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Seokmin stared in awe at the sky and the stars. Their friends had planned this get together to celebrate the eclipse that happened every hundred years. Vernon was an astronomy student and the whole reason the whole group was so into space.
"Do you know the legend about the sun and the moon?"
"What do you mean?"
"Yeah, about how the sun and the moon were lovers but some shit happened and they were punished, that is why they rarely meet and when they do, they cause an eclipse."
"Sounds awful."
"Do not listen to him. He gets his theories based off a twitter thread."
"It still could be true!"
Seokmin listened to Seungkwan and Vernon argue about who was right and who was wrong, and about how twitter has taught them more than the teachers at school. The clock was almost reaching 3 am and his eyes started to close, with the whole legend on his mind and a smile on his face.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He woke up to the sound of thumping on his door. He vaguely remembers getting to a bed, not really knowing if it was his or one of his friends.
"Seokmin! They are waiting for us, hurry up!"
He recognized Chan's desperate voice and decided to open his eyes. The room was not one he recognized, maybe it was one of their friends' siblings. He looked out the window and saw fields of green grass around said room, making him panic. This was not Seoul or any of their surroundings. Could his friends taken him somewhere else? He looked around for a mirror, making him wonder about the state of his hair. To his surprise, none were found except for a little silver teacup that showed his reflection. That is when he realized the clothes he was wearing were not his, or his friends, or even this century.
"I must be dreaming." He thought and laid down to close his eyes once again, maybe making him wake up.
"Seokmin, I swear I am going to obliterate you if you don't open this door in a minute."
He decided to stand up and just go with the dream. He was sure he'll wake up at any time, just like the other dreams he had. When he opened the door, he realized he was in a very strange home, one of those you see on the history books or the art classes he had to take on college. Greek, Roman? He wished he had paid attention and maybe something of this dream could make sense.
"Where are we going exactly?"
"What do you mean? Today is Jeonghan's delegation and they are waiting for everyone to arrive. He must be desperate to not see us there early and it is all your fault."
"Jeonghan? I do not know any Jeonghan."
"Seokmin, just shut up. Did you go out drinking with Seungcheol again? We already told you, do not take the same as him, you are such a lightweight."
"Seungcheol? Chan, this is scaring me. I do not know those people and I do not know what you are talking about. This is a dream, isn't it?"
Chan looked at him and made a gesture to just shut up since they were arriving at said delegation. He looked around, trying to find a recognizable face, but failed at that. Maybe Vernon, Seungkwan, Soonyoung or any other of his friends could be there and made him wake up.
"Look, I don't know what is wrong with you today. You don't seem like yourself and that is scaring me. Let's just go to the arena and maybe something will come to mind. I am sure you were having one of those weird dreams you always have, talking about people that are not here and about things that do not exist."
They walked to the outside, where hundreds of people were getting together to form a circle around something. Chan kept pushing people, telling them a quick "sorry" "excuse me". Everyone smiled at them and let them passed through, making Seokmin question about who they really were. They got to the front, and that is when he saw him. A brown haired boy, with the face as delicate as a flower. His face was adorned with little gold speckles and the curls of his hair perfectly made his face seem more angelic. He was wearing a golden thread around the crown of his head, making him shine and stand out from every single person here. To his left was a woman, a little taller than him, with the same characteristics with a tear on her face. To his right, a man with a light beard, the hair color the same as the person to his left. He had no doubt that this was Jeonghan, only someone like him could gather the crowd that was there.
"Chan, I am sorry but can you explain a little about this? I am still not quite sure."
"Fine, but just because I don't want you to make a fool of yourself. Jeonghan, the guy in the middle, is having his delegation today. What that means is that he is going to be assigned something and that something is what he is going to be for the rest of his life and what he will work for. For example, Seungcheol was delegated as the person in charge of the seas. Jisoo is in charge of wind and spring. Jihoon is in charge of music. Wonwoo along with Minghao take care of the night and the moon, Wonwoo shining brightly every night. Jun takes care of the day, making sure Minghao stays on schedule. Those are the only ones of our friend who have been delegated. We are still waiting and training for our delegation, but today is Jeonghan's. He has been waiting for this moment, but no one has a clue of what he will be. Most of the times there are little hints, but this time nothing. Although, between us, I think it would have something to do with Wonwoo."
"Why do you think that?" Seokmin was happy that some of those names were his friends in real life, and that they had a huge part in this world.
"Since you seem to be out of your mind today, and I hope you won't remember, I will tell you. There is something between them. No one knows, I think, but I do. Both of them see me like their child that they need to take care of, and that is why I am always present when they both meet. Maybe I will be in charge of deciding who are soulmates? Anyways, when they meet it's like both of them shine. Jeonghan gets a light blush on his cheeks and Wonwoo stumbles on his words, which is a rare occurrence. He is very eloquent. I am getting sidetracked again. But yeah, so it has to be something related to Wonwoo and if it is not, I will officially not be in charge of soulmates."
