Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

When I was lying there in the VA hospital, with a big hole blown right through the middle of my chest, I started having these dreams of flying.

Sooner or later though, you always have to wake up...

A stubborn yet determined combat vet, sitting in the busy office to be sent off to another planet at 28, was a huge leap of fate of one who has endured pain beyond his years.

I became a Ranger for the hardship. To be hammered on the anvil of life. I told myself I could pass any test a man can pass, but my ego grew past me and I lost everything I have fought for.

The egghead and the jarhead. My brother Junghyun was the scientist, not me. He was the one who wanted to get shot light years out into space to find the answers, yet I was the one who sat foot into a spacecraft and got put out to sleep in a pod instead.

All I ever wanted in my sorry-ass life
was a single thing worth fighting for, so I took a second chance in life.

I don't want your pity. I know the world's a cold-ass bitch.

At the end of the day, you have to get lost before you find yourself.

And so I did.

it’s what I did that made a difference…an impact that took, but gave me a second chance at life once again.

This is my story

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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　⠀⠀⠀✦ ⠀ ⠀　　　　　　　　　　　　　　⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀* ⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀✦⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　　　　.　　　ﾟ .　　　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　✦ 　　　　　,　　　　　　　.
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.⠀　⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀,
✦⠀　   　　　,

A million suns shine in the dark.

A gleaming white STARSHIP cruise cuts through the night in an articular speed: galleries of windows and lights flash through the dark. A NOVA Company Starship. The ship flashes through a vast array of darkness that shines like no other. Space-dust sparkles as it whips over the hull, betraying the ship's dizzying speed. The ship's awoke flying overhead as it was struck by an unknown source. The Excelsior continues, rocketing on, spotless and beautiful as a daydream.

The luxurious and modern model had a wide plaza, lofty atrium that cut through ten decks, creating tiers of promenades framing a vast skylight.
The promenades are empty. Chairs unoccupied. Beetle-like robots vacuum the carpets and wax the floors.

The huge cafeteria: super-modern and gleaming, filled with hundreds of tables, were all empty.

Lounge furniture and star-filled windows. Completely deserted. A robot on spindly legs washes the glass at a nearby bar.

Silence was mighty.

Until the end of the line there stood an endless huge corridor lined with vertical glass tubes. Inside each tube stood a passenger. Eyes closed in sleep, as if they were dead. All of them alive, breathing, but no one would be able to tell just by looking. They were sleeping on their feet, leaning against padded supports.

Straps secured them in place, while sensors adhered to their skin. Men wore shirts and shorts, while women had on tank tops and shorts, both wearing white with NOVA Company logos. But as we take it to observation, there are no children, teenagers, or senior citizens, just adults climbing from the age of 25 and up. Men and women of every ethnicity in the prime of their lives. But the sound of an opening beep ,alerts and grabs the attention of the silence once settled in the room.

One passenger, one man. Jeon Jeongguk, 28. Sound asleep, is about to be awaken. A small display on his pod reads:

JEON JEONGGUK
Rate 2 Mechanical Engineer, former S.F.R
Busan, South Korea
AGE: 28
Blood type: A+
Passenger class: silver

And as expected with the alert, a deep yet gentle BOOM followed, the sound echoed and rolled down the once undetected corridors.

Lights flashed and winked the sign ‘ON’ in Jeongguks hibernation pod, as the machinery hummed to life.

The Instruments placed in the pod immediately went to attention and beeped with a chitter. Medical data filled the glass front of the pod's screen. Jeongguks temperature rose and his heartbeat that was once low and steady, had picked up in pace, rushing in its beat.

His heart was slightly in shock but it calmed once a sharp yet sufficient fast needle punctured its way in and out of his cubital vein, releasing a medical drug to his system, putting his body at ease.

Jeongguk takes in a deep breath, as he slowly opens his eyes. Groggy, blinking, he barely sees nothing.

The strong light blinded his line of sight, resulting in his attempt to block the irritation by tilting his head to the side and closing his eyes once more.

The backrest behind him converted into a recliner, lowering him into a seated position. The sensors on his skin that were checking his vitals and health, dropped off once he was confirmed well, and snaked back into the pod's machinery. A video screen descended before Jeongguks eyes.

On a screen, a beautiful stewardess appeared, beaming at the camera, with a huge welcoming smile. She was inhumanly perfect, a computer-generated image, that barely represented the reality of today’s society.

“Good Morning, Jeongguk!”

Jeongguk was disoriented. His head felt like it was being crushed and beaten from the inside of his skull, giving him a bad headache. He was confused, still quite emotionally in shock but mainly lost, as if he was just brought back to life. “What the f…agh…m-my…my head…”

“Don't worry, Jeongguk. It's normal to feel confused. You've just spent a hundred and twenty years in suspended animation.”

She made it sound so reassuring, yet confusing. One hundred and twenty years have already passed? Is that how it feels like? Jeongguk scowled and rubbed his eyes, letting his palms rest on his face for a while, blocking his view.

The lady or AI, on the screen started talking once again, continuing her speech despite the passengers lack of communication.

“You're a passenger on the Starship Excelsior. A NOVA Company Starship. We've nearly completed the 120-year flight from Earth to your new home - the colony world of the II Ollion. Congratulations!”

Her voice was definitely programmed to sound soothing and comforting to its passengers on board, but Jeongguk thought so differently. They definitely fucked up.

He moved his hands aside once he felt like he collected himself back up again and looked straight ahead at the screen of a hologram that was displayed in front of him to watch.

It appeared to have been The Excelsior he’s on, leaving a skyscraper-covered Earth, soaring through space to a lush green II Ollion.

The memories came right back in. He was aware, and now he knows. He’s on the spacecraft.

“Oh, yeah…”, he said in a raspy tone.

“The Excelsior is on its final approach”

The stewardesses that had her hands gently locked by her front, moved her hand and gestured to the displayed program to her side. The program viewed the ship's lavish amenities, fine dining, sport facilities, all swarming with happy content passengers.

“For the next two months, you'll enjoy luxury space travel. Food. Fun. New friends. Then you'll start your new life on the II Ollion. Back to basics. A fresh start. Room to grow.”

The images and videos of the spacecraft NOVA then drifted to beautiful publicity shots of the II Ollion. The planet he was headed to: huge mountains, green forests, blue daydreamy-like beaches and settlements rigged by farmland.

And even though it all looked and seemed great, it kinda looked like bullshit to Jeongguk. But he rather preferred the bullshit to come, than the bullshit he had on earth.

“Your wake-up capsules and nutrient juice will help you recover from hibernation! Please, do take them, but you’re welcome to decline”

Decline? How is that even a suggestion?
The Pills rattle into a dish; a glass of pink juice appeared and without much to thought, Jeongguk took the offered pills and gulped it down with the weirdly mysterious pink juice with a grimace. It was definitely not guava juice.

“Make yourself comfortable in your complimentary robe and slippers.”

Jeongguks backrest eased him back onto his feet. A drawer popped open, revealing a NOVA Company bathrobe and slippers. He grabbed them before he was given a card.

“Your shipcard is your key to the starship. Please, do not lose it!”, she said with a flirtatious wink.

Jeongguk grabbed his shipcard, and looked at it. It was a plastic ID card on a lanyard. Instead of hanging it around his neck, he decided to hold it.

“Now you're ready to go to your cabin. If you’re still feeling uneasy, please do inform me or the infomats around the Excelsior for us to provide you with medical care. But for so long make yourself at home! Enjoy the rest of your voyage, Jeongguk!”

The continuous mentioning of his name was giving him an irrotational ick, he hated when people acted as if they knew him, even machines. Talking to him as if she was his long last friend gave him the urge to send her a glare and tell her to shut up, but he moved pass the thought and just nodded.

Jeongguk carefully stepped out of his pod, and stretched his neck to its maximum for comfort before he slowly walked into the corridor.

As he was walking, he looked around the corridor and couldn’t help but to immediately notice the fact that he was the only one awake. All the other pods were still closed and the people inside sound asleep.

A look of concern and confusion crossed Jeongguks face, as he halted in his spot: still looking around to spot a pod opening, but nothing. The corridor was silent.

The video stewardess followed him, clearly not fazed about Jeongguks concern, the screen flipped around to face him with her smiling: she was pointing down the corridor.

“Jeongguk, your cabin is this way.”

Jeongguk brushed his concerns and uneasiness away. Maybe he was supposed to be the first one awake, but that didn’t make sense…not wanting to worsen his headache, he adverted his gaze and went down the corridor as instructed.

“Take Elevator G to deck seven. Your cabin number is on your shipcard.”

“Thanks”

Jeongguk shuffled down the corridor in his slippers, rubbing his face from pure exhaustion. It’s funny how he slept for one hundred twenty years but feels like he hasn’t slept for days.

He softly scoffed in disbelief while having trouble keeping his eyes open before he walked out of the corridor: the silhouette like doors close behind him, and his pod closes up.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

“Welcome to your cabin, Jeongguk! This very room will be your home until we make landfall.”

Jeongguk didn’t pay a single mind to the AI announcer in his room, and instead looks around the decent like room with a small bathroom. He pokes around, opening drawers, looking through closets and checking out the bathroom.

“Over the next two months, you'll prepare for your new life on the II Ollion.”

Jeongguk peers into the bathroom and finds a little video screen, just like the one on his nightstand, presenting a similar footage like the one the lady was showing him earlier at his pod.

“Passengers are organized into Learning Groups for orientation. You've been assigned to Learning group...forty-five ! At 3:45 pm. Don't forget!”

Suddenly a room was shown in the iPad like device with the sign, time and number of his next direction, ’Learning Group 45.

The doorbell rung, as he stepped out of his bathroom.

Jeongguk opened the door eagerly, hoping to have seen a person- but deflates once he sees no one there.

The uneasy feeling he felt in his gut was slowly eating at him, but he tried to dismiss it with an excuse. The voice in his head kept telling him that ‘everything is the way it’s supposed to be’,and it gave him some sense of relief.

The little cracky noise made him look down. A waist-high cargo like robot was peering up at him with his huge goggly eyes. It was kinda creepy…but cute? It was carrying two suitcases and a duffel bag.

“Passenger Jeon Jeongguk?”

Jeongguk nodded. “…Yeah”

“I have brought your luggage, Passenger Jeongguk. Please swipe your shipcard to confirm.”

Jeongguk reached down his pocket and pulled out his ID, before swiping it through a slot on top of the robot.

The robot suddenly scooted inside and deposited Jeongguks bags on the floor, next to his bed.

“Enjoy your luggage!”

Jeongguk slightly frowned at the comment, as his eyes followed the robot gliding back out of his room and disappearing into a different direction as the automatic doors closed behind it.

He softly thanked him and looked around once more. Checking the time, he decided to take some rest before he’ll head out to the ‘Learning Group’ thingy at 3:45.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

“Your group's orientation starts in twenty-five minutes. Join them in Conference Room forty-five on Deck Two. Don't forget!”

That’s the last thing Jeongguk heard before he headed out of him room and took the elevator down to: DECK FOUR - SHOPPING DISTRICT.

He was curious to explore the place a little more and maybe find someone that was finally awake from their sleep.

Stepping out, a mall with tiled floors and ornate storefronts decorated the place. Jeongguk walked around in his now changed attire: he had on a gray hoodie that he wore, gray sweatpants and slippers.

Looking around, lights upon lights of flickering Storefront signs appeared to life as he passed through, observing each one of its significance. He noticed that all the stores had robots as cashiers, waiters in restaurants and even some employees as robots. It was kinda ridiculous but it made sense.

To his disappointment, no one was present.

A huge once dry fountain gushed out water at his approach, and to its beauty, Jeongguk couldn’t help but to stand and admire it for a while.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

DECK TWO - CONFERENCE ROOM FORTY-FIVE: Jeongguk entered the conference room once he scanned his ID card on the tablet outside before entering. It stated his name and it welcomed him in.

The room was quite fancy and had a glass window to the outside that showed the gleaming night. Knowing that it’s 3 o’clock in the afternoon and it’s dark is something he’ll have to get used to, because that’s all there is for the few moths to come.

There were forty chairs around a big table and a large screen was displayed on the wall with a digital instructor right next to it.

It was woman of middle age, waiting patiently with a computer's infinite patience, while looking straight ahead.

Jeongguk walked inside the room and headed towards the table before the door slid closed behind him.

“Hello, Passengers. Will you all please take a seat.”

Jeongguk looked around with a frown once again and back at the instructor, hoping that it’s gonna realize that there is nobody else but him. One again he was the only one there.

He took a seat, and as expected the programmed instructor paid no mind to it, just like last time. Again.

“Earth is a prosperous planet. The cradle of civilization. A world with a long, proud history. But for many, it's also overpopulated. Over-priced. Overrated. Overrun. And burned out.”

Behind the Instructor, video clips were shown of Earth's urban sprawl: an endless gleaming metropolis glittering with traffic, trashy streets, huge factories, and clearly no signs of Mother Nature.

The thought of it all was quite upsetting. Jeongguk never had the chance to see Earth as it once was a planet that was in perfect balance. Everything died, as humans overpopulated and destroyed what was once called home. Never being able to see a real tree or touch grass was quite devastating, since it looked so peaceful and beautiful. Maybe that was one of the reasons why he left Earth to find it in the II Ollion instead.

Jeongguk raised his hand and spoke, wanting to break the weird absence in this very room and voice out the question he had from the beginning of his awakening.

“Excuse me, can I ask-“

But he was interrupted before he could finish his question, “No questions until the end, please.”

“But wait, where are all the re-“

Instead of replying to his question, the instructor ignored him and continued her speech. The screen was filled with shots of the II Ollion: aerial footage of mountains, beaches, beautiful garden cities.

“The Colonies offer an alternative. A better way of life. And none is more beautiful than the II Ollion, the Jewel of the Occupied Worlds.”

Sighing, Jeongguk gave up and leaned back. Waiting until the end of the presentation.

ONE HOUR LATER:

Jeongguk was sitting wearily, chin propped on his hand while he was profusely and impatiently bouncing his leg.

His patience was running low and the daunting question kept eating at his brain, but he knew he had to wait until the fucking presentation was done, and so he tried his best to stay put.

The Video Instructor kept chattering on with a dumb smile, while Inspiring footages of the II Ollion.

“…thriving job markets in mining, farming and manufacturing. An explosion in the cultural arts. And if you long for the life less civilized, you can apply for a pioneer permit and seek your fortune in the wild.”

After her speech, there was a sudden pregnant pause. The creeping relief of a feeling crawled up Jeongguks spine, hoping to hear-

“Any questions?”

Fucking finally.

“Where IS everybody?!”

The Instructor paused and seemed quite calm before she faced Jeongguks direction, but the question she was given seemed to confuse her.

“We're all on the Starship Excelsior. With
Ten thousand passengers and sixty-eight crew members on board.”

That was not the answer he was expecting or hoping to hear.

Deeply frowning, he wanted to understand what was actually happening. “But I'm the only one awake”

The instructor stayed nonchalant. “No, all the passengers wake up at the same time.”

Jeongguk shook his head, not wanting to believe what he just heard. “Then something's wrong with the other hibernation pods.”

“Hibernation pods are a fail-safe.”

Jeongguk stood up and asked his question once again, hoping and wanting to hear an answer.

“So why am I the only one here?”

The instructor stayed unfazed, while it was confused as to what it was asked. “I'm sorry. I don't understand your question.”

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Jeongguk immediately walked out of the conference room and speed walked to the elevator to head back to the fourth deck. He saw some infomats strolling around the plaza, maybe they could help him.

Once he was taken to the forth deck, Jeongguk walked out of the elevator and walked up to the nearest infomat he saw - an information kiosk. A banner was scrolling across the screen of the infomat: ASK ME A QUESTION!

Jeongguk not hesitating whatsoever, he tapped on the screen.

“Hello! What's your question?” It asked rather cheerfully, but he wasn’t in the mood right now to answer it. “I need to talk to a person. A real live person.”

“What sort of person? Personal trainer? Travel planner? Therapist?”

Listening carefully, he waited for the right person to be listed for his urgent need but it didn’t pop up. “Someone in charge.”

“The Ship Steward handles passenger affairs. You can find him in his office on the Service Deck.” The infomat replied before a dotted line appeared on the screen with a map that showed the direction for him on how to get there.

“Thank you.”

“Happy to help!”

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Jeongguk took the elevator to the Service Deck and appeared around the corner as he walked down the hallway. The lights brightened, the ventilation kicked up a notch, before he found a door marked ‘SHIP STEWARD’.

He didn’t even bothered knocking and clicked the little button next to the door for it to open.

Once he entered the Ship Steward’s Office, the lights flashed on revealing an office in mothballs. Empty chairs, barren desks.

And once again, with no sign of someone present alone.

“Shit…”

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Jeongguk walked out of the room and into the elevator lobby, spotting another Infomat. Not wasting any time, he arrives at a jog.

“ Hello! What's your quest...”

“Who's flying the ship?”

“The bridge crew includes the Captain, the Pilot, the Chief Navigator...”

“The Captain. I want to talk to the Captain.”

“The Captain rarely handles passenger queries directly.”

“It’s an emergency, okay? Where is he?”

“The Captain is usually found on the Bridge, on the Command Deck.” The infomat displayed a helpful map that showed the way to his wanted destination.

And without a single word, Jeongguk marched off.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Taking the elevator up to the highest deck, the Command Deck, Jeongguk finds the door to the Bridge. He immediately walked up to it and opens it eagerly - only to find a second door behind it - an armored hatch labeled ‘FIREWALL and SECURE ACCESS AREA.’

A porthole of thick glass gives a narrow view of the Bridge.It's deserted. Numerous of Instrument lights gleamed in the dark.

Jeongguk was losing it, he felt as if he was about to turn insane, this can’t be happening.

He desperately pounded on the hatch like a madman. “ Come on! What the fuck is happening?!”

⊹ ࣪ ˖

After pounding and helplessly kicking the hatch for 20 minutes straight, Jeongguk didn’t want to give up just yet so he decided to take the elevator down to the third deck - cafe courtyard.

He ran past restaurants, lounges, shops. All that were deserted, with no human accompanied but robots.

Jeongguk's heart pounded in his chest as the eerie silence of the plaza echoed around him. He could feel the cold sweat trickling down his spine as the possible realization started to dawn on him. He yelled out in panic and desperation.

“Hello? Hello?! Anyone!”

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Taking the elevator to the highest promenade on the ship, the Service Deck: windows were on all sides. The huge skylight just overhead. It was breathtakingly beautiful and quite peaceful, it almost looked and felt like being outside. The atrium plunges seven stories to the Concourse below, Jeongguk ran past them in an echoing shout.

“Hello!”

A sudden sound behind him made him quickly turn around in a spin, but it was just a window-washer: a robot with long spindly limbs. It moved past Jeongguk, completely ignoring his existence as it continued polishing windows. Oblivious to its surroundings.

Adverting his focus from the robot, a sign caught Jeongguks attention.
‘OBSERVATORY - Your Place In the Universe.’

Not taking a thought to it, his feet immediately took him there, the planetarium of the future.

He entered the other room and saw theater seats facing a holographic ‘stage.’

A hologram was displaying an image of the starship hangs in space, while a glowing text read - ‘Look through the eyes of the Starship Excelsior!’

Jeongguk rushed to the control podium and tapped on the screen.

“What can I show you?” The AI replied in a deep voice that quite took Jeongguk back a little, but it was pleasant to the ears. Not like the stewardess from before.

“We're supposed to land pretty soon, but it looks like I'm the only one awake. Is that normal?”

“I don't understand. What can I show you?”

Jeongguk felt like punching something, or rather someone. He was starting to get badly impatient and the continuous of repeated ‘I don’t knows’ were staring to piss him off.

“Show me the II Ollion.”

The control podium presented a hologram that showed the planet II Ollion, Earth's twin sister. “The Il Ollion is the fifth planet in the Bhakti system.”

“Right. And how soon are we landing?”

“Approximately in ninety years.”

Jeongguk's heart pounded in his chest like a drum, echoing the dread that was seeping into his bones. His breath suddenly got knocked out of him.

The silence was deafening, amplifying his sense of isolation.

He was alone…

Completely alone, and the realization was like a punch to the gut. Oblivious to the panic that was consuming him. The ship, once a symbol of a new start in life, now felt like a cold, metallic prison.

His mind raced, thoughts tumbling over each other in a chaotic whirlwind of fear and confusion. The fear was a living thing, wrapping its icy fingers around his heart, squeezing until he could hardly breathe. He was alone, and the weight of that reality was slowly killing him.

“…what?” He asked in disbelief, not wanting to process what he just heard.

“We land on the II Ollion in ninety years, three weeks, and one day.”

“No….No, How long ago did we leave Earth?”

“Approximately thirty years ago.”

Jeongguk stared at the hologram in pure horror, as the realization punched him rock hard in the face.

“I woke up too soon.” He said to himself.

“I don't understand.”

Without another word, Jeongguk rushed out and ran out the Observatory.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Jeongguk sprinted down the row of hibernation pods, while his heart pounded out of his chest, not giving him a chance to properly breathe.

He slid to a stop in front of his empty pod, and immediately went to action. He fussed with the controls, pressing buttons, sliding numbers, crossing out alerts. But the screen just read, ‘PASSENGER DISCHARGED.’

He crouched down and pulled at the pod's canopy, trying to open it with his hands, but in vain as It didn’t budge one bit.

“No! Fucking open. I’m supposed to be in there!”

Since he couldn’t open the canopy on his own, he gave up and trudged between rows of sleeping passengers to the aft end of the huge Hibernation Bay, there he finds a hatch labeled, ‘CREW HIBERNATION FACILITY.’

Jeongguk tries to open it eagerly - and to his luck he finds another armored hatch with a small porthole, the labels read, ‘FIREWALL’and ‘SECURE ACCESS AREA.’

Without any hesitation, Jeongguk pressed the switch, but nothing happened, there was no result.

So instead, he peered through the porthole, and Inside he found the entire crew of the starship stand asleep, no one was awake.

“What the hell…”

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Jeongguk took the elevator back to the fourth deck and jogged up to another Infomat, wanting to try multiple attempts to get him out of his fucked up situation. “How do I make a phone call?”

“Your cabin telephone...”

“No. Long distance. How do I send a message to Earth?”

“Interstellar messages are sent by laser array. Speak to the Duty Officer in the Comm Center.” The Infomat displayed its helpful map to the Comm Center.

“Please note that interstellar messaging is an expensive service.”

Like he gives two shits. Jeongguk didn’t pay any mind to what the infomat had to say and walked away to the Comm Center.

“Happy to help!”

It didn’t took long for Jeongguk to spot the Command Deck and its two communication booths for passenger use. They were quite fancy, and reminded him of a regular office room, but more enhanced and techy.

Jeongguk took a seat at one of the tables and swiped his shipcard to use the communication booth, before it spoke back. “Planet and connection?”

“Earth. The NOVA Company.”

“There are thirty thousand phone numbers listed under ‘NOVA Company.’ What number?”

What the hell? How the hell is he supposed to know? He has to guess from 30 000 phone numbers?

“I don't know. I'm emigrating to the II Ollion. I have an emergency.”

“Division of Colonial Affairs, the II Ollion Program. I have a Customer Help Line.”

“Sounds about right.”

The booth's camera zooms in on Jeongguks face, while a microphone extends toward his mouth as the red ‘recording’ light comes on.

“Begin message.”

Jeongguk felt like a deer in headlights. He was suddenly lost, he didn’t know what to say, let along explain his horrifying situation that would give anyone else in his shoes a heart attack. But he had to collect himself. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath before talking.

“Hi, my name is Jeon Jungguk. I'm a passenger on the Excelsior called the NOVA that is migrating to a planet called the II Ollion. Something went wrong with my hibernation pod and I woke up too early. Ninety years too early. I can't go back to sleep…and nobody else is awake. If I don't figure something out, I'm going to die of old age or maybe even a heart attack before we get to the II Ollion” he tried to throw in his dumb humor with a fake chuckle that clearly represented his current nervous state, “so, please…help me out here. I'll keep trying to fix this. I won’t give up, maybe I missed something simple. But I could definitely use a hand. Thanks.”

Jeongguk pushed the ‘send’button and dropped back in his chair, staring at the screen intensely. “Message sent.”

“Great, at least something.”

