Young and Love Collection # 01
Title: Bus Ride
Pairing: DaeJae / HimUp
Summary: Youngjae has this routine. And he never misses a day.
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Youngjae has this routine. He rides Bus 48 everyday exactly at 7:15 am in the morning and 6:30 in the afternoon. And he never misses a day.
This is his daily life. He leaves home early though his classes start at 8:30. At dismissal, he’ll refuse any kind of after school activities and would be at the station waiting for mere fifteen minutes for the same bus. For someone at his age, who normally gains happiness with friends and games, he finds it within this everyday-twenty minutes ride. Short moments where he can have a glimpse of this one particular passenger.
A boy, probably the same age as him, who wears the uniform from the arts school two stops from his and a white headphones over his ears. Brown chestnut hair, fringes falling softly just right above those pair of dark orbs. High bridge nose, sculpted cheekbones and plump lips that mouths lyrics and creates soft melodic hums. Narrow shoulders, slim stature yet perfectly fit with his nay blue uniform jacket.
He always sits at the window seat left column five rows behind the driver. And Youngjae, well, he sits at two rows from this boy or just anywhere available that can make it easier to watch him without being obvious. The nearest he’d been is directly at the back seat of him that made it possible for him to hear his singing voice. But he never, ever thought of sitting beside him, even the seat is always empty. He just doesn’t think he has enough courage to do so or the confidence. Besides it will be hard to take a glance if sits there. He can’t risk being caught and be branded as weird or worst.
There are times that he will intend to miss his home and stays until the boy gets off on his stop.He doesn’t know why he do that, it’s not like he has any intention of talking to him or follow him home. No, he’s not that desperate to be a stalker. Obsessed, maybe, a little, if thinking about him at any possible time may it be on school or before sleeping is considered as obsession. He just can’t help it. The boy intrigues him so much. Seeing him, though from afar, completes his day and puts a smile on him that lasts until the next day.
Today is supposed to be the same as always only that the seat on fifth row is empty. He checks his watch and confirms that it is the right time. He wanders his gaze at whole area, hoping to maybe find the other in a different seat but failed as the early ride is consisted with this old couple at the back and a long haired colorful girl who is shooting him a curious look. He walks to his usual seat, frown decorating his face.
This is first time in the whole nine months that the boy is not there. Is he sick? He concerns. Or does he take an earlier bus? And his frown gets deeper until he reaches his school and his mood as off all day.
He is able to get through the day, with complains from his best friend JongUp about this plastered downward smile on him and an unfocused mind resulting for a low score in their English quiz. He bids goodbye to his friends and hurriedly runs towards the stop. He gets there on time as the bus parks on the side letting the passengers board.
He can’t help feeling giddy as he climbs the vehicle. But everything simply drains down the pipe, as someone not him occupying the fifth row window seat. He stands rooted on the bus door gaining looks from the other people.
“are you getting in?” He hears the old hoarse voice from the driver seat. He bows in apology and walks to the empty seat at the back, his eyes keep on staring at that spot.
Today, is officially, the worst day in the history. He just prays that tomorrow will be back to normal.
But it seems that his prayer doesn’t reach the heavens. Not only the next day, but the whole week, that the boy is not present in their bus ride. He gets worry about him but has no way to even know his real condition. From then on, his days became dull and different. Friday came and still the boy didn’t show up in their usual morning ride.
“Hey Jae, wanna hang out after class?” Jong Up clambers on his back almost making him stumbles down with the weight. He nudges his friend with his elbow as he continues his walk back to the classroom.
“nah..pass”
“C’mon..you barely hang out with us since the year started..you don’t have girlfriend, do you?”
“no, I don’t have..i’m not in the mood..”
Jong Up sneers. “you’re always not in the mood..last time you said you’re doing some chores..then the other you said you’re not feeling good..are you avoiding me”
Youngjae rolls his eyes as he makes a turn to the corner. “No I’m not..why would I?”
“but you’re always saying no..” he feels heavy arm falling down around his shoulder. “cmon, dude..it’s weekend tomorrow..we’re not staying up late, promis..please”
Youngjae turns to face his friend who is now doing this puppy pleading eyes and pouting thing. He sighs. “fine..eight max, ok?”
“Deal.”
“so where are we going?”
Jong Up steps in front of him blocking his way towards the room’s entrance. “remember Himchan?”
Youngjae raises a brow. “oh, of course. He’s that senior hyung that you’re crushing with since middle school”
“NO..I’m not” Jong Up quickly objected sneaking glances at his sides making sure no one heard it. “admiration..with his talents”
“and looks..” Jong Up glares at him. Youngjae chuckles. “ok, fine..talent..so what is it to do with Mr. pretty boy?”
