─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ──

❝ I wanted to go far away as possible from him but he showed up right in front of me like it was written in the stars that we'd crossed paths again ❞

✨

C H A P T E R T W O

"I'll let you go now and if by any chance you see someone cute and if they can sing—" Changmin pushes Kevin playfully before he could finish his sentence, startling him. "Don't forget to introduce them to me, bye!" Kevin waves his hand, watching his best friend walk to his dorm.

When Changmin enters his shared room, a smile blooms on his lips, taking in the mellow vanilla walls, yellow sofa between two bunk beds, and desks organized, the room bright from the sunlight pouring through the opened window with curtains aside.

"It somehow looks just like home," he says, gaze landing on the boy running to him.

Chanhee attacks him in a tight, warm, and loving embrace. His soft eyes shimmering, peeling away, standing next to him, murmurs of I missed you and glad you made it leaving his mouth.

"What do you think? I came here early to arrange this for you," Chanhee looks up at Changmin.

Chanhee tears his gaze away, settling on admiring the room with Changmin, feeling his arm come around his shoulder.

"Do you like it?" He figures his best friend does by the way he's smiling, and then removes himself from the embrace, walking towards his best friend's desk sprawled with movies.

"Did—Did you watch all these films when you came here too?"

"Oh, you see, I was just trying to find common grounds within all these films."

"Chanhee, you're proving that you're going to make a film that touches down all the emotions by studying other films," Changmin smiles a wide smile.

"But you don't hate me."

"I'd never hate you. By the way, I was at the clubs and extra-curricular activities recruitment when I came here. I applied to one." Changmin mentions, beaming.

"You have?"

"Yes!"

"Count me in! Which one is it?"

"Dance club. Don't worry. I won't leave you alone. I'll take you wherever I go. The amazing campus life starts from society."

. . .

JUYEON RUNS DOWN the sports hallway, pausing briefly to admire a picture frame of an idol hanging on the wall. "Yunho, I hope one day I can dance as well as you and maybe become a Kpop Idol just like you and bring happiness to others with my dance and songs."

When Juyeon turns, almost leaving, he turns around, eyes widening. His heart jumps.

An angel he always admired appears before him, glowing literally like he just came down from heaven.

"Lee Juyeon? Dance king? Why are you here?"

"Of course, he's here because I invited him," The boss of their dance club answers him. "Jung Yunho, allow me to introduce you. He is Lee Juyeon."

Juyeon never thought the day where his idol and he would arrive.

He hopes he doesn't look stupid.

Juyeon hopes he looks his best as he lowers his head down to manifest the utter joy fluttering in his chest. He looks back up at Yunho, trying to hold the smile threatening to break across his face. "He's the best dancer in "Tigers," the dance king, is the main dancer of the team and helps his teammates improve."

Yunho feels a smile appear on his face and he laughs softly, hearing him mention, "Just like you back in the days." Ecstatic Juyeon reaches a hand out for them to shake, warmth embracing his entire being once Yunho takes his.

"I can't be the dance king in front of Jung Yunho. After all, he's the one who inspired me to dance and the love for it to stay as strong."

"I've seen you dance. Sharp but more in a way relaxed. You make the dance look easy but also eye-catching. You're good."

Juyeon chuckles, flustered. "I will keep up my practice. You're definitely my idol and my goal. I hope one day I can be like you, star in the final competition, and maybe get auditioned."

"Great ambition," Yunho comments. "However, as a senior, I must tell you, dreams are always shined upon but while you're chasing the dream it might be difficult and even cruel," Juyeon's gaze lowers, raising his hand to hide his face somewhat.

He knew that but it didn't really occur to him until now, especially hearing it from his idol.

"You won't hesitate, right?"

A smile breaks across his lips. "You were in the same situation as me, have you ever hesitate?"

Yunho lets out a small laugh. "Hesistation has never appeared in my mind."

"Then, we have the same mind." Juyeon's face brightens.

"Great! But you should remember what you told me today. No matter what obstacle or challenge you face, don't hesitate, stick till the end, and then you'll shine like the stars."

"I will stay till the end and follow your step to dance as good as you."

"Good. I'll wait for you in the final dance competition."

"Lee Juyeon, Jung Yunho, and I have things to do. We'll talk to you later," The dance manager informs and pats Yunho on his back, leading him back to the office. Yunho pauses, tossing a glance over his shoulder.

"Lee Juyeon. You can do it!" Yunho encourages him.

"I can do it, Dance king!" Juyeon responds in a cheerful and prompt voice, holding out a fist as a sign of encouragement. Yunho returns a satisfied one and then leaves.

A smile widens Juyeon's face and he's jumping up and down in happiness. He can't believe he met his Idol and they shook hands. It's a literal dream come true. He runs off to the nurse's room after.

Back in the boy's dorm, Changmin's placing his tennis shoes on the shoe rack but when his gaze lands on the soft pale blue with a hint of purple laces, a memory flashes before his eyes of him wearing the same shoes his sister gave him days before the talent show in middle school.