"Didn't you say that Wonwoo works with Minghao? So what possibly could be left for Jeonghan to do there?"
"Well, I don't know! But when they are together, something happens. You could feel it! They have their own little world and most of the times they don't even talk, just stare at each other and it is like they know what they're both thinking. It's kind of weird but you have to be there to feel what is happening, but you always leave me alone and that is why I am the only one that has noticed."
A loud voice was heard along the arena, everyone turning to the owner of the shout. Trumpets were heard and Jeonghan walked to the middle of the circle, nervousness read across his face.
"We are gather here for the official delegation of Jeonghan! Today marks the day were a new mandate will be place. Jeonghan, please kneel."
Jeonghan did just that. Kneeling on one knee, the official made a slight bow to him. Taking out the golden thread and placing a lifeless crown on his head, Jeonghan made a full bow to the ground, staying for a couple of minutes while everyone was dead silent. Seokmin felt uneasy seeing Jeonghan like this, thinking about his clothes and how uncomfortable that position was when something fell out of the sky. A circle of electric bolts surrounded Jeonghan, the crowd letting out some yelps. A flash of yellow illuminated Jeonghan and the lifeless crown turned a deep shade of gold, adorned with blue and yellow jewels. Jeonghan's mother cried while his dad hugged her, both very joy of this happening. The official pressed a hand to Jeonghan's back, making him look and standing up.
"Oh the great Jeonghan! You have been delegated to shine as bright as the gold crown that adorns your head! You will be in charge of making the days brighter, working with the great Jun!"
A loud cheer could be heard but Seokmin could not see who it came from.
"That must have been Jun. I bet he is very excited to finally have someone to share the task with."
Seokmin guided his attention to the whole arena, seeing a couple of faces tear up and cheer. Jeonghan was standing up, with tears on his eyes and smiling, waving to everyone. He still felt weird and amazed at how everything was presented. He did not know electric bolts could do that or even make a crown turn a different color. He was sure it was a dream. No way this could be happening in real life.
"Now Jeonghan, please join your family and take them to the guide room." Jeonghan did that and they disappeared into the multitude. "Everyone, please continue with your daily duties. Thank you for joining us."
Everyone spread out and starting walking to their respective places. Seokmin looked at Chan who just patted his back.
"Lets go eat. I am starving. Maybe seeing everyone else is going to make you feel more at peace."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chan led him to another room along the building. He was not sure of what to call it. It was not a house, but it was not anything he had ever seen before. He was never into mythology, but he was sure this was some sort of Greek god and goddesses and he was mad at his teenager Seokmin for not taking that liking and reading Percy Jackson's books. Maybe he would have an idea of what the hell was going on. The dining room was bigger than his whole house, with tables lining up and aisles full of food.
"Take whatever you want. We usually always sit at the table by the exit, to your left. Hansol and Jisoo should be there already."
Seokmin took a couple of fruit and some bread. He did not have a huge appetite, just wanting some answers that maybe he would find out with their friends. He walked to the direction where Chan had led him, finding a smiling Vernon, or Hansol as Chan referred to him here, waving to him.
"Hyung! You look bad, what is the matter?"
"Feeling under the weather. Jeonghan's presentation was beautiful though."
"Yeah, seemed just like him too! We all knew his was going to be big."
"Not everyone's is like that?"
Both Jisoo and Hansol looked at him with suspicious expressions. "What do you mean?"
"He is out today. I think he had one of his weird dreams, you know the ones."
"Oh, well that sucks. You really would have enjoyed this. Jeonghan is always your favorite for some reason."
"I did cry."
"It's not enough. Let's not get you near him today, he would get sad knowing you don't feel the happiness you should feel."
"Stop cunning him! They are just dreams, he should go talk to Morphy about this. If he is the one placing those dreams to him, he should stop. Seokmin has done nothing to be punished this way."
"I am right here and have no idea what you are talking about."
Chan took a deep breath, meaning to talk. But someone talked first.
"You always get this weird dreams where you talk about us. You refer to Hansol as Vernon, a person obsessed with the outer space, something that does not exist as of now. On this dream of yours, only Chan, Mingyu, Hansol, Seungkwan, Soonyoung, and Minghao exist. No signs ever of myself, Jeonghan, Jisoo, Wonwoo, Jihoon, or Jun. Apparently you have a life where you wear different types of clothes and have things that do not exist. We have no idea of what any of that means, but you always wake up like this. Feeling disoriented and talking about how you do not know about any of us, but then the next day you wake up perfectly fine, saying you had a weird dream and that is that. We have told you to talk to Morpheo about this, but you always say no. It feels like a punishment, because of the way you feel and your cries and how you make us feel too. Jisoo is correct, I am afraid of what Jeonghan can feel towards you being on this state today."
"I can stay away from him just for today, if that is better. I wouldn't want the other Seokmin to suffer because of this."
