That evening, Minhyuk decided to visit his uncle and aunt's house. The cool night air brushed against his face as he walked through the familiar streets, a mixture of anticipation and curiosity in his heart. The stars twinkled above, and the faint hum of life in the neighborhood made him feel at ease.
As he approached, the sound of laughter and cheerful chatter reached his ears. Minhyuk smiled as he saw Sangwoo, Joonseok, and Taehyun sitting outside under a brightly lit tent in the yard, surrounded by a feast of delicious food. The aroma of grilled meat and spices wafted through the air, making his stomach growl.
"Look who finally decided to show up!" Taehyun called out with a wide grin, waving a skewer of grilled meat in the air.
"Minhyuk! Took you long enough," Joonseok teased, his cheeks puffed out with food.
Sangwoo, ever the calm one, simply gestured to an empty seat at the table. "Come on, we saved you a spot."
Minhyuk laughed and joined them, taking a seat. The table was overflowing with food—grilled fish, steaming bowls of soup, fresh vegetables, and countless side dishes. His uncle and aunt were bustling around, ensuring everyone had enough to eat, their faces glowing with happiness at having a full house.
"You boys are eating me out of house and home!" his uncle joked, placing another plate of grilled meat on the table.
"Thanks for the food, Uncle!" Sangwoo said, his mouth half-full.
Minhyuk looked around, taking in the scene. It felt warm, comforting—almost like a dream. He couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of his friends stuffing their faces without a care in the world.
"Minhyuk," his aunt called out as she brought over a tray of cold drinks. "You're so quiet tonight. Everything alright?"
Minhyuk nodded, smiling softly. "Yeah, Auntie. Just enjoying the moment."
Joonseok leaned closer, nudging Minhyuk with his elbow. "Or maybe he's just overwhelmed by how much we're eating."
Everyone laughed, and for a moment, all of Minhyuk's worries melted away.
The conversation flowed easily as they ate, switching between teasing banter and stories from their day. Minhyuk found himself laughing more than he had in weeks, his heart feeling lighter with each passing moment.
After they finished eating, they sat back in their chairs, letting out contented sighs. The night was filled with the sound of crickets and the occasional rustle of the breeze.
"You guys should come over more often," Minhyuk's uncle said, pouring himself a drink. "It's good to see this much life around the house."
"Don't worry, Uncle," Taehyun replied with a cheeky grin. "We'll be here so often you'll get tired of us."
"Never!" his aunt exclaimed, smiling warmly.
As the night wore on, the group started cleaning up together, sharing more laughter as they worked. Minhyuk couldn't remember the last time he felt so at peace, surrounded by the people who mattered most to him.
When everything was finally cleaned up and put away, his uncle clapped him on the back. "You're lucky to have such good friends, Minhyuk."
"I know," Minhyuk replied, glancing at his friends. "They're the best."
Sangwoo, Joonseok, and Taehyun groaned in mock protest at his sentimentality, but the warmth in their smiles said they felt the same.
As Minhyuk left his uncle and aunt's house later that night, he felt a renewed sense of gratitude for the people in his life. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew he wouldn't face them alone.
Minhyuk walked into the small room, intending to wash his hands and freshen up. But the moment he stepped inside, the air around him shifted. A soft, blinding light suddenly engulfed the room, and before he could react, he felt the ground vanish beneath his feet.
When he opened his eyes again, the surroundings had changed completely. He was no longer in the cozy home of his uncle and aunt but instead standing in a beautifully decorated venue. The faint sound of cheerful music and laughter filled the air.
"Where… am I?" Minhyuk muttered, looking around in confusion. He recognized the place immediately—it was a wedding hall. As he took a few hesitant steps forward, his eyes widened in shock.
"This… this is the day Uncle and Auntie got married!" Minhyuk exclaimed.
He glanced down at his clothes and saw that he was still dressed in his modern outfit. However, no one around him seemed to notice. The guests walked by, smiling and chatting, completely unaware of his presence.