Changmin wishes he never saw the colored laces or took out the shoes.

He's positive he didn't bring them.

A faint smile flickers across his face, knowing his older sister must have done so.

He doesn't understand why though because the shoes don't fit him anymore but his heart speaks for him, she's trying to lift your spirits up.

Don't ignore her or your dream or what you want, go for it.

Maybe she too is heartbroken because she had introduced him to a dance academy through an acquaintance, seen the happiness grow and glow whenever he danced.

Changmin knows he'll never have the chance to dance again given the circumstances, so he leans down, pushing the shoes farther below the rack. He stands up, turning around, meeting Chanhee's curious eyes when he asks, "Is there another boy in our room?"

"He isn't back yet. He's Ju Haknyeon, studying performing arts. Oh, I forgot to return the camera stand and equipment. The gym coaches need it for tomorrow. Would you mind returning it back at the gym for me?"

"Sure."

. . .

"You're already a third-year. You can't be reckless and get yourself into trouble," Juyeon hears as he enters the nurse room, tapping Hunjae on his shoulder.

"Guess who I met?"

"Where did you go? You disappeared and left me all alone," Hyunjae whines.

"I met my idol!" Juyeon tells him. Hyunjae immediately stands up in bewilderment.

"You met your idol, Jung Yunho of TVXQ?"

"Yep!"

"Why would he be here? I want his signature!" Hyunjae's ready to sprint but heaves a sigh, dropping back onto the chair once Juyeon informs him he's left.

"Lee Hyunjae, I'm sorry to tell you this, but I'm not so sure if your ankle sprain is severe."

"He twisted his ankle, safe to say it's not so serious. He'll be fine within one to three weeks," the nurse replies, returning to her work.

Juyeon steps closer, holding Hyunjae's jaw to see for other injuries, not minding his hand planted on his shoulder.

"Do I look good?" Hyunjae wants to lighten the mood. He doesn't want his friends spending too much time having their concern for him, although he knows it's mutual.

"Twist your ankle again, and you will look better than a ballerina. Will you be able to participate in the final dance competition?" Both of them end up laughing. "Did you have to do that to protect me? Isn't this the second time?" Juyeon confirms.

The laughter and happiness that brightened the room just for some time evaporated.

"Did you have to do that and give him a punch when the game was already over?" Hyunjae retorts, catching the small bruise under Juyeon's jaw. "You also got hurt?"

"I'm fine."

"You're fine, then I'm fine."

"I should tell you, be careful, not to sprain your ankle or get injured before Sunwoo comes back."

"You got it. I'm waiting for Sunwoo to come back so we can play soccer."

"I'll see you later," Juyeon pats him on the shoulder, smiling at him, leaving the nurse room.

"You're leaving me alone again, for?" Hyunjae hollers, hoping Juyeon hasn't left already.

"Going to shoot some hoops!" Juyeon continues walking down the hallway, totally not missing out on Hyunjae calling out to him, "The lights in the gym are broke!"

. . .

CHANGMIN STANDS IN front of the nurse room's door, knocking lightly only to receive no response. He realizes the door is locked and the nurse isn't here.

How the heck is he supposed to return the camera stand, its equipment unless he's supposed to return them in the gym?

That's exactly where his eyes trail and find himself inside.

Changmin's having seconds thoughts when he turns on the lights and nothing happens.

He isn't afraid in general but the fact he's somewhere unfamiliar in the dark brings slight uncanny thoughts, especially not when he thought he heard someone or something.

He's not quite sure why he's still here, specifically standing in the center of the court.

His gaze staying steady on the basketball hoop like the sport meant something.

He can't pinpoint what.

Another childhood memory flickers into his mind.

Changmin finally steals the basketball from Juyeon, almost making a goal, tripping over his shoelaces next, and the radiant smile on his sunlit face disappears.

The scorching sun gets blocked by the figure in front of him, holding out a hand.

Changmin thinks maybe that's why he was able to steal the ball from him. He can't even look him in the face now, how embarrassing.

"You did well, and you know, falling doesn't mean you can't stand up even if it's the small embarrassing mistakes preventing you from doing so."

Changmin, whose smile faltered and wants to hide, slowly raises his head to look up at Juyeon, then at his hand. He takes it, hesitating but lifts himself back on his feet, feeling a smile light up his face and want to try again if it wasn't for the boy's caressing but teasing smile and him believing in him.

He freezes the moment he hears the sound of a basketball pounding against the court, his heart drumming in his ears, eyes traveling to the door. Escape. He needs to escape fast.

He places the camera stand with its equipment off to the side near the wall, quickly running back, his student id slipping from the pocket of his hoodie, now laying on the court, long forgotten.

Juyeon enters the other court, raising a brow, wondering if anyone was here.

He can't be for sure. His eyes land on the id of someone he knows.

