Summary:
A bad day always either gets worse, or stays the same- it never gets better... right?
(enjoy this long, disgusting, tooth-rotting, gag-worthy, chapter.)
Happy 20th Chapter btw :)
Hyunjin was having a bad day.
No, not bad.
Horrible.
Frustration seeped into his bones, and he knew he shouldn't blame his other soulmates, but he couldn't help the annoyance souring his mood. Everyone was scheming, and while he would love to participate it just felt oddly wrong since he hasn't even met you yet.
He wanted it to be perfect.
Fate was going to give him the most perfect meeting with you.
Too bad perfect takes time.
Grumpy, is the only word Hyunjin could think of to describe his attitude. He was exhausted- when the sky blended from dark and royal colors to warm morning hues, Hyunjin was blending colors of his own. Painting was an itch inside him, and an indescribable urge to create. His mind had been quiet, and as the paint dyed the paper time passed indiscernibly. As the sun softly greeted the artist, he retired to his bed in hopes of resting.
Though not too long after he put his brush down, Hyunjin awoke to a different kind of sunshine. Felix flopped right on top of Hyunjin as the latter groaned.
"I know it's early, but we have dance practice. Minho hyung really wants to get them memorized." His deep voice broke the morning silence.
Dance practice was always grueling, especially for tired idols such as Hyunjin. Dancing was a passion of his- but he was even more passionate about sleep.
Every minute felt like an age and no amount of caffeine was helping. Soon his head was pounding, his chest was heaving, and his body was dripping with sweat. The dancer knew all his soulmates were concerned; he was not oblivious to the way their eyes flicked over to him warily. He understood his performance wasn't near his normal caliber but somehow, he could not find it within himself to care. Hyunjin was sure he was glaring the whole way back to their shared penthouse, his bad mood permeating the air. Then, as he sat with everyone in the living room, he could only describe his mood as posturing. Over what exactly, he wasn't sure. The loves of his life were all grinning, eyes sparkling with delight and faces alight with excitement over their plans and Hyunjin could feel his shoulders relax a little. He loved seeing his boyfriends so happy and he knew he had you to thank.
But fuck, why did he have to be last?
He was not afraid to admit he was a little bit jealous, but he was afraid to admit how anxious he was. It wasn't until Minho glanced at his bouncing leg for a fourth time that Hyunjin decided he had had enough.
"Where are you going?"
Hyunjin took a deep breath, encouraging himself to calm down a bit so he wouldn't snap at the adorable and curious face of Han Jisung. None of them deserved to be at the wrath of his out-of-nowhere bad mood.
"I'm not feeling too well today, Jisungie. I don't want to bring the mood down and I think I need a bit of space."
Communication did wonders- a lesson Hyunjin learned a long time ago. The bright, understanding smile of Jisung made every pain he ever felt worth it, and Hyunjin couldn't help walking over and giving the quokka a loving kiss on the cheek.
Back in his designated space, Hyunjin took another deep breath, and when his eyes opened once more, he quickly took note of the unfinished painting. The deep itch returned, not merely under his skin but deep within his body- his soul. His head couldn't wrap around why his fingers twitched without the paintbrush in his hand; why as soon as the paper was within his view, his eyes refused to tear away from the piece of art. Hyunjin has had creative itches before, but this was his strongest one yet. He didn't even know what he was painting! His eyes traced over the strokes the colors meshing in his head, but nothing truly registered in his brain. It was like he passed out every time the medium hit the paper.
Hyunjin heaved a sigh, maybe that's what he needed right now. Just nothingness as he painted whatever his soul needed to. Curiosity and frustration made his bones ache as he tried to figure out what warranted his awful mood. The dancer, who normally moves with grace, strode over to his workplace, unsure in his steps. His misfortune didn't stop, however, and within a blink, he was covered in white acrylic paint. Hyunjin closed his livid eyes, his lips quivering, and jaw clenched. Hyunjin wanted to scream, this bad day only getting worse by the minute.
Muttering obscene profanities under his breath, he rushed to the nearest bathroom and hurried to get his no longer plain black shirt in the sink. The familiar scent of paint burnt his nose, and his headache seemed to fester into something more painful. Groaning, the artist massaged his temples, making a quick decision to take a walk to the nearest art supply store. Maybe he needed fresh air. He made sure to change out of the clothes he danced in and made sure to let one of his hyungs know that he was going out. Black mask adorning his face, and long hair partially obscuring his vision, Hyunjin's walk was full of brooding.
It really had been a terrible day.
Fate, of course, just simply laughed at him.
