Chapter 1: Monday
Chapter Text
Ugh, tiring day. Jisoo mentally groaned as he joined the sea of people walking along the main corridor of his school. There were loud chatters everywhere, with occasional thundering of footsteps from students running past and shouts from those who spotted friends a far distance from them. Like usual, Jisoo passed by everyone without a word, with no one to greet and no one to call out to him.
He thought he heard his name being mentioned for a second but immediately dismissed the idea, keeping his head low and avoiding people's eyes as he continued to walk towards his class.
He was just about to reach the stairs to go to the third floor for his first subject when he noticed that the students in front of him were slowly splitting apart and making way for something or rather, someone. As soon as the last bunch of people moved aside, Jisoo was able to see clearly what was the cause of the sudden clearing of path.
A man was walking towards his direction. He initially thought the guy was only going to pass by, but the second their eyes met and he knew that the other was in fact going towards him. Jisoo did not know what to do as he stood there, frozen, waiting for the person to reach him.
Seeing that he was rooted on his spot, the man hastened his pace and with a few more strides, closed the gap between them and Jisoo found himself locked in the person's embrace.
The cheering and shouts barely registered in Jisoo's brain; the sudden warmth that enveloped him made it difficult for him to think clearly. The male's scent was comforting, reminding him of spring and bright, cloudless sky.
Wait, what is happening?! He asked to himself as the feeling of shock slowly dissipated and panic began to sink in. Why was this person hugging him all of a sudden? And in front of the whole student body nonetheless!
Mustering the strength to pull away, he pushed off the man and looked at him, perplexed. "Excuse me, why are you doing this?"
Instead of moving away, the other took Jisoo's hands into his own. There was a mix of longing and anger in his face as he spoke. "Jisoo, where have you been? You disappeared without a word for days! Do you know how worried I was? I almost turned crazy looking everywhere for you!"
"What? But I didn't go anywhere..." His voice trailed off, clueless as to what the stranger was talking about. How could he have disappeared when he still went to school last week? He had his weekends off so obviously he wasn't in the campus during those days. What was this person saying? And more importantly, who was he?
"Excuse me, mister, I think you're mistaking me for someone else. I don't even know you." Jisoo told the other politely.
At his words, the man's expression turned blank. His hand reached out to touch his forehead, his cheeks, until Jisoo swatted the hand away for touching him excessively without permission. "Are you sick, Jisoo? Did you hit your head or something? Why are you saying that you don't know me?"
"No, I'm serious. I really don't know you." He answered, taking a better look at the guy to make sure that he really did not know him. His mind tried to recall any memories, places where they could have possibly met, even just a name that he could associate to the other, but there was none. It was really his first time meeting this man.
His answer caused the stranger's face to contort into that of hurt. "How can you not remember your own boyfriend?"
Boyfriend?! Jisoo mentally screamed. Since when did he have one? He never got into a relationship with anyone ever since he entered this university. How could this man be his boyfriend?!
"E-excuse me? I think you got the wrong person. I'm not dating anybody." He stammered, trying to make sense of what was happening.
Around them, students began talking in hushed whispers as they watched the drama unfolding between him and the stranger. Their reactions varied from surprise, sympathy, and disbelief. For whom the emotions were felt for, Jisoo did not know nor did he care.
Everything that escaped his mouth seemed to only hurt the guy even more as his lips trembled lightly upon hearing his denial. He tried to approach him again, calling out his name softly. "Jisoo..."
He backed away, slowly, not wanting to get closer to the man. Jisoo did not know him-- there was no way he would believe that he was in a relationship with someone whom he had never seen, until today. For all he knew, the man could have planned all this with malevolent intentions.
"I'm sorry, I really do not know you. I don't have a boyfriend, and it will never be you." He said before sprinting up towards the stairs.
Jisoo did not look back and ran as fast as he could towards his classroom. His heart was thumping loudly in fear that the man was running after him. Thankfully, he reached the place without getting chased. He opened the door and saw that the professor was just about to begin his lecture.
The occupants in the room focused their attention to him as he bowed deeply in apology before excusing himself to sit at the back row of the class. He rummaged for his notebook and a pen, getting ready to take down notes on the subject. Jisoo tried to shake off the memories of his strange encounter earlier, letting the monotonous voice of the professor float inside his head.
A boyfriend? How ridiculous.
The bell rang loudly, signalizing the end of the class. The teacher was giving last-minute reminders as the students packed their bags and raced for the door to arrive first at the cafeteria. Jisoo took his sweet time to collect his things while he waited for most people to be out of the room before he too exited to have a quick lunch.
However, he did not expect the crowd of people waiting by the hallway. Among them was the same guy who randomly hugged him earlier that morning.
"Jisoo!" The boy called out upon seeing him. He was just about to walk over to his direction, but stopped on his tracks when he saw that Jisoo was starting to back away and into the classroom again. "Wait! Please, listen to what I'll say. I promise I won't do anything creepy."
Jisoo eyed him warily, still not trusting the boy's words. He did not have any problem hugging him in front of a large audience previously, even declaring that they were dating when Jisoo knew it wasn't true. How could he know that this person would not do that again?
"Please, can we talk? Just the two of us. I swear I just want to talk to you. Jisoo, please..." The person pleaded over and over.
Jisoo was starting to feel uncomfortable from all the begging, not being accustomed to having pleaded to and with many students bearing witness to the scene. The immense attention being thrown at him was overwhelming. He could feel that the guy would not stop following him until he gave in even with an audience being present.
"...fine." He finally relented, though immediately followed with a threat. "But I'm warning you. No funny business or I'll call the police."
This seemed enough for the man as his expression cleared in relief. "Yes, I promise. Let's go somewhere more secluded."
Jisoo followed the other as they walked past the sea of people who had been hanging out along the corridor to watch their conversation. Some of them were patting the man's shoulder, giving words of encouragement. Some even addressed him, asking how he could forget his own boyfriend and to remember their love. It was all ridiculous to Jisoo; how the man could make so many people believe that they were really a couple.
Despite feeling nervous of being alone with the man, he continued to trail after him until they reached the school's rooftop. The bright, blue sky greeted him as the chilly breeze of spring blew past them. There was not a single person in sight, which made it a perfect spot to talk things out without being heard. It could also be a perfect spot to be assaulted with no one to cry to for help.
Once they were both out in the open, the man finally turned to him. There was an intense longing in his eyes that Jisoo could almost feel the warmth in them wrapping around him, being held by the other despite not being touched. Jisoo expected the other to jump on him the moment they were both alone but he remained a few steps away, keeping his promise of not doing anything sinister.
"Jisoo..." The man began, eyes still not leaving him. "Do you really not know who I am?"
"No, I don't." He answered in full honesty. After all, there was nothing to say but the truth. "I really don't know you."
"Are you sure?"
"I am." Jisoo confirmed. "How about you? Are you sure you got the right person?"
It was crazy, how one of them insisted that they knew each other while the other insisted that they did not.
Realizing the ridiculousness of their situation, the person let out a hollow laugh and shook his head. "I don't know what to make of this. Last week, we even celebrated our 300th day together then you disappeared like a bubble. And now you come back saying you don't recognize me."
"I'm sorry, I-I really don't know what to say." He told the man. "I know this will sound unbelievable, but it's really my first time meeting you."
The man studied him for a few seconds, seeming to weigh the truthfulness in his words. Jisoo returned the gaze with equal intensity, wanting to show that he was not lying. Finally, the other sighed in resignation.
"I guess there's no helping it. If you can't remember me, then I'll have to introduce myself all over again." He extended a hand to him. "I'm Choi Seungcheol. The man who keeps calling you his boyfriend for the past hour."
He eyed the offered hand carefully before slowly reaching out his own, shaking hands with the other. "Hong Jisoo."
"I know."
"So, uhm, Seungcheol-ssi? Would you care to tell why you're going around chasing me and saying that we're dating?" He asked. There were so many questions in his mind that only this person could answer.
"Ah, that. I know you won't believe it even if I say this over and over again, but we're actually dating." Seeing the same look of confusion on his face, Seungcheol continued. "I don't know what's happening, either. Last time we met was last Friday, when I drove you to your classmate's house because you said you were going to do a group project there. The next day, I tried calling and texting you but you weren't answering. I went to your classmate's place and he said you left early that night and you haven't contacted them since. I thought you were busy with something so I just let it be. But the day after and there was still nothing from you so I started getting worried."
"Yes, I remember going to my classmate's place for a project last Friday. But I wasn't with anyone; I went there alone." Jisoo replied, trying to remember the events of the said day. "I called my friend, told him I was coming and stayed until around eight in the evening. Then I went home and spent my weekends by myself. I didn't disappear or anything."
"So, you didn't go anywhere?" Seungcheol asked. When Jisoo shook his head, he pressed further. "I went to your apartment yesterday but you weren't there. I asked the landlady if she had seen you but she said she didn't see anyone come in since Friday. I tried calling everyone acquainted with you but none of them could tell me where you've gone to. I almost even called your parents in the US to ask if you could have possibly flown there on impulse. In the end, I didn't because if it happened that you weren't there, they would just worry about you, too."
"Wait, how did you know that my parents are in the US?" Jisoo asked, skeptical that the boy was aware of his family situation. No one knew that he was living alone in Korea except for people who should like the school admin and his landlady. Even his classmates did not, so how could Seungcheol know that?
"I told you, I am your, erm, boyfriend." The man scratched the back of his neck. "So yeah, I just patiently waited for you to contact me again, about to become paranoid from all the possible reasons why you disappeared without a word. I thought maybe you got kidnapped or even worse. I told myself I'll be reporting you missing if you still did not contact me today. And then when I came to school this morning, someone immediately told me that they saw you entered the school grounds. I rushed to see if it were true so when I saw you standing in that hallway, I just ran and embraced you tightly."
"Yeah, you've caused quite a scene there." He said awkwardly, recalling the commotion from earlier. "I was shocked when some stranger suddenly approached and hugged me in front of the entire school."
"Sorry, I just got really emotional after seeing you." Seungcheol apologized. "I was relieved to see that you're okay, and it never crossed my mind that you would forget me."
"I apologize for running away. You must be hurt that I could not remember-"
"It's okay." The man cut him off. "It's only natural that you become wary of someone you don't know. I know I would have done the same too, maybe even worse like punching the other guy."
At that, a small smile made its way to his lips. "Thank you for understanding."
The other smiled at him in return. Jisoo took this chance to observe the man's features. Seungcheol had fair skin, round eyes, and the longest eyelashes he had ever seen in a man. He had darling dimples on both cheeks when he smiled which made him look kinder and approachable. Seungcheol was actually a good-looking guy, and Jisoo wondered how come this man ended up (apparently) dating him when he was certain Seungcheol could have had someone better if he wanted to.
"Uhm, Seungcheol? If what you're saying is true, can you show me some proof that we're really together? Maybe some pictures or conversations between us." Jisoo shifted uncomfortably on his spot. "To be honest, it's not easy for me to accept what you're saying because I still believe in what I know. However, I don't want to dismiss you as a liar so I want to see a proof of your side of the story."
He knew it wouldn't be possible for both of them to be saying the truth, but Seungcheol seemed to be serious about his declarations. Jisoo wanted to make sure that this was not made up.
Jisoo almost expected Seungcheol to turn pale or panic at his request, an indication that he might be lying, but the man coolly took out his phone and looked for something to show him. When he faced the screen to Jisoo, he was shocked to see a picture of them, him and Seungcheol, together. Jisoo was even resting his head on Seungcheol's shoulder while the other had his arm outstretched to take the photo.
"Wha- How is that- How could we-" Jisoo could not finish his sentence as he stared at the image in disbelief.
It did not end there. Seungcheol browsed more pictures for him to check. The two of them eating ice cream together. A picture of Jisoo in Pikachu pajamas while watching anime on his laptop. Seungcheol kissing him on the cheek. A candid photo of them walking in the park while holding hands. They were too good, too real to be deemed fake. And if ever they were, whoever altered those pictures must be a genius.
"Do you believe me now?" Seungcheol said while putting away his phone. He watched as Jisoo continued to gape at him, shocked at the display of evidence. "If that's not enough I can also show you our messages, videos, and even an audio recording of you singing a song for my birthday. They're all here."
"But, how is this possible? I can't remember anything!"
"Did you hit your head or got injured? Maybe you had selective amnesia since last Friday." The man crossed the distance between them and, seeing that he did not back away unlike before, continued to watch him with a worried gaze. "I saw it in dramas on TV. The character forgot his lover and they had to rebuild their memories again."
"No, I did not get into an accident. And those things don't happen in real life, do they?" Jisoo said, racking his brain for any sign of forgetfulness. He felt fine; he was sure that nothing was wrong with him. Yet, how come he could not remember that Choi Seungcheol existed in his life?
Seeing that he was starting to panic again, Seungcheol placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Hey, it's okay. Don't force yourself to remember. If you think there's really nothing going on between us, it's fine."
"But-"
"Don't worry about me, and I'm sorry that I had to drag you all the way here to explain. If you want, you can go back to your normal life and pretend that we've never talked. You don't have to be a boyfriend to me just because I told you that you are." Seungcheol smiled encouragingly at him, yet he knew that the man must be suffering inside for having to say those words. Who wouldn't, when the person you loved could not remember you?
Bidding him goodbye, the man walked away and went to a corner of the rooftop where several old chairs had been stacked. He sat on one of those and just stared at the sky, his back facing him. Jisoo took it as his cue to leave, but his feet refused to move. He studied the man's slumped figure as silence continued to fill the place.
Relax, Jisoo. Try to think this over. He told himself as he tried to think of a way to solve his current situation.
Jisoo knew for a fact that he was single; he had been living three years of his life in Korea alone. Sure, he had been on some dates before, but nothing went beyond second meeting. He could recall every single person he went out with, and he knew that the man was none of them. More importantly, the existence of Choi Seungcheol was utterly unknown to him.
He was certain he wasn't forgetting anything; his memory was as clear as the day and he could swear on all his dead relatives' graves that he had never, ever met Seungcheol before this. Even on the slight possibility that he had indeed forgotten his identity, how could he not recall that he was on a relationship? It was ridiculous.
And yet the way Seungcheol looked at him, gave proof that he wasn't lying, Jisoo could not dismiss it as some prank or pretense. Seungcheol was really in a relationship with him, whether he acknowledged it or not.
Knowing that, would he still move on and pretend that this never happened?
Seungcheol felt a presence approaching his side and saw Jisoo occupying the chair next to his. He must not have expected the boy to join him as he looked at Jisoo with a confused expression. "Why are you still here?"
"I want to know more about...us." Jisoo answered, not meeting his eyes and chose to gaze at the open view in front of them. "I still can't believe that this is happening, but I decided to make efforts to understand."
"You don't have to do this."
"But I want to."
"I told you, I'm okay." Seungcheol repeated, whispering his next words that Jisoo almost missed them. "I'll be okay."
"Please, don't say that. I can see that you're not. It pains me too that someone loves me but I cannot return it. " This time, Jisoo looked at him. "And it's not only for you. I have to do this for myself. I will not be able to live normally knowing that a part of my memory is missing, especially when it involves a person who is supposed to be special to me."
Silence. After some time, the man finally spoke again. "What do you want to know?"
"Anything is fine. Like, how we got to know each other, the things that we do together..."
"Okay." Seungcheol stretched his legs as he stared up in the sky. There was a wistful look on his handsome face as he thought of things to tell him. "We were classmates in a minor subject last year. I've been borrowing your notes since we're seatmates and you were so kind to lend them every time. Actually, I didn't write in that class on purpose to have an excuse to talk to you. Then after I had the courage to ask you out, we started seeing each other. We became officially together after I confessed my feelings to you for all the entire school to hear by using the broadcasting room in the college building."
"So that's why the students were following our tiny drama in the hallway." Jisoo commented, amazed at his story.
"Yes, and they actually consider us a popular couple in the school." Seungcheol chuckled. "They are so supportive that whenever we get into arguments, they would tell us to make up or prepare an event to help us reconcile."
"Isn't that tiring? You know, having so many people getting involved in your- our- relationship?"
"It is, that's why we try not to show disagreement in public so they wouldn't try to get into our business anymore. Not that we often do, anyway. We get along fine with just about anything."
"How do I act around?"
"You mean how you are in our relationship?" When he nodded, the man continued. "You're sweet and gentle, always smiling and never getting angry at me. Sometimes you would get pissed off when I interrupt you watching anime or when I insist on something that you don't want to do. You would give me the cold shoulder and ignore me for some time. I've never heard you raise your voice; I'm actually the guilty one for that. I end up apologizing and you always, always welcome me back with your angelic smile."
"I-Interesting." Jisoo replied, although hearing the man describe him like that made him feel embarrassed. "I've been on dates a few times, but not getting together with anyone. Hearing how I act when in a relationship is fascinating to know."
"So in your case, you're single?"
"Yes." It sounded strange to answer, knowing that Seungcheol had a different perception of him as his supposed boyfriend. "I don't really have an interesting personality so no one takes notice of me. And I'm too busy with studies to look for someone myself. I prefer my quiet, single life as it is."
"Talking to you like this, you're not really different from the Jisoo that I know other than the fact that you don't remember me. If we have met like before, I would still probably do what I did, borrowing your notes to get closer to you."
"I think I will lend it to you, too." Jisoo could not help but chuckle as he tried to imagine the scenario. "Then maybe I wouldn't be single now."
At that, Seungcheol turned to fully face him, causing Jisoo to look back at the other as well. There was a slight smile playing on the man's lips and he could tell that Seungcheol had a sudden thought.
"How about you try dating me today? Just so you will feel how it's like to be in a relationship with someone."
The incredulous look on his face was enough answer to the other's absurd idea, forcing Seungcheol to explain further. "Don't get me wrong; I'm not trying to take advantage of you or anything, nor do I want to impose my assumptions on you. I just want you to feel how it's like to go on a date with me. Maybe, even if you don't recognize our relationship now, you will realize that having me for a boyfriend wouldn't be so bad. Then you might really start dating me of your own accord."
"Hmm..." Jisoo thought hard as to whether or not accept the offer. It wasn't like someone would get angry since technically he was the one seeing Seungcheol and he was supposed to be the one to feel that.
It was hard to count it as cheating when the boyfriend was having a date with his own lover, just without the memories of them being together. Ah, trying to put logic in this situation was useless!
"Come on, can you really pass off dating someone like me?" Seungcheol did a handsome pose and winked at him.
It took all of Jisoo's effort not to laugh. Finally, he agreed. "Fine, I hope you won't show me a bad time."
At his reply, the other's eyes lit up in excitement. "Really? Then, let's go!" Before he could protest, the other took him by the hand and led him out of the rooftop.
They left the school premises, ditching their remaining classes and went to the ice cream shop a few blocks away. It was Jisoo's favorite hangout place and he was surprised (or not) that Seungcheol knew about it. They bought an ice cream each, the man buying his favorite flavor without being told.
Then, they walked to the small playground nearby and had fun playing on the slide, the swing, with Jisoo laughing at Seungcheol struggling to hold on to the monkey bars while making effort to dangle his long legs off the ground. The two also played hide and seek, with Jisoo climbing up the tree and hiding among the branches, silently watching Seungcheol spinning round and round the entire playground looking for him.
The game ended when the man finally took out his phone and dialed something. In an instant, Jisoo's own device rang loudly inside his pocket. This caused the other to look up and find him on the tree, before walking over and reached out a hand to help him climb down.