“Message will arrive in nineteen years.”

He definitely heard wrong. There is no fucking way.

“Say that again?”

“Earliest possible reply in fifty-five years.”

No. This can’t be happening. Why is this happening? “No, no there-“

“We are nineteen light years from Earth. By the time your message arrives, we will be thirty-six light-years from Earth. We apologize for the delay.”

Fifty-five years. Fifty-five fucking years.

All that could be heard was a loud crash, as Jeongguk pushed out of his seat and kicked it to the ground. Losing the last bit of hope he had.

“That will be six thousand dollars.”

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Jeongguk trudged down the Concourse, each step heavier than the last. The reality of his situation had finally sunk in - he was trapped in this waking nightmare with maybe no hope of returning to hibernation. His heart felt like a stone in his chest, a constant reminder of his hopeless situation.

The Concourse, once a bustling hub of activity, now seemed to stretch on forever, a never-ending path of loneliness. His footsteps echoed hollowly, a stark reminder of his solitude. His shoulders slumped under the weight of despair, his eyes devoid of any spark.

The realization that he was stuck in this state, with no way back, was a bitter pill to swallow. His goal of starting a new chapter in life had turned into a cruel reality, leaving him wandering the Concourse in a state of depression.

He was shell-shocked, as he came to the Concourse Bar, not even realizing that his feet navigated themselves to a bar. It was definitely one of the fanciest watering holes on this hell hole of a ship: black leather stools along a long marble bartop.

Jeongguk touched the bartop, the cold marble pinching his fingertips, and as he looked up…a MAN swings up behind the bar - as if mounted on a hinge. A handsome fellow in a bartender's uniform - his hair and skin eerily perfect. He thought he was going crazy.

Jeongguk immediately jumped out of his skin, and stared at the bartender like he was witnessing God himself.

“What can I get you?” the bartender asked with a warm smile.

“I thought I was the only one awake!” Jeongguk claimed a little too loud.

“I doubt it. It's the middle of the afternoon. Are you drinking or not?” He produced a cloth and kept polishing the bartop, when suddenly in a startling movement, he glides the length of the bar, polishing all the way, and glides back as if on roller skates.

Jeongguk deeply frowned at what he had witnessed and stepped up on the footrail, before he peered behind the bar. And there it was, the bartenders body stoped at the waist, he was mounted on rails, built into the bar.

Jeongguk deflated, and it was as if light has been stolen from his eyes once again. “You're a robot.”

“Android, technically. Alfred’s the
name.” His smile never left his face.

Jeongguk went back to his seat and blanked out on his thoughts.

“I'm Jeongguk…”

Alfred extended his hand for a handshake, and Jeongguks stared at it for a moment before he eventually shook it.

“Pleased to meet you. What'll it be?”

“Whiskey, neat.”

Alfred pulled out a whiskey bottle and a fancy looking glass. He poured the beverage in before he slid it across to Jeongguk, who knocked the drink back in one go.

Alfred couldn’t help but to notice that his customer was pointing straight into the empty glass with pure despair, while his eyes watered.

Jeongguk's mind was clouded with desperate thoughts as he considered drowning his sorrows in alcohol. Maybe, just maybe, he thought, if he could numb his mind, he would wake up from this cruel reality and find himself back in the hibernation pod, surrounded by others awakening alongside him.

But deep down, he knew it was nothing more than a bittersweet fantasy, a vision he could only yearn for. As his eyes welled up with tears, the harsh truth settled in, reminding him that there was no escape from his current plight.

Alfred filled up the empty glass with a second doze and Jeongguk took a big swallow before he felt like throwing the glass across the room, but instead settled the glass back down half-full.

“Alfred, did you ever felt hopeless…?”

Alfred looked up at the saddened customer before him and shook his head ‘no’.

“Not really, I’m quite happy most of the time.”

Of course, what was he expecting to hear? He’s a fucking robot, a program.

“How much do you know about the ship?

“I’m not quite sure. Not much, but I know some things.”

“What do I do if my hibernation pod malfunctions?”

There was a paused silence for a while, before Alfred shook his head ‘no’ once again, and placed his now polished glass aside.

“Impossible. Hibernation pods are fail-“

Jeongguk scoffed, cutting the bartender off and rolled his eyes in annoyance. Everyone was programmed to say the exact same shit. No matter who he was going to ask or how he was going to ask, he will get the same answer nonetheless.

“Yeah, well, I woke up early.”

“Can't happen.”

So they are blind and dumb too? Jeongguk decided to challenge that thought and slightly learned in a little further to the bar. “How long until we get to Ollion”

“Ninety years or so.” Alfred replied without a doubt.

“And when are all of us passengers supposed to wake up?”

“Not until the last two months.”

“Oh yeah? So how can I be sitting here with ninety years to go?” There it was.

Alfred’s eyes took on a faraway look, and it seemed like he was struck by an invisible object, as his head slightly twitched.

“It's not possible for you to be here.” He smiled as if he's just solved the problem. Idiot.

“But I am. I’m talking to you right now as you’re serving me.” Jeongguk said a little more strictly, wanting for Alfred to break and realize that he was not supposed to be here, and help him out.

“My apologies, Jeongguk. My specialty is cocktails and conversation and maybe even some entertainment here and there. Take your fancy trick questions to one of those Infomats. They think they know everything.”

Jeongguk sulked back down but didn’t want to give up, his frustration got the best of him.“Alfred, I'm in trouble. I'm screwed! Can’t you see?! I am completely and utterly fucked!” He said as he slammed his fist on the marble top, desperately wanting to get an answer.

“Lot of self-pity, I see.”

“Self pity? Self pity?! I'm going to die alone of old age on this fucking ship! I’m stuck!”Tears trickled down Jeongguks cheek, as he was staring to break from the inside out.

“Jeongguk, we all die. Even androids end up on the scrap heap. It's not dying that matters, it's living. This is your life, isn’t it? Are you going to live it or lie down and die? Do what makes you the happiest.”

Jeongguk shook his head in surrender, and stood up. He started to feel like giving up on his life alone as well.

“What do I owe you?” He asked blankly.

“Jeongguk, the booze is on the house. No need to worry.”

⊹ ࣪ ˖

DECK NINE - AFT OBSERVATION DECK - NIGHT:
Jeongguk stepped into the moody, his steps echoing throughout the room. The lounge was filled with panoramic windows, taking in the breathtaking view of the red stars behind the ship and the cold white stars all around.

As he stares out, a wave of questions and frustration washes over him. He wonders why the hell he had to be the one with a malfunctioning hibernation pod, why he had to die in isolation, why fate seemed so unfair towards him.

After all the hardships and hell itself he endured on Earth, he had hoped to find solace in the II Ollion, but now that hope feels shattered.

Overwhelmed with emotions, his thoughts were interrupted when he suddenly shouted out into the open, seeking answers.

"WHY ME? What the fuck did I do to deserve this?!"

As soon as the words left his mouth his anguish became too much to bear, his body slumped onto the floor in a broken heap, tears streaming down his face.

He had thought that joining the II Ollion would give him hope for a better life, but now that hope was gone. He was going to die alone. He felt pissed, upset, confused, and mainly lost and scared at the same time.

Jeongguk stayed in the same spot, his head buried in his hands, crying his pain out. He was unable to move, his emotions overwhelmed him as he had given up all hope of finding a new life in the II Ollion, his life was just taken away in the blink of an eye. He was alone.

Chapter Text

The world has never felt so cold like it did at this very instant. It’s weird how a person tries to forget and just move past whatever fucked up situation they have been in, but gets dragged all the way back, just to relive the shitty memory they have once had.

That’s how Jeongguk felt at this very instant. He found himself sitting on the cold floor, leaning back against his bed while staring out into the blue; his body weary and his mind heavy with thoughts.

He hadn’t slept since yesterday. He sat awake, haunted by the idea of being alone, stranded with no exit to escape from. Just devastatingly waiting for hours, days, upon months and then years for him to spend in solitude until his death would come to haunt him.

And the weight of that realization kept him up all night, refraining him from taking a long peaceful slumber. His mind was giving him a hard time, since it raced with thoughts of fear and uncertainty.

Will he be able to resume the problem? Find the error within his pod and put himself back to sleep? Or maybe just accept defeat once the actual truth would paint out the reality as it was…The darkness of space outside his window only amplified his depressive state.

Jeongguk felt a huge mix of emotions, but mainly sadness, and despair.

As he sits there, contemplating his next move, a sudden idea appears within the dark vast of hopeless choices he had held in store.

Determined and wanting to test out his talent and theory alone, Jeongguk gets up and walks into his bathroom to refreshen and get ready to head out.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Before taking a chance with his idea,
Jeongguk wanted to fuel up his body for energy
since he failed to do that with his sleeping
regiment, so instead he took the elevator to head to the CAFETERIA.

Jeongguk entered the bright lit room, dressed in his own clothes - joggers and a simple black T-shirt. A dozen of machines rolled around the room, offering food, drinks and even napkins to utensils in a dizzying variety. It looked ridiculous, have machines no knowledge of the absence that filled every single inch of the spacecraft? Who were they serving? There was no one but him.

Not wanting to fuel himself any further than he already was, Jeongguk moved past them and minded his own business; letting them do as they pleased.

He approached one of the huge serving machines to check out the menu, he did it with a soft sigh. Each machine had a card slot and a screen displaying its breakfast menu.

Jeongguk tapped on the screen and clicked from one page to the other, reading the menu. He didn’t really had a heavy appetite to eat anyway, despite the appealing pictures of the meals that were displayed on the screen for him to have a better visual of how it would look like. A simple coffee and maybe a sandwich will do for now.

Jeongguk tapped on his order and swiped his shipcard at a coffee machine. It offered up to sixteen different kinds of coffee, from a simple cup of Joe to the Mocha Cappuccino Extreme.The variety definitely brought a little spark into his upset mood. Jeongguk immediately picked the best of the lot, and that was the intriguing Mocha Cappuccino Extreme.

But the coffee machine spoke back.

“Sorry. The Mocha Cappuccino Extreme is reserved for gold-class passengers only. Please do select another item of your liking.”

Gold-class passengers. Shit, he’s a silver class passenger. Did they really had to limit the amount of access to certain foods and drinks? Unbelievable.

Jeongguk pressed one button after another, picking another drink but he got denied each time.

“Sorry-Sorry. The-Sorry-Sorry. The Espresso is-Sorry”

“Are you serious?!” He ended up tapping on the last coffee available. A regular large coffee.

“Please enjoy!”

“Fuck off” He murmured under his breath, and carefully grabbed his hot made coffee from the drip tray.

“Select another item of your liking… my ass”

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Jeongguk took the elevator. And while ascending, he was sipping on his coffee and eating an egg sandwich that he picked out of the few varieties he had access to.

Once arrived, the doors opened at the Command Deck. An eye catching sign read Crew Area - No Passengers beyond this point.And without any further thought to it, Jeongguk breezed past the sign, ignoring it.

Once he entered the COMMAND DECK, he prowled the floor, opening doors of different directions until he stumbled upon a room marked as EMERGENCY GEAR.In a rush, he eagerly opened the door.

The room was full of space suits and oxygen tanks that could later on be useful for later use, which he hoped wouldn’t come to. Jeongguk peered into a red HAZARD cabinet: fire extinguishers, an axe, an epoxy foamer for atmosphere leaks - were all within his reach behind a glass.

Looking around, he opens another door marked

EMERGENCY MANUALS - and smiles at the sight: shelf after shelf of waterproof, fireproof technical manuals.

The thought alone that he’s a mechanical engineer, becomes acutely aware to Jeongguk of how fortunate he is. With his expertise and understanding of the ship's inner workings, he knows he has a higher chance of finding solutions and saving himself compared to the average person that would have no experience of engineering whatsoever.

It's a pivotal moment where his skills could become his own lifeline. It's a testament to the power of knowledge and the incredible impact it can have in dire situations. He was quite grateful and lucky.

Looking through the shelf, he pulls out a manual labeled - HIBERNATION SYSTEMS.

Bingo.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Dragging along a cavernous cargo hold. Jeongguk drives a forklift down the aisle, scanning container numbers, until he finally finds a container labeled - PASSENGER #1498, JEON JEONGGUK. He tapped his serial number into the forklift to pull it from the rack.

Jeongguk reached over and opened the cargo container to reveal his belongings. He had a few large cartons marked ’sports’, ‘important’, ’clothes’, ’kitchen stuff’ and etc. Amidst the cartons, a heavy-duty toolbox sat there waiting to be put to use. Jeongguk immediately hauled it out before heading back to the Hibernation Bay.

He silently sat there in front of his empty hibernation pod, while his toolbox beside him kept him company. The Hibernation Systems manual lied open while Jeongguk was tinkering with the electronics and cables inside his pod until he managed to make the pod hum back to life.

“Hell yeah” He whispered to himself proudly and sat back up.

The data screen flickered with information just as before, but mysterious whirls and thunks could be heard. It didn’t sound like trouble to him, but he still kept a careful eye just in case.

The canopy opened.

Completely elated, Jeongguk bounced up to his feet at an instant and striped off his shirt before scrambling back in his pod. Once he made himself comfortable, the canopy automatically closed over him.

He assumes the position, his back was pressed up against the backrest, and in comfort he closed his eyes, waiting for the pod to do its thing and put him back to sleep. But as he was waiting, nothing happened. “What the hell…?”

Jeongguk pokes at the ports where the sensors and intravenous lines used to protrude, but nothing changes. The pod acted as if it was offline, so he tried to shake the machine a little, to make it boost back up. It didn’t took him long to realize that it was not working, so with a heavy sigh, he gave up.

Wanting to get out, he was trapped inside the pod. His heart stopped, and it suddenly became harder for him to breathe. He desperately pushed at the canopy, but it was locked shut. “Shit, shit, shit. Please don’t.”

As he was pounding on the glass with no effect he started to lose it, shouting and stamping, hammering and raging around the pod but his plead out for help was all muffled behind a glass.

“Fuck…shit!”

Exhausted, Jeongguk sinked down to the bottom floor of the pod, staring out at his tools, his manual, and his discarded shirt.

How could he been so stupid? Now he just made his life span shorter and provided himself a quicker yet slower death. The urge to bang his head against the glass was strong, he felt like a complete idiot but how could he have known that the canopy would just close on him? He should’ve read the manual more clearly.

Despite that Jeongguk didn’t felt like giving up any time soon, he will get out regardless of the situation. He knows he can. And as it was the heavens speaking above, he notices the emergency release handle down by the floor. His instincts immediately told him to pull it, and so he did and the canopy popped open.

Jeongguk urgently pushed himself out and tripped, falling on the floor but that didn’t bother him whatsoever. He was relieved once he felt like he could breathe again, and the fact that he had the chance to escape was definitely luck.

He can’t afford to make dumb mistakes ever again, or he will end up dead before figuring out how to save himself.

Jeongguk let himself roll over to his back and rest against the floor as he stared at the bright yet beautiful patterns on the ceiling, regaining his breath back before he glanced at his now opened pod.

The pod's display screen blinked back to its original message - PASSENGER DISCHARGED.

Sighing, he closed his eyes and just laid there in silence.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Only one main chance was left, and that was to enter the CREW HIBERNATION facility door, which seemed very unlikely due to the fact that it was heavily guarded. But Jeongguk was stubborn, and didn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. He will fight until he knows that there is nothing left for him to do, and that means getting through the door.

Jeongguk was currently standing right in front of it before he looked through the porthole, spotting the sleeping crew in their pods.

If he’ll manage to get through, then he’ll have access to the spacecraft and find a way back to Earth. He believed that was it was the worst yet best way to ensure that his life would be saved, but he knew that he was taking a huge risk and would probably get hatted and maybe even send to jail for his actions, but that’s the risk he’s willing to take.

Jeongguk tried to swipe his shipcard through the door switch, but it obviously read -ACCESS DENIED. He was a passenger and not a crew member, so he’ll have to jam his way in. He tried poking at the keypad but was send off with another -ACCESS DENIED.

“Here goes nothing”

Not bothering to guess his way in anymore, Jeongguk opened his toolbox and selects a certain tool before he starts to remove the keypad's cover plate…

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Four weeks have passed.

Jeongguk came in every single morning, working upon hours on the door with an industrial laser cutter, but it barely did anything, only sparks flew around as he tried to cut through the metal. He was purely drenched in sweat, mussed and unshaven.

Thinking he did some progress, he lift his protective goggles and inspected the door that seemed to have been barely untouched. The laser cutter has barely marked the surface, he was doing this for weeks now and the door was nothing but a mess.

There are switched hangs on wires, pry marks around the latch, gouges around the window, failed drill holes and dents left by an axe that he’s desperately tried to beat the door by.

But the door stood annoyingly firm.

Exhausted, Jeongguk let the laser cutter fall on the floor along side the scrapyard of tools on the floor: sledgehammer, jackhammer, drill, crowbar, axe, etc.

He felt incredibly frustrated and defeated after weeks of unsuccessful attempts to get through the steel door. It felt as if the door and his weak attempts were laughing at him.

All of that build up emotion made him kick his toolbox out of anger, wanting to release all of that pent-up frustration he felt for him to cope with the negative feelings he had stored in him for too long. It's understandable how such a situation could make someone feel that way, but he felt completely hopeless.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

After still attempting to get through the door for another hour, Jeongguk gave up. Both physically and mentally. He took the elevator back to the Hibernation Bay, listlessly walking back to his spot as another debris field surrounded his hibernation pod: tools and cables, electronic instruments, a diagnostic laptop. Just another hopeless scrapyard of useless junk.

Jeongguk scoffed at the sight and stalked by without so much as a sideways glance.

What a joke.

Strolling all the way down to the concourse bar, there stood Alfred behind the bar, polishing glasses with no single bother in the world. Jeongguk stood there for a second, wishing for a moment like that. A moment where he didn’t had to worry about his fucked up situation, the spacecraft, the II Ollion and so forward. But that wasn’t an option for him.

Jeongguk took a seat at the bar, sweaty and grimy, he was already offered a glass of whiskey that Alfred slid over to his front. Another day, another fuck up.

But instead of taking a gulp of the beverage as always, he just bluntly stared at the filled up glass in his grip.

“I…I thought I'd figure something out. I thought it would just come to me…”

Alfred stood there to reason, looking at the frequently distraught passenger in front of him.

“I've tried everything…I know I have…but it went all to shit. Nothing worked.”

Silence dropped in the room for a brief minute before Alfred broke it.

“Sometimes you can't catch a break.”

Jeongguk gave Arthur a thoughtful look. His speech was always soft around the edges, it wasn’t irritating or just downright annoying, it was just pleasant to the ears. It always sounded like he carried out wisdom whenever he spoke, funny how he wasn’t even a person but still brought him some comfort in this empty shell of a ship.

Not wanting to bother himself trying to find answers within himself and from the clueless Alfred any further, he changed the subject.

“I'm your only customer, but you're always polishing a glass. Any particular reason?”

“Trick of the trade I assume. I heard and noticed that it makes people nervous when a bartender just stands there. Doesn’t suit right.”

Jeongguk hummed and cracked a tired little grin. “Alright. Sounds like you have a lot to teach. Lay some bartender wisdom on me. I'm lost in space here.”

Arthur kept polishing the bar while he thought that one over. The first time he really seemed like he took Jeongguks words into consideration.

“You're not where you want to be. You’re lost and feel like you're supposed to be somewhere else. Right?”

He really figured it out? Jeongguk gently nodded and took a sip from his drink.
“You said it.”

“Well, here's the thing. Say you could snap your fingers and be wherever you wanted to be. Back on Earth, or on the II Ollion.”

“Okay…?”

“I'll bet even if you got your wish, you'd still feel this way. Hopeless, depressed, lost. Just not in the right place. Supposed to be somewhere else. That's not a crisis, it's the human condition. You’re build to feel that way regardless of your location or headspace.”

Jeongguk took a moment as he let those very words sink their way in. He felt a mix of emotions when Alfred voiced out his opinion. It might have been a bit unsettling for him to hear that even if he achieved his goal, he might still feel hopeless and lost.

It kinda made him question his own purpose and existence. But at the same time, it might have given him a sense of comfort to know that these feelings are a part of being human and not necessarily tied to his physical location. It's definitely a thought-provoking concept that may have sparked a deeper reflection within himself.

But at the end of the day…

“That's not me.”

“Well, maybe not. The point is, you can't get so wrapped up in where you'd rather be that you forget to make the most of where you are. Don’t you think?”

“What are you telling me?”

“All I’m saying is that It's a big ship. You're always running around banging on things and yelling at the computers. Take a break. Live a little.”

Jeongguk scoffed and tried to dismiss the ridiculous idea until the thought alone kinda made him rethink his ways. Maybe the android wasn’t wrong. He slowly spinned on his barstool, to face the plaza and surveyed the Grand Concourse.

Jeongguk was feeling trapped and isolated on the spacecraft for a month now, not realizing how time has passed on him so fast, while he spend it all on trying to get through the dumb security door.

Alfred’s words sparked some realization within him. Life is meant to be experienced and enjoyed, even in challenging circumstances. It was a turning point for Jeongguk, motivating him to break free from his depressive routine and embrace the opportunities that were available to him. By just simply telling him to live a little. Maybe he should embark on a journey of self-discovery, adventure, and personal growth.

At the end of the day, he only lives once, he has one life and he can’t just spend it in misery.

“Live a little, you said?”

When he came back around he gave himself a slight shove, spinning faster in his stool.

“See? That's the spirit.”

Jeongguk goes for one more shove but misses, falling off his stool with a heavy groan.

“Ah shi…!”

“I said live a little. Not, die a little”

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Jeongguk scanned a map of the ship he has scavenged his first week and found hundreds of rooms to explore. The second-class cabins, first-class cabins and the good stuff: palatial suites named for European cities. His finger stops on one of the biggest. The Milan Suite.

And the best part about his little adventure hunt would be the fact that he knew that his access would be denied to each one of the rooms he’d want to explore, but wouldn’t have a hard time breaking through. His mechanical skills will slip him right through, he’ll just need up to 5 minutes tops for him to fiddle with his tools and get the right angle and cable to cut. And his access will be granted.

Not wasting his time any further, Jeongguk went back for his tools and headed straight to the intriguing Milan Suite.

High ceilings, posh furniture, huge panoramic windows with a scenery to space had him taken back. The moment he managed to get the door open, Jeongguk walked in with a crowbar in hand but with pure awe to express.

One month he spend sleeping in his decent like room, when he could’ve had a room like this for him to sleep in instead. If only he knew, but his mind only tasked him to the doors he so hopelessly wanted to crack open.

A cargo like robot followed him all the way from his previous room to his now new suite, carrying his toolbox and suitcases. It deposited his luggage on the floor.

“The Milan Suite, Mr. Jeon! Enjoy your luggage!”

“Oh, I sure will” He mumbled to himself before hearing the door shut close, indicating that the robot left.

The first idea that came to mind was him taking a shower.

Jeongguk was feeling drenched in sweat and untidy for days now, regardless of the evening showers he was taking at night. They were quick and lazy so the thought of letting himself get drenched in warm water for a long period sounded like pure heaven to him.

He wasted no time in undressing, quickly removing his clothes, tossing them aside in a haphazard pile. And with a sense of anticipation, he stepped into the sleek and modern shower of his new suite.

The water cascaded down from above, enveloping him in a soothing warmth. The high-tech shower had various settings, and Jeongguk experimented with different water pressures and temperatures, finding the perfect balance for his comfort. As he lathered up with the luxurious shower gel provided, he relished in the refreshing sensation, feeling the stress and fatigue of the day melt away. The fancy shower, with its sleek design and state-of-the-art features, offered a moment of tranquility and indulgence for him, allowing him to fully enjoy this much-needed self-care ritual.

Oh, how he missed this.

After he was satisfied enough and felt his muscles relax, Jeongguk stepped out of the invigorating shower and made his way to the fancy sink to attend to his beard.

He carefully lathered his face with shaving cream, relishing in the smooth glide of the razor as it removed the stubble. Once his beard was neatly trimmed, Jeongguk reached for some grooming products and applied them to his face, feeling a renewed sense of freshness and confidence.

