Chapter Text
Sunoo wakes up startled, hearing a very familiar voice shouting outside his residence, accompanied by the incessant banging on his exquisite mosaic tiled door knocker. He had been in the middle of a fairly entrancing dream before being interrupted by the resident idiot. This was cause enough for him to be displeased; not that he was ever pleased with Park Sunghoon in the first place. He has nothing exemplary or worthy of interest, as once wisely inferred by Yang Jungwon.
He sits up with a groan, running a hand across his face in an attempt to wipe his exhaustion away all the while wishing that the menace outside gives up and goes back. With a disgruntled huff, he gets out of the cozy confines of his bed and slips on his fluffy slippers. I need to start sleeping on time , he thinks to himself slowly trudging down the creaky staircase with bleary eyes, a scowl fixed on his pretty face.
Mornings for Kim Sunoo are tranquil; save for the hooting of his baby and the muggle beats from the old radio. It is that time of the day when he works for himself, on the things he likes. Running Kims Kotions, his very own potions shop, has not been a walk in the park. He loves it, he certainly does, it is his dream after all. Yet nothing alters the fact that single-handedly running a business hasn't been a bed full of roses; he has cried, lied, and missed out on life for this. This is why Sunoo reserved his mornings for himself, Kim time , he calls it. A time when he rejuvenates and prances around in fluffy robes. Some days getting out of bed on time is a luxury, but he does fancy stuff whenever he feels like it.
Kim time is generally spontaneous, starting with a good morning scowl; ‘why me’ is a daily thought. A steaming cup of strong black coffee is what gets him functioning. Sometimes he encourages his newly planted Valerian's to grow well and be healthy. On most days though, he just feeds Koinonos and vibes to muggle tunes whilst catching up on the wizarding news.
What his morning routine undoubtedly does not include is his very unfriendly next-door neighbor and business rival, Park Sunghoon.
Safe to say, Sunoo is not pleased to attend to the haughty fool at all . Everyone in Allure Alley believes they got off on the wrong foot but it’s more than that; in their one year of being neighbors, they never looked at each other with a kind eye.
"What does this idiot want now?" Sunoo grumbles to himself, swinging the front door open rather forcefully, making the hinges creak. He is half in a mind to lecture the brain out of Park Sunghoon for disturbing his sleep and making a commotion outside his house at ass o’clock.
But to his surprise; there is no Park Sunghoon.
Sunoo stands there for a second, staring blankly at the purple signboard of Tinkle Tailors across his shop. Am I imagining things now? he thinks to himself, peeking outside before stepping into the cold, walking a little further peering left and right, trying to catch the sight of the devil incarnate.
He isn’t there.
Confusion is evident on his face as he scratches his head, traipsing back to his toasty shop with furrowed brows and crossed arms. He had definitely heard him.
Is it perhaps by sheer misfortune that I am now dreaming about Park Sunghoon? The thought makes his frown deeper. He shakes his head to clear away all such baseless thoughts, he’d rather be on his death bed than dream about that jerk.
Maybe it's because of the lack of sleep or caffeine . Sunoo concludes, making his way to his tiny kitchen to brew his daily necessity. Coffee is something he cannot function without, not unless he’s on some sleepless potions and refreshing draughts. He doesn’t know exactly when it started but, before he knew it, he was already addicted to the rush of jitters that a strong brew supplied his veins with.
"What are you looking for?! I'm right here." Resonated in the empty shop just as Sunoo sets down the dazzling purple cup of coffee on the counter.
His grip on the mug loosens as his ears listen intently for any sounds; his other hand discreetly creeps up the inside of his sleeve, tightening around his wand. He heard Sunghoon again, this time nearer and clear as day. This wasn't a speck of his imagination nor his sleep-deprived self. This is Park Sunghoon, inside his residence, just a few steps away from him with possibly devious intentions.
Sunoo’s cautious ears pick up a soft shuffling sound from his left, precisely five meters from him. He whirls around, whips out his wand, and casts a successive Revelio and Silencio, all within the blink of an eye giving his opponent no time to react.
There is a muffled screech followed by complete silence.
