The soft breeze brushed against JL's face as he strolled around Namsan Tower, the morning sunlight casting a golden glow over the cityscape. Spring was still in the air, but the warmth hinted at the arrival of summer. He took a deep breath, taking in the peaceful view.
For the first time in a while, he felt calm.
His journey had been anything but easy-chasing a dream that once felt impossible, facing relentless training, competition, and now... complicated emotions.
Still, he was here, making progress, step by step. His dream was no longer just a distant wish. It was within reach.
He reminded himself that setbacks, whether in his career or personal life, were part of the journey. He just had to push forward.
As he descended the steps of the park, the rhythmic tapping of hurried footsteps caught his attention.
He turned just in time to see someone catching his breath.
A familiar face.
"Finally..." Park Han exhaled, still panting. "I found you."
JL blinked, surprised. Seeing Park Han-normally composed and confident-struggling for air was an unusual sight. It was almost funny. Almost.
But something about it warmed his heart.
Park Han walked up to him, but the moment he took another step, his balance wavered. JL instinctively reached out, grabbing his wrist before he could stumble again.
Their eyes met.
JL had never really noticed it before, but Park Han's eyes were beautiful. They held the same brilliance as the stars in the night sky-steady, yet mesmerizing.
As if realizing he was staring, Park Han quickly averted his gaze. Clearing his throat, he muttered---
"Everyone was looking for you."
JL froze---
"Right. My phone!"
He immediately let go of Park Han's wrist, then touching his pockets. "Ah, yes! My phone-I have it fixed around here."
The sudden movement caused Park Han to lose balance again, and this time, he fell to his side.
"Why do I always keep falling around?" Park Han groaned.
JL chuckled, reaching out a hand to help him up.
--
JL took a bite of his ice cream, enjoying the cold sweetness. Park Han, sitting beside him, raised an eyebrow.
"Ice cream? In the cool morning?"
"Why not?" JL grinned. "Filipinos drink hot coffee in hot weather and eat ice cream during cold rainy days."
Park Han chuckled. "Makes no sense."
"But it does!" JL said. "It's about comfort, not the weather."
They continued eating, the earlier tension forgotten. Park Han now understood why JL had been unreachable-his phone had been broken. JL explained that he didn't want to wake anyone since it was their rest day, so he decided to go out alone while waiting for repair shops to open.
"You knew I was here," JL said suddenly. "How?"
Park Han stiffened for a second before gulping. "I... just remembered you said you hadn't been to Namsan Tower yet. And since it's near NPAC, I figured you'd take the chance to visit."
JL was moved by Park Han's words.
He stared at him for a moment before smirking. "Or maybe you just know all the 'Parks' in Korea because you're Park Han."
Park Han's face turned red.
JL burst out laughing. "You know, that reminds me-when you saw me and Chih En at the amusement park, you said you were there because it was a 'park' by the 'Han' river. What was that about?"
Park Han groaned, rubbing his temples. "Don't remind me."
They laughed again, the atmosphere light and easy. For Park Han, this felt like the perfect moment. A quiet, simple time with JL-something he didn't get often.
But even if it was fleeting, it was enough for now.
--
Almost lunch.
The mood inside the NPAC dorm was far from lighthearted.
Steven paced the floor of the common area, his fingers tapping against his arms impatiently. "It's been hours. If he was just out for a walk, he should be back by now."
"Should we report this to the police?" Juwon asked.
Jeongwoo frowned. "We can't. Missing persons can only be reported after 24 hours."
Chih En had been silent the whole time. His face remained unreadable, but his clenched fists and tense posture spoke volumes.
"Wait-where's Park Han?" Steven suddenly asked. "He was here earlier."
Shuaibo, despite the tension, couldn't resist a joke. "Maybe this is a Romeo and Juliet situation. They ran away together."
Woongki elbowed him hard.
"Sorry," Shuaibo muttered.
Just then, a phone chimed. A message in their group chat.
JL: "I'm sorry, guys. Just got my phone fixed. I didn't wake you because I thought I'd be back early."
A collective sigh of relief filled the room.
Chih En closed his eyes, finally exhaling.
Another notification came.
A photo.
It was JL and Park Han, standing close together, flashing peace signs.
JL's message followed:
"Park Han is with me. Don't worry about him."
Shuaibo, now bolder after the relief, nudged Woongki. "Okay, but look at this-doesn't this look like a date?"
Woongki, surprisingly, played along. "I mean... kinda does."
Chih En stared at the screen for a moment. Then, without a word, he turned it off and left the lobby.
Steven watched him go, his relief turning into quiet concern.
The mood at NPAC lightened after JL's message.
But not for everyone.