Sunlight & Sundown - Chapter 1 - Nalcu (2024)

Chapter Text

J’s POV.

Jisung doesn’t know him, but he loves him.

He has short brown hair, and bangs that fall over his eyebrows and graze his eyelashes. His features are sharp, yet seem so soft to touch. A top lip that’s bigger than his bottom, but still doesn’t hide his two front teeth.

He plays on the softball team with Jisung’s best friend, Seo Changbin. He plays like there’s a spirit guiding him, moving his arms and legs just so he can be perfect in everything he does. Seriously, he excels no matter what he does.

Lee Minho of class 3-2. They sit on opposite sides of the room, Jisung in the very front and him in the very back. Yet, Jisung can’t take his eyes off him. He does anything he can to get another look at him. Volunteer student jobs, pass out and pass up papers, etc. He’s become the class’s go-to for work just because it lets him catch another glimpse at Minho’s face.

It was bordering on insanity: doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result. And if he’s honest with himself then he won’t deny it. But he doesn’t expect a different outcome at all. He’s taken pride in the fact that nothing has changed.

Actually, he’s not sure if it’s love or admiration that he feels for the other guy. Most would say a mix of both, or just love, but so far he’s not like most at all.

“Probably obsession,” Minji says under her breath, her mouth still full of honey butter chips.

“Not true!” Jisung protests, glaring at her.

They’re sitting at the vending machine during lunch. Minji forgot her lunch box at home, and refused to eat the school food saying it “lacks love”. Jisung, on the other hand, just doesn’t bring food to school and he prefers not to eat in the cafeteria. He usually just steals a little bit of whatever she eats.

People used to think they were dating up until high school, but they sort of realized the two were more like siblings than anything. Truth is, they’re probably only friends because their parents forced them to be. They’ve known each other since they were in diapers– leaving no appeal. Plus, their types were totally different.

“What do ya’ mean not true? You totally are!” Minji laughs, punching her chest as she almost chokes.

Jisung hits her on the back, scowling. “Am not! Seriously, I just think he’s overly cool!”

She spits out a piece of chip, looking disgusted after the fact. Sitting up, she turns to Jisung and looks him up and down. “Then why do you look like that?”

His face, without looking, is beet red. His hair is its usual mess over his eyes, and his glasses are sliding off his nose.

Meanwhile, Minji’s her perfect self. Her hair is done in two cute buns, with little teddy bear accessories on each. Her makeup is done as usual, and she wears a simple sweater over her uniform.

“I always look like this.”

“Ugly?”

“Says you!”

“I sure do!”

“Will you two stop tearing at each other's throats for one second?” A familiar voice butt’s in.

Jisung turns around, huffing. “Stay out of it, freshie!”

Jeongin rolls his eyes and pushes both Minji and Jisung over on the bench, fitting in the middle of the two.

He’s, as said, a freshman, but he’s probably the smartest of the trio. He came into the friendship a little later, probably around elementary for him and middle school for them. A gang of kids were trying to pick on him, and Jisung and Minji went to help. In the end, both of them got beat up while Jeongin stole their money and ran.

Later on, they caught him buying popsicles for his younger brother. They thought he was too cute and “adopted” him to their friend. He protested for almost a year before giving up. Now here they are– still those little kids.

“What are you two doing after school?” He asks, eating some of Minji’s chips.

“I’m–”

“It’s Tuesday, so Jisung’s gonna go volunteer at the animal shelter with Minho~,” Minji says with false cheerfulness, smiling widely. Jisung flips her off and tries to smack her shoulder, which Jeongin stops.

Actually,” He hissed with false anger, “I was going to help my mom out.”

And it’s the truth, for once. His mom runs a bakery named “JiJi’s Sweet Treats”. She started running it after Jisung was born, hence the name. His older brother wasn’t happy about it since he was used to being the name of everything their mom did.

She’s been complaining about the number of customers lately, so he thought he’d help out around even though she never let him before

“I believe it,” Jeongin hums, “This morning the bakery was filled with girls from different schools. They must be trying to live out their ‘shoujo girl’ agendas.”

