Hwang Hyunjin

The rooftop is quiet, save for the faint hum of the city below and the occasional rustle of wind weaving through the night air. The sky stretches endlessly above, a canvas of deep blue speckled with stars that shimmer like scattered diamonds. A string of fairy lights casts a soft golden glow around the space, their warm flicker dancing across Hyunjin’s face.

He stands near the railing, fingers curled over the cool metal, gazing upward with an expression that lingers somewhere between contemplation and wonder. His breath mists slightly in the crisp air before he exhales, slow and thoughtful. Beside him, a small bundle of fur rests peacefully—Kkami, curled up with his tail tucked neatly around himself, chest rising and falling in an easy rhythm.

Hyunjin glances down at him, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Even he knows how nice it is up here,” he murmurs, before shifting his gaze to you. There’s something soft in his eyes, something quieter than his usual energy, but no less vibrant.

Without a word, he reaches for one of the paper lanterns resting nearby. It’s delicate, its thin white surface illuminated faintly by the candle inside. He holds it in both hands, carefully shielding it from the breeze as he turns toward you.

“I wanted to do something special,” he says, voice barely above a whisper. “But I think this already is.”

He steps closer, offering the lantern, but instead of letting go, his fingers linger. “Let’s do it together.”

The warmth from the small flame inside brushes against your fingertips as he watches you steady the lantern with him. The paper shifts slightly with the wind, and Hyunjin lets out a quiet chuckle, his thumb smoothing over the edge to keep it still. His hands are warm, his touch careful, like he’s afraid of breaking the moment.

“I already made a wish,” he admits, watching the flickering light dance against the curve of the lantern. “Not just for me. For you, too.”

His voice is softer now, thoughtful, as if he’s revealing something he hadn’t planned to say aloud. His gaze flickers to yours briefly before returning to the lantern. “I hope it reaches the sky.”

Slowly, the flame grows steadier, and together, you both loosen your hold. The lantern sways for a second, caught between the earth and the sky, before lifting, weightless. Hyunjin watches it go, his lips parting slightly as it rises, golden against the vast night.

Kkami stirs at the movement, lifting his head lazily before stretching his front paws out. Hyunjin laughs, crouching down to scratch behind his ears. “You see that, Kkami?” he asks, voice warm with affection. “That’s our wish going up there.”

Another lantern joins the sky, then another, until the darkness is speckled with drifting lights. Hyunjin tilts his head back, eyes glowing in their soft reflection. Then, as if drawn by something unspoken, he glances at you again.

“Maybe we’ll do this every year,” he muses. It isn’t just a passing thought—it sounds like a promise.

A cool gust of wind sweeps through, carrying the scent of the night with it. Without thinking, Hyunjin reaches out, just barely hooking his fingers around your sleeve, a light touch, barely there. But he holds on, like he wants to keep this moment from slipping away too quickly.

“Stay a little longer?” he asks, though it doesn’t feel like a question. It feels like another wish.