(Y/N) POV:

I clutch the package tightly to me- as if my fingers are glued to it, feeling both a sense of nausea and relief churning together as I hold it towards my chest- as if the closeness will ease that ache in my heart, the weariness I feel wash over me in great tidal waves.

I wander in a daze, mind still drifting back to the Magic Shop and the man who'd helped me. Who knew understanding and help could be found in a music shop of all places? From a person who'd somehow understood my pain and inability to talk and reached in and given me a shred of comfort.

As I walk my phone suddenly buzzes, alerting me to a text that has just come through.

I fish it out, reading the bright text from unnie- a constant spamming of words and emojis as she silently celebrates the successful end of her business work- accounts sorted, connected and her small errands done.

I respond happily to her offer for lunch, the thought of Italian food making me eager to get there. I open the maps app, typing in the address- beginning the short walk there with the promise of being treated delicious, hearty food making me walk just a tad bit quicker.

I spot unnie sitting in a tucked away booth away from the windows and away from the main bustle of the restaurant, picking my way through tables and waiters to weave around and plop myself down opposite her- her eyes widening with surprise before she breaks out into a wide smile- dazzling and bright.

She raises her hand slightly, signalling to a waiter and it's only then that I realise that she's purposely picked an enclosed space that would allow the two of us to speak without fear of being overheard. And after she's put in our orders, she goes to pour the sparkling fruit drink into our glasses, serving me first.

"To a new start sweetheart." She says, raising her glass for a toast, my eyes caught on the way the bubbles rise to the pink surface.

"To happiness unnie." I say back, voice cautiously low but honestly wishing for it. For all of us to be happy no matter where we go, no matter how damaged our souls are- for a shred of joy in our lives.

Her smile curves, naturally deep-pink lips parting to show her teeth, glass tipping the sparkling rose coloured liquid down her mouth.

"So what's in the package?" she asks, setting the glass down.

My fingers fiddle with the stem of the glass, eyes meeting hers.

"A vinyl for one of the songs my parents used to like." I say softly, watching as her face melts into a sorrowful expression.

Her hand sliding over the table to grip mine, squeezing gently.

"Another relic?" she asks, voice understanding.

I nod.

"Another relic. I don't have all my memories left from my time as a human. But the ones I do, I want to preserve." I say. Her eyes are sad and haunted too- before she shakes her head slightly; the ghosts of our past melting away.

"I always did love the way your mum used to laugh and dance. She naturally sparkled." She reminisces behind a nostalgic smile.

Her words bring the sound of her laughter, bright and joyous to fleetingly brush through my mind.

But then the appearance of the waiter pushes it away, focus rediverted onto steaming plates of pasta that the two of us share, swapping forks, sharing bites and enjoying the two of them- shared between us.

When we're done, I rush to pay but unnie is already there- waving the receipt at me teasingly before she threads her arm through mine, linking us together as we leave, shoes clinking in unison against the ground.

The package is once again secure in my hands as we walk, unnie chattering about how Habaek oppa will regret having missed out, for whatever reason he'd ditched me this morning- promising to hog me all night.

I only smile bemusedly at her, a light bubble of laughter escaping- swallowed by the sounds of bustling city life.

But as we walk- content and satisfied, I wonder just how long this slice of perfection will last until the Ocean calls us again.

----

The next day I decide to go on a walk, having found a nice wide park just slightly far out from the city space- it boasted of large green spaces, a nature trail and even a flower garden. And though Mi-sun unnie had jumped at the idea, excited at the prospect of being able to get her camera out and indulge in some scenic photography- she had a meeting to finalise the ownership of the house, and as she'd tugged her shoes on this morning had looked so downcast and miserable- that I hadn't been able to help but hug her tightly, send her off with a kiss to the cheek and a promise to take photos for her, agreeing to go with her next time.

So I armed myself with my bag- packed with my polaroid camera, fully-charged phone and purse and with a wave to Habaek oppa set off- catching a bus and walking the last ten minutes of the stretch before entering the large park, smiling at the way that it was so spacious, people dotted around, old couples hand in hand, a few people walking their dogs and some distance away- a family having a picnic. 

I wander through the flower garden first, snapping photo after photo of colourful flowers lined up in perfect rows, see the butterflies fluttering around lazily, the slight buzzing sound of bees as they hover and fly. I even manage to slowly approach a gaggle of some young girls- shyly tapping them and holding out my polaroid- mimicking taking a photo, and they're eager to do so, smiling and even going so far as to suggest a pose as they take a picture of me, smiling and waving as I leave.

And then I wander through to the nature trail, taking one of the paths that lead deep into a thicket of trees, an enclosed forest space- trees crowding overhead and blocking some of the sunlight, just letting my feet lead me all whilst I take pictures occasionally, eyes darting around to try and commit every detail to memory.