Sunoo glares at the 5’11’’ silver-haired potioneer in front of him frozen mid-action with both his arms outstretched like Artemision, his brows are furrowed and his expression resembles a displeased kitten; very adorable, Sunoo would have thought, only this is Park Sunghoon and Sunoo can only find him adorable after he’s six feet under the ground. "You're invisible now? Why is your hair silver? Did you dye it overnight?"
After a year of being neighbors and business rivals, he can vouch for his life that Sunghoon’s up to no good, especially since the matters were related to him.
With the history they had together, he knew better than to trust the Junior Park.
"What are you doing here?" Sunoo questions, he’d rather be in his cozy bed than deal with an imbecile punk like him.
Sunghoon straightens his posture, smooths out the crease on his clothes, and pins Sunoo with a judgemental glare. Sunghoon’s glares aren't uncommon for the pink-haired potioneer, he has seen those big angry eyes trained at him far too many times to be intimidated by them, so he stares back, fearless and exigent like always. He folds his arms and watches Sunghoon break into a silent monologue, talking animatedly with wild hand movements and big angry eyes. His gestures and expressions insinuate anger but without his voice, it seems like a comedic mime.
Sunoo finds the show fairly entertaining, he leans against the wall and watches the calm and composed Park Sunghoon lose his temper. His previous scowl gave way to a shit-eating grin. He is certain that Sunghoon would pop a vein at this rate — quite favorable for him.
"Watching you like yabber like this is truly delightful. You can continue with your talks; I'll just turn on some music." Sunoo skips over to the old radio system, fiddling with its numerous knobs and dials until soft beats fill the silence. A suitable accompaniment for Sunghoon’s mime, he thinks.
If Sunghoon could release steam from his ears, he would have been doing it now. How dare Kim talk to me like this? His jaw clenches in rage as he takes a threatening step closer to Sunoo . I'll make this kid respect me.
Park Sunghoon is extremely harmonious and rational — except when he's dealing with Kim Sunoo. When he’s with him, he’s not himself, Sunoo brings out the worst in him, pestering his guts to no end.
However, Sunoo isn’t the clueless kid Sunhoon takes him to be, his reflexes are faster and more accurate, he has Sunghoon under an incarcerous before he could say the word. "Too slow Sunghoonie. Too slow. If I was in your place I'd use my wand, it's faster and more dangerous.” Sunghoon's head lulls down in shame and blood rushes up to his cheeks. He realizes rather belatedly that he had not only acted on an impulse but also forgotten his third limb in his frenzy.
It takes Sunoo less than a minute to put two and two together. "Don't tell me!" he chortles. "You don't have your wand. My my, Sunghoon you really are dumb. Dad would've been so disappointed."
The look of disdain that overshadows Sunghoon's features isn't unnoticed by Sunoo, but he continues regardless.
"But it's alright, I guess. Remembering to carry your wand is too much work for this pea-sized brain of yours," he taunts, ambling over to him. "I wonder how you run your potions shop? Good for me though!" Sunoo chuckles, standing right in front of his hostage. Sunghoon bares his teeth at him, struggling against the ropes with all his might.
"You do realize that you're at my mercy now? Defenseless and vulnerable. I can do anything, and no one will stop me," He says, running a bony finger along Sunghoon's sharp jaw. "I think your jaw can cut some mouse tails with ease. It is so angular after all."
Sunghoon holds back a shudder standing upright; he knows Sunoo is just riling him up, setting him up to do something stupid. Sunoo is like that, cocky, instigative, and cruel, he does things just to feed his ego and satisfy whatever twisted intentions he has. Sunghoon doesn’t want to let him win again. "You can't do anything," he mouths, staring right into Sunoo's eyes, challenging him.
Everyone knows that Kim Sunoo is competitive and proud. The literal ball of fluff has quite a reputation of being a conniving villain when it comes to feeding his pride — a reputation he gained after his numerous altercations with Park Sunghoon. Suffice to add Sunoo never backed away from a challenge, it sometimes cost him a lot but being victorious is way more essential than petty forfeitures — at least for him. He'd go to any lengths to prove a point.
Sunoo's laugh bounces off the walls, it's a laugh that starts from the very pit of his stomach and causes his head to fall back in utter glee. "The prey is challenging the predator? Funny." He says, wiping the corners of his eyes.