“well..he kind of..invited me to watch their performance..tonight..”
Youngjae narrows his eyes as he comes to realization of the situation. “I think I know this..you want me to come with you not to hang out as ‘friends’ but to accompany you because you can’t go alone”
“no.. i want to hang out with you” Youngjae stares at him hardly. He swallows a lump. “fine..and also to accompany me cause I don’t want to be alone..with him..maybe?”
“I think I’m passing this one..”He pushes the other so he can walk through in to the room, striding his way to his seat.
“cmon you already said yes”
“but it was when I didn’t know what and where”
“please..Youngjae..please..I’m your best friend, right..please please”
Youngjae sighs as the begging in front of him increases and other students are giving them attention.
“fine..stand up from there, will you..where is this?”
“Hongdae..at this bar”
“bar? Are we even allowed there?”
“I think so..well, it’s not really the ‘bar’ you are thinking..it’s more of a music bar..”
Youngjae lets out a deep breath before nodding his head. He’s not sure if it’s a good idea to come along but, well, he really feels guilty neglecting his best friend these past few months and also he needs something to keep his mind from grieving about the boy’s absence the whole week.
“ok..but I’m telling you..i’m leaving when I feel like the third wheel in this thing, araso?”
Jong Up thumbs up to him assuring that it won’t happen before hurriedly walking out of the room as the bell rings.
Youngjae looks up the bright neon sign ‘The MusicBAR’ hanging on top of big glass entrance door. He then lets his eyes watch the people coming in and out of the said premise looking all casual compared to what he’s still on.
“maybe we should have gone home first..change clothes or something”
“no need..just lose the coat and the tie” Jong Up says as he runs his fingers on his hair messing it for a more rugged look.
“you sure that big man by the door will let us in..i mean we’re wearing high school uniforms..”
As soon as the question was said, a tall slim boy walks towards their direction. He is wearing a black fitted shirt, paired with a black skinny jeans and high boots, hair styled up with gel and face seems a lot fairer than usual completed with light make up.
“you came..” The voice is so deep that it sends shivers down Youngjae’s spine. Now it makes sense why his best friend has been worshipping this man for years.
“Himchan-hyung..of course I will come” Youngjae raises a brow as his normally loud friend becomes soft spoken and prim.
“and Youngjae, right?” The boy gives him his attention. He nods and reaches the hand for a shake.
“C’mon we’re up in a few..” He says and they follow. Himchan signals something to the bouncer at the door and with that they were able to pass through.
The inside of the bar is nothing to what Youngjae thought it would be. It is dark, yes, but the atmosphere is inviting and a lot more comfortable. He was expecting for smell of alcohol and smoke, blinding lights and drunken people. But here, is cleaner and proper. There are tables cleanly prepared for customers. The bar on the side is already filled with patrons drinking light drinks and beers. What caught his attention is the stage. There already some people, mostly girls standing by the high tables near it, that looks excited. There are instruments in the stage, drum set, microphone stands and a guy sitting by the speaker adjusting a guitar. A performance, maybe. Right, Himchan’s band is performing and that is also why they’re here.
“so seat here and I’ll order you something..non alcoholic, of course..I need to go, the performance’s about to start..” Himchan says before he left for the bar then to the back door. After a few minutes, orangey drinks are served on their table, that look and taste safe.
Youngjae twists on his stool as he wanders his eyes around the area. The place is packed with young people, university students and younger. Then the light dims. Cheers fill up the place. Attentions are all in the stage. Jong Up nudges him to look at its direction before a soft tapping sound of cymbals resonated.
Then bang. Electric guitar blasts, drums roar and keyboard plays. Youngjae is taken aback with the loudness, scrunching his brow as the music gets louder.
Rock. Oh, how he hates rock.
“Himchan’s on drums” He hears Jong Up shouting form his side. He looks up and saw the said lad. Then he looks away. He sighs as the feeling of regret on coming washes over him. He should have been in his house, listening to real music, soft fabric of his blanket caressing his back instead of the hard backrest of the stool he’s in.
He is too absorbed in his thoughts when he hears a speaking voice greeting the people who came to watch them and that to enjoy the performance. He rolls his eyes as squealing from the girls, probably die-hard fans, followed before he sipped on his drink.
Then the music changes. It still rock-ish, but more mellow. And there came this voice that gets Youngjae’s attention. He places his glass on the table, turns on his seat and looks at the stage.
Under that white spotlight, stands someone that makes Youngjae gapes, and breath stuck.