“Or they just like the bakery,” Minji deflects. Suddenly, she stands up, her mouth wide open and her finger in the air. She gasps loudly once, then twice, and grabs both of the guys. “I have an idea!”

“Eat all of Jisung’s mom’s food supply so she can have a break?” Jeongin asks with a smile, his dimples showing. Jisung just shoves him and laughs.

She shakes her head, looking giddy. “Jisung… why don’t you bake something for Minho?!”

“Right, because nothing screams romance like pastries,” Jisung scoffs, rolling his eyes as he grabs a chip.

“Maybe your secret recipe could attract a certain someone,” Jeongin teases, nudging him playfully. “But, seriously, you bake crazy good. Don’t you remember that girl who followed you around after she tried one of your cakes?”

Minji laughs out loud, covering her mouth when someone walks past with a weird look on their face. “Jeongin! She was following him around to tell him he had food in his hair!”

Jisung blushes and adjusts his glasses, embarrassed. “Okay, okay,” he mumbles, sinking into the bench a little. “That doesn’t help my case at all! Just because I can bake doesn’t mean I’m going to woo Minho with a cake. It’s not like he needs my baked goods to know I exist.”

Jeongin leans back, crossing his arms with a smirk that’s all too knowing. “Oh, come on, Jisung! You know he’s noticed you. I mean, who could ignore that wild hair of yours?”

It’s hard to believe Jisung used to think he was cute and innocent.

“You’re supposed to be on my side!”

“I am! I’m just trying to boost your confidence. Think about it, if you bake something special, and he loves it, it could break the ice! Next thing you know, you guys are talking every day!” Jeongin’s enthusiasm is infectious, and for a moment, Jisung feels a swell of hope.

It dies down very quickly. Because, well, why would Lee Minho want to talk to him of all people? And just because of some quick snack? He’ll probably think Jisung is weird or something…

Minji nods earnestly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “See? I think it’s a great idea! Plus, you could really use an excuse to talk to him without tripping over your words. You know, like a normal person. Or an excuse at all.”

“Yeah, ‘cause that’s exactly what I need. Trust me, I’d trip on my face instead of my words,” Jisung says, but the corners of his mouth tug up despite himself. “I’m not gonna bake for a guy I can’t tell if I love or admire.”

“Think of it this way,” Jeongin says, leaning in. “If it doesn’t go well, at least we’ll have something to tease you about. And if it does… well, maybe you’ll end up impressing him.”

“This is not very motivating.”

“Jisung!” Both of them yell, glaring at him.

“Fine!” he finally says, a reluctant smile breaking through his earlier resistance. “I’ll bake something. But you two better keep your mouths shut about it! I don’t want anyone else knowing!”

Minji scoffs. “Who would we tell? People avoid Jeongin because they think he’s a punk, and they avoid me because I’m a goddess.”

“What is she saying…” Both boys mumble.

“Yes, I’m a goddess. Feast your eyes!” She says, standing up straight and making a weird pose.

They burst into laughter and giggles at both her words and actions, mocking her. They might as well all be stuck as little kids.

˚*✿❀༓❀✿*˚

It’s 7:00 PM when his mom closes down shop, flipping the “Come in!” sign to “Be back soon!”. She doesn’t say a word, looking exhausted as she takes off her hat and wipes the sweat from her forehead. She hugs Jisung and kisses his cheek, walking upstairs to their home.

Yeah, they live on top of the bakery. Jisung thinks it’s pretty cool.

He takes his own hat and apron off, hanging them up. His name tag glistens in contrast to the pink work attire.

“Mom, I’ll finish cleaning up down here!” He yells, to which he hears a muffled response. He shrugs and goes to the kitchen.

‘Fine! I’ll bake something!’

Crap. He’d almost forgotten saying that. It’s not like he has to do it now, or tomorrow, or anytime this year. He just said he’d do it… sometime.

Let’s just get it over with.

Sighing, he pulls out some ingredients he hasn’t touched for the past few months.

