~~~~Hakyeon stood before his mother, for once his heart aching more than his spine ever had. As much as Hakyeon had struggled over the past months since he was released, he felt his mother had suffered more. Moments like this proved that fact in Hakyeon’s mind.

“No, I refuse to let you out of my sight. You’re not going anywhere!” Hakyeon didn’t know what to say to her. He felt reasoning may not work at this point, but what other choice did he have?

“Mother, I can’t stay here forever. You need to let me go and live, just a little bit.”

“No! I won’t let you run around hurting all the time. It’s not going to happen.”

“But….I know this isn’t what you want to hear. It’s going to happen whether you want it to or not. Staying here won’t make the pains stop, and you know that. I need to go back to school mother. I need to go and live my life.”

Hakyeon moved closer to her, placing his hand on his mom’s shoulder. This was the first time since everything had happened that going back to school had been a serious discussion.

Hakyeon felt as if his mom was in worse condition than he was, and she couldn’t bring herself to let him away from her side.

“What are you going to do? I need to be there for you, if it starts hurting. You need to be here, so that I can help you.”

“I’ll learn to handle it on my own, I just need time. Inevitably the day will come when I have to be by myself, let me go and learn how to handle it for that day.” Rather than Hakyeon, it was his mother crying right now. She never spoke another word, simply crying as Hakyeon held her.

Hakyeon had already decided that this was the worst part of it all. It wasn’t the pain, or hurting that did the most damage. It was seeing what it had done to everyone he loved. His friends, not able to go accomplish their own goals because Hakyeon could not follow them. His family, always worried and scared for him.

Hakyeon knew he could do it. He knew that this was no reason for him to put his life on hold, and he could push through it all. He was capable, but he worried the stress might be too much on everyone else. Hakyeon had already experienced hurt, more didn’t scare him. It scared them.

Holding his mother, seeing her and hearing her fear. Hakyeon decided that he needed to do something about it. To help everyone around him get better the same as him. His family and friends couldn’t do it on their own. They need a push towards the right direction, towards letting Hakyeon go and live like he wanted too. Hakyeon knew that only he could do that.

That night, Hakyeon packed his belongings. His mother had fallen asleep and his father was still working. He was entirely alone. Hakyeon wrote a letter telling her everything. That he wasn’t leaving for good and he would speak to them soon, he just needed time to learn for himself. He told them not to wait for too long.

Hakyeon stood in front of the door, looking back one last time. He felt really sorry, and he hoped that his mother could forgive him. Deep down, Hakyeon knew that this would turn out for the best. He tried to not let himself feel guilty or sad, because he knew this would lead to the better.

Hakyeon turned his head back, finally walking out the door. He started to walk towards the bus station, already knowing where he was headed. ~~~~~

Hakyeon couldn’t deny the fact, his reasoning for spending the day with Taekwoon wasn’t entirely selfless. Hakyeon had seen an opportunity to have someone to hang out with around the festival and taken it immediately.

Simultaneously, he didn’t want to reprimand himself entirely. That moment speaking with Taekwoon by his car, it had really seemed to put everything into perspective. Hakyeon had still felt an ache in his bones, however he was getting better. He could see Taekwoon was really struggling. Hakyeon felt as if he may be able to help him, and possibly if Taekwoon spent the day with him he would grow to be more comfortable.

Despite talking little, Taekwoon turned out to be very interesting to be with. He really enjoyed all things thrilling, no matter what that be. Spicy foods also were the soul of his being, and Hakyeon figured you could tempt Taekwoon to do anything if you offered to buy him something spicy. Taekwoon was very caring, and he had gone out of his way to watch over Hakyeon’s well-being.

Before Hakyeon had known it, Taekwoon and he had spent the entire morning together and four o’clock was rapidly approaching.

“Are you nervous Taekwoon?” Hakyeon asked merely out of curiosity as the two rested for a moment, anxiously holding their phones and waiting for results.

“Not yet.”

Hakyeon produced a very clearly fake gasping sound, his hand covering his lips as they formed on ‘O’ shape.

