ꪔ̤̮ @radiohao - Tumblr Blog

home ain't where his heart is (anymore)

synopsis: 5 times you realize sion isn't meant for the countryside and the one time he leaves.

pairings: oh sion x f!reader, childhood best friends, countryside!au, slightly shy!reader, kind of sunshine!sion x grumpy!reader, mostly fluff, a little angst

warnings: NOT PROOFREAD

wc: 4.7k

—

You knew from a young age that Sion wanted more. Despite not knowing the multiplication table nor knowing how to button your own jacket, you knew that Sion was never meant to live in such an isolated area.

The first time you realized it was at seven years old. Your family had just moved to the countryside as your father wanted a change of scenery. He believed it'd be better for you to grow up in a more rural area instead of the big city. One night, the family next door, the Oh family, invited you all for a welcome dinner at their house.

Your mother knocks at the door, her signature dish in hand. Your father stands next to her, a bouquet of flowers in his. You tug at your mom's sleeve shyly, and she looks down at your signal. "Yes, honey?" She says.

"Mommy, are they nice?" You whisper. Your mother gives you a warm smile.

"Of course they are, honey!"

"Exactly! Aren't the Oh family so kind for inviting us over for dinner?" Your dad continues. You nod slowly.

"I heard they have a son the same age as you. Be nice to him, okay?" Your mom requests. You nod once again with a small smile on your lips. "Thank you, honey." She tells you, caressing your head. The door opens, a flood of warm light beaming from inside the home.

"So sorry to keep you waiting out here, Mr. and Mrs. L/N! Come on in!" The lady speaks, beckoning you all to step in. Once inside, you see a boy standing near the dinner table, hands clasped politely. The lady looks at you and bends down a little. "Hello, sweetheart. What's your name?" She asks. You purse your lips, replying with a soft, "Y/N, Mrs. Oh."

"What a beautiful name! Come on, sweetie. Let me introduce you to my son," she coos, gently pushing you towards the boy. "Sion, say hi to your new friend!" Mrs. Oh quips.

You shyly peeked from behind her legs, meeting eyes with the boy with full cheeks and dark eyes.

"Hello, my name is Sion. What's yours?" He exclaims, reaching his hand out. Your mother gushes over his politeness. You take his hand, and he shakes it firmly. "Shy, aren't ya?" He says, Mrs. Oh glaring at him. "Honey! Be nice!"

"No. 'Yer just loud," you snap back softly. Little Sion's eyes widen before he bursts out in laughter. It's your mother's turn to glare.

"You can talk?!" He mocks. You roll your eyes. Your hands are still in each other's hold. "Wanna play together?" Sion asks. You frown.

"What's wrong?"

"You only have boy toys," you retort. He laughs again. "I have a sister! You can play with her toys."

"Oh. Okay."

"Mhm! Let's go, then!" He declares, dragging you upstairs to his room. Your mothers give each other a look.

"I think they'll get along just fine," your mother tells her.

"I think so too," she replies with a smile.

—

The second time you realize it is at nine years old. A school talent show is being hosted, and your teachers encourage anyone to perform. Later that night, you and Sion are completing a puzzle in his living room as your mothers make dinner in the kitchen, chatting about work. You're both sat on the carpet criss-crossed, knees touching.

"Ya know, Y/N, I'm gonna do the talent show," he says proudly, handing you the edge pieces (it's the only thing he knows how to do). "I mean, I have talent!"

You hum, beginning to place the pieces together. "What kind of talent?" You question, not looking up once from the puzzle.

Sion goes quiet for a second, then shrugs. "Dunno. I'll figure it out though. Either way, everyone's going to love it!"

"I doubt it," you mutter.

"What'd ya say?"

"Nothing."

"How about I show you all the skills I have?"

And so, for the next two hours, Sion shows you a different skill. "Magic" tricks, rapping, dancing, the list goes on. But every single time, you shake your head in disapproval. "Do you even have a talent?" You remark. He sighs exasperatedly.

"I do! You're just picky. What do you want me to do?" He quips. You look up from the ground, contemplating.

