Chapter Text
LOCKED ON U.
chapter 1. The Stranger
Friday NOV 21 the clock strikes 9pm.
Hyunjin is sitting in his living room close to his window, right leg crossed over the left, back slightly hunched, mind racing -- trying to remember every detail of the guy who left him speechless when he caught a glimpse of his perfect face yesterday.
A face he hasn't been able to shake. His thoughts give him no breaks. Every time he closes his eyes he can see him.
It's all he's been thinking about, and is exhausting.
Why was he so enchanted? This has never happened to him before. The stranger barely saw him. They didn't cross stares. The guy was just passing by--so why was he so affected by his presence when he wasn't even close to him?.
He snaps back, shaking his head. A faint smile tugs at his lips as he looks down at his pallet of colors, hoping to mix the right ones just to get the perfect shade of pink. Looking back at his painting, there's something missing. He can't put his finger on it.
"What am i even doing?" he asks himself,
knowing there's no answer to his question.
"Why is this so....." he stops, placing the back of the brush on his bottom lip, as he searches for the right word, but nothing comes to mind. He can't even name it. He scoffs.
Mind derailing again--fixed on the strangers long, dark coat, the way his hands were trying to find comfort inside his pockets while his back was facing him. Until he turned.
Hyunjin was able to see his face for a mere second, but it was as if time had stopped just for him--to appreciate this individual. Baffled at the way his dark hair rested on top of his eyebrows. "His eyebrows"-- lowered, with a slight crease appearing between them, as if he was concentrating. His piercing eyes where definitely looking for something.... or someone.
Those eyes that looked everywhere but his way, guarded by the longest lashes he had ever laid eyes on.
His perfect nose. "His nose" he smiles faintly letting out air through his nose.
He gives a sigh. "His lips."
Lips that put you in a trance --slightly parted matching his confused look. Pink. Full. Pouty.
His upper lip particularly defined and protruding slightly. And then he smiled.
"What is this feeling?" Hyunjin whispered while closing his eyes and letting his head fall back. The widest most heartbreaking smile-- directed at someone else.
"I guess he finally found what he was looking for."
And just like that he disappeared into the crowd, going the opposite way.
Jinnie's eyes darted back to his painting, fixed on the lips.
Lips that are pulling him out of his normal state because there is nothing normal about of all this.
Nothing else matters though only the right mix of pinks to attempt to make them as perfect as the strangers.
He stands and heads to the kitchen for a glass of water. Unable to finish his painting and not sleepy at all, he decides to get dress and leave.
His painting, paused, stayes by the window.
No destination in mind, just wherever his feet takes him.
He starts his reflective walk, taking in this Friday night. The breeze plays with his hair; he enjoys the sensation. Twinkling lights welcome him. He's not alone, laughter fills the space.
Then, out of the last store on the boardwalk before getting to the park-- where he would usually sit to admire the full moon and stars-- he sees him.
Or at least that's what it looks like.
He starts moving faster without realizing it, suddenly closer to the stranger.
The guy is saying good night to someone, Hyunjin can't see who, or doesn't want to.
His eyes roam over the back of his new obsession. He has seen his back more than his face, after all. And the coat matches the one his stranger had on.
Minho keps walking backwards making way for someone else who was getting out of the store. Hyunjin just stands there in a daze, unable to move, eyes anchored on his neck. He desn't notice how close to him Minho is getting. They bump into each other--more like Minho bumps into him stepping on his shoes by accident.
Hyunjin gets a grip and on instinct grabs him by the waist as to balance himself preventing a fall. They guy holds on to the door, moves his feet and turns to make sure he is ok.
"Oh!, I'm sorry--- i didn't see you there" he says, grabbing Hyunjin's forearm to steady him.
Hyunjin freezes.
His eyes are lost on Minho's face, scanning every pore, taking everything in-- making sure this time he can get his painting right.
The painting! Why am i thinking about the painting? What were the odds? he thought.
Is he new here? Why haven't i seen him before?
Confusion covered his face, no words came out.
Minho asked "are u ok?"
Hyunjin snapped back, "yes-- sorry, is my fault, i was too close"
Minho gave him a smile stepping back to give him space, letting go of his arms. He opens the store door for him.
"You going in?" he asks
Hyunjin stays fixed on this stranger's face like his life depends on it, Minho notices.
"Sure-- yes. Thanks" he says
-he was not going to the store-
Before walking inside he turns back. "Hyunjin."
The stranger looks at his extended hand. "Minho."
They shake.
Hyunjin feels his firm yet gentle grip. It lasts seconds, but again, time was on his side.
He could feel every callus, (probably from working out, his mind supplies, because Minho definitely looks like he works out). His soft and warm fingers wrapping round his hand, and the sudden need for more when Minho ended the handshake leaving him with something he couldn't name. -again-
Minho walks off.
Hyunjin keeps staring at him through the big store windows, he couldn't stop.
"What is wrong with you Hyunjin-ah?; get a grip!" he sighed -a heavy one-
All the air leaving his lungs to make space for new air, he immediately inhales.
His eyes rummaging for a snack, -he was already there, might as well eat some gummies-.
Ready to pay, he was face to face with the person Minho was familiar with.
The guy, smaller than him, small waist, boba eyes, blonde hair, and a chocolate chip mole on his cheek. He looks younger than both of them, painted nails, ripped baggy jeans, big shoes, a rock star
"Is that all?" he asks, startling him
"mhm", Hyunjin nods.
"$2.50"
He gave him a $5 and walked out, only to rush back in, curiosity getting the best of him.
The clerk looks at him, confused, holding his change, and receipt, thinking he was in such hurry he forgot it.
Hyunjin waves it off, leans on the counter, motioning him to move closer all mysteriously, lowering his voice to ask if he knew the guy who walked out a minute ago.
"Yes." he said, "Why?"
"Just curious. "Is my first time seeing him here"
"Are u guys related?" his intrusive thoughts win.
"No, we are together."
He looked at Hyunjin with pursed lips biting his inner cheek and furrowed brow
"Oh!" -it just came out-
"Well that was awkward" he thought
"Thank you, Good night" Hyunjin manages to say, his eyes everywhere but on him.
Head down and little embarrassed, he walked out, not looking back.
"Turns out my reflective walk was nothing more than a wake up call" he said while walking back to his place.
After crossing the threshold of his appartement, he decides is time to sleep. The night had been eventful and his desire to know Minho has only grown stronger.
His thoughts were not clear and judging by all the sugar in his system it was going to be a very long night.