He closes his eyes, wiggles his head left to right before bringing it back to the vocalist in middle. He’s not mistaking. His eyes are seeing the right thing, right?
It’s him.
The fifth row window seat, white headphones boy in Bus 48. It’s him. Really him, same face, same all. Well, a bit different but it’s really is him. He’s also in an all-black outfit instead of the blue uniform jacket, hair is swept to side but still in brown chestnut color, and that flawless skin only there’s a hint of makeup. And is that eyeliner?
He doesn’t notice his body moving, walking nearer to the stage, pushing his way through the fangirls and succeeding. A meter distance from the edge of the stage, he stands eyes gawking on the boy holding the mic as he hits the notes perfectly and beautifully that it sounds so angelic to Youngjae’s ears.
It’s him.
It took one full glass of that orangey drink for him to revive his senses. Jong Up is shooting him questioning look that he keeps on avoiding as he stares at the black door Himchan went in a while ago.
“are you sure you’re fine?”
Youngjae breaks from trance when he feels a hand on his arm. He nods as he reaches for his friend’s own drink downing all in one go.
“hey, slow down..it will not make you drunk but still it has tiny bitsy drop of alcohol..” The two friends snap their heads to the speaker who happens to be Himchan arms naturally draping around their shoulders.
Jong Up blushes with contact which is unintentionally been caught by Youngjae. He smirks as he places down the empty glass before glancing back to the older male. And there he meets eyes with the very person that almost cause him heart attack a while ago.
“oh, by the way, guys this is Daehyun..band’s vocalist..” Himchan introduces pulling the said boy by the wrist. “and second as the group’s visual.”
Damn, he’s a lot gorgeous up close. Youngjae’s mind is working in slow motion as the boy stands so close that he can see even the tiniest pore on his skin. Ok, a little exaggeration on that part, but really this is the closest he had been with this boy.
“so..we have fifteen minutes break so..Jong Up would you like to see the backstage?”
“yeah” Jong Up answers so enthusiastically that it shocks Youngjae who, at the moment, is too entrap in a daze. He panics when he sees his friend standing beside Himchan and is excited to leave him alone.
“Daehyun?” Himchan asks midway to turning towards the back stage’s direction.
“I think I’ll rest up a bit..here”
“ok..be there in fifteen”
“Jong Up..” Youngjae calls out in despair but Jong Up ignores him as his full attention is with the handsome drummer.
“so, did you enjoy it?”
Youngjae is playing with the empty glass on the table, gaze roaming everywhere avoiding the one across him. But as the other spoke breaking the silence between them, his eyes quickly darts to the boy.
“en..joy..it?” Gosh, stuttering. He feels like slapping himself.
“I mean the performance..” Daehyun adds. “or you’re not into rock music, are you?”
Youngjae shakes his head. “No..i mean yes I enjoy it..and I really..like rock music..That’s..my jam” shit, He didn’t just say that, mentally choking himself.
“really..” The boy blushes and Youngjae kind of misses it. “well, I didn’t see you as someone who listens to rock..but thanks..”
Ok, he doesn’t really listen to rock. He doesn’t even have one song in his playlist that can be categorize in this genre. Soul ballad and RnB is his music but maybe starting from tonight he’ll try to download more of this type and makes it his new favorite.
“huh?” He misses the question while being in his own stupor.
“I said, you’re friend with Himchan?”
“ah, Jong Up is..he’s..my..fri..end..”Seriously, why is he so nervous.
“oh before I forgot.. I’m Daehyun..i don’t know if you catch it a while ago since you seemed to be in deep thoughts..”
“oh..hehe..so..rry..” Youngjae scratched the back of his head. “I’m Youngjae..”
“I know”
“huh?”
Youngjae watches as Daehyun slightly bows his head, his finger drumming the surface of the metal table. If his vision is right, he surely saw a tint of blush on the boy’s soft cheeks.
“well..I heard it once..before”
“uhm..you mean..a..while..ago” Youngjae tilts his head in hoping to see the boy’s face who’s being obscured by his fringes.
“I mean..before” And he looks up. And yes, he’s definitely blushing. “I kind of..know you..not really know know you..but yeah..
“mwoh?”
Daehyun’s adam apple bobs as he swallows a non-existing lump before speaking up again.
“i..don’t know but..maybe you might think of me as weird..or something..but I see you.. in the bus..we take the same bus..in the morning..and afternoon, too..Bus 48”
Youngjae feels air got stuck on his trachea as his hand grips on the empty highball tightly.