There's this bad but good feeling hugging his chest as his eyes round in realization, heart beating fast, reading the name, Ji Changmin.

. . .

"You were asleep last night when I came back, so I feel like we should introduce ourselves to one another," a voice says.

Changmin's eyes peel open and he sits up, finding a boy in front of him, waiting for a handshake. He takes the boy's hand and introduces himself.

"I'm Ju Haknyeon, majoring in theater arts."

So, that's who Ju Haknyeon is.

Haknyeon climbs down the bunkbed's ladder, pauses, seeing a picture of Changmin and his family. Him holding a medal and a certificate that says dance but Changmin's fast, noticing where Haknyeon's eyes linger.

He reaches for the frame, plopping it down.

"Do you study physical science?" Haknyeon asks.

"Oh, no, I'm studying film production and theater arts in the school of performing arts," Changmin tells Haknyeon, mentally thanking himself for his fast reflects.

The door opens with Chanhee entering. Changmin watches him place the stacks of scripts on the desk, asking, "How did you bring that many here?"

"Someone nice helped me."

"How is anyone just nice?" Haknyeon raises a brow.

"Ah, Haknyeonie, if you meet anyone who's good-looking or not, call them handsome or beautiful, they will surely help you. Don't believe me? Try it."

Changmin listens and thinks it's stupid, so can you blame him when he dials Kevin's number and the instance he picks up, the raven speaks in a soft voice, calling him handsome, and the response isn't what he'd expect?

"Wait, Changmin, what happened to you?"

"Nothing—" Changmin ensures, sighing, "buy one more breakfast and wait at school of performing arts." He dismisses the call and later greets Kevin where he told him, thanking him for breakfast.

"Boyfriend?" Changmin ignores Chanhee's question.

Kevin smiles, waves Chanhee over, and says, "Does it look like it? Do I look like prince charming?" Chanhee laughs at this.

A rush of euphoria blooms inside Kevin and he can't help but feel warm and giddy, all the good feelings fluttering in his chest like a butterfly.

He wants to catch the pretty one that's right in front of him with those sparkling eyes from the sunlight kissing his face, gosh how does one look so cute and utterly handsome?

Changmin leaves his spot to stand beside Kevin and pinches him back to reality, grinning at him letting out a sound of pain.

He honestly expected this. He casually plays along because he knows Kevin is a good guy and he would be okay if the older got together with his practically inseparable smart, and cute best friend.

"Is her your roommate?" Kevin asks.

"What do you want?"

"He just smiled and laughed. My heart did somersaults!" Kevin exclaims silently.

"Yesterday, he watched five movies in two hours and explained everything that happened. I didn't even sleep until 4 am the day before the orientation because I got used to his habit, but it's okay because it was worth it," Changmin gives him a heads up before leaving with Chanhee for class.

. . .

"Manager, Park, you wanted to see me?"

"Oh, yes, take a seat. I'm helping you find an assistant. I want your opinion."

"I don't need one," Juyeon says flatly, heading for the door but stops.

"I've been having a hard time . . . just five minutes?" Jimin passes him his signature eye smile.

Juyeon then gives in, "fine," one, two, three names are given, and Juyeon rejects them fast.

His gaze lands on a familiar name that Jimin had mentioned a total no. He picks up the resume, eyeing the name written above, the clicking of a lamp turning on, its lights brightening the dark corner of his mind.

His younger self wonders if it's him.

Juyeon doesn't want to do anything with that boy for the rest of his life but has a change of mind, listening to his younger self, remind him.

"This is one chance in a lifetime. You can give him a taste of how you felt then, play with him, and make him so scared that he'll never want to see you again."

"I want him," Juyeon decides, looking up at perplexed Jimin.

"Ji Changmin? Wait, a second, he's studying film making. How could he help you?"

Determined, Juyeon plants his hands on the brown desk, giving his manager a firm look.

"To stimulate my . . . " a devilish smile plays on his lips as he thinks it's destiny, them meeting again, and him to return the nightmare he had.

Then, Juyeon leaves the room.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ──

A U T H O R ' S N O T E

okay, so like, if anyone's been paying attention . . . I had decided to update this book every four weeks but then was like well that's a bit too long for the wait, so the second chapter has finally made it out of my draft bahaha and I sorta edited it to my liking as well hehe. once again, I'm ever so grateful to those who are patient, understanding and support me.

I haven't been able to write recently due to the small amounts of stress that have been piling up on me and then the pressure. which includes, the books that are on hold.

I know it may seem like I'm fine and celestae- & excellingfetus have told me that I'm strong.

they have seen me go through some harsh stuff, but anyway I just want you guys to know I'm not ignoring you or not writing. you guys are strong too! keep going you beautiful souls 💖 💖

now talking about this chapter, juyeon finally found changmin, and he's not too happy too sad about it, so let's see how he'll start a new living nightmare for our squirrel boy

any predictions? (it's obvious and kinda not ahaha)

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