"Am I invisible?" he wondered aloud, waving his hand in front of a passing guest. When they didn't react, Minhyuk let out a sigh of relief.
His thoughts were interrupted when he spotted a small boy running through the crowd. The boy had a mischievous grin on his face as he weaved between the adults.
"That's… me," Minhyuk realized, his breath catching in his throat.
The boy was no older than five, dressed in a tiny suit, and his laughter was infectious as he ran toward a woman who was none other than Minhyuk's mother.
"Minhyuk, slow down!" his mother called out, crouching to catch him in her arms. She looked radiant in a simple yet elegant dress, her smile warm and full of love.
Behind her stood Minhyuk's father, looking proud and happy as he placed a hand on her shoulder. The sight made Minhyuk freeze in his tracks.
"Dad…" Minhyuk whispered, his voice trembling.
He felt a pang in his chest as he watched the scene unfold. His younger self was laughing, completely carefree, as his parents doted on him. It was a moment frozen in time, a memory he hadn't realized he still cherished.
Minhyuk stepped closer, unable to tear his eyes away. The joy on their faces, the warmth in their actions—it all felt so real, yet so distant.
"Why am I here?" he muttered, his mind racing.
His attention shifted as he noticed his uncle and aunt entering the hall, looking nervous but happy. The younger versions of them were almost unrecognizable, but their smiles were just as bright. The scene was beautiful, yet surreal.
Minhyuk couldn't help but feel a wave of confusion. Why had he been sent back to this moment? Was there something he needed to see or understand?
As he stood there, lost in thought, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.
"Every journey has a purpose. Every moment holds a truth."
Minhyuk frowned, trying to make sense of the cryptic message. He turned back to the scene, his gaze lingering on his parents.
Suddenly, he felt a strange pull, like an invisible force drawing him closer to them. The world around him seemed to shimmer, and for a moment, everything blurred.
When his vision cleared, he was standing right next to his younger self, his parents, and the happy couple.
"Why am I here?" Minhyuk whispered again, his voice barely audible.
But no answer came. Instead, the scene continued to unfold before him, leaving him with more questions than answers. Was this another piece of the puzzle he had to solve?
Minhyuk stood frozen as he watched the scene before him—the joy, the laughter, the beginning of a new chapter for his uncle and aunt. Yet, something about the moment felt incomplete, as if a shadow lingered behind the smiles.
His gaze shifted to his uncle, who was speaking to the guests with enthusiasm. Minhyuk recalled faint memories of his uncle sharing dreams of owning a successful restaurant chain, a dream that had always seemed just out of reach in the future he knew.
"What if I can change things?" Minhyuk murmured to himself, his mind racing.
The voice from before echoed faintly in his thoughts: "Every journey has a purpose. Every moment holds a truth."
It dawned on him—perhaps this wasn't just about watching memories. Perhaps he was here to do something, to set things on a better path.
As the festivities continued, Minhyuk approached his uncle cautiously. Though no one could see or hear him, he felt compelled to speak.
"Uncle," he began, standing beside the younger version of his uncle, who was nervously adjusting his tie. "You always dreamed of owning your own restaurant. Don't let that go. No matter what happens, don't give up on it."
Of course, there was no response, but Minhyuk felt a strange sense of determination settle over him.
Moments later, he overheard a conversation between his uncle and one of his friends.
"You really think you can handle running a business and a family?" the friend teased, though not unkindly.
"I want to try," his uncle replied with a sheepish smile. "But... I don't know if I have what it takes."
Minhyuk frowned, realizing his uncle's doubt had already begun to take root.
"You can do it," Minhyuk said firmly, even though he knew his words wouldn't reach him. "You have the passion. You just need to believe in yourself."
As the wedding drew to a close, Minhyuk's mind was made up. If he had the chance to influence the past, even in the smallest way, he would.
"This time," Minhyuk whispered, watching his uncle laugh with his new wife, "I'll make sure your dream comes true."
