Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

     It takes a while for Chan to get used to his new life...but as Woojin said, he was a quick learner and easily adapted to his new environment. Chan took the first week, trying to tend to his injuries and learn of his newfound home — trying to understand how the cold box functions, discovering how the amazing TV works, how the burning plate worked. Chan made fumbles and stumbled his way through on living like a human, he got frustrated and angry, but he never gave up...Giving up would mean the Council won, it would mean that he would be unable to survive. To say Chan was now living on SPITE and pettiness would not be a lie .

     Still plagued by the nightmares of his trial, the pains on his back, the foreign feeling of being away from home ...Chan finally stepped out of the apartment, taking his first walk amongst the humans on earth. He’s not used to this...This is odd. He’s used to viewing them from above, hovering over someone’s shoulder, not walking alongside them. He was sure things were going to go wrong, but he comes to discover after his numerous OUTINGS, that they live much like angels.

     Chan realizes that human society was modeled after that of angelic society, perhaps on purpose as their Creator wanted the best for his beloved creations...Or a more morbid thought, the angelic society was just a trial run before he made the society on earth. No matter, Chan’s heart was still flooded with love for the humans, doing all he can to help them. It doesn’t take long for him to become a favorite amongst old ahjumma groups in the park, a constant companion to the local ahjusshi group near the convenience store, a fun friend for the kids that ran around in the apartment complex, the trusting parents that looked after him as he struggled with things.

     He was happy that he had support in helping him assimilate into society, ever so patient and ever so loving. Of course, they found it hilarious that Chan had odd ways of labeling things and took the time to teach him the proper terms; they invited him into their homes for dinner, to spend time...Chan also had odd habits or did things oddly, the mothers took the time to teach Chan how to cook, how to clean the house, maintain proper hygiene. With all this help, Chan didn’t take long to finally find a place in the human world…

     Despite how human like he’s living as, Chan still hasn’t forgotten about the angelic world (his nightmare makes it very hard to do so); Woojin had yet to come back to give him the information he craved. The nagging question of what he had FORGOTTEN bites at the back of his mind. He can’t remember what he’s forgotten, and why it bothers him so much.

     “ That’s right !! You haven’t met the two boys that live two doors down from you !! ” a mother exclaims. Chan’s attention is dragged back to the group, “ Such hardworkers, so independent. ”

     “ Two boys ?? ” Chan repeats curiously, a tilt of his head.

      “ Yes !! The two boys !! They’re very kind, one of them is so cute. He’s always smiling and happy to help, ” one of the ladies said, “ I think his name was Jisung ?? I forget the other boy...but they always help out when we ask. ” she nods.

      “ Changbin, Seo Changbin, that’s his name, ” someone interjects

      “ Right, right !! The kids call him Binnie , ” another speaks up, “ He looks recluse and mean, but he’s quite a nice kid, ” she states.

      “ But they’re very busy recently...I hear that they’re artists, ”
    “ An artist ?? Aren’t they just students ?? ”

      I hear they’re idols, ”

     Chan blanks out on the conversation, idle gossip isn’t what he’s much into and none of the ladies seemed to have the story straight, unsure of if the boys were idols or artists or students or whatever they were...but that wasn’t what the male was stuck on. He was stuck on the fact that the names, Jisung and Changbin, were oh-so-familiar to him. He can’t remember WHY it was, why the names elicits some sort of emotion in him — longing, sadness, love. He’s never met these kids, how come he feels this way ??

     The gossip session comes to a slow end, the ladies hand Chan a few snacks and reminds him to take care of himself before they all part ways to their own apartment. Chan stops at his door and looks down the way to the flat that the females mentioned. He wants to knock and see for himself who these two boys are, but reason outweighed impulse...It would be too WEIRD to just suddenly knock on a stranger’s door, he’s sure they’re bound to meet one day. With a shake of his head, Chan enters his temporary home, door shutting just as the elevator doors opened, revealing two (tired) boys trudging towards the door that Chan had just been staring at.

     The rest of the afternoon and evening goes by uneventful...Save for the few times Chan had sat down at the piano to play a few keys, still trying to learn each note by ear. The fall from Heaven had jumbled his memory a bit, but he knew enough to be able to play a simple song...Chan hopes to be able to play a full piece soon, he misses the melodical sound of the piano. Determined to relearn the instrument, it’ll give him some peace and familiarity to the foreign area.

    A week goes by when Woojin finally shows up, entering from the balcony. The male startles Chan as the younger hadn’t heard the elder’s arrival, focused on the piano. “ You’ve gotten good, ” Woojin comments, earning a quiet yelp from Chan, turning in surprise. Woojin raised a brow at the male’s reaction, folding his wings as he steps into the center of the room.