The first time he baked he was only 6 years old. He fought with Minji, and his parents left him with an uninterested babysitter. What better to do than try and make some brownies? Yeah, well, it ended with them having to get a new kitchen and little Jisung thinking was going to burn the entire house down.

As time went on, he eventually got better and got to the point he’s at now. He can bake anything in the blink of an eye– not always good.

He puts his phone on a small speaker and plays some music, getting lost in his element. The way he mixes all the ingredients feels like a dance for the soul. A song is made with each whisk in the bowl, and he can’t help but fall into it.

He feels like he’s been put on a stage, one where only those who know him– really know him– can see. They praise and applaud him, urging him on, urging him to make any pastry bigger and better than the last.

It makes him forget everything, even the good stuff. It just puts him into space.

Which is exactly what happens.

When the timer beeps, Jisung snaps out of his trance and stares down at the tray with a smile.

It’s a dozen tiny, heart-shaped red velvet cookies. You could eat them in one bite each, that's how tiny they are. Now, all that’s left is the frosting.

He picks up the container and shakes it, seeing the thick, white, creamy texture inside. He pops the cap and grabs a plastic bag, sticking it in and tying the top. Then, he puts a small dollop of cream cheese frosting on each one.

As soon as he’s done cleaning his mess, his phone chimes with a message.

Momma:

Did you go out for ingredients?

Why aren’t you upstairs yet?

JiJi:

I made some cookies for my friends…

I finished cleaning

I’ll be up.

Jisung smiles and sends the message, putting his apron away and turning off the lights.

He takes the container of cookies and heads up.

The storefront is decorated in light purples and pinks, with flowers lining the outside of the glass, and a big banner reading: “JiJi's Sweet Treats! We love our customers~ Thank you! -The Han Family”. They had put it up last week when a bunch of volunteers came to help run the bakery on a busy day. Apparently, a video his mom posted had gone viral, making a huge increase in their customers.

It was a lot of work, but Jisung loved it. Seeing people come in and eat his family’s pastries with smiles on their faces is enough to make his day. It meant something, if nothing else could be considered, was lovable about him.

He locks the doors and heads upstairs, seeing his mom lying on the couch and typing on her phone. She gives him a lovely smile, her eyes gleaming.

“Thank you for helping out today, JiJi,” She whispers before yawning.

“Of course, Mom, I told you I would,” Jisung murmurs back. They have to be quiet since his brother and father are asleep.

“I’m sorry I took away from your volunteer time, but we’ve been so packed lately and…”

“Don’t worry about it. I’d do anything for you.”

And he means it, with his entire being. He could never hate her, he couldn’t even consider it. She’d done everything she could to raise him and his older brother by herself. His actual father had left him when he was younger, and his brother was always out of the house getting into fights and causing trouble.

If he had to compare her to someone, they still wouldn’t match up to the admiration he feels for her.

She smiles and pats his head. She pulls him in for a hug and squeezes him, kissing his cheek again. She does it a few more times, giggling quietly.

He squirms and whines, trying to pull away before giving up. He hugs her back even tighter before they both pull back.

“Goodnight,” He says softly, going to his room.

“Night, be safe at school.”

“I’ll try.”

Once his door is closed, he sighs and throws himself onto the bed.

He should probably study, but he doesn't feel like it. It's not like his grades are failing or anything. He can just do it later after he's had some sleep.

Instead, he grabs the cookie container and takes out a baggie, stuffing them inside and wrapping a cute, mint green, bow around it.

His new father– well, step-father– has been teaching him arts and crafts. Since he’s been in the family, the bakery has lit up a ton. Everything is way more decorated, especially since he’s in architecture. He helped renovate a small part of it and usually makes banner designs and plans on how to rearrange.

Jisung loves him, and even more so for helping out his mother.

He grabs his backpack and puts the bag inside, setting it next to the door. Yeah, he doesn’t want to study.

Instead, he pulls his cover up to his chin, almost punching himself with it.

As his eyes flutter close, and his vision blurs, the only thing he can see is Lee Minho. Again.

˚*✿❀༓❀✿*˚

It’s past lunch, and Jisung still hasn’t given Minho the cookies.

