July 23

4:20 pm

The view from the couch in Kevin's bedroom was the back alley of their restaurant. Few trees that were littered across the other side of the road emanated a cosy vibe, and occasionally, one or two people passed by. Kevin was nestled under

Minyook's arm, overlooking the gently swaying branches and falling flower petals.

"I don't want to," Kevin groaned.

He fiddled aimlessly with Minyook's fingers, mind running through all the ways it could go wrong. He also knew he would attract attention, and he didn't want that.

Minyook sighed and held Kevin's hand a little tighter, lips grazing the back of his neck.

Kevin eyelids fluttered close at the light action, muting his spiralling thoughts, "I'm scared, Yook."

"I know. Everyone is afraid of something, so it's okay."

"What would you want to do if you weren't scared? Answer that question and take the leap. Now you might fall, and it might hurt in the process, but it's better than being stagnant," Minyook was patient in his persuasion, " and besides, I am

always there to catch you, remember that. A;ways remember you are not alone."

Minyook reassured him and he meant it.

Ever since Kevin was little, constant bullying had driven him far within. He became a shy, introverted guy.

He knew he loved arts, but didn't protest when his parents chose culinary for him. He never even considered a degree in art. So when Jinxi asked for his sketch, he didn't question it and gladly offered it as a gift.

Unexpectedly, a few days later, Minyook came by and announced that Jinxi had relayed the sketch to the Art department dean. He also said that he was given direct permission to switch majors without losing a semester. Kevin was alarmed. He refused, stating that he didn't want to be the odd one out, but Minyook's patience and soft encouragement reassured him.

Minyook had miraculously broken through his walls and made a place for himself right in the middle with his beaming and loud personality ever since high school. He gave Kevin a safe ground to act freely without even realizing it, and he had repeatedly encouraged Kevin to see the world in brighter colours.

Kevin felt like he could do it if he had Minyook's warmth to support him and eventually gave in under his tender persuasion.

Because of Minyook, he would walk the path.

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July 24

2:10pm

Kevin's father was beyond ecstatic.

"Absolutely not! You have helped Kevin so much, I'll never accept cash from you," Mr Jeon sternly refused the money that Jinxi was trying to hand over. He was extremely grateful for Jinxi.

Yesterday, when Minyook had announced that their friend had helped Kevin find his passion, he immediately invited that friend for a meal.

Thankfully the day had been radiant and sunny. He and Kevin had prepared all the specials in the restaurant for their guest in no time. Junseong also graciously accompanied the newcomer of their tight-knit group on his first visit to the restaurant.

He had always wanted his son to have his own identity, but Kevin had always been shy and preferred being unnoticed.

One day during his Middle-school, he had come in with a bruised eye and had refused to talk about it. However, soon after, he also bought in a lively little thing with him, claiming that it was Minyook and that he was his friend. He also noticed Kevin act more freely around Minyook. The boy was a brilliant free spirit who inevitably brought out his son's character.

Rarely, he would catch his son watching Minyook with lovelorn eyes, but it was alright as long as Kevin found his happiness.

"I merely gave his drawing to the dean. It was Kevin's pure talent that opened the gates for him," Jinxi said humbly.

Jinxi had a tight smile on his face. Even though he was genuinely happy for Kevin, there was something that was troubling him, and Mr Jeon easily noticed it. Jinxi seemed to be unfamiliar, even almost jealous, of the way he would treat Kevin.

He needed to ask Kevin to keep an eye out for Jinxi. He was one of his only son's friends after all.

"Thank You, once again," Mr Jeon waved at Jinxi and Junseong as they left the restaurant.