that I was doing the wrong thing still didn't go away.

But Taehyun managed to smile.

Obviously, the body always works more instinctively than words and thoughts.

Now there are no words. It's all in my head but my body knows how it's supposed to work.

He strode into the room. Leave your luggage at the door. Shake off your shoes as if bending over to take them off. It will waste a lot of time. Then I lay down on the crumpled bed that I hadn't folded in the morning.

Two arms open, beckoning with a wide smile.

In fact, unlike him, I was in a hurry.

I threw myself down

The depths of that warm embrace

embrace

It was as if it was about to merge into a part of the bed.

And if eternity really existed

I will use it for the time being.

“Taehyun Na”

“Wake up now.”

“Ugh!” Someone turned around, turned away from the noise and burrowed deeper under the blanket than before. The people who woke up first saw that and were silent for a while. The eyes that looked at the white back were full of affection.

“Alright then.” Taehyun felt the bed sway. before the large man rested his chin on his shoulder. “Let's stay like this all day.”

“Get up.” This time, Taehyun was the one to wake up. Of course, the strong arms still rested on his body.

"I know you're awake." It was like he was deliberately teasing the person who said it. Minho tightened his arms around him even more. I only intended to irritate the kitten. But he accidentally crossed his own tolerance line by one step.

A prominent nose bridge rests on a smooth, white neck. Move up to the ears. It made the person who was sleeping with their back turned startled.

Taehyun tried to get up at the same time. and pushing Minho away But it was not successful.

"annoying"

"Means what"

"It's annoying."

“Is that really what you mean?”

Minho knew that Taehyun understood and kept quiet. Even though I can't see it, now my face is white. It would definitely turn red.

Seeing that, I couldn't help but tease myself.

“Annoyed…..or embarrassed?”

“Get up and go now!”

“We can't spend three days just lying around, hyung.”

By the time he was able to check out of the hotel, Taehyun had to roll his eyes at the eldest's irritation several times.

“Can't you?”

“Absolutely not!”

Taehyun said that before stuffing the last shirt into his backpack and walking out to wait for Minho at the front of the room. It was almost forced.

Taehyun's Five Days in Japan Three days of Minho

There were no special plans for these three days except for the last day of the onsen hotel reservation.

“We're like old people,” Minho finally said.

“I think so.” And they sighed together.

Okay…we're not really good travellers.

Fulfilling this trip without planning ahead is hopeless.

“I thought of something good.”

“Are you sure it's good?” Minho asked again. When Taehyun said things like this, if it wasn't the best of the worst, it would be the worst.

“Let's go to the train station and pick someone. From the way you dress And where they get off, we get off there.”

That's it.

“If the person you choose takes us to a strange place. It was only my fault.”

“Then I choose it myself. Please don't come and complain.”

Everyone thought he was a cold person. And it cannot be denied that his appearance makes him look like that.

But I know

…Those eyes looked at everything with more tenderness than anyone else. …At the same time, it also made him absorb the pain more deeply than anyone else.

But even then, I'm still a selfish person.

I still want him to use those kind of eyes to look at me.

That I'm the only one

“It's a place that....didn't expect.”

The scene in front of us was a narrow road, flanked by waist-high grass that stretched as far as the eye could see.

Taehyun's face had no emotion on it.

The woman was dressed like she was going to a really lively place.

Minho saw that he was upset and patted the younger man on the shoulder.

“Come on, let's walk and maybe find a village. It's very exciting.”

“Exciting and thrilling are not the same thing.”

Will I actually meet a real person when I walk? The woman from just now has disappeared and I don't know where she's come from. Is this kind of plot too familiar?

“Think too much. Is something coming out of those grasses? Just this short.” Minho didn't say anything and walked out. When that happened, Taehyun was forced to follow. But just a few steps away, he heard a strange sound.

Hello

Hello

The leg that had taken the lead so confidently at first suddenly stopped. The tall man slowly Turn to look behind The grass shook as if something was approaching.