He’s nervous, incredibly nervous. Like… I’m-about-to-crap-myself-if-I-even-think-about-this.

The thing is, he doesn’t usually give gifts to anyone, so he has no idea how to. The last time he gave a gift he was being forced to give a paper flower to his teacher— he ended up crying for hours because he thought she didn’t like it and he did it wrong.

Minji had suggested just leaving them on the desk, which was the most indirect thing he could do. Plus, it gives him the bonus of not making things awkward if Minho doesn’t like them.

Jeongin had suggested leaving a letter with them, but that just wasn’t his style.

So, he decides on the best option: classroom lockers.

Since Minho plays softball, he leaves some of his stuff in his locker. He’ll inevitably check it, and there’s no lock on it.

They’re in the very back, next to one of the bigger ones for cleaning supplies. Nobody is in class right now, most still lingering outside instead of entering the classroom.

He walks back to the locker and opens it quietly. It’s filled with pictures of Minho and his friends, some with the softball team. Decorated pretty nicely. There’s a softball glove, and Jisung places the cookies in the palm of it.

As for a letter, he leaves a small note:

“Want a cookie? From yours truly, J.”

There were a lot of J names in their class, so it wouldn’t give away much. Well, except for the fact it’s not a girl. No girls in there had J as their starting initial, and nobody would put a random letter in their name.

If Minho thought about it and excluded the guys, he’d assume it was someone from a different class– that’s what Jisung wants.

He closes the locker quietly and makes his way to the front of the room. The door opens, and Jisung almost dives into his desk with a small clatter.

A few students walk in and take their seats, talking amongst themselves. One of the girls, the one sitting next to Minho, leans over and talks to him.

She’s one of the people always near him, but they seem close. She has a short, brown bob. Her makeup is minimal, and her uniform is always done neatly. She’s sweet to everyone, even the “bullies”. Her name is Soojin. Jisung has always thought she was the type of person who could brighten anyone’s day without even trying. Although they’ve never really talked, he’s observed how she effortlessly charms the people around her, including Minho.

This is exactly why he feels a pit in his stomach every time he sees them together. They’re a perfect match.

One of them is the brawns– could also be brains; One is the brains. Together, they could probably rule the world if they wished to do so.

Today, Soojin’s voice cuts through the hum of the classroom as she asks Minho about the upcoming softball game. Jisung can’t help but sneak a glance at him, and his heart does that little flip it always does. Minho is leaning back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips as he talks to Soojin. His confidence shines through, and for a moment, Jisung envies the ease with which they connect. He feels like an outsider peering through a glass wall, desperate to be part of the conversation yet terrified of butting in.

Minho is always smiling when he’s talking to people, but especially her. It hits him hard; he wants to be the one engaging with Minho like that. The thought of being just friends with Minho feels both comforting and incredibly painful. He wants to be the one making him laugh, the one he feels comfortable with.

But with the way things are going… he can’t even give him some dumb cookies.

The room starts to fill up, with everyone now in their seats. A teacher walks in a little bit after the bell rings, looking exhausted.

“Okay, everyone, change of plans. We’re all going to the gym, your teacher for this class got sick,” He says, watching as everyone starts getting up excitedly. They already had a gym class, but the class was full of athletic people who always got sad when they had to go back to sitting in a room.

Jisung’s happy too, since he finally gets to talk to Changbin. They have different lunch shifts, and the other guy broke his phone on accident and got grounded, so they haven’t been able to talk for a while.

Just then, Minho stands up, stretching his arms above his head, and casually strolls toward his locker. Jisung’s heart sinks into his stomach, his breath hitching in his throat as he’s brought back to reality. He can’t look away, frozen in place as Minho opens the locker. The moment stretches like an eternity as Jisung feels the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Minho’s laughter rings out suddenly, and Jisung’s heart leaps—he’s smiling. “What the…?” Minho says, pulling out the cookies from the glove, his eyes lighting up with surprise. Jisung feels a rush of relief and excitement, but also an intense wave of dread. What if he turns around and sees Jisung staring? What will he think?