"There is no other Seokmin, it is you. Although I think that is the correct way to go about this, Jeonghan is going to look for you all day if he does not find you. You are each others favorite after all."
Seokmin turned to look at Chan who just shrugged and continued eating. He finished his fruits and wanted to ask more, but decided this was better. He excused himself and decided to take a walk, trying to familiarized himself with everything. He had no idea where his room was, and he did not want to bother anyone else, so he just travel along hallways.
"Seokmin! Seokmin!" He heard that voice and decided to turn around, a bright Jeonghan running to him at the speed of light. He knew he had to hide, but it was way too late for that. "Are you trying to run away from me? It is my day!"
"No, I-I wasn't trying to run, I was just excited to see you!" Jeonghan looked at him directly to his eyes, staring right through his soul.
"It happened again, didn't it? Right on my special day? Couldn't it have been any other day?"
"I-I'm sorry. I don't know why it happens." He felt tears welled up on his eyes, making him shiver and sit down.
"Hey, hey, it's fine. I know tomorrow is going to be different and you will be you again! Do you remember me at all this time?" Seokmin shook his head, tears falling from his face to the grass below them. "No, don't cry Seokmin. It is fine."
"I do feel happy for you. You looked beautiful with all the light surrounding you. You look beautiful right now with the crown on your head. I do wish I remember so you could share everything with me."
"I can still do it! It even is better because I know you won't say anything, since you barely remember the next day. Can I?"
"Sure. I do love people telling me things they shouldn't." Jeonghan let out a soft chuckle.
"The official led me to the guide room, right? And he started telling me about my work schedule and how everything is going to work out. Jun was there too and he was telling me of all the fun stuff we can do! It does seem like a lot and I may get tired very easily but I am so excited. Imagine me, brightening everyone's day up! And guess what? He told me I should think of a name for myself. He said that Jeonghan was beautiful but we should not use personal names for the profession. Jun's name is Day and I was thinking of something relating to that but I don't know yet."
"Maybe something with three letters too?"
"That was what I was thinking, but nothing came to mind. Any suggestions, Minnie?" Seokmin laughed at the nickname, being the first time someone called him that. And an idea came to mind.
"How about Sun?"
"What do you mean?"
"Yeah, the name Sun. I like it."
"Sun? Mmm, I like it! And it starts with S, like my favorite boy Seokmin."
Seokmin laughed and mentally slapped himself. Sun was the name of something in real life and it was definitely was Jeonghan was delegated as. But Jeonghan did not know and he had no more ideas.
"Also, guess who I ran into after the meeting with the official?" Seokmin just looked at him, waiting for an answer. "Wonwoo. He wanted to personally congratulate me and to offer any help, since I will closely work with him and Minghao. He gave me a run down of how everything works and invited me into his office. Don't think bad! He just wanted to make sure everything was clear, but it was so sweet, Min. I think I really like him which is so unfortunate, since our works schedules are literally opposite, but if Jun and Hao make it work, so can we, right?" Well, that was news for Seokmin. "Oh right, you don't know. Yeah, Jun and Minghao are in something, not official but we all know. So, if they can make it work, do you think Wonwoo and I can? I am sorry, you are the only one I talk about this with when you are in this mindset, since I know you will forget. If I'm overwhelming you, I am sorry and you can tell me to stop."
"No, no. Jeonghan it is fine. You can talk to me about anything, like you say, I will probably forget and it would not be such an issue, right? Just let everything out."
They continued walking and ended up in a room that Jeonghan said was going to be his new office.
"Wonwoo's is three doors away. I am actually surprised he is not there right now. Anyways, should I start from the beginning of this strange story with Wonwoo?" Seokmin nodded. "It started maybe three years ago, I know, don't give me that look! We were both kinda new to the whole training and competition thing, and he was really shy to talk to others outside of his friend group. Luckily, Soonyoung and Jun are his best friends since childhood and were raised in the same village. Oh yeah, we all are from different villages and at a certain age are chosen to come here to the main temple. Temples are where we live and parliament is here, where all the offices and ceremonies are. They are right next door so basically there are no differences. Do you want to take notes?" Jeonghan offered Seokmin something to write with, but Seokmin refused. He was going to wake up tomorrow and be at his real house with his parents telling him to hurry up and get to university on time. He was going to forget this. "I will continue, tell me if there is anything you need clarification on. But yeah, at the age of 12 or 13 you get chosen to which temple you will attend, and you come without your parents, they come later when you are 16. Then some are lucky and get delegated early, but some even have to wait to 20! I was kind of a late bloomer at 18, but everyone said it was because it was a special gift, and it was! Ah yeah, Wonwoo, we met when it was our first day. Soonyoung saw me sitting down by myself and introduced himself. He said Wonwoo and Jun were shy but they were willing to become my friends, which I was glad I had friends the first day! And then I met Jisoo, who was friends with Seungcheol. They had arrived there some months before, and that is how everyone became friends. It is thirteen of us, Chan being the last added and he apparently thinks of you as his big brother, that kid really loves you Seokmin."