“I’ve..always notice you..at first because maybe it happened everyday without fail..then it felt like..we’re destined to be together in same bus at the same time…and it interests me”
Youngjae’s eyes become saucer-big as he waits for the coming words. His heart beats so fast that it feels like he just downed ten cups of brewed coffee.
“you, interests me..but yeah..I’m too shy to actually talk to you..” Wait, wait. Why is he hearing his own story? That’s supposed to be his lines?
“so I remain quiet and just watch you as you board the bus..then follow you through the driver’s view mirror..carefully taking glances so you’ll not catch me..”
That is why he sits at that spot. Damn what did he missed all these times. Is he that blind to see the attention this boy is sending him. Well, to his defense, he’s always looking straight when he passes by him to his way towards the back. And he’s always been careful, too, when he’s taking a peak of the boy, that he created a count of when to look and when to avert.
“god this is embarrassing..i don’t know why I’m saying this now..I’m weird, right?”
“right..” Daehyun looks at him with shock that makes him realize what he just said. “no you’re not weird..well, not, since it will make me a weird too”
Daehyun’s confused face shows so he prepares for his own revelation. “well, I’m kind of..you know..see you too..watch..you too..wait for chances..too..and, I actually do everything to be on the same time as you..making me a lot weirder..than you..”
He exhaled before looking straight at him in the eyes, for the very first time since the start of their predestined bus rendezvous.
“And you, interests me..too..a lot”
Youngjae watches as those plump lips breaks into a big smile and a breathy laugh comes out. It puts a same on his own followed by a low chuckle.
“it’s funny..really funny..all this time..we..same..” Daehyun says as he suppresses the laughs from escaping. “wow..if you didn’t come tonight then..we’ll never know that we..feel the same..never..and that’s too bad”
“yeah..too bad” Youngjae reminds himself to thank Jong Up, shower him with gifts and be kind to him from now on.
“Dae..five minutes” A raspy voice calls out from behind the black door. Youngjae catches sight of an older boy with this scary manly vibe holding an electric guitar. Daehyun waves his hand in acknowledgement before turning back to Youngjae.
“so..last set..you staying?”
Even before he’s able to reply, Jong Up appears patting him on the shoulder. “it’s already eight..we’re going?”
Youngjae looks at his watch and remembers his curfew. He can’t afford to be grounded, especially now that he’s looking at something great in the future with this boy. He nods and Jong Up grabs his bag.
“I’ll see you outside” Jong Up says before making his way out of the bar.
“sorry..my parents..”
“yeah..it’s alright..maybe next time, you’ll come again”
“next time?”
Daehyun smiles. “yeah..i mean if you want to.”
“I want to..i will..next time” He hurriedly says.
“great..we perform every Friday”
Daehyun stands up first. Youngjae followed hooking his bag at his left shoulder.
“so..see you..Monday?”
Youngjae stares at the words. He gasps when he realizes what it means.
“yeah, of course Monday”
Daehyun mouths an ‘ok’ before waving goodbye. Youngjae watches him for a while before turning on his heels.
“Youngjae” He stops and looks back and finds Daehyun in a hearing distance from him, uneasiness in his action and that very visible blush.
“on Monday..maybe..i mean if you like..you..can sit beside me..”He bites his lower lip as his gaze focuses on the floor, occasionally glancing up. “I’ve been reserving that..for you..but never had the courage to ask you..i kind of..deemed on waiting for you to take it by yourself..but yeah you never did..so”
“YEAH..I like to..” Youngjae swallows. “sit…beside you”
Daehyun looks up with a smile. “great..so see you..good night” and he walks away.
“yeah..see you”
“are you ok? Your face is red..you’re not drunk, are you? Himchan-hyung assured that it only has a drop of alcohol..but yeah, dude, you drank it all up”
Youngjae grins at his friend scaring the smaller boy a little. He lets out a satisfied sigh before enclosing his arms around his best friend who struggles like caught fish on a net.
“I love you so much Jong Up..you’re the best best friend..Thank you..thank you”
“ugh..Youngjae..i’m already taken..let me go..you’re gross”
And under the moonlight, and the bright lights of the youth district, Youngjae’s heart sings with joy and excitement, hoping for the days to go by faster.
Youngjae has this routine. He rides Bus 48 everyday. And just like always, he is there exactly on time. But today, is a bit different from those other days.
He’s been waiting for it all weekend. He’s been waiting for it for a very long time.
So as he boards the bus, filled with anticipation, his eyes automatically travels to the column behind the driver seat, five rows from the front, window side. Brown hair, sweet smile..an empty seat.
“Good Morning , Youngjae”
And he never misses a bus ride…ever.
