#so late...

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Jihyun Kim: Click.

The young turquoise haired boy laid on his stomach on the ground, as he took a photo of a beetle before it flew away. Considering his young age, it was a bit odd to see him all alone in this park, yet here he was. Again. His parents too caught up in their world wind travels to care much about their son, nor his caregiver giving much attention outside of her paycheck to care. That worked well for Jihyun. More freedom to explore, more freedom to go on adventures as he pleased.

He picked himself up off the ground, dusting himself off as he clutched the small digital camera and looked around the park for something else to photograph. A recent gift from his parents during one of their rare times at home, he’d barely been without it since, captivated by the fact he could capture a moment in time for all eternity with it. The ability to capture the beauty of nature before it faded away for good.

He quietly walked through the park, looking around for something else to photograph. There were quite a few couples scattered throughout the park, the women hanging off their lover’s arm. Jihyun gave a small smile and nod in acknowledgement towards them, before coming across another couple, this time accompanied by a boy about his age.

He studied the scene from a distance,  noting the richly dressed woman draping herself around the man who looked to be very well off as well, and then a dark haired boy who seemed to be so distant from the whole situation, a small scowl on his face. While he was with what appeared to be his ‘family,’ Jihyun couldn’t help but feel that the boy felt the same way he did. Lonely. Was it just wishful thinking, brought upon by his own loneliness, or…?

Hesitantly, he approached the scene before him, the man and woman too deep in their own conversation to notice. His stomach twisted slightly as he thought up what to say. “Hello, do you want to see the photo I just took? There was a really cool beetle on the other side of the park.” Jihyun smiled gently to the other boy, gesturing in the direction he came from.

Jumin Han: Jumin followed his father and his wife around the park he had purchased for him to get him out of the library, where he spent hours alone reading his homework reading list and every other thing he could find.  Reading was his escape.

He enjoyed reading and spent a lot of time there alone without interruption,  but now he had to walk around the park and pretend he liked it. His scowl deepened. “I would rather be in my library,” he said to himself. He looked towards his father, who was currently enamored by his new wife. Jumin had yet to acknowledge her.  He didn’t feel the need as women come and go, so it paid to not bother forming troublesome attachments. He yawned, bored with life of the mundane.

He heard a soft spoken voice address him,  and turned his head to see the most unusual blue or green eyes; he could not think of the color. A boy who looked around his age,  a kind expression,  slightly smaller than him and thin, he wondered if he eats anything. This is the first time he had interacted with someone around his own age without being pressured by their parents; it was different having only really been surrounded by adults most of the time. He studied the smaller boy.

He glanced to his father who was currently busy and paying him no mind.  He found his voice. “Good afternoon, I would be pleased to study your photograph,  if you would be so kind as to show me?”

Jihyun Kim: Jihyun smirked slightly at the boys proper manner of speaking. He looked to be around the same age as him, so why was he speaking so formally? Nonetheless, Jihyun giggled slightly before turning the camera on and holding out the viewfinder so the other boy could see.

“See? It may have just been a regular beetle, but the way the sun shone on it, it looked like there were even more colours!!” He stated excitedly, pointing to the close up picture of the beetle. As Jihyun said, thanks to the lighting, the beetle’s wings gave off an iridescent sheen. Jihyun looked to the boy and gave a big smile. “It was actually the same colour as your hair!” He said excitedly as he examined the other boy closer.

“….but it flew away. So now I’m looking for something else to take a picture of! Do you wanna help?” He grinned to the other boy. It was a bit lonely taking pictures just by himself, and judging from how the other boy was, and how the adults with him semi-ignored him, he thought it would be a good opportunity to meet a new friend.

Jumin Han: ‘Such a peculiar person,’ Jumin thought as he studied the other. He was not scared, he was not being forced, he was rather talkative and… ‘Did he laugh at me?’ It was a nice sound. He looked at the camera wondering what was so interesting about a bug, and wanting to hear his soft voice again.