"Goodness, Jisoo. How did you even think of hiding up there? You're like a cat." Seungcheol commented as he put his hands on Jisoo's sides and kept him safe on his landing.
This earned a small laugh from the boy. "But you cheated! You called my phone to track me down!"
"Well, I couldn't find you and I was also wondering if you have the same number. I guess I got lucky that it wasn't on silent."
They looked into each other's eyes and the joyous moment disappeared. Beneath the warm smile, Jisoo could see the pain in the other's gaze. Even after spending time together, he knew that Seungcheol still wished that he remembered about them.
"I'm sorry, Seungcheol." He murmured, heart heavy with sympathy for the man. "For forgetting you."
"It's not your fault." The other replied back. "If you can't remember, then we will just create new memories of us. We can get through this."
The man circled his arms around him and pulled him in an embrace. This time, Jisoo did not pull away. He just let the other hug him, to let him ease his longing even just for a bit. He still did not agree to take on the role of being Seungcheol's lover, but he could take this chance to discover if there was a possibility of them going the same path as before.
They were in that position when a memory flashed in his mind. Jisoo tried to hold on to it, but the feeling instantly disappeared and he could only remember some of it. He pulled away from the hug and stared at the other.
"Seungcheol, I remembered something. The night when I went home from my classmate's house last Friday."
At those words, Seungcheol's expression changed to surprise. "Really? What is it? Did you get into an accident?"
Jisoo shook his head. "I just remember riding off the bus and walking to the direction of my house. When I reached my apartment's road, the street lights started blinking."
The man was hanging on to his next words. "And then?"
"That's all I can remember. I was wondering why the lights were blinking. It was creepy, and I felt scared just recalling that..."
Seungcheol studied him for a few seconds, before running a comforting hand down his back. "Don't force yourself. It will come to you eventually. Just give it time."
Jisoo smiled gratefully at him. He couldn't help but appreciate how Seungcheol was treating him despite his own pain. After realizing that Jisoo could not remember him, he never tried to persuade him to believe again, simply supporting him and letting him choose his own decision.
Even though there were still a lot of questions hanging, Jisoo was willing to understand more. He would like to get to know Choi Seungcheol again. And maybe, just maybe, he would end up falling for the man for the second time around.
Chapter 2: Tuesday
Chapter Text
"Did I forget it at home?" Jisoo muttered to himself as he kept rummaging through his bag in search for his flash drive. He had been doing so from the moment he had sat on the bus, traveled to school, and even while he was slowly walking towards the campus. He had checked all the pockets of his bag for about ten times already and even flipped through his notebooks on the off chance that it had slipped in between the pages, but his efforts remained futile.
A look of worry began to form in his face. He had an important document there that needed to be printed out and passed for one of his subjects. Jisoo had been pulling all-nighters on that one because the professor was a perfectionist who did not like crammed submissions. The last time he had touched that drive was last Friday before going to his classmate's house for a project, making sure that the file was secured and ready to be taken anytime and had put it in his bag for safe keeping. He did not check it yesterday because he was so busy that the object did not once cross his thoughts.
And speaking of yesterday...
Jisoo stopped on his tracks as the memory of his extraordinary day resurfaced in his mind. He remembered the time when he had first seen Choi Seungcheol, a person who rushed to him in the middle of the hallway yesterday morning and pulled him into a tight hug like those dramatic scenes that he saw on school dramas on TV. He could still remember the slight freezing of his body at the sudden touch, the growing consciousness towards the people cheering around them, the warmth of the other pressing against him. Whenever Jisoo remembered how the entire student body watched their tiny drama, it made him want to hide in a hole or something.
What would they do if they saw him again today? Would they greet him like a friend, when last week they might not had even known a person named Hong Jisoo? Would they ask him about his relationship with Seungcheol?
Ah, Choi Seungcheol. The root of his concern. The boy came into his life so suddenly, without warning, and wrecked havoc to his peaceful single life. Seungcheol just came out of nowhere and claimed to be his boyfriend despite his refusal to believe the other. The man was really convinced that they were together, even showing proof that he was not lying, to which Jisoo had no choice but to accept.
It wasn't just because Seungcheol provided him with evidences to support his allegation that he became convinced to a certain degree; it was the way he looked at Jisoo, his attempts at suppressing his own pain, and even his consideration in respecting his opinion about the matter despite the hurt that led him to believe that the man was speaking the truth. He wanted Jisoo to accept what he was saying, and yet Seungcheol loved him enough not to impose their so-called relationship on him and allowed him to choose for himself. And because he was convinced (at some point) to believe him, Jisoo agreed to meet halfway and took the chance to know the man more.
Yesterday, they had their date in the park and had dinner together afterwards. Seungcheol was a great company; he was nice, a little funny, and very considerate. Jisoo was touched with the way the man took care of him. He was attentive to his needs and was always there to give a hand, yet he maintained his distance and tried not be too intimate or close, giving him space since he knew that Jisoo had not really accepted their relationship yet. And for that, he was thankful.
Their day ended when Seungcheol walked him to the bus station where he would take a ride home. The man actually offered to accompany him all the way back to his apartment (he should not be surprised anymore that the man knew where he lived, but he still was) but Jisoo declined and told him that they would just see each other again in school the next day. He thanked the man for the great time, with which the other replied with something that had kept him awake all night.
"Jisoo, even if you won't remember me again tomorrow, or the next day, or every single day, just know that I wouldn't get tired showing you that I love you, and that I will always wait for you."
And with a last smile, Seungcheol finally went on his way.
Jisoo shook his head and continued on his way, fighting back the blush that crept on his cheeks at the memory of Seungcheol's last words to him. It surely did wonders to his heart how the man could be so faithful and patient in waiting for him to remember their relationship. He felt undeserving of so much love, and he couldn't help but feel frustrated for not remembering Seungcheol. If this continued, Jisoo knew that they would eventually lead to the same path as what the boy was saying. For now, he would take his time.
"You seem to be in a good mood. And I thought you would miss me."
Jisoo glanced up at the sound of the voice close to him before feeling a slight warmth engulfing his right hand. His head turned sharply to the direction where it came and saw a man with a bright smile standing beside him.
His surprise must had registered clearly on his face that the man could not help but let out a snigger. "Why the shock? You look like you saw a ghost."
He took a good look at the other. Ebony hair with a clean, short hairstyle, slightly narrow eyes, a very prominent nose, thin lips, and a mega-watt smile. The guy looked attractive, with sharp features that would make anyone take a second look. The bright smile on his face gave him a nice, friendly vibe. If summer could be personified, this man might be it.
"I'm sorry but...do I know you?" Jisoo asked uncertainly, the same feeling of dread returning in his chest. He had said this same line to another person, being in this same kind of situation just a little over twenty four hours ago.
He already expected the crestfallen expression that crossed the man's face, but it was quickly replaced by another smile. "Nice try. Where did you learn that? I knew I shouldn't have pranked you too often. It's rubbing on you."
Jisoo swallowed the lump in his throat. "No, I...I'm serious." If only he were really joking, but the person was indeed a total stranger to him. Oh god, don't tell me it's the same thing again.
At that, the man's hurt expression returned. "I know we haven't dated for long but how could you tell your boyfriend that you don't know him?"
Bingo. Jisoo fought the urge to facepalm. He already suspected it, but he was praying hard for his guess not to come true. And yet it did. It seemed that today would be just like yesterday, when Seungcheol also looked at him with the same hurt expression and asked how he could forget his own boyfriend.
At the memory of the other, Jisoo took out his phone and searched his call history for the man's number. He remembered that Seungcheol called his phone while they were playing hide and seek in the playground. Clicking on the list, he tried to call it but the number was not in service. Jisoo tried again, and again, yet the same voice prompt answered him back.
The man watched him throughout his attempts before finally asking out of curiosity. "Who are you calling?"
"Oh, n-nothing." Jisoo stammered as he put away the device. "Just a friend."
Luckily, he did not press further. "Okay. So, ready to go to class?"
Jisoo was just about to nod when he remembered his current dilemma. "No, I forgot my flash drive so I have to go back home-"
"You mean this?" The man said as he held out a blue, rectangular object in front of him.
"My flash drive!" He exclaimed before taking the item. He eyed the man with a wondering stare. "Why do you have it?"
The other threw him a weird look. "You asked me to keep it for you, remember? You said you don't trust your memory to recall where you'll put it so you told me to give it to you today."
"Oh, I...did?" His voice trailed off as he studied the man's face. Jisoo still could not believe how this person got in possession of his flash drive when he knew he had left it at home. There was no way he would entrust this to anyone else, what with the important files it held and no trust was big enough for him to give it to someone. Unless...they were special to him.
Biting his lips, he chose his next words carefully. "You know, this might be a bit shocking to you, but I think I have selective amnesia. I can't...remember who you are."
It took five seconds of silence before the stranger let out a big laugh. He continued laughing and laughing until he had to clutch his stomach to stop the pain that was beginning to shoot up his body. Jisoo just let him be, eyeing him with the same nervous expression until the man's laughter finally subsided.
"Goodness. That- was- amazing." The guy said as he straightened up, still wheezing from all the laughter. "How come I never thought of acting the amnesiac boyfriend? I should have pulled off that one after we finished our marathon of Winter Sonata. I'm just as handsome as Bae Yongjoon, no?"
"I'm serious, I don't know you. I don't even know your name!"
"But why? How? Did you get into an accident or something?"
Jisoo shook his head. "I didn't, but I can't remember anything."
At that, a small frown made its way on the other's lips. "Are you sure this is not a joke?" Seeing that he did not have a playful look on his face, the man continued. "You really don't know who I am?"
"No, that's why I'm asking you."
Now, the male had a look of genuine surprise, still finding the situation difficult to believe. "Jisoo hyung, how can you not remember me? It's me, your boyfriend!"
"I know! I mean- I don't, that's why I'm asking for your name. I don't know who you are, and I certainly won't believe you to be my boyfriend."
At his words, the man let go of his hand that Jisoo didn't notice was still intertwined with his own and grabbed him by the shoulders. "I'm Lee Seokmin. Sophomore and Communication Arts major. We are part of the school choir where you are a baritone and I'm a tenor. I was born on February 18th and my blood type is O. My hometown is Yongin, in Gyeonggi-do and-"
"Okay, Seokmin. Thank you for the introduction." Jisoo cut him off before flashing a small smile. It was supposed to be a tensed moment for them, yet he could not help but feel a little amused at the other's panic upon the realization that he was serious at his lack of knowledge of the other. "I'm glad I finally know how to address you."
"But seriously, hyung, you really don't remember anything about me? Not even our relationship?" The boy named Seokmin asked further. He was still studying him with a look of concern in his face.
"No, and I apologize. It must be difficult for you to accept that I can't remember you as my boyfriend." He said, sighing in frustration. Jisoo could not believe that he would be dealing with another case like Seungcheol's, this time with another man. How could this be possible? Does that mean he was dating several men at once? And without him knowing a thing about it?
"To be honest, it still seems ridiculous to me. Does amnesia really come just like that? You said you didn't get into an accident so how could you possibly lose your memories?"
"I don't know. It just...happened." There was really no explanation to what was happening to him. Jisoo felt fine physically, and yet this had been the second time that he missed knowing a supposed special person in his life. The internal struggle to keep himself sane from all the emotional confusion was real.
Seeing that he too was having a difficult time, Seokmin took his hand again and squeezed it gently. "It's okay. It doesn't matter if you can't remember me. I'll still be here for you."
He looked at the other with a grateful smile. "Thanks."
The man tugged at his hand lightly before leading him to the direction of the school building. "Let's leave it aside for now. You better print out your project first before you get a big, fat zero on your subject for submitting it late."
"You're right!" Jisoo exclaimed as the two of them crossed the school grounds with quick steps, hand in hand towards the place.
"Hey."
Jisoo turned around and saw Seokmin approaching with the same cheery grin on his face. "How was your grade?"
"I don't know yet. The professor said he will return it to us next meeting with the scores." He replied.
The other had joined him in walking to the school cafeteria. Around them, students were passing by without greeting either of them, unlike yesterday when almost everyone knew Jisoo and threw him words of encouragement for forgetting Seungcheol.
Now that his mind was clear to think out his situation, he could not help but raise a few questions in his mind. How come there were two people claiming him as their boyfriend? And why was it that Jisoo could not remember them both?
Yesterday, Seungcheol was really sincere in proving him that they were in a relationship, same with Seokmin today. If both of them were saying the truth, was Jisoo dating them at the same time?
No, that's not possible. He could be many things, but he was not a cheater. Even if he might have lost his memories, he would never forget his morals. He knew he wouldn't be able to do something so horrible.
But how would he know? In the first place, he even landed himself some boyfriend(s) without him knowing. How could he be sure that he was not capable of cheating, too?
Jisoo shook his head to ward off the negative thoughts. No, he wouldn't. He wasn't that kind of person. He was raised to be as morally upright as he could. Of course, he was not perfect and was still capable of committing mistakes, but not to the point of that. Jisoo could accept this amnesia thing, no matter how ridiculous it was, but not the idea that he would play with people's hearts.
Seokmin, seeing him fell silent, nudged him lightly by the arm. "Hyung, are you alright?"
Having his train of thoughts broken, he looked at the other. "Huh? Ah, yes." Jisoo managed to reply.
"You suddenly turned quiet. It must be hunger. Come on, let's go grab something to eat."
They went to the cafeteria which was now crowded with students hurrying to fill their stomachs after the grueling hours of lectures. There was a long line in front of the counter and most of the tables were occupied by groups of people, all chatting among themselves amidst the clanking of trays and dishes. Jisoo craned his neck to look for an empty spot and when he noticed one, immediately told Seokmin that he would just wait for the boy there, to which he received a thumbs up in reply.
Jisoo crossed the rows of tables and dropped his bag on one of the chairs before sitting down beside it. He looked around to see if, even on a slim chance, Seungcheol could be among the sea of people. He wasn't.
It still bothered him that the man was nowhere to be found, that even other students were not mentioning his name. If this was the same situation as yesterday, wouldn't they have raised questions upon seeing Jisoo walking around with another man? They would have called him out of it by now, or at least ask why he wasn't with Seungcheol. And yet none of it was happening.
Jisoo tried to look people in the eyes, hoping to be approached and spoken to, but they would just meet gaze for some seconds before the other would look somewhere else. No one seemed to recognize him anymore. No one seemed to remember what happened yesterday, only him. And now that Seungcheol was nowhere to be found, with no one talking about him, them, Jisoo felt as if everything was all a dream.
And here came another person claiming to be in a special relationship with him, with Jisoo being clueless of the other's existence once again. It was like...Seungcheol had been replaced by Seokmin in his life. Did that even make sense?
"You look distracted."
Jisoo looked up to see Seokmin standing in front of him, holding a tray of food. The man placed it down on the table before taking a spot across from him. His usual smile was not there as he continued to study him carefully.
"Here." The boy motioned to the steaming bowl of noodles that he had placed near his hand. "Eat first. I know you can't say no to a bowl of jjamppong."
He mumbled a soft thanks before starting to eat the offered food. How the man knew that he liked the specific dish, he didn't ask anymore. Jisoo already knew the answer to that, anyway.
For a few minutes, only the sound of their chopsticks meeting the dishes was heard, with the occasional slurps and lifting of cups to drink some water. Jisoo was still in the middle of finishing his meal when Seokmin spoke again.
"What happened?" The boy asked.
It was a broad question, with which so many answers could be given to, and yet Jisoo knew what the man might be specifically referring to. He looked up from his food and replied. "I don't know. I just woke up today and when I saw you, I couldn't put a name nor recall any memories associated with you. It's like it was my first time meeting you."
Seokmin's eyebrows furrowed in concentration. "But you seemed fine when I last met you. You even told me to go with you to the bookstore later after class since the latest volume of Onepiece would be out today."
"When did I say that? Last Friday?" He asked the other. When the man nodded, Jisoo continued. "Were you with me when I went to my classmate's house?"
"No, I had to attend the choir practice. You've told our coach in advance that you wouldn't make it that day since you're going to do a project so he let you go. I offered to take you there but you said the tenors can't afford to lose me." Seokmin managed to let out a smile. "So I just bid you goodbye and you're gone."
Seokmin had a different version of the story last Friday. In Seungcheol's case, he drove Jisoo there while Seokmin let him go all by himself. There was a slight difference in the story, but the discrepancy in his memory still began from the same time frame.
"Seokmin, if you don't mind, can you tell me things about our relationship? How long have we been together?"
At that, the boy took on a bashful look, as if feeling awkward at answering his question. "One week, actually." Seeing the surprised look on his face, he continued. "I've only had the guts to confess to you two weeks ago, when Seungkwan told me that you might be transferring school next semester. I suspected that he was kidding, but the fear that I wouldn't be able to tell you how I feel before you go got the better of me so I confessed. If I weren't pranked, I would have kept my crush on you a secret until you graduated."
"And I accepted your confession?"
"Yes." Seokmin grinned sheepishly. His eyes were twinkling brightly as he replied. "Until now, I can't believe that you feel the same way. I was terrified that you would avoid me after I told you, that whatever connection we still have would disappear. I could live with the rejection, but I wouldn't be able to take it if you will be out of my life."
"O-oh." Jisoo looked down on his now empty bowl, unable to meet the other's stare. There was a mixture of shyness and sympathy growing in his chest at Seokmin's words. It was sad, how he could not return such great affection. "I'm sorry if it seemed that you're back to zero since I can't remember anything about us-"
"No, it's okay." The man told him reassuringly. "I'm more worried that you have a problem with your memory. Aside from me, is there anything else that you can't recall?"
He tried to think of other things that he might had forgotten, but couldn't think of any. It was funny; how was he supposed to remember something he forgot?
"No, just...us." Jisoo finally replied.
Seokmin eyed him with a frown, a hint of sadness flashing in his eyes before he reverted back to his usual, happy demeanor. "Hey, don't take it so seriously. It doesn't matter if you can't remember me. I can just introduce myself again to you."
"But-"
"Jisoo hyung." The man placed his hands on the sides of his face, thumb caressing his cheek. He was looking at him with a gentle gaze. "It's okay, really. I managed to wait for you for two years. How can I not wait for you again?"
Jisoo studied him for a few seconds and when he was convinced that the other would not go emotional on him (like what Seungcheol did yesterday), he finally relented. "Alright."
Seokmin let go of the touch and took his hand as they stood up. "Come on, let's take a rest outside. All these people here is making me feel stuffy."
He was led by the other again, this time going out of the building and into the school grounds. They found a lone spot among the trees where the branches gave a comforting shelter against the sun's rays. They sat under it, sitting side by side and with their hands still connected to each other. Jisoo did not bother to move away, having been used to more intimate touches from Seungcheol yesterday. Besides, it was the only thing that he could do for the other now that they were strangers again.
Seokmin leaned back against the trunk of the tree, closing his eyes as a light breeze blew past them. "What are you planning now?"
Jisoo looked at him, not quite understanding the other's question. "Huh?"
"Are you still going to date me?"
"I-" He could not continue his sentence. It would be impossible for him to enter a relationship with Seokmin when he didn't harbor the same feelings that led him to accept the other's confession as before.
"I don't think I can. I want to be fair to myself, and to you. I don't want to pretend that I like you."