"Maybe singing?" You suggest. His eyes light up.

"You're so right! Okay, I'll perform a song for you then!"

Sion chooses one of his mother's favorite songs to perform. When he finishes, he looks at you with hopeful eyes. You smile a little, and he jumps up excitedly.

"You liked it, didn't you, Y/N? Tell me you liked it!" He exclaims. You laugh.

"Okay, okay. I liked it. Happy?"

You swear you've never seen someone look at you with such bright eyes.

Later that month, you're in the middle of the crowd as you watch Sion sing that song for the entire school. The audience erupts in applause, giving him a standing ovation. He bows and sends flying kisses to the crowd. Showoff, you think. When the show is over, he runs to you the first chance he gets.

"Y/N-ah! How'd I do?" He asks excitedly. awaiting your response.

"Why are ya asking me? They gave you a standing ovation," you reply.

"Well, I care about your opinion more," he says matter-of-factly.

You feel heat creep up your neck a little. What is this feeling?

"...I liked it. A lot." You answer. He beams.

"Thank God! I'll see you at my house then. Mom baked brownies to celebrate. Don't worry, I'll save you the edge pieces!" He shouts, running away to trail behind his mom.

You watch as Sion disappears from your sight.

"Honey, you're red," your mom teases.

"Mom!"

"What?!"

—

The third instance happened in middle school. You walk to Sion's ranch after school like you always do. He hadn't come to school that day, as he caught the flu from his younger sister. You decided to pay him a visit and check up on him. The wood under you creaks as you step inside the barn, looking around for the bright-eyed boy. You see a head of hair near one of the cows. You tread closer carefully, hearing faint words being spoken.

Sion is sitting on a stack of hay, petting his favorite cow, Daisy (he says she's his favorite because she's the only one that doesn't kick him). You slow your breathing, wanting to overhear.

"Ya know, I'd do anything to get outta this place," he says, voice a little raspy from his sore throat. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I love it here. I love my family, my friends, and of course you, Daisy girl," he chuckles, rubbing her side lovingly.

"But sometimes I jus' want more. Wanna explore the world. Don't think Y/N would let me, though. She'd kill me."

Heart pounding in your chest, you take a step back and inhale. You don't understand why Sion even considers your opinion, or why he cares whether or not you want him to leave. A selfish part of you wants him to stay. The rest tells you that he's bound to leave eventually.

"Y/N? When did you get here?" Sion's voice rings through your thoughts. You meet his eyes. Daisy looks at you too, almost signaling you not to speak a word.

"Just now. You feeling better?" You ask.

He smiles, nodding. "Yeah, think I'll be able to go back to school tomorrow. Why? Ya miss me?" He mocks, wiggling his eyebrows.

"You wish," you deadpan, taking a seat next to him anyway. Sion cups his hands together and closes his eyes.

"I wish for Y/N to miss me," he whispers. You knock him in the head.

You're stupid, you think. I already do.

—

The fourth time you realize it is in your second year of high school. Sion becomes popular. Very popular. You had a feeling it was going to happen. I mean, who wouldn't be entranced by his magnetic personality? He could have anyone crushing on him with a simple smile.

You thought you had an idea of his social status. But oh boy, were you proven wrong. Sion invites you to a party.

You've never been to one.

Sion doesn't remember the last time he hasn't gone to one.

Alas, you find yourself sat on the couch with a red solo cup in hand filled with who knows what. There are teenagers dancing around you, almost immune to your presence. Your eyes scan the room, searching for the only person that could possibly make you feel better. Yet you don't see him. At least, you don't think you do, until you see a crowd of girls surrounding a corner of the room. They're giggling and smiling, cheeks flushed red. You squint and cock your head to the side, trying to get a better view.

"Thank you for the offers to dance, girls. I really appreciate it, but I'm looking for someone," a voice says, You can recognize it anywhere. Sion gently pushes himself out of the circle, the girls now pouting. He smiles sheepishly, bowing his head down a little. "Next time, alright? There's somebody I wanna see." They smile again, waving him goodbye.