Even in his anxiety, Sunghoon doesn't fail to acknowledge that it's the prettiest laugh he has ever heard. Now that Sunoo said it out loud, he realizes he is actually fucked up, considering their situation right now, he is at his mercy; in his house, wandless, tied up and silenced. Sunoo could quite literally do anything he wants and no one will know, fucked up indeed.
With a single step, Sunoo is in his personal space. "Should I settle all our past interactions? Would you like that?" He whispers in his ear.
Sunghoon’s frozen in his spot, befuddled. He has a handful of weaknesses and currently, Kim Sunoo is exploiting his second biggest weakness. He refuses to call it a kink, but Sunghoon is especially sensitive when it comes to his ears; someone whispering in his ear can instantly turn him into a puddle — even if it’s Kim Sunoo, his biggest business rival.
His lips part inaudibly as a gasp makes its way out of his lips, fanning Sunoo's plump round cheek. He's so close, Sunghoon acknowledges. They’re practically breathing in the same air and he can smell wisps of citrus and oak on Sunoo. He would never say it aloud but Kim Sunoo smells amazing. Refreshing but powerful, gentle but strong, balmy but heady; just perfect. It takes him a lot of determination and self-control to not give in to his weakness.
He's so close he'll know if I react. Sunghoon thinks, involuntarily holding his breath and hoping that Sunoo steps away from him before he does something shameful. He knows Sunoo will only gloat about it in the future.
“Would you like that, Sunghoonie?” Sunoo adds breathily and that’s Park Sunghoon’s thirteenth reason. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't help the shiver that ran up his spine.
Fuck. He berates himself for that one slip that will surely cost him his dignity.
Sunoo’s snicker in response is smug and victorious; he has managed to fish out exactly the reaction he wanted from Sunghoon.
This bastard. Sunghoon curses inwardly, closing his eyes and counting till five in hopes of getting over his moment of shame.
Sunoo grins before reeling back, leaving a fairly large space between them.
"What would that make me? I promised Dad that I'll keep you safe . Shouldn't break promises now, should we? Frankly, that's the only thing stopping me from splitting you in half," Sunoo states, as a matter of fact, leaning against the counter with his elbows resting on the marble countertop with an ear-splitting grin on his face.
If Sunghoon was a time traveler, he would have definitely gone back in time to stop himself from reacting the way he did, not only was it shameful but also foolish, he let himself fall for one of those tricks. Again.
"Fuck you, Kim," he mouths.
"There, there Sunghoon, resorting to childish antics again? Did you not learn your lesson last time?" Sunoo fixes his fringe with an impish grin. "I'm very curious about your presence here at this hour; we can skip the pleasantries for now. Tell me why you broke into my shop?" he says, reversing the Silencio with practiced ease.
Sunghoon inhales loudly as soon as Sunoo undoes the spell. "You bloody asshole!" he curses out loud charging at the pink-haired potioneer only for the ropes to tighten around his lithe frame.
"You do keep forgetting that you’re in my territory now, wandless and roped.” Sunoo jogs his memory. “Just a reminder though, you woke me up in the middle of my nap and broke into my house. Calling me an asshole isn’t the right way to apologize."
"Don't make it sound like I'm a scoundrel! You did this!"
"Yeah, I made you break into my house at 7 in the morning," Sunoo says sardonically, focusing on his now warm coffee, paying no mind to the fuming fool in front of him.
"Can you stop being a sarcastic asshole for a minute? I have no interest in being here. Just undo this shit and I'll leave." Sunghoon says, trying to lessen the fury raging inside him.
"You have the nerve to repeatedly call me names? Must I remind you who is in charge here?" Sunoo grits out, suddenly enraged. Gone is his calm semblance and unbothered air, it is replaced by a devilish glint in his eyes and a menacing scowl, his lips twitch in annoyance as he tightens the ropes around Sunghoon making him turn violet.
"Stop Kim. Can't breathe," Sunghoon coughs out.
Sunoo smiles in satisfaction, watching Sunghoon wheeze and gasp for breath is immensely gratifying. "But I'm loving it!"