He focused on the picture. It was a beetle, black with rainbow colors on it, the other boys excitement contagious. “It is indeed an interesting specimen. Your photography is to be commended,” he replied as the other said ………”It was actually the same color as your hair!” Feeling the happy boys intense gaze on him, Jumin played with the buttons on his shirt cuffs, not sure whether to thank him or to scowl. “Yes, I am told the color of my hair is likened to that of a night without stars.“

He listened intently as the other asked if he would like to help find things to photograph.  Jumin looked towards his father. “Father, my assistance is required, I shan’t be long.” The chairman looked over, raising his hand, and out of thin air two bodyguards appeared and stood behind Jumin. Jumin’s scowl deepened. “Guards, keep your distance, I do not want to cause a fuss.” He then looked at the boy “Yes, I will assist you in your search. I am Han Jumin, and what am I to address you by?”

Jihyun Kim: Jihyun looked to the two guards that had suddenly appeared, a bit spell bound, but not too perturbed by it. He shook his head to clear his mind of thoughts of the guards, before smiling towards the boy again. “I’m Kim Jihyun! It’s nice to meet you Jumin.” He replied happily. He was glad that the boy agreed to tag along with him, even if it meant they would have two large men following behind.

He grabbed the other boy’s hand, before leading him off towards some trees. The guards followed behind, but created some distance as Jumin requested. Jihyun leaned in closer to the boy and whispered; “It must suck to be surrounded by adults all the time…” While Jihyun wished the adults in his life would pay a little more attention, he couldn’t imagine having them hovering so much nearby and preventing his freedom.

Once they reached the group of trees, Jihyun let go of Jumin’s hands and looked up. The sun filtered down through the leaves creating a beautiful ambiance. He pointed his camera up and took a picture, before turning to the boy and smiling again.  “Do you want to try?” He offered, holding his camera out to the boy.

Jumin Han: His storm cloud gaze rested upon the bright eyed boy as he introduced himself.

…………….“I’m Kim Jihyun! It’s nice to meet you Jumin.

“I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Kim Jihyun.” He filed the name away for future reference. His hand was grabbed and pulled along. He followed him towards some trees which afforded the illusion of privacy. Jumin looked at their hands entwined. This is the first time someone around his age had touched him so casually, he was unsure how to process it.

…………..“It must suck to be surrounded by adults all the time…”

Jumin thought about that statement and replied, “I am worth a lot of money and power to the wrong kind people, so it is imperative that I am well guarded. I do not wish to upset father, as I am his sole heir.” He wondered what Jihyun meant by that as it was the only life he had known.

His eyes followed his new friend’s as he looked up at the sun through the tree leaves and took a photo. He is handed the camera to try. ”I am not a photographer, I do not know how to work a camera.” He looks at the camera intently. “Would you be so kind as to show me, Jihyun Kim?”

Jihyun Kim: Jihyun looked towards him curiously. “I see… and you can just call me Jihyun. You don’t need to call me by my full name.” He told him, before letting out a small giggle. “Do you always speak so formally?” He gently teased, already becoming more and more comfortable around the other boy.

Jumin was definitely an interesting child, but Jihyun couldn’t help but be drawn to him. While they seemed to be completely different outwardly, one who was very proper and reserved, and the other an outgoing, carefree spirit, Jihyun couldn’t help but feel they were more alike than anything.

Jihyun smiled brightly to the other boy. “Taking pictures is really easy, I promise!” He said as he moved closer to him. “You aim the camera at what you want to take a picture of, look at this little screen, and when you like what you see, you press this button!” He explained excitedly, pointing out the necessary parts on the camera. “You can also zoom in on something far away like this, but sometimes it makes the picture fuzzy if you do that.” He said, demonstrating, before setting the camera back to the original setting and taking a step back.

“Try it! I usually take pictures of things that are pretty or interesting!” Jihyun urged with a smile.

Jumin Han: He listened with avid attention. “It would be most improper to address you with such familiarity, Jihyun Kim as we have only recently made acquaintance. This is the way I speak, it is normal, is it not?” Another first in his life. He wondered if there was something wrong with his speech; father spoke the same, as did his nanny and professors.  He tried to address the other in a casual manner. “I will try to converse less formally, as aforementioned j-Jihyun Ki….Jihyun”

He had a slight blush as he used this name casually for the first time, not knowing that this will be the start to a long friendship.  This boy was fearless and treated him differently, he liked it, and was very interested in what made him smile, seemingly so free. He was yet intrigued.