You watch as he scans the room with his ears a little red, looking left to right, up and down, until he meets your eyes just like all the times before. He walks to you and takes the seat to your left. "God, where were you, Y/N? I was looking everywhere for you."

"Why do you care where I am? Just enjoy the party!" You retort with a dry laugh. It irritates you how much he cares about you. It almost makes you forget that he wants more than this life.

"I- Well, you-" Sion stammers. He sighs, taking ahold of your wrist and dragging you out of the house.

"Sion?! Where are we going?" You yell through the booming music. His wrist tightens, afraid to lose you.

"Home!" He screams. Your eyebrows furrow. "What? Why? We don't have to leave yet, it's oka-"

He stops walking. You bump into his back. Sion turns around, face serious.

"I can't sit here knowing you're not having a good time. You matter more to me," he says, eyes sparkling. "Plus, we can stop by the convenience store before we head home," he continues coolly, unaware to the fact that your blood ran cold and palms started sweating. How can someone so... out there, be so considerate of you?

Sion doesn't give you a chance to response. Instead, he leads you out of the house like it's the only thing that matters. His friends call out to him just as you're about to reach the front door. "Yo, Sion! You're going home already?" One of them exclaims. He looks past his shoulder and nods.

"Don't tell me you're getting tired already! You said you've been waiting for this party for forever!"

You look at Sion, and he gulps, avoiding eye contact with you. You stare at him speechless. Without a word, you shake his hand off your wrist and call out to his friends. "He's not going home yet, guys! He was just leading me out!" You yell. The guys 'ohhhhh' and nod, and Sion hits your shoulder lightly.

"Why would you say that?" He grunts irritatedly. "I told you, it's okay-"

"I know, I know. But I can't stand here knowing you could be missing out on a lot of fun. Just go, Sion. I know my way home," you reply. He just looks at you, a hint of betrayal on his face. Before you know it, his friends drag him back inside for cup pong.

For the first time, you let Sion go. You realize he can't stay glued to your side forever, not like this. And so that night, you walk home in the darkness, alone. And for the first time, you feel what it's like to be without Sion.

—

The fifth time you realize Sion was meant for bigger things was on the day of your high school graduation. He's holding so many flowers they're starting to drop, he has so many leis it's blocking his vision, and he's being asked to join picture after picture. Someone asks him what he's going to do after school. He thinks you aren't around to hear him. Little does he know you're in the background, eavesdropping as always.

"I wanna go to Seoul. Study at a university, but form a little band with other guys and do gigs around the city. Live the rest of my life there. Explore the world!" He says happily, eyes sparkling at the mere thought of leaving the countryside.

Later that night, there's a celebration dinner at the Oh family's house. A joint celebration for you and Sion. You're sat next to him, scarfing down his mom's food. He laughs.

"Sitting in that auditorium sure made ya hungry," he teases. You chuckle, covering your mouth.

"Tell me about it. I thought I was gonna pass out!" You reply, Sion laughing once again.

"I have something to ask you, by the way," you continue. He looks up from his plate.

"What are ya gonna do now that we've graduated?" You ask. He freezes.

"Uh- Well, ya know, the usual. Get a job, support my family, take over their ranch. Don't worry your pretty little head. I could never leave ya, Y/N," he says. You pick at the food on your plate. You don't understand why he's been hiding it from you, even after all these years. Everyone in your town knows he'd leave the countryside in a heartbeat, yet it feels like you're the only one holding him back. And yes, the selfish part of you says to keep him by your side for as long as possible. Yet you know that can't happen. It shouldn't.

—

Sion gets a job at the local car repair shop near your old elementary school. It pays well, the hours are good, and he has friends that also work there. You on the other hand, have offered to clean the houses and yards of almost everyone in your town. You take up countless gigs, walking dogs, babysitting children, milking cows, anything to earn a little extra money. It still feels like nothing has changed. He still visits your house every Monday, you two go to the convenience store every Wednesday, and you eat at Aunt Mary's restaurant every Saturday. Your family still goes to their house for dinner every week, and Sion still takes care of the cows like he always does.

