for the first time in a long while, yeonjun looks almost content. away from it all: the struggles back home, the fighting, and stressing about whether he'll even be alive long enough to see the next day. for right now, all he has to worry about is you, himself, and the endless skyline before his eyes.

the steady hum of your car's engine, the gentle waves of music filling his ears, and the breeze thrashing through his hair made him feel more alive than ever. not to mention that you're by his side. it's a much better place than his dingy, cramped apartment.

his eyes drift down to his neck, specifically, at the necklace you gave him. it's special. it's yours, a silver locket that belonged to your mother... and now it's his. he opens it, staring at the words carefully engraved into the metal. "solo per te io cambierò pelle, per non sentir le stagioni passare senza di te." — "only for you, i will shed my skin, so as not to feel the seasons go by without you."

it's italian. your language. you gave it to him after he told you he was tired of everything, and you told him you were too, but that he can't give up. that you won't, so long as he doesn't either. you're his light in the horrible sea of darkness he has to deal with daily.

"i love you," yeonjun mutters as his gaze fixes on you. he's been quiet most of the ride, but the urge to speak those three words was overwhelming. they're ones he doesn't often say aloud, but they seem to come out so naturally when it comes to you. "forever."