Seriously...

"elder sibling…"

“Taehyun, come here.” Minho pulled Taehyun behind himself. At that moment, something they were afraid of leapt out of the grass. And that is

Horse!

Is it…a cat?

“Sigh,” Taehyun sighed before squatting down. When the white furry boldly sneaked up to you

“Don't be afraid, Oppa won't do anything to you.” Minho, who was watching the action, burst out laughing until Taehyun had to turn around and make a confused face.

“All of these cats are your relatives.” The little one was now in Taehyun's arms.

“Wow!”

“Please translate for me.”

“He said he was annoyed.”

“Is that right?” When Taehyun nodded, the cat meowed as well.

….All cats in this world are probably just as mean.

Hello

Hello

“What is it this time?”

“I think we should hurry and walk.” Hearing that sound, the white creature jumped out of his arms and clung to his back. That made Taehyun have a bad premonition.

They walked over without looking behind them again. But a hoarse voice sounded first.

"Where are you guys taking Shiro-san?"

“Huh?/Shiro-san?”

Tanaka looked at the two strange youths and thought that they must have gotten lost.

“Shiro-san is the cat at Uncle's house. But what are you two fathers doing here?”

When asked, the two lost children looked at each other and stopped stealing because neither of them wanted to tell the story because they knew that if they did, they would definitely be embarrassed. And it really is like that. In the end, Minho was scolded for telling Taehyun about his Japanese skills.

Uncle Tanaka made a face of disbelief before laughing loudly when he finished listening.

“Kids these days play a lot of pranks. Have you eaten yet or not? It's already noon.”

“Not yet, uh, there are people's houses around here, right?”

"Yes, but if you walk around until you can eat, it'll be late afternoon. Now, young man, just wait here for Uncle." Uncle Tanaka didn't leave any space to ask anything. He walked back into the grass after finishing speaking.

“Is this considered lucky?”

"At least I'll be able to eat on time."

...It's really an optimistic mindset, worthy of Minho.

Uncle Tanaka dropped them off in front of an old-looking ramen shop. Along the way, as we got deeper into the grass, the grass gradually became darker. Dotted with houses before them, they moved into a place that looked like a real village.

“The train will come again at 5:00 p.m. There isn't much here except grassland and mountains. But there are enough beautiful places. Are you staying here?"

“Where?” It was Taehyun who asked curiously.

In fact, Taehyun was excited from the moment he entered the village. Because almost every house is a traditional house built with wood. Some built stone walls. The atmosphere was as quiet as the photos seen in a photo book.

You must get good pictures. Definitely many pictures from here.

“Walk down this road. Then you will find a bridge to cross and you will see a lake. Or you can walk in the direction where you saw the pine trees. It depends around There aren't many houses in the area, but there are some children who hang out and play.”

“Ah…thank you.”

Taehyun bowed to Uncle Tanaka and waited until he disappeared in his car before turning to Minho.

“Did you hear everything just now?”

When the larger than usual bowl of ramen was served, Minho hyung didn't stop teasing him.

"Well, I don't really use it."

“I saw you nodding along all the time and thought I understood.”

“Before, I did the same thing. Even when ordering food, we act like we're ordering things like we're familiar with them, even though we don't know what they are.”

“Wow, when I couldn't argue, I brought up an old topic.

"You're the one who can stop teasing me."

“It was fun, oh.”

“Not fun! Eat it so you can be quiet.” Taehyun stuffed large bites of rolled up ramen noodles into the talkative mouth. But Minho didn't notice and even had a fresh face after being fed.

"Haven't you grown up at all?"

“You are the same.”

Minho suddenly became quiet and just stared at Taehyun.

"what"

“Nothing, just…like this is good.”

“…What is it?” His eyes lowered as he stirred the soup in the bowl.

“What is that?”

“This is Taehyun.”

“What else… No need to return the joke,” he said knowingly and continued eating his own ramen. Minho pursed his lips in displeasure before changing his plans.