As he stood before the mirror, his messy jet black hair framing his face, he couldn't help but notice a slight frown he expressed. However, as he continued to gaze at his reflection, he started to see himself again. The familiar features, the spark in his eyes, and the subtle smile that began to form reassured him that he was still the same person, even after the challenges he had faced. With a newfound sense of self-acceptance, Jeongguk embraced his appearance, ready to take on whatever lay ahead.

He definitely will never let his mental state to take over and ruin him from the inside out again, he had to take care of himself or he will have nothing else to care for.

As Jeongguk walked out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around his lower waist, he couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity with his own reflection. His toned, muscular body was a feature that hadn't faded over the days.

With a determined stride, he made his way to his bedroom and began unpacking his belongings. He neatly stowed his clothes in the closets, carefully arranging them for easy access. As he laid out his mementos, each one holding a special memory, a pair of sneakers caught his eye.

Instantly, memories of his intense workout days at the gym flooded his mind. The adrenaline of boxing, the satisfying feeling of lifting weights - it all came rushing back. Jeongguk couldn't help but smile, excited to bring that same energy and dedication back into this new chapter of his life.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

As Jeongguk made his way to the second deck, the gymnasium, his footsteps echoed in the empty space. The air was heavy with anticipation as he entered the boxing studio, ready to release his pent-up emotions through the rhythmic thuds of his punches.

With each strike on the punching bag, memories of his time as a ranger flooded his mind, vivid and unyielding. The flashing lights, the piercing screams, the metallic scent of blood - it was as if he was transported back to the chaos of the battlefield.

His punches grew sharper, more intense, as if fueled by the raw power of his memories. But it was the memory of his fallen brother, a brave medic, that ignited a fire within him. With every blow, he fought not only for himself but also for the memory of his brother.

The pain and loss surged through him, driving his punches to become even more fierce and severe. In that moment, he was a force to be reckoned with, a warrior fighting an invisible enemy, his instincts took over, and he ran towards his fallen brother, only to be struck down himself.

The world around him faded into darkness It was a haunting flashback, etched deep within his soul. But as the final flashback consumed him, he had to pull away, his breath ragged, his head resting against the punching bag. It was a moment of respite, a chance to regain his sanity and find solace in the silence of the gymnasium.

As Jeongguk stood there, his eyes closed and his head pressed against the punching bag, the weight of his emotions bore down on him.

He fought against the tears welling up inside, determined to keep them at bay. He knew that he had to find solace, to cling to something positive amidst the darkness that threatened to consume him once again.

With every breath, he searched for that flicker of light, that glimmer of hope that could guide him back to a place of peace.

It was a battle within himself, a struggle to regain control over his emotions and find the strength to carry on. And though the tears threatened to fall, he held them back, refusing to let them wash away the resilience he had built. In that quiet moment, he found the will to keep going, to face the challenges that laid ahead and just keep living like Alfred told him to.

Chapter Text

As the months stretched on, Jeongguk valiantly tried to fill his days with a myriad of activities, desperately seeking solace from his solitude. At first, it seemed like he had found the perfect remedy for his loneliness.

He immersed himself in the ship's amenities, relishing in the joy of video games, swimming in the pool, boxing, and attempting to learn new skills and even learned to play the piano. It was as if he had built a fortress of distractions to shield himself from the weight of his isolation.

But, as time wore on, the walls of that fortress began to crumble. Five long months had passed since he embarked on this solitary journey, and the weight of his loneliness crashed down upon him once again and twice as bad than before.

Jeongguk woke up one morning, his spirit drained and his heart heavy. He felt as if he was waking up to a never ending cycle.

The once vibrant activities that used to bring him joy now felt hollow and meaningless.

With a heavy sigh, Jeongguk mechanically went through the motions of his morning routine, his eyes devoid of the spark that once ignited his enthusiasm. He mechanically grabbed some breakfast, the taste of it dull and unremarkable on his tongue. He half-heartedly attempted to engage in the activities that had once brought him solace, but his interest had evaporated like mist in the wind.

Feeling the weight of his desolation, Jeongguk made a decision. He knew that he needed a change of scenery, a temporary escape from the suffocating grip of his loneliness. And so, he made his way to the bar, hoping to find a sliver of human connection amidst the vast emptiness of the spacecraft.

“I'm ready for today's new drink…”

“Oh, Jeongguk. How pleasant for you to visit the bar quite often now a days. I hoped you’d never come back, but I guess your taste for alcohol will never weary. I’m afraid to have inform you that I can't help you, my friend.”

Alfred has an idea or two about Jeongguks recent drinking problem, and the thought of poisoning his customer to death seemed unsettling.

He was programmed to refuse beverages to those with an unhealthy addiction to alcohol served on board, and Jeongguk was getting quite close to that category.

Jeongguk thumped his fist on the bar, and closed his eyes to inhale his impatience, before glaring back at the android in front of him

“Don't argue with me, Alfred. Give me a new drink.”

“There are no new drinks.”

“What are you talking about..?”

“I can make two thousand, seven hundred and thirty-eight cocktails. You've had them all.”

The news hit Jeongguk like a death in the family.
There are no new drinks. He drank all of his exclusive drinks..?

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Jeongguk's heart sank as he left the bar, his footsteps heavy and filled with despair.

The world around him seemed to blur as he walked past the upscale shops, his eyes blind to the dazzling displays that once would have caught his attention. But then, like a glimmer of hope in the darkness, he stumbled upon a photo booth.

Without much thought to it, his feet brought him closer to take a proper look of the displayed photos.

Its side was adorned with promotional pictures, showcasing people in moments of joy, connection, friendship, families and…couples, whose faces radiated happiness, as pure love filled the frames.

Jeongguk's stomach twisted in knots as he stared at those images.

The sight of so many loving pairs, the laughter and the kisses, made him feel sick to his core. It was a painful reminder of something he had never experienced—a deep, meaningful relationship.

He had never had the chance to meet someone who truly understood him, someone with whom he could share his hopes and dreams with. And now, trapped on this ship with no escape, the thought of never having that opportunity crushed him inside.

The weight of his loneliness bore down on him, suffocating his spirit. It was as if the universe was playing a cruel joke on him, denying him the chance to find love and happiness. It felt as if the world and life itself hated him. He had to live through hell and now hell lives in him.

Jeongguk's heart ached with a profound sense of loss and longing, but mainly disappointment and…anger.

But his body did not allow him to react accordingly to his feelings and emotions so he looked numb and emotionless every single day, while his mind played tricks on him. Feeding him the hopes of finding his inner peace once again, but it never came, rather faded each day that passed by, like his smile, his positivity…and his soul.

Jeongguk found himself grappling with conflicting emotions. He had a feeling that he’d eventually find someone special and maybe even tie the knot in his mid-30s, the idea of settling down right now didn't quite sat well with him.

Exploring life, chasing his dreams, and experiencing all that the world had to offer was his task before taking the leap of commitment. However, there was a lingering fear in the back of his mind – the fear of losing his sanity to a maximum or succumbing to pure depression before he’d lose it completely.

It was a terrifying thought, but strangely, there was a small part of him that found solace in the idea of losing his mind and escaping the harsh reality of his situation.

It was as if going crazy would provide a temporary respite from the weight on his shoulders. With these conflicting thoughts swirling in his mind, Jeongguk adverted his gaze from the picture of the loving couple at the booth and continued on his path with a slow pace.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Jeongguk walked numbly along the long corridor, ignoring the stellar view as he munched on a bag of potato chips while occasionally feeding the Sweeper Robot by his side, who followed him like a dog, collecting crumbs from the floor.

As Jeongguk stepped into the serene expanse of the Observation Deck, he walked up to the windows and halted. His weary gaze fixated on the vast darkness that stretched out before him.

It was a gaze filled with a profound weariness, one that mirrored the weight of his soul. In that moment, a tidal wave of sorrow crashed upon him, threatening to engulf his very being. It was a sorrow he had not felt since the day his dear brother departed from this world, leaving an indelible void in Jeongguk's heart.

Junghyun was his second half, his friend, his family, and his only brother…and the day he has lost him, it felt as if a part of him has died along with him.

But amidst the overwhelming sadness, there was another emotion that lurked beneath the surface - the fear of being alone.

Junghyun was the only person that was aware of his brothers fear from a very young age before the younger build up the courage to tell him, oblivious to his brothers awareness. But since he left, there was no one for him to share his pain with.

Jeongguk had always harbored this fear, a gnawing worry that whispered in the depths of his soul. He had tried to bury it, to ignore its persistent presence, but it had never truly left him. And now, in this moment of vulnerability, it rose to the surface, threatening to consume him whole. His fear came alive, and it lived within him, eating him from the inside out.

He is alone…was for months now.

The tears, once held back, now welled up in his eyes, shimmering with the weight of countless memories. Each tear carried with it a fragment of the past, a bittersweet reminder of the love and loss he had endured.

The room seemed to fade away, leaving only Jeongguk and his grief standing at the precipice of his emotions.

As the weight of his emotions intensified, Jeongguk found himself unable to stand any longer. He leaned his forehead against the cool glass, seeking solace in its touch. A guttural moan escaped his lips, a raw expression of the pain that ravaged his heart. And then, almost instinctively, he sank down onto the floor, his body succumbing to the exhaustion that had plagued him for far too long.

He stayed strong, was trained to stay both emotionally and physically stable no matter the circumstances…but the weight of his heart was too heavy.

Crying his feelings out, suddenly to his surprise, the room began to shift and move around him. Confusion washed over him as he realized he had unwittingly sat down on the sweeper robot.

It carried him across the room, a strange juxtaposition of circumstances that momentarily broke the intensity of his emotions. A flicker of amusement danced within his tear-stained eyes, mingling with the waves of sadness that still washed over him.

In this moment, Jeongguk found himself suspended between the depths of despair and the unexpected glimmers of levity.

Life, with its intricate tapestry of emotions, had woven a complex symphony within his soul. It was a symphony that resonated with the ebb and flow of human experience, reminding him that even in his darkest moments, there was a flicker of light.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

The hibernation bay, once silent and serene, now buzzed with an unexpected hum that reverberated through the long corridors. A pod that belonged to a passenger named - KIM TAEHYUNG has activated.

His pod had mysteriously opened, revealing a screen filled with medical data that flowed across its surface.

The sudden woke confused the passenger as his mind spiraled with never ending thoughts. He tried to make sense of the situation, as his once pale skin now flushed with color.

Whining softly at his sudden awakening, Taehyung's senses were assaulted by the unfamiliarity of his surroundings. Before he could fully comprehend what was happening, his body was jolted with a sudden shock. A needle punctured its way into his vein, releasing a calming medication that coursed through his system, soothing his nerves and helping him find a sense of calm.

As the medication took effect, Taehyung's perfect lips parted, allowing him to take in shallow breaths that gradually deepened. His chest rose and fell in a regular rhythm, a sign that his vital signs were stabilizing. The sensors on his body gently detached and retracted back into the pod, confirming that he was indeed well.

With a newfound sense of clarity, Taehyung slowly opened his eyes, taking in his surroundings with a mixture of awe and wonder.

The beauty of the hibernation bay enveloped him, capturing his attention and leaving him momentarily speechless. The backrest of his pod flexed, transforming into a comfortable seat, while a video screen descended in front of him, beckoning him to explore further.

Taehyung’s eyes hardly stayed open, rubbing his tiredness away as he tried to pay attention.

The delicate balance between confusion and curiosity, fear and fascination, painted a vivid picture of Taehyung’s current state of mind before a voice brought him back to reality.

It was a hologram of a lady that looked kind but her voice seemed rather irritating to Taehyung.

“Good morning, Taehyung!”

Taehyung softly scowled and glanced around once again before he softly spoke in a weak raspy tone.

“Where am I…?”

“No need to worry, Taehyung . It's normal to feel confused. You've just spent a hundred and twenty years in suspended animation.”

Taking in all the details about his whereabouts, location, 120 years in hibernation and current situation, gave Taehyung some relief since he had two months left on the starship NOVA but a huge headache from all the information he just gathered.

All he needed and wanted was to weirdly fall back asleep and take some rest, before he’d explore his way around.

Taehyung wore on his NOVA Company bathrobe and slippers he was offered, and placed his shipcard around his neck on its lanyard to keep it safe, since he was told not to lose it or it would cause unnecessary issues in the system.

The Video Stewardess spoke once again.

“You're ready to go to your cabin. Make yourself at home! Enjoy the rest of your flight, Taehyung!”

Slightly irritated but mainly confused as to why the holographic lady was too loud for his liking, Taehyung tiredly bowed down to her as a thank you, before he walked down the way he was instructed, heading to his suite until he stopped.

The inevitable realization of shear silence and vast emptiness arouse suspicion in Taehyung as he looked around, turning to different sides in his stand, waiting to spot another passenger on their feet or awaken. But they were are still asleep.

“Wait…Wha…Why are all these people still hibernating?” Woozy, Taehyung asked as his eyes glued on the sleeping passengers next to his side, before the screen pivot with the stewardess came around to face him, pointing down the corridor for him to follow.

“Taehyung, your cabin is this way!”

Taehyung’s hesitation kept him at bay before he gave in and followed down the corridor as instructed, the gentle steps he took softly echoed in the room before he walked out with a last glance to the rest of the hibernating passengers.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

As Taehyung stepped out of the elevator onto DECK NINE, he couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and unease. His first-class cabin awaited him, its door opening up to a stunning view of the Grand Concourse atrium.

It was undoubtedly posher than Jeongguk's original cabin, with a king-sized bed and a panoramic window that offered breathtaking vistas of the galaxy outside.

But despite the luxurious surroundings, Taehyung couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that had been gnawing at him since he woke up alone.

Something just didn't feel right.

The grandeur of his new home failed to capture his attention as his mind raced with questions and doubts.

The room's widescreen video screen suddenly came to life, playing the theme music of The NOVA Company. Taehyung barely spared a glance at it, his focus fixated on the unsettling sense of isolation that persisted within him. He knew deep down that there was something fishy and weird going on, and it didn't sit well with him at all.

“Welcome to your cabin, Taehyung. Your home until we make landf-“

Interrupting the gentle female voice of the announcer, Taehyung swiftly shut off the display, determined to take matters into his own hands.

He made his way to the phone in the living room area, trusting his instincts that had guided him so far and it asked him to check what the hell is actually going on. With a touch of his finger, Taehyung brought up the ship's telephone directory and selected ‘Information.’

But to his frustration, every attempt to reach out for answers was met with disappointment. The line on the other end coldly stated, "No one is available at that number."

Undeterred, Taehyung continued to tap on different phone links, desperately searching for any form of connection. Yet, time and time again, he was denied and dismissed with the same disheartening response.

"No one is available... No one is... No one... No one is available at that number."

“What the hell is going on…”

The realization sank in that something was definitely not right. Taehyung dropped his belongings on the couch, a mixture of determination and frustration fueling his next move. He knew he had to venture out and search for someone, anyone, who could provide him with the answers he sought.

Leaving his cabin behind, Taehyung set off into the ship's corridors, his footsteps echoing in the silence. The hallways stretched out before him, a labyrinth of uncertainty. But Taehyung's resolve remained unshaken as he embarked on a quest to uncover the truth, determined to find someone who could tell him what the fuck was actually going on.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Jeongguk had quite an eventful day at the strip club. He woke up early, feeling a bit different from his usual self, but still downright dreadful. With a clean-shaven face and his heart-black hair grown out just a tad, he decided to tie it back into a neat bun, as strands of his hair gracefully framed his face, he made his way to one of the lounge areas in the club.

Despite being surrounded by android strippers, Jeongguk kept his head low, not allowing himself to be drawn into their alluring performances.

They approached him, offering tempting deals for a single night of pleasure. Some even went as far as offering him a free night, simply because they believed he looked ”sad”and "lonely."

Their excuse? He was just too handsome and young to be in such a depressive state. But Jeongguk, with a weak smile, politely declined all their offers.

It had been five long months since he last engaged in any intimate encounters. The last memory of that experience with an android on board still lingered in his mind.

It was a new and intriguing experience, but it didn't quite feel right to him. It didn't feel... real. Since then, he had lost the energy and desire to indulge in such experiences alone. He was tired, both physically and emotionally, and a cloud of depression seemed to hang over him, he couldn’t find the energy to take care of himself, let along bother having sex.

As Jeongguk sat in the lounge, he noticed that the room wasn't as loud as he had expected. The music, though present, was faint and gentle, just the right volume to create a soothing ambiance. Feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him, he leaned his head back, closing his eyes, hoping to catch a few moments of much-needed sleep.

But just as he began to drift off, a noise, or rather, someone's voice, pierced through the relative quiet. Jeongguk deeply frowned at what he was hearing and brushed it off as he thought he was finally going insane.

It was not the first time his mind was playing tricks on him, making him look like a complete idiot when he fell for it and later on even asked Alfred if he heard the same.

Trying to dismiss his thoughts he tried to brush the voices away but once he heard someone calling out once again and this time quite vividly and clearly, Jeongguk couldn’t help but to jolt upright, and immediately stood up, his curiosity piqued.

He made his way out of the strip club, stepping into the lobby, where the source of the sound awaited him.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

As Taehyung strode down the lane of quiet shops, his eyes scanned the surroundings, actively searching for any signs of life. The silence weighed heavily on his shoulders, amplifying his growing sense of desperation.

Jeongguk, on the other hand, paced nervously, his eyes darting from one direction to another, trying to follow the source of the voice that had called out to him. It felt like an echo in the vast emptiness surrounding them.

"Hello?"

Taehyung's voice rang out, deep yet gentle, carrying a soothing quality that seemed to cut through the silence.

Jeongguk's heart skipped a beat as he rushed to the railing, leaning over to catch a glimpse of the person who had spoken. And there he was, walking along the Grand Concourse, his face etched with confusion and desperation.

A blond young man with a petite yet model-like body, his voice carried a hint of trouble and weariness, still slightly raspy from his previous awakening.

Taehyung's hair, messy yet wavy like flowing river, shimmered like a ray of sunshine reflecting on gold itself. While he was turning in circles, he suddenly looked up at the balconies and halted as he spotted Jeongguk staring down at him.

His eyes, now twice as wide and filled with a mix of emotions, suddenly locked with Jeongguk's whose thought he was hallucinating at the sight.

Time seemed to stand still as they made eye contact, both caught off guard by the connection that seemed to transcend the distance between them.

"Hello!"

Taehyung called out, his voice carrying a mixture of excitement and relief. But all he received in response was Jeongguk's frozen state, his eyes locked on Taehyung with pure shock and disbelief.

‘What was wrong with him?’Taehyung wondered, momentarily questioning if Jeongguk could even hear him from such a distance.

Lost in his own thoughts, Taehyung couldn't help but take in Jeongguk's presence. Despite the distance, he could sense that the guy was around his age, his features captivating in their own right.

The silence between them was almost palpable, broken only by Jeongguk's husky whisper to himself.

"Hi..." It seemed as though he had momentarily forgotten that Taehyung couldn't possibly hear him before he mustered the courage to shout back.

"Hey!" Jeongguk's voice finally broke through the silence, carrying a mix of surprise and curiosity.

Taehyung moved in a little closer for the other to hear him better and looked up.

“Hey! I need to talk to you!”

It didn’t took long for Jeongguk to react, still in shock but replied nonetheless.

“I'll come down!”

Jeongguk ran down six flights of stairs, his heart in his throat. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing and hearing, it felt as if he woke up from his long lasting nightmare of isolation.

He reaches the Grand Concourse out of breath but not struggling as his physique was at top shape and he was quite used to it. He stops a few paces away, just looking at Taehyung, getting his wind back.

Taehyung spoke in a gentle tone, “Passenger or crew?”

“Passenger…Jeon Jeongguk”

As Jeongguk slowly made his way towards Taehyung, it was like time stood still. Taehyung couldn't help but be completely captivated by Jeongguk's appearance.

Finally seeing him up close, Jeongguk was undeniably handsome and attractive, with his jet black hair tied back, a few strands gracefully falling on his delicate face, perfectly complemented the piercings on his lip and eyebrow, they added an edgy charm that fit him so well.

The simple dark grey hoodie and sweatpants he was wearing only added to his cool appearance. Taehyung's heart skipped a beat as he noticed Jeongguk's fit physique, even under the loose clothing Taehyung could sense that he had been hitting the gym. And the curious like sneak-peek of his tattoos on his hand that followed a hidden trail up to his arm.

When Jeongguk extended his hand for a shake, Taehyung hesitated for a while since he was in a trance but couldn't resist the opportunity to feel his touch so he accepted it.

Taehyung gently shook his hand, while Jeongguk's grip had slight unnecessary firmness to it.

It was as if he wanted to make sure this wasn't just a dream, and Taehyung's hand in his confirmed the reality of the moment.

Jeongguk had to fight back tears of disbelief as he stood there, taking in the sight of the beauty before him and instead chose to admire the breathtaking guy standing in front of him.

Without a doubt, the guy was the most beautiful person Jeongguk had ever laid his eyes on.

Seeing him from up close only intensified that feeling.

His gaze traced the delicate moles that adorned the guy’s face, the heart-shaped lips that seemed so inviting, and the eyes that held a mesmerizing quality. One double eyelid and one monolid, a unique combination that added to the boys allure. It left Jeongguk breathless.

They both admired each other’s looks before Taehyung spoke rather shyly, hiding it quite well.

“I'm Taehyung…Kim Taehyung.”

As Taehyung introduced himself with a confident tone, his words hung in the air, almost echoing Jeongguk's lips as they moved along, silently speaking his name. A fleeting moment of connection passed between them, but Taehyung remained oblivious to the subtle synchrony.

With a slight step back, Taehyung broke off their hand contact, a sense of unease creeping into his consciousness. The atmosphere around them felt heavy, as if shrouded in a mysterious haze that distracted and unsettled him, and it was a little too much for his liking.

“Do you know what's happening? Nobody else in my row woke up…and I feel as if…as if no one in general woke up…but seeing you, is anyone else awake?”

Taehyung voiced his confusion, questioning the situation they found themselves in. He wondered if anyone else had woken up, if anyone else shared their awareness.

Jeongguk, his eyes averted and hands buried deep in his pockets, preventing himself to reach out to hold the boys hand once again.

"No," Jeongguk softly replied, his voice tinged with a mix of sadness and resignation. "It was the same for me."

A soft frown creased Taehyung's face as he processed Jeongguk's words.

“The crew's supposed to wake up a month before we do. But I haven't seen anybody…did you saw someone?”

Taehyung sought confirmation, hoping to find a glimmer of hope in Jeongguk's response. But the truth was inevitable.

Jeongguk hesitated to reveal the full extent of the reality to the boy before him, not wanting to give him a heart attack all at once. He wanted Taehyung to gradually grasp the situation and realize it slowly.

“The crew's still sleeping…They've got a special facility. I can see them in there but I can't get in.“

‘Get in? Did he woke up sooner? How long was he awake?’ Taehyung thought to himself as he stared back into Jeongguk’s gaze that was fixed straight back at him.

There was a weariness etched into the lines of his face, as if he had traversed a long and treacherous journey, both physically and emotionally.

His eyes seemed dimmed, as if the light within him had been extinguished. Shadows danced in the depths of his gaze, hinting at the struggles and hardships he had faced. It was as if he had lost himself.

As Taehyung observed him, he couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy. He wondered what actually happened on this very ship, and he sought to seek his answers out.

“What are you talking about…? Are you saying that nobody's awake?”

There was a slight pause before Jeongguk replied.

“Just me”

“What…? What do you mean just you?”

“It’s just us”

Taehyung's mind whirled with confusion as he tried to comprehend the gravity of the situation. The words echoed in his ears, each syllable carrying a weight that seemed almost impossible to bear.

He felt as if Jeongguk was pranking him for his own sick amusement but just by simply judging his facial expression and his tone, he knew he wasn’t gonna laugh after this any time soon. He was dead serious.

“But somebody's got to land the ship in a few weeks. We can’t just…It’s not possible for us to be awake while the crew members are still in hibernation.”

Jeongguk found it unexpectedly hard to deliver the bad news to the other and he couldn’t find the strength to tell him himself, he had a feeling that it would be worse and that he maybe wouldn’t believe him, thinking it’s a sick joke he came up with and would stride away. He had to show him instead.

“I gotta show you something.”

A sense of unease settled over Taehyung as he watched the guy turn away, his steps purposeful yet heavy with a burden only he seemed to carry. There was a determination in his stride, a silent resolve to reveal something that would shatter the reality he had known.