Silence. Jisoo waited tensely for the other to speak, to express his feelings about their situation. It was the second time that he was put in the scenario of having to reject someone, but the sympathy and guilt was all the same.
Finally, the other opened his eyes and turned to face him. His lips opened to speak. "Old memories are precious indeed. But we will make new ones in the future."
Seeing his blank reply, Seokmin nudged him playfully, chuckling at his reaction. "What, you don't remember? That was Yoojin's line to Joonsang in Winter Sonata. Don't tell me you also forgot that?"
"Uh..."
"Hey, listen to me." The man looked him in the eyes with a soft gaze. His face bore a gentle expression as he studied Jisoo. "It doesn't matter if you have an amnesia or what. It's not like the both of us could not remember. I remember you; I remember that I like you and that's enough for me. Do not feel sorry for forgetting me. I hope this is the last time that I will tell you this, hyung. I don't like seeing you sad. I promised myself that I will always make you smile. And I will. So, please, just treat this like our first meeting again and try to look at me with an open heart."
Hearing those words, Jisoo could feel the heavy burden in his chest being lifted. How could Seokmin be so understanding about it? Just like Seungcheol, he respected Jisoo's reservation about denying the relationship. He was willing to start all over again. Maybe it was because they hadn't really been together for long. But the fact that he could be so accepting... Jisoo could feel himself getting attracted once again.
Isn't that what you felt too after spending time with Seungcheol yesterday? A tiny voice in his head asked. Don't tell me you're still in denial of possible cheating.
No, I'm not cheating on anybody. Am I not allowed to get to know multiple people? As a single person, I have the liberty to let my feelings grow and decide whom I've really fallen for. It's not cheating. He reasoned back to the voice.
The other male's voice brought him back to reality. "Since we're back to being strangers, is there anything that you want to know about me?"
"I want to know how we've met, and how you ended up liking me."
"Uh...I think that's a little embarrassing to say but, okay." Seokmin smiled awkwardly at him. "We've met during my audition for the school choir. You were already a member and was one of the judges there. I've noticed you since I entered the room and it made me more nervous to perform. Anyway, I managed to sing and you praised me for doing well. I was surprised to hear your voice; it was so sweet and gentle. I think it was then that I started to develop a crush on you."
"And how was I when we started dating?"
"I'm not sure since we haven't really been together for long, but you're really nice. You were considerate of me and patient with my jokes. Sometimes I worry that you would break up with me because of my pranks." A chuckle escaped the other. "Thankfully, you seem to be taking them well. I can never get enough of hearing you laugh at my jokes."
"I see. Even though I don't know much yet about you, I can tell that you're a fun guy." Jisoo agreed.
"Of course! We should live our lives with a smile on our faces." Seokmin stared at him with a bright grin. "So, are you willing to date me again?"
"Hmm, I'm not sure. I don't think we match well." He said playfully, testing the other's reaction.
"If you don't agree to date me, a bug will fall on you."
"As if that's going to happen-"
Jisoo was in the middle of saying those words when something light fell on top of his head. When he reached a hand to take it out, he instantly felt the feeling of many, tiny legs crawling onto his skin.
"Aaaaaah!" He shouted as he swatted the insect in panic and had accidentally pushed it to the direction of the man. This caused Seokmin to fly from his seat and scream too as he started shaking himself to ward off the bug. Jisoo was still laughing until the boy sat back beside him after making sure that the insect was gone.
"How mean! You knew I have a phobia of bugs that's why you swatted it to my direction on purpose, didn't you?" Seokmin pouted.
"No! I'm so sorry, it was an accident. And it was you who made that wish anyway. Serves you right for jinxing me." Jisoo said, still amused at the funny incident.
"Oh, everyone knows you're low-key mischievous, too. How could you possibly love someone like me if you weren't?"
"Who said that I love you?"
"Mean."
They were in that fun situation when another memory came to Jisoo. He tried to remember it clearly, to get as much as he could, but it still passed so quickly that he wasn't even certain if he got anything at all.
Sensing his change of mood, Seokmin tugged at his hand with a worried look. "Hey, are you okay?"
"Y-yeah." He managed to reply, still in the middle of concentrating about the memory. "I just remembered something. The night after I went to my classmate's house last Friday."
"What did you see?"
"I was in the street leading to my apartment, and the lights were blinking. And then it turned dark. I was about to panic but then it went back again. But things felt different. I don't know, it just felt...creepy."
Seeing that he was still affected by the memory, the other ran a comforting hand on his side. "Don't force yourself too much. Maybe you will remember something again when you least expected it. Come here."
Jisoo felt the other wrapping his arms around his body, enveloping him in a warm hug. Seokmin spoke close to his ear. "Whatever you are going through, I'll be here for you. You won't face this alone, hyung. Just know that if ever you need me, I'll be there."
The other's comforting words made him relax, letting go of the tension from the scary feeling brought by his memory. Jisoo still did not know what happened to him that Friday night which caused him to forget these wonderful people. He wasn't even sure if he wanted to know, but having the support of someone who was willing to be beside him throughout his ordeal, Jisoo knew he would make it.
"Thank you, Seokmin."
Chapter 3: Wednesday
Notes:
a daily prayer: Minshua unit song
Chapter Text
Jisoo woke up and the first thing that registered to him was the throbbing pain in his head. He shut his eyes tightly as his body curled underneath the crumpled sheets, suppressing movement while he waited for the wave of suffering to subside. Unfortunately, it didn't, and he could clearly feel the pain pulsating inside his skull like some ticking clock, drilling on his nerves at every second.
His hand groped for his cellphone which was lying on the bedside table and tapped it open. The screen flashed brightly on his face as he opened his eyes with the tiniest bit, giving him a glowing view of the time. 7:17 AM, it read. Seeing that he did not have much time to prepare for school, Jisoo removed his blanket and forced himself to sit up, groggily making his way towards the bathroom.
"Ugh." Jisoo moaned as he fought the urge to clutch his head from the sudden dizziness that took him.
He stilled himself for a moment, maintaining his balance so as not to collapse on the cold, hard floor of the corridor. He managed to get to school without problem except for almost missing his bus stop. Thankfully, many people dropped off there so he realized and was able to get out at the last minute just as the vehicle prepared to move along. But because he was in a haste, he was not able to get anything for his headache.
He walked over towards the lockers and stood in front of his own, opening the metal safe before proceeding to stuff in the books that he would not need that day. Jisoo only had three lectures scheduled and he couldn't wait for them all to end so he could go back home and take some rest. As much as he wanted to skip classes, he had been doing too much of that for the last two days that he could not afford to do so again, lest he got dropped on them.
The cause of his ditching? The two boys who crashed into his life claiming to be his lovers.
Jisoo sighed as he thought of the familiar faces of Seungcheol and Seokmin. It threw him into panic yesterday when a different man other than Seungcheol suddenly introduced himself as his boyfriend. Not that Seokmin was less likable, but having two people declaring having a relationship with you was bound to confuse anyone.
As if one was not enough. Jisoo could not even begin to explain how the idea of dating them both, and maybe at the same time, caused him to question his own morals more than the missing gaps in his memory. It was one thing to date someone and forgot about them, but having two? It was too much.
Still, he made the choice to get to know Seokmin. He knew nothing about the man, same with Seungcheol when they first met. If he gave the chance to Seungcheol, why would he decline the other the same opportunity of proving to him that he also had a part in Jisoo's life?
They went out and spent time together, with the boy telling him stories about their relationship and how they grew close to each other. There was not much shared memories aside from those they had as choir members, seeing that they had only been dating for a week.
Jisoo could only find himself nod and hum as he listened to Seokmin's narrations, not having a single clue about any of them. Thankfully, the guy was understanding of his situation and never harbored hurt against him for not remembering.
Their day ended when Seokmin walked him back to the bus station and thanked him for the great company. Jisoo also said likewise; he was able to get to know the guy better and, with what little time they had together, understood how he could have fallen for the other and accepted his confession. Seokmin was a man of great patience, not to mention highly entertaining and funny. Anyone would fall in love with him.
And just like last time with Seungcheol, Jisoo had also asked for Seokmin's number and saved it in his phone. It was suspicious how Jisoo could not reach the former the day when he met the latter so he wanted to test if that was only a one-time incident. But judging with how he never received a text nor a call from Seokmin, he had a growing feeling that it might be the same case again today.
He pulled out the phone from his pocket and searched for Seokmin's contact details. Taking a deep breath, he pressed the call button and waited for the number to ring. Jisoo did not even let the voice prompt finish when he quickly ended the call before putting away the device. It was the same. Lee Seokmin's number was also out of reach.
At the result of the unsuccessful attempt, Jisoo's eyebrows furrowed with worry. How come those people only interacted with him for a day? They came into his life so suddenly, spent time together, and then disappeared without a trace after twenty-four hours. Was this supposed to happen again and again? Would he encounter the same situation today as well?
If so, had they really been his boyfriends, Seungcheol and Seokmin? Was there truly something wrong with his memory? What if Jisoo could not remember them because he never knew them in the first place? What if all these were just pretense, like some people making fun of him by taking turns on dating him for a day? How outrageous.
Just as he had the idea of having to deal with knowing another new guy, a wave of nausea rose inside him. Jisoo grabbed on the handle of the locker, fighting the urge to throw up then and there. His head was spinning really fast now and his vision was getting blurry.
He closed his eyes and took deep breaths. One, two, three. But the queasiness in his stomach refused to settle down.
Jisoo took off his glasses (how could he even think of wearing contact lenses with a raging headache?) and fought to steady himself. He could not pass out. Not here. It would be really lame and who knew if he sustained even worse injury by hitting his head or something. The bathroom was only a good few meters away. He just needed to calm down a bit and then make his way there to vomit. He could do it.
He was counting and building momentum for his planned sprint when he felt a large presence towering behind him, followed by a voice of a male calling him.
"Jisoo hyung?"
Jisoo turned around to see who it was, but having removed his eyeglasses, all he could see was a tall guy with brown hair and a blurry face. His thumping head was making it difficult to process anything else.
"Who are you?" He managed to mumble. The sudden appearance of the boy at least gave him the distraction from the urge to throw up.
The person did not answer his question and simply observed Jisoo's weak stance. "Are you sick? Do you need to go to the clinic?"
"Just a headache. I need to go to the bathroom." Jisoo mumbled again before slamming his locker shut and quickly turned to leave.
But the man was faster and caught him by the arm, preventing him from walking away. "You look pale. Let me get you to the clinic."
"No. Bathroom, I-" Jisoo did not finish his sentence as he felt a cold chill ran up his body, the world spinning again. Then everything went black.
Jisoo woke up to the feeling as if he were floating. He tried to move, but a strong pair of arms were keeping him in place from beneath his legs. When he opened his eyes, he saw a blurry face looking down on him. Jisoo could not see his features clearly, but he could almost tell that the man was eyeing him with extreme worry.
Seeing that he was finally conscious, the guy spoke to him. "Jisoo hyung! Thank god, you're awake! You don't know how scared I was when you suddenly fainted! Are you feeling better?"
Jisoo did not reply and instead looked forward to where they were heading to. He noticed the blur of people they passed by who were watching them and whispering to one another. Why were they all staring at him? Was he doing something weird? And how was he moving despite not feeling his feet walking?
It was as if the fog was lifted in his mind and Jisoo finally put together the situation that he was in: he was being carried by the man. In the middle of the corridor. And with the entire student body as audience.
At this realization, he struggled to get away from the man's hold, causing the other to sway and wobble on his feet, yet he remained firm in his hold on Jisoo. "Hey, stay still!" The man said as he continued his attempt to break free.
"Put- me- down!" Jisoo exclaimed in between struggles. He could feel his cheeks burning from embarrassment of having to be carried for all the world to see. Why was he in this kind of situation? Heck, he didn't even know who this person was!
"Stop it, we're almost there!" The other insisted, still not letting go of him despite Jisoo's continuous rejection of his touch. Where the man was getting his strength to resist him, Jisoo did not know. For once he regretted having a small frame and not being strong.
The guy was not lying because after a few more strides, they finally stopped in front of a white painted door which was left open. The man was still holding him in his arms as they entered the school clinic. Jisoo covered his face when a figure of a woman approached them who was wearing a white coat and had something silver hanging around her neck.
"What's going on here?" The woman asked, observing the unusual pair that entered the premise.
"Hello, ma'am. He was looking pale earlier and then passed out in the corridor." The man quickly explained. "Can you please check what's wrong with him?"
Jisoo remained hidden behind his palms, just listening to the conversation happening in front of him. He could not bear to watch himself being carried like some damsel in distress in front of the school doctor. He mentally prayed that the woman did not know him personally or he would never live down the shame.
"Put him on the bed." The doctor ordered and they made their way to another room where a row of hospital beds had been prepared for students' use. Jisoo had been to their university's clinic a few times to get some medication, but not so far as having to stay there.
He felt his body being laid down gently on the soft mattress as his hands were pulled away from his face. Jisoo kept his eyes closed shut to avoid facing further embarrassment.
"Jisoo hyung, open your eyes. The doctor just wants to check on you." The same voice of the male spoke beside him. He was holding Jisoo's hand and running a thumb over it.
"Jisoo-ssi? Open your eyes, please. I need to ask questions to know your condition. There's no need to be flustered." The woman added comfortingly.
Knowing that he could not avoid the situation anymore, he slowly opened his eyes and was met by the bright light from the ceiling. He turned to his right and saw the two blurred figures of people looming over him. Jisoo mentally cursed his eyesight for being useless without prescriptive glasses. He could not recognize even a single feature on their faces.
"Now, would you tell me what you're feeling right now?"
Jisoo answered slowly to the doctor's questions, trying his best to describe his pain as accurately as possible. The woman asked if he had any history of similar case, illnesses that ran in his family, and many more. After finishing the check up, she gave him some medicine and told him to stay in the clinic for a few hours to get some rest. The man bid the doctor goodbye and the two of them were finally left alone.
The other was still holding his hand and squeezed it gently, staring at him with an overly concerned expression. Jisoo did not need to see clearly to feel the intensity of the person's worry for his well-being.
"Baby, why did you still come to school?" The male said in soft beration. "You're sick. You should have just stayed at home and called me so I could take care of you."
Call you? I don't even know your name. Jisoo mentally answered back. There was no need to voice out this reply as he knew that he would just deal with the same reaction of shock and confusion. His mental process was a little delayed and he only realized then what the man called him.
Baby.
Sitting right up, he reached for his pockets in search for his glasses but could not find them. Jisoo needed to see who it was. Who this person was. He searched again, but the object was still nowhere to be found.
"My glasses!" Jisoo said in a panicked tone. "Where are my glasses?!"
He was just about to stand up from the bed to look for it outside when the other occupant of the room pressed something in his hand. Jisoo looked down and saw that they were his eyeglasses.
"You left it on top of your locker." The man added as he watched Jisoo put them on. "I've just barely grabbed them before you fainted on your feet."
"...thank you." Jisoo told him, his eyesight finally gaining focus now that he had the lenses on. His head turned to the direction of the stranger. "My eyes are useless without-" His words were caught in his throat when he finally got a clear picture of the person's face. Jisoo felt his mind turning blank as he stared at the other.
Not seeming to understand his sudden silence, the man looked at him with a quizzical look. "Baby? Why did you stop? Are you feeling sick again?"
The man leaned closer to him and in his panic at the close proximity, Jisoo hastily moved away. He thought he had only moved a few centimeters backward, but felt empty air when he stuck out a hand to steady himself, causing him to tumble off the bed and land on his butt.
"Baby!" The male hurried over to his side and helped him get up. There was a hint of bemusement in his voice when the other spoke to him. "What are you thinking, doing a body gag out of nowhere? Do you want more injuries today?"
"It wasn't intentional." Jisoo replied in defense as he sat back on the bed. His cheeks were flaming hot and he could imagine his face looking like a tomato right now. He wished he could disappear right that instant. "I-I just got surprised, that's all."
"Surprised by what? Me moving closer to you?" Seeing his abashed reaction, the man grinned at him, showing his canine teeth which looked strangely cute. "Aren't you supposed to be used to it by now?"
"I-" Jisoo did not know how to reply. Would it be okay to be honest? Judging by how this man was treating him, it was obvious that they were more than friends, all those carrying and worrying over him plus the term of endearment. There was no use in acting all shy just because he found the other to be extremely good looking. Enough to actually cause him to roll off the bed.
Jisoo would not lie, this man was the most handsome among them so far.
In the end, he decided that denying would not improve his situation. "Yes." He simply said.
"How cute." The man pulled him close to a tight hug before kissing him on the temple. "You don't have to be shy anymore, baby. I'm yours, so you have to get used to being close to me."
Jisoo felt his heart hammering loudly against his chest at the sudden contact. It was winning over the ticking pain in his head right now. He could still feel the slight warmth of the other's lips on the side of his head. Despite feeling himself blushing, he managed to put distance between them and opened his mouth to speak.
"I'm so sorry but, can I ask your name? I...kinda forgot." He ended with a lame excuse. How could Jisoo tell this person that he forgot his existence, or better yet not knowing him at all? He knew this person was already assuming they were lovers, just like the previous two that he had met.
Proving his assumption correct, the man's face fell and he was now looking at him with a blank expression. "Huh?"
"You are my boyfriend, right? I'm sorry but I don't know you." Jisoo said. "I can't remember anything about you...or us."
But the other still could not seem to grasp his words and had now placed a hand on his forehead, his expression now worried. "Are you still sick? Should I ask the doctor to come back? Why are you saying that you don't know me? It's me, baby!"
"I know! I mean, I know you think we're together but honestly, I can't remember you." He insisted, pulling the hand away from him. "Can you tell me your name, please?"
"Mingyu. I'm Kim Mingyu." The boy answered. "How can you forget me, baby? How can you forget your own boyfriend!"
Yeah, right. How can I forget that I have a boyfriend for the third time this week? He groaned mentally. Somehow, I have a feeling that it's not my memory that is the problem here anymore.
Jisoo shook his head. "I'm sorry, Mingyu. I think I'm suffering from memory loss. I just woke up today and I can't remember you. I'm not even sure if it's okay to call you my boyfriend when I have no memory of us being together-"
His sentence was cut off when he felt something soft pressed on his lips, halting him from speaking. Jisoo's eyes widened like saucers when he realized what it was: Mingyu was kissing him. Kissing. Him.
Just when he regained enough sense to push the other away, the man pulled back and stared at him again. "Can you remember something now?"
My god, does this count as harassment?! Jisoo screamed internally, still shocked from what the person did. But a tiny, tiny voice answered back at him. Don't deny, you actually liked it.
"I didn't!" He shouted aloud. Mingyu looked at him, confused at his sudden outburst. Jisoo felt hot in the face. "I- wh-why did you do that?!"
"What, can't I kiss my own boyfriend?" The man answered casually. "You said it makes your heart flutter whenever I kiss you. Like you're about to fly. I thought you will remember something if I did it."
"No, I didn't remember anything. So don't try doing that again." Jisoo warned the other with a glare. He thought his heart would die on him from beating so quickly. It was his first kiss for goodness' sake!
"Baby..."
"And stop calling me that. We're not lovers, at least in my memory."
Hurt flashed on Mingyu's face at his demand. It was like kicking a puppy or taking a child's toy or doing something equally horrible to someone so pure.