"Then how did we become each others favorites?"
"Ah, that." Jeonghan let out a chuckle that sounded like anything but what it was supposed to represent. "You saved me Minnie. It was maybe your third month here? You were fairly new and only talked with Mingyu, maybe his strong demeanor made you feel safe. We were training and it was a very tough day for me. I missed my parents and only wanted to cry, specifically that day. That day we had special visitors who are the ones that make the judging if you are fitted for a special task or not. I barely left my bed and felt very weak and you realized that. You stayed by my side all day. One of the test is the strength and endurance test, both of which I am not good. I was to the point of exhaustion and felt like fainting at any minute. And just when I was about to, you were there and took me to the medical wing. Apparently I had a very severe case of dehydration and malnutrition. Doctors said that if it weren't for you, I would probably not be here today. But you saw me, you realized I was not okay and took care of me, even if we had never talked. That is why you are my favorite boy and the only person that truly understands me."
Seokmin let out a breath that he didn't realized he was holding. That story was way too familiar to him, that is exactly what happened between him and Mingyu. Mingyu had helped him in elementary school, when Seokmin was having a hard time and suffered a stress episode that led him to two weeks at the hospital. This dream was becoming to realistic and he was afraid. Jeonghan realized this and sat down next to him.
"But hey, I am going to tell you about my weird relationship with Wonwoo, so don't think everything is bad news around here. We actually are fun and have great memories!"
"Are you and Wonwoo together?"
"No, not yet. Maybe we never will be. He likes me and I like him, but we both are too dumb to do anything and I get it. I am afraid of what is going to happen and he is too professional. We've talked about it, about us. No one knows this, they think we barely talk but we do, all the time. He comes at night, when he gets a chance and stands outside my window, sometimes I wait for him with a chair. He was assigned this a year ago, and it was when everything started. For two years, we were just friends, hanging out with the others and having fun. All thirteen of us are really close, we really love each other, but we know when someone likes someone else. Chan is the one that starts everything and tells both of us, for some reason. Jun and Hao, and Cheol and Mingyu are together because of us three, mostly me and Wonwoo since Chan just lets us do the dirty work. But then, when Wonwoo was delegated, I came into his room to congratulate him and he was crying. He never cries! I think is the only time I've ever saw him cry. I was afraid he did not want that assignment, so I hugged him. He sobbed in my arms and we laid on his bed until he fell asleep. Some hours passed and he woke up, apologizing for the "mess" he caused. I asked him if that was not what he wanted and he said that was not the issue. He adored the assignment! He said that he always felt an inclination for that, always thought he had a special task and when they told him, he could not hold it in anymore. He said I was glad I came to see him, because he needed someone there, more specifically, he needed me there. I was so surprised Seokmin! He told me he always felt safe when I was around and he did not have to be someone he wasn't when he was with me. And Seokmin, I was delighted! I held him close to me and kissed him. Maybe I shouldn't have, I was taken aback by my sudden reaction and I took a step back, but he said no, that that was what he wanted and he kissed me! Seokmin, it was my first kiss and it was perfect. We both confessed there. I had always felt something for him, something I did not feel for anyone else, not even for you. I never realized they were a different kind of feeling. Do you believe in soulmates?"
"I actually do, at lame as it sounds."
"It is not lame! I believe in them too, and Wonwoo does too. We have talked about this, and maybe we are."
"Then what is the issue? Why can't you guys be together? Is it against something?"
"No, not really. We are just afraid. We were waiting for my delegation, and this happened."
"You said you talk almost every night. Do you want to tell me about that?"
"You are so nosey! Not so different as the Seokmin of this realm." That made Seokmin look at him funny. "Jihoon will come tonight to tell you about that. Anyways, we do talk every night and we also kiss. We talk about everything! He tells me stories about other delegates, how they handle their job and how everything is linked together. I talk to him about my day. We talk about our dreams and hopes for the future and what we both want. Sometimes we lay together, my head on his chest hearing his heart beat and that makes me sleepy but I never want to sleep when I am with him. He stares into my eyes and kisses me very delicately, telling how much he likes me and how he likes being with me. There is a feeling, something that has not been explained thoroughly to us, only the higher ups know about that, because apparently someone here will be in charge of that. Wonwoo said he heard them talking about it, that it feels funny on your heart and stomach. That feeling makes people do crazy things for other, but it feels like home to some. Like if you were my soulmate, I will feel that for you. I jokingly tell Wonwoo that is what I feel for him. We like to call it love."
Seokmin choked back some tears he was holding. Someone here was going to be assigned the duty of love? And Jeonghan said it was what he felt towards Wonwoo?
"Love exists in my life, realm, world, I don't know a good word for that."
