Chapter Text
The carnival was a riot of color and sound, a world of lights and laughter under the night sky. It was the kind of place where the ordinary could feel extraordinary, where for just a few hours, the weight of the world could be left behind. Jiyong had been looking forward to it for days, and now that he was finally here, surrounded by the neon glow and the smell of popcorn and cotton candy, he felt like a kid again.
He had come with Daesung and Taeyang, eager to enjoy the simple pleasures of the carnival with his closest friends. But now, standing alone in the middle of the chaos, Jiyong couldn’t help but feel a little lost—not just physically, but emotionally too. The crowd was overwhelming, the sounds of laughter and shouting blending together in a wave of noise.
Where had they gone?
He checked his phone—no messages. His heart sank. He had wandered away for just a moment to look at the ring toss game, and when he turned back, Daesung and Taeyang were nowhere to be found. It wasn’t like them to leave him behind.
Jiyong pushed through the crowd, glancing around frantically. He wasn’t a fan of feeling lost, but tonight—under the bright carnival lights—everything felt a little more confusing than usual.
As he wandered past the shooting booth, his eyes caught sight of a man who seemed oddly out of place. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and wore a simple black t-shirt with faded jeans, looking almost too serious for a carnival. But what really drew Jiyong’s attention was the way the man was holding the gun in his hand, effortlessly hitting the targets with precision, his brow furrowed in concentration as he helped a lady who was trying to win one of the giant plush bears from the booth.
It wasn’t until the man paused, glancing up, that their eyes met. He had successfully hit all the targets, and the lady beside him cheered with excitement, eager to claim her prize.
For a moment, Jiyong was frozen. The man’s gaze was intense, piercing, like he could see straight through him. There was a flicker of surprise in his eyes when he saw Jiyong standing there, looking lost and out of place amidst the carnival's chaos.
“Are you lost?” The man’s voice was low, smooth, with a hint of curiosity. He kept his gaze fixed on Jiyong as he pulled out the bear chosen by the woman, handing it over with a nod. The lady thanked him and walked away, her swaying movements reminiscent of a child who had just received a treat.
Jiyong blinked, suddenly feeling self-conscious. His neon green hair, which he’d dyed just for fun, was a bright spot in the sea of dark-haired carnival-goers. He nodded sheepishly, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink as he felt silly about the statement. He was an adult but still got lost.
“I—I think so. I got separated from my friends.” Jiyong admitted, his voice a little quieter than he intended as his gaze kept darting away from the other’s piercing eyes, too flustered to hold it for long.
The man smiled, a small, almost knowing smile that made Jiyong’s heart skip a beat. He was handsome, too handsome, and Jiyong had a soft spot for handsome men. “I can help you find them.” he said, making Jiyong's heart skip another beat. “I’m not busy. Where were you last with them?”
Jiyong couldn’t help but feel a strange warmth at the man’s kindness, and the fact that he was offering to help without hesitation made him feel a little more at ease. He wasn’t used to being treated this well, let alone receiving such warm attention from a stranger.
“Uh, we were by the Ferris wheel… but I got distracted by the game over there.” Jiyong said, motioning vaguely to the direction of the ring toss, his gaze dropping to Seunghyun's neck as he turned his head to look at where he was pointing. A piece of what looked like a tattoo peeked out from the collar of his shirt, rising toward the side of his throat.
The man nodded, his expression thoughtful, too oblivious to the other man's gaze on him. “Alright, I know where the Ferris wheel is. Let’s go.”
And then, Jiyong snapped out of his trance, his cheeks returning to a rosy hue. The two of them walked side by side through the carnival, navigating the crowds together.
As they made their way toward the Ferris wheel, Jiyong couldn’t help but sneak glances at the man beside him. There was something magnetic about him—a quiet confidence that stood out in the chaos of the carnival. Jiyong noticed the way he moved through the crowd, his broad shoulders parting the throng with ease, his head turning slightly now and then to check on Jiyong, as if ensuring he was still there. Every now and then, the movement of his shoulders made the collar of his shirt shift, revealing glimpses of the tattoo on his neck. Jiyong couldn't help but stare; he also had a soft spot for tattooed men.
“You don’t seem like the carnival type.” Jiyong said, his voice light but curious, eager to have Seunghyun's attention turned to him. He couldn't help it.
The man raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Jiyong with a bemused look. Jiyong felt his legs weaken slightly at the sight. The other man had such a beautiful face that it seemed effortless, like he could outshine any model without trying, as if it came naturally to him. “And you do?”
Jiyong grinned, the remark snapping him out of the millionth trance he had fallen into that night. “I guess not. But you at the shooting booth? You look like you’re ready to take on a zombie apocalypse or something.” He didn’t know where he found the courage to say more than five words to the other without stammering.
The man’s lips twitched upward in a small smile, and he shook his head. “It’s just my job. I don’t mind it. The only thing I shoot are the targets.” He paused, then added with a hint of mischief, his tongue slightly peeking out through his lips, as if he were testing Jiyong. “But I’d be willing to see you try.”