"But you said I can call you mine when there's only the two of us. I understand that you're feeling shy in public, but how can you still stop me when there's no one now to hear?"
Jisoo felt a frisson of guilt at the other's words. It was really uncomfortable in his part to be called so sweetly by a person he barely knew, but it must have been worse for Mingyu. First he was forgotten and now they had to go back to first name basis? He could feel a growing empathy for the man's suffering. Maybe he could endure it? This might be just for a day, anyway.
"I'm sorry." He apologized. "I should have been more understanding of your situation. I guess I can let you call me...that." Even if it's just for today. "But no kissing!"
It was enough. In an instant, the boy's features became cheery and he was smiling that Cheshire grin again. And Jisoo could not help but swoon. A little. Just a little. He was trying to keep his growing attraction in check because Kim Mingyu's visual was truly deadly. Add the fact that he was very affectionate.
Dangerous. Jisoo might give in to being this person's boyfriend and throw away whatever inhibition he had left.
"I knew you can't resist me, baby." Mingyu said happily. He lifted a hand and gently caressed Jisoo's cheek. "It's okay even if you can't remember me, but don't look at other guys, okay? You're mine."
He wanted to hide in his hands again from the embarrassment. This person was very...affectionate. Jisoo was not used to dealing with people like Kim Mingyu. He was satisfied being treated simply, without much skinship and mushy words. He didn't know how to handle the overflowing feelings. It was frying his system.
Right at that moment, his headache decided to come back. Jisoo winced in pain as he clutched his hurting head. Mingyu noticed this and immediately moved closer to him.
"What is it? Does your head hurt again?" He asked worryingly. When Jisoo nodded in reply, the man continued. "Lie down for now. Take some rest. I'll be here to watch you."
Not really having any more energy to resist, Jisoo did as he was told and went back to lying down on the bed with Mingyu carefully helping him. Once he was on resting position, the other brushed away the bangs that covered his forehead. Mingyu had a gentle look in his eyes as he continued to stroke his hair comfortingly.
"Thank you, Mingyu." He managed to mumble amidst his pain. Jisoo was really thankful that there was someone with him in his moment of suffering.
"Shh, sleep. I'm here. I won't leave you." The male assured him.
The soft touches made him relax, and Jisoo could feel his eyes getting heavy. His headache was beginning to subside again. Even though he started to become drowsy, he still wanted to know more about Mingyu. "I'm sorry if I have to ask, but I just want to know how did we end up together? You look like you can get someone better, so why settle for me?"
At his question, Mingyu let out a chuckle. "Settle for you? Even when you have amnesia, you still ask the same question. When will you ever accept that it's the other way around? You're the one who deserves better, but I'm happy that you chose me."
"Well, you look really handsome, and you're caring, and affectionate, and I think a lot of people really like you." Jisoo rambled on as he looked up at the other. "What did you see in me to date me?"
"Seriously, whenever you look at me like that, you just make me want to kiss you again." Mingyu said as he moved his face closer. He thought the male would really kiss him again. He did not have enough strength to resist if the other did, but Mingyu simply stared into his eyes. For that moment all Jisoo could see was the boy in front of him.
"I love everything about you, okay? The good and the bad. The way you make me feel, as if I am the most complete person when I'm with you. As if I am nothing when you're not with me. Even when you think so little of yourself, I still love you. And I hope one day you will see yourself the way I see you. Until that time, I'll be here, always."
Hearing those words, Jisoo could not help but smile. Even if this might just be for a day, but to be treated so special by someone like Mingyu, it felt as if his heart would burst. It was a shame that he could not remember anything about this relationship, whether it was even real or not. All he knew was that right now, he was being loved, treasured.
Would it hurt to accept it, to accept the boy's love? Would it be abusive of him, be seen as taking advantage of the other? Mingyu was longing for him to reciprocate and right now, Jisoo was really close to doing that. He just thought that since this was happening, and maybe bound to happen with another man again, that resisting continuously would not mean anything. If ever, it would just make both parties suffer, Jisoo feeling guilty each and every time and the other being in pain not only for being forgotten, but for being rejected to be loved.
Maybe, even just for today, he could have Mingyu, and be his.
"Be here when I wake up." His words were barely a whisper.
"I will."
And his mind finally spiraled into unconsciousness.
Jisoo dreamed a lot. He dreamed of an empty beach, a rooftop, a young girl giving him a can of soda. The scenes were mixing inside his brain that he could not make sense of anything anymore. Slowly, he felt his body falling and he finally woke up. When he opened his eyes, everything was blurry again. Mingyu must had removed his glasses when he fell asleep. And speaking of the boy...
He felt a slight weight pressing down on his stomach, causing him to look down. He could make out Mingyu's head resting on it, the other still clutching his hand even when sleeping.
Jisoo looked side to side and saw a flash of something black on the bed next to his. He stretched an arm out to get what he assumed were his eyeglasses, careful not to awaken the male. He successfully gripped one of the lens and took it, wiping the glasses first before wearing them. At once, Mingyu's face became clear to him. The boy looked so peaceful asleep. Even in his vulnerable state, Mingyu still looked handsome. He looked charismatic when awake, but extremely adorable when unconscious. It took almost all of Jisoo's control not to pinch those cheeks from the cuteness.
Of all the men he had met recently, Mingyu seemed to be the most affectionate. And forward when it came to showing his feelings. Seungcheol was the emotional one, Seokmin was the fun loving, and Mingyu the adoring type. Jisoo wondered if he would meet someone else again tomorrow. And if he would, what kind of person would he be? Would he be different than the rest, a combination of them?
The fact that this was beginning to sound exciting to Jisoo made him worry. He was supposed to question why all this was happening. Was it someone's kind of prank? Why would they do it? But then, the bits of evidence that the guys showed him could not really be fabricated easily. Unless they were rich beyond measure and could pay anyone to do anything.
For now, he would believe that these men were really in a relationship with him, and that for some unknown reason he had forgotten them, and that he had been dating them all at once.
God, this is turning me crazy. Jisoo silently prayed. If I accept these people as my lovers, should I also accept that I'm a cheater?
His constant fidgeting must had woken up the other as Mingyu finally stirred awake. He opened his eyes and met Jisoo's gaze. His voice sounded hoarse when he spoke. "Hey, baby. How are you feeling?"
"Better." Jisoo told him, watching as the boy's head remained resting on his stomach. "Aren't you going to get up there?"
"I love feeling you breathe under me." The male answered, still watching him with a soft gaze. "I can just stare at you the whole day and I won't get tired of it."
"Smooth talker." Jisoo replied, feeling warm from the cheesy comment. "Stop with the pick up lines."
"It's true, though." Mingyu smiled at him, taking his breath away once again. "I'll never get tired of telling you how beautiful you are."
"I know. Just get up already, okay?" He told the other. At this rate, his heart would race uncontrollably again. No one ever complimented him the way this man constantly did. Jisoo had not built enough immunity for this kind of talk.
But Mingyu still kept the side of his face pressed onto his stomach. He even moved a little lower to place a hand on it, rubbing it gently. "If you could get pregnant, I would keep doing this and talk to our baby non-stop."
"Mingyu!"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm up." The man finally did his bidding and was grinning at his reddening face. "You're so easy to tease, baby. I hope you'll never change. I love seeing you blush."
"You're going to kill me with all your teasings." Jisoo replied back. He was still trying to calm down from the other's latest attack on his feelings. "Keep in mind that I already forgot whatever cheesy lines you used to tell me so it's like saying those to me all over again. How can I be resistant to them?"
At his words, the smile on Mingyu's face was replaced with a somber look. "You really don't remember me, do you? Even our memories together."
"I'm sorry." He apologized again. Jisoo already accepted that he would be saying these two words more often than he wanted to. And it pained him just as much as the person he was saying it to.
Mingyu moved closer to him. He rested his chin on his hand, elbow propped on the mattress. Their faces were so close that Jisoo could almost feel the other's breath blowing softly on his skin.
"Even if I have to rebuild our relationship one step at a time, I will. If you can't recall them, I will make you remember. Just please, tell me that you won't leave me, that we will still be together." There was a look of plea in the other's eyes. "I can endure everything, except you getting out of my life. I love you, Jisoo."
And that was it. The final straw. Whatever happened from now on, Jisoo would be ready to face them. He still could not accept calling himself a cheater but if he could redeem himself by being with these people, to ease their pain even just for a day, he would. He would use this opportunity to get to know them, and feel how it was to be loved.
Just as he said those words to himself, a flash of memory registered in his brain. He stilled for a moment to take in the scene, taking note of something before it disappeared again. Another piece of memory from that Friday night.
He was in the middle of the street. The lights were no longer blinking. He just stood there, alone. It made him feel uneasy how the surroundings was so eerily quiet. And then he heard it. At first it was faint, then the noise grew louder.
Something was moving behind him.
"...by? Baby? Hey."
His thoughts were interrupted by Mingyu calling him. The male was watching him with a questioning look. Not wanting to drag him to into further confusion about this whole me, Jisoo smiled at him reassuringly. "Ah, I just remembered something."
"Is it bad? Is it about us?"
"No." Seeing that the man turned sad again, he reached out to touch Mingyu's head, the first skinship that he had initiated on the other today. "Can we leave this place? I'd rather get to know you again outside and experience more things with you."
And Mingyu's smile, eyes twinkling brightly at him, was an answer enough.
Chapter 4: Thursday
Notes:
top 3 in my 'most fave chapters written among all my fics'. just saying.
Chapter Text
Jisoo had his head buried in a thick textbook as his pen continued to race across the paper, struggling to write everything that must be taken from the reference. Towers of books had begun to pile up on his table, a result from hours of browsing all over the library in search for information that he needed for his research. All around him, soft shuffling of papers, hushed whispers, and light footsteps filled the room, giving the library a sense of peaceful yet busy atmosphere.
His hand remained moving over the sheet, eyes focused on the written text in front of him while occasionally glancing around the area. Jisoo had been keeping his attention on the look out for a particular someone to walk up to his table at any time. Someone who would be a total stranger to him, but not the other way around.
The latest experience yesterday with his new 'boyfriend' came as a shock, once again, when Jisoo found himself face to face with another man claiming to have a special part in his life. However, the feeling of surprise was becoming lesser with each passing day. If one were bound to have the same situation day by day, for sure it would make anyone grow immunity. Jisoo did, or as he would rather call it, awareness of what he should be expecting by now.
Mingyu, the man of Wednesday, did the same just like Seungcheol and Seokmin of the previous encounters. Jisoo was sick so the male looked after him until he felt better. Fortunately, his illness disappeared by around noon so they were able to go around and enjoyed each other's company.
Mingyu was a delight to be with; kind, affectionate, and full of care. He made sure that Jisoo was happy and comfortable all the time. Though it kind of irked him how the other was so open to touching and (on several occasions) kissing him. Jisoo was fine with being 'the boyfriend', but there were still things that did not sit well with him. Especially when he was only doing this to help the guys to come to terms with the fact that Jisoo could not remember any of them, and to rest his own conscience from the bugging feeling that he might be cheating with the men all at once.
But through his experience, Jisoo gained new knowledge on the differences of people when it came to relationships. They all had their own styles in dating and he was able to realize how each man was unique on his own. Even though he had not been in a serious commitment since entering university, Jisoo felt like he finally knew how it was to be in not only one, but three so far. And there might just be more to come.
Which was why at the moment, his eyes were keeping watch of all the students passing by his table. He had called Mingyu this morning as soon as he woke up. Jisoo asked for the boy's number before they separated to make sure that he can check if Mingyu could still be reached the next day, but it was the same just like the others: the number was no longer in service.
This proved two things to Jisoo. That one; he could only interact with his 'boyfriends' for a day and that two; there would be another one coming today. He did not know how long this would keep on, but at least for now he could assume these two things as true.
Yet despite his confidence on his assumptions, he could not help but feel that the second one might fail. It was close to lunch time now and his supposed lover for Thursday was still nowhere to be seen. Even when he strolled longer than necessary along the corridors or kept himself easily spotted in public areas, there was no one approaching him. Jisoo could not endure wasting his time anymore so he simply headed over to the library to make something productive with his free time. Now, it's been hours and he was still alone.
He was in the middle of mulling over a possible error in his analysis when he felt a presence sitting down in front of his chair. Jisoo felt his heart dipped, heartbeat racing fast upon the change. Despite being aware of the new company, he kept his head low and just continued writing.
Silence. For a few minutes, Jisoo did not hear anything from the other person. He had been itching to look up and see who it was, but steeled himself. He knew this was the person he was waiting for. Because if it were someone familiar, they would have called him out already from the very moment that they sat down. For now, Jisoo decided to pretend not to notice.
His handwriting skewed a bit when he felt a slight movement in front and then something soft pressing gently against his forehead. He did not even have time to process what happened as a smooth, deep voice rang across from him.
"Are you going to keep on ignoring me?"
At that, his hand stopped moving, but he still did not glance up. Jisoo did not know why, but there was a part of him that felt scared in facing another stranger. He knew what he was supposed to do by now, but having to pacify another broken heart for being forgotten was not something one could not easily get used to. He would have to lie about having amnesia again, force himself into accepting the affections, and silently pray for forgiveness that another person had fallen prey on his supposed 'cheating'.
Jisoo swallowed thickly before finally replying. "As you can see, I'm busy." He managed to say. The ghostly trace of the kiss on his skin still lingered, causing his face to feel warm from the intimate gesture.
"So much that you can't be bothered to see my face?" The voice asked again.
"Do I have to?" He replied, casually turning the leaf of the book that he was reading to the next page. "I see you every day, though."
Now this was a far stretch from the truth. Even with just the voice, Jisoo knew he had no idea who the person was. He had only heard that deep voice today. He was certain because it was so distinct that he would surely remember if he had encountered it in the past.
Jisoo didn't want to look up in fear of what he would see. The mixed curiosity and worry of who the Thursday man could be caused his stomach to churn in discomfort.
"Look at me."
Here it goes. He thought. With a sigh, Jisoo finally dropped the pen and slowly lifted his head.
His eyes met a pair of dark, narrow ones of a man's. His stare was piercing, sharply going straight through Jisoo's soul. Suddenly he felt naked, exposed, like there was nowhere to hide from those searching eyes.
The stranger did not say more, just simply looking at him with his pointed gaze and so Jisoo took this opportunity to observe the other. He was dark haired; with pale, smooth complexion and a face void of any emotion. Jisoo was instantly reminded of a China doll-- exquisite and pretty yet very, very cold.
For the fourth time in a row, he ended up with an extremely good looking partner. How this continued to happen, he had no idea. Jisoo could only pray in gratitude as he considered this a high form of blessing. He never wished for any of them to be handsome, but to be given such was more than anyone could ever ask.
Jisoo would be honest; it certainly made this whole dating thing a lot more easier to accept when his partners looked like campus crushes.
Face not dropping the impassive look, the man spoke again. "Aren't you going to say anything?"
Jisoo blinked repeatedly at the guy, his mind trying to come up with words to say. What was he supposed to tell the other? Jisoo did not even know his name!
"Uh, I'm..." His voice trailed off in an attempt to say something.
"You didn't come to my classroom."
"Sorry, I kinda forgot. I was busy looking things for my research." Jisoo apologized. This was only half truth as he was really working on a project, but he never knew of an appointment of meeting the other after his lecture.
Silence. For some seconds, the man continued staring at him quietly. It made Jisoo uncomfortable how the male was studying him without a word until finally, the person spoke again.
"Jisoo, is there something you want to tell me?" The man's voice was slow and careful, full of sensitivity that highly contrasted his stoic visage.
Well, there goes the cue. Jisoo took a deep breath. "I-I'm sorry. I woke up this morning without remembering anything about you. I can't even recall your name."
The library seemed quieter as he waited for the person's reaction, a sinking feeling growing in the pit of his stomach. How would this man react to what he said? Would he be in denial, think it was a prank, do something radical?
But none of those happened when he finally opened his mouth to speak. "Jeon Wonwoo."
Jisoo's mind seemed to fail to function after hearing the response. "...what?"
"Jeon Wonwoo." The other repeated, this time in an even lower pitch. "That's my name."
"Wonwoo." Jisoo muttered, tasting the person's name on his lips. "Thank you for telling me."
Wonwoo nodded his head and resumed his silence. Jisoo expected him to prove his identity, to go into panic upon being forgotten, but Wonwoo did not question what he said. He was taken aback that the person was taking the news a lot cooler than his predecessors.
Seungcheol, Seokmin, Mingyu, all of them had a more heated reaction after hearing that Jisoo could not remember dating them. But this man, Wonwoo, did not so much as blink at him. He was beginning to wonder if the other was even capable of showing emotions at all.
To Jisoo's further surprise, the pale man took out a novel from his bag and began reading quietly across from him. His narrow eyes were focused on the page, slightly moving sideways as he followed along the lines of text. He did not know whether to interrupt the person and talk to him.
Jisoo was used to being on the receiving end, not the one initiating the interactions. But looking at Wonwoo, he knew that the boy would not be doing that anytime soon. And so he too resumed writing his research and let the surroundings fill their silence with noise.
Time passed by and his hand which had been writing for hours was now screaming for a break. When Jisoo dropped his pen and examined his output, he was satisfied that he had sufficiently gathered enough materials for the day. He decided to call it quits for now.
His eyes looked up to the person who was still sitting in front of him. Jeon Wonwoo had not uttered a word after opening his book and was still engrossed with it until now. His slender fingers would move to flip the page from time to time before resting on the table again.
Jisoo was thankful that the man was not demanding for his attention, but it was far colder than what he expected. Weren't they supposed to be lovers? Then how come this guy seemed to have no interest in knowing the reason behind his sudden memory loss? And he did not seem to care that they had been ignoring each other despite being less than half a meter apart. It made Jisoo awkward how the boy was more comfortable with the quietness than he was.
Finally unable to remain passive about the situation, Jisoo took it upon himself to initiate a talk. "Wonwoo?" The boy lowered his book slightly, eyes traveling to him. "Do you want to get out of here? I'm done for today."
Wonwoo nodded and pushed back his chair gently before getting up and grabbing his bag while stuffing the novel inside it. Jisoo had also gathered his papers which were spread all over the table and carefully tucked them into his own. He grabbed the books that he had used for reference and was surprised when Wonwoo took some as well to help him clear the desk faster.
"Thanks." Jisoo told the other before receiving a nod once again.
They headed to the section where he got the books and started returning them to their original places. Jisoo had more so it took him longer to finish. Once he was done, he walked back to the main corridor and saw Wonwoo already standing near the librarian's station. He went over to the boy as both of them exited the library.
The hallway of the university was way noisier. Here, students did not care about the volume of their voices when speaking, feet thundering loudly across the floor, and doors and lockers being slammed left and right.
Amidst the sudden chaos, Wonwoo remained the image of peace as the dark haired male continued with his silence. It was beginning to get to Jisoo how the boy was not really interested in talking to him.
They reached the end of the corridors which led to the laboratories. None of them were currently in use judging from the lack of people strolling around and locked rooms without lights turned on inside. It was the perfect place to be alone without having to be mindful about chatting loudly.
Jisoo approached one of the empty benches and placed his heavy bag near his foot. Wonwoo did the same and sat beside him, leaving half an arm's distance in between them.
Now that they were all alone, Jisoo finally spoke. He could no longer wait for the other to initiate the topic. "Wonwoo, aren't you going to ask what happened to me?"
