Chapter Text
Sounds blasting everywhere. Lights glaring and glistening wherever you look. It takes one a while to get used to it but Seungcheol easily adapted to this kind of environment.
Especially when this is the thing that keeps him alive.
He recently lost his job, along with the death of his father who was the only family he had. But it wasn't hard for him to accept such a thing for his father was only there when he needed money. And him, being a good child that he is, bore that burden until his father's last breath.
Don't get him wrong, he doesn't love his father. No, he is quite indifferent to the man since he never saw him nor be with him as he grew up.
But his mother taught him how to be a decent being. And that's how he lived. That's what he was used to.
What devastated him more was when he lost his job, the job that he loves. For some reason Seungcheol has always been fascinated with kids. He doesn't know why but his previous jobs have always been something related with interacting with children--security guard for a school, a daycare center, and the like. Maybe it's because he loves watching children grow and have fun, being taken care of by people around them--something he never experienced. His previous job was going steady for 5 years. But since his absences were piling up during the last days of his dad, he was advised to resign. With a heavy heart, he did what he needed to do. He tried to look for openings around and this is where his feet landed: a high-profile club.
If there is one job he definitely hates, it is his current job. He stayed with his previous jobs, the ones involving children, because he cannot use his talent. Seungcheol can see the ages of people on top of their heads. He can see the ages of those who are of ripe age, green-colored for those who will still live a long life and red… well, for those like his father who died three weeks ago.
He doesn't know how or why he was accepted in this job. What he can remember is the boss saying that his experience is enough, and his bulk built body would make him a good bouncer. He doesn't know if it's a compliment or what but he did not mind it.
He's in for the money, anyway.
Especially now that he's alone.
So far, he never encountered any problems with his job. Sometimes he would be bothered because he can now see a lot of numbers above people's heads and most of them are red-colored. Seungcheol did his best to ignore it. That is not the reason why he is in his job.
"Hey. You okay?"
Wonwoo. One of the bouncers in the club. He is also the first person he became acquainted with. He's the guy who taught him the ins and outs, the do's and don'ts when he got the job.
"Yeah. I'm fine."
Wonwoo smiled tightly. "If you're tired, I'll just call Mingyu. He'll be your sub for 30 minutes."
Mingyu is also one of his colleagues. He is Wonwoo's roommate and his boyfriend for 6 years. They are in this job because they wanted to save up for their marriage and married life. Not that Seungcheol wants to know but the two divulged about it during one of their breaks.
Mingyu became fond of Seungcheol when the latter got his and Wonwoo's age correct. Seungcheol even congratulated both of them, saying that they'll live a long life together. It's true. Both of their ages are green-colored, meaning they won't die anytime soon.
As soon as Mingyu took Seungcheol's place, he immediately sat down behind the doors, enough for him to get covered and away from the crowd. For some reason he felt sick in the pit of his stomach, as if something ominous was going to happen.
He tried to close his eyes and rest. He can still hear the loud music, the shouting and chanting of people, the heavy stomping and dancing on the dancefloor. It was too much, Seungcheol is about to pass out. He was going to tell Wonwoo that he would like to clock out early when suddenly, he heard a chuckle--a light, sweet chuckle coming from the entrance.
"No, sir, I'm sorry. You're not allowed here. Unless you can show your ID or your membership card, we cannot allow you to enter."
Seungcheol tried to look where the commotion was coming from. He can see a blonde haired man; a slender and gorgeous blonde haired man even if the back is what all Seungcheol can see.
"Hey, Gyu, what's going on here?"
"Oh, perfect. Cheol, we can't allow him to go inside since he cannot show us his ID nor is he a member of the club. But what do you think? Should we let him in? Does he look like he's already old enough? Wonwoo won't believe me that this man is above 18 years old already."
Seungcheol was about to laugh when he heard Wonwoo's skepticism but he choked when he looked at the man being questioned. No, he's not just gorgeous nor sophisticated. He's beyond all that. He's stunning, far from words can describe…
But most of all…
He has four digits above his head. Four digits that are all green-colored.