And after stopping at one of the cafes for a cool drink, I flop down under the shade of a large tree, lying on my stomach as I scroll through the photos, looking at the small collection of polaroids lying flat on the grass- capturing small moments, all of them which will make their way to decorate and be strung across my room or slid into photo albums or added into my scrapbook.

There's the gentle sound of leaves being rustled by the wind, the way the birds chirp, the gentle breeze that brushes sweetly across my face, the distant sound of chatter, faint laughter. 

I let my eyes flutter shut for a few moments, let me commit today to memory- a snapshot I want to keep forever, it had been surprisingly healing for my mind to just walk and wander with no target or destination in mind- cut off from worries and surrounded by a different, more nurturing aspect of nature.

I smile when the wind gently kisses across my skin, cool and comforting but before I can move a small weight lands on my back, tiny paws padding and treading happily before settling down with a pleased yip. My eyes blink open, the sweet relaxed state leaving to be replaced with confusion. I raise my head, twisting it to catch a glimpse of black and tan fur, a small fluffy Pomeranian curled happily onto my back, head rising when I shift, tongue wagging and tail swinging quickly. Another happy bark.

Surely there's no way it's the same cute dog from that other night? There's so many Pomeranians in the city, this one just looks too similar, looks at me with something I'm surely mistaking for familiarity.

Surely this isn't him.

And then there's the sound of a loud, startled yelp- deep and masculine before someone rushes forward, errant curls bouncing around a face as he sinks to his knees, with an exasperated yell of 'Tannie!'.

I freeze. Tannie? And why does that voice sound familiar to one I'd heard a week ago? Why does it remind me of the person from the library?

"Tannie you don't go sitting on people. Get off her. I am so, so incredibly sorry—" the man says as he turns, freezing when our eyes meet. And then his mouth breaks into a sweet boxy smile, bright and happy.

"It's you! From the library! I'm Taehyung, do you remember me?" he chirps, leaning forward, Pomeranian forgotten on my back as his face swoops dangerously close, heart thudding and breath catching as his face swims closely into the space in front of me. Close enough that I can see the difference in his eyelids, can see the smooth expanse of his face and the way his dark curls contrast and set off the silver earrings that glitter in his lobes, swaying slightly- the move enticing and hypnotic.

I nod, mouth emitting a startled squeak, cheeks flushing when he lets out a deep chuckle at the sound before he leans back.

"Fancy meeting you here pretty stranger." He says, leaning back to sit on the space next to me, body propped up by his arms, toned muscle visible in his short sleeve t-shirt that bunches and shifts slightly. I avert my eyes, bringing them back to his face. My cheeks are warm from the casual compliment he'd thrown in.

But before he says anything, his eyes slide to the photos on the grass, my phone which is still open on my photo gallery- embarrassingly on one of the selfies I'd taken in the flower garden. I smack a hand on top of it but his voice is awed when he speaks.

"You take amazing photos, can I see?" he asks, gesturing to the polaroids.

I nod, and he reaches out, slender fingers plucking one of them up, light catching on the many rings adorning them.

"Wow...Minnie would love to see these. He loves polaroid photos too." He says, voice a bare murmur, gaze still transfixed onto the photo.

I tilt my head, confused but silently watch as he continues to look at them.

But then all of a sudden there's an almost indignant yelp, Tannie barking for attention.

And then Taehyung fumbles, rising as he tries to dart at Tannie who only barks happily before scampering up my back, tiny paws padding across before hopping down next to me.

He licks at my face, tail wagging, scampering away when Taehyung makes a frantic swipe from him.

I giggle at the way Tannie happily rounds over to the other side, plopping down onto my left.

I turn to pet him, fingers gently ruffling through his fur, leaning down to press a kiss to his face, a muffled coo coming out- slipping and pressed onto his fluffy face.

"If I didn't know any better I'd think you two knew each other." Tae remarks, hovering over the two of us with a curious expression.

Tannie continues to shift happily under my ministrations, barking happily when I scratch gently at the space behind his ears.

I pause slightly.

Turn back to shoot him a smile, shrugging my shoulders.

"Wait you do?! How?" he demands.

I shake with silent laughter; at the incredulous look he sports. Looking at me expectantly.

TAE POV:

I stare at her in shock. She knows Tannie? When on earth did she meet my pup? How?

Of course there had to be a reason when he'd scampered off happily, tiny body darting off to freedom, ignoring my yells as I'd set chase.

When he'd plopped himself happily into the dip of someone's back, I'd frozen. How could one apologise for their dog's doing? But it had turned out to be her...the girl from the library.

I'd been prepared to say apology after apology but one glance at her face had me losing all the words I had been about to say, momentarily entranced by her once again.

She just shrugs at me, a gesture of 'what can you do?' and Tannie was happily nestled close to her side.

The traitor. He looked so comfortable there and I watched as she gently ran her fingers through his fur, mind wandering to a stray sudden thought of how her fingers would feel brushing through my hair, and had I been close enough to her I'd have asked too- but it seemed too weird to throw it out there, so the request died on my lips- unspoken, even if my eyes strayed to the sight once again.