It took some seconds before Wonwoo gave a reply. His gaze remained resting on the white wall across from them. "If you said that you can't remember me, then I believe that."
"But aren't you going to ask why, or how? You know, it's not every day that people suddenly get amnesia."
At that, the pale boy turned his head to look at him. His expression was still blank. "If there was something you wanted to say, you would have told me about it already."
Jisoo stared back at the boy incredulously. Nothing could seem to stir curiosity from the other. "Pardon me for asking, but what exactly is our relationship? Are we friends? Classmates?" He could not get himself to say 'boyfriends' since that would sound too assumptive if ever it turned out that they were actually not.
"Lovers." Wonwoo said it so easily as if he was just asked about the weather outside. "We're dating each other."
"And you don't care that I can't remember you?" Jisoo could not understand why this person was so dispassionate about the issue. He knew that if he were in the other's shoes, he would have panicked by now. He realized that the other men of the previous days' over-the-top reactions were a lot more realistic than having none at all.
For the first time since they met, a slight frown made its way on Wonwoo's lips, his sharp gaze softening a little. They were already big changes from the stoic expression that the boy had been sporting.
"I care. But you're already having a hard time as it is that I don't want to trouble you further with my own selfishness. How can I even think of adding to your burden and demand to remember me?"
Jisoo was hit hard by the other's words. Wonwoo kept his silence because he did not want Jisoo to suffer more by catering to his own wants. He must have badly wanted to comment about being forgotten or do something to make him remember, but he did none. All because he was considering Jisoo's situation. This was a hundred-eighty-degree turn from yesterday when Mingyu kissed him fully on the lips because the man thought it might help him remember.
"I-I appreciate your consideration." Jisoo managed to reply, overwhelmed by the other's kindness and his decision of not pursuing the matter.
Once again, they were filled with silence. Now that there was someone who did not demand a relationship from him (even more willing than Seungcheol), could this be the day that he would be free to walk away from his alleged 'boyfriend of the day'?
Jisoo could, thinking that Wonwoo would surely let him go, but he kept himself planted on the seat. Allowing him to leave did not mean the other would not get hurt, even if Wonwoo would not hold it against him.
Jisoo wasn't that heartless. He was aware now that the boy was not the type to push his own wants unless Jisoo was okay with them. If he wanted things to move, he must be the one to initiate it.
"Wonwoo," Jisoo called out to the male who stared back at him. "can you tell me things about you...or us? I have no idea what it's like to be, you know-"
"To be in a relationship with me." The guy finished for him, causing Jisoo to nod in return. "There was nothing much to tell, really. We just date like any other normal couples."
"I noticed that you have a quiet personality and I'm afraid I'm not really the chatty type either, so how do we make it work?"
"Nothing. We just do whatever we want to do, but together."
"Wouldn't that cause us to drift apart? I mean, we might get bored of each other- not that I consider you one, of course." He quickly added, afraid that the boy would take it negatively.
But as expected, Wonwoo did not think too much of his comment. "You said that being with me is like a comfortable bubble that protects you from the chaos of the world."
"Oh. Anything else?"
"We do what you want."
That won't be much, then. Jisoo thought, being aware of his own habits.
The things that he wanted to do were simply going to the bookstore, or coffee shop, or a record store. He wasn't the adventurous type so his routine was pretty much fixed and repetitive. Maybe that was why he got along perfectly with Wonwoo. The boy fit well with constancy and would not break the normality of his activities.
"Say, if we spend the day together, what do you suggest us to do?" He asked.
Now that he had decided to get to know Wonwoo, he should also take the job of leading the relationship. It was a big step from being at the receiving end of his more dominant, past 'lovers'. Being with Jeon Wonwoo was a new kind of challenge, and a whole new curiosity.
But the boy must not had expected his question as a knot formed on his forehead, effectively removing the impassiveness of his face. "You want to spend the day with me?"
"Why, I can't?" His lips curled into a small pout.
"No. It's just- you don't have to do this." Wonwoo was looking at him with slight worry. With each exchange between them came a new facial reaction that made him appear more real to Jisoo. Back when they were in the library he just looked like a handsome, moving statue. "You can leave if you want-"
"What I want is to spend time with you." Jisoo tilted his head slightly to the side. "Is that okay?"
At that, Wonwoo appeared relieved, now certain that Jisoo really wanted to be with him. Slowly, his lips tugged into a handsome smile. "More than okay."
Wow, talk about a hidden gem. Jisoo felt awed at the bright expression that graced the other's face. Wonwoo looked even more good looking when smiling. "Wanna go to the bookstore?" The quiet boy nodded in agreement.
They got up from the bench and took their bags. Just as he was about to leave, Jisoo heard Wonwoo's voice rang from behind him. "Jisoo?"
He turned around to face the man again. "Yes?"
The taller male's eyes were cast downward, almost hidden beneath his ebony bangs. Despite his towering figure, the man looked small with shyness. "...can I hold your hand?"
The words were spoken so gently that it could have flown away with the wind. Jisoo felt his heart flutter at how considerate the other sounded with his request. Being asked like that, how could he even say no?
"Sure."
Wonwoo looked up to meet his eyes and flashed a small, shy smile before taking his hand. They were about to leave when Jisoo frowned as he noticed something, causing him to look down on their connected limbs.
The boy's grip on his hand was loose; it didn't even feel like a grip at all. As if Wonwoo was simply letting their skin touch without taking it. Jisoo did not need to ask why the other was not holding his hand properly.
He took it upon himself and held the person's hand tighter, interlacing their fingers. "Better?"
Wonwoo smiled gratefully at him, squeezing his hand gently in return. "Better."
They walked hand in hand out of school and into the streets, not minding the looks being thrown by curious strangers. Jisoo was beyond past caring for other people's opinion. Anyway, he was pretty sure that all these would be forgotten by tomorrow when the day would restart with an entirely new guy.
At the thought, he found himself looking at Wonwoo again. Being with the boy right now was probably the most relaxing thing he had this week. Ever since Monday began with Seungcheol, Jisoo's mind had been constantly flooded with worries about what was happening to him.
He lived in fear that he was doing something terrible by dating all these people, all the while having to force himself to mature emotionally to cater to the needs of his 'lovers' so they wouldn't get hurt. He was aware that he was throwing away his own inhibitions in exchange of being an accommodating boyfriend to them.
At first it was difficult to accept; to simply let these strangers take advantage of his vulnerability (especially Mingyu) and inability to turn them down. He knew that if he told another person of how much he adjusted for these men than he had ever done in his twenty-two years of living, he would be branded a martyr or crazy. They might even think that he was doing this because he secretly wanted to date them too even if it was just for a day. For that assumption, Jisoo was half certain he wouldn't be able to deny it.
No, he would be a hundred percent certain now. There was no escaping the constant situation brought upon him on the daily nor the change in his lovers. Since there was nothing he could do about them, he would just ride this one hell of a roller coaster trip, no matter where it would lead him in the end.
They reached the bus station and waited for the particular bus that would take them to the area of his favorite bookstore. It did not take long for the vehicle to arrive and as it was still fairly early, there were not many passengers so they were able to get the seat of their choice which was at the far back of the bus. Jisoo sat beside the window, followed by Wonwoo. They sat in complete silence as they waited for the vehicle to move and roll out of the station.
It was a beautiful day. The sky was covered with thin, gray clouds that gave a melancholic feeling to the afternoon. The gentle breeze coming from the window gave comfort to his tired body, and Jisoo could feel his eyes getting heavy from the relaxing atmosphere.
He let his head loll to the side and rested on the metal frame of the window, feeling the grumble of the bus' motor beneath and bumping against the glass from time to time due to uneven road.
"Jisoo?"
He felt a soft tug on his hand, causing him to turn to the man beside him. Wonwoo was looking at him worriedly. "You can use my shoulder."
Jisoo stifled a laugh before managing to let out a smile. Wonwoo could not really do anything without asking for permission first. How did they even manage to be intimate every day?
"Thanks."
He took the other's offer and shifted his head to the other side so that it would rest on his companion's shoulder. But with Wonwoo being taller than him, he only reached the other's chest, resting his head on the broadness of it. Jisoo felt Wonwoo shift slightly to a more comfortable position to hold him better.
The male's deep voice reverberated, making him feel the vibration it brought to his chest as he spoke. "Can I pull you closer?"
This time, he finally gave out an amused chuckle. "Sure."
Wonwoo let go of his hand and wrapped it behind Jisoo's shoulder instead, his other arm resting on his waist. The new position made Jisoo more secured against the boy's chest, being cradled so protectively in Wonwoo's warmth. When he took a breath, his nose caught the scent of the other. Wonwoo smelled of faint, musky cologne and fresh books.
It reminded Jisoo of sitting by the window on a rainy day, hearing the gentle pats hitting the roof while being cocooned in a warm blanket and holding a cup of hot chocolate. Wonwoo smelled like comfort, and of idleness, and of time passing by without a rush. How Jisoo could imagine all these by just the other's scent, he had no idea. All that mattered was how the world seemed to stop its chaotic movement. Wonwoo's embrace felt like home.
"You know, you don't have to ask for permission from me every time you want to do something." Jisoo murmured against the other's chest.
He felt the taller male rest his cheek on top of his head. "It's not the same as when you remember me. Then, you will understand if I suddenly hug or kiss you. I want to respect your choice if you don't want to be touched."
"I understand it even now."
"It's different. I'm more touchy than what you think."
"You're a tactile lover?" He asked.
"Yes."
Not surprising anymore. Wonwoo was not the talkative type, so he must relay his affection through other means. In this case, he used touch instead of words. So that was why he was careful of initiating skinship with Jisoo. He thought he might go overboard and Jisoo would become uncomfortable.
"Don't worry, I can work as a human teddy bear, too."
Wonwoo let out a soft laugh, the first he had since they met in the library. "I will keep that in mind."
Their relaxing position accompanied by the quiet atmosphere in the bus made his drowsiness return. Jisoo felt his eyes drooping as his consciousness began to slip away, only being aware of Wonwoo's embrace.
The humming noises from the road was now far from his mind. The darkness behind his eyelids slowly gave way to an image of a street at night, the lights coming from street lamps the only source of illumination from what would then be a dark alley. There was an eerie silence in his surroundings, causing him to fidget occasionally as he expected something to jump at him. There was none.
Becoming slightly assured in his solitude, Jisoo began walking the familiar path to his apartment, hearing only his own footsteps grating against the asphalt. He did not know how many steps he had taken before the monotonous sound became joined with another, barely syncing with his own. Someone was walking behind him.
He stopped and looked back. Nothing. There was just the usual cars parked to the sides, but no other human presence was in sight.
Jisoo started walking again and finally reached a dark portion of the street. Here, empty lots were lined on both sides of the road and not a street lamp was placed. He called this part of the street as 'twilight zone' because of how weird it felt to walk through the darkness for a few meters before finally entering the lighted path again.
As soon as he entered the twilight zone, things began to feel different. Jisoo heard some more shuffling behind him, more noises, but he didn't dare look back. He needed to get away. There was no telling what would happen to him if the person behind finally reached him and he would not take the risk. Taking a deep breath, he gripped the straps of his bag tightly and took a sprint.
For a second he thought he was able to break away from the presence. Much to his horror, the noises matched his own in speed.
Someone was chasing after him.
He woke up with a jolt, chest heaving up and down as he tried to calm his racing heart. Jisoo looked around, expecting to see himself back in the scary place. Much to his relief, he was still inside the bus.
"Jisoo? What's wrong?"
He turned to Wonwoo who seemed surprise after his sudden movement. Jisoo realized that he was no longer in the other's arms, his body leaning forward that his nose almost touched the seat in front. His heartbeat was still thundering loudly in his ears from fright.
"N-nothing. I just had a bad dream."
"Is that it?" But the worry in the male's face still did not relent. "Come here."
Wonwoo took him in his arms again, running a comforting hand up and down his arm. Jisoo felt himself getting calmer with every stroke, the remnant feelings caused by the dream slowly fading away. A few more deep breaths and he was feeling close to normal again.
"It's okay, I'm here. I won't let you get hurt." The other murmured to his ear. Wonwoo's deep voice was soothing, releasing the tension and fear in his body.
Jisoo did not think more and let himself get buried in the male's touch. He wasn't so sure if it were just a dream. The scenario felt so real, the horror that gripped him feeling more like a déjà vu than a product of his subconscious.
He knew it was another piece of memory that he had lost that night before he began meeting all these people. Now that he was slowly getting an idea of what happened, Jisoo was scared of what he might discover by the end of it all.
"Wonwoo," His voice was shaking as he whispered to the other. "please protect me, even just for a day."
And like the ever loving man that he was, Wonwoo did not ask why, from what, or from whom. His arms simply tightened their hold around the frightened Jisoo.
"I will."
Chapter 5: Friday
Notes:
it's Friday the 13th!!!~
my second most favorite day after Samhain u.u
supposedly had no plans of posting but i had to. i just had to.
Chapter Text
Jisoo reached the final step on top of the stairs and walked towards the closed door. Turning the handle, he pushed it open and stepped out into the daylight, the wide view of the school rooftop greeting him. The sky above was covered in gray clouds, giving a somber atmosphere to the afternoon accompanied by the soft breeze occasionally blowing by.
He approached the metal fence and looked down. He could see the vast school grounds below where students were walking by to come in and out of the building. Somewhere to his left, a portion of the soccer field could be seen. There were also the buildings of other colleges standing proudly along the sides, each separated by clumps of trees and some stone tables and chairs. The bustling crowd below seemed like a world away from where he stood, the noises unable to reach him and break the comforting silence.
His eyes searched for someone recognizable among the crowd or simply anyone that would stood out to him, but with no positive result. It was pretty impossible to spot one judging by their number and the far distance. Yet even so, there was a tiny hope in him that refused to leave as he wished for that person to appear.
The man of Friday...
With a sigh, Jisoo finally stepped away from the fence and sat down on the floor instead, pressing his back against the cool metal bars behind him. He glanced up at the sky, watching the cloud pass by idly. It looked like a large mass of moving sheet where he could see no beginning nor end.
It made a good protection for him whose eyesight was too bad that he could not look at the blue sky for long periods of time. Today, there was no harsh sunlight nor tear-inducing blueness. There was only the melancholic gray.
Jisoo had been waiting for the new man that he would meet today. His schedule was a little tight due to consecutive lectures but he hastily moved into the open as soon as his last class was finished. Just like the previous days, he tried to look for the specific person that would spend time with him, making sure not to get caught off guard unlike with the others.
But today seemed even more difficult than yesterday. It was already mid-afternoon and students were beginning to leave the campus, yet there was still not a shadow of his supposed lover of the day.
What could have happened? Did he not go to school? Jisoo mused, a hint of worry beginning to blossom in his chest. It would be bad if we can't meet. After all, we only have today to spend with each other.
Just as he was having these thoughts, another one suddenly came to him. What if it finally stopped? What if Wonwoo was supposed to be the last?
At that, he grabbed his phone and turned it open, going to his gallery and clicked on the latest photo that he had saved on the device. It was a picture of him and Wonwoo, taken when they went to his favorite bookstore yesterday. The other had an arm around his shoulder while his own was outstretched to take the photo. The man had a small smile on his face, the same shy look that he sported throughout yesterday.
But knowing the man and his personality, Jisoo could tell that Wonwoo was happy at the time, though that feeling did not reflect fully in his expression. He took this photo as a proof that everything was real, that he wasn't hallucinating nor was it a dream. Although Wonwoo's number also became unreachable the following morning when he called, he was left with a tiny memento of the time when the man still existed.
Spending time with Jeon Wonwoo yesterday was like an afternoon nap. A welcomed pause from all the confusion that took him by storm from the consecutive days of becoming a lover to every new stranger. There was no argument, no demands to be remembered. Wonwoo never did once ask about his situation while they were spending time together. He just stayed by his side and kept him company, expressing his affection through quiet touches and gentle words.
It was disappointing, knowing that once the day was over, Wonwoo would also leave him just like the rest, just like how one woke up from the nap and faced the rest of the day again.
Last night, before they parted ways, Jisoo turned to Wonwoo just as the boy was waiting for him to head towards his apartment's street. There was a surprised look in his face when Jisoo suddenly turned around and put his arms around the boy's neck, encasing him into a hug.
"Thank you, Wonwoo." His words came out muffled against the other's shoulder. "I'll miss you."
There were a few seconds of silence before he felt a pair of arms wrapping themselves around him, returning the hug with warmth. Wonwoo tightened his hold on Jisoo and murmured back. No questions, just the single answer that he wanted to hear.
"I'll miss you, too."
"Hah, you're getting too much into this, Jisoo." He muttered loudly while running a hand through his hair. "It's no use to invest feelings in them; they would just disappear within twenty-fours and you will be left all alone again."
He knew that, of course he knew. From the time when his suspicions had been confirmed through Seokmin's disappearance, Jisoo knew that getting invested into this mystery was a terrible idea. He already let himself be open to their affections and allowed them to treat him as their boyfriend, but he himself should not expect anything from those men. He was the one who knew what was happening, that all these were only good for a day. Wasn't it stupid of him to think that there could be something more?
Call him stupid, but he had never felt so happy before. Back then, he was used to being alone. His days flew by with the same old solitude. But after Seungcheol and the others entered his life and turned it upside down, life suddenly felt more exciting, thrilling, albeit the storm was a little too strong for him to handle at the beginning.
Jisoo pocketed his phone and rested his head against the metal fence. He had been unable to sleep well these past few days despite going to bed early. His dreams were always dark and empty and even in his slumber, he could hear his thoughts saying that tomorrow, his boyfriend of the day would change again. And then his heart would remember its heavy weight until his eyes finally opened, starting his day with the same mix of anticipation and nervousness and dread.
His eyes were starting to become heavy, the gentle caress of the wind giving him the soothing sensation of being lulled to sleep. He would just take a nap for a few minutes and then come down the rooftop to search for the Friday man again. He wouldn't believe that the strange phenomenon finally ended yesterday until this day was over and the person did not meet him.
He felt his eyelids close and the sight of the cloudy sky disappeared. For some time there was only the reddish darkness, his other senses becoming more attuned in his surroundings now that he could not see anything. Jisoo felt his body becoming lighter until the darkness in his eyes gave way to a different view. A street almost devoid of light, dimly lit by street lamps glowing from a distance...
His legs broke into a sprint and he could now feel the hard ground beneath his feet as he thundered down the road. His heart was racing fast, he was breaking into cold sweat, and there was terror gripping his whole being as he tried to run away from whatever it was that was following him.
Please go away, please go away. He prayed repeatedly, continuously hearing the sound of footsteps behind. Please, leave me alone!
Panting heavily, Jisoo looked forward and saw that he was only a few meters more until he reached the end of the twilight zone. He willed his legs to move faster and rushed towards the illuminated path.
Five more steps. He counted in anticipation. Four, three, two...one!
Just as he was about to step into the light, he felt something grabbed his arm and he was spun around. A shadow pulled him back into the darkness, staring menacingly at him. Those eyes seemed familiar, as if he already saw them somewhere...
His screams were still echoing in his ears as the world turned black.
Jisoo's body hit the ground, getting back into reality by a sharp pull. Though it felt like he fell down, that did not seem to happen when he realized that he was still in a sitting position, the same that he was in before he fell asleep.