Strolling down the sidewalk Hyunjin tried to breathe, his mind felt too full and the itch in his soul only seemed to grow with each step he took away from the building. But white paint was essential, and he wasted it all on painting his black shirt. Too focused on the swirling negative energy warping his mood, the artist failed to notice the most important string on his finger getting shorter.
A light breeze tickled his neck as he kept his head down. Even with the mask on, some people could still recognize him, and it was dangerous for him to be out alone- even so, he needed to get the paint. And somehow find a release for all the negative energy pent up inside him. Hyunjin stared at the concrete, mindlessly watching the pattern of his feet strolling on the sidewalk. His eyes were unfocused as he hoped the repetition to be even the slightest bit therapeutic.
Then suddenly, he was falling.
You both released an 'oof' as your back hit the ground- your elbows burning as they caught you and kept you from hitting your head. Hyunjin's ears burned in embarrassment as he shifted his body to not suffocate you. He wasn't exactly sure who bumped into whom, but he could easily ignore the way his knees and palms ached from the impact with your enamoring irises staring up at him. He had just barely managed to prevent his head from knocking into yours, and then as his body hovered over yours, he felt his breath hitch.
It was like magic- and he supposed it kind of was. Hyunjin immediately felt his chest release, the itch disappearing, and his head clearing. His eyes, wide from shock, didn't need help from the atmosphere to twinkle, as the dancer stared down at you under him. Hyunjin could feel his cheeks burn as he couldn't help but let his eyes wander over your own hot face, admiring your beauty as he realized who he fell on top of. Idol be damned, you wished with all your heart you could have seen his entire face.
A beat passed of you both just staring at each other in awe before Hyunjin blinked out of his daze. He was quick to attempt to rise, but his necklace prevented him from doing so. Stuck, the chain seemed to be latched onto the small button at the top of your shirt. Yours and Hyunjin's eyes were in sync as they flicked between the connected items and each other. Giggles burst through both pairs of lips, and you found yourself smiling so hard, it hurt.
"Okay, on three you lean back, I'll lean forward. One, two, three!"
Hyunjin removed his hands from beside your head as he leaned back, and you pushed up into a sitting position. Hyunjin rested his butt against the heels of his feet, your legs straight out in between his, as he watched your fingers work to unhook his necklace. He grinned at your success and grabbed your hand before pulling you up with him. Gracefully, you both stood and immediately Hyunjin pulled you into a hug. Wrapping his long arms around your waist, he pushed you into his chest, eyes tearing up as the relief completely flooded his senses.
You two held each other, tight and desperate, for a long while. The people walking past you were invisible to you both. Time had stopped for you both as your souls united, both of you finding your final person and finally feeling complete. This moment in time was so special and you got to share it together. The feeling was indescribable, and the moment was so special you felt like your heart was going to burst with euphoria. Ecstasy and fullness filled you both head to toe, and when you finally pulled apart to cup each other's cheeks and dive into the other's eyes you could only describe the moment as ethereal. It was the most vivid feeling of relief perfectly blended with peace.
It didn't fade as you both separated, settling to hold hands as you walked Hyunjin the rest of the way to the art supplies store. The dancer briefly wondered what kind of cruel joke Fate was about to play on him- his day had been rough, and he half expected it to get even worse by giving him something nice and ripping it away from him. But with your hand clasped in his- the anxiety was silent, and he found those thoughts slipping away as he gazed at your face. Hyunjin's eyes analyzed you like you were his favorite painting- his glassy orbs mesmerized by each detail and feature blessing your face with beauty, he determined.
"Did you have any plans for today?" Hyunjin blinked, your words snapping him out of his happy reverie.
"...A little? I was going to finish a painting, but..." His voice pulled your lips further apart, and Hyunjin lost his train of thought- your smile charming him immediately. He really didn't want to go back.
"Would you want to get lunch?" Hyunjin blurted, a smidge of desperation clinging to his voice.
"I'd thought you'd never ask!" Arms pressed against each other with your fingers interlocked, you both strode your way to a small food parlor that always provided privacy for Stray Kids and many other idols. Surprisingly, it was your suggestion, and Hyunjin found that his heart beat a little bit harder as you made sure they got you both a private table.
"You said you painted, would you one day be comfortable sharing your pieces with me someday? You asked, eyes flitting up to his cautiously, before going back down to the drink in your hands.
"If you think you'd enjoy looking at them." You raised your gaze to meet his once more and felt your lungs breathe easier.
"I think I'd love looking at them."