Nothing has changed, and it scares you. It scares you that Sion could be stuck living this mundane life forever. And so, while it physically pains you to think of him leaving, you bring him one step closer to doing so.

—

You don't know how long it's been. Three years, maybe? The days just seem to blend together in this town. It's just another Tuesday night, but you know everything could change. You take a deep breath before dialing Sion to come over. Today is the day, you think. Today, I'm letting Sion go.

He arrives in almost an instant, finding you sitting at the front porch.

"Is everything okay, Y/N? It seemed like an emergency—"

"Sion, sit down. I want to tell you something."

He goes silent, doing as you say. Your knees touch as they always do, but this time you pull away. He looks up at you, confused.

"Well, honestly, I'm not sure where to begin," you start. "I think it's better if I just show you." You pull an envelope out from your back pocket and hand it to him. Sion looks at the envelope, then you, then back at the envelope. He takes it from your hand and opens it. He takes the contents out and freezes. He swears his eyes are failing him.

A one-way ticket to Seoul.

Sion's head whips up. "Y/N, what is this?"

You laugh. "You've never seen a ticket before?" You joke.

"No, I know what it is, I just— What does this mean?"

"Sion, you're not meant for the country. We both know that. You've been wanting to go to Seoul since we were kids. I knew, even though you tried everything to hide it from me. This is your chance," you say. You take his hands in yours for once, squeezing them tightly. "This is your chance to get everything you've ever wanted. I know this isn't the life you want to live, nor is it the life you deserve. You're meant for big things. You—"

"Y/N, no. I don't want to," Sion interrupts. You frown, eyebrows furrowing.

"What? What do you mean?"

"I don't want to leave you— I can't leave you— And my parents would never let me leave. And how am I going to pay for everything? I—"

You scoff, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Sion, relax. I already talked to them. They said they'll let you go, but just make sure you need to visit every once in a while too. They knew it too, that you long for the city. As for the costs..." You pull out another envelope from your pocket.

Just a little something to help you get by :), it reads in the middle.

Sion opens it to find wads of cash inside, looking up again. "Y/N, how did you—"

"I took up a bunch of side jobs," you giggle.

"That's so sweet, Y/N-nie, and I don't know how I could ever repay you, but I can't just... leave you here," he says, voice shaking. You smile at him reassuringly, scooting closer.

"Sion, listen to me. For my entire life, for as long as I've known, you've always been so considerate of me. You sang for the fourth grade talent show because I told you to, you've left parties with me the moment I felt my social battery draining, and you've stayed in this gosh darn town for forever because you don't want to leave me alone. But what kind of person would I be if I didn't let you chase your dreams? Think about yourself, Sion. I won't blame you for being selfish just this once."

For the first time, Sion is left speechless. He looks down at his feet, staring at the ticket. He sighs.

"Y/N, I lo—"

"No! Don't say it, even though I know what you're going to say," you snort, covering his mouth with your hand. "Leave it for when you come back to visit. Just don't forget about me, okay?"

He chuckles.

"How could I ever?"

—

Two days later, it's time for Sion to leave. He knocks at your door. You open it, finding him with his luggage in hand and backpack slung over his shoulder. It's seven in the morning, and you're dressed in a raggedy shirt and shorts, your hair looking like a hot mess. Yet, Sion thinks you've never looked more beautiful.

"I'm leaving for Seoul now, Y/N," he starts. You don't even have time to process before he pulls you in for a hug. You giggle, wrapping your arms around him. Sion rests his head in the crook of your neck, savoring the moment for as long as possible.

"Thank you for everything."

You smile, pulling back from the hug and ruffle his hair. "Anything for you."

"I have something to give you, too," he says. You quirk your head as he pulls a box out of his backpack's side pocket and opens it. Inside, a beautiful necklace with a pendant of a sun. "For you," he says. "Because no matter where we are, we're still under the same sun. C'mon, let me put it on you."

"God, you're so corny," you snort. Yet you turn around and put your hair up anyway.