"It does? And what is it? Do you have it?"
"You can't have love. It is a feeling, you feel it here." He poked Jeonghan's heart, earning a chuckle. "I don't feel it, not yet. But I do love our friends, that is something. There are different types of love, there is love for your family, friends, lover. You feel love for your friends, for me, but it is way different as the love you feel for Wonwoo."
"So, I do love him?"
"I think so, yeah." Jeonghan's eyes illuminated and Seokmin thought he was going to run to Wonwoo's office to tell him. Luckily, a knock was heard and Jihoon came into the room.
"Seokmin, can I talk to you?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You are in a different realm than us. This Seokmin is not the Seokmin that lives here. I do not know how it happens, or why it happens. I have talked to Morpheo and he always tells me the same thing. There is something in you that is different from everyone here. He can't make you fall asleep when he wants and he can't make you dream what he wants. This dream or whatever it is, is coming from you, for some reason. Even I do not know why and I know everything! There is something different and special in you Seokmin, and there is a reason you keep coming here. Maybe you have a mission, that you not know yet."
"But why me?"
"That is exactly what I want to know. Why you and what is it? So far, all my theories have been debunked. Is there anything you can take from this?"
"Not really. I do not lead an exciting life, my friends are almost the same as here. I am a first year university student. I am studying psychology. Nothing that makes me think I deserve to be here."
"It's not if you deserve it or not, is more of the why. I will find out Seokmin, but it is late already and you most likely not remember this by tomorrow. Come visit us more often, please?"
"I can't promise anything. It is not like I decide when it happens, or like you say, even remember."
"Good night Seokmin."
"Good night Jihoon."
Seokmin fell asleep looking at the darkness outside, wondering what happened for Wonwoo to be up there every night, if he was so happy with Jeonghan here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The loud thumping was heard again on his door. Seokmin laid there, remembering every single thing that happened the day before. He opened his eyes to find the same room he laid down the night before.
"Seokminnie, are you awake?" The voice of Jeonghan could be heard outside his window, where Jeonghan was flying over it, glowing.
"Jeonghan, you're flying!"
"Yes! Comes with the work, I guess. Wait, you are not surprised. Are you the Seokmin or the other Seokmin?"
"I am still Seokmin, but yeah, sorry, it is still the other one."
"That's good! There has to be a meaning for that right? Hurry up, Jihoon is knocking desperately."
Seokmin stood up and walked to his door, where Jihoon was waiting for him, obviously without an ounce of sleep on him.
"I know why you are here. Apparently, I too have dreams of that kind? Anyways, in my dream I met you on a coffee shop? That was the name of the building we were and you walked up to me and called me by my name, saying you missed me on statistics class. Seokmin, I do not know what statistics are! We talked for a bit, ate something called cupcakes and cake pops and you told me about Jisoo! How you were in love with him? I asked what that was, how it felt, and you explained it to me. Seokmin, there have been some talks here about that feeling you explained to me, but it has not been explained."
"Jeonghan told me about that yesterday. I explained it to him, too."
Jihoon's face fell and he started to walk the room, mumbling nonsense.
"What did you tell him exactly?"
"Well, that is kind of secret..."
"Did he tell you about him and Wonwoo?"
"You know?"
"Of course I know! I know everything Seokmin, I am in charge of music but also knowledge! Seokmin, did you tell him that was what he felt with Wonwoo?"
"I-I didn't know! You never gave me an instruction booklet of how things works here!"
"Did he talked to Wonwoo about this?"
"I don't know. He mentioned they talk every night, but I don't know."
"Jeonghan can't tell him that! Not yet. Is something that has not been explained, it has not been released to us. No one knows about this. Seokmin, this could be tragic for them."
Seokmin realized what Jihoon was telling him. A feeling that was not explained to them was dangerous. They both had special tasks and something as big as love may intervene on their duties, resulting in catastrophe.
"I will talk to him."
"Talk to Wonwoo."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here he was, in Wonwoo's office, the latter looking at him through squinted eyes.
"Are you the other Seokmin?"
"Yes...How did you.."
"Jeonghan told me. We thought you were going back to your normal self today."
"Yeah, well me too."
"Nice to meet you, I am Wonwoo."
"Seokmin, but you already know that."
"You seem shy. Maybe you should be this Seokmin forever." Wonwoo let out a soft laugh that made Seokmin blush. Was he laughing at him?
"Wonwoo, there is something I should tell you."
"I know, Jeonghan told me. Something about a feeling? You explained it to him."
"Did you tell you what?"
"No, he said it was not the time, maybe later. But you are here, so what is the matter?"
"Love. The feeling you always talk about. It is called love and it is what you both feel, in my 'world' it exists, but you both cannot tell each other that. Jihoon said it was going to be catastrophic."
Wonwoo stared at him and stood up, walking to his window, offering a chair to Seokmin. "Seok, have you ever felt that?"
"What?"