Thrice. Kim Sunoo has caught him by the hip thrice , in just a day. Sunghoon feels like a fool every time he has to surrender, yet he can't help but walk right into all of Sunoo's petty traps. He can sense when he’s up to something, but he can’t ever stop himself from falling for it. The results are almost always the same. More often than not, Sunghoon has to concede.
"I'm sorry," Sunghoon chokes out. The only way to stop Sunoo is to feed his pride, yielding to Sunoo’s whims is the only way to keep himself alive because Sunoo will never back down first, not even when he is wrong; even if it would hurt him, some kind of persistence he has.
The ropes were gone as soon as the words echoed in the empty room.
Staying alive is a priority, ego isn't. Sunghoon tries to appease himself as his lungs greedily draw in air. His face regains color, but his self-esteem remains trampled at the feet of Kim Sunoo.
"Irritate me again and I'll definitely hurt you, Dad will understand." Sunoo sniffs in arrogance. "State your reason. Why are you willingly here?" Sunghoon has only been to Kim Kotions twice; once with his dad when he took over Elements and Essences and next when Riki became a twelve-inch midget. This is his third and hopefully the last visit.
"This is the last place I want to be in," Sunghoon whispers. "Just turn this thing back and I'll be gone."
Sunoo rolls his eyes at the vague explanation. "I know you're stupid and dense but at least have the decency to elaborate what this is.”
"Don't act like you don't know!"
"I don't. I have pulled no tricks on you since Dad made us call it a truce."
"As if I'd believe you!" Sunghoon laughs out humorlessly. "You gave me poisoned apple pie! I would've been a twelve-inch midget just for you to steal my customers and laugh at my face."
"It wasn't permanent for fucks sake. It's been months and I had the antidote prepared. It was a harmless prank." Sunoo’s frustration is visible in his posture, his shoulders are tense, and his fingers are scratching the inside of his palm. Nothing troubles an innocent person more than being blamed for something they didn’t do; he hasn’t been blameless a lot of times, but he won’t accept slander the only time he is in fact innocent.
"Oh, a harmless prank? Fucking hell!" Sunghoon curses looking anywhere but at Sunoo. "Quit acting Kim Sunoo. I've been really busy; I need to open the shop in an hour. I accept it, I lost. Just stop it already!"
"The fuck are you going on about Sunghoon stop what?" Sunoo asks, getting aggravated himself.
"Just give me the antidote of this invisibility potion of yours and I'll be gone. I'll even send you some Dittany saplings as a thank you gift," Sunghoon grits out. "Are you happy now? You get Dittany saplings and you get to laugh at me"
"I gave you no potions! I have no idea what you're up to and I don't give a damn. Kill a Goblin for all I care," Sunoo yells, turning back to his abandoned coffee.
Sunghoon pinches his nose in frustration. He knows Sunoo could never be appeased by force, yet he can't help but lose his temper around him. Kim Sunoo gets on his nerves. Even when he tries not to react, he somehow ends up making the younger and himself furious. They're always at each other's throats, their tempers are never at bay when they're around each other. Sunghoon should have known that Sunoo will never help him willingly; he's the type to enjoy his enemy's downfall with popcorn. Even before coming here, he knew it wouldn't end well, whatever little hope he had of getting the antidote went into the drain as Sunoo turned his back on him.
This isn't how it will end . Sunghoon thinks, following the potioneer and spinning him around by his arm, using his rage to make up for the hostility he lacked. "You're certainly an emotionless motherfucker. Isn't this enough? You've stolen my customers, my friend, my father, and my peace of mind. What more do you want? Will you go to this extent to prove that you're better? You knew I had a meeting with Mr. Sui this morning and you deliberately chose to poison me today. Isn't it sick of you? Aren't you tired of playing foul? Is winning the only thing for you? Guess what, you're nothing but a cheater. You'll never be anything else. Just a petty asshole who gives away his morals like free samples," He yells, punctuating each sentence by jabbing an angry finger into Sunoo's chest.
Sunoo's eyes narrow into slits as he takes in all of Sunghoon's accusations with something akin to despondency flashing in his warm brown orbs. His feelings cannot be expressed in words, his words could never make anything out of what he is feeling because his emotions were ever consuming now. Most people would throw things or scream or become violent, but Sunoo shuts down, closes his eyes, and pretends everything is fine; the pigeon approach, they call it. In face of all trials, pretense is the only solace he has — ‘fake it till you make it.’