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PENNYSAYS: I'd appreciate a comment. Thanks for reading^__^
Pairing: DaeJae / HimUp
Summary: Youngjae has this routine. And he never misses a day.
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Youngjae has this routine. He rides Bus 48 everyday exactly at 7:15 am in the morning and 6:30 in the afternoon. And he never misses a day.
This is his daily life. He leaves home early though his classes start at 8:30. At dismissal, he’ll refuse any kind of after school activities and would be at the station waiting for mere fifteen minutes for the same bus. For someone at his age, who normally gains happiness with friends and games, he finds it within this everyday-twenty minutes ride. Short moments where he can have a glimpse of this one particular passenger.
A boy, probably the same age as him, who wears the uniform from the arts school two stops from his and a white headphones over his ears. Brown chestnut hair, fringes falling softly just right above those pair of dark orbs. High bridge nose, sculpted cheekbones and plump lips that mouths lyrics and creates soft melodic hums. Narrow shoulders, slim stature yet perfectly fit with his nay blue uniform jacket.
He always sits at the window seat left column five rows behind the driver. And Youngjae, well, he sits at two rows from this boy or just anywhere available that can make it easier to watch him without being obvious. The nearest he’d been is directly at the back seat of him that made it possible for him to hear his singing voice. But he never, ever thought of sitting beside him, even the seat is always empty. He just doesn’t think he has enough courage to do so or the confidence. Besides it will be hard to take a glance if sits there. He can’t risk being caught and be branded as weird or worst.
There are times that he will intend to miss his home and stays until the boy gets off on his stop.He doesn’t know why he do that, it’s not like he has any intention of talking to him or follow him home. No, he’s not that desperate to be a stalker. Obsessed, maybe, a little, if thinking about him at any possible time may it be on school or before sleeping is considered as obsession. He just can’t help it. The boy intrigues him so much. Seeing him, though from afar, completes his day and puts a smile on him that lasts until the next day.
Today is supposed to be the same as always only that the seat on fifth row is empty. He checks his watch and confirms that it is the right time. He wanders his gaze at whole area, hoping to maybe find the other in a different seat but failed as the early ride is consisted with this old couple at the back and a long haired colorful girl who is shooting him a curious look. He walks to his usual seat, frown decorating his face.
This is first time in the whole nine months that the boy is not there. Is he sick? He concerns. Or does he take an earlier bus? And his frown gets deeper until he reaches his school and his mood as off all day.
He is able to get through the day, with complains from his best friend JongUp about this plastered downward smile on him and an unfocused mind resulting for a low score in their English quiz. He bids goodbye to his friends and hurriedly runs towards the stop. He gets there on time as the bus parks on the side letting the passengers board.
He can’t help feeling giddy as he climbs the vehicle. But everything simply drains down the pipe, as someone not him occupying the fifth row window seat. He stands rooted on the bus door gaining looks from the other people.
“are you getting in?” He hears the old hoarse voice from the driver seat. He bows in apology and walks to the empty seat at the back, his eyes keep on staring at that spot.
Today, is officially, the worst day in the history. He just prays that tomorrow will be back to normal.
But it seems that his prayer doesn’t reach the heavens. Not only the next day, but the whole week, that the boy is not present in their bus ride. He gets worry about him but has no way to even know his real condition. From then on, his days became dull and different. Friday came and still the boy didn’t show up in their usual morning ride.
“Hey Jae, wanna hang out after class?” Jong Up clambers on his back almost making him stumbles down with the weight. He nudges his friend with his elbow as he continues his walk back to the classroom.
“nah..pass”
“C’mon..you barely hang out with us since the year started..you don’t have girlfriend, do you?”
“no, I don’t have..i’m not in the mood..”
Jong Up sneers. “you’re always not in the mood..last time you said you’re doing some chores..then the other you said you’re not feeling good..are you avoiding me”
Youngjae rolls his eyes as he makes a turn to the corner. “No I’m not..why would I?”
“but you’re always saying no..” he feels heavy arm falling down around his shoulder. “cmon, dude..it’s weekend tomorrow..we’re not staying up late, promis..please”
Youngjae turns to face his friend who is now doing this puppy pleading eyes and pouting thing. He sighs. “fine..eight max, ok?”
“Deal.”
“so where are we going?”
Jong Up steps in front of him blocking his way towards the room’s entrance. “remember Himchan?”
Youngjae raises a brow. “oh, of course. He’s that senior hyung that you’re crushing with since middle school”
“NO..I’m not” Jong Up quickly objected sneaking glances at his sides making sure no one heard it. “admiration..with his talents”
“and looks..” Jong Up glares at him. Youngjae chuckles. “ok, fine..talent..so what is it to do with Mr. pretty boy?”