"Woo, let him in. He's… he's old enough to be in a club."
The man smiled. "Thank you. A lonely man just wants to have some fun on a Friday night." He chuckled before continuing and facing Seungcheol. "I'll make sure to put a good word about you when I get to talk to your boss."
With that, the man disappeared in the sea of people.
____________
Seungcheol couldn’t believe his eyes. In his 25 years of existence, this was the first and only instance he encountered someone holding a 4-digit number on top of his head. He doesn’t know if it’s for better or for worse but that man’s age is colored green, meaning he would still be able to live a long life and he wouldn’t die anytime soon.
"Cheol. You good?", Mingyu asked. "It seems like you saw a ghost."
Of course he can't tell Mingyu. Who would believe that he is someone who's sane yet can see people's ages on top of their heads? Worse, he saw a thousand-year old man who still looked like in his twenties.
"Yes, I'm good. I just felt dizzy. Maybe it's because of the weather."
Perfect excuse, Seungcheol thought. It was so humid a while ago and now it's raining cats and dogs.
"Do you want to end your shift early?"
Yes, Seungcheol answered in his mind. But even if he wants to, his gaze and attention cannot ignore the presence of the thousand-year old man. It was as if something was telling him to stay, to keep an eye on the newcomer.
"No, I'm good. I can still work, don't worry."
"Just don't push yourself too hard, okay?" Mingyu reminded him with a pat on his back.
Seungcheol nodded. He's now inside the bar, on the lookout for those people who will try to mess with other customers or will try to start chaos.
That would be the last thing that Seungcheol would want to happen in his shift. He doesn't want to be in the middle of a fight nor be the one who would stop the commotion and chaos brought by drunk customers.
But luck wasn't on his side tonight. As he was watching the young, blonde man drink the night away, he was approached by two people. Seungcheol tried to get close to observe what the two people would do.
"Hey, beautiful. You want to join us for some fun?", Said the guy in black shirt.
The blonde man just smiled.
But the guy in gray was more aggressive. He grabbed the blonde man's arms and forced the latter to listen to him.
"Come on, don't be shy. We know you're here to have some fun."
The blonde man was startled but was quick to gain back his composure. He tried to stand up and get away from the two men when he was suddenly confronted by the man in gray.
"Hey. Don't be rude. We're talking to you."
"Yeah,", the guy in black chimed in, smacking the ass of the blonde man.
Seungcheol wasn't sure what made him feel angry but the moment he saw what was happening, he instantly positioned himself in the middle of the two guys to protect the man in blonde.
"Excuse me, gentlemen, we do not tolerate coercion and harassment in this club. If you refuse to stop that behavior, we will kick you out."
"Ohoh… who are you? The boyfriend?", The man in blue tauntingly asked. "Hey, for your information, we're one of the stockholders in this club. So fuck off, will you?"
Seungcheol gritted his teeth. He doesn't want to be involved but this is his job.
More importantly, he cannot resist the gaze of the blonde man, as if he was being pulled into the depths of the sea.
Good thing the club's owner, Jihoon Lee, came into the picture.
"What stockholders are you saying? Get lost. I am the manager of this club and I don't even know both of you."
The two just scoffed and walked away, ashamed of what they did. But before they left the club, they made sure to remember Seungcheol's face and the blonde man's, too.
"Good job, Seungcheol. I knew you would be one of our assets here in this club."
Before Seungcheol could even talk, the blonde man suddenly collapsed in front of them, too drunk and wasted.
"Sir, do you know this man? He mentioned you a while ago…"
Jihoon shook his head. "No I don't. But if it's okay with you, I will let you leave early with double pay. Judging from his looks he seems like he's an important person, a VIP. Call a cab and try to take him home."
Seungcheol had no choice. It was his boss's order. He grabbed his backpack, bid Mingyu and Wonwoo goodbye, and ushered the drunk blonde man to a cab.
"Sir? Where do you live?"
But the blonde man was too drunk to answer. He was also too tired to think and decide.