Jumin memorized the instructions, nodded, then aimed the camera at Jihyun with shaky hands. “I would like to take a photograph of you to immortalize this grand occasion.” He pushed the zoom instead of clicking the picture. Puzzled, he looked at the lens, pushing the wrong button again. It flashed in his eyes. He tried again, and ended up switching the camera off. Frustrated, he looked at the boy and proclaimed, “It appears this camera is faulty, Jihyun Kim…. forgive me, I meant Jihyun. It does not seem to want to take any photographs.“ He gave Jihyun a serious look that should not be on a face so young.

Jihyun Kim: Jihyun looked a bit shocked towards the other boy, before responding, “Ok, go ahead!” He smiled brightly waiting for the picture to be taken. He waited as Jumin fumbled with the camera, before flashing himself in his eyes. Jihyun let out a small giggle, before clasping his mouth shut with his left hand, eyes still shining brightly in happiness. He didn’t think taking pictures was that difficult, but it seemed the raven-haired boy was having problems.

“Here, let me try again.” Jihyun offered, moving closer to the boy and taking the camera once more. He tried to suppress another giggle as he noticed that Jumin had managed to turn off the camera. Considering Jihyun hadn’t even pointed out which button was the power button, or how to turn on the flash for that matter either, he was a bit amazed.

“It seems you managed to turn it off.” He explained, as he turned the camera back on, taking a step back and aiming it at his newfound friend. He giggled slightly at his still serious expression, before deciding to quickly snap a picture of the young boy. He lowered the camera, and switched it to review the photo he just took, giving a goofy grin as he saw the same serious expression reflected in the picture. Jihyun wasn’t used to taking photos of others, preferring to take photos of nature or scenery, but regardless, he was happy with how it had turned out.

“See? It still works.” He giggled, as he showed the boy the photo he just took.

Jumin Han: “Surely you must have far more interesting subjects to photograph besides myself?” Jumin said as he viewed the photograph. It was a good pose, firm, stern, serious. “However,  I am pleased with the end result, it is quite good Jihyun Kim.”

He studied the photograph for a while longer. “Are you to become a photographer when you come of age?” He tentatively looked at the smiling boy every passing minute increasingly soothing in his presence. “Because I believe you would do quite well as one.” He gave Jihyun an encouraging glance, then looked away quickly, suddenly interested in a hedge not far from his feet.

He thought he had said too much, and spoken too casually. He kicked his shoe into the grass and mumbled more to himself than to Jihyun, “I wonder what it is like to be so free…“

With a strengthened resolve he held his hand out. “I would like to try and photograph you again.” He took the camera and aimed it, successfully snapping the photograph. He looked at it then frowned, before returning the camera to it’s owner.

“Jihyun Kim, we will be friends so you can teach me how to take better photographs.” The corner of his mouth lifted in an amused way while Jihyun looked at the photograph.

Jihyun Kim: “I thought I told you to just call me Jihyun.” He lightly teased, still a bit amazed by the other boy’s speech. He didn’t mind it too much, but he still wished he’d just call him ‘Jihyun’ instead of using his full name. “I don’t usually take photographs of people, but I thought it’d be nice to take one of you. …although it would’ve been nicer if you smiled.” He explained, giving a small, lopsided grin.

“I might become a photographer someday… I haven’t thought about it really. It’s just fun taking pictures; I like it.” He explained, bringing his hand up to hold his chin as he contemplated the boy’s question. “I come from a family of artists… so who knows. Maybe they’d be happy if I became a photographer.” He shrugged his shoulders slightly, letting his hand fall beside him once more. He didn’t usually enjoy talking about his family, but for some reason, he wanted this boy to know more about him, even if they had just met. He watched him carefully as he glanced away, mumbling something he couldn’t quite catch under his breath.

As Jumin looked back towards him and took the camera once more, aiming it towards him, Jihyun gave a big smile. At least this time the boy managed to actually take the photo instead of flashing his eyes. As Jumin returned to him and handed the camera back, he gently took it and examined the photo, before covering his mouth with his hand to hold back laughter. The picture was very blurry, but it was of him alright.

