When will I hear him sing?

Months pass, and ever since the first night it happened, Soobin finds Beomgyu sitting outside every night. He wonders each time if it's truly because he's fighting with his father, or if he actually just enjoys being outside at night. During the day, though, Soobin would find him in the same spot, writing in a little notebook.

The first time he notices Beomgyu writing, he pretends to be taking his dog out, but really, he's looking for an excuse to say hi to Beomgyu. When Soobin is outside, Beomgyu looks up at him immediately, and Soobin waves, and he immediately puts his notebook aside. Soobin walks over and he smiles at Beomgyu brightly. Seeing him feels different from the last time, which was in the darkness of the night. Now, Soobin sees all his features, his comforting eyes and smile.

"Are you okay with dogs?" Soobin asks as he approaches the lawn where Beomgyu sits. Beomgyu nods, opening his arms to Soobin's pet, and he lets go of the leash to let the dog love on Beomgyu. The wholesome sight sends a warmth through Soobin's chest.

"What's your name?" Beomgyu asks the dog.

"It's Chewie," Soobin replies. "My dad likes Star Wars a lot."

Beomgyu laughs as he scratches behind Chewie's ears. "Your dad is cool. So are you, Chewie."

Soobin chuckles at Beomgyu's baby voice he uses towards the dog. Soobin sits down next to him, and Chewie immediately sits in his lap comfortably. Beomgyu reaches over to pet him, and Soobin gets nervous, having Beomgyu's hand be so close. He looks down and admires it; it seems so weird in the moment, to be admiring something as random as his hands, but the way his fingers were sculpted was like high art; Soobin thought for a moment, maybe Beomgyu isn't real. Soobin wonders who, or what, put him on this earth, right next to Soobin. He feels lucky.

There are also periods of time where Beomgyu is never outside, even when there are clear and sunny skies. That surprises Soobin the most. Before, he could be outside for hours, whether it be raining, freezing, or way too windy to even keep the notebook on the ground. It worried Soobin, for the outdoors seemed to be his favorite place, it seemed to be his safe space.

Several weeks pass, and Soobin worries. He doesn't know Beomgyu very well yet, but it feels like one of those scenarios where the coffee shop worker always sees the same old man come into the store, but then he suddenly stops coming to get his daily cup of coffee, and you just know the outcome yet never do anything to find out the truth; Soobin hopes Beomgyu is alive; deep down, he knows he is, but part of him isn't. He's not outside anymore where he feels safe.

Soobin decides to make hotteok one day. He bakes with his mom as they watch reruns of Criminal Minds on the television. The baking process is a little more difficult than he anticipates, but he powers through it, and thinks about the smile he'll get to hopefully see on Beomgyu's face when he gives him the plate of treats.

Once he finishes, Soobin runs across the street and knocks on the door, unable to keep still from excitement. His spirits are crushed a little when Beomgyu doesn't answer the door. It's his mother, and he realizes then that he's never introduced himself to her. Soobin greets her kindly, and she smiles warmly back at him.

"I made hotteok for you guys," Soobin says sweetly. "I'm sure it won't be as great as yours, but I wanted to do something nice. Is Beomgyu home?"

The smile on her face suddenly fades as she reaches out for the plate. "Yeah, yes—he's just been a little sick, is all. Want me to get him for you?"

Before Soobin can answer her, Beomgyu appears behind her, and immediately notices the smell of the hotteok.

"You made some?" he asks. Soobin nods and smiles at him, and he smiles back, holding Soobin's eyes in his gaze for a moment. Soobin's insides suddenly feel like jelly.

"Are you doing okay?" Soobin asks, concern evident in his voice. Beomgyu nods, running a hand through his hair.

"Yeah, just a little cold. I'm okay," he replies. Soobin smiles, and his mother walks away with the treats.

"Well, I'm about to take Chewie on a walk, if you want to join. If you need to rest though—"

"I'd love to. I could use some fresh air," Beomgyu interrupts. Soobin wasn't planning to walk Chewie that day, but there in Beomgyu's presence, he needed an excuse to be around him longer. His appearance is like a drug—once you look at him, there is no turning away from him.

The two make their way down the sidewalk of the neighborhood, Chewie leading the way. The grass is a vibrant green, some houses decorated with flower gardens in the front. The sight entirely brings more happiness to the atmosphere.

They eventually reach a local park where there's a wide stretch of grass, along with benches here and there. Soobin finds one beneath a tree to give some shade. He picks up a stick for Chewie as they claim their seat.

Beomgyu sits while Soobin takes Chewie off his leash. Soobin throws the stick, and he runs far from Soobin, fur bouncing as he sprints. He eventually comes running back with the stick in his mouth, and once he reaches Soobin and Beomgyu, he jumps on Beomgyu's legs. Beomgyu pets Chewie as he lets out a happy bark. Soobin smiles at the sight.

"What have you been up to the past few weeks?" Soobin asks, starting a conversation. Beomgyu sighs as he looks out at the view of the grass and the trees before them.

"Nothing important," he replies. Soobin throws the stick for Chewie again. "Listened to a lot of true crime podcasts, that's for sure."

They both chuckle softly.

"Also figuring out stuff for the fall. I might be going to university," he informs. Soobin nods, crossing his arms as a cool breeze comes through. Beomgyu notices and unzips his jacket. "Are you cold? Here, take my—"

"No, it's okay. I don't want you getting more sick," Soobin laughs, putting a hand on Beomgyu's arm. He freezes under Soobin's touch, and Soobin suddenly freezes too. "So what are you going to study?"

Beomgyu looks up. "Music. Songwriting, performing, and composing."

Soobin is surprised by his answer, however, it starts to make things click. He was likely writing lyrics in his notebook all those days out in the lawn.

"That's amazing," Soobin replies. "It takes courage to do that stuff professionally. I'm excited for you."

Knowing Beomgyu has a passion for music immediately interests Soobin. He suddenly wonders about all the lyrics he's written and all the melodies and chord progressions he's made along with those poetic words. Soobin wonders about the stories behind these songs. He wonders about it all.