"Have you, in your world, ever felt that feeling, love?"
"No.. For my friends and family, but never for someone else, in that way."
"It is a great feeling. Seok, you and I are close here. I have talked to you about Jeonghan and how we both feel about each other. You always encourage me and tell me I should not let anyone or anything get in the way of us. Even the day before yesterday, you told me that it did not matter what Jeonghan's delegation was, him and I were meant for each other, soulmates. Jeonghan makes me feel things that I did not you could feel. I think about him any second of the day, even when I am working and should not be thinking of him, I am. I visit him every day, sometimes to his window, sometimes I go inside his room. He always tells me my heartbeat is his favorite sound and the way my kisses takes all his worries away. I planned a future with him, something he does not know. I am trying to tell the higher ups about this, about how everything will work. I want kids with him, I want us to be the epitome of how a couple should be. I feel what you explained to him. That is what I feel for him. Hansol always talks about little speckles of light that are up in the sky, and how they are special. Those speckles of light is what I see on Jeonghan's eyes. He looks at me and I look at him. I knew he was special the first day I met him, Soonyoung walking up to him. He peeked at me and I could not even say hi. Chan always laughs at me, saying I am so dumb and that I obviously like him. My heart cannot tell him what we have and then let him down because of what others say. I think he was placed here, in front of me for something. And that something is to be together. Seokmin, I get that you are scared and what Jihoon told you scares you, I will be too if I was in your position. But sometimes things are not what they seem. Jeonghan and I love each other." A weird feeling made Seokmin light headed and he sat down. "And if the heavens not want this, they would have to fight both of us. We are meant to be together, and we will always be."
Seokmin fell tears running down his face. Apparently crying was the only thing he could do on this realm. The way Wonwoo talked about Jeonghan and the way his face lighted up was enough indication that Wonwoo did love Jeonghan. He already knew Jeonghan loved Wonwoo, but he needed this. Jihoon was totally serious when he explained to him all the possible outcomes, but maybe since this would be the first indication of love on this world, they had hopes right? God or whatever lead them could not be that mean and not let them be together, right?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wonwoo walked to Jeonghan's room, flowers on his hand, mentally thanking Mingyu pick the best ones and the ones he felt best represented Jeonghan. He knocked the door, knowing everyone else were fast asleep, Jeonghan waiting for him. The door opened and there was Jeonghan, in his white sleep attire. He had let his hair down, his curls framing his face, going down his chin. The eyes that Wonwoo adored were staring at him and then at the flowers. Wonwoo closed the door with his foot, grabbing Jeonghan by his hip and kissing him. He had a nice life and loved his job, but this was the best part of everything. Jeonghan and him, in this room, kissing and telling how much they missed each other.
"Mingyu helped me choose them. I had to tell them they were for you and he started to cry, saying how he always had the gut feeling there was something in between us."
"He had that gut feeling, but could not see that Seungcheol was dying for him? Seungcheol even threw himself at him at that party and he kept eating!"
"You know, people are dumb, even us. Took us two years to even realized."
Jeonghan let out a small chuckle. "And why flowers? Special occasion?"
"I talked to Seokmin."
"Oh?"
"He explained the feeling to me. What he talked to you about."
"Okay... You are scaring me."
"No, please don't feel that way. I came here to tell you that. I feel that for you."
Thunder was heard outside, waking a couple of habitants up, making them walk outside their rooms. Jeonghan and Wonwoo in their own world, not realizing about the commotion outside, or even looking at how Minghao was running to said room.
"You feel that for me? What do you mean?"
"I knew what I felt for you was different than anything that has ever been presented to us, but never really knowing what it was. I will talk to the higher ups about this. Jeonghan I made a plan for us, for our future life. A future life where we will be together, kids running around these fields that we adore. Kids that will have your hair and eyes, the kids of the Sun and the Moon. I think this is what Seokmin's mission was. To present to us that feeling and making us be the epitome of that. Of love."
Light rain started pouring from the skies, making the people outside their rooms seek refuge, but scared of going back. From the hallways, Jun could see Minghao running, Jihoon by his side cursing. Chan was in between Seungkwan and Hansol, who were telling him everything was okay and it was just the Gods mad at something, but they were not coming for him. Finally, Seokmin woke up from his slumber, not really wanting to go outside, but the rumbling and shake was too much for him. He walked out his door to see Jihoon standing in front of him.
"What did you tell them?"
"Who?"
"Jeonghan and Wonwoo. What did you say to them?"
"N-Nothing! I barely spoke to Jeonghan today and-and..."
"And what?! Words!"
"Wonwoo, I talked to him. He told me that Jeonghan explained to him the feeling. He said he felt that towards him. But why? Why are you asking?"
"Because the Gods are mad! The higher ups are on their way, we have to stop them from saying it. Seokmin, I think this was your mission, to make them present the feeling."
"But why me?!"
"Why not! Come, lets go to them."