"Well, what about you? Any hobbies besides traveling?" Hyunjin tried to disguise his fluster under the subject change.
"It's difficult to have steady and committed hobbies while always in a plane and impermanent places- but I do enjoy taking photos of the different places I get to see all the time."
The outside world was forgotten as you both indulged in each other's words, actions, and souls.
"Do you think you're good at photography?"
"Do you think you're good at painting?" You counteracted.
"You can't just throw my question back at me instead of answering!"
"I just did though."
Hyunjin looked at you incredulously and your grin simply widened. The dumbfounded man huffed and pouted as you snickered. The conversation was cut short by your waiter bringing out your food, and you both thanked him before digging in. You hummed, the food perfect for your taste, and Hyunjin couldn't help but admire your lips and the way they curved joyfully.
"What is one food that you wouldn't eat for anything. No matter what someone offered, what is the thing you will never consume consciously again?"
Hyunjin didn't hesitate to answer, despite the abruptness of the question, "Eggplant."
"Pfft- "
"Yah! Why are you laughing?!" Hyunjin's mouth dropped in shock, his eyebrows pinching together as scrutiny decorated his smooth face.
"I just didn't expect that! There are a lot of things that you could have said, and I don't really know what I was expecting but it certainly wasn't that!"
Hyunjin whined, tempted to call you an honorific, before pausing. None of them were aware of your age. Deciding to just go ahead and rip the bandage off, Hyunjin asked.
"What honorific do I use for you? I'm not sure if you're younger or older than me."
"Ah, I'm just a little bit younger than you- but please! No honorifics are necessary. It's a little odd hearing it and I'm much more comfortable without it."
"Ah, in that case, you don't have to use one with me either if you don't feel the need to. We're going to be comfortable with each other anyways." The wink he sent you was one of a heartthrob, but the sugary smile added on top made your heart skip a beat.
You cleared your throat a bit- hoping your fluster wasn't too noticeable (you and a Hyunjin both knew that it was), "A-are you sure? I don't mind suffering with the awkwardness for the sake of proper manners."
Hyunjin's gaze was intense- his beautiful warm eyes staring into yours. His slender fingers traced the back of your hand before gripping it gently in his own. The bright red string wrapped around his middle finger glowed in great contrast to the dark wood of the dining table you both sat at.
"I promise I am comfortable with you just calling me Hyunjin."
How could you ever doubt his sincere words when they came from lips as pretty as his?
You two ate in comfortable silence before deciding to walk along the nearby Han River. The quiet rush of water filled the air, a musical hum of the city surrounding you and your last soulmate in a bubble- separate from the rest of the world. His fingers interlocked with yours once more and the afternoon breeze soothed your flushed skin.
"What are we?" You decided to break the silence.
"Soulmates."
"No shit."
You rolled your eyes, Hyunjin's smirk deadly. "I've waited for you for too long, dreamed too many dreams of you, and wished too many wishes for you, for us not to be more than friends."
Your heart seemed to beat harder, chest aching with happiness at Hyunjin's words. You simply smiled brightly at him in response causing Hyunjin's heartbeat to mirror yours.
"You'll have to show me some of your photos one day."
"As long as I get to see your art first. All of you have yet to show me your music, and I'm getting impatient!"
Hyunjin's laugh was light as he threw his head back, "I have to be the first then hold on- "
You giggled at Hyunjin's enthusiasm, him taking his hand from yours to rapidly pull out his phone. The soft melody of 'ice.cream' played through his phone speakers and soon you found yourself swaying to the sound of Hyunjin's soft vocals. The sound was very different from what you witnessed at the TMAs. Watching Hyunjin watch you was entertaining- his plush lips were pushed against each other in a line, a smile threatening to break the seal.
After the song finished, Hyunjin began to speak, "Of course, that's only one side of our music. All of us have individual songs like that but most of our music is sung together and produced by Chan, Changbin, and Jisung. Our music is diverse- but I won't spoil any of our group work. I... want all of us to see you react to it together."
You picked up Hyunjin's now free hand once more and gave it a tight squeeze. "Thank you for sharing that part of you. I know there's more and I cannot wait for you all to show me. You're all so talented- it makes my head whirl."
A beautiful smile spread across Hyunjin's perfect cheeks, and you found yourself drunk on his attention. As the sun sunk below the horizon and the afternoon air shifted to the air of the evening, you and Hyunjin made your way back to your hotel.
