Episode 1: The day before the lost
Setting: Various homes in their neighborhood, Korea. It's a warm afternoon in April 2018.
Heeseung's Room:
- Heeseung sits at his desk, sketching in a notebook. His room is a whirlwind of creativity, filled with posters, art supplies, and instruments. He's lost in thought, his brow furrowed in concentration.
- Heeseung sighs, putting down his pencil. He reaches for his phone and scrolls through messages. He spots a message from Jungwon.
[Heeseung's Phone]:
*Hey Heeseung, are you free today? The weather's amazing. Maybe we can go to the playground later? *
- Heeseung smiles, a flicker of warmth in his eyes. He types a reply.
[Heeseung's Phone]:
*Yeah, sounds good. I'll finish up this sketch and head over. Let me know when you're ready. *
Jungwon's Room:
- Jungwon sits on his bed, a book in his lap, but he's not reading. He stares out the window, his gaze lost in the distance. His room is quiet and organized, reflecting his introverted nature. His thoughts are a jumble of emotions: anxiety, anticipation, and a longing for connection.
- Jungwon hears a knock on his door.
- Jungwon: (Softly) Come in.
- Sunoo enters, a bright smile on his face.
- Sunoo: Hey Jungwon! Heeseung said we could go to the playground later. Are you up for it?
- Jungwon looks at Sunoo, a smile slowly forming.
- Jungwon: Yeah, sure. I just need to finish this chapter.
- Sunoo: Okay, cool! I'll tell the others.
- Sunoo bounces out of the room, leaving Jungwon to his book, a sense of relief washing over him.
Jay's Room:
- Jay is sprawled on his bed, headphones blasting music, his room a chaotic mix of clothes, sports gear, and posters of his favorite athletes. He's energetic, restless, and brimming with a need for action.
- Jay's phone buzzes. He snatches it up, glancing at the screen. It's a group message from Jake.
[Jay's Phone]:
*Yo guys, what are you up to? Sunghoon said it's a perfect day for the park. Who's in? *
[Jay's Phone]:
*Jay: Count me in! I'm bored out of my mind. What time? I need to grab some snacks! *
Jake's Room:
- Jake sits on his bed, playing an acoustic guitar. His room is warm and inviting, with bookshelves, art supplies, and a comfy reading nook. He's lost in music, his fingers moving effortlessly across the strings.
- Jake’s phone vibrates. He pauses the music, a smile spreading across his face. It's a message from Sunghoon.
[Jake's Phone]:
*Hey Jake, do you think we could meet up at the park later? Sunoo’s already talking about it. We should all go. It's so nice out. *
[Jake's Phone]:
Jake: Sounds good. I'll meet you guys there. What time should we aim for?
Sunghoon's Room:
- Sunghoon is at his desk, studying. He’s organized and efficient, his room reflecting his calm and methodical personality. He enjoys the quiet, finding solace in the structure of his studies.
- Sunghoon glances at his phone, a message from Jay.
[Sunghoon's Phone]:
*Yo Sunghoon, the park sounds great! I'm in. Make it happen. *
- Sunghoon smiles. He’s always happy to see his friends happy. He types a reply to the group chat.
[Sunghoon's Phone]:
Sounds good, guys. Let’s meet around 3. I'll bring some extra snacks. See you there!
Ni-ki's Room:
- Ni-ki is bouncing around his room, bursting with energy. He's a whirlwind of activity, his room a vibrant mix of toys, sports equipment, and drawings. He's always up for a good time, and his enthusiasm is infectious.
- Ni-ki spots a text from Heeseung.
[Ni-ki's Phone]:
*Yo Ni-ki, wanna hang out at the park later? The others are coming too. *
- Ni-ki squeals with excitement.
[Ni-ki's Phone]:
*Ni-ki: Yes! Of course! I'm so excited! See you there! *
The Playground:
- The afternoon sun bathes the playground in golden light. The laughter of children fills the air as they swing, slide, and climb. The seven friends meet, their energy a blend of anticipation and joy.
- Ni-ki is already running around, a mischievous grin on his face.
- Ni-ki: (Shouting) Come on, guys! Who wants to race me to the top of the monkey bars?
- The friends laugh, exchanging excited glances.
- Heeseung: You’re on, Ni-ki! Don't think you can outrun us!
- Sunoo: (To Jungwon) Are you sure you're okay to do the monkey bars? You know you’re not the best climber.
- Jungwon blushes, a nervous smile playing on his lips.
- Jungwon: Don't worry, I’ll manage. I'm a natural climber, you know!
- The friends laugh, their laughter echoing across the playground. They’re young, carefree, and brimming with life. Little do they know that their carefree joy is about to be shattered.