Once Jihyun had calmed down, he looked to the boy once more and gave a small smile. “I’d really like to be your friend Jumin.” He said, a bit bashfully. He wasn’t sure if he’d ever had a true friend. He gripped his camera tighter in his hands, looking excitedly towards Jumin. “I’ll do my best to teach you how to take better pictures! So can we play again together tomorrow?”

Jumin Han: He carefully listened as Jihyun spoke, then answered, “I am trying my best to address you casually, and I will be more diligent in regards to smiling.”

Jumin straightened his cuff as Jihyun spoke about his family. He visualized a family of painters immersed in their work. It must be peaceful not having adults vying for attention all day. He shut that line of thought down, and thought about the pretty beetle photograph. With a determined look he reiterates his statement, “Regardless Jihyun Kim, I believe in your vision”.

Jumin was surprised at how excited the boy was about being friends. His grey eyes hopeful that he will become better at taking pictures under his tutorial guidance… he stopped and began to worry, ‘If I become better at taking photographs then Jihyun will have no reason to stay friends.‘ Jumin formed the solution in his head, ‘But if I never take a good photograph ever again… then Jihyun will have no reason to leave.‘ Mind made up with renewed vigor, he makes a promise to himself to never take a good picture.

He cleared his throat. “Jihyun, if you allow it, then it would be my utmost pleasure to socialize with you again.”  He held out his hand to shake.

Jihyun Kim: Jihyun smiled brightly. “Finally! You called me by just my first name. I can’t wait to play with you again Jumin.” He responded, eyes twinkling as he draped the camera strap around his neck, letting it hang and eagerly shaking the boy’s hand with both of his own.

“I suppose you should get back to your parents, hey?” Jihyun said next, giving a smaller smile. It had been a lot of fun spending time with the other boy, but he could see the sun beginning to set in the sky. It wouldn’t be long before dusk was upon them. “Besides, I should probably go home before the nanny actually starts caring that I’m gone.” He gently teased, spinning around to walk in the direction they had originally come from, still holding onto Jumin’s hand with one of his own.

“I’ll get the pictures I took today developed later! I’ll get two copies, and then I can give one set to you.” Jihyun smiled brightly once more, making small, excited conversations with him as they made their way back. If he needed to give him the photos, then that would be another reason to see him again.

Jihyun let go of Jumin’s hand as they finally reached where Jumin’s “parents” were, the two of them still seemingly engrossed in each other. “Do you want to meet up here again tomorrow then? It’s not far from my house! I’ll get the pictures developed, and then tomorrow we can either start on your photography lesson, or we can do something else!” Jihyun smiled excitedly, rocking slightly on his heels as he waited for the other boy’s answer. Jumin was a very interesting boy, and he couldn’t wait to get to know him more; especially to get to know the boy that was hidden beneath all the formalities

Jumin Han: Surprised at Jihyun’s overzealous hand shake, but not uncomfortable, Jumin mentioned; “She is not my mother; she is the woman my father married” as they walked hand in hand back in the direction they came from.

The dark haired boy thought about the time he had spent with his new friend. It had not been unpleasant, and went by quite fast. Jihyun smiles a lot and is very talkative; the little heir was interested in knowing more.

He glanced towards his father and his wife with disinterest, then back to the smiling boy. “I would like to share my time with you very much, Jihyun. I shall make arrangements to return here, 1pm on the morrow, where I will look forward to perusing your photographs and anticipate your lessons.“ He moved closer and whispered, “unfortunately they have to accompany me,” and looked sideways to his bodyguards.

Jumin stepped back and gave a small smile while he fussed with his cuff. “My gratitude for a pleasant time had, til the morrow.” Jihyun returned his farewells then Ju watched him wave goodbye, smile and run all at the same time, hoping that Jihyun did not fall.

Tagged by captainbasch 

One Song: ONLY ONE... HM. i really like manana by desaparecidos

Two Movies: Spirited Away and The Boondock Saints! Three Shows: Family Feud, Clarence,Twin Peaks 

Four People: gUH. My sister is number one in my book! but UH theres also Kaitlyn, marisa and tate and thats 4 right there but i love all me friends...!! And i feel like my dog should def count!! 

Five Foods: Rice. Sinigang. Ramen. lap cheong. Fried Rice.

"Don't worry yerself- yourself, rather- anyway, don't worry yourself, Miss! I've got these well under control!"