But then she removes her hand off her phone, hastily closing the photo gallery and opening up notes- not before I get a glimpse of a photo of a handsome, chiselled face pressed close to hers- the two of them smiling into the camera.

"Near the river. He was with someone who accidentally toppled me over." The message says.

My eyes widen in surprise. Toppled over near the river? The words sound suspiciously like my very adorably clumsy hyung. And he had been the one to take him on a walk the other night.

I feel my face prickle with heat, slightly rumpled with the knowledge. Poor girl. She met Namjoonie hyung in one of those moments.

"Ahh I see. You didn't get hurt did you? Joonie hyung is sweet, just a bit clumsy at times." I say, face twisted in apology. Her eyes widen before she shakes her head insistently- telling me it's fine.

"Ahh, well then Tannie is lucky. He's already met you before. He's not usually this comfortable around strangers, I was surprised at first." I say, laughing slightly as I look at him fondly.

She smiles.

"You're different and special then." I say, her eyes widening and a dust of pink seeping into her cheeks. It's both fascinating and appealing.

She ducks her head away, flustered.

"What's your name though? Friends don't just give their name away not to get the others' in return." I tease.

Her fingers tap at her phone, sliding it back so I can read it.

"(L/N) (Y/N)." I read out, her name rolling off my tongue easily with a fluidity- the sound of it being spoken aloud is nice. As if I could say her name over and over just for the sake of it, and not get bored. But decide to test that out privately later on.

Her hands are sorting out the polaroids, neatly stacking them up- carefully placed into a little case and then reverently placed into her bag.

"Wanna get a snack? I think we should get a snack." I say, stretching to sit upwards, eyes drawn to her curved figure shift as she rises, hem of her top slipping slightly- I move my eyes away quickly before I get an accidental glimpse of her, ears feeling hot with the knowledge of what could've happened.

She nods, pointing to one of the cafes just a small walk away, walking easily in pace with me, silent and yet still so entrancing.

My phone rings.

"Joonie hyung! Are you here yet? You promised your meeting wouldn't take that long!" I say by way of greeting, talking before hyung even has the chance to.

He laughs, fond and amused.

"I'm here baby, where are you?" he asks, the sound of him walking clear to my ears- the slight shifting sound.

"Heading to the café near the end of the nature trail." I say, eyes sliding to my side, where she continues to walk, fussing over Tannie who's tongue is wagging happily, small pants of satisfaction as she continues to pet him. 

"I've also got a surprise for you if you hurry hyung." I say, voice deep with mischief.

And even though hyung begins to ask what it is, voice wheedling, I laugh and end the call- telling him it'll be revealed soon.

The two of us sit at a table, a cute parasol umbrella providing us shade from the sun, she's peering at the menu, head tilted at an angle as she wonders what to get. I don't know if it's her or Tannie that's drawing my attention, surely it's nothing got to do with the way her hair falls forward and the way her hand drowns in those waves as she reaches to push them back. Surely not. It's the way Tannie looks upwards at her so happily, so eagerly that does it. So trusting and at ease.

I turn to see a familiar tall figure approach, see his beautiful dimpled smile as he gets closer and closer- waving excitedly at me.

There's a look of confusion as he spots her, eyes expressing a silent question but nevertheless he approaches, to her who's still unknowingly playing with Tannie- menu lying forgotten. Her back is towards hyung so she doesn't spot him even as he's right behind here, walking around to drop into the seat opposite.

And when he does, her head flies up in alarm- eyes wide as they fall onto him.

"Ahh hello..." hyung starts before he tails off, eyes widening with recognition, mouth dropped into an oh.

And their eyes meet over the table, silently staring at each other- clearly recognising the other.

And then I break the silence.

"I think it's time for some introductions."

(INDEED IT IS TAE, INDEED IT IS! THERE YOU GO! ANOTHER MEETING AND THIS TIME WITH TWO OF THEM!! TAE AND JOON BOTH MEETING HER! TAE OUT FOR WALKING TANNIE AND JOON DOES LOVE VISITING PARKS AND STUFF- SO IT JUST SEEMED TO FIT PERFECTLY! HOW WAS IT? LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS MY LOVE, EXCITED AS ALWAYS TO READ THEM! WHO DO YOU SUPPOSE IS NEXT? HOW WILL THIS MEETING GO? AND HOW QUICK DO YOU THINK IT'LL CLICK TO THEM?? LET'S SEE~ IT'S ALL A MATTER OF TIME TO FIND OUT! STAY SAFE AND TAKE CARE LOVES!)

QUESTION...FAVOURITE FRIEND TRADITION?

Mine is...competitive uno gaming whenever we meet as well as doing our version of secret Santa; we all promise to keep secrets but go behind each other's backs and tell anyways! We form alliances and help each other in thinking of gift ideas! 

Borahae! 💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3