Yunho and Friends.
88th Timeline
February 7, 2015
High School Graduation
T he sun dipped toward the horizon on that first weekend of February, casting rose and gold hues over the crowded field. Rows of chairs, flowers, and people flooded the area in front of the podium. Graduates rushed to their families and friends as soon as the ceremony ended. A few of them tossed their caps in the air before making their exit.
Yunho stood quietly in the middle of them all, facing a stage brimmed with colorful bouquets, trying to remember something he’d forgotten.
He turned to the empty space next to him.
Why do I feel like someone else is supposed to be here? he mused, but his thoughts were cut short when Sangheon jumped in front of him, startling him out of his trance.
“Sangheon!” Yunho seethed.
“Oops, sorry,” Sangheon said, grinning as he ushered Jihoon to his side. “So... we’re officially high school graduates. What’s the plan, my friends?”
Yunho shrugged, adjusting his cap. “Should we all go to the same university?” he suggested.
“I’m going to Hankuk University to study medicine,” Jihoon said. “Where are you guys planning to go?”
“I’m not going to college,” Sangheon declared firmly, crossing his arms. “Actually, my parents wanted me to study medicine, too, but I said no.”
“Why?” Yunho and Jihoon asked in unison.
“Besides the fact that I’m not as smart as you guys, I just want to live my way.” Sangheon waggled his eyebrows. “My parents couldn’t finish med school because they had me at a young age. That’s why they want me to achieve what they couldn’t. But, for me, that’s not living. It’s their dream, not mine. Doing what makes me happy is living, and I intend to do just that, which is why I’m going to work right away, so I can start my own wine business.”
Yunho nodded, sporting a proud dad-like smile. “That’s very daring, Sangheon.”
“Yep. I’ll take the risk, whatever it is.”
Jihoon beamed, ruffling Sangheon’s hair affectionately. “If you need an investor, let me know.”
Yunho caught a glimpse of the way Sangheon’s face turned red at Jihoon’s touch. He couldn’t help but chuckle as he recalled the day Sangheon told him about the bookstore date with Jihoon. Yunho had always wondered if Jihoon reciprocated Sangheon’s feelings, but after witnessing the two interact with more familiarity than before, Yunho figured he didn’t really have to.
“How about you, Yunho?” Jihoon’s voice jolted Yunho back to reality. “What’s your plan for college?”
“Well,” Yunho drawled, tapping his chin. “I haven’t really looked into where to go yet, but I’m thinking of studying acting. I just need to find a good college.”
Sangheon gasped, his hand flying to his mouth. “You want to be an actor? Does that mean we’ll see you on TV?”
Yunho inclined his head. “That’s the ultimate goal.”
“Do you mind if I ask why?” Jihoon asked.
“I don’t know,” Yunho replied, his heart skipping a beat at the mere idea, “but it feels right.” Strangely right.
“Hey, you three idiots, look over here!”
Yunho’s little sister, Yunseo, suddenly appeared behind them with a camera ready in her hand, interrupting the heartwarming moment.
Yunho, Sangheon, and Jihoon whipped their heads in her direction, but before they could pose properly, Yunseo caught them on camera with their mouths ajar.
“Say cheeeeese!”