Chapter 8: New Bonds and Old Promises
---
While Song Joong-ki was discussing his newfound fascination with acting and the dreams he shared with Jihoon, Kim Jihoon found himself spending the afternoon with the new kid on the block—Kim Soo-hyun. The two boys strolled through the quiet streets of Cheonghwa-dong, their small feet shuffling along the pavement as they explored every nook and cranny of the neighborhood.
"This is where I usually play with Joong-ki hyung," Jihoon said, pointing at the small playground nestled between two apartment buildings. The swings creaked softly in the gentle breeze, and the sandpit was mostly undisturbed, save for a few scattered footprints.
Soo-hyun's eyes widened as he took in the sight. He was still shy around Jihoon, clutching tightly onto his mother's hand earlier when they first came out. But as the minutes passed, his grip loosened, and now, as Jihoon spoke to him with an encouraging smile, Soo-hyun seemed more at ease.
"Do you want to try the swings?" Jihoon asked gently.
Soo-hyun hesitated, glancing at the swings nervously. He looked back at Jihoon, and after a moment, he nodded slowly. "Okay…"
Jihoon beamed and led him over to the swings. He helped Soo-hyun sit down and gave him a small push. "See? It's not that scary," Jihoon reassured him.
As Soo-hyun swung back and forth, his initial apprehension melted away. He started to giggle, the sound filling the otherwise quiet playground. Jihoon couldn't help but smile at the sight. There was something heartwarming about seeing someone so young and timid gradually open up and enjoy himself.
"Higher!" Soo-hyun called out, his laughter growing louder.
"Alright, hold on tight!" Jihoon responded, giving the swing a stronger push. Soo-hyun's small legs kicked the air excitedly, and his laughter became even more vibrant.
"Jihoon hyung, this is fun!" Soo-hyun said, his face flushed with happiness.
Jihoon chuckled and stood beside the swing, keeping a watchful eye on the little boy. He felt a protective instinct for Soo-hyun, as if he were a younger brother he needed to look out for. The thought of guiding someone like him—just as Joong-ki had supported Jihoon when he was new to this world—brought a sense of fulfillment that Jihoon hadn't expected.
After a few more minutes, Jihoon let the swing slow down, and Soo-hyun hopped off, his energy seemingly boundless. They walked over to a small bench near the playground and sat down, Soo-hyun's legs swinging excitedly.
"Do you like it here, Soo-hyun?" Jihoon asked, turning to look at the young boy beside him.
Soo-hyun nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! It's nice… and you're really nice, Jihoon hyung. I don't know many people here yet, but I'm glad we moved. I like playing with you."
Jihoon's heart swelled at the simple, sincere words. He ruffled Soo-hyun's hair gently. "I'm happy you're here too, Soo-hyun-ah. And I'll make sure you always have someone to play with, okay?"
"Okay!" Soo-hyun grinned, his small teeth showing as he flashed Jihoon a bright smile. He paused for a moment, then leaned closer, his eyes curious. "Hyung, do you like stories?"
Jihoon blinked, taken aback by the sudden question. "Stories? Yeah, I love them. Why?"
Soo-hyun fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. "My mom reads me stories sometimes, and I really like listening to them. But I think it's more fun to see them happen, like on TV."
Jihoon's mind raced. Even at such a young age, Soo-hyun already had a preference for visual storytelling. Was this yet another sign that fate had plans for him and these children? He couldn't help but wonder.
"Would you like to be part of those stories, Soo-hyun?" Jihoon asked softly. "Like pretending to be a character and acting it out?"
Soo-hyun's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Can I really do that, hyung?"
Jihoon nodded, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Of course, you can. Just like I promised Joong-ki hyung, I'll make stories someday, and you can be part of them. We'll show everyone what amazing characters you can bring to life."
Soo-hyun clapped his hands together, his face glowing with anticipation. "Yay! I want to do that! I'll be really good, I promise!"
Jihoon chuckled, his heartwarming at the young boy's enthusiasm. "I know you will, Soo-hyun-ah."
The two boys continued talking, sharing dreams and giggling over their imaginations running wild. Time seemed to fly as they chatted about everything from knights and dragons to robots and space adventures. Soo-hyun's laughter echoed across the empty playground, a sound that seemed to erase any lingering loneliness Jihoon might have felt in this world.
Eventually, it started to get dark. Jihoon noticed Soo-hyun yawning, his energy finally starting to wane. He stood up and stretched, looking down at his new little friend.
"Let's get you back home, Soo-hyun. It's getting late."
Soo-hyun nodded sleepily and took Jihoon's hand, his small fingers gripping tightly. They walked back to the building, the lights of the neighborhood beginning to flicker on one by one. Jihoon led Soo-hyun up the stairs to his apartment door and knocked lightly.
Soo-hyun's mother opened the door, smiling in surprise. "Oh, Jihoon, you brought him back. Thank you so much! Did you two have fun?"
"Yes, Auntie," Jihoon replied politely, bowing slightly. "We played at the park, and Soo-hyun really liked the swings."
"That's wonderful to hear," she said warmly, her eyes softening as she looked down at her son, who was rubbing his eyes sleepily. "Say thank you to Jihoon hyung, Soo-hyun."
"Thank you, Jihoon hyung," Soo-hyun murmured, his voice muffled with drowsiness.
Jihoon smiled gently. "You're welcome. See you tomorrow, Soo-hyun."
As he turned to leave, Soo-hyun suddenly called out. "Hyung!"
Jihoon paused and glanced back.
"When you make your stories… don't forget me, okay?"
Jihoon's chest tightened at the earnestness in the young boy's voice. He nodded, his expression serious. "I won't. I promise."
With that, he left, the promise hanging in the air like a sacred vow. Jihoon walked back to his own apartment, his mind swirling with thoughts and emotions. In just one day, he had formed a bond with a new friend, someone who might one day become a key part of the future he hoped to shape.
As he lay in bed that night, Jihoon thought of the people he'd met in this world so far—Song Joong-ki, and now, Kim Soo-hyun. Familiar names, familiar faces, and yet, entirely new individuals with different paths and dreams.
Whatever awaited them in the future, Jihoon was determined to nurture these bonds and ensure that each of them found their place in his stories. Because, after all, what are stories without the people who breathe life into them?
With a small smile, Jihoon drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the endless possibilities that lay ahead for him and his new friends in this strange, alternate world.