Kai carefully moves around the studio, his eyes darting around to ensure he doesn't cross paths with Daewon and Haneul. He avoids them like the plague, keeping his tasks as his sole focus– fetching coffee, moving props, anything to keep him occupied and away from the two alphas.
Meanwhile, at the Kyeong Corporation office, Kaoru and Jae-Hwa are engrossed in a lively conversation. Kaoru's face softens into a rare smile, and Jae-Hwa listens attentively, a warm smile playing on his lips. They exchange stories and laughter, the bond growing between them evident to anyone who sees.
Later that evening, Kai is on the subway, heading home after a long day. As the train slows down at a station, his eyes catch sight of a massive ferris wheel being set up in the distance. Excitement surges through him and he presses his face against the window, his breath fogging up the glass. The vibrant colours and twinkling lights promise an evening of fun and distraction.
At the same time, Kaoru is leaving the office. As he walks past a notice board, an advertisement poster for the local end-of-summer festival catches his eye. He takes a picture of it with his phone, smiling at the thought of enjoying a carefree evening.
Later that night, Kaoru and Kai both arrive home, the events of the day still fresh in their minds. As they walk into the living room, they simultaneously exclaim, "The festival is here!"
They pause briefly and then laugh at their shared excitement.
Kai's eyes are wide with excitement. "Did you see the ferris wheel? It looks amazing!"
Kaoru nods. "I saw a poster for it at the office."
Kai grins, the earlier tensions of the day melting away at the prospect of the festival.
For as long as they can remember, the festival has been a cherished tradition for Kai and Kaoru. They've been going every year since they were kids, back when their parents were still alive. The festival was always a highlight of their summer, a time filled with laughter, joy, and a sense of togetherness. Their parents would hold their hands as they navigated the crowded streets, buying them treats and letting them play games. The ferris wheel was a family favourite, and their father would lift them onto her shoulders so they could see the entire fairground from above.
Even after their parents passed away, Kai and Kaoru kept the tradition alive. Each year, they would visit the festival, feeling a bittersweet connection to their past. The familiar sights, sounds, and smells would bring back memories of happier times, but also serve as a reminder of what they had lost. Still, they found comfort in the routine, a way to honour their parents' memory and keep a part of their childhood alive.
Together Kai and Kaoru make their way to the nearby batting cage outside of their apartment complex.
The evening air is crisp, and the lights of the batting cage cast long shadows, illuminating the netted enclosures and the mechanical pitching machines.
Inside the batting cage, Kai grabs one of the bats, eager to take his turn.
He steps up to the plate and takes a few practice swings. "The festival is this weekend, so you better be free."
Kaoru leans against the fence, watching Kai intently. "Of course I'm free. I wouldn't miss it for anything."
With a concentrated look, Kai focuses on the pitching machine. As the first ball shoots out, he swings with precision, the satisfying crack of the bat meeting the ball echoing through the cage. The ball flies into the netting with impressive speed, and Kai grins, turning to his brother.
"I wonder if Tokkul will be there this year. He's been so busy with that new bakery job." Kai muses, stepping back to await the next pitch.
"Yeah, but you know him. He always finds a way to help out at his parents' stall during the festival. It wouldn't be the same without him." Kaoru says.
Kai takes another swing, hitting the ball even harder. "Either way, it'll be fun to hang out again. You've been so busy with work, and I've missed spending time with you."
Kaoru steps into the cage for his turn, taking the bat from Kai with a nod. He adjusts his grip, his focus sharpening as he faces the pitching machine. The first pitch comes, and he swings with controlled power, sending the ball soaring into the net.
"I've missed you too, Kai."
The festival arrives in full swing, the air filled with the scent of street food and the sound of laughter and music. The atmosphere is electric, filled with an infectious joy that pulls Kaoru and Kai into its embrace as they navigate the maze of colorful stalls and vibrant displays.
Kai's eyes sparkle with childlike excitement, darting from one attraction to another. As they move deeper into the throng, they spot Tokkul at his parents' tteokbokki stall, his apron splattered with sauce as he serves customers with a radiant smile.
"Hey, Tokkul!" Kai calls out, waving enthusiastically.
Tokkul looks up, his face lighting up when he sees the twins. "Hey guys! Planning on abandoning your stuff here again?"
Kaoru smiles as Kai and Tokkul begin to playfully butt heads, their laughter blending with the festival's symphony.
With Tokkul's warm welcome, Kaoru and Kai dive into the festivities. They toss rings at bottles, aimlessly throw darts at balloons, and lose themselves in the simple joy of the night. They savour the myriad flavours of the festival, from sweet hoddeok to spicy tteokbokki, each bite a burst of nostalgia and delight. The night seems to stretch endlessly, a tapestry of fleeting moments stitched together by laughter and joy.
As the evening progresses, they find themselves at a cotton candy stand, the pink confection melting on their tongues. Kai glances at their wallets, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.
"Looks like we got a little carried away." He remarks, holding up his empty wallet with a rueful chuckle.
Kaoru hums. He feels a pang of regret, wishing he had more to offer his brother. He dreams of a time when he secures a full-time position at the Kyeong Corporation, envisioning days when he can spoil Kai and himself without a second thought. The thought fuels his determination, his resolve to build a better future for them both.