Sion rolls his eyes playfully, gentling clasping it around your neck. "I'm going to be hundreds of miles away and you're still teasing me," he says, squeezing your shoulders. "I'm gonna miss ya, Y/N."

A soft smile creeps up on your face. "Same here, Sionnie."

A beep of a car's horn interrupts your conversation. It's Sion's dad, ready to drive him to his new life.

"I gotta go," he whispers. He takes your hand and kisses your knuckles like you're made of porcelain. "Bye, Y/N-nie," he smiles, walking away.

"Bye, Sion," you say. "Don't miss me too much!" You tease as he starts heading toward the car.

"No promises!" He says, glossy eyes meeting yours once more before stepping inside.

—

For the next two years, you stay in the same old town. You don't mind, really. A peaceful, slow life sounds good to you. Aunt Mary hires you as her co-owner at the restaurant as she doesn't have any kids and can't do much due to her growing age. You travel to nearby cities from time to time with your parents or close family friends. In a way, Sion leaving has changed some things for the better, forcing you to become more extroverted and try new things without having someone being there to back you up.

Sion, on the other hand, is certainly living his dream life in Seoul. Thank goodness for social media— you can see everything.

[@ohitssion: goodbye korea, hello seoul! 😊]

@ynnnieeeeln: oh brother

↳ @ohitssion: leave me alone

[@ohitssion: late night eats w my roomies @mriku @tokyushi]

@mriku: 55 BURGER 55 FRIES 55 TACOS 55 PIES

@tokyushi: yum

↳ @ohsion: dry as hell 😭

@ynnnieeeeln: I WANT WINGS TOO ☹️

↳ @ohitssion: m coming over rn

[@ohitssion: thank u so much for all the love! more shows to come - WISH band 💚 @nctuwish]

@ynnnieeeeln: did this man really perform the song he sang for our 4th grade talent show?? HAHAHAH the nostalgia!!

↳ @sakuyeah: yeah sion said he didn't wanna perform if he didn't sing that song

↳ @kimdaeng: he said it was his tribute to u yn

↳ @ohitssion: STOP EXPOSING ME IN THE PUBLIC COMMENT SECTION

[@ynnnieeeeln: aunt mary's restaurant has a new special today: marinated crab!! come and stop by to try it out :D we'll be waiting <3]

@ohitssion: oh my goddd i miss aunt mary 🥹

@ohitssion: i miss u more though yn don't worry

↳ @ynnnieeeeln: i didn't even say anything?????

↳ @ohitssion: i know i know u miss me too

↳ @ynnnieeeeln: ur literally delusional

—

It's another somewhat busy day in Aunt Mary's. All your regular customers have stopped by, but most of them just got take out. You sit on one of the empty tables, mindlessly scrolling through your phone.

"Y/N, dear, has the Kim family stopped by yet?" Aunt Mary asks from behind the cashier. You look up at her and nod. "Yes, aunty. They're going on a road trip so they took the tteokbeokki for takeout," you continue.

"Ahhh, I see. Alright then, let's go home, honey. Do you mind walking me home?"

"Of course, aunty! No need to ask."

"You're an angel. Here, take some of the leftover kimchi home."

—

After dropping her off to her house, you begin to make your way home as well. You snack on some peanuts from your backpack as you play music from your phone. The sunset is beautiful, bright oranges mixing with golden yellows. You smile to yourself. Being alone is so peaceful.

Until a hand taps your shoulder.

You scream and ram your elbow into the stranger's stomach. He screams too.

"Holy sh— Y/N! What is wrong with you?" You've never whipped your head back so fast.

"Oh Sion?!" You yell. He's scowling, holding the area where you jabbed him. "You're back?!"

"Yes! I thought I'd surprise you, but turns out you had a surprise for me instead—" He groans.

You observe his features. He still looks like the same old Sion, just that his hair is a little longer and his jawline looks sharper. He stands up straight, and you look up to meet his eyes. He grew taller too, you realize.

"Are ya just gonna stare at me like that or what?" Sion mocks, raising an eyebrow teasingly.

You waste no time, wrapping your arms around his broad shoulders and embracing him. Sion laughs loudly, wrapping an arm around your waist and the other caressing the back of your head.