"Where are you going?" Taehyung called out, his voice tinged with a mix of confusion and apprehension. He felt a surge of urgency, a need to understand, to follow the guy into the unknown.

"Just follow me," came the reply, delivered with a sense of urgency that mirrored Taehyung's own.

Jeongguk’s words hung in the air, a beckoning invitation that Taehyung couldn't resist. With a mixture of curiosity and trepidation, he trailed behind, his heart pounding in his chest.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

As the glass elevator ascended, Taehyung's gaze wandered out into the vast atrium, watching the floors pass by in a blur.

The silence between him and Jeongguk was palpable, a weird tension hanging in the air. It was in this moment that Taehyung felt compelled to break the quietude, his voice cutting through the stillness.

"Can you believe it?" he exclaimed, his frustration evident in his tone.

"There's so much incompetence in these big companies. No accountability. They even lost my luggage on the flight to the spaceport."

His words hung in the air, a bitter reminder of the inconveniences he had faced. Taehyung couldn't help but feel a mix of annoyance and disappointment. He had expected more from the system, from the people responsible for his journey into the unknown.

Jeongguk, ever the silent observer, listened intently, his eyes briefly glancing at Taehyung's hair that bounced with every movement. His jaw tightened, a hint of a scoff escaping his lips as he averted his gaze. Little did Taehyung know that his lost luggage would soon be the least of his worries.

Caught off guard by the sudden silence, Taehyung turned his attention to Jeongguk, who stood stoically by his side. A flicker of curiosity sparked in his eyes as he posed a question.

"Where are we going?" Taehyung asked softly, his voice filled with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.

Jeongguk's eyebrow arched slightly, his gaze fixed on the elevator doors. With a calm yet mysterious demeanor, he answered.

"The Observatory."

It was a simple response, but Taehyung couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it than met the eye.

As the elevator continued its ascent, the unknown awaited him, ready to unravel the secrets that lay hidden within the Observatory. Little did he know, his journey was about to take a turn he never could have anticipated.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

As the elevator doors opened, revealing the breathtaking sight of the Observatory, Taehyung's eyes widened in awe.

The beauty before him was undeniable, and for a moment, he was captivated by the splendor of it all. But that fleeting sense of wonder quickly faded when Jeongguk showed him something that would forever change his perception.

In front of them, suspended in a hologram, hung the starship's progress indicator—the Excelsior. It loomed between Earth and Homestead II, a visual representation of time passing.

Thirty-one years had already elapsed, leaving eighty-nine more years to go.

Taehyung's shock was palpable, his mind struggling to comprehend the gravity of what he was witnessing. The truth, displayed right before him, was undeniable. Eighty-nine years. The weight of those words hung heavy in the air.

In a hushed whisper, Taehyung muttered to himself, his breath catching in his throat.

"Eighty-nine years to go..."

The silence that followed was heavy, the weight of the revelation sinking in. Jeongguk, recognizing the state of shock that Taehyung was in, broke the silence with a calm yet understanding tone. He had experienced the same shock before, and he knew exactly how Taehyung felt.

"The other passengers aren't late waking up," Jeongguk explained gently. "Their pods are functional and working just fine…We just woke up too early."

Taehyung's eyes shifted, locking onto Jeongguk's gaze. His expression was a mix of fear, disbelief, and a sense of impending doom. It was as if someone had a gun pressed against his head, the weight of the situation bearing down on him.

"We've got to get back to sleep," Taehyung pleaded, his voice laced with desperation. "We have to go back to sleep."

Chapter Text

The moment Taehyung received the news, he couldn’t comprehend and accept the reality of their horrible situation. It sounded like a vivid picture of a nightmare and Jeongguk could tell that he had trouble acknowledging their situation. He was obviously in shock.

As Taehyung frantically searched through the rows of hibernation pods, his mind raced with disbelief and determination. The reality of their situation felt like a nightmare that he couldn't wake up from.

Jeongguk followed closely behind, his worry evident in his expression, but unsure of what to say to ease Taehyung's distress.

"This is not happening. Nobody strands me on a spaceship for a hundred years," Taehyung muttered, his voice filled with determination. "I work for the Seoul Times. I'll write an expose so hot you'll need oven mitts to read it. Trust me. I won't let them get away with this."

Jeongguk couldn't help but crack a small smile at Taehyung's fiery threat, but he knew that now wasn't the time for humor, as worry crawled through him instead.

Taehyung continued to search, seemingly unaware of Jeongguk's presence or his attempts to comfort him.

"Hey… it’s not that simple.”

Jeongguk finally spoke up, his voice steady but filled with concern.

"Putting someone into hibernation requires special equipment, which we don't have on the ship."

Taehyung’s eyes scanned the hibernation pods around them, while playing at deaf ears to what he was hearing, but Jeongguk had a feeling that he was paying attention after all.

"Remember the facility where they put us to sleep?"

Finally he halted in his steps and turned to face Jeongguk, his expression a mix of desperation and determination, while pointing towards a pod nearby, where a middle-aged woman lay in peaceful slumber.

“This pod will keep her in hibernation for as long as you want. All of them will…and it will wake her up, it’s designed to at a certain time but once that happens…it can't put her back to sleep.”

The weight of the truth began to sink in for Taehyung, his body trembling with a mix of fear and realization. Jeongguk felt a pang of empathy, understanding the denial that Taehyung clung to, hoping against hope for a way out.

"You don't think there's a way back into hibernation...is that what you're saying?"

Taehyung's voice trembled, his eyes searching Jeongguk's for any glimmer of hope.

"Not that I'm aware of. No.”

Jeongguk replied softly, his gaze meeting Taehyung's.

Taehyung shook his head ‘no’, while taking a few steps closer to Jeongguk. Not giving up that easily, he had a feeling that he was telling him the truth but Taehyung just couldn’t take it. He can’t.

“No. There has to be. There's always a way. Where is the crew?”

“Taehyung…”

“Where is it.”

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Jeongguk took Taehyung up to the Crew Hibernation Deck as requested, and walked him to the main door. They both were staring at the door, mainly Taehyung.

He looked through the porthole, his heart sank at the sight of the crew peacefully sleeping in their hibernation pods. It was as if they were oblivious to the chaos and uncertainty that surrounded them.

Taehyung took in a shaky breath and stepped back to run his hands thoughtfully over the door's dents and gouges. The marks told a story of persistent efforts. They obviously weren’t made in a day or two, these attempts were made in a long period of time…

And the question he wanted to ask Jeongguk filled him with fear, knowing the weight of the answer would crush him and his hopes.

"How long have you been awake...?"

Taehyung's voice wavered, his eyes scanning the dents on the door.

Jeongguk hesitated for a moment, the pain of his prolonged wakefulness evident in his eyes as the reminder of his time on the ship always stung him in the middle of his chest.

He knew that revealing the truth would only amplify Taehyung's sense of despair, but he owed him the honesty he sought.

"A year and four months.”

Jeongguk finally replied, his voice filled with a mix of resignation and sorrow.

Taehyung gasped, his hand instinctively flying to cover his mouth as he turned to face the other, his eyes widened in horror. The weight of the realization crashed down upon him, threatening to drown him in a sea of despair.

"Oh, God... Oh, my God. No. No, please. No,”Taehyung murmured to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. The chant of denial filled the air as he turned away, his steps quickening into a brisk walk, and then suddenly breaking into a desperate run.

Jeongguk watched in astonishment as Taehyung's figure grew smaller in the distance, his heart aching at the sight, knowing exactly how the other felt. Without a second thought, Jeongguk sprinted after him, fueled by a mix of concern and determination, knowing the boy finally lost it.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Taehyung's heart raced as he sprinted through the rows of hibernation pods, his eyes darting frantically in search of his hibernation pod. Desperation filled his voice as he murmured to himself.

"Please, no. Please, where are you...please." He puts on speed. His sash unknots itself and his robe billows behind him.

With each passing moment, his fear intensified. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes as he continued to search, his hand trembling as he rubbed down another row. The weight of uncertainty hung heavy in the air.

Meanwhile, Jeongguk jogged along in a different row, worry etched on his face. He had lost sight of Taehyung, but he knew a strategy that might help.

Pausing for a moment, he listened intently, his heart pounding in his chest. In the distance, he could hear the sound of slippered feet. Without a second thought, he swiftly ran towards the source of the sound.

He stops once more as he saw the sash of Taehyung’s robe lying on the ground. He picked it up and ran on, while occasionally calling out the others name.

“Taehyung!”

As he turned another corner, his eyes finally caught sight of Taehyung. Relief washed over him, but his heart ached at the sight.

Taehyung was sitting against a strangers hibernation pod, tears streaming down his face, laughing at his own tears that flowed without a stop, "I can't even find the one I'm supposed to be in...it's gone..."

Jeongguk felt a pang in his heart, his own memories of depression and tears resurfacing. He’d never want to go through that feeling ever again.

Slowly, he approached Taehyung, extending his hand for him to grab. Taehyung stared at it for a moment before finally taking hold, allowing Jeongguk to help him back to his feet, before he returned his sash, a silent gesture of support.

"Thank you," Taehyung murmured as he tied his robe around himself.

Jeongguk looked at him, guilt and remorse evident in his eyes. "I shouldn't have said it to you like that...I'm sorry."

Taehyung shook his head, his voice filled with understanding. "No, I'm sorry. It just...it hit me how serious everything is.“

Taehyung looked up at Jeongguk with a mix of curiosity and confusion in his eyes. "How did you wake up..?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine wonder.

Jeongguk let out a soft scoff, a hint of amusement tugging at the corners of his lips. He glanced away for a moment, lost in his own thoughts before answering. "Honestly, I have no idea. I was suddenly awake and my pod just…ejected me out. I was completely disoriented. I didn’t know what the fuck to do…I was lost.”

Taehyung let out a weak sigh, his gaze shifting from Jeongguk to the ground beneath his feet.

Memories of the hibernation pod and the sudden awakening flooded his mind. His voice trembled slightly as he spoke, "Yeah…it's crazy, right? It's like we were in this deep sleep, and then suddenly we're here, not knowing how or why we woke up..."

Jeongguk nodded in agreement, a mixture of disbelief and acceptance evident on his face.

Taehyung's eyes met Jeongguk's, a determined glint shining within them. "Regardless, we have to get help…we can’t just let it be. I won’t let that happen.”

With a renewed sense of purpose, Taehyung wiped away the dried tears from his cheeks, his resolve firm. He began walking away, his steps steady and determined, while Jeongguk stood in silence for a while, before he followed, maintaining a respectful distance but keeping his fellow traveler in his line of sight.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Taehyung and Jeongguk were standing at a Passenger Communication Station. Jeongguk swipped his card through the Comm Station's slot and it brought up his account information.
Seeing what was visible on the screen had them both at silence before Jeongguk spoke up at a gentle tone.

“The day I woke up…until now, I’ve sent sixteen messages to Earth…A bunch to the AVALON company, one to the Space Administration, one to the United Nations and one even to the Global Nations…A couple to the II Ollion, just for the hell of it. My phone bill is about eighty grand now. If we were to survive this, I’m literally turning in depth and I’ll be homeless at the same time.”

There was another pause before Taehyung spoke in a rather hopeful yet serious tone.“How soon could we hear something? Any replies? Returns?”

Jeongguk sighs. “With speed-of-light lag, fifty-six years that'll be from Earth. Nothing from the II Ollion until we're almost there anyway, that would be eighty years give or take…So, no. Nothing.”

Taehyung's mouth went dry as he swallowed hard, feeling a wave of disappointment and negative feedback wash over him. His hope for communication with other planets seemed to fade away with each passing moment. The realization hit him hard, and he couldn't help but voice his concerns.

"What about the other planets?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of desperation and frustration.

"Yeah, no," Jeongguk replied, his tone tinged with resignation. "The other occupied worlds are even farther away. We'd die of old age before they could answer."

Taehyung's heart sank at Jeongguk's words. It seemed like their quest for communication with extraterrestrial life was a futile one. But then, a glimmer of hope sparked within him.

"What about other ships?" Taehyung asked, his voice hopeful yet uncertain.

There was a long pause, and Taehyung couldn't help but shift his gaze from the screen to Jeongguk. He noticed the anxious look on Jeongguk's face, his lower lip being worriedly bitten as he stared blankly at the screen.

"Jeongguk?" Taehyung called out, concern evident in his voice.

Jeongguk snapped out of his daze, feeling a sense of foolishness wash over him. He felt like banging his head against the toughest wall possible.

"I never thought of other ships," Jeongguk admitted, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and self-blame.

"What!? Jeongguk, you've had more than a year! There has to be a flight plan or something..." Taehyung exclaimed, his frustration evident in his voice.

Determined to find some answers, they quickly scoured the Comm Center, their eyes scanning the room until they found a table map displaying the Excelsior's position in relation to the Occupied Worlds. Taehyung's fingers danced over the controls, manipulating the display until interstellar flight plans materialized before them—a mesmerizing spiderweb of starship tracks connecting the worlds.

Excitement filled the air as they inspected the intricate threads of light, each representing a starship. Even Jeongguk couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation at the possibilities laid out before them.

Taehyung, however, was still puzzled. "How do we tell how far away they are?" he questioned, his voice filled with curiosity.

Jeongguk grinned, his eyes gleaming with newfound knowledge. "The computer knows. Give me a ship," he replied confidently.

"Any ship?" Taehyung asked, his gaze fixed on the star map, searching for a suitable candidate.

"Yeah, any ship," Jeongguk confirmed.

After a moment of contemplation, Taehyung pointed to a starship that caught his eye. "What about the starship Zephyr?" he suggested.

Jeongguk's face fell as he received the information. "Round-trip message lag... ninety-nine years. No, another one," he responded, disappointment seeping into his voice.

Undeterred, Taehyung tried again. "The starship Andromeda?"

Jeongguk's expression turned even more crestfallen. "Shit... One hundred thirty-two years," he muttered, the weight of the realization sinking in.

Taehyung's shoulders slumped, mirroring Jeongguk's deflated posture. "The Maximilian," he suggested, his voice tinged with a glimmer of hope.

Jeongguk's response dashed their hopes once again. "Eighty-one years..." he trailed off, the disappointment evident in his voice.

Both Taehyung and Jeongguk exchanged a look of defeat, their excitement dampened by the harsh reality of the immense time lag.

"That was the closest one..." Taehyung murmured, his voice filled with a mix of resignation and longing.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Jeongguk and Taehyung continued their stroll down the Grand Concourse, the ship's lights casting a serene blue glow on the evening scene. The weight of their shared burden hung heavy in the air, as they walked in silence, lost in their own thoughts.

Finally, Taehyung broke the silence, his voice tinged with exhaustion. "I know I should be brainstorming and coming up with new ideas, but I can barely keep my eyes open."

Jeongguk let out a weary sigh, knowing deep down that their situation seemed bleak, and that they had exhausted every possible avenue. But he chose to remain silent, allowing Taehyung to hold onto hope as he needed to. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his sweatpants, a gesture of both comfort and contemplation.

"You've just come out of hibernation, Taehyung," Jeongguk reassured him gently. "It'll take a couple of days before you're back to a hundred percent. Rest as much as you can."

Taehyung yawned, covering his mouth and softly nodding in agreement. "Yeah, I'll try my best, even though the circumstances are quite challenging."

They paused in their walk, turning to face each other, their eyes meeting in a moment of unspoken understanding.

"Want me to walk you to your cabin?" Jeongguk offered, his voice filled with concern.

Taehyung shook his head, his voice matching Jeongguk's soft tone. "No, I'll be fine on my own."

"Alright," Jeongguk replied, his gaze fixed on the ground, his mind burdened with thoughts and emotions. Taehyung noticed the weight that Jeongguk carried, and he couldn't let it go unnoticed.

"Jeongguk..." Taehyung called out, his voice filled with sincerity, wanting Jeongguk to truly hear him.

"Don't look so down," Taehyung continued, his voice filled with warmth and encouragement. "It's going to be okay. You've got me on your team now. So chin up, hm?."

A genuine, albeit weak, smile appeared on Jeongguk's face, his eyes meeting Taehyung's once again.

The silence between them spoke volumes, their unspoken words echoing in their hearts. Taehyung, feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment, had to break it off. It was a bittersweet moment.

"I'm in cabin ninety forty-eight, if you need me," Taehyung said, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. Jeongguk listened, his gaze fixed on Taehyung's retreating figure.

In response, Jeongguk softly uttered, almost to himself, "I'm in the Milan Suite if you need me." There was no need to call out, for Taehyung suddenly stopped and turned to look back at him once again. Their connection was undeniable, even in the midst of their unspoken words.

"A year and a half... Must have been very hard for you... I can't imagine," Taehyung spoke, his voice filled with empathy.

“It was…”Though spoken quietly, Taehyung heard it.

“Good night, Jeongguk.”

With a tender farewell, Taehyung bid Jeongguk goodnight.

“Night.”

But as he walked away, he didn't hear Jeongguk say it back.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Despite it being quite late, Jeongguk didn’t felt like going to sleep just yet, so he walked up to the bar, seeking solace in the presence of his friend Alfred.

He ordered a whiskey on the rocks. The amber liquid offered a temporary respite from the whirlwind of emotions he was experiencing.

"How's your day been?" Alfred asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Jeongguk took a stiff drink, feeling the warmth of the whiskey spread through his body. He sighed, contemplating the events of the day.

"Another passenger is awake...Kim Taehyung," Jeongguk revealed, his tone heavy with a mix of conflicting emotions.

Alfred acknowledged the news with a touch of humor, "Congratulations. But you don't look that happy about the circumstances, despite your never-ending pleas for human contact."

Jeongguk leaned against the bar, resting his forehead against his fist. Worry etched across his face as he voiced his concerns, "Alfred... it's not right... this is so wrong. He should be asleep."

Alfred, ever the comforting presence, reassured Jeongguk, "I'm sure you'll figure something out. Don't stress. Anything else you'd like?"

Jeongguk shook his head, realizing that sleep was calling him. "No... I'll go to bed,” he said, his voice filled with a mix of resignation and determination.

“Night.”

Without a single glance back, Jeongguk walked away from the bar, retreating to the sanctuary of his suite. The weight of the situation lingered in the air, leaving a sense of uncertainty for what lay ahead.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

As the morning sun cast its gentle glow upon the ship, Taehyung found himself engaged in a conversation with the relentlessly cheerful Infomat. He had shed the standard ship attire and now wore his own clothes, a transformation that brought out his natural beauty. Clad in a white blouse and loose pants that accentuated his delicate frame, Taehyung exuded a sense of comfort and elegance.

"How is it that there can be no way to put someone into hibernation aboard ship? What if a pod breaks down?" Taehyung questioned, his frustration evident in his voice.

The Infomat responded in its usual cheerful manner, attempting to provide an explanation. "No pod has malfunctioned in thousands of interstellar flights."

Taehyung's skepticism was palpable but before he could speak, another familiar voice interrupted, "A fail-safe. Yeah, heard that shit more than a hundred times. What a load of bullshit. Don't bother."

Just then, Jeongguk appeared behind Taehyung, wearing a simple loose shirt that accentuated his muscular physique and his favorite pair of sweatpants. He approached Taehyung with a warm smile, his eyes filled with admiration. "Good morning. Have you eaten?"

Taehyung, keeping his own thoughts about Jeongguk's looks to himself, nodded and replied, "Yeah, I'm starving. I was wasting the last couple of minutes with this dumb machine."

Jeongguk let out a soft chuckle, understanding Taehyung's frustration all too well. Little did he know that his own anger had led to the destruction of two of those very machines.

As they made their way to the cafeteria, Jeongguk watched in astonishment as Taehyung fearlessly ordered the snacks that the machines had denied him.

The Mocha Cappuccino Extreme, the French Breakfast Puff, the Gourmet Fruit Salad. Taehyung's gold-class passenger status granted him access to a wide array of delectable choices.

As they settled into their seats, Taehyung's eyes fell upon Jeongguk's lackluster tray, which didn't seem to satisfy his taste buds. Taehyung couldn't help but comment, a playful tone in his voice.

"Well, aren't you a man of simple tastes,”Taehyung teased, hoping for a lighthearted response from Jeongguk.

“I wish. I’m a silver class passenger. The French Breakfast Puff is not available for me.”

Taehyung glanced up at the other sitting in front him, hoping and waiting for him to say that he was joking, but Jeongguk continued eating.

"What? After all this time? Goodness, what can I get you?" Taehyung asked, his eagerness to provide a better meal evident in his voice. He felt a pang of guilt for not noticing earlier.

Jeongguk reassured him, saying, "It's alright, don't worry about it. I'm fine. You haven't eaten, so go ahead and enjoy your meal."

Taehyung wasn't about to let it slide. "Oh, shut up! Are you allergic to anything? I'll get you something good. Don't eat the crap you're having now. I'll be right back."

With determination, Taehyung hurried off, returning a few minutes later with a new tray. He set it on the table, pushing Jeongguk's tray aside, and replaced it with a spread that included a mouthwatering western omelette, a side of savory turkey bacon, a steaming cafe latte, and a perfectly ripe half of a honeydew melon.

"Dig in. If there's anything you don't like, just let me know. I'll make sure to change it," Taehyung said, his voice filled with genuine concern.

And without much of a word, Taehyung started eating, not noticing Jeongguks admiring gaze before he started eating as well. “Thank you.”

Without many words, Taehyung and Jeongguk began to eat in peaceful harmony. As they savored their meal, Taehyung's mind started to churn with new ideas once again. It was as if the taste of good food had sparked his creativity.

“You think the crew members would know what to do?”

“Depends, I was hoping they would. Who else would know?”

Taehyung nodded, agreeing. “Could we maybe wake them up if we got in there?”

Jeongguk paused for a second, and continued eating. “I’m no expert, but yeah. I think so. Why?”

“Maybe there's another way to go to sleep. Did you check out the infirmary?”

Jeongguk nodded. “I looked around. It's the usual hospital stuff. Scanners, autodocs. Nothing useful for our situation.”

“Did you look for ways of going to sleep?” Taehyung stopped eating at this point and just stared at Jeongguk who didn’t seem bothered, as he ate at his food.

“No, not really.”

Taehyung frowned at Jeongguks unbothered behavior and lack of trying. “Well, Jeongguk. What the hell?”

Jeongguk looked at him, while munching on his melon, noticing his troubled behavior. “What? You think they've got suspended animation pills sitting around? If so, please do let me know.”

“You don't know until you look. What about cargo? Maybe there's a hibernation machine in the hold.” Taehyung kept pushing, wanting to hear at least some catch of an idea, hope.

“I looked at the manifests. It's mostly farming stuff, industrial machines. We're not going to find a hibernation facility in a box.” But Jeongguk kept replying in the same manner, blankly and yet calmly.

“You don't know that! We have to think big here. Maybe we can build our own hibernation machine.” Taehyung started getting frustrated, he couldn’t just give up and Jeongguk had to try harder.

Jeongguk scoffed at that ridiculous idea, earning another frown from Taehyung. “Really? No, we can't.”

“You're not even trying!”

And that’s when Taehyung lost it, Jeongguks answers were pissing him off and do did his lack of ideas.

Jeongguk's frustration grew as he felt misunderstood by Taehyung. He couldn't help but feel a bit offended by Taehyung's comment about not trying. After all, he had been awake for a year and a half, tirelessly searching for a solution.

“Not trying? What do you think I’ve been doing for the past year and a half? Sitting around and eating at my sorrows, while waiting for a miracle to happen? I've tried everything I can think of, everything that even seemed absurd and impossible, but I still tried.” Jeongguk answered slightly irritated but still calm.

Taehyung got up angrily and didn’t bother finishing his meal. He won’t give up, he can’t, and he won’t let anyone tell him that they’re done for.

“Well, it looks to me like you missed some possibilities. And I'm not ready to give up.”

Taehyung, fueled by his determination, abruptly left the room, leaving Jeongguk slumped in his chair.

Jeongguk sighed, knowing that it wasn't easy for Taehyung. He admired his courage, but he couldn't let him stay delusional. Jeongguk had experienced the consequences of holding onto false hope that nearly killed him, and he didn't want the same for Taehyung.