“well..he kind of..invited me to watch their performance..tonight..”
Youngjae narrows his eyes as he comes to realization of the situation. “I think I know this..you want me to come with you not to hang out as ‘friends’ but to accompany you because you can’t go alone”
“no.. i want to hang out with you” Youngjae stares at him hardly. He swallows a lump. “fine..and also to accompany me cause I don’t want to be alone..with him..maybe?”
“I think I’m passing this one..”He pushes the other so he can walk through in to the room, striding his way to his seat.
“cmon you already said yes”
“but it was when I didn’t know what and where”
“please..Youngjae..please..I’m your best friend, right..please please”
Youngjae sighs as the begging in front of him increases and other students are giving them attention.
“fine..stand up from there, will you..where is this?”
“Hongdae..at this bar”
“bar? Are we even allowed there?”
“I think so..well, it’s not really the ‘bar’ you are thinking..it’s more of a music bar..”
Youngjae lets out a deep breath before nodding his head. He’s not sure if it’s a good idea to come along but, well, he really feels guilty neglecting his best friend these past few months and also he needs something to keep his mind from grieving about the boy’s absence the whole week.
“ok..but I’m telling you..i’m leaving when I feel like the third wheel in this thing, araso?”
Jong Up thumbs up to him assuring that it won’t happen before hurriedly walking out of the room as the bell rings.
Youngjae looks up the bright neon sign ‘The MusicBAR’ hanging on top of big glass entrance door. He then lets his eyes watch the people coming in and out of the said premise looking all casual compared to what he’s still on.
“maybe we should have gone home first..change clothes or something”
“no need..just lose the coat and the tie” Jong Up says as he runs his fingers on his hair messing it for a more rugged look.
“you sure that big man by the door will let us in..i mean we’re wearing high school uniforms..”
As soon as the question was said, a tall slim boy walks towards their direction. He is wearing a black fitted shirt, paired with a black skinny jeans and high boots, hair styled up with gel and face seems a lot fairer than usual completed with light make up.
“you came..” The voice is so deep that it sends shivers down Youngjae’s spine. Now it makes sense why his best friend has been worshipping this man for years.
“Himchan-hyung..of course I will come” Youngjae raises a brow as his normally loud friend becomes soft spoken and prim.
“and Youngjae, right?” The boy gives him his attention. He nods and reaches the hand for a shake.
“C’mon we’re up in a few..” He says and they follow. Himchan signals something to the bouncer at the door and with that they were able to pass through.
The inside of the bar is nothing to what Youngjae thought it would be. It is dark, yes, but the atmosphere is inviting and a lot more comfortable. He was expecting for smell of alcohol and smoke, blinding lights and drunken people. But here, is cleaner and proper. There are tables cleanly prepared for customers. The bar on the side is already filled with patrons drinking light drinks and beers. What caught his attention is the stage. There already some people, mostly girls standing by the high tables near it, that looks excited. There are instruments in the stage, drum set, microphone stands and a guy sitting by the speaker adjusting a guitar. A performance, maybe. Right, Himchan’s band is performing and that is also why they’re here.
“so seat here and I’ll order you something..non alcoholic, of course..I need to go, the performance’s about to start..” Himchan says before he left for the bar then to the back door. After a few minutes, orangey drinks are served on their table, that look and taste safe.
Youngjae twists on his stool as he wanders his eyes around the area. The place is packed with young people, university students and younger. Then the light dims. Cheers fill up the place. Attentions are all in the stage. Jong Up nudges him to look at its direction before a soft tapping sound of cymbals resonated.
Then bang. Electric guitar blasts, drums roar and keyboard plays. Youngjae is taken aback with the loudness, scrunching his brow as the music gets louder.
Rock. Oh, how he hates rock.
“Himchan’s on drums” He hears Jong Up shouting form his side. He looks up and saw the said lad. Then he looks away. He sighs as the feeling of regret on coming washes over him. He should have been in his house, listening to real music, soft fabric of his blanket caressing his back instead of the hard backrest of the stool he’s in.
He is too absorbed in his thoughts when he hears a speaking voice greeting the people who came to watch them and that to enjoy the performance. He rolls his eyes as squealing from the girls, probably die-hard fans, followed before he sipped on his drink.
Then the music changes. It still rock-ish, but more mellow. And there came this voice that gets Youngjae’s attention. He places his glass on the table, turns on his seat and looks at the stage.
Under that white spotlight, stands someone that makes Youngjae gapes, and breath stuck.