      “ You startled me, brother. ” Chan breathes, turning in his seat to look at the other male.

     “ Have your senses dulled or were you truly too into the piano ?? ” Woojin asks, watching the younger stand from his seat.

      “ Perhaps a little both, ” Chan admits, reaching out to grasp Woojin’s forearm tightly before drawing the male into a hug.

      “ Sorry for having taken long...The Heavens is a bit in chaos after your stunt, ” Woojin grimaces, “ And my own ward decided to be a little reckless...I compiled what I could and wrote it down for you, ” Woojin pulls a bound notebook from his robes, handing it to Chan.

     The male took the book with a soft gratitude, taking a seat before opening it to a random page. His eyes scans in the page and takes in the details written before Woojin draws his attention back, “ How has living here been ?? ”

      “ I’m slowly getting used to it. ” Chan mumbles, eyes focused on the page Woojin had scrawled about WINGS . Fallen angels are often denoted by their pitch black wings, darker than night and impenetrable to light...Woojin seems to catch onto Chan’s fixation, and he waits for the question to come.

     “ Woojin, are you sure I have fallen ?? ” Chan asks quietly, looking up slowly. Greeted by silence, a mental standoff between the pair, “ Brother, be honest with me. Why do I not possess the wings you have written about ?? ” Chan urges, desperate, if he had his wings and if Woojin’s words were right, then he had a CHANCE to redeem himself BUT, he possessed no wings, all he had were two angry scars.

     More silence, Woojin -- now unable to meet Chan’s eyes -- tried to find something else to say.

      “ Brother, please , I’m begging you. I must know, ” Chan pleads, a tone of desperation leaking into his voice.

      “ I do not think...you have fallen , but rather been FORSAKEN by our angelic brethren. ” Woojin said quietly, still unable to look at Chan, seemingly more interested in the fruit basket settled on the dining table (a welcome gift from the nice couple three doors down from him).

     “ Forsaken ?? Why ?? This has never happened before !! Are you saying I can never return ?? ” Chan cries.

      “ Chan, if there was a way for me to restore your memories, I would find it. You were defiant and unremorseful, the Council saw it as an act of rebellion , they figured you were uncontrollable so they decided to throw you OUT, ” Woojin murmurs, eyes finally turning to look at the younger male.

     “ I NEED to know what happened, Woojin. Is there no way to speed up my recovery ?? Have you found my Book ?? ” Chan asks.

      “ I will...look into it, Chan, but I cannot promise I will find something nor guarantee it being something you want to know, ” Woojin frowns.

     “ I WANT to know, Woojin. ” Chan firmly states, “ What about my charge’s Book of Destiny ?? ”

      “ I could not find it, I am thinking the Council may have found it before I did and have handed it to another to guard over them, ” Woojin said, watching despair flood Chan’s features. He hated to bear so much bad news for the young male, “ I am sorry, Chan. I wish I could give you better news, ” he reaches out to touch Chan’s shoulder.

      “ No, you have tried your best, ” Chan shakes his head, dropping his head into his hands. He needed to look over the book that Woojin gotten for him, learn more .
    “ I wish I could do more for you, my hands are very tied, ” Woojin takes a seat near the younger.

      “ You have done quite a lot for me, you did not need to go so far from me, but you did. I thank you, ” Chan lifts his head, a heavy sigh ekes from his lips. A nagging feeling returns to his mind, telling him he needed to tell Woojin something.

      “ You are my friend, my brother. I will always help however I can, I do not believe your expulsion was fair, the Council forgets times change and so do we...Angels are not timeless despite how unaging we are. ” Woojin comments.

      “ I guess so . ” Chan mumbles, reaching out to shut the book and putting it aside. “ I...I feel like I have forgotten to tell you something last time but I have not figured out what it is. I cannot recall what I need to tell you, ” he laments.

      “ I am sure you will remember soon. Do not stress, ” Woojin said, patting the younger’s shoulder. “ Perhaps I can find the person who has the Book and get a sneaking glance, ” Woojin offers.

      “ Do not get yourself in trouble, brother, if you cannot, it is fine, ” Chan said with a shake of his head.

      “ Of course, always, ” Woojin nods.

     Silence fills the space again, unsure of what to say and what to do as they sat with one another. “ I...appreciate things you have done for me, Woojin, thank you. ”

      “ Thank me not...You would do the same for me, ” Woojin offers a smile.

     “ Where are my manners ?? Would you like something to drink ?? ” Chan asks, standing from his seat.