“What if it was this?” A piece of pork shiny with broth coated it was picked up with a mischievous expression.

“If that's the case, I won't deny it.” Then the last piece of pork was snatched away.

Laughter accompanied the sound of slurping soup and the closeness of the two young men in the eyes of the middle-aged woman who owned the shop. …She looked at that picture fondly.

Cross the bridge and you'll see a pine tree.

It only took them ten minutes to walk the way Uncle had instructed them to.

“Really beautiful.” Minho looked around. The deep blue lake is framed by pine trees and has a mountain range as a backdrop.

Even though he didn't say it out loud, Minho could feel that Taehyun really liked this place. A thin figure started walking towards a corner to take a photo.

Minho set his backpack down beside him and sat against the base of a tree. Look at the little boy with his favorite camera that stops here and there. Before finding the camera in my bag, I took out some photos.

A gentle wind blows, causing his long hair to fall into his eyes. Taehyun had to stop filming and start working on his own hair.

“Taehyun”

A deep voice came from a low hill behind.

Take a photo

“nice shot

Please give me another picture.”

Take a photo

This time, the shutter sound of both cameras sounded at the same time. The couple's smiles appeared behind the camera.

“Wash it up and I'll send it to you.”

“Other pictures too, not just those two.”

"Can you not know in time?"

"Is there anyone who doesn't understand me? It's true."

"oodles"

"Then it doesn't include me."

“Well, you're the exception to everything.” I didn't want to admit it. But that greasy sentence made Taehyun quite happy. He picked up the camera and took another shot of Minho before walking out to continue taking photos of the view.

When he was satisfied with the picture, Taehyun walked over and sat under the pine tree where Minho was already sitting.

“I thought I would have to stay here and wait for you to finish taking pictures.”

"too"

“Images must be captured with a camera and with both eyes to be good.”

“That's true.”

“So, have you collected everything yet?” Minho turned to look at Taehyun, who was hugging his knees and resting his head on his own arms.

It was as if time had stopped as their eyes met.

It stopped like that for a long time.

“Not yet…give me some time.”

"Well, I would like a little more time."

Uncle Tanaka was the one who brought the couple to the station again. They thanked Uncle both for that and for recommending going to the lake. The ramen was very delicious. Getting lost today is undoubtedly a stroke of luck.

The hotel you can book is not far from this station. In addition, it is also close to many tourist attractions. Because of that, it's easier to think about where you're going tomorrow.

“Let's go to the temple.”

"good"

“There's an art gallery around here too.”

“Oh, that one is good.”

After answering, he stretched and fell on the bed.

“Change your shirt first. Don't sleep yet.”

“Ugh,” Taehyun lazily pushed himself up. He took off his top and threw it onto the sofa at the end of the bed. “Please take the long-sleeved shirt in your bag for me.”

“This kid,” even though he said that, he handed me the shirt anyway.

“Thank you,” the voice purred, causing Minho to furrow his brow in disbelief.

"If you're sleepy like this, you'll often be sleepy."

“Let's dream.” And in a few seconds, Taehyun's normal mode returned.

He is my strength.

At the same time, it is a weakness.

The nights when we used to wander down the street

It's good like that.

Even though we are not children like we used to be.

I still love listening to his silly voice sing all the way to the highest key in a song and laugh.

Climb on top of me

Makes you feel excited like that.

Even though in the end we just hugged each other.

Whispering to tell me that it's almost morning

Even if it's a lie, it doesn't matter.

Hug me a little tighter.

Warmer than cigarettes on our lips

The sadness that was gnawing inside me couldn't be removed.

But now that he's here, everything seems alright.

Just having him beside me.

But in the end, I don't have anyone.

Because of that it was very lonely.

Taehyun woke up in the middle of the night…

Irritability flashed for a moment before turning into fear.

He knew he wouldn't be able to sleep tonight. But I try to fool myself by turning over in case it helps.

