They were vastly different. One only had to take a look at either of them to see those distinctions. It was a miracle either of them had become friends in the first place. It was even more of a miracle that they had become friends where they had.

They had grown up together in the slums of Seoul, playing in construction buildings and running around dangerous streets. They never really ventured beyond the derelict part of town, never trying to breach the rich, pristine world beyond their rundown buildings, too timid to cross the train tracks. Even though they had never tried, they still wished for the better life.

They had gone to the same dilapidated building that their neighbourhood called a school and they were always in each other’s class on account of one being an “extra special genius”. It was there that they found each other and since then, had never really been apart.

Lee Sungmin, by all accounts, should not have ended up where he did. He had only gotten there due to some unfortunate transaction, ending with his father’s death and a quick escape from society. The Lees had moved the slums of Seoul where life had steadily gotten worse: an abusive mother and an angry brother.

He was a nice boy despite this; he spoke when spoken to, had a soft, appealing look and a gentle demeanour. He was magnetic; people were drawn to him without knowing why. He was never popular but he was approachable and warm, giving without receiving.

He had chocolate brown eyes that got darker when he was angry or afraid. His hair had gone through a couple of stages in brown, blonde and even pink. Now it was black; light hair was too much work. He had a nicely shaped face with good features and his smile was just another thing altogether. And he loved pink.

Cho Kyuhyun was quite different in comparison. He was partially the reason for Sungmin’s decreasing popularity growing up. Once he had staked a claim on something, it was his and Sungmin was no different.

He was tall and lanky with a smirk that could either be melting or dangerous. His dark eyes would either smoulder or pierce depending upon the situation. He had a deep, full voice which allowed him to sing beautifully. But he almost never did.

He only spoke to people he felt like talking to and snarky was his middle name. People were shy around him due to his attitude and looks. He was smart without being bookish and somewhat cocky when it came down to it but he was relatively unnoticed.

The two of them had become friends in grade one. Kyuhyun had skipped because of his smarts and was the outcast. Sungmin, who at that time had been quite popular, came over and asked him to be his partner in a game. Since that time, Kyuhyun’s confidence grew and Sungmin’s popularity dropped drastically.

It doesn’t matter who approves of their friendship or who doesn’t. Kyuhyun doesn’t care about the opinions of others and Sungmin cares too much for his best friend. And that’s where the trouble starts.

It isn’t visible. It’s internal. Throughout their lives, Sungmin has grown up with a feeling in his heart that he has only just learned to name, realize and accept. He loves Kyuhyun but he can’t tell him because he’s more afraid of his best friend’s rejection than he is of his abusive mother.

So the feeling lies inside, concealed with the very best of his ability. Due to his feeling, he is willing to do anything to keep Kyuhyun safe. That includes becoming the punching bag for people that Kyuhyun has managed to piss off. He’s used to beatings; his mother gave him plenty so it’s a small sacrifice.

Kyuhyun is always mouthing off to someone and Sungmin is always running in to save him. He can’t and won’t let Kyuhyun get hurt. So he will suffer even if Kyuhyun doesn’t love him back.

They are still best friends. They are still constants. They are still opposites. They are still each other’s.

a-a-a

So Semiotic is my new chaptered fic. That was a short prologue. No worries, the other chapters will be longer. I promise! I played with ages here. Sungmin is eighteen and Kyuhyun is seventeen. Hopefully this bothers nobody. This idea came to me when I was listening to the song ‘A River Flows In You’ by Yiruma. It’s a beautiful song. I do not like it because of Twilight. I am not a Twilight fan. I have nothing against it but I’m not a fan. I liked it before Twilight. Anyways, thank you for reading the prologue of this fic. I’m really glad you took the time. Another chapter will be out soon, hopefully! I love you all!