Future Of Our Dreams [VISUAL NOVEL]
i.i: dream within a dream
heeseung
'Mmh, is this outfit enough?'
Heeseung contemplated his outfit, ensuring it was at par with his standards.
heeseung
'Ahh, finals finished a week ago'
A week had passed since the coompletion of his finals, prompting him to seek refuge at his grandparents house.
Despite signing up for the summer session to handle the overflow of academic tasks, he opted to rent an apartment near the campus for the next two weeks.
Heeseung was preparing to depart to *Dongdaemun, where his rented apartment awaited, that costs him *₩420,000/month.
He heeded his mother's suggestion to stay at Dongdaemun due it's convenience and proximity to campus.
heeseung
'₩420,000/month?'
heeseung
'Ahh, I might be staying longer after finishing my 2-weeks summer session.'
Heeseung added, considering to extend his stay beyond the summer session, given the favorable circumstances.
helper
(*Dongdaemun = a place in Seoul; Dwell Dongdaemun is a 3-star venue apartment; 188-5 Hoegiro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, SK)
helper
(*₩420,000 = $307.71; It's based on real minimum rent price in Dwell Dongdaemun)
Memories of living in the dorms with his friends brought a tinge of nostalgia.
Having to moved out during the first semester to care for his sick grandmother, he found himself staying for months at his grandmother's house.
Now, he'll be residing in Dongdaemun, he aimed to develop his independence during this summer session.
That was on Heeseung's thoughts.
Just as he immersed himself in his thoughts, his phone buzzed with a message from his friend.
Wonie
*Hyung Ni-Ki says he has make up classes until 11, Mines finished, I'll pick him up later.
helper
(*Hyung = a Korean term that guys use to call their older brother or another male friend older than them)
Wonie
We're on our way to *Cdinggul Café.
Wonie
We'll just wait you there Hyung!
helper
(*CDinggul Café = Cartoon Café Dinggul, 102-36 Anamdong 5(o)-ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, SK)
Heeseung's heart skipped a beat as he realized he had completely forgotten about his scheduled meet-up with Jungwon and Ni-Ki at 2PM.
heeseung
'I better hurry up'
Heeseung quickly typed on his phone.
Seung
Aight, do order something or read some comics so you guys won't feel bored waiting for me.
Seung
I'm still at my *halmeoni's house, I'll be going to *Icheon station rn.
Seung
I'll see you guys once I finished packing my things at my apartment <3
helper
(*Halmeoni = a korean term used by koreans to call their grandmother)
helper
(*Icheon station = train station at 435 Yulhyeon-dong, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, SK)
A sense of urgency washed over him, prompting him to gather his belongings and tidy up his surroundings in a frenzy.
heeseung
I'm going on my way!
heeseung
Please take care of yourself
Heeseung's grandmother gracefully approached him, presenting a meticulously crafted box, overflowing with delectable dishes from her very own kitchen.
grandma
Don't worry about me~
grandma
Worry about yourself
grandma
Here's sandwiches and some foods for you to eat up on your way.
With that tender gesture, his grandmother gently placed the carefully wrapped box into her grandson's, her eyes shimmering with love and care.
grandma
Be careful on your trip...
grandma
Eat up a lot okay?
With a sense of purpose, Heeseung carefully placed the neatly wrapped boxes upon the sturdy table, each containing memories and love, and went to hugged his beloved grandmother.
heeseung
I will definitely take care of myself...
heeseung
Remember halmeoni, if you ever feel lonely..
heeseung
Call me anytime okay?
grandma
Why would I bother calling you, my sungie?
grandma
Focus on what you gonna do
heeseung
Then Halmeoni won't miss me?
Heeseung teased his grandmother.
His grandmother playfully tapped Heeseung on his shoulder.
grandma
Don't be late on the train
As Grandma's gentle hand urged Heeseung forward, a bittersweet emotion filled the air.
One final encapsulated a lifetime of shared moments, the weight of which lingered in their intertwined spirits.
heeseung
Thanks for these halmeoni!
heeseung
I'll eat up a lot!
Heeseung adorned his feet with trusty shoes and stole a glance at his beaming grandmother, her waves of encouragement through the place.
Their smiles mirrored each other's unspoken hopes for the journey that lay ahead.
grandma
Have a safe trip sungie!
grandma
Halmeoni loves you~~
heeseung
Love you too halmeoni~
Heeseung tapped his card on the ticket gantry, the familiar beep echoing through the station.
Making his way towards the waiting seats, a lively group of students caught his attention.
student 2
"Any plans for today?"
student 2
"How about a picnic?"
student 3
"Picnic sounds great!"
student 4
"But what if we organize a trip?"
student 4
"It's our summer break, after all!"
student 1
"I'm not so sure about that"
Hesitated by another student
student 1
"My parents probably won't let me go"
The student added with a chuckle
student 3
"Should we sneak out then?"
student 2
"Hey, let's not make our parents worry about us"
student 2
"I don't want to get scolded later on"
As their conversation reached Heeseung's ear, a smile formed on his face.
heeseung
'Ah, they remind me of our youthful days'
student 2
"Mmhh, how about we just hang out near our school to have a picnic"
student 2
"And then stay the night at your house?"
student 4
"Ooh, that sounds cool"
student 4
"Let's have a movie marathon!"
