The sun was shining brightly, warming the quiet streets.
Birds chirped in harmony after a long winter night, as rays of sunlight reflected off lingering
patches of snow. It was a beautiful morning, anyone who stepped outside would agree.
People bustled through their morning routines. As the old saying goes: A new day, another chance at life.
The street was wide and open, with only a few cars passing by. Among them was a young man walking with a steady pace, Aiden.
Aiden woke up early every morning, Monday through Saturday, to attend university. He was diligent, consistent. But he wasn't exactly an academic achiever. He wasn't failing, but he wasn't topping any charts either.
He was average.
In contrast, his father had been a top student, intelligent, athletic, and admired. That legacy, however unspoken, loomed over Aiden, creating an invisible pressure.
Sigh.
"The school is so boring," he muttered. "But I don't really have a choice, do I?"
Complaining didn't stop him from doing what needed to be done.
Soon, Aiden arrived at the university. The massive buildings towered over him. Their architectural designs were stunning, almost intimidating, especially the main building, which loomed so high it could trigger someone's megalophobia.
Of course, Aiden no longer reacted to it. This wasn't his first day.
He entered the main building and searched for Room 102.
Inside the classroom, only a few students had arrived. Neat rows of desks stretched across the room. As always, Aiden walked to the far back corner and sat down.
In his opinion, it was the best seat, out of view, out of mind. He'd been choosing that spot since grade school.
But before he could settle in, a familiar voice greeted him.
"Aiden."
"Jaeho," he replied with a nod.
"You going tonight?" Jaeho asked, sitting beside him.
"Going where?" Aiden responded, pretending not to know.
"Don't play dumb. The LUNAE event."
Aiden raised an eyebrow. "You going?"
Jaeho didn't answer right away. He stared at the board with an unreadable expression, then slowly reached into his pocket.
Aiden recognized that move. It was the same one he made last night for his sister.
No way... does he have a ticket ? he thought.
Jaeho pulled his hand out, holding his phone.
"Tonight, I'm going to be the greatest fan LUNAE has ever seen!" he grinned. "YUNA WILL SEE ME TONIGHT!"
"Let me see the ticket," Aiden said.
Jaeho hesitated for a second but handed him the phone. Aiden's eyes widened as he recognized the image.
It was his ticket, the one he sold online last night.
He couldn't laugh. He didn't dare. Jaeho didn't know the truth, and Aiden didn't plan to tell him.
"How much did this cost?" he asked, handing the phone back. "Around 1xxxxx won?"
Jaeho froze. "Ho–how did you know?"
"I looked it up last night," Aiden said casually, brushing it off.
"You're lucky, Jaeho. You'll get to see LUNAE tonight."
A smug smile spread across Jaeho's face.
"Of course. And for the record, LUNAE will be seeing me, not the other way around."
"You're such a weirdo," Aiden muttered.
"Relax, I'm joking." Jaeho turned serious for a moment. "You should've come too, Aiden. I bet Minji will look amazing tonight."
Those words hit Aiden like a truck. His eyes widened.
Minji.
Regret slammed into him like a wave. He hadn't even thought about that when he sold the ticket.
I'm such an idiot. Why didn't I think of that?
Classic average joe move.
He scratched his head and slumped over his desk, eyes starting to well up.
"Are you okay?" Jaeho asked.
"No," he whispered back.
The classroom slowly filled with students. Soon, the professor arrived and started the lecture.
"Class, take your seats."
Everyone settled in. The two-hour lecture dragged on endlessly for Aiden.
When it finally ended, Jaeho tapped his desk.
"Let's grab lunch before heading home."
Still sulking, Aiden nodded. "Alright."
The two made their way to the rooftop, a quiet and breezy place. The wind brushed through their hair, and the sun warmed the unshaded space. The silence up there rivaled even the library.
They opened their lunch boxes. The smell of warm food filled the air, mixing between them. Both glanced at each other's lunch, a little jealous but content.
After a while, Jaeho broke the silence.
"LUNAE's come a long way, huh?"
"Yeah," Aiden replied.
Another pause. Then Aiden added, "I've been a fan since their debut. Honestly, at first, I thought they'd flop."
It was a common feeling, watching someone start small, unsure if they'd ever make it.
"But I guess you never know with life," he continued. "You don't see the ending until you live it."
"Exactly," Jaeho said, nodding. "That's what makes them different from us. They work hard, every single day, and now look at them."
He chuckled. "All we can do now is support them 'til the end."
Aiden stood up and brushed off his pants.
That simple rooftop moment, two friends eating lunch, reflecting on dreams, was the kind of quiet beauty life rarely offers.
"See you on Monday, Aiden."
"Enjoy the concert," he replied with a weak smile.
They cleaned up their things and headed back down.
As they descended, Aiden couldn't help but wonder
How many people out there are grinding like LUNAE did, chasing a dream no one believes in?