He thought back to all the struggles his uncle had faced in the future—failed ventures, bad partnerships, and lost confidence. Minhyuk resolved to give his uncle the encouragement and support he needed when the time was right.
Just as Minhyuk made his silent vow, the room began to blur and distort. The laughter and music faded, replaced by a swirling vortex of light.
"No!" Minhyuk cried out, reaching toward his uncle and aunt. "I'm not done here!"
But the pull was too strong, and before he knew it, Minhyuk was swept away.
When Minhyuk opened his eyes, he was back in his uncle's home, standing in the small bathroom where the journey had begun. He stumbled out, his heart pounding as he tried to process what had just happened.
"Was that real?" he whispered, staring at his reflection in the mirror. "Did I really go back?"
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his uncle calling him from the kitchen.
"Minhyuk! Come and eat before the food gets cold!"
Minhyuk hesitated, then walked toward the kitchen. As he sat down, he studied his uncle closely, noticing the tired yet determined look in his eyes.
"Uncle," Minhyuk said suddenly, "do you ever think about opening your own restaurant again?"
His uncle looked at him in surprise. "How do you know about that? I haven't talked about that in years."
Minhyuk shrugged, forcing a casual smile. "Just a feeling. I think you should try again. I'll help you if you do."
His uncle chuckled, shaking his head. "You're a strange kid, Minhyuk. But thanks."
Minhyuk smiled, feeling a spark of hope. He didn't know if his actions in the past had made any difference, but he was determined to help his uncle fulfill his dream—no matter what.
The morning sun cast a golden glow over the luxurious Choi family mansion. With a newfound determination, Minhyuk bounded down the grand staircase. Spotting his father, Hyunwoo, preparing to leave for work, he quickly approached him.
"Dad, I need to talk to you," Minhyuk said earnestly, stopping Hyunwoo in his tracks.
Hyunwoo glanced at his son, surprised by his sudden seriousness. "What is it, Minhyuk? I'm running late for a meeting."
Minhyuk took a deep breath. "It's about Uncle. He's always been there for us, hasn't he? Don't you think it's time we helped him with his dream? You're the head of Choi Group, and you have the resources to make it happen."
Hyunwoo studied Minhyuk's expression, his stern features softening slightly. "Helping your uncle, huh?" He crossed his arms. "You're very persistent about this."
"Because it's important," Minhyuk insisted. "He deserves a chance, and I know he can do it. Please, Dad."
Hyunwoo smiled faintly, nodding. "Alright, Minhyuk. I'll think about it. You've been unusually responsible lately—it's refreshing."
Minhyuk grinned. "Thanks, Dad! You won't regret it."
Later that day, Minhyuk arrived at school with a renewed sense of purpose. He joined Taehyun, Sangwoo, and Joonseok in the music room for band practice, their instruments already set up.
"We need to nail this performance," Taehyun said, tuning his bass guitar. "The whole school is going to be watching us."
"Not to mention the teachers," Sangwoo added, smirking. "We can't screw this up."
Minhyuk picked up his guitar and began strumming a few chords, his mind momentarily distracted. Despite his confusion about his new reality, the music brought him a sense of clarity and focus.
As they ran through their setlist, the door suddenly opened, and Hae Rin walked in. She carried a box filled with neatly folded T-shirts.
"What's this?" Joonseok asked, eyeing the box curiously.
Hae Rin smiled and held up one of the shirts. It was an official band T-shirt, complete with their group name and a stylish design. "Surprise! I had these made for you guys to wear at the school's birthday event."
The boys gathered around, examining the shirts.
"This is amazing," Taehyun said, clearly impressed. "Thanks, Hae Rin."
Sangwoo gave her a thumbs-up. "Yeah, you really outdid yourself."
Minhyuk, however, stood there frozen, staring at Hae Rin. He still couldn't wrap his head around the fact that she was now a central figure in his life—and apparently his girlfriend.
"Minhyuk?" Hae Rin said, waving a hand in front of his face. "Are you okay?"