Chapter Text

As Taehyung sat at the library workstation, frustration and disappointment weighed heavy on his shoulders. He had spent the past two days tirelessly searching for a solution to his hibernation malfunction, hoping to find a way to fix it and return to his peaceful slumber. But despite his efforts, every attempt led to dead ends and dashed hopes.

He couldn't bring himself to accept what Jeongguk had told him - that there might not be a solution, that he had exhausted every possible avenue. Taehyung's determination pushed him to continue his search, convinced that he could uncover something that had eluded Jeongguk's efforts.

With a glimmer of hope, he turned to the AI system in the library, seeking its guidance and knowledge. He asked the AI for any helpful books or files about the ship and hibernation sleep, hoping that they would provide the answers he desperately sought. But to his dismay, the AI's responses only echoed his previous disappointments.

The weight of the situation bore down on Taehyung's spirit, leaving him feeling lost and defeated. The library, once a sanctuary of knowledge, now seemed like a labyrinth of unanswered questions. Taehyung's eyes scanned the shelves, searching for any sign of a solution, but each book seemed to mock him with its inability to provide the answers he sought.

As he sat there, Taehyung couldn't help but feel a sense of loneliness and isolation. The bustling sounds of the library faded into the background as his thoughts consumed him. He wondered if there was anyone else who had faced a similar predicament, someone who could offer a glimmer of hope or a fresh perspective.

But for now, Taehyung was left with his own thoughts and the haunting reality that the solution he so desperately sought might remain elusive. The journey to find a way back to his hibernation, once filled with optimism, had now become a labyrinth of uncertainty. And as he sat there, contemplating his next move, Taehyung couldn't help but wonder if he would ever find the answers he so desperately sought.

After finding no hope in the library Taehyung settled into the passenger communications booth at the Communications Center. He couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. He wanted to send a message on his own, just like Jeongguk had done many times before.

"I need the planet and connection for my message," Taehyung requested eagerly.

The voice on the other end responded, "where to?"

Taehyung's eyes lit up as he replied, "Earth. The Seoul magazine, office of the Editor in Chief."

With the connection established, Taehyung took a deep breath and began his message, looking directly into the camera. "My name is Kim Taehyung. I'm doing a long-term piece on the colony worlds. I know you won't get this message for a long time...but you should know I'm in trouble."

Feeling a sense of urgency, Taehyung left the Communications Center and made his way to the Infirmary. He couldn't help but hope that he would find something useful among the gleaming medical equipment and cabinets filled with medicines and instruments.

But just as Jeongguk had warned him, there was nothing that could help him in his current situation.

But then, his gaze fell upon a steel vault. It stood before him like a mysterious portal, beckoning him to uncover its secrets. Taehyung's curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't resist opening it.

As he swung the heavy door open, a rush of icy vapor spilled out, filling the air with a chilling mist. Taehyung peered inside, his breath caught in his throat. What he saw before him was both awe-inspiring and perplexing.

Inside the vault, rows upon rows of steel capsules were neatly arranged, their surfaces frosted over by the subzero temperatures. Each capsule bore a label, revealing the name of a passenger and the words ‘SPERM’ or ‘OVA.’

“They even have mine…”, With a mix of trepidation and fascination, Taehyung closed the vault, letting it to rest.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

As the day wore on, Taehyung's determination grew stronger. He tirelessly searched, pondered, and attempted various methods in the hopes of finding a solution to their dire situation. Yet, despite his relentless efforts, he found no source of help, leaving him feeling disheartened and frustrated.

As evening descended upon the ship, Taehyung found himself standing before the Crew Hibernation Facility door once again. He gazed through the window, his frown deepening as he observed the slumbering crew inside. Their peaceful rest only served as a stark reminder of the urgency and isolation they faced.

Surrounded by a scattered array of tools, Taehyung's desperation reached a breaking point. In a moment of sheer frustration, he impulsively snatched up a crowbar, his grip tightening around its cold metal handle. With a forceful swing, he brought the crowbar crashing against the porthole, hoping to shatter the barrier that separated them from the sleeping crew.

But to his dismay, the window remained unscathed. The crowbar spun from his stinging hands, leaving him with nothing but a sense of defeat. The door remained stubbornly closed, and their predicament unchanged.

“There has to be a way…”, Taehyung whispered as he slumped down to his knees, defeated.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Meanwhile, Jeongguk sat at the Elite deck, giving Taehyung the space he needed to process his emotions. Understanding the weight of Taehyung's burden, Jeongguk chose to remain in the background, allowing him to navigate his own thoughts and emotions, not wanting to burden the other or fume his mood even more.

Jeongguk sat at a table with his tools, struggling with a high-tech mechanism. Not noticing a certain someone approaching him until he heard footsteps.

Jeongguk's weary eyes glanced up from his intricate task to glance up at Taehyung as he dropped into the chair across from him.

The weight of frustration and weariness was evident in Taehyungs expressions, but neither spoke a word. They understood the unspoken apology that hung in the air, the acknowledgment of Taehyung's realization that he had doubted Jeongguk's efforts.

In that moment, the silence spoke volumes. Taehyung avoided locking eyes with Jeongguk, knowing that his actions had caused unnecessary tension between them. He longed to find the right words to mend the rift that had formed, to express his regret and gratitude for Jeongguk's unwavering support.

the scene as a subtle dance of emotions, the air heavy with unspoken words and the desire for reconciliation.

Jeongguk continued to work on the intricate mechanism, his hands moving with a mix of determination and exhaustion, while Taehyung wrestled with his own emotions, searching for the courage to break the silence.

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their predicament hanging heavy in the air. Taehyung hesitated before finally speaking, his eyes avoiding Jeongguk's gaze. He knew he had been wrong not to take Jeongguk's words seriously when he said he had tried everything.

"There's no way we're going to build a hibernation machine..." Taehyung's voice wavered, almost sounding like a question. Jeongguk, focused on his tools, picked up on the uncertainty in Taehyung's tone but didn't meet his eyes as he replied.

"No."

"And there's no magic sleeping drugs in the infirmary."

"No."

“I did find the gene bank. Ten thousand sperm and egg samples on ice. I should be glad they do that.By the time we get to the II Ollion, that little capsule in the freezer is going to be all that's left of me…”. Taehyung's gaze averted, his thoughts drifting to the gene bank he had discovered. He couldn't help but feel a pang of despair, realizing that by the time they reached the II Ollion, the frozen capsule in the gene bank might be all that remained of him. Was there truly no hope?

"We really are screwed, aren't we...?" Taehyung's voice was soft, filled with a mix of resignation and concern.

Jeongguk paused his work, finally looking up to meet Taehyung's troubled gaze. The weight of their situation was palpable, but there was also a glimmer of honesty in Jeongguk's eyes.

"Yeah...we're pretty much fucked," Jeongguk's voice held a hint of resolve. It was an acknowledgement of the dire circumstances they found themselves in, but also an unspoken promise that they would face it together, no matter what.

Taehyung didn’t bother protesting anymore as he nodded weakly and looked away, holding back his tears but a few spilled regardless.

Jeongguk's heart ached as he witnessed the pain etched across Taehyung's face. He understood all too well the depths of despair that Taehyung must be feeling in that moment. It was a feeling that could consume a person for months, even years. Jeongguk had experienced it himself, and seeing someone else go through it was like reliving the nightmare all over again.

He couldn't bear to see Taehyung suffer in silence, holding back his tears. Jeongguk knew the importance of having someone by your side, reassuring you that you're not alone. He had longed for that kind of support during his own moments of darkness. And now, he was determined to be that person for Taehyung.

The turmoil within Jeongguk intensified as he mentally tore himself apart, wishing he had been there for Taehyung sooner, offering him the comfort and reassurance he so desperately needed. Taehyung didn't deserve to face this alone. Jeongguk vowed to himself that he wouldn't let Taehyung suffer the same way he had.

Taking a deep breath, Jeongguk reached out. His voice was filled with empathy and determination as he spoke softly.

“Hey. Look at me.”

Taehyung without a hesitation locked his eyes with Jeongguk, a tear slid down his cheek, his eyes tired.

“You’re not alone. You won’t be alone, I’m here. For as long as I’ll walk on this ship, I won’t leave your side…lean on me, when you’ll feel like you have nothing left…we’re in this together. It’s the two of us.”

As Taehyung looked into Jeongguk's eyes, he felt an overwhelming surge of emotions. The sincerity and compassion that radiated from Jeongguk's words touched him to his core. It was as if a ray of hope had pierced through the darkness that had enveloped him.

Tears streamed down Taehyung's face, but they were no longer tears of despair. They were tears of gratitude and relief, a physical manifestation of the weight that had been lifted off his shoulders. In that moment, he realized that he wasn't alone anymore. Jeongguk was there, standing beside him, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

"It's the two of us...," Taehyung whispered, his voice filled with a mix of vulnerability and determination. He held Jeongguk's gaze, not wanting to let go of the connection they had forged. It was a silent promise between them, a vow to support and uplift each other through the darkest of times.

In that moment, Taehyung found solace in the fact that he had someone who truly cared, someone who was willing to keep his hopes alive. And as they sat there, united in their shared journey, Taehyung knew that together, they could conquer anything that came their way.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Jeongguk took Taehyung that evening to one of the most coziest yet nicest restaurants to restore his positive side a little. They sat across a French dinner they've already put a dent in with fancy electric candle that burned between them, illuminating the room.

A robot in a baret drops off two mojitos as ordered and scooted away.

“Who are you, Jeongguk?”

Taehyung's question lingered in the air. Jeongguk had a sip from his drink and softly frowned at the others sudden question, wanting him to elaborate more.

"It’s only us two like you said, right?”Taehyung replied, his voice tinged with curiosity. "I'm going to be seeing you around. I should know who I'm talking to, don’t you think?”

Jeongguk's gaze remained fixed on Taehyung, his eyes searching for a connection. It was rare for him to feel comfortable sharing personal details, but there was an undeniable ease between them, a sense of trust that made him want to take that leap.

"I'm from Busan," Jeongguk finally revealed, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "Lived there my whole life."

“Born and raised?”

“Yeah.”

Nodding, Taehyung wanted to know more. “What kind of work do you do?”

“A little of everything.”

“Meaning?”

There was a brief pause as Jeongguk let Taehyung’s question hang in the air, the ambiance of the restaurant surrounding them as the electric candle flickered between them.

Despite his usual reservations about sharing personal information, there was something about this moment, this person, that made him feel comfortable enough to open up, even if just a little. But there was a limit.

“I fix what's broken. Robotics, industrial systems…On the emigration forms I'm a "rate two" mechanical engineer. Means I don't have a Ph.D.”

Jeongguk said, not mentioning his former long term enlistment as a S.F.R. He did that for a living his whole life before he became an engineer, but he kept that memory to himself. It wasn’t that pleasant.

“Really? Well, neither do I. But honestly a journalist doesn't need one. I always wanted to become an author, write books and make my own stories but once I was offered the job, I couldn’t turn it down. I just needed a way with words and have an attitude. I'm from Deagu, so that wasn’t a problem.”

Jeongguk listened intently as Taehyung shared his own career aspirations and background. He found himself intrigued by Taehyung's desire to become an author and his journey into journalism. It was refreshing to hear someone speak passionately about their dreams and the path they had chosen.

He took a moment to sip his drink, his gaze fixed on Taehyung. "I can see that you have both of those qualities. Your words have a certain charm, and your attitude shines through in your work."

There was a silent pause before Taehyung broke it, wanting to understand Jeongguk better. He felt as if he had a barrier build in front of him.

“How did you do it?”

“Did what?”

“Remained level headed? I would never have lasted a year with no one but robots to talk to. They're all such…idiots.”

“Not all of them.”

Taehyung raised an eyebrow at the others comment.

Jeongguk leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You see, Taehyung, it's all about finding the gems among the idiots. Sure, not all robots are the brightest bulbs in the box, but every now and then, you come across one that surprises you. They may not have emotions or the ability to think like we do, but they have their own unique quirks and talents."

Jeongguk realized that Taehyung didn’t have a huge liking to robots and AI, but he hinted a specific someone that was on his mind; wanting him to understand from a different prospective.

Jeongguk's gaze turned thoughtful as he continued, "I've met robots with an uncanny attention to detail, ones that can solve complex problems in seconds, and even some with a wicked sense of humor. It's all about appreciating their strengths and finding common ground, even if it's in the most unexpected places."

He paused for a moment, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "And of course, having a sense of humor helps. Sometimes you just have to laugh at the absurdity of it all. It keeps you sane, I promise."

Taehyung chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, aren’t you a lover? I guess you've got a point there. Maybe I just need to give those robots another chance."

“Want to meet one?”

⊹ ࣪ ˖

After their dinner, Jeongguk led Taehyung up to the Concourse Bar. It appeared to be deserted. As Taehyung settled onto the barstool, he couldn't help but be captivated by the elegance of the Concourse Bar. The dim lighting and classic decor gave it a timeless charm, a refreshing departure from the sleek and futuristic aesthetics of the other decks. His curiosity piqued, he eagerly awaited Alfred's arrival.

And just like that, Alfred appeared, performing his signature swinging-up-on-hinges trick. Taehyung couldn't contain his surprise and let out a delighted squeal.

"Evening, Jeongguk. Who's the lovely person next to you?" Alfred greeted, his voice carrying a touch of formality.

Jeongguk introduced Taehyung with a warm smile. "Alfred, this is Taehyung. Taehyung, Alfred."

“Taehyung, what a pleasure.” Alfred took his hand formally.

Taehyung extended his hand, reciprocating Alfred's formal gesture. "Pleasure is all mine, Alfred. It's lovely to meet you."

Taehyung's eyes wandered, taking in the mechanical mounting and rails that Alfred relied on. The sight fascinated him, and he couldn't help but be intrigued by the intricate workings of the android.

Alfred turned his attention to Taehyung, ready to take his order. "What'll it be?"

Taehyung flashed a sweet smile, his excitement evident. "Dirty martini, please."

As Alfred began preparing the drink, Jeongguk couldn't resist teasing Taehyung. "So, what do you think?"

Taehyung playfully rolled his eyes, a mischievous glint in his gaze. "This is a robot I can talk to."

Jeongguk smirked, emphasizing the distinction. "Android, technically."

An hour has passed. Empty glasses show that Jeongguk and Taehyung have been doing yeoman's work at the bar. Both are tipsy and laughing.

Jeongguk was admiring Taehyung laughing at one of Alfred’s jokes, but suddenly the laughter subsided and the bar fell into a momentary silence and Jeongguk couldn't help but notice a sudden shift in Taehyung's demeanor.

The joy that had filled the air just moments ago was replaced by a profound sadness that seemed to consume him. Taehyung turned his head, his chin resting on his hands, his gaze locked with Jeongguk's.

"I almost forgot for a moment that my life was stripped away..." Taehyung's words hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the lighthearted atmosphere.

Jeongguk's smile vanished, replaced by a look of genuine concern. He felt a pang of responsibility, as if he had unintentionally triggered this wave of sorrow. His apology carried more weight and meaning than he had anticipated. "I'm sorry..."

In that moment, the weight of Taehyung's pain was palpable, and Jeongguk wished he could reached out and gently place his hand on Taehyung's to offer him comfort and support, but he couldn’t.

Taehyung mustered a weak, genuine smile.“What for…? I’m sorry that you were alone this whole time…I still can’t imagine how hard it must’ve been….”, Taehyung's sympathy washed over him like a comforting wave, acknowledging the loneliness he had endured.

Jeongguk couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. He appreciated Taehyung's understanding, even if he couldn't fully comprehend the depth of his struggles.

“Well, this was lovely but It's time to sleep.” With a deep breath, Taehyung announced and stood up, giving Jeongguk's shoulder a reassuring squeeze before leaning in to whisper softly, "In the morning, we'll think of something brilliant."

Jeongguk couldn't help but admire Taehyung's unwavering spirit, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. He had a sense that Taehyung understood the grim reality of their situation, yet clung to false hope as a source of sanity.

"Alright," Jeongguk replied, his voice filled with a mix of gratitude and anticipation.

"Good night, Jeongguk. Good night, Alfred," Taehyung bid farewell as he made his exit.

"Good night," Jeongguk murmured, his voice barely audible.

Alfred, wearing a wide smile, broke the silence. "He's absolutely wonderful. You have great taste."

Jeongguk couldn't help but agree with Alfred's sentiment. Taehyung was indeed someone extraordinary.

He dropped his head into his hands, letting out a sigh, waiting for time to pass, hoping that the morning would bring a glimmer of positivity and a solution to their predicament.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

The next morning. Taehyung carefully organized his belongings, neatly stowing away his clothing and hanging up snapshots on the wall, a sense of nostalgia washed over him. Each picture captured moments of joy and togetherness, most notably from a grand party where one person stood out the most - his best friend Jimin.

The memories flooded back, and Taehyung couldn't help but feel a deep longing for his friends and loved ones, especially Jimin.

Jimin was the only person standing between Taehyung and his departure from his home planet. Taehyung vividly remembered the tearful goodbyes, the heartfelt hugs, and his desperate plea for Jimin to join him on this journey. But Jimin, content with his stable job and a dislike for traveling into the unknown, couldn't bring himself to take that leap.

In that moment, as Taehyung gazed at the pictures with a wistful expression, a sudden realization struck him like a bolt of lightning.
"Oh my god. Of course!" he exclaimed, a mix of astonishment and excitement crossing his face.

It seems that Taehyung had stumbled upon an idea, a potential solution to bridge the gap between his longing for home and his desire to see Jimin one last time. The possibilities and potential outcomes raced through his mind, fueling his determination to make it happen.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Taehyung's heart raced as he ran down the corridor, his determination driving him forward. He reached the door of the Milan suite and pounded on it with urgency.
“Jeongguk, wake up!" he called out, his voice filled with urgency.

After a few minutes, the door creaked open, revealing Jeongguk standing there in his bathrobe, still groggy from sleep. "What happened?" he mumbled, his morning voice thick with sleep.

Taehyung didn't have time to focus on the visuals before him. There was no time to waste. "We'll go home!" he exclaimed, his words brimming with determination.

Jeongguk had to register what Taehyung just said, his brain wasn’t functioning well this early in the morning. “What?”he asked, his confusion evident.

Rolling his eyes, Taehyung grabbed Jeongguk's wrist and pulled him down the hallway, his words tumbling out in a rapid chatter. "We both know it'll take too long to reach II Ollion, but we're still closer to Earth by 31 years. It might not be the ideal option, but it's a chance for us to save our lives."

“So?”

“We'll turn the ship around.”

Jeongguk's realization slowly dawned on him as Taehyung dragged him towards the elevator, punching the button. "We'll go home," Taehyung repeated, his voice filled with conviction.

Finally grasping the gravity of the situation, Jeongguk sighed. "It would take decades.”

Taehyung's gaze met Jeongguk's, his determination unwavering. "It's our only chance of getting off this ship in our lifetimes," he declared, his words echoing with a sense of hope and possibility.

With their minds set on the daring plan ahead, Taehyung and Jeongguk stepped into the elevator.

Taehyung continued to pull Jeongguk along, their footsteps echoing through the corridors as they made their way to the Command Deck. Taehyung's eyes darted around, searching for the navigation controls. "Where's the... navigating place?" he asked, his voice filled with determination.

Jeongguk followed along, allowing Taehyung to take the lead, even though he knew deep down that their efforts might be in vain. "That way. But..." he began, trying to interject.

Taehyung cut him off, his grip on Jeongguk's wrist firm as he dragged him towards the Bridge. "We can learn how to pilot the ship. We have all the time in the world," he declared optimistically.

Jeongguk's expression turned somber as he spoke up, knowing that he had to deliver a disappointing truth. "Right... there's just one problem."

As Taehyung swung open the Bridge door, revealing the armored firewall hatch beyond it, revealing the slight dents from Jeongguks previous attempts to breach it.

"Everything important—the reactor, the gravity drive—it's all behind firewalls. There is only one way in, and I tried for months to get through... but there's no way through," Jeongguk explained, his voice tinged with regret.

Taehyung's face fell, his hand slipping out of Jeongguk's grasp. "Oh..." he uttered, his disappointment palpable.

Jeongguk let out a sigh, feeling the weight of the situation. "Sorry," he said softly, wishing he had better news to offer.

Taehyung's spirit seemed crushed, his voice filled with a hint of despair. "That was my last good idea..." he murmured, the disappointment evident in his words.

As the reality of their situation sank in, Taehyung and Jeongguk stood in the Bridge, surrounded by the unyielding firewalls that separated them from their hopes of piloting the ship and finding a way back home.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

As Taehyung sat in the Observatory deck, surrounded by the vast expanse of the cosmos, he found solace in the quietude of the space around him. Curled up in an armchair, he gazed out of the window, his eyes tracing the stars that twinkled in the distance. A cup of coffee sat on a table beside him, its warmth providing a comforting presence. Resting on his lap was an electronic slate, its screen ready to capture his thoughts.

"New file. My Voyage," Taehyung whispered softly, his voice barely audible in the serene atmosphere.

With a gentle touch, he initiated a new page on the slate, the title "~My Voyage~" appearing in the corner. As Taehyung began to speak, his words flowed onto the screen, forming a narrative of his journey.

“~I boarded the Excelsior on assignment. Maybe the most ambitious writing assignment ever given. Hoping to have start a new chapter in life and a fresh start. But things have taken an unexpected turn…I'm not writing for Seoul Times anymore…I'm writing for me.~”His voice carried a mixture of reflection and determination, as he embraced the shift in his path.

Lost in his thoughts, Taehyung's mind wandered back to the moments he had experienced on the ship. Memories flooded his consciousness, each one vivid and vibrant. Among them, a fleeting recollection emerged—a snapshot of him engaging in pilates, barefoot, wearing sweatpants and a loose shirt.

“~I've been awake on this ship for two weeks, awake far too soon...I hoped for a way out and back into hibernation, but was shattered once the truth prevailed to me…I desperately clung to hope, not wanting to give up…but despite my strength to live, I weakened every passing day…~”

As Taehyung reminisced about his past moments on the ship, a wave of despair washed over him, threatening to engulf his spirit. In the memory of his pilates mishap, he vividly recalled the moment when he fell down in tears mingling with the echoes of his cries in the empty room. The weight of hopelessness and loneliness pressed upon him, as he grappled with the realization that he might be confined within the ship's confines for the rest of his days.

“~I lost the only light I held close to me from the very beginning of my awakening…and accepted the harsh reality that I might spend the rest of my life here...running along a promenade…~” Taehyung's voice low with the raw emotions that had consumed him during that vulnerable moment.

In the next memory, Taehyung sought solace in the library, attempting to find refuge in the strokes of his sketchbook. As he delicately drew a beautiful tree, a sudden tear fell upon the page, followed by another and another. The tears blurred the image, mirroring the turmoil within his heart. Once again, he found himself silently crying, the weight of his emotions enveloping him.

“~I never felt the same amount of sadness since the last time my father passed away…trapped in a little steel world five hundred meters long...I felt lonely…~”

But amidst the darkness that threatened to consume him, a flicker of light emerged in his memories—the image of someone so golden at heart that Taehyung couldn't help but smile and praise. Jeongguk, his companion in this cold ship, provided a ray of warmth and comfort, a beacon of hope amidst the vast emptiness.

“~But amongst the darkness, I was blessed…I'm not alone. Another passenger shares my fate. A mechanic named Jeon Jeongguk~”

As Taehyung's memories unfolded, he found himself captivated by the sight of Jeongguk at the gym, his black boxing gloves striking the punching bag with precision and skill. The aura of professionalism that surrounded Jeongguk left Taehyung in awe, his presence captivating in so many ways. In a beautiful moment, Jeongguk caught sight of Taehyung's reflection in the gym's mirror, and with a friendly nod of his head, acknowledged his presence. Taehyung couldn't help but smile before quietly walking away, leaving Jeongguk to continue his boxing session.

“~He kept me sane. Made me smile, laugh and forget about the haunting existence of our situation. His presence helped me to understand that there was much more to life than it seemed…He gave me hope and I’ll be eternally grateful to him for that~” Taehyung's words were filled with gratitude and admiration as he reflected on the impact Jeongguk had on his life within the confines of the ship.

