"One will get tired of waiting for things to happen through other people...when those same people are out there taking chances...and following their dreams..."

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Seonghwa POV:

"I think we have more than enough clothes..." I mumbled, holding more than a dozen bags in hand while leading the way back to my apartment.

Yeosang rolled his eyes. "Don't blame me. It's not my fault we have an overactive puppy as a friend who cannot look past anything shiny..."

"It's all in good faith, sue me!" Yunho huffed, "Besides, these clothes should last you....two months? Maybe we should've gotten more..."

Both Yeosang and I looked at the male with a playful glare, causing him to instantly quiet himself. "Nevermind..."

Sighing heavily, I unlocked the door and made my way inside, instantly dropping the bags onto the carpet. "I appreciate you two for helping, but I didn't think I'd be coming home with practically a section of the mall itself."

"You're being dramatic, especially since majority of the clothes were free anyway. Consider it a blessing you're so handsome." Yeosang snorted. "Talk about lucky."

Yunho nodded in agreement. "Exactly. I'm surprised how friendly the shop owners were. Today is definitely your lucky day, seriously!"

Hearing it from the two males only made the reality of the morning that more real. Starting from simple stalls, I was gifted accessories or jewelry as a gift. However, after each clothing store we stepped in, I would walk out with at least a free outfit despite my protests against it. The whole ordeal was unbelievable, as all I knew for my entire life was struggle and unfaithful circumstances.

I still don't know how to wrap my head around it...

"Anyway, you have about two hours or so to get ready for your date. Have you decided on an outfit?" Yunho asked curiously.

Shaking my head, I glanced over at the bags. "I think I'm more overwhelmed at the amount than anything."

"Well," Yeosang smirked, "We have time to help you. Plus, I think I have a favorite already in mind..."

•••

"And....the finishing touches.... there! Beautiful as ever!" Yunho grinned, gently turning my body around towards the mirror. "Take a look and let us know what you think?"

Opening my eyes slowly, I took in everything in front of me with inner awe. From my hair being tucked away discreetly to the light makeup, as well as the outfit choice being the perfect combination of casual yet comfortable, I couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion wash over me at the sight.

Yeosang raised an eyebrow cautiously, with his words coming out in slow, yet tender concern. "You okay, Hwa?"

Fighting back tears, I nodded quietly. "Yes...I'm just...speechless... I don't even recognize the person I'm looking at right now..."

"Oh Seonghwa..." Yunho cooed, pulling me into his arms, "This was always there, but now you truly see it. We're just here to help bring it out if you need us..."

"And I will not allow you to start any of that crying mess after I worked so hard on your makeup," Yeosang added with faux sternness in his voice, "you don't have any time for that."

Chuckling, I pulled out of Yunho's embrace and nodded. "I understand. Thank you guys, seriously..."

"No need for all of that," Yunho grinned, swirling the car keys in hand, "let's drop you off for your awaited date!"

"If the path is to be beautiful, let us not ask where it may lead..."

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Hongjoong POV:

Driving towards the shop, I couldn't help but keep checking my appearance in the rear-view mirror. My nerves were at an all-time high, and the last thing I wanted was even a hair out of place. However encouraging, or rather, dramatic messages came onto my phone while I neared my destination.

"You got this, hyung! Don't fuck it up." - Mingi

"Whoever this guy is, I hope he sees you more than the shorty you are..." -San

"We want all the details after, so be prepared to give a full report mate." -Chan

"Take lots of pictures! Fighting!" -Yunho

Chuckling to myself, I rolled my eyes and placed my phone on silent. All my focus was on the long awaited day, and I was determined to make the best impression ever.

Reaching the shop with time to spare, I parked my car in the slot directly in front of the building and instantly felt my nerves skyrocket upon arrival.

Holy shit...

There, standing patiently yet beautifully, was Seonghwa. He dressed in a dark green vest top with light brown pants, with his long black hair framing his face with the upmost sense of ease. All I could do was stare at him, taking in his entire appearance with awe. It was a different kind of look, one where I could see the contrast between his work attire and his outerwear. Yet, both were still him in a unique way, and both were equally as beautiful.

"Relax Hongjoong...just step out and greet him..." I whispered, ignoring how sweaty my palms were feeling as I opened the car door.

As soon as I stepped out, I could see his face turn from confusion to happiness, a blush instantly rising onto his cheeks. Discreetly wiping my nervous hands as I made my way over to the male, I smiled before greeting the male. "Hi...I didn't mean to keep you waiting...I'm sorry about that."

"I-It's okay...you're not even late..." He smiled shyly, glancing over my shoulder towards my car before tilting his head in surprise, "...is that yours?"

"Yes it is...and it's going to help us get to our destination for our date."

The word 'date' made the blush grow deeper on his cheeks as he stuttered. "R-right...our d-date..."

Holding out my hand towards him, he tentatively grabbed it as I slowly guided him to the car, opening the passenger side door for him to enter. "After you."

"Thank you.."

Making sure he was securely inside, I mentally praised myself for the successful start of chivalry before entering the driver's side. Glancing over to him, I smiled before asking for confirmation. "Are you ready?"

"If I'm honest with you and say 'no', would that be bad? I'm really nervous..." He laughed, and the sound of it was warm despite the nerves laced into it.

"Not at all, it makes two of us. However, today it's going to be easy, I promise I'm not kidnapping you."

That elicited a genuine laugh from him, and based on how it sounded, I knew it was a sound that I wanted to hear again and again. "You better not try to, my friends are crazy and they would actually kill you."

"My friends would kill me for messing this up, so I'm on my best behavior," I playfully saluted, "scouts honor."

Starting up the engine once again, I pulled out of the parking lot and began the drive to our destination Seonghwa smiled while staring out the window, taking in the passing scenery with a gentle sigh escaping him. I could see the tension slowly ease away from his body as he settled into the seat, making me feel better about the planned date even more.

"How was your week? I know we both were busy the entire time?" I asked casually.

"It wasn't too bad...I think I was more concerned about today and what to wear considering this is my first date in years..."

My eyes grew wide as I briefly glanced over to the male. "You're lying. Someone as beautiful as you? I don't believe you."

Noticing the instant blush on his cheeks, he turned to me with a smile. "I'm being honest...and thank you."

"Honestly, I feel better hearing that...because it's my first date as well."

This time his eyes grew wide in shock before narrowing in slight suspicion. "...Are you just saying that to make me feel less awkward?"

"I have no reason to lie to you, Seonghwa." I smiled, "it's the truth. Hence why dyed my hair again just to make sure my first real impression was perfect."

Seonghwa laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. "You know, I was wondering why it seemed much more blue than before...but I can't talk anything either. I trimmed my own hair as well for the occasion..."

"Seems like we both wanted to make long lasting marks." I teased.

"Yeah.." The male smiled, "it definitely seems that way..."