Another student excitedly chimed in with a cute voice
student 1
"My parents probably won't mind as long as we keep it quiet"
student 1
"So just don't be loud, okay?"
The deep-voiced student replied
An energetic voice student exclaimed, hoping around
student 4
"You said that, huh?"
student 4
"No backing out!"
student 3
"Don't worry we'll behave"
They all laughed in agreement
As the train arrived, Heeseung quickly found a seat to sat on and observed the students earlier.
They were laughing and talking loudly.
A man beside them scolded them for being too noisy.
One student quickly bowed down to apologize, followed by the rest of his classmates who were still chuckling at their own misbehavior.
They settle down a bit but couldn't resist whispering and giggling.
heeseung
'We were once like them'
This was all nostalgic to Heeseung, meeting his long time friends.
His university is not far from theirs but they haven't met since they're all busy.
heeseung
'I wonder if everyone has changed?'
He thought as he collects his memories from his past.
Seven boys in uniform ran from a school guard who was chasing them after they climbed the fence of their school.
ni-ki
Oh, that almost caught us!
A young boy said as he held his hands to his chest nervously.
jake
Why wouldn't you just leave your PSP?!
jake
If you did, we can leave early and the teacher won't catch us!
ni-ki
Hyung ~ I can't live without my PSP!
jay
If he left it there, that would be an evidence.
Jay and the others appeared from their backs.
They looked at each other, still panting from running.
Yeah, I think so too.Heeseung said, agreeing with his best friend.
jungwon
But none of us got caught, at least.
jungwon
This is the thrill!!
Jungwon giggled with excitement.
While they were bantering, Heeseung approached Sunoo, who's laying his back on the fence
Heeseung asked Sunoo, knowing he has asthma.
Sunoo nodded and gave a thumbs up, closing his eyes to rest.
Sunoo said so Heeseung won't worry about him.
Then Heeseung turned and looked at Sunghoon, noticing he is just staying quiet and smiling widely, looking at his friends' banter.
Looking at his features, This is the only time Heeseung have seen him this freely happy with a mix of nervousness on his face.
sunghoon
At least we need to experience this once in our school, right?
sunghoon
Even if we get caught, no turning back. Okay?
sunghoon
I'll punch you if you snitch
ni-ki
Sunghoon joked at his friends.
ni-ki
If I get caught cutting, my parents will definitely take my gadgets and forbid me to use them!
That makes Heeseung amused.
jungwon
Alright you traitor!
jungwon
You love your gadgets more than us!
He said chuckling at his younger friend's remarks.
They burst out laughing too.
Jay said while looking at his surroundings to see if anyone would catch them.
jay
We needed to get away from here first before someone caught us.
They ran, having a race-off competition.
As Heeseung walked into the CDinggul Café, he couldn't help but feel a wave of guilt washing over him.
heeseung
'I am already late, they've must be so bored waiting for me.'
Heeseung knew that Jungwon and Ni-ki had been waiting for quite some time, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he had inconvenienced them.
heeseung
'It's been a long time since we've last met.'
heeseung
'2 years ago. 2020.'
heeseung
'I won't forget that year when our group disbanded.'
Lost in his own thoughts, Heeseung was suddenly brought back to reality by the sound of two familiar voices.
Intrigued, Heeseung followed the sound and there they were, Jungwon and Ni-ki, inside a cozy little tent, engrossed in their comics.
Heeseung could see the genuine joy on their faces as they put down their comics and rushed over to him, returning the smile.
As they heard their Hyung's voice, they immediately put down their comics and came out of the tent to greet Heeseung.
jungwon
We thought we're still gonna wait for long.
Jungwon said awkwardly laughing.
As they greeted each other, their smiles stretched from ear to ear.
However, something felt off, deep down they all knew it wasn't the same anymore.
The air was filled with awkwardness, leaving them silent.
Sensing the tension, Heeseung decided to break the silence and said...
heeseung
The trip was so exhausting.
heeseung
I ended up taking a nap at my apartment instead of packing things.
heeseung
You guys must have been bored waiting for me...
Heeseung awkwardly laughed.
ni-ki
I'm not bored at all.
ni-ki
I don't know about Jungwon Hyung...
Ni-Ki quickly denied feeling any boredom, making it clear that he had no idea about Jungwon's state.
ni-ki
He's been complaining to me...
Lowering his voice, Ni-Ki confided in Heeseung that Jungwon had been complaining to him about being bored.
Jungwon playfully nudged Ni-Ki's elbow and defended himself, pointing out that it was actually Ni-Ki who made the statement.
jungwon
I didn't said that!