Jiyong’s heart skipped at the sudden playful tone in his voice, his cheeks tingling as he held back a smile, another wave of courage crashing against his chest. “Yeah? And what’s the prize?”
The man gave him a knowing look, his eyes dark and intense under the carnival lights. Jiyong felt the other man's gaze sweep over him, a flicker of something hidden behind his irises. “If you win, I’ll buy you a cotton candy.”
Jiyong laughed, the sound light and carefree. He would have preferred a stolen kiss, but that would be asking too much from a man whose name he didn’t even know. Yet. “Deal.”
The crowd around the Ferris wheel was thick, families and couples mingling as they waited in line or simply enjoyed the ambiance. Jiyong’s eyes darted around, scanning for any sign of his friends. The man beside him—he still hadn’t given his name—was doing the same, his sharp gaze moving methodically through the crowd.
“What do your friends look like?” the man asked, his tone practical.
“Daesung has a really bright smile—like, you’ll know it when you see it. He smiles a lot. And Taeyang… well, he’s kind of short but built, and his hair is bleached blonde right now.”
The man nodded, his expression focused. Jiyong found his expression hot. “Alright. Let’s circle around the base. They’re probably not far.”
They wove through the crowd together, and Jiyong couldn’t help but notice how people seemed to part for the man, as if his presence alone commanded attention. He didn't need to ask for permission as they walked through the crowd—people simply made way for the broad-shouldered man, some curious glances turning to observe him. Jiyong understood them perfectly. He too couldn't keep his eyes off Seunghyun. At one point, Jiyong stumbled slightly, his foot catching on a loose cord from one of the vendor stalls. The man’s hand shot out instantly, steadying him with a firm grip on his back, his hand sliding to rest on the bone of his waist once he was sure Jiyong was safe.
“You okay?” he asked, his brow furrowed in concern.
Jiyong nodded, feeling a flush creep up his neck. He wasn’t okay. Seunghyun's hand, firm on his waist, was turning the buzzing of the carnival into a distant sound, a low static too faint compared to the screams in his mind. “Yeah, thanks. I’m usually more coordinated than this.”
The man smirked. Jiyong's heart skipped a beat. Jiyong's heart missed another beat. At this point, it was more chaotic than a storm tearing through a calm sea, its pace erratic. “Sure you are.”
Jiyong rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a grin, slowly recomposing himself.
They passed a food stall where a vendor was juggling flaming sticks to entertain a small crowd. Jiyong paused for a moment, entranced by the spectacle, and the man stopped with him, watching silently. The flames reflected in his eyes, giving him an almost otherworldly appearance.
“You never told me your name.” Jiyong said suddenly, turning to look at him. His expressions flickered in the light of the flames ahead of them, casting beautiful shadows across the bones of his face.
The man glanced at him, his expression unreadable for a moment before he replied, his eyelashes fluttering over his cheeks in a beautiful way. “Seunghyun.”
“Seunghyun,” Jiyong repeated, testing the name on his tongue. It suited him. Strong, grounded. “I’m Jiyong.”
Seunghyun’s lips curved into a faint smile as he tilted his head slightly toward the other. “Jiyong? It's beautiful. It suits you well.”
Jiyong laughed, running a hand through his green hair, his cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. He couldn't keep it up for much longer. His heart was completely unruly, and Seunghyun hadn't done anything more than compliment his name. “At this point you just want to make me blush.” He whispered low enough for Seunghyun not to hear, even though he was close. Seunghyun didn't respond.
When they finally spotted Daesung and Taeyang near a popcorn stand, Jiyong’s heart lifted with relief. Daesung was animatedly talking to the vendor, gesturing wildly as Taeyang laughed beside him.
“There they are.” Jiyong said, his voice filled with excitement, a big smile forming on his face.
Seunghyun followed his gaze, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Looks like you found them.”
Jiyong turned to Seunghyun, his expression softening. Suddenly, he realized that this meant he and Seunghyun would be parting ways. Jiyong would continue having fun with his friends. Seunghyun would probably head back to the shooting booth. “Thank you, really. I don’t know how I’d have gotten through this without you.”
Seunghyun shrugged, but his eyes held a quiet warmth. Did he feel the same as Jiyong? Relief, but also a bit of sadness? “It was nothing. But I’m glad I could help.”
As the carnival lights flickered around them and the distant sounds of laughter filled the air, Jiyong felt a strange sense of gratitude—not just for finding his friends, but for the unexpected encounter he had with Seunghyun. Even though they wouldn’t see each other again, the minutes he had spent admiring the other man were more than enough to satisfy his need for a teenage crush, something he hadn’t felt in a long time.
“There’s one thing I haven’t gotten from you yet.” Jiyong said, grinning suddenly. He had an idea, something that would make Seunghyun spend at least a few minutes sharing his company.