...but it never helped.

At least this time he didn't wake up in a room with no one. But the steady breathing sound of the person sleeping soundly beside him It's so envious.

Waking up in the middle of the night wouldn't be a problem if anxiety weren't distracted.

Today was a good day, but Taehyun felt like they were fooling themselves.

This momentary happiness made him afraid to lose it… afraid to wake up another day and find that everything had returned to its normal cycle.

Because time is short We have to use it worthwhile. Don't think about things that haven't come yet.

He wanted to tell himself that. and want to believe that

But it was clear that what they were doing was of no help.

In the end...these moments When it becomes a memory, it will only come back to hurt itself.

On the third day, they spent the morning at the art gallery. After that, we went to get something to eat before going to the temple.

The reason why I chose to go to the temple that was further away from my accommodation was because on the internet it was said that it was very accurate to the temple in Siem See. Taehyun didn't know what made Minho want to take such a big risk.

The highlight of this temple is the large trees that grow on either side of the walkway up the mountain to the temple. At first, Taehyun thought that two kilometers wasn't that far to walk, but when it came to reality, he was really tired.

“This person said that he took a chance and got a lucky ticket last year and then got into a university where people were fighting for him.” Minho, who was walking behind him, still didn't stop reading the blog. Arrive at the temple

“Did he get addicted because he read books?”

"Let's not extinguish our dreams."

“So what do you want to be lucky about?”

"Hmmm, I don't know. If I'm lucky, everything will be good."

“Is this the reason we have to wake up an hour earlier?”

“Did you sleep well last night?”

“…not quite.”

“Did you sleep?”

“…” Taehyun pretended not to hear the question and continued walking. Minho immediately knew the answer from that action.

“Why didn't you tell me?” Taehyun stopped walking this time. “I'm fine.”

Minho could tell Taehyun was trying to be okay.

Since morning, he had noticed that this boy had some unfinished business on his mind, but because he was acting like that, he didn't want to expect too much.

“Alright…” Minho walked up and stopped on a higher step. “But if you can't sleep again tonight You have to keep me company, okay?” he said, extending his pinky finger towards the person who was frowning.

“What?” But despite complaining like that, Taehyun ended up sticking his pinky in anyway.

The problem has not been resolved. And it is probably difficult to fix anything now.

But what Minho did was enough to make Taehyun feel better.

They finally reached the temple. Because it is far from the city, there are not many people, which is one of the advantages of this place besides the city.

Minho was so intent on shaking the red cylinder that it looked ridiculous. When the stick fell out, he went straight to the cabinet to put the fortune teller in. The number shown is number 17.

“How is it?” Taehyun leaned over to look at the fortune teller when he saw that Minho had a bad expression on his face.

“Perhaps… what you said is accurate is probably true.”

“Should I shake it again?”

"Tie it and don't think too much."

“Being told not to think too much feels strange.”

"Well, I don't believe in superstitions."

Even if he said that… the prophecy on the piece of paper was still playing in his head.

Found love often torn apart Must leave far away

Never mind, it's something we already know.

They didn't talk much when they got off the mountain. But it wasn't an awkward silence. There are few things better than words when we're with someone.

Taehyun picked up his phone and plugged in his headphones. Minho picked up the other earphone knowingly. Listening to music while absorbing the natural atmosphere on the side of the road makes you not feel tired at all.

The intro of a song begins. Taehyun was about to press skip but Minho stopped him and held Taehyun's hand like that.

Sometimes, when my heart is blown away with the wind.

The familiar melody sounded different.

It leads me back to the day.

It was like being transported back to when the composition had just been completed. and listen together for the first time

Were his hands warm like this back then?

"Japan is good."

"Um, good...very good."

"Are you thinking of something silly?"

"Then just imagine it in your head."

"But if you know what I'm thinking, that means you think the same thing, right?"

I didn't deny it.