      “ Water is fine, thank you, ” Woojin responds, watching the younger shuffle towards the kitchen.

     Chan’s mind reeled, what did he forget ?? What did he need to tell Woojin ?? He knew it was important . What is it ?? His eyes focuses on the water that runs from the tap into a filtered pitcher (something his neighbor suggested), what was it...An images flashes into his mind -- water, running water, a tree...Waterfall ??

     “ Woojin….Was there a waterfall with a willow tree nearby ?? ” Chan asks suddenly, brows furrowed.

     “ Willow tree ?? ” Woojin repeats, turning to look behind him, “ Yes, there is, it is a bit of a walk from the library, ” he replies, “ Why ?? Do you remember something about the place ?? ”

      “ I feel like there is something there, I feel like what I have forgotten could be found there, ” Chan said, shutting the faucet and placing the pitcher onto the counter.

     “ I will look into it for you then. ” Woojin nods, watching his friend return with a glass of water and handing it to him. A soft thank you, “ Why do you suddenly recall Willow Falls ?? ”

      “ Is that what that place is called ?? Willow Falls...I was watching the faucet run and I had flashes of images, ” Chan mumbles.

      “ Perhaps your memory is slowly returning, it just need some triggers, ” Woojin nods.

      “ I hope so, it is quite the struggle already to learn the piano without them, ” Chan gestures to the mentioned instruments.

      “ Patience. I will do what I can to look into memory recovery and search around Willow Falls for what you have forgotten there. ” Woojin said, setting down the empty glass. When had he finished it...Chan wasn’t paying attention, he numbly nods at the male’s words.

      “ Be careful, ” Chan said.

      “ Always, ” Woojin assured the younger, standing from his seat. Reaching out to pull Chan into a tight embrace, “ Take care of yourself. ”

      “ I will. ” Chan nods, returning the hug tightly before letting go and accompanying the elder male towards the balcony.

      “ Keep practicing the piano, I am sure you will become a maestro. ” Woojin teases.

      “ I do intend to do so, ” Chan gives a lopsided grin. He waves goodbye to his friend before shutting the door behind him, he’s made quite a habit of leaving them open during the day and shutting them at night for hope that Woojin would drop by and visit.

     Woojin returns to the Heavens, cautious of his steps…Recently, he’s taken quite to be like Chan, secretive and full of lies…

      ‘ No, no, Woojin...Do not think of your friend as such. Chan meant well for his charges. ’ he chides himself softly, ‘ You would do the same to protect your ward and friends, ’ he reminds himself as he sets on the path back to his home.

     Slowly making his way back into society, he greets familiar faces with smiles and gentle nods. Despite his bright smiles, his mind was busy formulating questions to ask the elderly librarian on resources he should find for restoring forgotten memories.

     Making plans for the next few days, he waves a gentle greeting to his neighbor before disappearing into his home. Locking the door behind him, a soft sigh ekes from Woojin’s lips before he moves to take a seat near the window, sinking deep into the chair. Eyes slipping shut, fatigue from traveling and thinking...He really wished Chan was more careful, was better at his secrecy, all this sneaking around was taking it out of him.

     Running around, trying to make sure his ward is staying out of trouble and fulfilling his promises to Chan. Perhaps he should not have taken on so much burden, but he cannot tell anyone else about this...Can he ?? Rubbing his temple, was there someone he can TRUST that would help him ??  

     Hyunjin ?? No, that boy has a bit of loose lips. A sweet boy but, not the type to really keep a proper secret. Jeongin is still a boy who’s learning, he would not be of much help..

     Woojin was tired but his mind was racing miles per minute, he couldn’t sleep if he wanted to...Wait, when did it get so dark ?? How long has he been sitting there ?? No matter, the darkness is much better to cover his search, in case he does find something. Heading for the door, he pulls it open to be greeted with crisp night air, dim lanterns and other angels scurrying home or out for a light walk.

     “ Out for a walk, Woojin ?? ” one called.

      “ Of course, it is too beautiful a night to not gaze on the starry sky, ” Woojin replies.

      “ Ahh, of course! Enjoy your walk, love, ” they called back.

     Woojin only waves as he sets off towards the library, it led to the Falls much quicker than walking through the forest. Another thought strikes Woojin, he should have pressed for more details on what he was looking for...He can’t just blindly look around for something, he could be looking for anything .

     He stands near the Falls, eyes turned to the sky to take in the shimmering stars and the glowing moon, taking in the beautiful sight of the night sky...It’s relaxing, it’s calming; bathed in the moonlight and surrounded by the sound of the running water. It’s no wonder Willow Falls is such a popular spot for angels to visit when they’re seeking some healing from their busy lives.

