a trip down memory lane*
@epjace
there’s something a little bit overwhelming about being amongst all his peers again and knowing that it’ll be the last time he’s gathered for such a feast. it’s not necessarily a bad feeling, per se, but bittersweet isn’t necessarily the best mood to have whilst at a party of all things, let alone one to celebrate the beginning of the new year. he’ll have plenty of time to mope over the end that has yet to come.
for now, though, it’s a bit too stifling- even amongst the wide smiles of his friends, even with the shoulders amicably brushing his as they reach out for food and friendly touches. so hongbin takes his leave, though he intends it to be little more than a breath of fresh air. he’s never really been one to be labeled as party pooper, and he certainly wouldn’t like to start now. that would be one hell of a reputation to get his last year, when he should be making himself the most memorable, not the least.
once he’s pushed his way past the rest of the students (after a good deal of insincere greetings and faked smiles) he sucks in a deep breath and exhales in a rather noisy fashion, if for no other reason than to hear himself over than the roar of voices inside. hongbin lets his fingertips graze along the stone walls as he starts a leisurely pace down the hall, lips curled into a small smile as he reminisces about all the experiences he’s had here. from his first fight to his first kiss, these walls certainly held many a secret for him, tight lipped and sincere in their promises.
of course, not all memories can stay locked away- hongbin is reminded of this as one such figure from his memories appears in his vision. admittedly, hongbin is a bit late to take notice, and rather than sidestepping the boy very obviously perusing the halls as well, he smacks directly into a sturdy shoulder.
“oh, shit, i’m so-” hongbin’s voice fails him as he registers soft, droopy brown eyes and pouted lips- because really, he’d know that face anywhere, with how many times he’d held it in his hands, kissed it, seen it transform into expressions of joy and hurt and anger. oh.
“– sorry...” he finishes, lamely, all softness drained from his voice. “i didn’t see you there, jace.”
and, in a moment of teasing (though jace really is the last one he’d like to be joking with) he tacks on, thoughtlessly; “you always have been a bit below my line of sight, so really i can’t be blamed.”
hongbin’s smile isn’t entirely false, but it weighs heavy on his lips.
