Chih En woke up with a start, his alarm clock blaring in the still-dark room. He squinted at the time: 4:37 a.m.
"Too early..." he muttered, rubbing his eyes.
But no matter how much he tried, sleep wouldn't come back. Today wasn't just any day-it was his first... date.
He groaned and sat up, clutching his blanket. "What do I even wear?"
His gaze drifted to his closet. After what felt like forever, he stood and opened it, staring at the neatly folded clothes as if they were mocking him. He'd never been on a date before-let alone with someone he really liked.
Chih En pulled out a plain white shirt and held it up. "Too simple?" He frowned and replaced it with a striped sweater. "Too preppy." He tried on a jacket. "Too formal."
By the time the clock struck 6:30, his bed was covered in rejected outfits, and he was sitting in the middle of the chaos, wearing his third attempt: a light beige hoodie and dark jeans.
"Good enough," he mumbled.
---
The Meeting Point
At exactly 9:00 a.m., JL found himself waiting near the theme park's entrance. He was dressed in a casual black button-up and ripped jeans, looking effortlessly cool as always.
When Chih En arrived, he looked like he had run a marathon. His beige hoodie clung to him awkwardly, and his hair was slightly tousled.
"You okay?" JL asked, chuckling.
Chih En nodded, catching his breath. "I... I might've overthought things."
JL raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess. Spent all morning picking an outfit?"
Chih En's face turned pink. "No!" He paused, then sighed. "...Yes."
JL laughed, patting his shoulder. "Relax, you look fine. Come on, let's get inside."
---
The park was everything they imagined-bright, lively, and full of energy. JL led the way, dragging Chih En to every attraction he could find.
"Let's start with the Ferris wheel," JL suggested.
Chih En looked relieved. "That sounds peaceful."
"It's the warm-up." JL smirked.
After the Ferris wheel, they tried a spinning teacup ride. Chih En gripped the handle tightly as JL spun them faster and faster.
"JL!" Chih En shouted, his voice wobbling. "This isn't supposed to be a workout!"
JL burst into laughter, enjoying every second of it. "You're too stiff! Loosen up, Chih En!"
---
Eventually, they reached the park's centerpiece: the massive roller coaster.
"No," Chih En said flatly, taking a step back.
"Yes," JL countered, grabbing his wrist and pulling him forward.
"I'm not doing this," Chih En protested, panic creeping into his voice.
"Too late!" JL grinned as they reached the front of the line.
The ride began, and at first, Chih En managed to keep his composure. But as they climbed higher and higher, his nonchalant aura cracked.
"Why is it so high?!" he shouted, gripping the safety bar like his life depended on it.
JL, on the other hand, was having the time of his life. "This is amazing!" he yelled, throwing his hands in the air.
When the first drop came, Chih En's scream pierced the air, loud enough to rival the roller coaster's roar. JL couldn't stop laughing, tears streaming down his face.
When the ride finally ended, Chih En stumbled off, his legs shaky. "Never again," he muttered, glaring at JL.
JL patted him on the back, still grinning. "You survived. Proud of you."
---
A Quiet Moment
As the day went on, they slowed down, eventually finding a quiet spot near a food stall. JL handed Chih En a popsicle.
"Thanks," Chih En said, licking it absentmindedly.
JL watched him for a moment. "You're quieter than usual."
Chih En shrugged. "I guess... I've never done anything like this before."
JL smiled. "It's not so bad, right?"
Chih En looked at him, a small smile forming. "No. It's not."
---
As the sun began to set, the park lit up with vibrant colors, the air filled with the scent of caramel popcorn and laughter. JL and Chih En found themselves on a bench, the day's events catching up to them.
Chih En reached into his pocket, his fingers brushing against the small earring he'd been carrying for weeks.
"JL," he began, his voice trembling slightly.
JL turned to him, curious. "Yeah?"
Chih En hesitated, then pulled out the earring. "I... I wanted to give you this."
JL's eyes widened. "Is that...?"
