Chapter Text
"What is your dream?"
"To be a policeman, and help the people."
"To be a doctor, and cure the sick."
"To be a wizard, and bring happiness."
"To be a wizard, and bring happiness."
Probably not the most common, nor remotely realistic answer a child could give. Let alone for a child as bright and smart as Kang Taehyun, known as one of the, if not the brightest child on their school. But was still, the answer that he proudly gave. Not even a single trace of embarrassment nor regret on his face, as he instead wore the biggest smile he could possible wear. Proud, and determined, to bring reality, to the dream that he had always have.
"To be a wizard, and bring happiness." Kang Taehyun repeats to himself, a small chuckle parting from his lips as he stared at the far afar sun, slowly submerging into a sunset, as the skies started growing darker, along with the wind blowing colder. Something that by now, the young man had grown used to. The sign, that his time is once again, almost up.
"Taehyunnie, it's almost time." Taehyun heard, as a tall figure slowly approaches. Bright-blue hair, gently blowing with the wind, as the figure offered a gentle smile.
"Ahh, Soobin-hyung." Taehyun called back, offering a smile as he nodded knowingly. Carefully resting his hands on his lap, a small book beneath them, as the older tapped the younger's shoulder.
"Did you get to finish reading it this time?" The older asked curiously before gripping the handles of the younger's wheelchair.
"I did, Soobin-hyung." The younger answered with content, a soft smile on his face as his fingers gently traced the title of the book. The Boy Without Magic.
"I see." The older responded with equal content, as he finally started to push. Wheels slowly turning, accompanied by a gentle breeze, as the two carefully made their way back. Leaving the now already empty garden, somewhat emptier.
"It's much shorter than the rest, I had plenty of time to read it." The younger explained, earning a hum from the older, who briefly stopped to open some doors.
"Soobinie-hyung did well choosing that book, didn't he?" The older then playfully asked as the two made their way inside.
"Yes you did, I loved it, Soobin-hyung." The younger answered as he watched the older carefully close the doors, enthusiasm evident on his voice despite its softness.
"Of course I did~" The older immediately answered with a giggle. Happy and content, knowing that he managed to at least, make the younger somewhat, happy. The younger then giggled a response back, as the two finally resumed moving.
The way back, was something that Taehyun has never been fond of. Something even Soobin knows, as despite not seeing the younger's face, he just knew, that the younger's smile was now long gone. Soobin watched as the younger lower his head ever so slightly, offering silent respect as they started moving forward. The younger then lightly tapped the book with his fingers, an effort to at least make some sound to remove the eerie discomfort of the silence. Something which even Taehyun himself didn't expect, not once in his life before, that he of all people, would be annoyed by silence. Taehyun loved silence, and he still does. But there was something about the place's silence, that he doesn't like one bit. It was the kind of silence, that makes him feel, not alive.
The two then continued making their way towards their destination, passing by multiple rooms, all which had different numbers on them. All which once had, people inside them. People who once were, friends.
Taehyun immediately turned his head down, as the two neared a certain a room. A certain room, with an oddly painted door. Or to describe it more correctly, smudged. Various colors of paint, smudged across the door, as if a toddler got ahold of paint and decide to throw whatever he can, wherever he can. A story which Taehyun knows all too well, after all, it was a story he was a part of. And it was a story, that he badly wishes, to stop remembering every single time they make it past the said room. The room, which once had, Taehyun's last friend.
Soobin bit his lip, as he immediately knew how much pain the younger is currently in. After all, it wasn't too long, until the said story just reached its end.
"So, how was the book?" Soobin asked, his attempt of distracting the younger.
"Ah-" The younger trailed, visibly startled as he struggled reaching to an answer. Eyes focused on his lap, his gaze almost enough to burn through, as he did whatever he can to avoid seeing the said room. Something which the older noticed, as he decided to increase their pace by a little, startling the younger slightly as they suddenly found themselves past the said room.
"Ahh! I'm sorry! I think an ant bit my foot." The older pathetically excused. Earning a chuckle from the younger almost immediately, finding the older's pathetic excuse, pathetic. But a pathetic excused, that he appreciated.
"It's a beautiful story, hyung." The younger then said, voice almost enthusiastic as a little smile formed across his lips.
"It's a beautiful story." The younger repeated, as they finally reached their destination.
"How about you tell me about it tomorrow, Taehyunnie?" The older asked as he turned the knob of the door in front of them.
"Sure hyung, I would love to." The younger replied with a smile.
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"To be a wizard, and bring happiness." Taehyun mumbled as he slowly sunk himself onto his bed. Arms and legs spread open as he chuckled.
"What an impossible dream-" Taehyun trailed as he reached his hand towards the ceiling.
"Especially-when you're dying."