Jungwon defended pointing at Ni-Ki.
Heeseung couldn't help but chuckle at their actions.
heeseung
'Great, we have loosened up a little bit..'
jungwon
We totally get that you're tired, so don't blame yourself
jungwon
We should've suggested you rest first and then reschedule our meet up.
jungwon
You should've taken a rest first and then reschedule our meet up.
heeseung
Nah, it's alright
heeseung
I don't like messing with my plans.
heeseung
I've already organized my schedule for this week.
heeseung
Changing it might make me lazy and end up procrastinating.
Ni-Ki agrees to Heeseung's comment.
Then Ni-Ki turns to Jungwon and whispers in his ear.
ni-ki
If we reschedule now..
ni-ki
The wait won't be worth it, you know?
He says, loud enough for Heeseung to hear.
heeseung
'He's excellent at making me feel guilty for making them wait this long, huh?'
They all burst into laughter at Ni-Ki's silliness.
heeseung
You know I can hear you right?
heeseung
You should've been quieter..
They all laughed at Ni-ki's silliness.
jungwon
Alright Hyung, come inside.
jungwon
You must have been very tired.
Jungwon's considerate nature shines through as he invites Heeseung inside the welcoming sanctuary of the tent.
Yang Jungwon, a bright and dedicated 13th Grade student, attends Gyeonseong High School in Mapo-gu.
With his commitment and leadership skills, it comes as no surprise that he holds the prestigious position of school president.
Despite the added responsibilities that come with this role, he remains the friendly and sociable person he has always been.
Continuing his involvement in student government from middle school, Jungwon's consistent engagement speaks volumes about his passion for making a positive impact within the school community.
It's inspiring to see someone like him maintain their outgoing and sociable personality while shouldering the responsibilities of a school president.
Heeseung wouldn't be surprised if he continues to excel in his studies and make a lasting impression on his peers and teachers alike.
He's still that outgoing sociable student Heeseung know before.
Still a member of a school campaign even after middle school.
jungwon
So, how's everyone doing?
Feeling a bit lost for words, Heeseung turned it back around, asking,
heeseung
How about you guys?
jungwon
... It's been a long time I guess?
He chuckled, seeming to feel a tad awkward with his hand resting on the back of his neck.
Suddenly, feeling with the atmosphere, Ni-Ki raised an eyebrow and curiously asked,
Heeseung understood that Ni-Ki have sensed the awkward atmosphere among them.
Being aware that Ni-Ki and Jungwon shared middle and high school memories, it made sense that they were closer than Heeseung, having been apart for years.
Meet Nishimura Riki, an enthusiastic 12th grader attending the prestigious Gyeonseong High School.
Currently, having make-up classes.
Riki and his best friend, Jungwon, not only share the same school but also an exciting living arrangement.
When Riki's Aunt left for Japan for personal matters, he found himself alone, but thanks to Jungwon's decision to move in, they now on a thrilling journey together, navigating school and life under the same roof.
ni-ki
Hey, how about we grab something to eat and relax a bit, hyung?
Heeseung nodded in agreement.
Jungwon got up and emerged from the tent.
ni-ki
Hyung! How 'bout you?
ni-ki
I just receive my allowance he he.
He stood up, reaching for his wallet
heeseung
Just a drink for me
heeseung
Anything will do.
Ni-Ki nodded and caught up to Jungwon, who was already at the cashier, browsing the food options.
Heeseung couldn't help but feel a little shy around his juniors, even though they were trying their best to lighten the mood and treat him.
Heeseung usually doesn't treat people often because he saves money for and other expenses.
His friends already know that, they must have thought that Heeseung will use his money for something else that he needed so they offer it's their treat.
Heeseung admit he's a little embarrassed about it, but he couldn't argue anymore.
It was too awkward, and his mind wasn't functioning properly.
Time seemed to stand still as he reminisced about the days when they were an inseparable seven-member music band, fueled by shared aspirations of success.
But fate had other plans in store for them, and their dreams were tragically shattered, causing their once promising band to crumble and disband.
It's their dream to become successful and famous.
But it didn't turned out like that.
Everything collapsed that led them to get disbanded.
After what happened, they all got seperated.
Jungwon and Ni-Ki are the only members left that Heeseung get in contact to.
Heeseung hasn't been updated with the others.
Resting on his back, Heeseung couldn't help but mumble softly to himself
heeseung
'Oh, how I wish things had turned out differently...'
heeseung
Heeseung quietly whispered.
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All the edited photos in here are edited by me (amajohn). Please don't try to steal and claim that you've edited it.
𓍼ᴀᴍᴀᴊᴏʜɴ 𓍯
The apps I used for editing are: Photopea, IbisPaintX, PicsArt, Persona.
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These are the apps or websites I used the sources from: Twitter, Facebook, DeviantArt, Google, Weverse, WeHeartIt, Chatie, PicsArt, IbisPaintX, Amino.
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Thanks for reading!
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