Pieces of the building were coming down, thanks to the rumbling, making the habitants run, being on Jihoon, Minghao and Seokmin's way. What could easily be a five minute walk, was almost like running a marathon.
"Wonwoo, that feeling has not been presented yet. We do not know the effects of it."
"I know Hannie, but it is what I feel for you."
"Wait Wonwoo, I-I wanna say it too."
The light rain was long forgotten, making this the strongest storm they had ever felt. Wonwoo looked out the window, took a deep breath. He knew what this meant, but if two people are meant to be together, they should and they would.
"Wonwoo..."
"Jeonghan..."
"I love you." They both whispered to each other, feeling their hearts beat harder and a feeling they never felt take over them. Their lips touched and an electric bolt parted from their kiss, making them separate and seeing the room around them crumbling down. Wonwoo held Jeonghan close to him, protecting him against anything that could hit him, making them walk out the window. And that is where they saw them. The higher ups that rarely showed up at the temple or even at the parliament, in front of them, with expressions that could only be read as trouble and anger.
"Sirs..."
"Wonwoo and Jeonghan. Moon and Sun. You both expressed a feeling that has not been presented to you. You both signed documents, readings, where it is strictly stipulated you will not defy your higher ups. The feeling has not been presented for extreme reasons, and even advised, you both ignored said advices. We do not know how you both know of this feeling or even have the meaning of it. Do you understand what we are trying to say?"
"Sir, yes. I understand. We know what the feeling is, we both feel it. I have a plan, if you let me present to you..."
"A plan? Great Wonwoo, said plan should have been given to us before this happening."
"I have it in my office, if you..." Another person stepped up, making Wonwoo shiver from the stare he was giving to them.
"Wonwoo, as much as we would like to let this pass, the Gods heard."
Jeonghan let out a sob and held Wonwoo closer to him.
"What...What do you mean? What will happen? Wonwoo?"
"Written by them, we hand you the punishment."
Both Jeonghan and Wonwoo held the scroll, where the punishment was written, not believing their eyes.
"Sir, this is unfair! This will absolutely destroy us! Destroy this temple, the parliament, everything. This feeling a lot of habitants feel it, but do not know what it is. Shouldn't we present it to them? Be the epitome of it?"
"You know you cannot present new feelings to your equals. This was presented illegally, unofficially. This is the punishment and it should be carried out."
Jihoon, Seokmin, and Minghao got there and heard this. Not really knowing what the punishment was, they both walked up to them. The other guys walking fast to them, not really understanding anything.
"Guys, what.. what is happening?"
"Chan, they presented a feeling unofficially. Said it and the Gods heard."
"Isn't that punishable?"
"Yeah... we do not know yet what the punishment is."
Jeonghan heard this and turned to look at Seokmin, telling him to come closer.
"Hyung?"
"Seokmin, I think this was your mission."
"What is?"
"For some reason, the Sun and the Moon cannot be together on earth. It is against everything the parliament stand by. We did not know that, but you did. Something in you made you come here and that something made us separate. Is not your fault, please never let your mind or anyone tell you it is. It was destined for me and Wonwoo to not be together."
This caused the eleven others to sob uncontrollably, thunder and lighting stronger than before. Some pillars were tumbling down, making walls come with them. Seokmin felt light headed, sitting down, while rain soaked him fully. And that's when it happened. Memories of him here came to his mind, replaying like a movie. Their laughs, their first meeting, seeing Wonwoo and Jeonghan fall in love, fast but deeply. Himself laying in the fields, with Jisoo by his side, caressing his hand, talking about the future and what they thought their assignments would be. Feeling of longing and sadness making him turn to Jisoo who ran to him, hugging. Minyu and Seungcheol sharing midnight kisses and cuddling until morning light. Seeing Jun and Minghao mocking each other, followed by a "Please never leave me". Chan, Seungkwan and Vernon running, proving who was the fastest and skillful fighter. Jihoon admiring them all from afar, smiling big and joining them, enjoying the first rain of spring. Soonyoung climbing on his back, telling him that there is no one else for him than Jihoon. Seokmin remembered everything and it hurt. It hurt to know they were his all, and he was the cause this was going to not be anymore. Why was he given this mission?
"But, it would be my fault, Han."
Jeonghan's eyes illuminated, a couple of tears running down his face. "You remembered."
"Yes, I remember everything. Please, don't go."
"We don't want to, but we have to. Maybe it is something we need to do for the world to be a good one."
"But you are the epitome of love!"
"Seok, when two people are meant to be together, they will always find a way." Jeonghan held Wonwoo's face, kissing him.
Seungcheol held them all, initiating a group hug. "We will always find a way."
Lighting struck the group and darkness was what he last remembers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Seokmin wake up! You are gonna miss it!"
Seokmin opened his eyes to Chan being on top of him, giving him a couple of slaps.
"Get off! What am I gonna miss?"