“Taekwoonie, isn't nervous? I’m proud of you!”

“Taekwoonie?”

“Yes, it’s a nickname. We’ve known each other for at least 4 hours now. You’re getting a nickname.” Taekwoon paused for a moment, Hakyeon watching as his eyes wavered across the scene.

“Should I make one for you?” Hakyeon giggled, not able to tear his eyes from the other. In his own special way, Taekwoon managed to look very cute. He may have an aneurism if anyone said that to him out loud, but he looked like this cute little child that you would want to protect.

“Go for it!”

“….Hakyeonnie?” Hakyeon giggled, he had tried.

“Oooaahhh, you have the nickname talent Taekwoon!” Taekwoon look to the floor, hiding his face underneath his arms. Despite that, Hakyeon knew that he was smiling.

The grin across Hakyeon face was wide and bright, however it waved slightly as he felt his phone vibrate. He looked down, seeing it was a message from the festival. Taekwoon may not be nervous yet, however Hakyeon was.

Looking beside him, Hakyeon realized Taekwoon had received his own as well. Hakyeon swallowed a gulp down his throat, attempting to stall for another moment.

“Are you going to open it?” Taekwoon looked up, his expression having recovered from the giggles.

“Yeah. Aren’t you?”

“Ummm…yeah. Yeah, I just….”

“Hakyeon.” Hakyeon looked beside him, greeted by Taekwoon eyes glaring holes into his soul.

“I…I’m just a little nervous. I haven’t let anyone see my dancing in a very long time. What if they don’t like it? What if they think I’m awful?”

“Then they’re stupid.” Taekwoon spoke simply, as if that should have been common sense. “Anyone like you, is surely a beautiful dancer.”

This time it was Hakyeon’s turn to smile. He could feel his nerves ease slightly, his heart preparing itself.

“Alright. Here we go!” Hakyeon spoke, his nerves leaving in waves with each syllable. Moving his finger distinctly, he opened the message.

Cha Hakyeon: we are very pleased to inform you that we have reviewed the information you applied, and after a very rigorous process you have been accepted to perform at this event’s show. You are due to the stage at 6 this evening, and your performance will begin shortly after that. We look forward to seeing you there.

Hakyeon could hardly believe what he saw. Before he allowed himself to get too excited, Hakyeon looked over towards Taekwoon. The other remained still, a stunned expression on his face. It was the most emotion Hakyeon had seen since he met Taekwoon.

“So? Did you make it?” Hakyeon couldn’t prevent the extremely happy tone his voice oozed with.

“….yeah….” Hakyeon instantly rose to his feet, jumping up and down with excitement.

“Yes!” Hakyeon cheered, his brain currently uncertain of what else to do. He did so for a few more seconds, however then his head received different signals. “No. I should stop jumping; save my energy for later. Come on Taekwoon, let’s go!” Hakyeon gripped Taekwoon’s hand, rapidly dragging the other behind him.

A couple short hours later, and the audience surrounding the large area was beginning to look quite full. It was more people than Hakyeon had expected, and he couldn’t deny that he was anticipating it. Hakyeon was just eager to show everyone what he could do, however Taekwoon was starting to look really scared.

“Taekwoon, are you alright?” Hakyeon asked the question carefully. The other looked very similar to how he had in the parking garage at that moment.

“There’s-there’s a lot of people out there.” Hakyeon didn’t know what to tell him. He couldn’t lie and reply that there wasn’t, however there was truly no way for Hakyeon to comfort him either.
It wasn’t like Taekwoon was just shy or had stage fright, it was truly entirely out of his control.

“How are you feeling right now?” Hakyeon already had a suspicion, but he wanted to confirm it.

“…..like I need to run away.”

“Are you sure that you can do this? No one will blame you if you’re not ready just yet.”

“I-I can. I just nneed to start.” Taekwoon seemed especially determined, therefore Hakyeon decided he just needed to have faith in the man. If something were to happen Hakyeon could always try and help him in that case.

The two waited for a little longer, however it wasn’t long before one of the two had to go perform. First up, Taekwoon.