Only, instead of the fence supporting his back, his head was now leaning to the side and seemed to be pressed on something else. Something hard, but somewhat soft, too. His blurry consciousness was still trying to figure out what exactly it was when another sensation happened. This time, at the top of his head.
He felt his hair being stroked gently yet it wasn't his own fingers that were doing so. Someone was playing with his hair. Jisoo did not make any move to swat it away, instead relishing on the surprisingly relaxing touch. The hand continued to run along his scalp, each a feather-like brush on his skin. His heart began to follow the rhythm of the fingers, heartbeat slowly calming down after the terrifying dream that he had.
It feels like Wonwoo's hug. Jisoo wondered through his hazy mind. It's taking away my fear.
He adjusted his head to a more comfortable position, pressing himself closer to the touch. This seemed to make the fingers more eager in their moves, the strokes now longer, pressing harder. Jisoo was just about to get used to the heavier touches when the sensation left his head and slowly traveled south. The fingers traced the side of his face; from his forehead, temple, before finally stopping to his cheek. A soft hand cupped it, thumb brushing lightly against his skin.
Unable to ignore the touch any longer, his eyes opened slowly and tilted his head slight upward, seeing a face peering down at him.
Hazel.
That was the first thought that registered in his mind as soon as he saw those light brown orbs. They were not the usual dark ones that he often saw. These were lighter in color, and prettier. Jisoo was contented drowning himself in those eyes when a voice called out to him.
"Good, you're awake."
His remaining drowsiness washed away and Jisoo blinked a few times before finally moving away from the man's shoulder. So that was what he had been leaning on throughout this time. Wait- what? How did he end up resting on a stranger's shoulder?
"Wh-who are you?" His voice came out raspy due to sleep as he stared at the boy. Now that his mind was clear, he could finally realize that the person was, in fact, a foreigner. Black hair, pale skin, and western features. For a moment he even thought that the guy resembled a famous Hollywood actor. The youthfulness of his face barely hampered the strong charisma it held.
The person's eyebrow rose slightly at his question. "What?"
It's him, it's definitely him. Jisoo thought with certainty before repeating his question again. His heart was hammering loudly against his rib cage. It had begun. "Who are you? I'm sorry, but I don't remember you."
The confusion on the other's expression turned annoyed as his eyes narrowed dangerously at him. "Is this a joke, Josh?" The man replied in English.
He shook his head. "It's not. I really don't know who you are."
His eyes widened when the man's palm suddenly collided with the fence near his head, the sound of metal clanking loudly breaking the silence. The anger was now more evident on his face as the person glowered at Jisoo with such intensity.
"I came here fearing what happened to you last night and then suddenly you're spouting nonsense?! What the hell is wrong with you!"
"I-" He did not know how to continue. What was this person talking about? "I'm sorry, really, but I can't remember anything."
"Bullshit. Stop pretending, this is not funny!"
"I'm not pretending! I really don't know what's happening!" Jisoo insisted, fighting the rising frustration within himself. "I woke up today and I have no recollection of you. I know you won't believe me for saying this, but this is my first time meeting you."
The other was still glowering at him, but Jisoo maintained his stance. He could not pretend that there was something when he had no memory of the boy. Throughout the days, he had encountered men showing diverse reactions upon hearing him say that he could not remember them.
Some were in denial, some were impassive, but this was the first that the other party was angry. He still did not know how to handle such case, but matching the boy's temper was certainly not a good option. Jisoo must be the patient one.
Seeing that he was not going to change his reaction anytime soon, the man finally broke the gaze and ran a hand through his hair. He let out a loud sigh. "This isn't going anywhere. Did you forget what you texted me last night?"
"What? No, I don't even have your number." Jisoo replied.
The person shot him another displeased look before reaching for his pocket and pulled out his phone. He scrolled through the inbox and once he saw what he was looking for, handed it to Jisoo. "Read it."
He took the device and stared at the screen. The number registered was undoubtedly his, but he did not send it. Jisoo read the message.
I love you, Hansol Vernon Chwe. I will always love you. Remember that I'll always be here for you. I'll stay by your side forever. I love you. The message read.
There were no replies from Hansol, the man mentioned in the text, as more messages came from the same sender. All supposedly coming from him. I love you, Hansol.
And another one. I really love you...
There were three more of this, all saying love towards the receiver. There must be a reason behind them but each message seemed to keep getting shorter until the last one was only a single word.
Always.
A reply was finally sent the next morning when Hansol must had already read the texts. The other boy kept flooding him with messages but there was no more response from the number. Hansol's initial confusion at the random confessions of feelings slowly became alarmed, and then demanding for the sender to meet.
When Jisoo finally glanced up from the screen, he saw the other staring intently at him. Hansol must be studying his expression while he was going through the phone's content.
He gave back the device and spoke. "The number is mine, but I did not send those."
"Then who did?"
"I don't know."
"Are you really going to keep being like this?!"
"I can't force you to believe me. Whether you take my words is your choice. I'm only saying the truth." Jisoo told him with a determined look. "I don't know who you are, and I did not send those messages. I also did not get those replies that you've sent."
Silence. Hansol stared at him intently, barely blinking as he studied the expression on his face, probably searching for deceit or lies about his unusual display of memory loss. With each second that passed, the frown on his face turned deeper until finally, he let out a sigh.
"There's no helping it." He said. The man took a deep breath and glanced up to the sky. "I can't insist if this is really true."
"So you understand that I really can't remember you?" Jisoo watched as the other turned back his gaze at him and then nodded stiffly. "Thank you...Hansol."
The mention of his name seemed to have an effect on the boy. His hand slowly lifted up and caressed his cheek. Jisoo remained rooted on his spot and just let the guy with his soft touch, though the action sent waves of shiver down his back.
With those hazel eyes still not leaving him, Hansol pulled him into a hug. His arms wrapped tightly against Jisoo's smaller frame, as if he would never let go.
"I was so scared." He heard the boy whisper on his neck. "I thought something bad happened to you. I can't lose you, Jisoo. I can't."
There was a slight tremble in his voice, an indication of Hansol's genuine fear for his well being. Jisoo may not be the one who sent those messages, but the feeling of worry that they had given to the other boy must be taken care of. Even if he had to be the one to do it.
Jisoo returned the embrace and ran a comforting hand down the person's back. "I'm here. I'm okay. Nothing happened to me."
The boy pulled back from the hug and before he realized what happened, Hansol had captured his lips into a gentle kiss. Jisoo felt his eyes widened and just as he was about to move away, the boy let go of him.
"And I suppose this comes as a shock, too." He said while studying his reaction from the kiss, to which Jisoo could only nod in reply. "Are you going to push me away now that you can't remember what we have?"
Jisoo was certain that the other was referring to their apparent relationship. Since he had no recollection of being together with Hansol, the boy must had assumed that he would take it as a chance to walk away from him.
But it was far too late for that. With each passing day, that option disappeared with every new man that Jisoo encountered, all of them fearing for the same thing even though their reactions to the potential separation varied.
"No." He found himself saying. "I won't leave you."
There was a stunned look on Hansol's face as he continued. "I know you're not lying to me. All these concern and fear for what happened to me last night, you can't possibly make them up. I don't remember you and this relationship but I am willing to understand. I'll stay with you, Hansol."
Hansol stared at him and once again, Jisoo could not help but feel awed at his looks. Now was not the time to get distracted on mundane things yet even so, the man's appearance was something that could not be simply ignored.
From Seungcheol to Hansol, none of the boys ever disappointed in that department. Jisoo did not want to sound so confident, but he could almost expect the man of tomorrow to be as equally handsome as the rest of them.
"Oh, god. Even in your amnesiac condition you're still an angel." Hansol shook his head. "I can't believe how lucky I am to have you."
"...thank you?" He replied, unsure whether to accept the compliment.
At his answer, Hansol gazed at him and finally, his lips curved into a smile. It was the first time that the man held a bright expression on his face and it immediately increased his good looks to a tenfold.
"Come here." He took Jisoo's hand in his and made the two of them sit on the floor, backs leaning against the metal fence. Hansol put an arm around his waist and pulled him close before making Jisoo's head rest on his chest. There was no distinct scent coming from him unlike Wonwoo, but the security of the hold made Jisoo feel comfortable.
"We used to do this here whenever we have free time." Hansol's voice rang once they had settled themselves in the position. "Well, mostly because of me. You just go along with it because you know that it relaxes me."
Jisoo could not help but smile, knowing that the other could not see his face. "I'm glad to be of help."
There was a short moment of silence before the man spoke again. "Those were your exact words the first time we had a date like this. I was in between kissing you or throwing you off the rooftop."
"What?"
"I thought maybe you were making fun of me, or maybe you're scared. After all, I don't have the cleanest reputation in the campus. But I realized that you were simply that polite. Even if the person you're saying thanks to is already your boyfriend."
Jisoo was glad at the compliment, but something else in the sentence struck his interest. "Did you just say that you have a bad reputation?"
He felt Hansol tensed at his question. He must be thinking that it was a bad slip of the tongue to let Jisoo know that he wasn't the best guy to be with. Him not remembering anything was a good chance to hide whatever dark secrets he held. Jisoo only realized it now, but there was indeed a potential danger in this. More than what he could imagine. What if his lovers of the day had something sinister to keep?
No, that can't be. He thought to himself. They were even more miserable than I was when I told them that I can't remember anything. Besides, they never looked the type to be bad people. Seungcheol was the devastated boyfriend, Seokmin was the successful fanboy who dated his senior, Mingyu was too much of a puppy to have any evil intentions, and Wonwoo was a softie beneath the icy exterior.
With each realization came the reassuring calmness that he was on the safe side of things, despite that being ridiculously lucky. So, what can Hansol be?
"People say that I'm a part of a gang." Hansol replied to his question. "That I only got into this university because my parents have powerful connections. One guy spread rumors that I punched him once in the bathroom. It's pretty difficult to earn a bad image with a school this big, but I managed to do it."
"And? Are any of those true?"
Hansol moved slightly so that he was peering down on him, his hazel eyes staring intently at him. "What do you think?"
Careful, Jisoo. He warned himself. Do not remove the possibility that he might not be like the rest. This is for your own safety. "I-I honestly want to know. I don't want to judge you based on what they only say about you. I want the truth."
They quietly searched each other's eyes until Hansol finally broke the silence. "I'm not affiliated with any groups, my parents are painters, and I can never hit anyone even if I'm forced to, especially if it is a senior."
Jisoo was already half expecting this kind of answer, but all his remaining doubts washed away with the explanation. He smiled at the other. "That's a relief. I'm not dating someone dangerous."
Hansol appeared relief that he did not doubt his answer. The man smiled back, showing his perfectly aligned teeth. The gummy smile made him look younger and adorable. "I thought you like dangerous guys?"
"Not really. The loner types, maybe, but not someone who can hurt me." Jisoo stared up at him. "You're exactly the type."
"I was." Hansol placed a kiss on his forehead. "Until you came along."
"Hasn't anyone ever liked you? It's a little impossible to imagine with your face." Jisoo asked curiously, conscious of the warm lips that pressed against his skin a second earlier.
"They did out of curiosity. Surprisingly, some found it disappointing that the rumors were not true. Others left because they did not expect a clueless, awkward guy behind the foreign looks. I still have no idea why my image remained even after those failed attempts at dating."
"That's sad."
"Yeah, but I don't need them. You showed me that I didn't have to live up to anyone's expectations just to be liked. You accepted me as I am."
"I'm sorry if I still have to ask you, Hansol, but how exactly did we meet? I'm not the friendliest person around so I can't imagine myself approaching you out of blue and then start dating."
"I've heard rumors about the angelic senior who sings during school programs. People were saying that you are nice and gentle and kind. I thought those were lies, just like how everyone branded me black without knowing me first. So I talked to you. I wanted to know if you're really all that or maybe you were just pretending behind the pure image. I was mistaken. I didn't expect that you were genuinely a good person."
"I'm not all that." Jisoo mumbled, feeling shy at the compliments that he was receiving from the other. His parents taught him to be polite and to put kindness above all things, but those did not make him worthy of high praises. Good behavior must not be done for the sake of fame.
"But you are. In my defense, I never knew that there could actually be someone like that. Everyone has something bad that they can't help but show. You have none."
"I don't really agree but thank you, anyway."
Hansol shook his head at the boy's reply, still smiling. "That time when I confessed to you, you asked me the exact same thing you did earlier."
"Which is?"
"You asked first if any of those rumors about me were true. If I told you that they were, would you still have accepted me?"
Jisoo paused, thinking how he could best explain to Hansol what he was feeling. The bad reputation was not the point, but the probability of him being a bad person that the image entailed. "Even if that were true, I might still give you a chance. I wouldn't want to date you not because of those rumors, but because I don't want to get hurt. If you are violent or an asshole then that would be my reason for rejecting you."
There it was again. The same, intent gaze that the boy had as he bore his eyes into him. It was so easy to get lost in Hansol's eyes. They were mesmerizing, they made you feel that you were the only thing that he could see. "You said the same thing the first time I asked you."
"I-I did?"
"Yes. It's shocking that you answered the same even when you don't remember me anymore." He sighed. "Why did you forget me?"
"I'm sorry." Was all Jisoo could say. There is no need to inflict further pain on you today by saying more because tomorrow, I will be out of your life, too.
"When I read those message in the morning, I was insane with fear. What could have happened to you to send me those? It was like you were saying goodbye...like you were dying."
At that, Jisoo fell silent. He had only been with these people for a day so he did not know what happened to them afterwards. If tomorrow he would meet another guy, does that mean the men of the previous days never saw him again?
A wave of sympathy washed over him. He remembered Seungcheol and the sadness that he kept, Seokmin and his wishful thinking of starting over again, Mingyu's fear of being left alone, Wonwoo's understanding and always waiting for him. What if that was the last time that all of them really saw Jisoo? And now Hansol...
Jisoo sat straight up, leaving the comfort of the other's embrace. This needed to be addressed now. Knowing Hansol and his current situation, it would be unbearable for the other if he just suddenly disappeared tomorrow without a word.
He looked into his eyes and spoke. "Hansol, to be honest I don't have any idea why this is happening. There is a possibility that things will change again tomorrow. Maybe I'll remember you by then, maybe we'll go back to this again. But no matter what, I hope you will stay strong."
His words caused the boy to turn serious as well. 'What are you saying?"
He took a deep breath. There was no need to inform him of the daily changes in his lovers. It would not benefit anyone, most certainly Hansol. "I'm not sure if we will meet again by tomorrow. Just like that message from last night. If I really sent it, there must be a reason why I was saying goodbye-"
"Why, are you planning to leave me?" Hansol's tone rose in disbelief. He grabbed Jisoo tightly by the shoulders. "Jisoo, you know you're the only one I have. How can you even think of that?"
"No! I-I don't intend to." He averted his gaze. "But if it can't be helped then you should know that I did it because I have no choice."
"You have a choice." The man spoke back. "From the moment I told you my feelings, you had the choice to accept or reject me. Even now, you still have the option to break up with me. Saying that you're leaving me because you have no choice doesn't make it any better. You will still leave."
"Hansol-"
"Just tell me now if you're giving up." Hansol stared at him, his voice coming out like a whisper. There was pain in his eyes that pierced Jisoo to the core. "I can probably live with it."
Jisoo took his hand and held it tightly. He could explain to Hansol that this was out of his control, but would that make the boy feel better? They only had a day, after all. His intention was to make it up to them for forgetting the relationship, not to give them more burden. It might be best to just keep it to himself.
"I won't leave you. I...I'm staying."
Hansol took him into his arms again. "You better be."
And as he sat there, encased in the other's warmth, Jisoo could not help the growing fear inside his chest. He started from denying these people, then slowly accepting them, until finally deciding to fully take the responsibility of loving them even just for a day.
Five days. He thought. Quite a short time, but enough to make him realize that he was the one getting into trouble by allowing himself to be loved by them. He wanted to stay. He wanted to know what happened after this day ended. He wanted to keep being by their side.
He wanted to love them.
But even if he could, there was an even more difficult question for Jisoo to answer.
Who would he choose in the end?
Chapter 6: Saturday
Notes:
eight days and then we're welcoming the best month of the year T___T my feelings OTL
let's see which will come faster: Halloween or my mental breakdown /o/
Chapter Text
It was another busy day in the university hallway. Jisoo could barely hear his own movements from the cacophony of sounds made by all the students walking past by him, their actions and words mixing like a giant, monstrous noise. There was no wilderness, yet the chaos made him think of a jungle in the city.
Opting to simply shut them out, he focused on sorting out the books that were lying inside his metal locker and decide which should he bring with him for the weekend. It was already Saturday, which meant only two lectures to attend and then finally, freedom.
Jisoo had not made any plans on how to spend his free time yet since one; he did not have any friends to hang out with and two; he would rather be with the person whom he knew would be waiting for him today.
The man of Saturday.
He could not help the smile that made its way on his lips. Gone was the anxiety of having to face another special (yet forgotten) person in his life. Instead of getting worried about being treated as an amnesiac boyfriend again, Jisoo now found himself looking forward to the encounter.
His experiences with the other men of the previous days made him realize that since this would keep on happening day by day, resisting was futile. And now, not only was he excited to meet the new guy, he could not help but wonder about his looks, too.
It was one of the strangest things in the world; all the men that Jisoo had a one-day relationship with turned out to be gorgeous. No complaints there, because there was no denying that it was a part of his decision to keep dating those guys since they were too handsome to begin with. And as if that was not enough, they turned out to be hopeless romantics as well.
God, is this your way of making me experience what it's like to date amazing people? He silently mused. That since I have zero chance of finding someone for myself, You instead gave me these people to hold me dear? What an unusual kind of reward.
It was ridiculous, how six days ago he was questioning his morals and memory for having multiple lovers but now he was thinking what kind of partner he would end up with. If only this could last for more than just a day...
At the thought, Jisoo let out a sigh. It seemed that the more he got involved in this mystery, the more his greed started to show. Back then he was too scared to even have a date for one day. Now, it was not enough for him anymore. His encounter with Chwe Hansol, the black sheep foreigner of Friday, made him realize of the potential things that lied beyond his encounter with them once the whole day was finished.
Ah, Hansol. The outcast who had no one but him. Of all the people he had met, Hansol was the one that evoked sympathy from Jisoo the most. Even more than Seungcheol, the one who was so tragically hurt for being forgotten by his long-time boyfriend. Hansol had been fighting the rumors surrounding his identity all by himself, until Jisoo came along.
From what the other told him yesterday, Jisoo was the only bright spot in the lonely boy's world. And now he was gone. What could have happened to him?
Jisoo could still remember the series of texts that Hansol received the night before they met. It was supposed to be from him but he had no recollection of ever sending those to the boy. How could he? Jisoo only met Hansol the day after, and he did not have the boy's number before then. A quick check of his inbox validated this when no thread of identical messages appeared in his own phone.
Was that truly from him? Or was that from someone else, the real person who was in a relationship with Hansol? But if there was someone else then how could Jisoo be mistaken for that guy? Were they identical?
Or maybe...
Jisoo let out a small yelp when a pair of arms circled around his waist. Before he could even move, something soft made contact on the crook of his neck, a gentle brush against his skin. He stood there, frozen, not knowing what to do from the sudden invasion of his personal space.
Even without seeing the person, Jisoo was aware of who it might be. There was no one else who would suddenly back hug him in the middle of a crowded hallway and plant a kiss on his neck. It could only be him: the man of Saturday.