     Woojin takes a moment to soak in the environment, to just lose himself within the moment...To enjoy himself and temporarily forget the hassles of his current situation. He takes the time to himself, unwinding, he needs this...he needs a vacation (a word he learned from the humans, for when they wanted to get away from work), but can angels even get vacations ?? They truly work until their lifespan ends...When does their lifespan end ??

     Not the time for an existential crisis, Woojin !! He hates Chan for that, making him question everything he knew about being an angel.

     Setting to work, he’s not sure what he’s looking for, but Chan mentioned the willow tree, it was worth a shot to look around there first then expand outwards. Woojin approaches the old tree with curious eyes, searching the trunk for anything odd from a distance. Standing right next to it, he reaches out to pat the bark, “ What did Chan leave here, hm ?? Can you tell me ?? ” the male asks, as if the tree was going to answer.
    Removing his hand, Woojin takes a step back to look over the trunk, trying to see if there was anything odd embedded in it or the dirt...Slow steps, careful eyes, he truly wasn’t sure what he was looking for. Woojin walks around the tree, finding nothing out of the ordinary; a heavy sigh ekes from his lips, this SEARCH was going to take him nights !!

     Maybe it was worth trying to grill Chan for more clues...But he can’t return so soon, people would be suspicious of him for the constant visits to the human realm. He has to wait, so in the meantime, he’ll continue searching aimlessly with hopes he can get a clue of what he’s seeking.

     Woojin takes a step back, ready to leave, when a breeze blows by, rustling the wispy branches of the tree, letting moonlight peek through and in that brief moment, something GLIMMERED. His eyes narrows, hand moving to rub at them in case he was just dreaming of seeing something. Taking a chance, Woojin reaches out to move the branches gently to let the moon peek through again and he sees something sparkle yet again. Dropping the branches, he moves towards the spot, kneeling down to touch the area he saw glimmer.

     To his surprise, his hand doesn’t come in contact with rough bark, but instead, he sees the image distort as his hand pass through. “ Glamor ?? ” he whispers to himself, when did Chan learn how to do this ?? Not that he can ask the man himself, when Chan can’t even remember what exactly transpired that fateful day…

     Woojin marvels at how well done the glamor was done by passing his hand through the illusion for a few more seconds before he truly sets to figure out what was hidden beneath it. He roots around the space for a bit before his hands feels something soft...Fabric. Gripping the cloth, he pulls out a rectangular package. Could this be what Chan envisioned ?? What is it ??

     He unwraps a part of the cloth, unsure if this was the place to fully undo the packaging, yet he wanted to know what it was, in case it WASN’T what Chan was seeking, then he could put it back without the person knowing he ever disturbed it. Moving a corner of the cloth, he catches sight of a familiar cover; a little more and he’s face to face with a part of really familiar symbol, and his body stiffens.

     This has GOT to be what Chan was seeking...The Book of Destiny for the humans he was looking for...No, wait, there should be two . Woojin rewraps the cloth around the Book he currently held before reaching back into the glamor in search of the second Book, finding it also wrapped in a similar fabric.

     Rising to his feet, Woojin clutches the Books to his chest, heart pounding. The things that could happen if he’s discovered with these Books...The implications, the amount of trouble he could be in. His mind reels at the thought of it; he had initially thought Chan was being nostalgic as his memories returned slowly, maybe even hidden some trinkets here...He never expected Chan to have hidden the two Books of Destiny for the two charges.

     Rushing home, he needed to hide these first, then figure a way to smuggle it to Chan, get it out of his possessions.What in the Creator’s name has Chan done ?? Why has Chan done this ?? Oh, those poor souls, they must be so LOST these past few days with no heavenly guidance and the Books supposedly lost , they’d have no idea what to do or where to go...

     They were tired...Things haven’t been going WELL as of recent, everything that could have gone wrong, have gone wrong and neither boys knew WHY. Jisung and Changbin have been feeling a little lost as of recent, a little lackluster...Like their luck had suddenly run out, they had no idea what to do.

     Initially, they figured a change of scenery was going to help them out, so they went to a local cafe, put their brains together and came up with something mediocre, but unsatisfying. It takes a few more hours of them wracking their musical minds before they ultimately called it a day, trudging home from another fruitless jam session.

     Bags slung across their shoulders, the two bickered about food and about rent, the upcoming rap competition as the rode the elevator up to their floor. The doors slide open just as another apartment door slams shut, neither boys paid it any mind, too wrapped up in their own world.

