. . .

Because some of his colleagues were asleep, he kept his voice hushed while still expressing much emotion as always. “I’m pretty sure think we last saw each other a year ago? Maybe even two years ago? Okay, I’m taking back the ‘sure’ part of it. Time moves so quickly it’s hard to track how long it’s been. Life’s always been so busy for us idol folk, but I almost can’t get used to the fast pace even if I’ve been at this for the past decade already.” He was even surprised that he only had a year left until his discharge from his military enlistment. It felt like things were still just getting started as it eventually dawned on him that he was doing his part in serving the country through the musicals bringing awareness to certain people and their achievements and sacrifices made for the country. Nonetheless, taking breaks– and using that break to catch up with a friend, was much needed to keep enjoy said time.

“Sounds fine by me. My ensured free time is at night since I certainly don’t want to sleep on you during the day,” he responded with a light chuckle. “That’d be the perfect for some dinner, right? Omo, it hadn’t even been long since I enjoyed food at a restaurant, but it feels like so much time has passed already.”

❛ I'll take that 'sure' from you and support the idea that we haven't seen each other for two years. To put it simply, we just haven't seen each other for a very long time. Regardless, we have much to catch up on.' Hyojung can't help but agree with him for the latter part of his words even if she hasn't been in the industry as long as him.

their phone calls always seem to end so abruptly ... yet neither one is to blame. things happen and hyojung knows that from firsthand experience. though his apology is deemed sweet. light laughter spills from the woman, shoulders lightly bouncing in rhythm for the unneeded apology. if they were face to face, a gentle nudge to his side would’ve helped emphasize her reassurance for not needing one but only words and a growing smile shown in her voice would suffice for now.

having a moment to step back and bask in someone else’s company— even by phone was, to say the least, rewarding for hyojung. every day passes and she’s so caught up in her own work that sometimes she forgets how to socialize ... especially with those she was once close to. though, his sudden words through the phone are enough to dawn a smile across her features and she’s left mustering up the will to break it just to say something.

the singer is too caught up in the taste that she ( unintentionally ) forgot about jeongguk . . for only a brief moment until her eyes flickered open to find him closer than she was expecting. in hopes he doesn't notice, hyojung offers him a bite before he could say anything more. ❛ jung-ah, bite. ' with a firm grip on the stick, she holds it out for him. he had a point though, there really was no place like home when it came to authentic food and to agree with him, she smiles cheekily as if to show how proud she was to call this country home. ❛ agh, you're right about that ! do you have a favorite homecooked meal ? or are you like me and find it hard to even choose because everything is too good to be true ? ' keeping the stick with less rice cakes on it, hyo passes him the other and begins to walk while they spoke. of course, like everyone else, hyojung knew of him and the group he was in but tonight she wanted to really get to know him while they shared a quiet night out. ❛ what about cooking ? do you cook ? ' it dawns on her that the questions just keep coming without pause and she gives him an apologetic smile. ❛ sorry . . take your time. '

❛ yah ! unni ! ' unable to control her outburst, melodic laughter chimes through the air and hyojung is left with gripping her sides to catch her breath but fails when another wave of giggles take her. even though they were miles apart and accompanying each other through the phone, tiffany once again, was successful in brightening their woeful ‘i miss you’ moment.  ❛ i’ll be traveling a lot now that my tour is starting up again . . . not sure when i’ll be back. if you were able to, i’d say you should jump on a plane right now and fly to me. ‘ she grabs hold of her phone and stares into it as if she could see tiffany, awaiting her response through the device.

( ‘returns the gesture while swaying from side to side. ) 

❛ unnie . . . do you realize how precious you are ? ‘

a light hum escapes her thinly pressed lips while she takes in the sight of each vendor that surrounds them. one in particular captures her by its scent and she's moving toward them, leaving jungkook standing alone. hyojung doesn't notice she's unaccompanied until her nose is practically pressed against the glass while she mumbles a few words meant for him to hear but receives no response. ❛ jung-ah ! c'mere ! let's get some 떡볶이. ' patience is nonexistent once the vendor hands them over . . . before she meets him halfway, a piece of rice cake has made its way into her mouth.  ❛ waaah ! ‘ 

❛ just leave me here to die . . . ' hyojung wasn't big on dramatics but the heat outside drew this newfound side of her which was pretty amusing if not comedic. even though it was her idea to drag the other outside for some sunshine, unfortunately, the heat instantly made her regret it. soon enough, the singer draped herself on the nearest park bench hidden under a tree to escape the beating sun. ❛ yaah . . . why are we out here again ? ' the question falls with light laughter that sways into a prolonged sigh as she stares out at other people passing by.