What if Minho just tosses them aside? What if he eats one and hates it? What if he suspects it’s Jisung who left them? Those thoughts swirl in Jisung’s mind, making it hard to realize he’s the only one still sitting down.

Soojin leans closer, glancing at the cookies with a curious smile. "Who are they from?" she asks, her tone playful, as if she’s in on some secret even Jisung doesn’t know.

His stomach churns. He holds his breath, waiting to hear what Minho will say.

“From J,” he whispers.

“And who is that?” She questions, smiling wider.

Minho’s ears are turning red and he scratches his neck, shrugging and looking away. “Probably–”

“Jisung! Get up and go put your gym clothes on like everyone else!” The teacher calls out.

Jisung jumps up, making everyone else giggle– including Minho. Damn, well, if he didn’t think he was weird now he thinks he’s a klutz.

He quickly shuffles over to his locker and pulls out his gym clothes. His jacket has a stain on it from when he accidentally knocked over the teacher’s coffee cup a few hours ago.

“I can’t wear this,” he mumbles, sighing to himself.

Knowing he has to wear it anyway, he walks out of the classroom to the gym locker rooms. Everyone else was already changing, most of them having left their uniforms in there like they were supposed to. The only reason he doesn’t is because he likes keeping his stuff all in one place.

He changes and slips on the stained jacket, feeling gross in doing so. It smelled bad, too, like old milk. The teacher uses way too much creamer.

“Hey, Jisung?”

Jisung turns to see Minho standing behind him, his ears still red from earlier. His hair is messy, and his jacket is zipped up to his neck. He smiles, his hands behind him.

Just as he’s about to pull something out, Jisung’s being turned around once again.

Changbin’s smiling wildly, probably just as excited to see the other again. All Ji’s attention is now on him, Minho forgotten in the face of his best friend– even before Minji, yes.

In his excitement, he fails to see Minho look down and walk away, holding a clean jacket with ‘Minho’ sewn on the front.

EXTRA SCENE– Jisung and Minji in 3rd grade.

“Okay, 4 x 9?”

“13!”

Minji shakes her head, tapping Jisung’s forehead twice. “No, dummy, it’s 36! My daddy taught me that! Maybe that’s why you’re a dummy, ‘cause yours ran away!”

Jisung starts to cry, holding the top of his head.

“M-mommy!” He sobs, pushing Minji down. “It hurts! It hurts!”

She starts to cry, too, running up to both of their moms. They were both smiling and laughing, now concerned for their children.

“What’s wrong, honey?” Jisung’s mom asks, stroking Minji’s hair. She quickly pulls Jisung into her lap when he catches up, comforting both of them at the same time.

“Jisung started to cry because I called him a dummy for not knowing his multiplication!” Minji tattles, pouting. “Then he pushed me down like a big head!”

Minji’s mom sighs, pulling Minji away sternly. “Little girl, either you tell the whole truth or you say nothing at all, hear me?”

As her mom told her, she says nothing.

“Now what really happened?”

Jisung sniffles, his eyes still watery. “M-Minji said I’m a dummy because my daddy ran away, because- because hers taught her 4 x 9…”

Both the moms pause for a moment, looking at each other. They both slump and sigh softly, feeling sorry for both the kids. Neither of them knew what was going on, really, and stuff was bound to be said.

“Jisung, sweetheart, Minji didn’t mean it…” She turns to her daughter. “Did you?”

Minji shakes her head, wiping her tears. “H-he’s not a dummy… he didn’t tell a lie and I did. I’m the big dummy, and I’m the big head.”

Now, Jisung’s mom strokes his hair and sets him back on the ground. “And what about you? You pushed her down, didn’t you?”

He nods and walks towards Minji, bowing to her and almost stumbling on his small feet. “I’m sorry, Minji… I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

They both stay quiet for a moment before Minji punches his arm, trying not to cry again.

“You big dum dum!” She cries, hugging him.

The next day, they get into an argument about who’s dad could run faster. (Jisung wins.)

Sunlight & Sundown - Chapter 1 - Nalcu (2024)

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