     Heavy steps take them down the hall, when Jisung suddenly pauses, head tilted as if he’s trying to listen in on something.

      “ Jisung, don’t be a creep… ” Changbin sighs, noticing a lack of footsteps echoing his own, turning to see the younger male stopped in front of their landlord’s apartment.

      “ The ahjumma downstairs said someone’s currently renting the space while they’re out on vacation, ” Jisung replies, “ And it sounds like they’re home, ” he comments.

      “ Jisung, leave them alone, ” Changbin huffs, exasperation taking to his tone.

     “ But aren’t you curious about this handsome, angelic boy they keep talking about ?? ” Jisung questions, moving to join Changbin in front of their own door.

      “ Yes, but we have more important things to worry about, LIKE if we don’t figure something out for our next competition, we’re gonna starve, ” Changbin angrily jams his key into the lock.

     “ Ya tryna get us locked out, bro ?? ” Jisung asks, eyes focused on the lock as the elder opened the front door to let them in.

     They were lucky that it was summer vacation, which means they can stay up all hours of the day / night to work on their music, enter more competitions and perfect their crafts...Which was GREAT, but not so great when they’re constantly meeting odd blocks on the way.

     The two boys were sprawled out on the living room floor, tired from wracking their minds for something to work with...No beats sound good, no lyric made an impact...They were tired out, what was going on ?? They were never stuck for this long, the situation was becoming dire.

      “ Bin...Maybe we should just withdraw from this competition and focus on figure out why we can’t get anything down… ” Jisung reluctantly mumbles.

     “ But the rent, Jisung...the RENT !! ” the elder exclaims, “ And the bills, and the food, ” he lists, always a bit more of the practical one in the pair. Of course, they could always ask their parents for help, but they were supposed to be PROVING that they can survive by themselves.

      “ I knowww… ” Jisung whines, throwing his arms over his eyes. Things fall silent for a brief moment, both of them wondered if the other had fallen asleep when Jisung suddenly bolts up, effectively startling a very focused Changbin.

      “ I hear a piano, ” Jisung declares, eyes wide. Changbin points to the keyboard in front of him, eyes furrowed. “ No, shh...listen, ” he hushed the elder, pointing into the air. Sure enough, the muted sound of a piano ( or so they think ) wafts through the air.

     Jisung scrambles to his feet, wanting nothing more than to find the source...He’s never heard anyone else on this floor play an instrument ( even badly...though, he has to say, this wasn’t bad at all, not the sort of music he listens to but he recognizes it as a hymn ).

     “ Sung, what are you doing ?? ” -- Jisung ignores the elder as he opens the front door to stick his head into the hallway, then cautious step into the hallway, following the sound.

      “ Han JIsung, please...you’re going to freak someone out, ” Changbin huffs, following the younger, if not out of curiosity, then to keep Jisung out of trouble.

      “ It’s coming from the landlord’s apartment, ” Jisung states, standing right in front of the door.

     “ Han Jisung, don’t you dare… ” Changbin warns, eyes narrowing. He knew what the younger was about to do, and his suspicion was confirmed when he sees the other lift a hand, ready to ring the doorbell. “ Han Jisung !! Come here !! ” he demands, much like a mother would to her misbehaving child.

      “ Too late, ” Jisung chirps as he presses the bell, watching Changbin’s body slump in defeat as the elder trudges over.

     They hear the piano stop, silence, shuffling...Changbin was about to nudge Jisung and scold him for scaring their neighbor when the door opens slowly, wide eyes peering around the door, cautious and almost fearful.

     Changbin’s hand immediately finds the back of Jisung’s neck, pushing the boy forward so he’d bow. “ Sorry, we didn’t mean to suddenly ring your bell. Jisung’s a bit of a curious soul, ” Changbin blurts.

     “ Hyung, let. Go !! That hurts !! What were you gonna do ?? Slam my head against the door as an apology ?? ” Jisung hisses, struggling against the other’s tight grip.

     “ We wouldn’t be in this mess if you just stopped being so trigger happy !! ” Changbin hisses back.

     “ We weren’t doing anything anyways, what’s wrong with greeting a new neighbor ?? ” Jisung shoots back.

     “ What’s wrong is you’re being CREEPY about it !! ” Changbin retorts

     Jisung was about to respond when they hear a soft laugh, and both boys look towards the source, having been so wrapped up in their argument, they hadn’t even noticed the stranger had fully opened the door now. It takes Jisung a few seconds to marvel at the male, “ Oh...wow, you REALLY are handsome… ” he breathes.