He snapped out of his thoughts and nodded quickly. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for the shirts. They're great."
As the others joked and chatted, Minhyuk found himself smiling despite his lingering confusion. Though everything felt strange and unfamiliar, he couldn't deny that he was starting to enjoy this version of his life.
That evening, the band members gathered at Taehyun's house to relax after a long day of practice. They sat on the living room floor, surrounded by snacks and soft drinks, their instruments resting nearby. Minhyuk, feeling restless, scooted closer to Taehyun, who was busy scrolling through his phone.
"Hey, Taehyun," Minhyuk started, his voice low, so the others wouldn't hear.
Taehyun glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "What is it, Minhyuk?"
Minhyuk hesitated, running a hand through his hair. "Do you think... I like Hae Rin?"
Taehyun froze for a moment, then smirked as he set his phone aside. "Why are you asking me that? Shouldn't you know how you feel?"
"I'm serious," Minhyuk said, frowning. "It's just... every time I see her, I feel weird. Like, my heart races, and I can't think straight. But I don't even know if it's because I like her or because everything feels so... unfamiliar lately."
Taehyun studied Minhyuk's face, his smirk softening into a thoughtful expression. "Look, Minhyuk, if she makes you feel that way, maybe there's something there. But I can't tell you how you feel—you need to figure that out for yourself."
Minhyuk sighed, leaning back against the couch. "I just don't want to mess things up. She seems... really important, you know?"
Taehyun chuckled, patting Minhyuk on the shoulder. "Relax, man. Hae Rin clearly likes you, so you've got nothing to worry about. Just take it one step at a time. And maybe stop overthinking everything."
Minhyuk managed a small smile. "Yeah, maybe you're right."
From across the room, Sangwoo and Joonseok called out, "What are you two whispering about? Planning some secret love confession, Minhyuk?"
Taehyun grinned, leaning back casually. "Nothing you guys need to worry about."
Minhyuk shook his head, laughing despite himself. One step at a time, he thought, feeling slightly more at ease.
Joonseok and Sangwoo, not ones to let a moment of teasing slip by, quickly scooted over to Minhyuk and Taehyun.
"Wait, wait, wait," Joonseok said, grinning mischievously. "Did I just hear something about love? Minhyuk, are you finally admitting you've got feelings for Hae Rin?"
Sangwoo joined in, wagging his finger dramatically. "We knew it! All those stolen glances, the way you act all awkward around her—it's so obvious, man."
Minhyuk groaned, rubbing his temples. "You guys are impossible. Can't I have one serious conversation without you turning it into a joke?"
"But we're not joking," Joonseok teased, nudging him. "It's written all over your face. Come on, admit it! You like her, don't you?"
Minhyuk hesitated, his face flushing slightly. "I don't know, okay? It's complicated."
Sangwoo smirked, leaning in closer. "What's complicated about it? You're clearly into her, and she obviously likes you back. Just make a move already."
Taehyun shook his head, amused. "You two aren't helping, you know. Minhyuk's trying to figure things out, not rush into anything."
Joonseok threw an arm around Minhyuk's shoulders. "Listen, buddy, life's too short to overthink this stuff. If you like her, just go for it. Worst case, she says no—which, honestly, isn't going to happen. Look at you. You're Minhyuk, the lead guitarist-slash-vocalist of our band. What's not to like?"
Sangwoo laughed. "Exactly! If you don't make a move soon, someone else might."
Minhyuk sighed, shaking his head but smiling despite their relentless teasing. "You guys are ridiculous. Can we drop this for now? We've got a performance to focus on."
"Fine, fine," Joonseok said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "But don't think this conversation is over. We'll revisit it later."
Sangwoo pointed at Minhyuk as they all sat back down. "Just don't chicken out when the time comes, Minhyuk. We're rooting for you."
As the group settled back into their usual banter, Minhyuk couldn't help but feel a mix of annoyance and gratitude. Deep down, he knew his friends only wanted what was best for him—and maybe, just maybe, they were right.