"I've been meaning to," Chih En admitted, avoiding JL's gaze. "I just didn't know how to return it. But... I really didn't have a chance to..."
JL took the earring, his fingers brushing against Chih En's. "Thanks, Chih En. I have been looking for this!"
---
As JL held the earring, a memory surfaced-a moment he hadn't thought about in years.
It was the day of the Rhythm High entrance exam. He remembered arriving early, nervous but determined, holding to his lucky earring which Yangyang gave to him the first time he stepped in Korea. That's when he saw him-a boy sitting alone in the corner, clutching his pencil like it was his lifeline.
JL had noticed him because he seemed so out of place, so quiet compared to everyone else. He'd wanted to say something but never did.
Now, as he looked at Chih En, the memory clicked into place.
"It was you," JL murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Chih En tilted his head. "What?"
"The entrance exam," JL said, a smile spreading across his face. "I remember seeing you there."
Chih En blinked, surprised. "You do?"
"I didn't know it was you until now," JL admitted. "But... I guess I've had my eyes on you ever since."
Chih En's cheeks turned red, and he looked away, flustered. "You're just saying that."
JL chuckled, slipping the earring into his pocket. "I mean it, Chih En. I think... I've always noticed you."
For the first time, Chih En felt a sense of belonging, of being truly seen.
The two of them sat together much closer than before, their bond stronger than ever. Chih En felt like there was no tomorrow at that very moment.
---
Before the moment could settle, a familiar voice interrupted.
"Well, isn't this cozy?"
They looked up to see Park Han standing in front of them, grinning.
"Park Han?" JL said, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
Park Han smirked. "This is my home."
Chih En frowned. "What?"
Park Han pointed to the surroundings. "It's a park by the Han River. Get it? Park Han?"
JL burst out laughing, while Chih En groaned. "You've got to be kidding me."
Park Han clapped his hands together. "Anyway, I know a perfect spot for the fireworks. Want to come?"
JL nodded eagerly. "Sure!"
Chih En sighed but followed.
---
The Fireworks
They arrived at a quiet hill overlooking the park. As they settled down, Chih En stood abruptly.
"I need to use the restroom," he said.
"I'll go with you," JL offered.
Chih En shook his head. "No, I'll be fine."
As Chih En walked off, JL and Park Han started chatting. Their laughter echoed in the cool night air, but Chih En, from a distance, frowned. He had hoped JL would insist on coming with him.
Finding a portable toilet near the area, Chih En stepped inside. After finishing, he tried to open the door but realized it was jammed.
"Are you kidding me?" he muttered, pushing harder.
From afar, the countdown for the fireworks began.
"Five... four... three..."
"Hello?!" Chih En shouted, banging on the door. "H-help!"
The fireworks erupted, cheers drowning out his voice. The confined space and lack of air made him dizzy. His vision blurred as he slumped against the wall.
---
Back at the hill, JL glanced at the time. "Chih En's been gone too long."
He called Chih En's phone but realized it was sitting next to him. A sinking feeling formed in his stomach.
"I need to find him," JL said, standing up.
Park Han grabbed his wrist. "He's fine. Stay and watch the fireworks."
JL shook him off, his voice firm. "Something's wrong." It's a familiar feeling like before.
Park Han sighed, then followed as JL sprinted through the crowd, calling Chih En's name desperately.
---
The search
The fireworks and cheers made it nearly impossible to hear. The search took another 15 minutes.
Chih En, pale and drenched in sweat, managed to push the door one last time. It creaked open, and he stumbled out, gasping for air.
A few feet away, JL spotted him.
"Chih En!" JL yelled, running toward him.
Chih En swayed, barely staying upright. Before he could fall, JL caught him in a tight hug.
"Are you okay?!" "Hey!" JL's voice was filled with worry.
Chih En nodded weakly, leaning into JL's embrace. "I'm fine... now."
Park Han arrived moments later, his chest heaving. He froze, watching JL hold Chih En in the middle of the crowd, fireworks lighting up the sky behind them.
For the first time, Park Han, lost his voice, and felt like his universe... had shattered.