“Alright, you’re next. Go blow their minds Taekwoonie!” Hakyeon pumped his fist into the air, ensuring that every ounce of his aura screamed happy. He figured Taekwoon may be a little better then.

Taekwoon took deep breathes, listening to the announcers declare who was next. Hakyeon patted his back a few times before he walked onto the stage, Hakyeon crossing his fingers that what Taekwoon had said was true.

He was very gracious to discover, Taekwoon truly hadn’t lied. He entered the stage with his eyes closed, never speaking a word. He simply started to sing, leaving Hakyeon and everyone else listening stunned. Taekwoon’s speaking voice was gentle and timid, however he sung proudly. His voice was beautiful, and no one could deny the talent that he possessed.

Hakyeon had been sucked into the song, barely realizing that time was flying past. Taekwoon voice had filled the air, and he was certain that not one person in the room hadn’t enjoyed hearing it. Hakyeon found himself feeling disappointed when the performance ended.

Taekwoon on the other hand, had never looked happier. He walked off the stage with a new air of confidence, and Hakyeon actually thought he may like this even better. It was the first time since Hakyeon had met him that morning, that he had actually seen the other smile. Not like a small and hidden one, but an actual wide and very real smile.

“Oooaahhh, you were amazing! That’s what you’ve been hiding in that throat of yours!! Where did that come from?!?!”

Taekwoon didn’t reply, however Hakyeon could tell that he was happy. He hoped that he would be able to see him this way more often. His smile was infectious.

A few more people performed, however none of them were nearly as good as Taekwoon was. He was by far the best of the entire evening, however soon after it was Hakyeon’s turn.

“Break a leg…Hakyeonnie.” Taekwoon looked towards the ground, his cheeks blushing red from speaking the nickname. Hakyeon ruffled his hair, giggling as his muscles practically burst from anticipation.

Just moments before he had to go up, Hakyeon took his pills out once again.

“What are you taking those for? You’re not hurting are you?” Taekwoon looked quite concerned at the sight of them, and Hakyeon hoped that this wouldn’t be how he would always react to seeing Hakyeon’s medication.

“Don’t worry, I’ve never been better. If I take them now, then they start working while I’m dancing. It keeps it from hurting as much.”

“Ah….”

“Yup. Time for me to go now. Watch me well!” Without any further ado, Hakyeon sprinted up to the stage. The audience looked even larger from up here, and the setting sun made for some very cool lighting. Hakyeon knew that it would make him look even better.

Once the music started, it was like the first time Hakyeon danced repeating itself. He felt no worries, no pain, just joy and he allowed the music to encompass him. Except this time, Hakyeon could express everything that had made him happy recently through his movement. The primary case on his mind thus far, was spending his time with Taekwoon.

Hakyeon kept his posture and composure till the very last note, sure to end the song perfectly. People clapped and shouted, and it felt really good. This time Hakyeon did not collapse, but he walked off the stage just as happy as Taekwoon had been.

“You’re very good Hakyeon. You’re the best dancer in this place!” Hearing the compliment in this way, for some reason it made it feel even more sincere.

“Let’s both agree that we are the most talented this festival had tonight.”

“For sure.” For once, both of the men were as equally happy as the other. They both almost felt high from the intense joy, and they were able to walk away with no regrets.

Taekwoon actually conversed very well. He still was not at the level Hakyeon or a more social person would be, but he had decently sized replies and he didn’t stutter or slur his words from nervousness.

This was also the first time in a while, Hakyeon felt mostly fine after his dance. There was a small ache, but he was able to walk and everything else as well. He supposed Taekwoon had taken better care of him than he thought previously.

Everything was fantastic, yet Hakyeon had a strange feeling. A feeling like the day wasn’t nearly finished, and there was still a lot more new events to come.

The feeling only rapidly increased as he saw a group of 4 people approaching them. Hakyeon was sure Taekwoon was aware, otherwise he was sure to run away. They weren’t scary looking, in fact they looked quite happy and harmless, they were just…..odd.

Notes

Hello? Anyone there? :) I would like a few reviews. How am I doing so far?