In another memory, Taehyung marveled at the swimming pool, a true marvel with an entire wall made of windows that extended from the ceiling to the bottom of the pool. Clad in his AVALON Company bathrobe, Taehyung confidently shed the robe to reveal a white bathing suit that accentuated his beautiful curvy body. Without hesitation, he dived into the pool, his slender form gracefully moving across the water's surface. As he emerged from the pool, the ship grew smaller, the blue window receding.

“~By the time they wake, Jeongguk and I will have lived, grown old and died…~ Taehyung's voice wavered with the weight of the realization that time would pass differently for them compared to the other passengers on the ship.

Back in his armchair, Taehyung found solace in writing, capturing the fleeting nature of their existence within the blink of an eye. His own words startled him, and he decided to end the chapter there, the sense of vanishing like a dream lingering in the air.

The memories Taehyung shared painted a vivid picture of his experiences and emotions, each one a testament to the complexities of life on the ship.

“Vanished, like a dream, in the blink of an eye…” He falters, frightened by his own words and ends the chapter there.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

The next morning Jeongguk sat eating and tinkering with a small robot in the Cafeteria. The table was strewn with dishes and tools. In silence Taehyung sat down across from Jeongguk, observing him, when suddenly-

“Why did you do it?”

Jeongguk's hands froze, as if thunderstruck, halted and looked as if caught off guard.
His focus shifting from the intricate details of the small robot to Taehyung's piercing gaze.

“Do what?”

“Emigrate. Leave Earth.” Taehyung asked casually.

Jeongguk frowned in confusion at the sudden question.

“I'm interviewing you.”

“You're what?”

Taehyung pulled out a recording device and lifted his legs to press them against his chest, comfortable in his seat before placing the recording device on the table. “You're the first victim of hibernation failure in the history of space travel. That makes you news. Big Time.”

Jeongguk cracked out a soft chuckle, amused. “Who are you going to tell?”

“Posterity. So why'd you give up your life on Earth?”

Jeongguk seemed stunned by the question. He had the main idea as to why he left in the first place, but he mainly wanted to forget. Forget the haunting memories he left behind on Earth. Not all of them were bad, but most of them were not something to reminisce and smile to.

Taehyung sensed Jeongguks hesitation. “A hundred and twenty years in hibernation, means you never see your family and friends again. You sleep your way to another planet and another century. The ultimate geographical suicide. Don’t you think? So why did you do it?”

Jeongguk stared back at Taehyung, not knowing how to respond. “I, uh...I never really...”

Taehyung’s eyes widened, “Were you running away from something?”

Jeongguk chuckled. “No. Things were okay.”

“So?”

“I just wanted more, I guess. You know. More room. A fresh start. Back to basics.” He came up with something believable, it wasn’t a lie but definitely not the entire truth.

“That's HomeStead Company propaganda.”

“I guess.” He replied simply and went back to eating.

“Jeongguk!”

Jeongguk sighed and looked up, the sight of Taehyung pouting had him weak, so he couldn’t help but to give him some info.

“I'm a mechanic. A rate-two mechanic. We're a dying breed on Earth. But in the colonies, they still have problems to solve…My kind of problems. In the world we’re a nobody, but In the colonies, a handyman is a somebody.”

There was nothing there for Taehyung to scoff at. He looked impressed and immersed.

“And there's room! Fuck…Open country. Woods and fields. I love the outdoors. Dreamt of them. Just breathing and taking in Mother Nature itself was something I craved for…”, Jeongguk suddenly felt emotional. The realization just hit him as he talked about it, he’ll probably never be able to live to see nature. His longing for the great outdoors became palpable. The stolen opportunity to immerse himself in nature, to feel the earth beneath his feet and bask in the serenity of Mother Nature, weighed heavily on his heart. It was a dream he had cherished, a dream that now seemed out of reach.

It was gone.

With a deep breath and a faint smile, Jeongguk tried to mask his vulnerability, not wanting to burden Taehyung with his pain. He mustered the words, "You know, room to grow."

But Taehyung, ever perceptive, saw through Jeongguk's facade, feeling the ache in his own heart that twinged in sympathy. "Now you're back to advertising," Taehyung remarked, his voice laced with understanding.

“Can't it still be true?”, Jeongguk stood up from his chair, collecting the rubbish on the table. He walked away, making his way to the nearby trash bin, while Taehyung observed him with cautious eyes. He knew that there was more to Jeongguks story than he was telling him.

Chapter Text

Two weeks have passed as Jeongguk and Taehyung strolled down the aisle of hibernation pods, their comfortable clothes providing a sense of ease, the weight of the past few days seemed to melt away, as they tried to let go of the situation for just a minute. They sought solace in each other's company, finding comfort in the simple act of just hanging around each other.

“You know how much the AVALON Company's made off its first planet, the first ever Ollion?”, Taehyung asked in a rather joyful mood.

“Trillions?”

“Over eight quadrillion dollars! That's like eight million-billions. Colony planets are the biggest business there is, it’s quite fascinating.”

Jeongguk chuckled, “I’d do a full load of shit with that amount of cash.”

“Did you pay full price for your ticket?”

“No, I'm in a desirable trade.” Jeongguk responded quite casually.

Taehyung triumphantly spoke out. “Ah, so they fill your head with dreams, discount your ticket, and you fly off to populate their planet AND pay AVALON ten percent of everything you do for the rest of your life. You think you're free? You're just part of the business plan.”

Jeongguk waves at the rows of sleepers.“So basically what you’re telling me is that you’re seeing ten thousand suckers?”

“I see zeroes on the AVALON Company's bottom line.” Taehyung shrugged.

“Right, but I see ten thousand men and women changing their lives. For ten thousand different reasons. You don't know these people, Taehyung.”

Jeongguk walks up to a hibernation pod. Glances at the data screen, and then covers the screen with his hand, turning around to face Taehyung. “This guy. Banker, teacher, or gardener?”

Taehyung studies the sleeper: a barrel-chested man in his fifty’s with gray temples and a jutting jaw. “Banker.”

“Gardener.”Jeongguk corrected Taehyung before moving down the row and peeking at another screen, covering it.

“Is this Madison, Donna, or Lola?”

Taehyung peers: a birdlike young woman with long red hair.

“She's too silly to be a Donna. I think she's a Lola…?”

“Madison.” Jeongguk fired back, moving to another screen. “Chef, accountant, or midwife?”

“She has to be a midwife. There's no way you made that one up.” Taehyung laughed softly.

Jeongguk chuckled as he got caught. “She's a midwife. I didn't know they still had midwives.”

They move among the sleepers, quizzing each other before Taehyung points at a man and woman in their pods side by side. “Married, or strangers?”

Jeongguk confidently replied back. “Married.”

Taehyung got impressed, “Yeah…”

Jeongguk indicating a young woman. “Sixteen, twenty-six, or thirty-six?”

“I'd almost say sixteen...twenty-six.”

Jeongguk nodded. They walked down a few more rows of pods before Taehyung halts and stares at an older lady sleeping in her pod.“Politician, historian, or artist?”

“Don't know. Artist?”

“It doesn't say. But I'll tell you this. I like her…she has a kind face…We'd be friends.”

Jeongguk's gaze shifted from the hibernation pod to Taehyung, his expression a mix of seriousness and curiosity. "You think you can see that?" he asked, his voice laced with intrigue.

Taehyung returned his gaze, meeting his eyes with a gentle smile. "Don't you?" he replied, his tone filled with a hint of playfulness. As Jeongguk's attention remained fixed on the woman in the pod, noticing her pleasant aura.

"Sure..." Jeongguk added, his voice trailing off softly, acknowledging the possibility that there was something more to be seen beneath the surface.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

3 days after

Jeongguk and Taehyung sat on opposite ends of the sofa at the Observation Deck, their feet almost touching but not quite, a sense of tranquility filled the air. Taehyung took a sip of his tea, savoring the warmth as it enveloped his senses, while Jeongguk indulged in the rich aroma of his coffee.

The conversation revolved around their journey to the II Ollion, with Taehyung mostly took the lead. His words flowed effortlessly, painting vivid pictures of the sights he wanted to encounter, the people he was looking forward to meet, and the moments where his journey would leave an indelible mark on his heart. His storytelling was captivating, drawing Jeongguk deeper into the others enchanting world.

As they spoke, the atmosphere around them seemed to shimmer with the echoes of their shared adventures. The Observation Deck provided the perfect backdrop, allowing them to bask in the beauty of the present.

“That was my plan. Travel to the II Ollion. Live there for a year and see what emigrating's really like. Then back to Earth. I'm the only passenger on board with a round-trip ticket.”

Jeongguk was perplexed by the information. It seemed ridiculous to him, “Wow.“

“What?”

“Nothing. It’s just bizarre. You basically booked a ticket that takes you one hundred and twenty years into hibernation to a new planet, and once you land, you’ll stay a year in, just to go one hundred and twenty years back in hibernation to earth?”

“Yeah.”

Jeongguks scoffs, “that’s ridiculous.”

“That’s not for you to judge.”

In that moment of silence, Jeongguk's gaze drifted beyond the confines of the Observation Deck, drawn to the vast expanse of darkness adorned with countless shimmering stars. As he took a sip from his coffee, a mixture of emotions swirled within him.

The idea of Taehyung venturing out into space, leaving Earth behind to explore another planet, initially struck Jeongguk as a monumental waste of time. But unexpectedly, a wave of understanding washed over him. After all, Taehyung was a journalist, driven by a relentless curiosity to uncover truths and share stories with the world.

In that instant, Jeongguk realized that Taehyung's pursuit of new experiences, even if they seemed unconventional, was a testament to his passion for unraveling the mysteries of the universe. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary journeys were embarked upon by those with an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

As the stars continued to twinkle in the distance, Jeongguk found solace in the understanding that Taehyung's path, though different from his own, was a reflection of his unwavering dedication to his craft. And he definitely admired that about the other, even if it wasn’t a path he would’ve taken.

“Perhaps you have a reason?” Taehyung broke the silence off in a gentle tone, as he stared at Jeongguk’s side profile that defined his features with the help of the the low light in the room.

“What?”

“You know, maybe you have a reason as to why you’re acting all critical and judgy.”

Jeongguk scoffed softly and shook his head in disbelief. “I’m not ‘critical’ nor judgy. Anyone else would share the same opinion.”

“Hm…I think you’re lying.”

But Jeongguk was mainly confused as to what Taehyung was implying to, turning his head to the side to face him this time. “What are you talking about?”

“Maybe, you just don’t want to admit the truth.”

“What truth?”

“You know, that you’d miss me.”

Jeongguk pondered Taehyung's unexpected question, his mind swirled with a mix of confusion and contemplation. Why had Taehyung brought up such a thought out of the blue? And yet, in its own peculiar way, the question held a glimmer of truth.

The reality was that their journey to the II Ollion was a perilous one, with negative zero guarantee of survival upon reaching their destination. The notion of missing someone in a future that might never come to pass seemed both poignant and bittersweet. But as Jeongguk delved deeper into his thoughts, he couldn't deny the growing connection he felt with Taehyung.

In his heart, Jeongguk knew that by the time the ship would hypothetically land and a years had passed, he would have come to know Taehyung like the back of his hand. Their bond, forged through shared experiences and countless conversations, would have grown immeasurably strong. The idea of letting Taehyung go would definitely become impossible.

“May I ask, why you think so?” Jeongguk asked.

“Well, I think that 89 years with a stranger creates quite an unbreakable bond, don’t you think?” The hint in Taehyung eyes was telling him that he knew that it was sadly unrealistic for them to experience landfall but it’s simply a ‘what if’ question. But the bitter word ‘stranger’ quite annoyed Jeongguk. They definitely aren’t strangers anymore.

“A stranger?” He asks with a raised brow, quite unimpressed.

With a genuine gentle laugh, Taehyung immediately corrected his mistake. “A companion, my friend…a partner…Jeon Jeongguk.” Taehyung didn’t even need an answer to his question anymore, judging by how Jeongguk just reacted by the simple misplaced title of their friendship. But it wasn’t by mistake, he wanted a reaction from Jeongguk, hoping he’d realize his mistake and get a reaction from him, and he sure did.

“Sounds better.” Jeongguk replied with a gentle tone. Quite wanting to replace the word ‘a’ with a ‘my’ instead, but kept quiet and went back to their previous conversation.

“I left Earth for a new life…But you end up back where you started.” He adverted his gaze back to Taehyung.

“I wouldn’t put it up that way…I’d simply end up in the future. Two hundred and fifty years in the future. On Earth, which is still the center of civilization, overcrowded or not. And I arrive in the future with an amazing story.”

“Well, If you’re planning to head back. I better get a free copy of your book. With a signature, your quote, everything.” That wouldn’t be possible in any shape or form, and Jeongguk knew it but Taehyung happily played along.

“Quite demanding, aren’t we?”

“I wouldn’t say it that way, more like deserving. Spending 89 years with you, a simple book of your diaries and trips on board, would not kill for me to read. I’d be pretty curious as well.”

“Right, well…If you’ll be nice to me for the next 89 years, then yes, I will. And maybe even hand it to you personally.”

“Couldn’t ask for more.”With a shared smile, Jeongguk and Taehyung turned their gaze back to the window, their eyes drawn to the breathtaking canvas of the night sky. The stars shimmered like tiny jewels, casting a celestial glow that illuminated their faces as a sense of contentment washed over them, mingling with the remnants of their shy grins.

Little did they know, this moment would become a cherished memory, forever etched in their hearts, reminding them of the magic that exists in even the simplest of moments.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Another week has passed as Jeongguk was diligently tapping away on his tablet, his focus unwavering, while Taehyung reclined on the plush couch, his gaze fixed on the intricate patterns of the ceiling. Thoughts swirled in his mind, a whirlwind of contemplation and curiosity.

While Jeongguk delved into the depths of the ship's secrets on his tablet, Taehyung found himself captivated by the enigmatic allure of his companion. His eyes would drift towards Jeongguk, studying the way his brows furrowed in concentration, the subtle movements of his fingers on the tablet's screen. There was an elegance in Jeongguk's dedication, a quiet intensity that Taehyung found both intriguing and endearing.

But Jeongguk remained blissfully unaware of Taehyung's occasional glances, lost in his quest for knowledge. In this moment of quiet companionship, Taehyung realized just how much the bond between him and Jeongguk grew stronger each passing day.

In the midst of Taehyung's admiration, he couldn't help but be captivated by the fixated focus that Jeongguk held. The way his eyebrows knitted together whenever he got slightly perplexed, a slight frown gracing his face, and strands of black hair falling over his eyes. It was a sight that stirred something within Taehyung. He longed to reach out and brush those strands aside, to offer a gentle touch of comfort and connection.

But instead of acting on his impulse, Taehyung chose to speak softly, his voice carrying a hint of longing and a desire to regain Jeongguk's attention. "Jeongguk," Taehyung called out, as it flew through the silent air like a delicate melody, a subtle plea to break the other out of focus.

Jeongguk's gaze slowly lifted from the task at hand, meeting Taehyung's eyes with surprise and curiosity. The furrow in his brow softened, replaced by a vulnerable openness. "Yes, Taehyung?" Jeongguk responded, his voice a gentle whisper, as if afraid to disrupt the fragile silence that enveloped them.

Taehyung stomached flipped once he made eye contact with the latter, not knowing how much he wanted for it to last. “I can't think of anything else to try. To save us, I mean. I don't even want to think about it anymore…and maybe you should as well…for a minute, an hour…maybe even a day. It’s exhausting me, and I can see that you’re on the same page…”

Jeongguk let out a weary sigh, his fatigue evident in the way he slumped back against the sofa. The weight of his endeavors seemed to press upon him, leaving him feeling drained and overwhelmed. With a gentle gesture, he tossed the tablet aside, its presence a reminder of the challenges he faced, and just how pointless his efforts were.

Leaning forward, Jeongguk brought his hands to his face, rubbing his weary eyes with his palms. The exhaustion formed upon his features spoke volumes of the effort he had poured into his endeavors. It was in moments like these that Jeongguk questioned whether he had the strength to even bother.

But then, his thoughts turned to Taehyung, the unwavering source of courage and inspiration in his work. Taehyung had a way of seeing the potential within him, even when Jeongguk himself doubted that there was anything else for them to discover on the ship for them to save their lives. Taehyung's unwavering support and belief in him gave Jeongguk the strength to rise again, to try once more.

Taehyung observed Jeongguk's unwavering determination and selflessness, a huge wave of pity washed over him, tinged with a hint of guilt. It was Taehyung who had urged them to continue searching for a solution, to never give up on their quest for salvation. But deep down, he couldn't help but feel a pang of remorse, knowing that Jeongguk had already exhausted every opportunity before.

Yet, despite the countless failed attempts and the seemingly insurmountable odds, Jeongguk remained steadfast. He listened to Taehyung's pleas, he embraced the challenge, and he delved into the depths of his being to find new methods, new ways to save them both. Taehyung's heart swelled with admiration and gratitude for his companion's unwavering kindness and unwavering spirit.

Each passing day only served to strengthen the bond between them, as Taehyung witnessed firsthand the beauty that radiated from Jeongguk, both inside and out. Jeongguk's physical and emotional presence was a constant source of awe and inspiration, a testament to the remarkable human being he truly was.

In the face of adversity, their shared journey became a testament to the power of friendship and resilience. Taehyung couldn't help but feel incredibly fortunate, blessed to be stuck on this ship with someone as extraordinary as Jeongguk.

“So…what is there to do around here?”, Taehyung asked with a soft tone, trying to change the topic and distract the other with something slightly more positive, while staring at Jeongguk and patiently waiting for an answer, but it didn’t took long for him to receive one.

Jeongguk looked up, and rested his elbows on his knees before he spoke. “There is a lot to do. Sports, the gym, movies, swimming, the spa place, I can name you a whole list.”

“At least you were entertained the whole year you were alone.”

“You can’t imagine. It was an escape but pure hell as well. Every single time I went to one of these places ,and did everything solo…it just reminded me of how isolated and lonely I actually was…”. The room fell silent as Jeongguk's words echoed through the air, carrying the weight of his emotions. Taehyung listened intently, his heart ached for the other. The sincerity in Jeongguk's voice revealed the pain he desperately tried to conceal, and Taehyung's empathy and sadness surged within him, mirroring Jeongguk's struggle to hide it.

“Never in a millions years I would’ve thought that I’d crave, beg…let along cry for human touch, a simple interaction or even a-“, Jeongguk's lips curved into a bitter smile as he clicked his tongue and looked away, a mixture of frustration and resignation. He fought back the tears threatening to spill, not wanting to shatter the fragile progress he had made over the past year and a half, and so he tried to hide it with a sarcastic laugh that held a tinge of pain, he let the sound escape his lips, releasing some of the pent-up emotions that weighed heavily on his heart.

His gaze fixated on his intertwined hands, a visual representation of the internal struggle he faced. The silence in the room was punctuated by his heavy sigh, a sigh that carried the weight of his journey towards healing. And then, in a moment of vulnerability, he broke into a weak, hollow laugh, as if trying to find solace in the irony of it all.

Taehyung's heart shattered into a million pieces as he beheld the devastating scene unfolding before his eyes. The magnitude of Jeongguk's isolation and solitude on the spacecraft for an entire year and a half was unfathomable to him. Taehyung couldn't help but wonder how Jeongguk endured such unimaginable suffering without losing his sanity.

He knew all too well the toll that isolation and loneliness could take on a person's mental well-being is undeniably draining. In that moment, he couldn't help but question his own resilience, doubting whether he could withstand the same circumstances without succumbing to madness, and he has a feeling that he wouldn’t be able to.

Taehyung's voice trembled with tenderness as he softly asked, "Even... a what?" His heart ached, sensing Jeongguk's hesitance and the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air.

Jeongguk's gaze met Taehyung's, his eyes glistening with vulnerability and a hint of fear. He shook his head, his voice barely a whisper, "It's stupid..."

A surge of empathy washed over Taehyung, understanding the unspoken pain that Jeongguk carried within. Without hesitation, he rose from his seat and settled down beside Jeongguk, their bodies close, their warmth intertwining. Taehyung's hand gently rested on Jeongguk's thigh, a silent reassurance that he was not alone anymore.

"Gguk..." Taehyung's voice caressed the new nickname, sweet and soothing, like honey flowing from his lips. Jeongguk couldn't resist the magnetic pull, his head turning to meet Taehyung's gaze, their faces dangerously close. But neither of them flinched, their connection too strong to be broken.

A radiant smile graced Taehyung's lips, his entire being emanating warmth and comfort. He shifted his body, fully facing Jeongguk, and extended his arms, inviting him into an embrace that promised safety and solace. "You're not alone," Taehyung whispered, his voice a gentle reassurance that echoed through the air.

Jeongguk's heart swelled with a mix of emotions as he was taken back by Taehyung's gesture. The longing for this simple act of comfort, the very thing he had yearned for and shed tears over, was now being offered to him by the person he had desired it from the most for what felt like an eternity. Without a moment's hesitation, Jeongguk leaned in, allowing Taehyung to envelop him in a warm and tender hug.

In that embrace, time seemed to stand still. The world around them faded into a blur of insignificance as they held each other tightly, their bodies pressed together, sharing a moment of solace and understanding.

Jeongguk's mind was flooded with a whirlwind of thoughts and sensations. The warmth of Taehyung's body against his own, the steady rhythm of their breathing, the comforting scent that enveloped them—it all felt so incredibly right. In that moment, Jeongguk knew that he had found a sanctuary in Taehyung's arms, a place where he could be vulnerable, where he could let go of the walls he had built around his heart.

As their bodies remained locked in a tight embrace, time seemed to stretch, allowing Jeongguk and Taehyung to savor every precious moment of their first physical connection. The minutes ticked by, but it felt as if an eternity could pass and it still wouldn't be enough.

Both of them were lost in the sensation of the hug, their heads resting on each other's shoulders, finding solace in the warmth and comfort they provided. It was a moment of pure bliss, where the outside world melted away, leaving only the two of them wrapped up in each other's arms.

But as much as Taehyung cherished the embrace, a sense of caution began to creep into his heart. He couldn't deny the overwhelming desire to stay locked in that hug forever, to indulge in the closeness they shared. Yet, he couldn't ignore the nagging thought that it might be inappropriate or make Jeongguk uncomfortable.

Taehyung reluctantly pulled away, his heart torn between the longing for more and the fear of overstepping boundaries. He knew he was a naturally clingy person, and the urge to cuddle Jeongguk had crossed his mind countless times. But he valued their friendship too much to risk jeopardizing it by pushing for something that might not be welcome.

Deep down, Taehyung understood that boundaries were important, that respecting each other's comfort zones was crucial. He didn't want to be selfish or make Jeongguk feel pressured. So, with a heavy heart, he gently ended the embrace, even though a part of him yearned for it to last forever.

As their eyes locked, a whirlwind of emotions swirled between Jeongguk and Taehyung. Jeongguk's smile spoke volumes, conveying gratitude and a hint of something more. The intensity of their physical closeness was a new experience for both of them, and it left them momentarily speechless.

"Thank you," Jeongguk whispered softly, his voice filled with sincerity and appreciation. In that fleeting moment, he had to resist the impulse to express his affection in a small but meaningful way by leaning in and placing a tender kiss on Taehyung's cheek, but he didn’t as he didn’t want to overstep their boundaries and make Taehyung uncomfortable.

Taking a deep breath, Jeongguk gathered himself and rose to his feet, redirecting the conversation to more lighthearted matters. "I'll show you around," he offered, a playful glimmer in his eyes. "The movies here are pretty exclusive. You're in for a treat."

Taehyung understood the unspoken message behind Jeongguk's actions and words. He respected Jeongguk's desire to move on from the topic, even if a part of him yearned to delve deeper into their shared moment. For now, he chose to let it go, knowing that there would be time for further exploration in the future.

"Sure, just lead the way," Taehyung replied, a touch of anticipation in his voice. He was eager to see what other enchanting experiences awaited them in this magical place.

And so Jeongguk lead Taehyung into the movie theater. The lights come up. The curtain opens. Taehyung looks around in wonder. A bundle of cables snakes down the aisle.

“Watch your step, don’t want you to trip. I've made a few changes.” Next to Jeongguk’s favorite seat there's a cluster of machines with power cables and hoses running to them. Jeongguk and Taehyung sit. A screen beside Jeongguk lists movies, while Taehyung seemed quite intrigued yet confused and Jeongguk noticed.