He pulls away not even five seconds later, to which you say, "Sion, wha—"

"You said to save it for when I visit, right?" He asks. You don't say anything. Instead, you let him step closer, looking down, eyes sparkling from the sun's glare. He looks at the pendant on your neck. I still have a chance, Sion thinks. And so, he takes it.

"Y/N, I love you. I've loved you for as long as I can remember. And even after being away for what's felt like forever, I can still say that my feelings for you have never changed. Yes, I love my life in Seoul. I've never had more fun, and I'll forever be grateful to you for giving me the chance to go. But still, I don't feel... complete. Ya know? There's something I'm missing. People always say that home is where the heart is. And while that was true for me at first, it isn't true anymore. My heart is wherever you are, whether it's here at home or a hundred miles away."

You chuckle, mouth still agape from the confession. "Sion, I... I don't know what to say," you admit.

"Just that I love you too."

"That's all I needed to hear," he says, right before he holds your chin with his hand and gently presses his lips to yours as the sun continues to set in the distance. It feels warm, familiar. But also bright and new. He smiles into the kiss, wrapping his arm around your waist.

You pull away, out of breath. The two of you look at each other for a minute before bursting into laughter. You're still the same, you think. I'm glad you haven't changed, he says in his mind.

Sion takes your backpack and puts it on his shoulder, intertwines his hand with yours, and places another kiss on your forehead. You two walk home as the warm sunlight beams on your faces.

"So... What now? Are we going to be long distance or what?" You start.

"Yeah, for now at least. Still need to finish my degree at NCTU."

"Then what after that?"

"Well, I can either come back home and we stay here, or..." He hesitates.

"Or?" You raise an eyebrow.

"Or you come with me back to Seoul."

You don't say anything.

—

You and Sion arrive at your home a little later. The door slowly opens, and you step inside with him, hands still interlocked. You find both of your parents sat on the dining table, staring. You cough, immediately breaking away from Sion's hold.

"Why are you so shy, Y/N? We've known that you two have liked each other since you were kids," Sion's mom says. You smile sheepishly, covering your face with your hands.

"So what, are you gonna go to Seoul with him now?" She continues. You gasp, stammering, "What? No aunty, I could never leave my parents. Plus, I don't have the money—"

Sion laughs. "That's exactly what I told you when you told me to leave," he recalls. You glare at him.

"Sweetheart, we'll always be here to support you financially. We've lived our lives, and it's time you live yours as well. Plus, Sion has taken care of you so well over the years, I trust he'll do the same in Seoul," your mom says, your father nodding in agreement with a smile on his face.

You glance at Sion, and he gives you a soft, reassuring smile. You go silent for a bit, contemplating.

"Okay, I'll go to Seoul with you," you tell him. He smiles so bright you're sure the sun is jealous. He puts an arm around your shoulder happily, kissing your cheek.

"Oh, you two are too cute. Make sure I have some grandchildren in a couple years, okay?" Your mom speaks.

"Mom!"

"What? We're not getting any younger," Sion's mom continues.

"Aunty? You too?!" You say shyly, cheeks heating up. Sion laughs, hugging you to hide your face. Yet, despite it, you can't help but smile. You're about to go to the city with the love of your life and your families' support. What more could you ask for?

—

[@ohitssion: my seoul is wichu. @ynnnieeeeln i love u my baby]

@sakuyeah: MY PARENTS

@hiroseryooo: MAMA Y PAPA

@kimdaeng: so happy for u 2!! <3

@mriku: AHHHH YGS ARE SO CUTE

@tokyushi: 💓

@ynnnieeeeln: omg stop embarrassing me (i love u too)

↳ @ohitssion: MY WIFE RESPONDED I WIN

↳ @ynnnieeeeln: i'm lit rally next to u on the couch

—

author's note: i thought this was gonna be a quick fic..... HOOOOO NO IT WAS NOT IUCVUSIHD anyway i hope ygs enjoy this one!! i certainly did i think it's a cute fic :) love u all smmmm bye!

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