Beneath the endless stars
The stars glittered like diamonds scattered across the night sky, their brilliance unmarred by city lights. Jiyoon and Jungeun sat on a hill just outside the village, the quiet hum of crickets and the gentle rustle of leaves filling the air around them. A thick quilt was spread beneath them, and a small lantern flickered beside them, casting a warm, golden glow.
The hill overlooked the expanse of Jiyoon’s village, the soft glow of distant windows blending harmoniously with the dark silhouettes of trees. The air smelled of freshly tilled soil and blooming wildflowers, grounding the two of them in the peaceful simplicity of the countryside. Jungeun leaned back, propping herself up with her hands as she gazed at the endless expanse of stars above. Her breath hitched slightly—it was a sight she rarely saw in the city, where the neon lights drowned out the cosmos.
“This,” she murmured, her voice soft but filled with awe, “is incredible. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many stars in my life.”
Jiyoon chuckled, the sound low and comforting. “It’s one of my favorite things about living here. No matter how hard or busy the day gets, the stars always remind me to slow down and breathe.”
Jungeun turned her head to look at her. The soft lantern light illuminated Jiyoon’s face, highlighting the serene smile on her lips and the sparkle in her eyes as she stared up at the heavens. Jungeun couldn’t help but smile herself, her heart swelling with something she couldn’t quite put into words.
“They’re beautiful,” Jungeun said, her gaze lingering on Jiyoon a moment longer. “But… I think I like this moment even more.”
Jiyoon turned to her, her brow raising slightly. “This moment?” she asked, her voice teasing but curious.
Jungeun nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Being here with you. It’s… peaceful. Real. Like the world has stopped spinning for a little while, and it’s just us.”
Jiyoon’s expression softened, her teasing demeanor giving way to something more tender. “I feel the same way,” she admitted quietly. “It’s not every day someone comes into your life and makes everything feel… brighter.”
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their words settling between them like a shared secret. The cool breeze brushed against their skin, but neither of them moved to adjust their blankets. Instead, they seemed to draw warmth from the closeness of each other.
“Do you ever think about the future?” Jiyoon asked suddenly, her voice tentative. She picked at a loose thread on the quilt, her gaze dropping to the ground.
“All the time,” Jungeun replied, a small sigh escaping her lips. “It’s hard not to when you’re in my line of work. Every decision feels like it could change everything.”
Jiyoon nodded, her fingers pausing their fidgeting. “Same here, but for different reasons. I’ve been thinking a lot about expanding the farm. Turning it into something eco-friendly, something sustainable. I want to create a place where people can come, learn, and connect with nature. But it’s such a big leap…”
“It’s a beautiful dream,” Jungeun said, her voice filled with admiration. “And if anyone can do it, it’s you. You have this… quiet strength about you, Jiyoon. It’s inspiring.”
Jiyoon blinked, her cheeks flushing at the compliment. “That means a lot, coming from you,” she murmured. “But what about you? Do you ever think about what you want, beyond being an idol?”
Jungeun hesitated, her gaze drifting back to the stars. “I do,” she admitted. “I love music, but sometimes I wonder if there’s a way to do it without all the… chaos. I’ve been writing songs, producing a bit. I want to create something that’s mine, something that feels honest. But it’s hard to figure out where that fits into my life right now.”
Jiyoon reached over, her hand brushing against Jungeun’s. “You’ll find a way,” she said gently. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned about you, it’s that you don’t give up easily.”
Jungeun smiled, the touch of Jiyoon’s hand grounding her in the moment. “Thanks,” she said softly. “That means more than you know.”
The conversation tapered off, replaced by a comfortable silence. They lay back on the quilt, their shoulders touching as they stared up at the endless sky.
After a while, Jiyoon turned her head slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Do you think the stars ever get tired of shining?”
Jungeun smiled at the question, her chest tightening with affection. “Maybe,” she replied. “But I think they shine because they know someone’s looking. Someone who needs their light.”
Jiyoon turned her head fully to face Jungeun, her eyes soft and full of emotion. “You’re kind of like that,” she said quietly. “Always shining, even when it’s hard.”
Jungeun’s breath caught, and she turned to meet Jiyoon’s gaze. For a moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them, their faces illuminated by the soft light of the lantern and the glow of the stars.
And then, slowly, almost hesitantly, Jiyoon leaned in, her lips brushing against Jungeun’s in a kiss as soft and fleeting as a shooting star. It was gentle but full of meaning, a silent promise spoken in the stillness of the night.
When they pulled apart, Jiyoon’s eyes searched Jungeun’s, a question unspoken but understood. Jungeun answered with a smile, her hand reaching up to cup Jiyoon’s cheek.
“Keep shining,” Jiyoon whispered, her voice barely audible.
“Only if you stay by my side,” Jungeun replied, her voice steady despite the pounding of her heart.
And as they lay there beneath the endless expanse of stars, it felt as if the universe had aligned just for them, weaving their lives together in a tapestry of light and possibility.