     “ I...oh...T-Thank you ?? ” the stranger replies, rubbing the back of his neck.

     “ Bin !! ” Jisung hisses, nudging the elder, seemingly also starstruck by the male in front of him.

     “ Huh ?? Oh !! ” Changbin snaps out of his daze, “ S-Sorry, I...uh… ” he stammers, trying to gather his thoughts.

      “ I am Chan, ” the stranger offers, holding out a hand.

     “ Han Jisung !! ” the younger chirps, immediately reaching out to shape the other’s hand, “ And Mr. Speechless is Seo Changbin, ” he introduces the other.

     “ Nice to meet you, ” Chan said, offering a small smile, “ Would you...like to come in ?? ” he asks, stepping aside to welcome the two boys in.

      “ N-- ” Changbin starts before he was suddenly interrupted.

      “ Boy, would we love to, ” Jisung states, bounding right in.

     “ Jisung !! ” Changbin hisses, only to receive a cheeky response of Jisung sticking his tongue out at him. Reluctantly entering the apartment, he mutters a soft apology to Chan.

     The younger immediately begins to marvel at everything in the apartment, but his eyes are drawn to the piano near the balcony door, “ Do you play ?? ” he asks, eager to find out if he was right, that someone in this apartment knew how to play the piano.

      “ Oh...Y-Yes, I do, but I am...Not very good at it yet, ” Chan admits.

     “ Oh ?? Are you self-taught ?? ” Changbin suddenly pipes up, “ You sounded like you’ve played for a long time just now, ” he comments, before he caught himself. “ S-Sorry, we didn’t mean to eavesdrop, Jisung just said he heard something like the piano and then we ended up at your door, ” he quickly explains.

      “ Was it that loud ?? I am so sorry, ” Chan quickly apologizes.

      “ No, no !! It was really good, we don’t know a lot of people in this complex that knows how to play an instrument well, ” Changbin interjects.

      “ I used to know how to play, ” Chan offers, “ I am just trying to...Relearn it, ” he explains.

     “ Well, you’re doing a FANTASTIC job !! ” Jisung chirps, “ Do you have any food ?? ”

     “ HAN JISUNG !! ” Changbin bristles, truly feeling like the mother of a toddler. “ I’m so sorry, Jisung’s...a bit of a troublemaker. Jisung !! Don’t touch things without permission !!  ” Changbin scolds.

      “ It is fine. Children have curious natures, ” Chan smiles, watching the younger rifle through the cold box...The fridge, right, it’s called the fridge.

     “ You speak...oddly. Are you not born here ?? ” Changbin asks, eyes focused on the blond male, “ Yo-You don’t have to answer that if you don’t want to !! ”

      Here….Oh, Korea !! No, I was not born here, ” Chan shakes his head, not a lie...He wasn’t born in the human realm either, but this cute human doesn’t need to know that.

      “ Ah...I see...It’s okay, you’ll understand Korean slang the more you speak it, ” Changbin offers some solace...Albeit, it didn’t sound like anything reassuring to say.

      “ Your fridge is empty, hyung …. ” Jisung whines, shutting the door.

      “ Oh, sorry. ” Chan lamely replies.

     “ Why are you apologizing ?? Gosh, Han Jisung, come here !! Stop causing trouble !! ” Changbin scolds, “ Apologize to Chan-hyung for going through his things without permission. ” he demands.

      “ It is fine, he is just curious. ” Chan said.

      “ You, don’t make excuses for his childishness. You, come here and apologize, ” Changbin demands, if there was someone to be logical and mannerly, it would be Seo Changbin.

     It clicks in Chan’s mind, these two were the two kids the ladies downstairs were talking about...Jisung and Binnie.

     “ Are you...Binnie ?? ” Chan suddenly asks, watching the male stiffen and turn. Immediately feeling like he said something wrong, “ Sorry, I did not mean to offend you. ” he quickly said.

      “ No !! No, I was just surprised you knew that name… ” Changbin trails off.

      “ The ladies downstairs said two very nice boys lived on this floor...and you said his name is Jisung and your name is Changbin…But the kids call you Binnie, ” he explains.

     “ And they call me SUNGIE !! ” Jisung beams, inserting himself into the conversation.

      “ Binnie and Sungie...Indeed, that is very cute names. I can see why the children fawn over you, ” Chan mumbles, “ You two are indeed VERY nice too, ” he smiles.

      “ And I think you’re spectacular, hyung , ” Jisung beams back, “ Though, your fridge is kinda empty...You might wanna go shopping… ”

     “ Shopping ?? ” Chan repeats, brows furrowing.