What he could not believe in was, it had started already? But- it was just eight in the morning!
"Found you." A sweet, slightly husky voice whispered behind him, pulling his body closer against the other's chest. "Good morning, babe."
"G-good morning." Jisoo managed to stutter out despite the intimate gesture making him unable to think clearly.
"Did you miss me, too? I couldn't sleep well last night thinking about you."
"I...uh..." He did not know what to reply to that. How could you miss someone you had never met?
Becoming more and more conscious to the touch with each passing second, Jisoo finally took the courage to loosen the other's hold and twisted around to face him. For a stunning moment, he could only stare at the person looking back at him. There was only one thing that entered his mind upon seeing the man.
What a tiny, tiny face. Jisoo thought with fascination. How could all his features fit in such a small visage?
He did not realize that he had been staring for so long until the guy broke his musing. "Is there something wrong?"
And as if waking up from a dream, Jisoo's mind focused back on reality. He became aware of their close proximity again, the other's hands still resting around his waist like they had always belonged there. He gently pried the other's limbs away from him. "I'm sorry but I don't remember who you are."
The handsome boy gazed at him, face contorted into a blank look. Jisoo was slowly spiraling down into anxiousness as he waited for an answer. How would this person respond? Would he give a different reaction from the rest? Would he react similarly?
Something along the degree of Seungcheol, Seokmin and Wonwoo, he could still deal with. Jisoo just hoped he wasn't as volatile as Hansol nor as panicky as Mingyu.
He did not expect, however, the sheepish expression that replaced it. The man appeared embarrassed by his statement. "Sorry, I guess that didn't work."
"Excuse me?"
The stranger stepped away from him, creating a polite distance between them. "I was just testing how you will react if I did that. Maybe I should have checked first if you still remember me."
"I'm sorry but I don't follow." There was now a slight frown on his lips for being unable to understand what the person was talking about. Wasn't he supposed to be Jisoo's boyfriend of the day?
The man let out a chuckle. "We met yesterday at a common friend's party. I guess I did not give enough good impression to make myself retain in your memory."
It was Jisoo's turn to look confused. "A party?"
"Jeonghan introduced us last night when we came to his house party." The other explained. "We chatted briefly and then the next thing I knew, you were gone. Jeonghan said you were the Cinderella type so I should just try to find you again today."
Jisoo's mind was racing at the information. Obviously, he had not been in any party last night. He was with Hansol until around ten; there was no way he could have gone anywhere else. And did the boy mean Yoon Jeonghan? He was a classmate in one of Jisoo's subjects. They were in speaking terms, but not close enough that he would accept the man's invitation to some random party.
Of the things that he said, at least he got something Jisoo could agree on which was being the Cinderella type. He never stayed long at parties and would leave early in exchange for the comfort of his solitude at home.
So he had only met the man last night, apparently. That meant they were not lovers, right? But why would he suddenly hug Jisoo and even kiss his neck?!
"Uhm, I'm really sorry but I can't remember anything." He apologized. "I'm pretty bad at recalling things so..."
"No, it's okay. I suppose I'll have to introduce myself again." The man smiled warmly at him. "I'm Wen Junhui."
"Hong Jisoo."
"I know. May I just call you Jisoo?"
"May I call you Junhui?"
"Fine by me." Junhui replied without dropping his smile.
It was not surprising anymore that the Saturday man was another gorgeous individual. After five days of getting attacked by amazing visuals? Jisoo should be better at this already. There was something gentle yet manly about Junhui's appearance. His features were both soft and strong, prominent yet subtle. A typical eyecatcher that would look amazing on a TV screen. Jisoo could not help but wonder if Wen Junhui might actually be a celebrity. Not a far fetched guess.
"Anyway, about earlier-"
"Please, Jisoo. No need to say sorry again. If ever, I should be the one to apologize." The boy cut him off gently. There was genuine worry in his visage as he studied Jisoo's reaction. "I'm not usually like that. You know, making passes on people. You must had been scared."
Jisoo shook his head in disagreement. "I-I wasn't." Because I thought we were actually dating and I just couldn't remember.
"I won't do that again, I promise. Have you had breakfast?"
"No."
"Can I make it up to you by buying you some?"
At that, it was Jisoo's turn to smile. "Sounds good."
They engaged in a casual conversation on the way to school cafeteria. Junhui asked some general things about him like his major and such, while Jisoo tried to find common interest by asking about his hobbies. He found out that the boy was actually Chinese and was enrolled in a one-year exchange program in their school. Junhui was also a part of the university dance team and a former martial artist.
"Wow, how could you be so many things?" Jisoo could not help but feel awed after Junhui mentioned about the scholarship that was offered to him to prolong his stay in Korea. "You excel in all aspects."
"It's not that much." Junhui humbly disagreed. "I just happen to have diverse interest. You're nothing less, either. A musician, dean's lister, on top of being beautiful? Incredible."
He felt his cheeks beginning to heat up at the compliment. "Are you sure you're not talking about yourself though?"
"No, I'm not." The boy beamed at him. "I don't often meet perfect people in my life."
"Greaseball."
Junhui's hearty laugh resonated as they lined up in front of the counter. Today was very comfortable for Jisoo. He did not feel the pressure of having to live up to his lover's expectations since there was no relationship to begin with.
Him and Junhui, they were only in the initial stage of getting to know each other. Even without recollection of their first meeting, it did not hinder him from learning more about the boy. To Jisoo, it was like seeing Junhui for himself and not just doing pretend by covering up for someone else. It felt...liberating.
They ordered their food and once Junhui paid for them (despite his insistence to split the bill), they walked over to the nearby empty table and sat facing each other. Jisoo muttered a short thanks for the food before digging in, relishing his first meal of the day. He only had two lectures later but they would run for six hours straight and he would need enough energy to survive that. He was thankful that Junhui took the effort to feed him.
Jisoo was in the middle of putting a spoonful of rice into his mouth when he heard a giggle coming from the other. When he looked up, he saw Junhui staring at him with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Uh, yes?" He asked awkwardly, clueless about the cause of the other's laughter.
"You eat like a child." Junhui propped an elbow on the table and rested his chin on one hand, eyes not leaving him. "Not in a sloppy kind of way. Just...adorable."
"Erm, thank you?"
This caused the man to laugh again. "Have you always been like that?"
"What is?"
"Awkward."
"I'm just not used to being someone's center of attention." Jisoo said as he put down his utensil in embarrassment. There was no way he could swallow his food with a handsome boy as an audience. "People rarely ever took interest on me."
It was true, though. He had only gone on dates a few times during his entire stay in the university and none of them went past two meetings. Jisoo never encountered someone that he could consider being in a serious commitment with until the bizarre occurrences began.
And despite being showered by affection by five different men throughout the week, Jisoo was aware that none of those truly belonged to him. They belonged to someone else, the person whom those people had established a relationship with. The one whom they loved.
As much as it made his heart flutter the way they made him special, at the back of his mind there was always that tiny voice saying that he did not deserve it. His inability to remember his lovers made him feel like a stranger who was just borrowing their love.
"Are you serious?!" There was incredulity in the male's voice as he spoke. "How can you not be noticed by anyone?"
"I don't know. Maybe I'm just not likeable." He gave a shrug, choosing to let his gaze rest on the window next to his seat. "I know for a fact that I'm not the type to catch people's eyes."
"But you are to me." When Jisoo faced the other, he saw the seriousness in Junhui's expression. "That night when you left, I told myself that I will find you again no matter what."
"You said we only talked for a while. That's not enough time to develop interest in me. What if I'm dull? Or boring? Or just someone you won't like in the long run?"
"Jisoo, I can't believe you lack this much confidence in yourself." Despite the negative comment, it was more like an exclamation of bemusement coming from Junhui. He looked entertained by his self demeaning rather than repulsed. "You caught my eyes and I want to get to know you. Are you saying that I have a bad taste in people?"
"No!"
"Then please put more trust in yourself. I happen to think that I have high standards when it comes to dating. And I will not let you tell me otherwise." Junhui winked at him. "You're worth it."
"...thank you." He felt himself blushing at the compliment. Jisoo was good enough for him. For someone so perfect as Wen Junhui. He felt as if he would grow wings and fly any minute.
Junhui caught his gaze and with a careful note, he spoke. "I know this is a little late after that sudden indirect confession but, will you give me a chance to know you better?"
Everything was happening too fast that Jisoo did not know what to feel. A part in his mind said that things were moving too quickly for what a person with conservative values should accept. But the other side of him (and the winning side at that) argued that it was okay. It's been so long since he last went on a date. An actual date for himself and not an act just to comfort a forgotten lover.
What else is there to lose? I even let myself get kissed by people within five minutes of meeting them. Junhui wants me, and not what he thought was me. If that won't make anyone accept, I doubt anything will.
His smile was an answer enough.
Jisoo joined the sea of people as he walked out of the lecture hall and took a sweeping glance around the busy corridors. His last class of the day had ended and he couldn't wait to see the brown haired male with angelic face again. Searching for a familiar figure among the crowd, he did not notice the approaching presence from behind and was surprised when something covered his eyes.
His fingers rose up to remove the pair of hands and turned around, seeing Junhui grinning at him. "Hi again, beautiful."
The sight of the male sent a wave of flutter in his stomach. "Hi."
He offered a hand. "Ready for our date?"
Jisoo found himself smiling back before accepting. "Sure."
They left the school premises, hand in hand, and took the route towards the nearest subway station. Junhui wanted to go to Hongdae, a popular place for young people where they could do many fun things.
They began the date by going to the trick eye museum, taking fun photos alongside the interactive exhibits and laughing at each other's poses. They also took a walk along the street art displays of the district, pointing out murals that they especially liked and snapped pictures again.
It was already late in the afternoon, and the number of buskers was already high as every group and individual tried to lure audience with their ear catching voices accompanied by melodious instruments.
Jisoo took pleasure in taking a listen to a few of them, saying small comments to Junhui about his impression of each performer. The other eagerly took in his words and gave his own opinions as well, making their conversation all the more engaging.
Once they got tired of looking around, they decided to drop by a small pub away from the more crowded area. It was a hidden gem, Junhui said, which he discovered just recently when he and his peers took a wrong turn while in search from some bars during one of their guys' night out.
Jisoo, having full trust on Junhui's preference, simply followed until they reached the tiny, hole-in-the-wall space. It was not the minuteness of the shop that caught Jisoo's eyes, but rather-
"Are those cocktail drinks? In ziplock bags?!" He asked incredulously, eyes not leaving the neon colored liquids inside the plastic bags that hung in front of the entrance.
"Yes. Cool, isn't it?" Junhui beamed at him as he pushed the door open and let Jisoo enter first.
"They look like radioactive IV drips..." He mumbled before stepping inside.
The interior of the bar was somewhat vintage. Old paper bills hung in clumps by the ceiling, green-squared tiles in different shades filling up the entire wall, and other colorful posters and lights in psychedelic colors. A familiar music of soft rock was blaring from the speakers at the corner, making the atmosphere chill yet lively. There was a muted kind of zaniness to the place, like a hippy's den in the 70's.
"Unique." Jisoo commented as he feasted his eyes around. Junhui had taken a spot in front of the counter where a bartender was currently making drinks for some customers. "It's quirky, but nice."
"I'm glad you like it." The boy said back before signaling to the bartender and ordering two cocktail drinks. "You're fine with my choice?"
He flashed a shy smile. "Actually, I don't drink." This made both Junhui and the employee pause, staring at him with a hint of surprise.
"You let me take you here even though you don't drink?" Junhui asked, eyebrow raised in wonder.
"I want to see the place since you've been saying that it's good. I kinda hoped they have non-alcoholic options?"
"You're in luck, we actually do." The bartender, who was listening in on the conversation, smiled kindly to him. "Will that be one of each?"
"Yes, please. And on-the-go." Junhui replied to the man. The bartender worked on their orders and within minutes, they had two drinks in zip lock bags with a straw poking out from the side.
"We're really going to have it like this?" Jisoo could not hide his amusement while he eyed the colorful beverage in his own hand. The gimmick was too adorable even for a non drinker like him.
"Yeah, and we won't be staying here." Junhui took his wrist and gently led him out of the bar. "This place will burst to its seams by the next hour."
Sipping on their plastic bags, they joined the sea of people walking along the crowded streets of Hongdae. The sun had finally set and things were beginning to get lively in the area. More students were pouring in and young adults who were done with the day's work were now joining in the fun. Restaurants were bustling with people who were cramming for a quick dinner before beginning their rounds of alcohol for the night.
The two browsed some stores and took turns in making each other wear some ridiculous hats and other garments. There was also a quick stop on a street food stall for some spicy rice cakes and blood sausages.
Once their hunger was satiated, they went on their way until they finally reached the graffiti-filled playground near the center of the district. Some groups of drinkers were already crowding there so they took a more secluded spot somewhere at a corner. They sat down on the low, brick fence and Jisoo let out a groan of relief as he finally had the chance to rest his sore back and legs.
"We didn't even walk that much and you were already tired?" Junhui teased him, nudging his shoulder slightly upon his reaction.
"Not much? We've almost toured the entire Hongdae." Jisoo playfully shot back at him. "Sorry for not being an athlete like you."
"Just tell me next time when you're tired. I'll carry you."
"No, thanks. I don't want us tumbling down to the ground."
There was a fake look of hurt in the man's face. "Ouch. You think I'm too weak to lift you?"
"Maybe?"
"Mean." Junhui pouted while Jisoo chuckled. His smile remained as he continued gazing at the laughing male. Jisoo almost missed his next words because they came out as a mumble. "Such a shame."
The random statement caused him to halt and turned at the other. "Did you say something?"
"I said it's such a shame."
"What is?"
"It's a shame that I only met you now." Junhui answered. He might be imagining it, but the other's smile seemed less brighter than it used to be. "I only have a week left before leaving for China."
Jisoo gawked at him, eyes widened slightly. There was a mix of shock and dread blossoming in his chest at the information. Stupid, if he must say, because he had only met Wen Junhui today and Jisoo should not be as affected as this. Even he was surprised by the impact of the other's words to himself.
"D-didn't you say that you were offered a scholarship to extend your stay here?" He managed to stutter out. Jisoo hoped the disappointment did not show in voice.
"I was, but I still need to go back to process my papers. That might take a while." The boy looked down and played with the empty bag of drink in his hand. "By the time I return, you might be seeing someone else already."
"I won't!" The words came out of his lips before he could even process them, yet there was no embarrassment in his part. "I can wait. And aren't I supposed to say that? You might meet other people there who are more interesting than me."
"That's not going to happen."
"You won't know. What if-"
"Jisoo," Junhui cut him off. There was so much sincerity in the boy's gaze that it made him fall silent. They looked into each other's eyes until he continued. "I like you, okay? Call me easy, but I know this isn't just a simple experimental date. I was attracted to you the first time during the party, but being with you today made me realize that I want to be with you."
"Junhui..."
"While we were together, I've seen glimpses of the different sides of you. Your awkwardness, your gentleness, your passion. It's still a long way to know everything about you but I'm willing to take my time. The you from yesterday pulled me in, but the you today made me want to stay. So please, don't doubt that I might look for someone else because for me, you're the only one that I want."
Jisoo did not know how to respond at the sudden confession. Junhui liked him for being him and not for being what he thought Jisoo was. Not as a boyfriend with pre-made memories, but just him. Hong Jisoo. He made this person fall by being himself. His heart was beating so loudly that he was afraid the other might hear it, too.
He was about to reply when he heard the boy sigh. "Look at me, confessing my heart out in a playground surrounded by drunkards. Not a very romantic setup, is it?"
Jisoo could not help but grin. Whatever heavy feeling that surrounded them earlier had disappeared. Somehow, he had a feeling that this would occur often from now on. Junhui seemed to have the habit of expressing love in unexpected places or situations. "If this is how you're going to operate, then I'll just have to get used to it."
"Wait, does that mean you're accepting me?"
"What, do you think I'll let you go back to China as single after telling me all that?"
It only took a second before Junhui's eyes lit up in happiness. Jisoo thought there could be no better sight than seeing the expression on the other's face. He felt his body pulled into a tight hug.
"I promise, I will make you happy." The male murmured against his ear. "Thank you, Jisoo."
Feeling his own heart about to explode from the same emotions, he lifted his arms up to return the embrace. "No. Thank you, Junhui."
When they pulled apart, there was still a delighted smile in the other's face. "Now, I can go to China without worrying of other guys chasing after you."
"Same goes for you. Tell all your countrymen that you're taken. I better not hear something about a local substitute."
"China has a billion people you know, but sure." Junhui played along before planting a chaste kiss on his temple. "I won't replace you even with another you."
There was some commotion not far from where they sat, catching their attention. It seemed that an altercation was brewing between two groups, and things were not looking well. A fight might broke out anytime soon.
"Let's get out of here." Junhui tugged at his hand while standing up. "It won't be good to get caught up with that."
Jisoo followed with a nod before the two of them fled the playground. The main street was clogged with slow walking pedestrians, and there seemed to be no end to the thick flow of people. Glancing around for a shortcut, Junhui spotted a narrow alley and led him there.
The path was dark due to lack of lamp posts, and there was no chance of seeing where he was walking what with Junhui in front of him and the walls closing in left and right. Jisoo had to be extra sensitive with each step in case he stepped or tripped on something.
He was in the middle of feeling out the ground when his vision suddenly shifted from the narrow street to another path. Gone was Junhui and his gentle hold on Jisoo's hand; the suffocating walls of the alley giving way to a wider yet blacker place.
He was walking slowly, covered in darkness, with nothing but the sound of his footsteps scraping on asphalt being heard. There was a heavy sensation in his hands, and the front of his shirt seemed to cling tighter on his skin. At a distance, he could see the lighted area where the street lights began to illuminate the road again.
I need to go there. He thought to himself, focusing on nothing but to reach the place. I must go there.
One step, two steps. Jisoo continued with the pace until finally, he stepped into the light. A wave of relief washed over him as he basked under the cold illumination. Finally, he was out! In his delight, he clenched his fists tightly, but was surprised at the unexpected feeling in them.
Sticky.
Glancing down, he stared at his now open palms. Under the yellow light, he could see the dark, sticky liquid covering his limbs. There was the same substance staining the front of his clothes, the reason for the inexplicable clinging of the shirt to his body.
Jisoo did not need better light to know what it was. The dark color and the rusty smell reaching his nose were enough to tell him.
It was blood.
"Jisoo? Jisoo? Are you okay?"
When he looked up, he saw Junhui eyeing him with a look of concern. They were back in one of the bustling streets. Jisoo glanced down on his hands and found them clean. No blood, nothing on his clothes, too.
"Is there something wrong? You suddenly turned catatonic and you look horrified." The boy said as he watched him worryingly. "You weren't responding even when I called your name."
Jisoo swallowed, feeling his blood run cold at the memory of what he had seen. How could he tell this person that he just saw himself covered with blood mere seconds ago?
"I-I'm okay." He managed to let out. "Let's just get out of here."
Despite his assurance, the other did not seem fully convinced. Junhui squeezed his hand in comfort. "Just know that I'm always here for you." He returned the gesture and the two of them joined the flow of people.
It was another vision, he knew. Those flashbacks of memory that he randomly had these past few days. Jisoo had been thankful for them at first because they gave him a glimpse on what transpired the night when he came back from doing his school project.