Suddenly, amidst the crowd they bump into someone unexpected.
"Jae-Hwa?"
Jae-Hwa and Kaoru lock eyes for a moment, a subtle yet warm tension lingers between them, a silent history that Kai, oblivious to its depth, watches with growing suspicion. Jae-Hwa stands tall, his dark brown hair catching the light from a lantern above, giving him an almost ethereal aura.
"Hey there, Kaoru." Jae-Hwa greets, his voice rich with affection despite the awkwardness of the encounter.
"Stalking me again, are you?" Kaoru's lips curl into a teasing smile. The words are light, but his gaze holds a spark of mischief.
"Huh? What the fuck? Who the hell are you?" Kai snaps, his tone is sharp and confrontational, his body language bristling with aggression as he steps in front of his brother. "Bring it on, you stalker bastard!"
Jae-Hwa, taken aback by the twin's hostility, quickly raises his hands in a placating gesture.
"Nonono! Of course not!" He insists, his voice tinged with desperation. "It's my first year in the area, so I thought I'd check out the festival!"
"Whatever you say." Kaoru playfully continues. Jae-Hwa blushes faintly under Kaoru's playful scrutiny, feeling a mix of embarrassment and affection.
Kai's suspicion doesn't wane, but he steps back, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Who the hell is this guy, Kaoru?" he demands, his tone sharp and confrontational. His blonde hair is tousled, and there's a fierceness in his posture that contrasts with his smaller frame.
Jae-Hwa, feeling a bit awkward but trying to ease the tension, quickly intervenes.
"Oh, sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Jae-Hwa, Kaoru's coworker." He explains, trying to sound casual despite Kai's intense scrutiny.
Kai's eyes narrow as he sizes up Jae-Hwa, his distrust evident.
"This guy seems weird." He mutters to Kaoru, his voice dripping with suspicion.
Jae-Hwa's expression falls slightly at Kai's words, his shoulders slumping in dejection.
"Oh, really?" He responds, a hint of disappointment in his tone.
Kaoru, sensing the need to diffuse the situation, chuckles softly and nudges Jae-Hwa. "Didn't you want lemonade, Kai?"
"I can buy you some!" Jae-Hwa offers, catching on quickly.
Kai's eyes light up at the offer, his suspicion momentarily replaced by the offer of a tasty drink. They head over to the stall together, where Jae-Hwa purchases a lemonade for Kai. As Kai enjoys the sweet treat, Jae-Hwa observes him with a smile.
Kai savors the last drop of lemonade, his expression transforming with satisfaction as the tangy sweetness lingers on his lips. With a casual flick of his wrist, he discards the empty cup into a nearby bin, his movements fluid yet deliberate amidst the bustling festival crowd.
Meanwhile, Jae-Hwa returns to Kaoru's side with a grateful smile that warms his features like a gentle spring breeze.
"Thanks for that. I really wanted to make a good impression." He confesses.
Kaoru raises an eyebrow, curious about Jae-Hwa's determination. "Why's that?"
Jae-Hwa's expression softens as he glances at Kaoru. "I want the people who are important to you to like me."
A faint blush colours Kaoru's cheeks as he looks away, a rare vulnerability surfacing in the presence of Jae-Hwa's earnestness.
"I-I see." He stammers softly, his heart fluttering at Jae-Hwa's sweet gesture.
In the background, the festival thrives with its vibrant tapestry of sights and sounds– a lively celebration that contrasts with the quiet exchange unfolding between Kaoru and Jae-Hwa.
As Kai takes his time disposing of his garbage, Kaoru grows increasingly impatient. He exchanges a concerned glance with Jae-Hwa before decisively moving to find his twin amidst the festival throng.
Navigating through the bustling festival crowd, Kaoru and Jae-Hwa finally spot Kai, flanked by two handsome unfamiliar alphas embroiled in a tense standoff.
"You're looking rather lovely today, Kai." Haneul says, his tone light but his eyes competitive. "Too bad you have this shadow hanging around you."
Daewon's voice was cool and assertive. "Come on, Kai. Lets go somewhere with a better mood."
Kai glances nervously between them, sensing the tension thickening. "Uh, guys, can't we all just–"
Haneul cuts in smoothly, his charm turned up a notch. "Come on, Kai, you promised we'd try some snacks together. Don't let this grump ruin our fun."
Daewon's jaw clenched subtly, his patience wearing thin. "Kai, we should go. Now."
Kaoru's voice cuts through the tension like a knife.
"What's happening here?"
Haneul, his smile as disarming as it is mischievous, turns to Kaoru.
"Is this your brother?" He asks Kai. "I can see the resemblance. How cute"
Daewon's dark eyes narrow at Haneul's jest, a hint of irritation flickering in his gaze.
"I'll be borrowing Kai for a bit." Daewon states firmly, addressing Kaoru.
But before Kaoru can respond, Haneul interjects, "Not if I steal him away, first."
Kaoru watches, slack-jawed and stunned, as Haneul and Daewon whisk away his bewildered brother into the chaotic swirl of the festival.