     “ Yeah, grocery shopping ?? ” Jisung repeats, now concern floods his visage.

      “ I do not… ” Chan cuts himself off, he was about to admit he doesn’t need FOOD...Angels didn’t need to eat when his stomach cuts him off with a grumble.

     “ You don’t know where the market is ?! ” Jisung comes to his own conclusion, eyes wide with fear, “ Bin, we can’t let our neighbor starve, we have to show him where the market is !! ”

      “ Jisung...Don’t force him into things he doesn’t want to do… ” Changbin sighs, hands moving to pinch the bridge of his nose.

      “ But, hyung ...Please ?? It’s not like we’re getting anything done at home anyways, ” Jisung pleads.

      “ I do wish to know where I can get...groceries, ” Chan interrupts. Something about these two boys made him want to spend more time with them...A sense of familiarity with the way the two bickered, the way Jisung spoke and the exasperated words coming from Changbin’s lips. He wants to know MORE...Why do they feel familiar ?? Who are they really ?? Why does he feel so attracted to these two ??

     “ See !! Let’s go !! ” Jisung hollers, already making his way to the front door, opening it to usher the other two out.

     Chan follows the other towards the front door before he pauses, remembering to get something from his bedroom. Human currency...he learned that humans use these currencies to exchange for products from watching the magic box and looking through the all-knowing device that sat in another room...Marvelous items, it’s truly teaching him lots. He wonders if the all-knowing device understands Enochian...

     Following the two boys out, he trails behind them like a lost puppy with no idea of where to go or what to do. He takes in the familiar streets before it morphs into a new part of the city that he had not gotten the courage to venture into. It was much too noisy and busy, he was afraid he was going to get too lost ( and with no wings, he would be unable to get above the mess and find his way back ).

     He ends up in a store with the two boys, a basket shoved into his hand before Jisung tugs him along and began tossing things into his basket, he had no idea what these items were...Angels needed to eat but not often , even so, they didn’t consume these kind of things. When Chan passes by a stack of apples , he stiffens and frowns...That fruit ...Oh, that cursed fruit…

     “ Why are you glaring at the apple, hyung ?? ” Jisung asks, sidling up to the elder while Changbin did damage control and put back items from Chan’s basket that Jisung had thrown in.

      “ I do not like apples… ” Chan states.

     “ Why ?? Are you allergic to them or something ?? ” Jisung asks, reaching out to take one before Chan abruptly stops him.

      “ Devil fruit , ” he hisses, he needs to protect Jisung ( and Changbin ) from the fruit of temptation.

      “ Whoa, hyung , easy there, ” Jisung chuckles nervously as he retracts his hand, “ I won’t touch it, okay ?? You must be so traumatized by it to call it a devil fruit, ” he comments, bounding off again.

     “ You okay ?? ” Changbin asks, looking at the elder with concern.

      “ I am fine, I just do not like the fruit of temptation. I do not know why you consume it, ” Chan pulls a face as he continued to glare down the apples.

     “ Fruit of...Oh… ” Changbin replies, looking at the apple. He wasn’t a RELIGIOUS boy ( per say ) but he knew enough of the culture to know what Chan was speaking of. “ Hyung...It’s a myth, ” he said, pushing the elder away, not wanting to garner any odd looks, “ You’re gonna scare the people here if you keep glaring, ” he warns.

      “ Oh !! Oh !! We should celebrate !! ” Jisung suddenly declares as he stood in the meat section of the store.

     “ What are we celebrating ?? ” Changbin boredly replies, picking through the various meats and cuts to see if there was anything on sale.

     “ Chan-hyung moving into our complex !! ” Jisung declares, “ C’mon, we can splurge a bit, ” he pleads.

      “ Jisung, we aren’t even sure if we can win the upcoming cypher, stop spending money we don’t have, ” Changbin huffs.

      “ But, hyyUUUuuUUNNNnnNNNNGGGggg, ” Jisung whines, “ We can have your favorite, ” he tempts.

     Almost on cue, Chan spoke the same time as Jisung did, saying the exact same thing the younger was…He had no idea how he knew or why he knew, Chan just spoke without thinking.

     “ Dakgalbi, ” the pair said in union, both with surprise written on their faces.

     “ Whoa, hyung, you psychic ?? ” Jisung asks, eyes wide.

      “ How...No, I...uhm….I guess I overheard one of the aunties talk about it, ” Chan lies, how did he know Changbin’s favorite food involved chicken ?? He shouldn’t know that, he hadn’t heard any of the aunties mention it, he just KNEW.