He knew it was an important piece of his missing memory because this mystery happened right after that. Thus, each vision were carefully tucked away in his mind, bidding time to be put together and solve the puzzle.
But despite knowing that, his fear could not subside. If what was happening to him were not merely hallucinations, then that scene would not be imaginary, either. It happened. It must had been. He had blood all over himself. Whether it was from him or someone else, he had no idea.
And Jisoo wasn't sure he wanted to know.
Chapter 7: Sunday
Notes:
it's the final chap -___- idk what to feel abt this
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Jisoo was standing in a white place, void of anything that could be discerned. There was no top nor bottom, no end nor beginning. Just...vastness. He moved his feet and felt himself forward despite no noticeable change from the action. There was no sensation beneath him, making his step unable to be proven save for his own consciousness knowing that he had indeed moved.
Where am I? He thought to himself as he attempted to make out anything within the empty space. Jisoo had no idea where he was nor how he ended up there.
Despite the lack of purpose, he continued walking. Through the white area, a dot of difference began to appear from afar. Jisoo hastened his pace until the image began to take a more definite shape. He stopped once he was right in front of the object. Of all the things that he thought it might be, none were correct.
It was a table.
An ordinary, rectangular table made of wood, light brown in color with scratches on its dull surface. Why such a common item was in this empty world, Jisoo had no idea. It looked out of place with its beat-up appearance contrasting on the pristine whiteness.
His hand reached out to touch the furniture, feeling its roughness beneath his skin. A few of the marks left deep creases onto the wood. It was supposed to mar the object, to make the table appear less pleasing for becoming far from perfection, yet Jisoo found himself appreciating the damage. This table would be just like any other if not for these markings. These were what made it, it.
At that, he could not help the frisson of bemusement that struck him. Even to himself, such thoughts sounded too deep for something so shallow.
Having nothing else to do, Jisoo stepped away from the table and began walking again. He was faced with the same vast white place yet he continued on. Jisoo was in the middle of his idle strolling when something caught his eye. He halted on his steps and turned his head to the right. He had walked past on something.
Following the sight, his eyes landed on a tiny, dark spot somewhere above the place. There was no ceiling nor wall for it to attach to and yet it was there, appearing to be floating mid-air. A speck of whatever it was.
This time, he did not bother to inspect the peculiarity and just resumed moving. There were now evident changes in his surroundings. Every few seconds or so, Jisoo would catch a glimpse of the dark spot in some random area of the white place. It was distracting; like the table from earlier which stuck out badly against the white area. Still, he paid no heed and simply walked.
But as time went on, it was becoming more difficult to ignore the spots. They were occurring more often now; with every step he made there would be a spot waiting somewhere for him to be noticed. At the top right corner. Directly at eye level to his left. Half a step away from his foot. They were beginning to taint the purity of the place.
Jisoo walked faster, trying to get away from the sight of the distractions. Yet the more he moved, the more they frequented. Jisoo was just about to break into a sprint when one, particular spot caught his attention. He froze in his spot, twisting his head to face it.
There was a dark spot on the white space to his left. Unlike the others, it was not almost perfectly round, like an orb floating in place. No, it was trickling down slowly into a thin line. And since it was no longer compact, the shade of the liquid (that, he was now aware of) had lightened up to reveal its true color.
Red.
He backed away a few steps, horrified upon seeing it. Despite the chill that gripped his being, Jisoo managed to will himself to move and escape the sight. More of those followed-- red liquid trickling down on both sides as they created tiny streams of crimson against the whiteness. Puddles of red had also begun to appear on the ground. He did his best to evade those, desperately finding a way to escape. There was none. There were only the red splatters all around that were becoming bigger and bigger until finally, he was enveloped in nothing but redness.
The entire place was crying.
Only, instead of clear, transparent tears, there was only blood. Blood dripping from above, blood running against the walls. Blood covering the floor. As far as Jisoo could see, there was only the crimson waiting for him. The strong smell of iron assailed his nose and it made him shudder.
Unable to force his legs to walk further, he collapsed onto the ground, feeling the sticky liquid clinging on his skin as he fell on his hands and knees.
Help me! Jisoo screamed in his mind. He wanted to shout but no voice came out from his throat. Somebody, save me!
He repeated those words over and over again but there was no one to hear them. Not a single person was there except him. Hence, there was no one else to save him, but him.
At that, a hollow chuckle escaped his lips. Jisoo lifted a hand, seeing the blood that had covered his palm. He touched his face with it, feeling the cold liquid making its contact on his skin. The smell was getting stronger. He was becoming dizzy. There was no one to help him to get out of here. No one but himself.
But how could he? When there was no sign of exit from this hell?
Jisoo sat up straight, panting and heaving as his eyes shot open. He looked around and expected to be back in the crimson place, but there was not a trace of the color. He was in his room, sitting on top of his bed. Unable to believe what he was seeing, his eyes flitted around, blinking rapidly as his sense of reality began to sink in. It was just a dream. He was not really there.
Still hung up from the chilling experience, he hugged his knees close to his chest. His heart refused to let up its loud beating as the memories of his nightmare replayed in his mind. He was walking in a white place and there was a table, and then everything became filled with blood until he was trapped in that place, with no one to cry to for help. Just him in a bloody nothingness.
His body shivered at the thought. Why would he dream of something like that? The subconscious only produced images that it had seen from a person's waking state and interpreted it to indiscernible equivalents in a dream. What could have triggered such sight?
Could it be the vision that I saw yesterday? Jisoo wondered.
Even until now, it gave him a feeling of fright whenever he remembered the latest vision that he had seen. In the vision, he had managed to escape the twilight zone and was able to get into the light again but upon glancing down, he found himself covered in blood.
Finally having enough strength to move, he pulled off the sheet that covered his body and slowly stood up from the bed, making small steps towards the bathroom.
Jisoo had always considered those visions as missing pieces of his memory the night before he met all those people who claimed to be his lovers. From what Seungcheol and the others told him, the last time they met Jisoo was during Friday night. After that, everything became a series of forgotten memories.
But if those visions were true, He continued thinking, does that mean I really had blood on my hands and clothes? And where did it come from?
He was afraid to know the answer to that.
Opting not to dwell on the possibilities, he stepped into the bathroom for a shower. Once done, he quickly dressed up and headed out. Today was Sunday, making the surrounding peaceful and quiet as the residents in other units remained asleep in their beds to make the most of their last day of being able to rest.
Jisoo got down to the ground floor of his apartment, hearing the faint sound of voices from a radio playing in his landlady's unit. The elderly owner always tuned in to the morning news through her old device.
And in the latest news, the comet will finish passing through the planet tonight. It will be the end of the two-day period when the comet will be very near to its closest point to Earth. Spectators are encouraged to witness this occurrence which will only take place again in 95 years-
He left the entrance and was greeted by clear skies. There was no hint of impending rain today. Jisoo was glad because he did not bring his umbrella and would only have his hoodie for protection in case a spring shower suddenly caught him while being outside. Not having made any plans where to go, he simply let his feet take him to wherever as he enjoyed the perfect weather of the season.
While strolling idly along the quiet street, his mind could not help but remember his experience the previous day. The man of his Saturday, Wen Junhui, had been an enjoyable company. His time with the guy was the most comfortable that Jisoo had for the entire week, even more so than the one he had with Wonwoo.
Junhui was not another lover that he had forgotten so Jisoo did not have the burden to pretend, making his interactions with the boy as genuine as they could be. He got to know Junhui for himself, and the boy being the same to him. He was able to show who he really was and the guy still loved him for it.
Jisoo felt a smile forming on his lips. Wen Junhui was...a man of many contradictions. For someone so handsome and perfect as he was, Junhui was unexpectedly awkward. He made confessions in the middle of crowded places, could not read the atmosphere well, and his choices of date were not ideal. But despite all those, he found Junhui endearing. He was perfectly imperfect, and Jisoo was happy with that.
Now that it was the beginning of another day, he felt a frisson of disappointment for having to face a different lover. Unlike the others, Junhui did not have previous memories with him aside from the one yesterday.
This could go both ways; on the bad side, he was not able to spend more time with Jisoo, making their romance short-lived. On the more positive side, he would not be as hurt as the others even if he wouldn't see Jisoo again.
He reached the bus station and saw that the vehicle which drove past to his university was currently waiting. Without thinking much, Jisoo rode the bus and swiped his pass on the register beside the driver. Much to his surprise, there were more passengers than he assumed there would be. He took a seat at the far back and waited until the bus rolled away from the place.
Will it be the same again today? Jisoo thought as his eyes watched the flashing scenery outside. Will there be a man of Sunday, too?
He was still certain that there would be another lover waiting for him today. After all, it would feel off not to have one. His week must be completed, Jisoo thought. But he wasn't so sure come next Monday. There could be many ways where it might lead to. One; he might get another new boyfriend. Two; he would meet Seungcheol again, being his lover of the previous Monday. Or three; all these would finally come to an end, and Jisoo would be left all alone once again.
He let out a sigh. The feeling of being single seemed so far away now. Jisoo had gotten used to having someone who cared for him, who loved him, who made him feel that he mattered. For years he was contented living alone, being able to function well even without special companionship with anyone.
Jisoo was never good at building relationships with people, whether platonic or romantic. This was proven by his lack of close friends and the rare dates that he ever had. He was able to get on with his life just being by himself yet he knew that deep inside, there was loneliness in him that had been caged for far too long, festering and growing that he himself was not sure how long before it could escape in its rusting prison.
When his days changed starting with Seungcheol, that isolated feeling gained strength to get out of its cage. Jisoo tried to hold it in, resisting the affections as much as he could so as not to feed the monster within.
But it was futile; years of deprivation made it react wildly to the opportunity until finally, the cage collapsed and Jisoo found himself accepting the care and love that he had denied himself for a long time. He did not want to exist alone anymore. He wanted someone to be with him, whether he remembered them or not.
The mechanical voice announcing the next destination broke him out of his reverie. They were approaching his university. Jisoo was surprised, again, when more people got up and lined up along the aisle as they waited for the bus to pull over at the station. How come so many people were dropping off here on a Sunday when there were no classes?
Curious, he stood up as well and followed the stream of people riding off the vehicle. Jisoo watched as the crowd walked at their own paces, all heading towards the direction of the university's entrance.
Maybe there is an event today? He thought to himself. I wonder what that is?
He went past the gates and was now in the middle of the school grounds. As Jisoo looked at his surroundings, he noticed that there were quite a number of people going around. Not as much as a typical weekday, but definitely more for a Sunday. Feeling strange at the peculiar sight, he headed to the campus building. The hallway was also similar; more people walking past, with some even running in haste past him.
Ignoring all these, he went to his locker and looked for something to do. Since he was already here, he should make his time productive by doing some schoolwork. Jisoo wouldn't know when the man of Sunday would appear so he must not bore himself to death for the meantime. He took some books and notepad before closing it shut and began heading for the library.
Thankfully, the facility had very few people so he was able to secure a table all for himself at a corner. For the next hours, Jisoo busied himself searching references for his thesis and copying relevant information on his notepad. He also looked up the answers for his homework in other subjects, letting time passed by.
By lunch time, the growling of his stomach could no longer be ignored and he decided to grab a bite. Jisoo politely told the librarian that he would just have lunch and would be returning to his materials afterwards. The old woman peered down on him from behind her oval spectacles before waving him off in dismissal. He bowed gratefully and took the direction to the cafeteria.
He was met with a semi-crowded area as the noises of students chatting filled the place. Jisoo stepped in line in front of the counter, his head turning left and right in search of someone who might be searching for him as well. There was none.
He did not feel worried, yet. The special man today might still be busy somewhere. He would surely try to find Jisoo soon. This might the reason why he ended up in school today. All his meetings with the men of the previous days happened in the campus so there was a high chance that Jisoo would find him here, too.
Once it was his turn, he told the cashier of his choice and paid for the food. Jisoo took his tray and walked over to the row of unoccupied table before sitting down on one of them. He began to eat, feeling aware of the emptiness in his spot as he watched the groups of students at other tables talking and laughing among their circles. He wondered how it felt to have many friends.
Ever since his freshman year, he had been quiet and recluse, only focused on the lessons and studying for exams. Jisoo could still remember that time when he told his parents that he wanted to go to Korea for college.
Being an only child, his father was totally against the idea, making arguments that the best schools were in the US and there was no need for him to live so far away. But his mother, the ever supportive one, respected his wishes and helped him to get admitted in this school despite his father's protest.
It wasn't so clear to Jisoo why he chose to move away; all he knew was that he needed something different, something that would make him break away from the watchful gaze of his parents. He was tired of being hidden under their wing, to be the beloved puppet that they raised him to be. And he knew he wouldn't get that so long that he was in the same place, even just the same country. His parents would always find a way to keep him for themselves.
So when he moved to Korea, he was adamant to prove to his parents that they did not make the wrong decision of letting him go. He studied hard, way too hard, so as not to give them reason to send him back to LA. He studied during classes; he still studied outside of classes. Jisoo's life became a series of schoolwork, exams, and more schoolwork.
This went on for his entire freshman year. When the next semester came, Jisoo finally woke up from his year-long concentration and looked around him. He was alone. In every single one of his subjects, there was no one who spoke to him if it wasn't for academic purposes. From what little he could make out from his classmates, it seemed that they had perceived him as a quiet nerd who did not want to socialize with anyone and in turn, they had learned to leave him to himself, too.
Jisoo was now aware of his lonesome existence, but he did not make any move to change it. He had no time to make others like him. The pressure from his parents asking whether he was doing well, a reflection of their own feeling from missing him, forced him to double his efforts just to keep them from having reason to take him back.
Through it all Jisoo kept waiting, waiting for someone who would be curious enough to approach the wall that he had built around himself and try to tear it down.
Few had made attempts, precisely two of them, who tried to knock in his closed heart. Jisoo was startled when the first invitation of date came to him. He wasn't sure if the student was just dared to approach him or he was on drugs. Still, he managed to stutter out a yes and spent the rest of the day panicking on what to wear for his first date.
That night, amidst the awkward conversations and shaking hands hidden beneath the table, Jisoo realized that it wasn't going to end well. He and the man just had way different perspectives that it was difficult to find a common ground. By the end of the date, as they bid goodbye to each other, he knew there would be no next time.
He was okay with it; after all, not everyone could get into a good relationship at first try. Still, he could not help but think if there was something wrong with him.
Days passed by quickly once again. Another semester had ended. By now, solitariness had become a way of life to him. Jisoo was used to taking the corner spot at the lecture halls, opting to do projects by himself instead of grouping with other people.
His hope that someone would approach him had long since died. Even to himself, his eagerness to try to get to know people was no longer there. He simply accepted that he would remain alone for the rest of his life.
Another attempt of a date came to him one, spring day. The man was a senior from the same department who invited him for a friendly date at a coffee shop. Jisoo, whose social skills had gone to rust since ages ago, could only nod his head in reply as he listened to the appointed time by the other.
This date went better than the previous one. Still not perfect, but way more enjoyable than the last. It was good enough to lead to a second meeting. At that point, Jisoo could not help but think that maybe, maybe this had a chance. Maybe he wouldn't be alone again.
Unfortunately, it did not go past that. They too had split ways. Again, Jisoo understood. The mutual attraction was not strong enough for them to proceed. It was better to cut it off then and there and start looking somewhere else.
But the disappointment in his chest remained, fortifying the walls around him. This time, there was no more escape. He had imprisoned himself with only his own thoughts for companion.
Jisoo looked up when he heard a faint knock on his table. His eyes landed on the librarian who was standing at the other side of the wooden furniture.
"I'm about to close the library. Please return everything in their original places." The woman said before leaving him.
At that, Jisoo glanced around. There was no one else inside the place. He was the only one left. Collecting the books, he went from aisle to aisle to return the items in their proper spots.
Once done, he headed back to his table and began packing his things. He did not notice the time. When he came back from the cafeteria after having lunch, Jisoo immediately resumed his work and the hours just flew by.
When he was all set to leave, he bowed at the librarian and exited the place. The sun was about to set, flooding the surroundings with a soft, orange glow. There were no more noises along the hallways as most of the students had already left the campus.
Jisoo walked towards the school gate, eyes on the look out for someone. No one came for him in the library nor was there any message for him from some unknown contact. The day was about to end but there was still no sight of the Sunday man.
But what if there was no more man of Sunday?
Jisoo halted on his steps. No, it couldn't be. The week had to be finished, right? There must be someone today. There had to be. More than just simply completing his week, he had gotten used to idea of someone waiting for him every single day.
And now, with the impending possibility that it might had really ended, Jisoo didn't know if he could still go back to his lonely existence. He didn't want to. He wasn't so sure if he could handle that kind of solitariness again.
His body jerked when he felt his phone vibrating inside his pocket. Jisoo quickly fished it out to see the lighted screen. It was an unknown number. Heart hammering in anticipation, he accepted the call and pressed the device against his ear.
"H-hello?" He said, trying hard to calm his loudly beating heart. Was this him? The lover of today? How come he called Jisoo so late? He was even later than Hansol!
"Hello, Jisoo?" The voice of a man spoke at the other end. Jisoo felt that it somehow sounded familiar to him.
"Who is this?" He asked.
"Seriously? You did not save my number?" The person sighed. "It's me, Yoon Jeonghan. Your classmate at your Humanities class."
At that, a knot formed on Jisoo's forehead. Why was Jeonghan calling him all of a sudden?
Despite his disappointment for the caller not being the one he was expecting, he managed to reply. "I'm sorry, I guess I forgot. Why did you call?"
"I was checking the output that we had done yesterday and some pages were missing. I cannot compile them properly so, yeah. I'm just wondering if you have the rest?" Jeonghan asked over the line.
Jisoo had the answer to the boy's question, but there was something in his sentence that he could not understand. Yesterday.
"Yes, I have it, but we didn't meet yesterday for anything. Shouldn't you have asked me about this last week? When we went to your house to do the project?" He asked back.
There was a moment of silence before he heard a sound of laughter coming at the other end. Jisoo waited patiently until the laughter diminished to chuckles until it halted altogether.
Jeonghan's voice was still laced with bemusement as he replied. "That's a nice prank. I didn't know you're the type, Jisoo. What do you mean by last week? We just had the group project yesterday!"
"Excuse me?" By now, there was genuine surprise in Jisoo's face. The last time he and Jeonghan met was when he went to the boy's house last Friday night. He remembered it well because after that meeting, the mysterious appearance of his lovers began. It was also the time when his memories began missing.
"That was last week! A week has passed and it's now Sunday!"
"What planet have you been living in?" The other said incredulously. "It's barely 24 hours since we last talked and you're already spouting nonsense. It's a freaking Saturday, Jisoo. What's wrong with you?"
"No! This past week I-" Jisoo's head was spinning. What was going on? Why was Jeonghan saying that a day had just passed since that mysterious night? Whatever happened to the days that he had spent with his lovers?
"To rest your confused spirit, why don't you take a second to check the date on your phone? I'll be waiting." Jeonghan said calmly.
Jisoo did just that and moved his cellphone away from his ear. He went to the device's calendar and stared at the highlighted number signifying the date today.
August 14th,2021.
It was a Saturday.
Notes:
to everyone who stayed and read it till the end, thanks ig
i know you still have a lot of questions so hold your heart-
i will post the sequel on the start of the month of Samhain o/
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