"Where to, sir?", Asked the cab driver.
"To the Downtown Apartments.", Seungcheol answered. To where he lives.
____________
The smell of bacon and eggs greeted the entire apartment. It was a sunny day, hotter than usual. Seungcheol was wearing nothing but an apron and his shorts when he suddenly heard footsteps behind him.
"Uhm… who are you? Where am I?"
Seungcheol was startled. The blonde man who was standing proudly and elegantly the night before is now in front of him, too shy to speak and too cute for his age.
Yes, too cute for his age.
For Seungcheol could still see that green four-digit age on top of the blonde man's head.
"Oh, you're awake. Hi, I'm Seungcheol. I am one of the bouncers in the club you went to last night. I… was also the one who saved you from the people who tried to take advantage of you. I brought you home because I do not know where you live and you were too drunk."
The blonde man gasped. His red cheeks were clearly visible from his porcelain skin. "Oh my god… I am so sorry if I was a burden. How can I make it up to you?"
"You don't need to. It's my job. And besides, my boss told me to do it, to take care of you."
The blonde man insisted. "Still… I want to do something for you. How about I treat you out on your day off? Oh wait, how rude of me. My name is Jeonghan. Jeonghan Yoon. Please do not refuse my invitation. Please?"
Seungcheol couldn't help but notice how beautiful Jeonghan is. Even if he was still bothered by the thing he can see on top of the latter's head, it was as if there was a magnet drawing him closer and closer and he couldn't resist at all.
"Fine. If you insist. My day off is every Tuesday and Sunday."
Jeonghan clasped his hands, clearly glad with Seungcheol's answer. "Yay! Good thing I'm also free during those days. I'll just fetch you at the club, okay? Oh wait, did you cook breakfast? You are a savior. You know I never eat breakfast…"
The man in front of Seungcheol is too talkative, too bubbly. It was as if he wasn't aware of how old he is or what reality is going on in his life, of having that old age. He watched as the latter rambled about anything and everything and he was amused. It was as if he's talking to someone of his age.
Seungcheol tried to shrug it off but there is really something about this guy. It's not the age, no. There is something drawing him closer.
____________
"Thank you so much for last night and this morning, Seungcheol. I really do appreciate it. Please answer my calls and texts, okay? I'll see you on Tuesday!", Jeonghan bid goodbye as he entered the cab. Seungcheol just smiled and waved in return. As he watched the cab drive away, he heard someone call his name.
"Seungcheol? Oh my… Seungcheol, my son!"
Seungcheol was surprised. He turned around to see who was talking. It was his aunt Martina, the closest sibling his mother has.
"Aunt Martina! What are you doing here?"
"Why? Is it forbidden to visit my favorite nephew?", His aunt Martina said with a sad tone.
Seungcheol chuckled. "I am your favorite because I am your only nephew. Come on, let's go inside." He said while smiling warmly.
If there is one family member whom Seungcheol would consider as his favorite, it would be his aunt. She practically raised him as her own, she was with Seungcheol's mother every step of the way. His aunt is single by choice. All that she wanted was to live a peaceful and happy life on her own while taking care of her sister then. But when her sister died, Seungcheol became the sole receiver of her love and care.
"Wow. The energy here in your apartment is so strong. Did something happen?", Asked his aunt.
Aunt Martina also knows Seungcheol's ability. It was not unusual for her since she, herself, is a shaman. She was the one who has been constantly reassuring Seungcheol that his ability is a gift, not a curse.
"Well… I met this person last night. He is already in his thousands. But the thing is, it's as if he doesn't know his real age."
His aunt listened intently. Seungcheol told his aunt everything--what happened in the bar, the name of the thousand year old guy, everything.
"Well, I won't say he has bad energy in him because all I can see is white. Pure white. But his aura is too strong, so strong that a lot of people can be attracted to it. Are you going to see him again?"
Seungcheol nodded. "He would treat me on my day-off as a sign of gratitude to what I did for him."