Because it's like that

It's not because of the view of Mount Fuji or the beautifully arranged tea leaves in the pot that make everything so good, but because of the people who are together.

"So, is it a good idea to run away and live in Japan together?" It's okay when you're older."

"Where do you get the confidence that I will wait for you until I'm old?"

"I'll wait for you."

"Just a few decades."

"That's enough. It makes me look mean."

"Well, you're mean."

"More than I thought."

"Wild people must be punished, you know that?"

"What can you do to me?"

"More than you thought."

"Do you know how much I can think of?"

I looked at him with deep eyes. A satisfied smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

He slowly moved in with eyes that couldn't tell what emotion he was hiding. As for me, I am enjoying watching that movement.

Let's start it. I sent this signal just to tease him.

As sweet and cruel as a forbidden fruit

There is a line that we know well and we respect it. We will not cross that line.

...At least so as not to create embarrassment for each other after this...

The staring game continued until the distance was reduced to almost nothing. A warm touch touched his forehead.

"If you do that again, I'll follow suit."

The sound is playing, but the eyesight isn't like that at all.

"I won't do it." I pushed his face away and picked up my teacup to create a protective barrier.

"I told you I would do more than I thought."

"...The tea is gone."

"Good at changing the subject"

"Well, I said but I don't know anything."

"So we didn't do anything?"

"Oh, please (let go)." I brushed away the hand that squeezed my cheek. The person who teases me still makes annoying faces.

“Taehyun”

“Huh?”

“Do you want to know why you called me that day?”

"…Why"

“Because I thought that if I didn't call then I might not call again. …There were many times before that I thought about calling and ended up not calling. But that day, I listened to that song…”

“Will you believe it? If I said that when you called I was about to call you too.”

"believe"

“And it was also because of that song that made me want to call.”

"serious?"

"Oh, that's strange. Why does it have to be at that time?"

“Because if it hadn't been then, we probably wouldn't have come here.”

“Probably so.”

We made eye contact. and then smiled

Everything is natural and gentle. The distance between us was filled again. But this time the kiss didn't stop at just the forehead.

...a kiss that is like saying goodbye but at the same time brings back the first day of greeting.

Farewells are a normal thing in this world. And it always happens quietly.

softer than my voice speaking to him

"Can I hug you?"

"What are you laughing at?"

"funny"

"Brother?"

"We both are."

He hugged me tighter than the past three days, and I, too, didn't feel like crying. or beg to stay But I couldn't think of anything in my head except that I should hug him a little longer. Until the train comes I'm going to say that word.

"goodbye"

Before the door closed, various images flashed through his head.

It was only a split second before the door closed.

I ran back to him.

Break through the crowd

He looked shocked and acted confused.

Even when I hug him

Even tighter than when saying goodbye, I still don't act right.

"Can I kiss you?"

That's not a question.

I don't care anymore.

The time we've missed each other has been long enough.

A coat larger than his body would be piled up in front of the door when he got to his room. Then we can think about what needs to be done.

We'll be together, that's the plan.

There is a play area for his dogs.

There was a balcony where we could get drunk and create new melodies together.

I want a daughter but that can be left for later when everything works out.

For sure we will never be separated again.

But the door has long been closed.

Before I even came to Japan

Come first, come back later.

A person who waits, a person who feels that the other person has left.

But I decided that it should be that way.

I don't want to feel guilty again.

When the door closes

If it wasn't me then it must have been Minho hyung who wanted the people on that train to change their minds and run back.

Waiting to be embraced

and disappointed

Not everything is left here.

It is kept separately.

..in a safe place...waiting for the day to come back and absorb it.

If the person who came back wasn't the only one, that would be great.

Someone once said that life is short and simple.

It was only humans who caused trouble. And that's probably true.

Because if I could turn back time, I would still choose to walk out.

And if we go back to before that…

I would probably choose to meet him again as well.

FIN

Comments and encouragement can be given in the tag. Namsong Fireworks

Thank you for coming to read ♡