"The eclipse, duh! What else?"
Seokmin looked around to see that he was right at the same rooftop he remembered three days ago. Vernon and Seungkwan sharing a caprisun, while Soonyoung was showing Mingyu and Minghao the new song he was planning on releasing on his birthday. He looked up at the sky to see the eclipse was barely starting.
"Isn't it beautiful, Hyung? Imagine how lucky we are to be able to see this."
"It truly is beautiful. Maybe the legend is true. They were lovers but were punished for something, but every once in a while, they find each other. They always find a way."
"Leave that sappy shit aside, now let's drink!"
Seokmin stared in awe, with Jeonghan and Wonwoo on his mind, smiling and taking a sip of the bottle that Mingyu gave him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Finals week was always chaos, and among that chaos he always found a way to meet up with his friends, all of them with different majors. They were waiting for Soonyoung to arrive, running late like always.
"Did I tell you about the boy that saved my life? I was short a couple of cents at the mart and the mean cashier did not want to give me my gimbap! I was almost crying Hyung! And then this angel came from nowhere and even gave her more than what I was short of! I thanked him and said I will repay, but he kept reassuring me that it was fine! I needed to find a way so I asked for his number and will be sure to reach him."
"Chan, I always tell you to carry cash, more than what you think you will need. Why didn't you call me?"
"Because I was almost crying! She had no right to not give me my gimbap just because of some cents."
"I wouldn't have given it to you either, you should know how much a gimbap is!"
"Seungkwan shut up. Vernon kiss him so he will shut up."
Both Seungkwan and Vernon turned a deep shade of red, not realizing everyone knew about their "secret relationship" Seokmin laughed and told Chan to go with him to the counter to ask for the usual drinks they would get. He already knew their friends order, double checking with a text. Both Mingyu and Soonyoung answered with their orders, and three more, since they had invited some new friends from their classes. Seokmin was excited to meet said friends, since they were almost a mystery to him, just hearing about them once in a while.
"Hi there! What can I get you?"
Seokmin looked up from his phone, to see a familiar face smiling at him. He looked into his eyes, those brown eyes that had made him cry a couple of nights, long forgotten. Chan nudged him and Seokmin looked at the name tag. Jisoo
"Sorry, yeah, um, the usual."
"Oh yeah, sorry. I am a new hire so I don't know what is your usual, but if you tell me I'll be sure to write it down. Next time I'll know!"
Seokmin started saying his order to Jisoo, all the memories from that dream vividly replaying on his mind. They sat down, waiting for the others. Chan looked at him with worried eyes, but thought it was because Seokmin was dumbfounded by the beauty of the barista. Seokmin had woken up that eclipse night and had just disregarded what happened as just a very vivid dream, never mentioning anything to the others. Why would he tell them about his dreams? No reason for it, but now, with Jisoo here, it made him questioned the veracity of said dream.
"Channie! Seok!"
He heard Soonyoung from the door, followed by a very embarrassed Minghao and Mingyu, with three heads following them.
"I did not tell you my savior's name! It is Jeonghan, I thought the name was very on point."
Seokmin turned to look at Chan, making sure he heard right. Jisoo and Jeonghan?
"Hey there baby boys, remember about the friends I told you? These are them, Jihoon and Jun! And that right there is Seungcheol, Mingyu's sporty friend!"
Seokmin was sure he was dreaming again. What do you mean those are their friends? The same day Jisoo appears and Jeonghan is mentioned to him?
"Nice to meet you! Sorry about Jihoon and Jun, they are quiet, we know each other from first year. Still a doubt to me how they became friends with Soonyoung."
"Seungcheol, I just met you and I do not like you already!"
They sat down all around, putting two tables together. They kept talking, Seokmin saying a couple of things here and there, not really paying attention. All the memories from that dream coming back to him in an instant. He heard a commotion happen behind Chan, turning to look at it.
"Sorry! My boss thinks it is funny to put things where they are not supposed to go, even when the others tell him not to!" It was Jisoo, talking with a customer, having just spilled his drink on the floor, luckily not reaching him or his books.
"It is fine, don't worry. It actually would've been a miracle if you spilled something on my book, that would make me have an excuse to my professor for my horrible essay." Jisoo and the customer laughed, making Seokmin squint at said customer. He heard the bell that indicated someone walked into the coffee shop, turning around and seeing another familiar face.
"Wonwoo?" Seokmin's eyes opened up, more than he realized, Vernon eyeing him.
"Jeonghan? It's been years!" Wonwoo stood up and hugged Jeonghan, the latter closing his eyes.
"Jeonghan? Hey, you are the angel that saved me!"
"Hey little guy, how was the gimbap?"
"So good! Hey come, sit with us, invite your friend! I will repay those cents!"
And that is how the table for seven turned to a table for thirteen, Jisoo joining them after almost destroying Wonwoo's essay.
They found a way. They will always find a way.