Neither of you wanted to depart, souls longing for more time to indulge in the strong pull you felt toward the other. So, you invited him in. There you both stood on the balcony of your hotel room, sharing a dinner ordered by room service, looking out over the lit-up world of Seoul. You and Hyunjin stared at each other- enchanted by the other's presence and you felt your soul string tug you both closer to each other. Giving in, you shifted closer, and he did the same until your side was flush against his.
For hours, you both talked- endlessly about everything and anything, and soon, you both laid on your bed, wrapped in each other's arms, getting the best sleep you both had ever had.
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Greeting your opened eyes was the gorgeous sight of your last soulmate. His perfect lips were parted just slightly, peace gracing his features. The sound of his breathing enhanced the beautiful atmosphere you two resided in. The sun peaked through the thin white curtains of the hotel window and made Hyunjin's smooth skin glow. You didn't think you could ever get tired of looking at him and being there with him. You pinched yourself on the arm- making sure you hadn't been dreaming. Someone this beautiful was yours, and you, his. Glee filled your chest like a bathtub- Bubbles of love foaming at the top. You felt so safe under the sheets, legs tangled up with his like comfort was the only thing your body knew.
All too soon, a phone rang throughout the room- shattering the perfect morning bubble. The tone was unfamiliar to you, but you leaned over and grabbed it anyway. Clicking the green button, you put the phone to your ear,
"HYUNJIN! Thank fuck- what the hell? We haven't heard from you all night!"
"My bad..." You spoke into the line, glaring at the male next to you.
You could audibly hear Changbin freeze on the other side of the line. He called your name like a question, to which you hummed in response.
"That fucker didn't even bother to tell us he met you!"
"He didn't, did he...." Your glare hardened further as Hyunjin's droopy eyes opened and a cheeky smile spread onto his face.
"Oops..." His raspy morning voice spoke.
"OOPS?! Jinnie, you don't just have me to worry about! Just wait until Minho AND Felix get a hold of you! Chan's scolding too!!"
You watched as Hyunjin gulped, fear suddenly overtaking the drowsiness in his eyes.
"Sorry for keeping him... If I had known he didn't tell you guys where he was, I would have forced him to." You told, a morning voice of your own speaking to Changbin.
You could have sworn you heard Changbin gulp at the sound of your voice,
"It-" The rapper cleared his throat, "It's alright...Not your fault Jinnie is a dumbass."
"Takes one to know one..." said dancer murmured next to you- eyes already closed again and face nuzzled between your neck and shoulder.
"Jinnie, you're on thin ice right now."
"Okay ladies, calm down." You began, "Give us an hour and I'll bring Jinnie back to you in one piece, okay?"
"Alright. See you soon, babe. And you, Hyunjin."
"Come on! What happened to my pet name?!"
"I'm mad at you right now; you can get pet name privileges back after we've had a talk."
Hyunjin swallowed in nervousness once more, before Changbin hung up leaving you both in a small silence.
"Jinnie..."
"I knowww, shut it."
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Hyunjin collapsed on his bed after his soulmates finally decided he had apologized enough. He knew he should have told them, but he was far too scared to break the hazy daydream the day with you had been. Hyunjin was lovesick- he knew it. Thoughts of you refused to leave his mind even after you had already kissed his cheek goodbye and he's done the same with you.
Head turning, Hyunjin noticed the unfinished painting alone on his easel. Before he knew it, his mind was blank, and his fingers were nimble with action. Hues of red, blue, white, gray, every color of the rainbow seemed to flash before his eyes. Rough and soft brushstrokes filled his vision and every dimple in his brain echoed artistic energy.
Not sure how much time had passed, Hyunjin stepped back and licked his dry lips. Satisfied with the final flick of his brush, he admired his canvas only for his eyes to widen in recognition. He really hadn't been thinking about what he was painting- his soul taking control of the brush and mind elsewhere. Hyunjin found himself breathless as his eyes scanned every inch of the painting- no flaw in sight. He was certain this was the best one he'd done yet.
Taking it out of his room, he was complimented constantly. His soulmates also agreed this was their favorite he had done- cooing at him and starstruck by his work.
"Man, Jinnie- you're down bad."
He didn't bother to reply as he watched Chan hang the canvas up in their penthouse living room, right where the sun would shine perfectly and make the painting of you, glow.
A/N:
You guys knew I was too nice for that drama- but anyways, HAPPY 20TH CHAPTER! WE MADE IT!! 8/8 SOULMATES HAVE BEEN MET!!! What kind of group chaos will ensue? What comes next for you and our 8 lovable idols?? How will dynamics change???
Let me know what you think! I will answer any questions and I love hearing your feedback!
Have a good weekend, guys.<3