Sui Generis | Sungwon

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There's a star that's shining down on me 

Reflecting everything that I can be 

Every journey starts inside my heart 

And there's no mountain that's too far

—Wings, Leslie Mills

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Jungwon and the boy stepped through the entrance of the quaint little shop once again. The bell chimed a soft note that faded into the silence surrounding them.

As they advanced, the air grew cooler, and the light dimmed significantly. Flickering candles continued lining the walls, their flames dancing with a life of their own, casting eerie shadows that stretched and twined along the aged wood.

They passed the main area where Jungwon bought the flowers a few days ago and the atmosphere rapidly shifted, wrapping around him like a heavy cloak. There was an inexplicable energy here, one that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

The boy walked with purpose, his expression unreadable, leaving Jungwon to lag behind, glancing around with a mix of curiosity and unease. He could feel a creeping sensation tightening in his chest as they walked into a particularly dark corridor. The mere silence was suffocating, growing thicker with each step until, eventually, Jungwon's gaze fell on a small door ajar to their right. An inviting sliver of light gleaming through its narrow crack. It seemed to beckon them closer.

"Are you sure we should go this way?" Jungwon whispered, half hoping the boy would turn back. Jungwon cursing himself, knowing that his question was so stupid to be addressed to the owner of the shop.

The boy remained silent, his footsteps echoing softly on the wooden floor. Jungwon tightened his grip on the straps of his backpack, trying to suppress the anxiety swirling within him. He'd never considered himself fearful, but there was something distinctly haunting in the air after being swallowed by the darkness.

They reached the door, and the boy paused, glancing back to meet Jungwon's wide eyes. "Come on" he urged, stepping inside without further hesitation. Jungwon hesitated for just a heartbeat longer before following.

As he crossed the threshold, a gasp escaped his lips. The dimness of the corridor faded and was replaced by vibrant light. Jungwon was faced with a surprising oasis, a room, brimming with an array of blooming flowers that danced gently in the centre, as if there was gentle breeze.

The petals adorned the walls and carpets in splashes of color that made Jungwon's heart lift. Just beyond the entrance, the atmosphere was transformed entirely—a stark contrast that left him momentarily speechless.

The room was not large, but carefully arranged to be inviting despite the chaos of colors. To the right corner stood a meticulously crafted tree, its branches spiraling outward like sculpted tendrils. The largest of the branches was shaped like a heart, embellished with veins etched delicately around it, resembling careful brushstrokes against a canvas. Jungwon could hardly believe the craftsmanship as he walked around the room—every detail was astonishing. It was as if the tree had sprouted directly from the imagination of someone who walked between worlds.

In another corner, a desk cluttered with equipment resembled a makeshift laboratory. Telescopes stood proudly on the well-worn surface, surrounded by heaps of scribbled papers and stray pens. There was an alluring chaos permeating the corner, with stacks of books piled precariously next to rows of long-necked bottles filled with liquids that shimmered like jewels under the light.

Just after the door, a mannequin caught his attention. Dressed in an immaculate black suit and topped with a classic top hat, it stood motionless, holding a striking blue rose that looked alive. Its expressionless face somehow conveyed a quiet nobility. Jungwon felt a strange calm wash over him; he was surprised that he felt no fear in its presence. The oddity seemed almost whimsical against the backdrop of the room's peculiar arrangement.

"You can sit there" the boy's voice suddenly broke through Jungwon's reverie, pulling him back into the moment. He pointed at a wooden stool located beside the desk where the telescope stood. Jungwon nodded, feeling a combination of apprehension and curiosity as he made his way to the seat, the wood creaking softly under his weight.

As he settled in, a soothing aroma wafted through the air, the blend of flowers surrounding him acting like a balm to his nerves. The lively scenery around him began to calm the tumultuous thoughts racing in his mind, making him feel as though he could finally breathe again.

The boy took a moment to tidy the pens and papers scattered across the desk, crafting a small nook for his green book. Finally, he pulled out another wooden stool nearby and sat down, his posture poised yet relaxed. The light illuminated his features, making his dark eyes gleam with an intensity that was strikingly intimidating.

"So, tell me more about the role you're playing" he commanded, his tone suddenly firm and cold. Jungwon noticed how the boy's gaze pierced through him, making him squirm under its scrutiny. It was a startling shift, and his heart raced as he felt the weight of expectation pressing down on him.

Jungwon gulped, caught in a whirlwind of unease. Every instinct urged him to squirm away from the intensity of those dark eyes, but he forced himself to hold the boy's gaze. "I—um, I'm still figuring it out. I think it's about... courage" He stumbled over the words, feeling embarrassed as they left his tongue.

The boy raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly as if to acknowledge Jungwon's uncertainty. "Courage?" he echoed, tilting his head as though considering Jungwon's response carefully.

The room felt colder, and Jungwon shifted uncomfortably. He stared down at the rough surface of the desk, his hands fidgeting in his lap. "I guess it's... my memorisation and stuff. I keep mixing things up and not knowing what to say" he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "The lines—too long with lots of details about flowers, too much— everything feels jumbled in my mind, I can't seem to understand or remember a thing during the practice. It scares me as I am just about to playing in an actual show"

He could feel the boy's steady gaze remain fixed on him, piercing yet looked oddly understanding. A moment passed, and the boy nodded slowly, reflecting on Jungwon's honesty. "Interesting" he finally replied, and Jungwon felt a small sense of relief wash over him, as if the weight of judgment had been lifted, even if just for a moment.

An awkward silence filled the space, and Jungwon couldn't help but glance at the colorful bottles and books piled around them while his mind raced. The fear that gripped him earlier began to creep back in, urging him to retreat mentally. He slightly cursed himself for coming here—why had he thought this was a good idea? They were strangers after all.

The boy's grin was sudden. He reached out, taking Jungwon's chin lightly with his fingers, forcing him to lock eyes with him. The touch was gentle yet firm, a palpable urgency emanating from him. "Show me why you're worth the lesson, and I'll teach you how to play that role perfectly, for free"

Jungwon felt his heart pound in response as the boy's challenge hung in the air. The offer was tempting, yet daunting. "What do you mean?" Jungwon managed to reply, his voice trembling slightly.

"Prove it" the boy said, voice low. "Play your role here, now. I wanna see it." 

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