our delicate string | ???

12: soulmates.

he sighed because maybe if the stars aligned, they would be together. if the stars aligned, they would love each other. if the stars aligned, they would be fated.

but for tonight, the stars were dim.

[ 🌃 ]

it was New Year's Eve and unlike their small town, in the city, everything was open. they would only be staying for today and leaving tomorrow due to the fact that Hyuka forgot he had a family gathering tomorrow that he unfortunately couldn't miss.

they had already been a multitude of places, the clock striking 7 pm. they carried their shopping bags—their number one priority was to shop.

"this one is so cute." Hyuka exclaimed as he placed the photo strip the five of them into his phone case.

"i'm literally half blinking in those."

"Taehyun, it's not my fault you're sensitive to a flashing light." he laughed, earning a scoff from the boy and a chuckle from the others.

the door chimed as they opened the door into the restaurant. chandeliers hung from the roof, string lights all along the walls. the room was incredibly lit and nearly crowded with one table to spare. thankfully, they'd made reservations beforehand since this was one of Seoul's top rated restaurants.

"hi, a table for five please under the name, Choi Yeonjun?" the black haired boy asked the woman at the front desk.

"of course, right this way please."

the five sat at the table and looked at the menus as they began to order. it was a high rated restaurant with many options.

"everything looks so good." Taehyun said, running a hand through his hair as he got situated in his chair.

"agreed." Beomgyu let out a chuckle.

the boys began to wait for their order to arrive. they admired the artworks hung upon the walls, the lights everywhere and the loud ambiance.

"one day your art is going to be hung up there, Gyu." Soobin smiled, pointing at the paintings on the walls.

"no way." he disagreed. "once i get better, maybe."

as their food soon arrived they began to dig in. Beomgyu's phone lit up with a text, catching Taehyun's reaction.

AERA

good luck on your recital!
read | 12:25 pm

thank you!
have fun in Seoul
sent | 12:26 pm

"who texted?" he asked as everybody was too busy stuffing their faces to hear. Beomgyu immediately flipped his phone to the other side.

"oh, it's nothing." he smiled until his phone vibrated again.

"i don't think that's nothing." he sighed.

he didn't want to keep Aera a secret. he just didn't want to jinx anything because what if she doesn't like him back? what if they don't actually end up together?

"it's... a girl i've been talking to." he whispered. "a girl i really like."

"oh my god!" Taehyun exclaimed, catching the attention of the others. "...the food is just so good!" he smiled, stuffing a piece of bread in his mouth as the chatter between the other two continued. they were deciding which pictures to post on their pages.