As Jeongguk guided Taehyung into the movie theater, the room came to life with a burst of light. The curtains gracefully parted, revealing a sight that filled Taehyung with wonder. His gaze wandered, taking in the magical ambiance of the theater.

But amidst the enchantment, a bundle of cables snaked its way down the aisle, catching Taehyung's attention. “Watch your step, don’t want you to trip. I've made a few changes.”

Jeongguk, ever the thoughtful guide, warned beforehand and Taehyung nodded appreciatively, grateful for Jeongguk's concern.

Jeongguk's favorite seat had undergone a transformation. Next to it, a cluster of machines hummed with activity, their power cables and hoses connecting them to the theater.

“I got tired of running up to the projector room like an idiot, so I moved the controls down here. There are approximately thirty thousand movies to choose from, and so far I've only watched about five hundred of ‘em.”Jeongguk's tapped a button on another nearby machine and a bucket of hot, buttery popcorn emerged, filling the air with its irresistible aroma. He extended the bucket towards Taehyung.

"Popcorn?" Jeongguk offered, his voice filled with anticipation.

Taehyung's grin widened, his eyes lighting up with pure delight. He eagerly reached out and took a handful of the warm, fluffy kernels. "Thank you," he said, his voice laced with gratitude.

With the taste of the freshly popped popcorn dancing on their tongues, Jeongguk and Taehyung settled back into their seats, ready to indulge in this magical movie experience. The theater buzzed with excitement as the lights dimmed, signaling the start of their cinematic adventure.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

The basketball court at the Gymnasium was buzzing with energy as Jeongguk and Taehyung engaged in a friendly one-on-one match. Taehyung's skills on the court were impressive, displaying a natural talent for the game. Meanwhile, Jeongguk's competitive spirit burned brightly, his determination evident in every move he made.

With each jostle and scramble, laughter echoed through the air, filling the court with an atmosphere of camaraderie. Taehyung's quick reflexes allowed him to snag the ball from Jeongguk's grasp, leaving him momentarily stunned. But instead of immediately making a move, Taehyung simply stood there, a radiant smile spreading across his face.

In that moment, time seemed to pause as Taehyung basked in the joy of the game. The court faded into the background, and all that mattered was the sheer delight that radiated from him. It was as if he had captured a snapshot of pure happiness, a memory to be cherished.

“What are you so happy about? You didn’t even won yet.” Jeongguk commented, still keeping at high alert for Taehyung’s next move.

“I'm up two points!”Taehyung said before he cut around Jeongguk and headed towards the basket and scored.

Their next destination was to the virtual museum later on that evening. As Jeongguk and Taehyung strolled through the virtual museum's pristine white rooms, they were greeted by an unexpected twist. The once blank walls transformed, filling with the haunting and vivid paintings of Hieronymus Bosch, depicting medieval visions of Hell. Taehyung couldn't help but wince at the unsettling imagery before him.

Seeking a different experience, Taehyung returned to the control podium and scrolled through the menu once again. This time, the wall panels shifted, revealing a somber collection of portraits by Dutch masters. The solemn gazes of the subjects seemed to pierce through time, evoking a sense of melancholy.

Disappointed by the lack of variety, Taehyung let out a frustrated sigh. "What the hell, don't they have any real art, anything?" he mumbled to himself, his voice tinged with disappointment.

Jeongguk took the place by Taehyung’s side and decided to take matters into his own hands. With a sense of familiarity and excitement, he made a selection that he knew was his favorite.

The walls of the virtual museum transformed once again, this time revealing abstract landscapes that captured the essence of stark plains and vast oceans. In these ethereal scenes, lonely figures stood isolated, creating an atmosphere of solitude and contemplation.

As their eyes were drawn to a particularly captivating dark seascape. Without thinking, Taehyung couldn't help but reach out and tuck his hand into the crook of Jeongguk's elbow. The connection between them felt natural, as if their appreciation for the art had seamlessly intertwined with their bond as friends.

Lost in the beauty of the artwork, they stood together, their gazes fixed on the vivid imagery before them. But unbeknownst to them, a certain pair of eyes observed Taehyung with a deep admiration instead, appreciating not only the artwork but also the way Taehyung's presence illuminated the scene and made it so much more beautiful.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

One month later.

Taehyung glided through the water, his body effortlessly cutting through the crystal-clear pool, he found solace in the rhythmic motion of swimming. The pool, with its unique feature of offering a view to space, added an extra touch of enchantment to his swimming experience. It was as if he was diving into a celestial realm, where the vastness of the universe stretched out before him.

Although Taehyung didn't consider himself an athletic person. Yet, amidst all the options, swimming had a special place in his heart. It was a sport that resonated with him on a deeper level, offering not just physical exercise, but also a soothing balm for his soul.

The repetitive nature of swimming became a meditative rhythm, allowing him to find a sense of peace amidst the chaos of everyday life on the ship.

As Taehyung gracefully turned at the end of a lap, his eyes caught a glimpse of Jeongguk standing on the balcony above the pool. A rush of emotions flooded through him, but he maintained his composure, not letting on that he had noticed. With a mischievous smile, Taehyung playfully dove back underwater, his heart racing with excitement and anticipation.

In the month that followed their encounter on the ship, Taehyung found himself unable to shake thoughts of Jeongguk from his mind. The allure of Jeongguk's presence had always been there, but circumstances had prevented Taehyung from truly exploring his feelings. The weight of his own personal struggles had consumed his thoughts, leaving little room for anything else.

But now, with time some distance between them, Taehyung's heart began to open up. He couldn't deny the attraction he felt towards Jeongguk, and the unexpected encounter at the pool only intensified those emotions. Taehyung blushed, his cheeks tinged with a rosy hue, as he realized that Jeongguk had been paying attention to him all along.

In his eyes, Jeongguk was nothing short of perfection, captivating him with his kind heart, unwavering determination, and inner strength. And let's not forget about Jeongguk's stunning looks, which were an undeniable bonus to his already impressive qualities. Taehyung couldn't help but find Jeongguk absolutely breathtaking and undeniably sexy.

Whenever Taehyung stole glances at Jeongguk, careful not to make eye contact that would betray his racing heart, he couldn't help but wonder if Jeongguk was merely a figment of his imagination. He seemed too good to be true, too unreal to exist in Taehyung's world. But fate had smiled upon him, granting him the opportunity to be alone with the most attractive person on the ship.

Taehyung continued swimming, his cheeks flushed with a mix of excitement and anticipation. He couldn't resist stealing another glance to see if Jeongguk was still there, his heart pounding in his chest. But to his disappointment, Jeongguk had decided to take his leave after just 30 minutes, heading off towards the bustling shopping district.

A cleaning robot was scurrying along the shopping street, looking for spots to polish. Jeongguk’s hands reach into frame, pluck the robot off its wheels. With a determined stride, he walked across the bustling Concourse as he made his way to his workbench,

Gently placing the robot on the workbench, Jeongguk's eyes sparkled with a mix of fascination and dissatisfaction, as the robot was quite complex.

As two hours slipped away, Jeongguk found himself comfortably settled in an armchair, his trusty industrial laptop resting on his lap. Fingers dancing across the keyboard, he meticulously typed a string of commands, each stroke bringing him closer to his goal. With a final decisive press of the EXECUTE key, he unleashed a wave of transformation upon the captive cleaning robot.

Beside him on the floor, the once mundane machine sprang to life, gracefully gliding in a perfect figure-eight pattern. Jeongguk's face lit up with triumph. He had successfully updated the robot, molding it into his very own personal companion. But this transformation wasn't just for mere convenience, no. Jeongguk had a specific reason in mind.

Later on that night, Taehyung was sitting at the observation deck in his habitual writing position: cross-legged on his favorite sofa, his writing slate on his lap.

“~The starship's designers gave the ship a daily rhythm. The light is warm in the morning, bright during the day, cool at night. We need those changes. But I miss other rhythms. There are no holidays here. Every day is a day of leisure. There are no seasons. The sky never changes.~”

Caught off guard and distracted by the mechanical whir, Taehyung's gaze shifted downward, only to be met by the curious gaze of Jeongguk's new robo-pet.

Its binocular eyes seemed to hold a sense of anticipation, as if it had a message to deliver. Intrigued, Taehyung reached out and carefully detached the clip from the robot's back, it reads:

With a pure and happy grin, Taehyung's heart skipped a beat as he read the note, his eyes sparkling with excitement. The words on the paper seemed to dance before him, igniting a flurry of emotions within his chest. But as a blush tinted his cheeks, a question escaped his lips, directed at the robot companion.

"Is he asking me on a date?" Taehyung's voice quivered with a mix of curiosity and anticipation, his eyes searching for confirmation.

In response, the robot nodded, its mechanical movements conveying a silent affirmation. Taehyung couldn't contain the burst of joy that erupted from within him, and a genuine laugh bubbled up, filling the air with its melody.

Suddenly, a thought struck Taehyung, and he turned to the robot with a hopeful expression. "Do you have a pen?" he asked, a touch of eagerness lacing his words.

The robot, ever ready to assist, handed Taehyung a pen, its metallic body gleaming softly in the light. Taehyung accepted it graciously, offering a soft thanks, before he began to scribble something on the paper.

Handing the paper back to the robot after he was done, Taehyung's face flushed with a deep blush. The robot took the paper in its grasp and scurried away.

Jeongguk was lying away in the lounge as his mind was filled with a mix of hope and fear, while he was tossing a tennis ball up into the air, catching it with practiced ease. Each throw and catch mirrored the thoughts swirling within him, as he longed for acceptance and feared the sting of rejection.

Deep down, Jeongguk didn't want to jeopardize the incredible friendship he shared with Taehyung. He cherished the bond they had built, and the thought of it crumbling due to his feelings for the other scared him. But despite the risks, he couldn't ignore the flicker of hope that burned within him.

The moments they shared together, the way Jeongguk could effortlessly make Taehyung blush or elicit a giggle with his silly jokes, gave him a surge of confidence. It was as if their connection held a secret language, one that spoke volumes beyond mere words. And those ‘accidental’ eye contacts they shared? Jeongguk couldn't help but wonder if they were truly accidental at all.

Jeongguk prepared himself for the moment when he would reveal his true feelings. 6 months have already passed since Taehyung’s awakening and he hopped against all odds that he felt the same, and so he gave it a shot.

As the robot made its way across the bustling Concourse, its note securely fastened to its back, Jeongguk's attention was piqued. He swiftly caught the tennis ball mid-air, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Sitting up, he watched as the robot approached and came to a stop right in front of him.

With trembling hands, Jeongguk carefully plucked the note from the robot's back. Time seemed to stand still as he unfolded the paper, his eyes scanning the words that held the potential to shape the course of their friendship.

With a pure victorious smile spread across his face, Jeongguk carefully tucked the precious note away for his safe keeping’s and with a quick glance at the clock he noted that it was already 5:45 pm, and so he walked off to his room to get ready.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

As Taehyung was preparing for dinner, a sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air around him. He meticulously selected his outfit, ensuring that every detail was just right, for he wanted to look his absolute best for Jeongguk. It was a ritual he followed every morning, waking up with the intention of presenting himself in a way that would catch a certain someone's eye and ask him out.

In the depths of his heart, Taehyung had always harbored a hope that Jeongguk would take him out one day, that their paths would intertwine in a way that would create unforgettable memories. And now, that long-awaited moment had finally arrived.

Taehyung knew that he started to develop feeling for Jeongguk a few weeks before his awakening, but it was a month and a half ago when he finally found the courage to confront and embrace his true feelings.

Whenever Jeongguk complimented him, a rosy blush would creep up Taehyung's cheeks, betraying the warmth that blossomed within him. The way Jeongguk effortlessly cracked jokes, catching him off guard with unexpected bursts of laughter, only deepened the connection they shared. It was as if Jeongguk had a knack for brightening Taehyung's world with his presence.

But it wasn't just the laughter and the compliments that drew Taehyung closer. It was the unwavering determination and resilience that Jeongguk displayed, even in the face of adversity. While others might have succumbed to laziness or despair, Jeongguk stood tall, radiating hope and strength. His unwavering spirit inspired Taehyung to keep moving forward, to fight for what he believed in.

From the very moment Taehyung's eyes first laid upon Jeongguk, he couldn't help but be captivated by his strikingly handsome features and an aura that seemed to radiate an almost dreamlike sex appeal. It was as if Jeongguk was sculpted from pure gold, a masterpiece that surpassed any previous encounters or relationships Taehyung had experienced.

But it wasn't just Jeongguk's outward appearance that drew Taehyung in. It was the beauty that emanated from within him, a rare combination of kindness, charm, and an undeniable magnetism. Jeongguk possessed a certain allure that was impossible to resist, and Taehyung found himself falling deeper and deeper with each passing moment.

Who wouldn't be captivated by someone like Jeongguk? His presence was like a spell, casting a magical enchantment that left Taehyung spellbound.

As Taehyung rummaged through his closet, the deep, dark violet bathrobe draped loosely over his freshly washed, naked body. He was on a quest to find the perfect outfit for his highly anticipated dream date, wanting to look his absolute best.

Clothes were scattered in piles on the ground and strewn across the bed, creating a chaotic scene. But amidst the disarray, a memory suddenly sparked in Taehyung's mind. It was the gift he had received from his bold and adventurous best friend, Park Jimin.

For Taehyung's 27th birthday, Jimin had presented him with a stunning, silky, long black dress. The dress hugged Taehyung's god-given hourglass figure, accentuating his curves in all the right places. Thin, silky black straps adorned the dress, with delicate golden chains that tied behind his neck and cascaded down his exposed back, tracing his spine with a touch of elegance.

Taehyung cherished the black dress, even though he hadn't found the perfect occasion to wear it just yet. He had always been someone who didn't care about the opinions of others. In fact, he found it amusing when some idiots at the bar mistook him for a girl. It didn't matter to him because their misguided assumptions didn't define his worth.

People often mistook Taehyung for a professional model, and the compliments he received about his looks were widespread. Strangers would gaze at him in awe, captivated by his stunning face and his legs that seemed to go on for miles. Many girls would have given anything to possess such features, but Taehyung remained humble and appreciative of his own unique beauty.

His slender and perfectly proportioned body, coupled with his long, feminine legs, were undeniable assets. However, Taehyung never allowed himself to be completely awed by his physical attributes. He understood that true beauty extended beyond appearances and came within one's character and soul.

Taehyung embraced his body with gratitude and self-acceptance, knowing that it was a reflection of his individuality. He wouldn't trade his body for anyone else's because it represented his journey his essence.

The mere thought of Jeongguk complimenting his looks and body sent shivers of pleasure through him. His body responded in a way that words couldn't quite capture, a swirling sensation that hinted at a deeper desire. Taehyung couldn't help but imagine Jeongguk's words taking on a more intimate tone, igniting a fire within him that he could only hold back in his daydreams.

Lost in his thoughts, Taehyung found himself unconsciously nibbling on his lower lip, a telltale sign of his distraction. But as soon as he snapped out of his fantasies, he was filled with a surge of excitement. Without hesitation, he reached for the luxurious box that held his beloved black dress, eager to wear it.

Taehyung adorned himself in the exquisite black dress, his reflection in the mirror revealed a transformation that left him feeling beautiful. The soft golden glitters delicately adorning his eyelids added a touch of enchantment to his mesmerizing gaze. His wavy golden locks cascaded effortlessly around his face, framing his features with a captivating allure. The subtle jingle of the golden thin dangling earrings and the glimmer of the golden rings on his slender fingers completed the ensemble, adding an extra touch of elegance.

Taking a moment to admire his reflection, Taehyung couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. He knew that Jeongguk had never seen him dressed like this before, and the anticipation of witnessing his reaction filled him with a mix of nervousness and adrenaline.

As Taehyung delicately applied a touch of perfume, the sound of knocks echoed through his bedroom, signaling Jeongguk's arrival. With one final glance in the mirror, Taehyung reassured himself of his impeccable appearance before mustering the courage to open the door.

Standing at the threshold, a mix of nerves and anticipation coursed through Taehyung's veins. He took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of possibility, before the doors swung open, triggered by the presence of his bracelet.

And there he stood in his full glory. Jeongguk was wearing a black button-down shirt, with two buttons undone and rolled up sleeves up to his elbows, showcasing his beautiful ink collection on his arms, black tight jeans that visualized how fit and worked out his legs looked, and then his wavy black hair that was half slicked back in a bun, while the rest of the hair laid low, a few strands falling over his gaze.

But it was his eyes that truly captivated Taehyung. Dark yet fierce, they held an intensity that sent shivers down his spine. Jeongguk's gaze locked onto him, a hunger and desire evident in the way he looked at Taehyung. It was as if he wanted to devour him whole, to consume the very essence of his being in that very moment.

The tension was thick, as Jeongguk stared at Taehyung with pure bliss and desire. He boldly checked Taehyung from head to bottom, ready to say something he might regret as it was deeply inappropriate, but Taehyung didn’t need to hear Jeongguk’s thoughts as he clearly already saw them through Jeongguk’s eyes and expressions alone.

And boy did he took pride in it. Jeongguk loved his fit and Taehyung couldn’t have screamed from pure victory and joy from the top of his lungs but did it in his head instead.

One Jeongguk’s eyes finally made eye contact with Taehyung’s they both felt as if they were pulled in by a force. Taehyung immediately felt as if Jeongguk had him in control by his deep eyes alone, and he didn’t want anything more but to beg for Jeongguk to lean in and just take and take whatever he wanted from him. The dry want on Taehyung’s lips that wanted to be wetted by Jeongguk’s tongue alone was high yet overwhelmingly scary.

And Jeongguk saw it all. He had a feeling that from the energy he was receiving from Taehyung was sexual and he was just as guilty. The dirty minds that swirled in his head when he spotted the blond boy in that sexy tight dress that shaped his curves just right, made him want to sneak his hands around Taehyung’s tiny waist and squeeze before he’d inappropriately slip them down his plumply shaped bottom and squeeze once more, but this time more roughly as he would pull Taehyung to press him up against him before he’d kiss-

“Jeongguk.” Taehyung broke Jeongguk out his mind infested state, as he had a soft natural pink appear on his cheeks.

Jeongguk wanted nothing more at this very moment, but to lean in and kiss Taehyung. “Sorry, I just…you’re beautiful.”

Taehyung couldn't help but giggle lightly at the compliment, a playful glint in his eyes as he tilted his head to the side. With a mischievous smile, he observed Jeongguk in return, taking in every detail of his captivating presence.

Jeongguk looked like he came straight out of every girls wet dream, he was just as sexy and alluringly handsome. Taehyung felt enormously lucky, If there were any passengers onboard with them walking around at this time, Taehyung would flex Jeongguk like his own personal gem. Jeongguk was his date for the night, and maybe even for later ones to go.

“You definitely don’t look bad yourself. You went shopping?”

“No, actually had these clothes sitting in my closet the whole time. I’m fond of wearing comfortable and simple clothes, what I’m wearing now is for a special occasion and a special someone.”

“Oh is that so? Who’s the lucky person?”, Taehyung teased as he took a step closer and pretended to fix Jeongguk’s shirt.

“More like I’m the lucky person. He’s definitely something, I’ll tell you that much.” Jeongguks had the urge to slip his hands around Taehyung’s waist, but he buried them into his pockets instead, holding himself back.

“Sounds like a troublesome.”

“Just my type.”

Taehyung’s heart flipped at the comment. He didn’t knew if Jeongguk was playing along with his little act or meant that he was actually his type. “Well, where are we going?”

“Maybe if you’ll stop teasing me, I’d show you.” Jeongguk said softly yet literally.

“Who’s teasing? Not me. I was just fixing the wrinkles on your shirt.” With that Taehyung gracefully stepped back, he began to make his way down the hallway, his movements as graceful yet alluring.

Jeongguk let out a soft scoff, a playful glimmer in his eyes as he trailed behind Taehyung. Their hands remained to each other, but the imaginations and thoughts they held of one another was definitely for safe keeping.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Jeongguk and Taehyung settled into their seats at the Concourse Bar, greeted by the familiar presence of Alfred, whose bright demeanor seemed to match the anticipation in the air. With a warm smile, Alfred approached their table, fully aware of the significance of this evening.

"Evening," Alfred greeted them, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "What can I get for you two tonight?" he inquired, his tone respectful yet formal as always.

“A manhattan, please. But make it a tad sweeter, Alfred. Thank you.” Taehyung said with wink.

“Of course”, Alfred adverted his attention to his second customer. “And you sir?”

“Single malt, rocks.” Alfred took in their orders and prepared their drinks as he was poring the in their glass. “You two look fine this evening.”

Taehyung smiled and confidently spoke up, “We're on a date! Can you imagine?”

“How lovely!” Alfred beamed and handed Taehyung his drink.

Taehyung grabbed it and glanced at Jeongguk, speaking up with a teasing tone, even though it was truthful. “Took you long enough to ask.”

“I was giving you space, Taehyung.” Jeongguk defended himself right away, but sure did had a hard time waiting himself.

“Space is definitely one thing I don't need more of. But I've been doing research.” Taehyung took a sip from his drink, while Jeongguk was handed his drink, “really? I thought we were taking a break.”

“I know, and I was. But I didn’t search for it, I stumbled upon it at the library while I was reading about one of the drug collectives on this ship. And guess what.”

“What.”

“I found a drug that would put us in a coma indefinitely, and machines that would keep us alive.”

Jeongguk's hand froze in mid-air, the glass of his beverage lingering just inches from his lips. His gaze shifted from the drink to Taehyung, who sat across from him, seemingly unaffected by the momentary pause.

“You’re shitting me.” Jeongguk thought the other was just pranking him.

“No, but it's not suspended animation. We'd still be aging.”

Jeongguk's shoulders slumped back, a heavy sigh escaping his lips as he brought the glass to his mouth once again. The liquid slid down his throat.

“Yeah. If I have to grow old on this ship, I'd at least like to be awake for it. So, that was a failure.” Taehyung said, slight annoyed.

“A highly ambitious failure.” .

“There's the title of my memoir.A Highly Ambitious Failure,by Kim Taehyung.”

Jeongguk broke out a sweet laugh, but as their laughter subsided, they once again found themselves in a comfortable silence, their thoughts weaving intricate patterns in the depths of their minds. Meanwhile, Alfred diligently attended to his duties, gracefully moving from one end of the bar to the other, meticulously polishing glasses with a fancy cloth.

The rhythmic sound of glass meeting fabric provided a soothing backdrop to Jeongguk's contemplations. Lost in his own musings, he allowed his thoughts to wander, embracing the tranquility of the moment.

“I know this mind sound stupid, but…I have a feeling that we’ll find a way to save ourselves.”Jeongguk confessed in a gentle tone as he turned his head to face Taehyung, his voice carrying a touch of vulnerability. As their eyes met, a silent understanding passed between them, their connection palpable in the air. Taehyung's gaze held a brightness, an admiration that mirrored the affection in Jeongguk's heart, “I just feel it.”

Taehyung smiled weakly and nodded, “yeah, let’s hope for the best.” He raised his glass for a toast, “for us and our tight nerves.”

Jeongguk cracked a smile and did so as well. “For us and our tight nerves.”

⊹ ࣪ ˖

As they finished their drinks and engaged in heartfelt conversation, Jeongguk decided to whisk Taehyung away to a place of enchantment. They made their way to the Stardome, a magnificent glass structure perched at the pinnacle of the ship. Stepping inside, they were greeted by a sight that took their breath away.

The dome revealed a breathtaking panorama of the cosmos, an awe-inspiring tapestry of stars that stretched out before them. Taehyung turned, his eyes wide with wonder, as he beheld the celestial spectacle. The Milky Way flowed like a shimmering river, its ethereal glow illuminating the vast expanse. Blue stars twinkled ahead, guiding their journey, while pink stars adorned the path they had left behind.

“At least we have something beautiful to look at, and not just vast darkness…it’s Incredible.” They sit at the best table, as robots attend to their every need. The blue stars frame Jeongguk’s head; the pink, Taehyung’s. Beautiful dishes arrive: new wines with every course.

They both spoke and mainly enjoyed their foods, one dish wasn’t as filling but it was just the right portion and it sure did tasted absolutely delicious.