     “ Jisung, it’s a popular dish and Chan’s been staring down the chicken breast the entire time you were talking, ” Changbin replies, “ Who doesn’t know dakgalbi ?? ” he huffs.

     Chan doesn’t...But he wasn’t about to say anything when Changbin aptly lied for him without knowing.

      “ Then...We should have dakgalbi ?? ” Chan asks.

     “ What ?? Why ?? ” Changbin looks to the elder.

     “ Because Jisung said it was your favorite and we’re celebrating ?? ” Chan repeats, now he’s confused.

      “ No, no. We’re shopping for YOUR things, not ours. ” Changbin quickly denies despite the WHINES from Jisung.

     “ Binnie !! ” Jisung chirps ( an audible groan elicits from Changbin’s lips ), “ Let’s make a DEAL !! ” he states, “ We buy it and splurge...If we win, we celebrate that and Chan-hyung’s arrival with dakgalbi. If we lose, then...Then...Then, ” Jisung pauses as he tries to come up with another condition.

     All the while the two boys were arguing, Chan had already tossed the meat into his basket. If the two boys liked it so much, he’ll get it for them...They’ve been so kind, he should pay them back...Though, he had no idea how to make this dakgalbi dish — he wonders if the magical all-knowing device has answers to that...but how does he spell dakgalbi ?? One problem seemed to arise from another, he was beginning to get lost in his thoughts as the pair fought and bickered.

     Maybe the kind aunties know...It was worth a try to ask, he will do so tomorrow when they convene to speak about the complex again. He has learned a lot from these ladies, he hopes the Creator is smiling upon them and shining upon them.

     “ Hyung ?? You okay ?? ” Jisung asks, popping into his line of sight again.

      “ Oh, yes. I was trying to see where I may find a recipe for dakgalbi , ” Chan explains, his response almost robotic.

     “ Oh...See !! Chan-hyung wants dakgalbi anyways, so it’s win-win !! ” Jisung huffs.

     “ If we lose this cypher and not get ANY of the prize money, you’re producing the tracks for the next 4 releases and next 3 competitoins !! ” Changbin declares, smug in his conditions. There’s no way Jisung would agree to that much work…

     “ Fine !! But we’ll win, you’ll see !! ” Jisung huffs, crossing his arms, he was a stubborn one. He wanted to eat meat, he intended to eat meat.

      “ Okay, well, Chan- hyung ’s our witness then, ” Changbin said, turning to look at the elder ( who returned the firm look with wide eyes ). “ If we win this competition, this Friday, we’ll celebrate with dakgalbi , ” he begins, “ If we lose, then Jisung will have to compose and produce the songs for our next 4 online releases and the next 3 competitions, ” he said, “ We shook on it, so now you have to make sure we uphold it. ”

      “ O-Okay… ” Chan lamely agrees, unsure of what else to say. Following the other two again towards the cash out area, doing as Jisung did, placing the items onto a moving belt ( wow !! ) and he learned how to exchange currency for goods...So this was how humans got their goods...Interesting. Angels bartered for things more often than not, but this exchange of paper and metal for goods...This is a good system, he learned there was MONETARY value attached to the paper and metal, all engraved or printed on the sheets. Humans are so intelligent and interesting…

     A little more familiar with the streets as they headed back home, Chan makes note of where to go in case he requires sustenance. He was glad the two males had taught him where to go and how to exchange currency for goods...Chan was sure the all-knowing box would be unable to teach him as well as Jisung did.

     Once on their floor, the two boys also helped Chan sort out the groceries, what went into the ice box and what can stay outside of the ice box. He never knew there was a difference, but perhaps that’s because angelic sustenance does not rot.

     Seeing them to the door, Jisung abruptly stops and turns, “ Come to our show !! ” he exclaims, “ Friday !! We’ll pick you up !! ” he declares.

      “ If you want to, don’t worry about it if you don’t want to...Jisung is just nosy, ” Changbin said, shoving the younger out the door.

      “ I wish to, it must be interesting, ” Chan smiles.

      “ Okay, we’ll pick you up !! ” Jisung repeats, letting Changbin shove him towards their own home, “ Good night, hyung !! ”

      Good night, Chan- hyung , ” Changbin calls, offering a smile before shutting the door.

     Chan had an odd dream that night...It was much different from the torturous nightmares he suffers from, the flashes of memory and excruciating pain he’d wake from. He dreamt of flashing lights, loud cheering, music, two shadowed figures on a pedestal...There was a sense of familiarity being there, he doesn’t know why but he feels at ease here. 

     Was this a premonition or just a random dream ?? He needs to ask Wookin when he sees the elder again and he hopes soon.