He closes his eyes, wiggles his head left to right before bringing it back to the vocalist in middle. He’s not mistaking. His eyes are seeing the right thing, right?
It’s him.
The fifth row window seat, white headphones boy in Bus 48. It’s him. Really him, same face, same all. Well, a bit different but it’s really is him. He’s also in an all-black outfit instead of the blue uniform jacket, hair is swept to side but still in brown chestnut color, and that flawless skin only there’s a hint of makeup. And is that eyeliner?
He doesn’t notice his body moving, walking nearer to the stage, pushing his way through the fangirls and succeeding. A meter distance from the edge of the stage, he stands eyes gawking on the boy holding the mic as he hits the notes perfectly and beautifully that it sounds so angelic to Youngjae’s ears.
It’s him.
It took one full glass of that orangey drink for him to revive his senses. Jong Up is shooting him questioning look that he keeps on avoiding as he stares at the black door Himchan went in a while ago.
“are you sure you’re fine?”
Youngjae breaks from trance when he feels a hand on his arm. He nods as he reaches for his friend’s own drink downing all in one go.
“hey, slow down..it will not make you drunk but still it has tiny bitsy drop of alcohol..” The two friends snap their heads to the speaker who happens to be Himchan arms naturally draping around their shoulders.
Jong Up blushes with contact which is unintentionally been caught by Youngjae. He smirks as he places down the empty glass before glancing back to the older male. And there he meets eyes with the very person that almost cause him heart attack a while ago.
“oh, by the way, guys this is Daehyun..band’s vocalist..” Himchan introduces pulling the said boy by the wrist. “and second as the group’s visual.”
Damn, he’s a lot gorgeous up close. Youngjae’s mind is working in slow motion as the boy stands so close that he can see even the tiniest pore on his skin. Ok, a little exaggeration on that part, but really this is the closest he had been with this boy.
“so..we have fifteen minutes break so..Jong Up would you like to see the backstage?”
“yeah” Jong Up answers so enthusiastically that it shocks Youngjae who, at the moment, is too entrap in a daze. He panics when he sees his friend standing beside Himchan and is excited to leave him alone.
“Daehyun?” Himchan asks midway to turning towards the back stage’s direction.
“I think I’ll rest up a bit..here”
“ok..be there in fifteen”
“Jong Up..” Youngjae calls out in despair but Jong Up ignores him as his full attention is with the handsome drummer.
“so, did you enjoy it?”
Youngjae is playing with the empty glass on the table, gaze roaming everywhere avoiding the one across him. But as the other spoke breaking the silence between them, his eyes quickly darts to the boy.
“en..joy..it?” Gosh, stuttering. He feels like slapping himself.
“I mean the performance..” Daehyun adds. “or you’re not into rock music, are you?”
Youngjae shakes his head. “No..i mean yes I enjoy it..and I really..like rock music..That’s..my jam” shit, He didn’t just say that, mentally choking himself.
“really..” The boy blushes and Youngjae kind of misses it. “well, I didn’t see you as someone who listens to rock..but thanks..”
Ok, he doesn’t really listen to rock. He doesn’t even have one song in his playlist that can be categorize in this genre. Soul ballad and RnB is his music but maybe starting from tonight he’ll try to download more of this type and makes it his new favorite.
“huh?” He misses the question while being in his own stupor.
“I said, you’re friend with Himchan?”
“ah, Jong Up is..he’s..my..fri..end..”Seriously, why is he so nervous.
“oh before I forgot.. I’m Daehyun..i don’t know if you catch it a while ago since you seemed to be in deep thoughts..”
“oh..hehe..so..rry..” Youngjae scratched the back of his head. “I’m Youngjae..”
“I know”
“huh?”
Youngjae watches as Daehyun slightly bows his head, his finger drumming the surface of the metal table. If his vision is right, he surely saw a tint of blush on the boy’s soft cheeks.
“well..I heard it once..before”
“uhm..you mean..a..while..ago” Youngjae tilts his head in hoping to see the boy’s face who’s being obscured by his fringes.
“I mean..before” And he looks up. And yes, he’s definitely blushing. “I kind of..know you..not really know know you..but yeah..
“mwoh?”
Daehyun’s adam apple bobs as he swallows a non-existing lump before speaking up again.
“i..don’t know but..maybe you might think of me as weird..or something..but I see you.. in the bus..we take the same bus..in the morning..and afternoon, too..Bus 48”
Youngjae feels air got stuck on his trachea as his hand grips on the empty highball tightly.