With the night still young and their spirits soaring, Jeongguk decided to extend the magic of their evening. Leading Taehyung to a glamorous nightclub, they stepped into a world where music and lights intertwined, creating an atmosphere of pure enchantment. As they entered, the air was filled with the soulful melodies of a holographic 12-piece band, serenading the crowd with a timeless jazz standard.

Jeongguk's eyes sparkled with anticipation as he made his way to the dance floor, his hand outstretched towards Taehyung. A moment of hesitation passed, but as their eyes met, Taehyung's face lit up with a radiant smile. Without a second thought, he walked onto the dance floor and approached him.

With a soft, tender tone, Jeongguk gently asked, "May I?" His hand reached out, intertwining with Taehyung's as he pulled him closer, their bodies aligning perfectly. Taehyung's genuine smile lit up his face as he replied, "Of course."

In seamless harmony, they moved across the dance floor, their steps synchronized as if they had been dancing together for a lifetime. Their smiles never wavered, radiating pure joy and happiness, but as the music slowed, their gazes locked and got slightly more admirable, as it shined right through their eyes.

Without hesitation, the words spilled from Jeongguk's lips, his voice filled with awe and sincerity, "You're beautiful." It was a heartfelt compliment, a genuine expression of the emotions swirling within him.

Taehyung's speechless reaction spoke volumes, his cheeks flushing with a deep blush. Yet, his smile remained, a radiant beacon of his delight. As their faces drew closer, anticipation hung in the air, they felt each other’s warm breaths mingling in the space between them, as the moment was ripe with the possibility of a kiss.

But Jeongguk teasingly spun Taehyung out, playfully keeping him at a tantalizing distance. The dance continued, their bodies moving in synchrony, their chemistry undeniable. Each step, each twirl, brought them closer together, their hearts beating in time with the music.

Though they didn't share that anticipated kiss, the energy between them crackled, an electric current that only heightened the magic of the moment.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

After a wonderful evening of dancing, Jeongguk and Taehyung hopped onto the cargo robot, enjoying the ride back to Taehyung's room. Taehyung's head found a peaceful resting place on Jeongguk's shoulder, their contentment palpable in the air.

But then, something unexpected caught Taehyung's eye, causing him to sit up abruptly. "Rutherford, stop!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and curiosity. The cargo robot came to a halt, granting Taehyung the opportunity to investigate further.

Jeongguk's confusion was evident, his brows furrowing with concern. Before he could even utter a word, Taehyung took charge, pulling Jeongguk away from the cargo robot with an urgency in his voice. "Come on, we have to do this!" Taehyung exclaimed, his excitement contagious. Without hesitation, Taehyung grasped Jeongguk's hand, their fingers intertwined.

Taehyung pulled Jeongguk towards a photo booth, his heart raced with a mixture of desire and longing. He had yearned for the touch of Jeongguk's lips ever since that moment when he first opened the door to his apartment. And it was killing himself at night that he still didn’t got one.

Deep down, Taehyung knew that Jeongguk hadn't intentionally tried to hurt him by neglecting the kiss. He understood that Jeongguk wanted to ensure his comfort and never wanted to push him beyond his boundaries. But Taehyung also knew that he was ready for that connection, that intimate exchange of affection. It wasn't too much to ask for, not when his heart craved it so desperately.

For a month, Taehyung had pondered ways to make that moment perfect, to capture the essence of their love in a single kiss. And when he spotted the photo booth, it felt like destiny calling out to him. It was an opportunity too good to pass up.

As they tumbled into the photo booth, Jeongguk's confusion began to fade, replaced by a sense of excitement and adventure. He realized that going along with Taehyung's spontaneous idea was actually quite exhilarating. In the past, Jeongguk had taken photos at the booth, but it had always felt boring without someone to share the experience with. Now, with Taehyung by his side, everything felt vibrant and alive.

Jeongguk couldn't help but feel grateful for Taehyung's presence in his life. In so many ways, Taehyung had brought joy and meaning to his days. From the simplest moments to the grandest adventures, they had created a bond that made everything more special.

Jeongguk took a seat on the left side, and Taehyung was on the right.

"So, how do-" Jeongguk's words were cut short as the strobe flashed, momentarily blinding them both. But before he could finish his sentence, Taehyung seized the moment, his hands firmly cupping Jeongguk's face as he pulled him in for a passionate, electrifying kiss.

Time seemed to stand still as their lips met, the world around them fading into the background. Taehyung's heart raced with a mix of nervousness and desire, unsure of how Jeongguk would react. But as they finally broke apart, both of them were left in shock, their bodies trembling with a surge of emotions.

Taehyung opened his mouth, ready to apologize for his impulsive action, fearing that he had crossed a line. However, to his surprise, Jeongguk didn't pull away or express any anger. Instead, he leaned in, pulling Taehyung back in for another shot, their lips meeting once again in a fiery embrace.

Once shy and leaving out, outside, the photo strip drops into the tray: four color pictures. In the first Taehyung is kissing Jeongguk by surprise; in the second Jeongguk is kissing Taehyung by surprise; in the third, they widely smile at each other. In the last image, Taehyung smiles at the camera; while Jeongguk was busy looking at Taehyung.

Taehyung taps the pictures: they start to move: each is a one-second movie clip. The pictures taken each other by surprise, and the last one made Taehyung skip a beat.

He kissed him. He kissed Jeon Jeongguk. And he couldn’t believe it but the memory of Jeongguk’s firm lips on his, and the slight tang he got from the cold metal piercing from the bottom of his lip was electric. If only it would’ve lasted longer, but it sure was something to never forget and it’s definitely gonna play a record in his head for the rest of the night and the days to come.

They walked side by side, the silence between them speaking volumes. It wasn't an awkward silence, but rather a comforting one, as if their unspoken connection was enough to fill the air. Soon enough, they found themselves standing in front of Taehyung's cabin, the robot coming to a stop.

As the door of the cabin opened automatically, Taehyung turned back to face Jeongguk. The spaceships moonlight illuminated their faces, casting a gentle glow upon them. Jeongguk's eyes held a mixture of tenderness and determination, his soft grin mirroring the emotions that danced in his gaze.

“Thank you. I had an amazing time. One of the best nights so far.” Taehyung spoke with sincerity.

“Yeah, me too.”

They stood there, their eyes locked in a silent battle of emotions. Thoughts and unspoken words swirled within them, desperate to find a voice. Yet, instead of voicing their true feelings, they both muttered the worst possible sentence.

"Well, good night," Jeongguk said, his voice filled with warmth but also a touch of resignation.

With a soft smile that masked the longing in his eyes, Taehyung replied, "night, Jeongguk."

Jeongguk turned to go, his steps heavy with the weight of unspoken longing. But just as he was about to disappear down the hall, a voice pierced through the silence, causing him to freeze in his tracks.

"Jeongguk."

The sound of his name on Taehyung's lips was like a siren's call, impossible to resist. Jeongguk's heart raced as he turned back, his eyes meeting Taehyung's intense gaze. In that moment, the tension between them seemed to crackle in the air, doubling in intensity.

Taehyung stood before him, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and vulnerability. It was as if he had bared his soul, silently pleading for Jeongguk to do something and take a leap of faith. They both wanted each other as they craved it longer than they can count. Their minds might have not have been able to mutter out words, so their body’s and eyes spoke for them instead.

Jeongguk didn’t hesitate nor said anything and just grabbed Taehyung’s hand before he dragged him inside his cabin, and Taehyung slightly gasped at the sudden action but his adrenaline spiked off the roof once he anticipated to what was to come.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

They both staggered across the room together as Jeongguk immediately backed up Taehyung against a wall, pressing him up on it.

Shivers were running down Taehyung's spine, once he felt Jeongguk’s eager lips trailing kisses down his throat, while the firm grip on his waist held him in place, preventing any escape. Every touch, every caress, sent waves of pleasure through Taehyung's body, making him yearn for more.

Their desire for each other was palpable as Taehyung eagerly removed Jeongguk's jacket, a sense of urgency guiding his movements. With a firm grip on Jeongguk's shirt, Taehyung sought leverage, craving the intoxicating sensation of Jeongguk's lips on his neck and collarbones.

The wet, sensual strokes of Jeongguk's tongue against Taehyung's exposed skin sent waves of pleasure coursing through his body. It was as if every touch, every caress, was carefully calculated to drive Taehyung to the brink of craziness.

As their passion escalated, Jeongguk skillfully slipped the straps of Taehyung's dress off his shoulders, allowing the fabric to cascade down to the floor. Taehyung stood before him, fully nude except for the black heels and the delicate red lace that adorned his goddess-like body. The sight was nothing short of breathtaking.

Jeongguk’s passionate desire left a trail of evidence on Taehyung's neck and collarbones, with hickeys and love marks adorning his velvet-like skin. As Jeongguk stepped back to admire his handiwork, his breath slightly heavy with desire, Taehyung couldn't help but bite his lower lip, arching seductively against the wall.

With his hands spread on either side of his head, Taehyung locked eyes with Jeongguk, a sultry gaze filled with longing and invitation. It was a silent plea, a desire for Jeongguk to claim him, to mark him, to use him, and fuck him to his core and Jeongguk definitely took the memo.

"Fucking hell... Taehyung," Jeongguk breathed out, his voice filled with a mix of awe and desire.

Jeongguk's gazed lingered on Taehyung's enchanting physique. Taehyung, with every breath he took, appeared as an angelic being, his body exuding a sinful allure that captivated Jeongguk's attention.

"You're so fucking beautiful...so incredibly sexy," Jeongguk whispered, unable to contain his admiration. His eyes were drawn to Taehyung's choice of red lace panties, emphasizing his alluring curves and the tantalizing length of his legs.

Those legs... they were a temptation in their own right, a sight that could drive anyone to madness. Jeongguk had always been aware of Taehyung's long, elegant legs and his delicate fingers, but seeing them in their full glory felt like a dream come true.

“You really think so?” Taehyung asked while nibbling on his lower lip as he adverted his eyes to Jeongguk’s bulged up crotch that seemed rather uncomfortable.

“I’m more than positive”, Jeongguk replied, his voice filled with confidence. He closed the distance between them, gently cupping the boy's face, ensuring their eyes met. Although he desired to be more forceful, Jeongguk was careful not to overstep any boundaries or unintentionally cause harm. The thought of hurting the boy in any way weighed heavily on his conscience, and he couldn't bear the idea of such a mistake.

“We need a safe word”, Jeongguk muttered as he was swiping his thump over Taehyung’s lower lip.

“How about…space”, Taehyung said breathlessly and kissed Jeongguk’s thump before he licked the digit.

Jeongguk scoffed with a smirk, “alright. Remember it.” Jeongguk couldn’t advert his eyes from Taehyung’s sinister mouth before he pressed down and slipped his thump along Taehyung’s tongue down his mouth as deep as he could, hitting the back of his throat to test his gag reflex and Taehyung gagged, resulting in Jeongguk retrieving his thump and back on his tongue, pressing down on the wet muscle.

“Never had a dick down your throat?”

Taehyung blushed and shook his head ‘no’.

“Want me to teach you to take it down deep? I’d stretch your throat out with my cock a few times and make you take it like a champ, hm?”

Taehyung felt the rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins, he couldn't help but be captivated by Jeongguk's raw and unfiltered desires. And just the dirty speech that exposed Jeongguk’s true character in bed spoke volumes, painting a vivid picture of his true nature, leaving Taehyung craving more. In that moment, he knew he needed Jeongguk, and he conveyed his consent with a simple nod.

“Yeah…? Are you down for a lesson right now?” Jeongguk predicted Taehyung’s response, and he was right. Another pliant nod, and with that he pulled out his thump from Taehyung’s mouth and leaned in, trapping him against the wall.

Jeongguk's gaze fixated on Taehyung, a mix of desire and admiration burning in his eyes. While the intensity of his lust was undeniable, there was something more profound hidden beneath the surface. Behind those smoldering eyes, Jeongguk held a deep admiration for Taehyung.

“Lost for words? I thought you’d teach me how to take down your cock like a champ, change of mind?” Taehyung spoke teasingly in almost a whisper as he sneaked his hand down against Jeongguk’s crotch, caressing it gently, back and forth while he daringly stared straight ahead at Jeongguk, who’s eyes just darkened. “I had moments where I fantasized on how your dick would feel like…I stole glances at it when you were not looking…I imagined scenarios in my head…me just sucking, licking, nibbling on your dick or simply just getting dicked down by it during my horny nights…there were days where I hoped you’d just ask to have sex with me…I wanted you to fuck me for so long.”

Taehyung’s words rumbled the inner control Jeongguk had within himself to not pin him down and just use the boy like his personal sex doll, they seemed so genuine but mainly desperate. So he wasn’t the only guilty one when it came to inappropriate thoughts. But who could judge Jeongguk?

Jeongguk didn’t waste any time and leaned in, starved he started to devour Taehyung’s neck, while his hands held him in place, securing him against the wall as Taehyung whined away, wanting more. “You wanted to have sex with me? Someone to fuck you deep during your sleepless nights? Someone to hold you down and just take and take until they use your body completely?”

Taehyung’s whining increased as he nodded, taking a hold of Jeongguk’s hands that were on his waist to place them on his bottom, making him squeeze and grab it before securing his arms around Jeongguk’s neck, pulling him closer. “Yes, I wanna get fucked. I want you so bad, I need a good dicking. Please, I want it so bad.”

Jeongguk scoffed and pulled Taehyung closer by his bottom, kneading it as the flesh felt like thick soft dough itself, before slipping his thigh between the boys legs. “If you’ll keep talking like this, I’ll make sure to use it to my best abilities to have you worn out by the end. All you gotta do is be good for me, and listen. Does that sound good?”

Taehyung nodded vigorously, “yes, I promise.”

“Good.”

Jeongguk started to motion Taehyung’s hips in a both circular and a back and forth motion on his thigh, resulting in Taehyung bitting his lower lip as he tried to do so on his own as well, while following the instructions. “Hump my thigh just like this, and keep going, don’t stop until I say so, understood?”

Taehyung nodded and did as told, he held onto Jeongguk’s shoulders and kept motioning his hips to hump Jeongguk’s thigh to his liking, the friction he felt against his dick and his bottom felt surprisingly euphoric until Jeongguk
picked Taehyung up in a swift motion and carried him to bed that was not that far away and threw him on it, crawling right on top of the other.

“You have no idea how long I craved for this…you’re such a fucking tease, Taehyung.” Jeongguk trail wet kisses down from Taehyung’s neck to his chest, stopping at his nipples as he licked and sucked on his right nipple, while pinching and rubbing his left nipple. Resulting in Taehyung’s whining. “Ah..hm…I wanted you just as much, Jeongguk-ah.”

Taehyung tangled his fingers into Jeongguk’s raven locks and held him down against his nipple, wanting more while gliding down Jeongguk’s spine with his other hand, caressing him. “H-Hm, you’re doing so well, please don’t stop…”

And Jeongguk did as told, as he switched spots and attacked Taehyung’s left nipple this time, humming in satisfaction as his tongue twirled around the bud, nibbling on it. “Fuck, Jeongguk. Please just do something.” And so Jeongguk pulled away and forced Taehyung’s legs open, as he got in between, grinding down on the boy just as desperately, not letting him to fathom what just happened.

Jeongguk had sleepless nights and urges of himself wanting to fuck Taehyung many times as well. Just the simple things made him want to pounce at him, the way Taehyung got slightly messy whenever he ate and the bids of juices fell down his chin just for him to gather it with his finger and suck on it or lick it away, or that one day he caught Taehyung crossing his legs and bitting on his lower lip while watching him workout, made him want to ask Taehyung to strip for him and sit on his dick right there.

“Fuck this.”

Jeongguk didn’t even bother undressing and simply unzipped his pants before pulling down on the fabric to reach in and pull out his dick in a hurry, spitting on his palm to use it as a lubricat, while Taehyung stared with pure enthusiasm.

“What?”, Jeongguk asked with a cocky grin.

“Nothing”, Taehyung giggled seductively and reached between his legs to get a grip of Jeongguk’s dick, tugging on it gently while he tried positioning it to his entrance, “just love the way it looks, I love dicks so much.”

“Oh yeah? Where did that came from?”, Jeongguk grabbed a spare pillow that laid near and slipped it under Taehyung’s lower back to give him better access to pounce his way inside the boy, before he leaned in to have him completely trapped as he rested his arms on the sides of his face, “you love cocks? Hm?”

Taehyung started to get more aroused as he bit on his lower lip and kept tugging on Jeongguk’s dick, nodding.

“You love dicks in general or you just like getting fucked by them?”

“Both, but mainly getting fucked. I just love getting used…I wanna get used.”

“You wanna get used? As a little bitch in heat, huh? I might just strap you to this bed and come by just to fuck you, is that what you want?”

Taehyung eagerly started nodding while pushing his bottom closer to Jeongguk’s crotch, losing his patience at this point, as Jeongguk’s words drove him to his last patient point.

“Eager much? I’ll have to prep you first.” Jeongguk said with a satisfying grin and kept whispering dirty scenarios into Taehyung’s ear as he slipped his digits inside him one by one, before he picked up his pace and started to ram them inside Taehyung in a quick pace, leaving him whaling and whimpering with pure ecstasy.

“J-Jeongguk! Ghm~fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!” Taehyung tried to pry away from Jeongguk’s grip and even tried pushing his hand away from his bottom but in vain as the strength that Jeongguk possessed was nothing he could compare to.

“Shh, just take it. You’re almost there, just take it”, Taehyung didn’t even think twice as his eyes rolled back to their eye sockets and he came all over his stomach and Jeongguk’s arm, who pulled his fingers out and took a hold of his dick to milk him off properly.

“Shit, you sure had a lot of cum inside you…with that amount of sperm, you could get any person knocked up”, Jeongguk smiled with pride and kept staring at Taehyung’s dick with amazement.

“You’re a creep”, Taehyung laughed wholeheartedly.

“Not really. Just admiring art.”

“C‘mere…please.”

Taehyung had his arms extended for the other to come back into his embrace and so he did, before kissing the blonde with eagerness and whispering, “tired or do you want me to slip my dick inside you?”

Taehyung moaned at the others question before he spread his legs wider and laid back comfortably, “want you to slip your dick inside me.”

“Yeah? How deep?”

“Very deep, I want you-“, Taehyung took a hold of Jeongguk’s hand and placed it on his lower stomach area, “-all the way up here. Please go deep…”

“Fuck…you’re such a cock slut.”

“For someone like you…definitely.”

Jeongguk fiercely started to make out with Taehyung as he lowered his pants to have better movement, before he took a grip of his length and positioned it to Taehyung’s entrance, tapping on the rim teasingly. “I’ll make sure to go deep…let’s test the waters, shall we?”

“Please…give me your best dicking”, Taehyung took a firm grip of the pillow underneath his head and prepared himself for a proper ride.

Two minutes didn’t even went by and Taehyung was already nearly knocked out due the amount of pleasure he was receiving from Jeongguk, who’s simply thrusting in and out of him in a rather sensual yet firm way, it felt as he was about to faint any minute.

“Shit, ah-fuck…This feels, ghm~too fucking good..”, Jeongguk didn’t bother on stopping and wouldn’t even be able to if he wanted, and with that he grabbed one of Taehyung’s legs to rest it on his shoulder and slightly shifted his hips to puncture his way deeper but got a heavy squeal out of Taehyung instead.

“Ah! There, r-right there, Jeongguk, please…”, Taehyung begged as he tried to pull Jeongguk closer to him by his forearm.

“Where?”, Jeongguk readjusted and thrusted his way back in one swift motion to hit that sweet sensitive spot once again, “here?”

“Yes! Yes, p-please, right there! Fuck! Jeongguk, please.”

“Right here? Hm?” Jeongguk started to tease the other as he thrusted his way in sharply yet slowly, making Taehyung slide up the bed along whenever he motioned his way inside him.

Taehyung's appearance was utterly ravished, his lipgloss now a distant memory, his once meticulous eyeliner smudged around his eyes. His cheeks blazed with a fiery red hue, while his eyes seemed to traverse realms beyond the physical. Jeongguk relished in this sight, knowing that this image would forever be etched into his consciousness. Nothing and no one could compare to the alluring sounds of Taehyung's intoxicating moans and the captivating sight of him beneath Jeongguk. It was a moment of pure ecstasy, a memory that would remain imprinted in Jeongguk's mind for as long as he drew breath.

Realizing that the boy he admired every single day since he met him, laughed with and hung around with was with him, in his arms, with his legs open for him to pleasure the other. He would’ve never guessed that it would come to this, but it did and Jeongguk wouldn’t want it any other way.

Changing the position, Jeongguk hooked his arms under Taehyung’s knees and held his legs above for him to lean over and get a better way for him to thrust his way inside Taehyung. And once he was satisfied, he sped up and started mercilessly thrusting into the other who immediately wrapped his arms around his neck, sobbing away into his neck from ecstasy, while mewling and whining for more.

“F-Fuck, you feel so good, baby.” Jeongguk was breathing heavily, while losing it, and Taehyung was aware that it was coming to an end as Jeongguk’s thrusts became more desperate and sloppy, but god did it made his head spin, he couldn’t think straight anymore, letting the other to have his way.

It didn’t took long for Taehyung to cum all over his stomach and Jeongguk’s fist, who so efficiently was jerking him off, but despite that, it was not over as Jeongguk was trying to find his release, while whining in his slightly pitched voice in between Taehyung’s neck and his ear.

But despite the overstimulation Taehyung was receiving, he became aware of the possibility that it had been a while since Jeongguk last had sex, so it could’ve been a bit of a struggle for him to let go and just bust a fat nut inside the other and relax.

This realization tugged at Taehyung's heart, as he noticed the hints of strain in Jeongguk's voice and the way his breaths came in ragged whiny gasps. In response, Taehyung gently ran his fingers through Jeongguk's dark locks, offering a soothing touch to help him relax, while he offered soft kisses and whispered words of comfort into Jeongguk's ear.

“Y-You’re almost there…you’re so good, Gguk. Just keep going, you’re doing, agh..so well.” Taehyung was softly moaning into Jeongguk’s ear while encouraging him to relax, his slender like fingers did not stopped patting and caressing his hair like a mother would when putting her child to sleep.

And it did help as Jeongguk’s body tensed out and his thrust became more precise and deep, and instead of whining he went back to soft grunts, “I’m-agh, I’m gonna c-cum.”

“It’s okay. Just let go Gguk, and cum inside me..,” And with that Jeongguk buried his face into the crook of Taehyung’s neck and finally did as told with loud groans of satisfaction, while slowly and deeply milking his spunk inside the other.

Taehyung supported the back of Jungkook’s head near his neck and encouraged his thrust by gently pushing his bottom against him to help him go as deep as possible, while moaning away into his ear from the warmth he felt by getting filled, “Agh~there you go…oh, god Gguk…”

Time passed but they remained entwined, their bodies pressed together, finding solace in the silence that enveloped them. Without the need for words, they basked in the serenity of the moment, gradually regaining themselves and allowing their breaths to steady. After a while, Jeongguk carefully pulled away once he knew that he emptied himself inside the other and fell next to Taehyung on the bed, breathing softly while staring at the ceiling.

Jeongguk loved every single second of it, but he couldn’t help but to feel the embarrassment that tinged his thoughts, he felt self-conscious about his struggle to reach climax like any other person during passionate sex. And it’s the fact that it happened to him for the first time in his life, making it worse by it only happening with Taehyung, who he wanted to so badly impress but failed.

“That was…the best sex I have ever experienced.”

What?

Jeongguk's eyes widened in surprise as he turned his head to meet Taehyung's gaze. He couldn't quite believe what he had just heard. Was he hearing things, or was it possible that Taehyung just confirmed that he had managed to impress him.

“Really?” The raven asked dumbfounded.

Taehyung didn’t hesitate to lock eyes with Jeongguk and nodded with a satisfied grin, “I loved it. You were amazing.”

“I thought I fucked up…”

Taehyung immediately understood by what the latter meant, and so with that he scooted closer to his side, comfortably resting his head on Jeongguk’s shoulder, “it was actually really sexy, just saying.”

Jeongguk let out an amused scoff and sneaked his arm around Taehyung’s back to pull him closer to his side, before planting a soft kiss on his forehead. It didn’t took long to feel the other drifting away into dreamland, before he followed suit as he let all of his worries for the future to fade, just for a split moment, while keeping the only person he was so fond off secure in his hold.