"Oh my… you are such a good guy." His aunt remarked with a smile. "Here. Take this." She brought out a small paper with inscriptions on it. "This would be for your protection. For both of you. Give him the other one, okay?"
His aunt stayed for a little while. They chatted and bonded until her aunt remembered she needed to go to her doctor for an appointment. But before she left, she said something that definitely made a mark in Seungcheol's mind.
"Remember when I told you on your fourteenth birthday that you will have someone who will change your life in an unexpected way? This might be it, my son."
____________
"Seungcheol!!! You're here!!!", Jeonghan happily exclaimed as he entered the restaurant.
Seungcheol shyly walked towards the table. He can feel the stares of almost everyone in the area because of Jeonghan's greeting.
"I did not expect that you would come. Thank you."
No one can deny how Jeonghan's smiles are so bright, how happy he really is even with a simple breakfast with Seungcheol.
"To be honest, I actually don't have any friends. That night when I was in the club? I was so lost back then. I decided to just give up on life and let things be… I even expected to die that night but then you came and saved me… I thought maybe I was needed for something? For something more? I don't know… Since that day I am just so glad to be alive."
"He is definitely, genuinely happy.", Seungcheol thought. But what baffles him is Jeonghan's cluelessness.
How come he doesn't know that he's already living for a thousand years?
"I'm sorry I'm so talkative.", Jeonghan apologized and smiled before sipping his iced coffee. "How about you, Seungcheol? Have you ever been in a similar situation as mine?"
Seungcheol relaxed. He felt comfortable enough to share some things about his life. He told Jeonghan that he, too, thought of giving up on life when his mother died.
"Must be nice to know your parents… to be with them for a long time…"
"Why? You haven't seen your parents? Even when you were growing up?", Seungcheol asked.
"Actually… I don't know. I can't even remember if I had parents or if I lived with them… I can't remember anything. All I can remember is one day, I woke up in a condo unit, I got enough money in my bank account to spend the rest of my life, and that's it. I don't know anyone, I can't remember anyone or anything. I tried visiting a lot of doctors, trying to find a cure but it was no use. They all said I'm perfectly fine."
Seungcheol felt that his question was answered. But it was just replaced by a lot more. Especially when he's looking at Jeonghan's thousand-year age.
They spent the morning getting to know each other. It was a wonderful breakfast, better than what both of them expected. But both of them also expected that it might be their last meeting--one was too shy, the other one was trying not to expect anything.
____________
"Seungcheol. You do know that the man at the bar area, right? He's been constantly glancing at you for hours.", Mingyu whispered.
It's true. Jeonghan has now become a regular in their club. It was as if a bouncer suddenly had a bodyguard. At first, Seungcheol was surprised but now he just lets the blonde man be.
Especially now that they have known each other for a month.
Seungcheol wasn't expecting for them to see each other again. But it was Jeonghan, always Jeonghan, who was making it happen.
"You're here again. Don't you have anything else to do?", Seungcheol asked as he approached Jeonghan.
Jeonghan smiled sheepishly. "You know the answer to that, right? Besides, it's amusing to observe people here."
"Just don't get drunk, okay? And don't talk to strangers."
Jeonghan laughed. "I won't! I'm only drinking juice!And everytime someone approaches me I always say that I have a boyfriend and then I point at you. They instantly back off. It's effective."
Seungcheol felt shy. "You… Why would you point at me?"
Jeonghan just smiled and mumbled something.
What?
"Just go and do your job! I'm fine here. Once you're done tell me, okay? I brought my car this time. We'll go somewhere but I won't tell. It's a surprise."
Seungcheol pretended not to notice nor understand what Jeonghan said. But he cannot brush it off.
Especially when he now somehow feels the same way.
I like you.
He pretended not to notice. He pretended not to care. It's still too early for such things. Right now, he just wants to enjoy Jeonghan's company. Get to know him better. Know what's the reason behind his age. Understand him and his life better.
And then maybe, just maybe, there would be a chance for them.
____________
"You have found him?"
"Yes."
"Good. Do whatever it takes to kill him."