“I’ve..always notice you..at first because maybe it happened everyday without fail..then it felt like..we’re destined to be together in same bus at the same time…and it interests me”
Youngjae’s eyes become saucer-big as he waits for the coming words. His heart beats so fast that it feels like he just downed ten cups of brewed coffee.
“you, interests me..but yeah..I’m too shy to actually talk to you..” Wait, wait. Why is he hearing his own story? That’s supposed to be his lines?
“so I remain quiet and just watch you as you board the bus..then follow you through the driver’s view mirror..carefully taking glances so you’ll not catch me..”
That is why he sits at that spot. Damn what did he missed all these times. Is he that blind to see the attention this boy is sending him. Well, to his defense, he’s always looking straight when he passes by him to his way towards the back. And he’s always been careful, too, when he’s taking a peak of the boy, that he created a count of when to look and when to avert.
“god this is embarrassing..i don’t know why I’m saying this now..I’m weird, right?”
“right..” Daehyun looks at him with shock that makes him realize what he just said. “no you’re not weird..well, not, since it will make me a weird too”
Daehyun’s confused face shows so he prepares for his own revelation. “well, I’m kind of..you know..see you too..watch..you too..wait for chances..too..and, I actually do everything to be on the same time as you..making me a lot weirder..than you..”
He exhaled before looking straight at him in the eyes, for the very first time since the start of their predestined bus rendezvous.
“And you, interests me..too..a lot”
Youngjae watches as those plump lips breaks into a big smile and a breathy laugh comes out. It puts a same on his own followed by a low chuckle.
“it’s funny..really funny..all this time..we..same..” Daehyun says as he suppresses the laughs from escaping. “wow..if you didn’t come tonight then..we’ll never know that we..feel the same..never..and that’s too bad”
“yeah..too bad” Youngjae reminds himself to thank Jong Up, shower him with gifts and be kind to him from now on.
“Dae..five minutes” A raspy voice calls out from behind the black door. Youngjae catches sight of an older boy with this scary manly vibe holding an electric guitar. Daehyun waves his hand in acknowledgement before turning back to Youngjae.
“so..last set..you staying?”
Even before he’s able to reply, Jong Up appears patting him on the shoulder. “it’s already eight..we’re going?”
Youngjae looks at his watch and remembers his curfew. He can’t afford to be grounded, especially now that he’s looking at something great in the future with this boy. He nods and Jong Up grabs his bag.
“I’ll see you outside” Jong Up says before making his way out of the bar.
“sorry..my parents..”
“yeah..it’s alright..maybe next time, you’ll come again”
“next time?”
Daehyun smiles. “yeah..i mean if you want to.”
“I want to..i will..next time” He hurriedly says.
“great..we perform every Friday”
Daehyun stands up first. Youngjae followed hooking his bag at his left shoulder.
“so..see you..Monday?”
Youngjae stares at the words. He gasps when he realizes what it means.
“yeah, of course Monday”
Daehyun mouths an ‘ok’ before waving goodbye. Youngjae watches him for a while before turning on his heels.
“Youngjae” He stops and looks back and finds Daehyun in a hearing distance from him, uneasiness in his action and that very visible blush.
“on Monday..maybe..i mean if you like..you..can sit beside me..”He bites his lower lip as his gaze focuses on the floor, occasionally glancing up. “I’ve been reserving that..for you..but never had the courage to ask you..i kind of..deemed on waiting for you to take it by yourself..but yeah you never did..so”
“YEAH..I like to..” Youngjae swallows. “sit…beside you”
Daehyun looks up with a smile. “great..so see you..good night” and he walks away.
“yeah..see you”
“are you ok? Your face is red..you’re not drunk, are you? Himchan-hyung assured that it only has a drop of alcohol..but yeah, dude, you drank it all up”
Youngjae grins at his friend scaring the smaller boy a little. He lets out a satisfied sigh before enclosing his arms around his best friend who struggles like caught fish on a net.
“I love you so much Jong Up..you’re the best best friend..Thank you..thank you”
“ugh..Youngjae..i’m already taken..let me go..you’re gross”
And under the moonlight, and the bright lights of the youth district, Youngjae’s heart sings with joy and excitement, hoping for the days to go by faster.
Youngjae has this routine. He rides Bus 48 everyday. And just like always, he is there exactly on time. But today, is a bit different from those other days.
He’s been waiting for it all weekend. He’s been waiting for it for a very long time.
So as he boards the bus, filled with anticipation, his eyes automatically travels to the column behind the driver seat, five rows from the front, window side. Brown hair, sweet smile..an empty seat.
“Good Morning , Youngjae”
And he never misses a bus ride…ever.
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PENNYSAYS: I'd appreciate a comment. Thanks for reading^__^