Seunghyun raised an eyebrow. That's it! He had bitten the bait. “What’s that?”
Jiyong leaned in, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. “That cotton candy you were talking about.”
"But you didn't even..." Seunghyun suddently stopped as he saw Jiyong bite his lower lip, a smile lingering on his face. He chuckled, the sound low and rich, as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled bill. “Alright, let’s get you that cotton candy.”
As they walked to the stall, Jiyong couldn’t help but feel the buzz of excitement in the air. The chaos of the carnival had dulled around them, the crowds and noise fading into the background. It was just him and Seunghyun now, their steps falling in sync as they made their way toward the stand. It felt natural.
When they reached the vendor, Seunghyun ordered the fluffiest pink cotton candy available. He handed it to Jiyong with a small smile, their fingers brushing slightly. Jiyong felt a jolt of warmth at the contact, his heart skipping a beat, buttlerflies flickering on his stomach.
“Here you go.” Seunghyun said, his voice soft, his hand brushing a strand of hair that had fallen over his eyes back into place. Jiyong found the scene worthy of an award.
As he took the cotton candy, his grin wide. “Thanks! This might almost be the best thing I’ve gotten tonight.” Another bait.
Seunghyun raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes, biting again. “Almost? What could possibly top cotton candy?”
Jiyong laughed, tearing off a piece and popping it into his mouth. Shrugging it off as if it were nothing, he truly had no idea where all this courage had come from, but he felt completely high, like a teenager with a crush. “Well, getting lost and meeting you definitely gives it a run for its money.”
Seunghyun’s gaze lingered on Jiyong for a moment longer than necessary, a hint of something unspoken flickering in his eyes. “Well, I guess that’s one way to make a guy feel special.” He ran his tongue over his lips subtly, and Jiyong couldn’t help but notice.
Jiyong’s cheeks flushed slightly at Seunghyun’s words, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips as they began to wander back toward where Daesung and Taeyang were, the cotton candy slowly shrinking as Jiyong shared bites with Seunghyun. The easy banter between them continued, but underneath it, there was a quiet tension—a pull that neither of them could fully ignore.
As they approached the food stall where Jiyong’s friends were still chatting animatedly, Jiyong felt a pang of reluctance. The night had been unexpectedly perfect in its own way, and he wasn’t ready for it to end.
“Thanks again for helping me,” Jiyong said, his voice quieter now, his body turning entirely toward the other, his focus locked on him. “I really mean it.”
Seunghyun nodded, his expression thoughtful. “It’s been… nice. Unexpected, but nice.” Jiyong hated not being able to read minds and know what was going on behind those captivating eyes.
Jiyong smiled sheepishly, the embarrassment slowly returning to his body. “Maybe we’ll run into each other again.” His tone carried a hopeful note, his head tilting slightly as his stomach fluttered with nervous anticipation, yearning for a positive response.
Seunghyun’s lips curved into a small, almost mysterious smile, his head also tilting slightly on Jiyong's direction. He could stand on his tiptoes and steal a kiss right then and there. He could swear Seunghyun wouldn’t pull back, but he decided against it. They were in public, after all. “Maybe we will.”
And with that, Seunghyun gave Jiyong one last look before turning and disappearing into the crowd, leaving Jiyong standing there with his heart beating just a little faster than before—like it hadn't been ready to jump out of his chest all night long. An instant wave of regret hit him for not asking Seunghyun for his number. When he scanned the crowd, it was already too late — Seunghyun had vanished. Jiyong didn’t have much time to dwell on it, though, as he soon realized his friends had spotted him and were heading his way.
“Who was that?” Taeyang asked as Jiyong rejoined his friends, his tone curious. He knew it was rare for Jiyong to interact with strangers, let alone in such a close way. He could swear he felt a tension between them, so dangerous that a mere flicker could make the whole carnival explode.
“Just… someone I met,” Jiyong replied, unable to keep the smile off his face. He couldn’t tell his friends that he had gotten lost and that Seunghyun had taken on the role of prince to rescue him. Even less admit that he had made Seunghyun pay for a cotton candy without even winning the prize. In that moment, he felt a bit guilty. Just a little bit.
Daesung raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Looks like you had an interesting night.” Daesung knew, just as much as Taeyang, that Jiyong wasn’t one to open up to strangers. He also knew that Jiyong was a terrible liar, which is why he chose not to press for further explanations.
Jiyong shrugged, but the faint blush on his cheeks gave him away. As the three of them walked off to enjoy the rest of the carnival, Jiyong’s thoughts kept drifting back to Seunghyun and the quiet connection they had shared. He was slightly regretful for not kissing Seunghyun when he had the chance, the other man's thin lips stuck in his mind as if he had printed the image and pasted it on his frontal cortex. Is this what a crush feels like? Jiyong was loving the sensation.
Under the glow of the Ferris wheel and the hum of carnival music, Jiyong couldn’t shake the feeling that their paths were meant to cross again. At least he hoped that would happen.