"Very well.” he starts calmly. “I didn't expect anything better from you anyways. If I am a scum who gives my morals away like free samples, then you're not a saint either, I don't use dirty tricks on innocent people. And just for the record, I didn't do it."
For the first time, Sunghoon seems to be losing control of his magical core, his magic thrums angrily through his veins as red hot rage overtakes him. The bookshelves start shaking and scrolls begin floating in the air as he grits his teeth and tries to shun the negativity his magic was being influenced by.
"You're nothing more than a prick. Fuck off!" Sunghoon growls, trying to contain his magic.
He has always been calm and collected, always in control of everything. Never before has he lost control over his magic, never before has he been so close to combusting with rage. Sunoo is like that, he makes you do things you wouldn't normally do, unfortunately for Sunghoon these things never go well.
Sunoo chooses to ignore the whole commotion, focusing instead on measuring the perfect amount of water for his coffee. "For your information, you are in my house." he reminds Sunghoon, ardently returning to his second attempt of coffee making.
"I'm leaving because talking to you is no help. You're just a stuck-up a bitch. I'll brew a potion on my own but remember this, I will never forgive you for this," Sunghoon warns, storming out of Kims Kotions leaving the walls rattling as he slams the front door shut with a loud resonant bang.
The spoon drops out of Sunoo’s careful hand at Sunghoon's departure. He felt a myriad of emotions ranging from anger to sadness and despair. Being wrongly accused does that to you, he supposes.
"Nothing good ever happens after a bad morning." Sunoo sighs, shuffling through his storage cabinet for some calming draught and sleep replenishing potion for himself. He couldn't go without it after such an altercation.
Fuck Park Sunghoon. He thinks, gulping down the potions.
********************
The next time he hears about Sunghoon is three days after their argument.
Sunoo's having his afternoon tea break with his best friend, sassy green witch, Yang Jungwon; when he is interrupted by a very welcome guest, Sim Jaeyoon — Jake, as everyone calls him.
The bells at the entrance chime in greeting and the white lilies dance happily at the arrival of their original master. Jake has a personal touch, a warmth in his magic, which makes things brighter, lighter, and merrier, breathing life into everything. His presence instantly lights up the room, everyone knows when Jake is in the room, he makes his presence known, he unintentionally always does.
"Hey, Jungwon! Hi, Sunoo." Jake greets them, announcing his arrival to the duo.
"Hi, Hyung! It's been a long time." Jungwon greets him with a grin as Sunoo waves with a soft smile. "What would you like to have?"
"Nothing this time. I just have a tiny favor to ask. Please don't say no Sunoo..." Jake trails off with a nervous lilt. He is sporting a wide smile with his doe eyes large and hopeful. Yet, there's a significant change in his aura. Sunoo prides himself in reading people's auras and their feelings like they're books in a Library. Presently, he can feel that Jake wasn't at ease, to put it lightly.
"Yea? What's it?"
"Can you come to the side, please? I'm sorry Jungwon." Jake mumbles, facing Jungwon with apologetic downcast eyes.
Sunoo knows then that he isn’t here for petty pleasantries or minor considerations. Jake has been all for inclusion and made a point to never let anyone feel left out, he would never leave Jungwon alone if it wasn't necessary. This has been one of the contributing factors to their friendship, Jake's persistence to not let him feel lonely gave way to this friendship.
Sunoo eyes Jungwon cautiously, asking for unspoken permission. He didn't need permission per se, but he didn't want to leave his friend hanging alone without knowing if he's okay with it. And if things went south, he'd have someone to share the blame with.
Only after Jungwon's discreet nod, does Sunoo follow Jake to the back of the shop, into the dinghy storage room, which housed all his potions and ready ingredients.
Sunoo switches on the light bulb and leans against an empty cabinet, waiting for Jake . The tension in the room is palpable, Jake is agitated for some reason and his constant jittering is rubbing off on Sunoo.
Kim Sunoo has always been an instinctive being, someone who feels happy by keeping the people in his circle safe — quite contrary to how people perceive him to be. Jake had wormed his way into his tight circle when he first called Sunoo to share his homemade lunch with him. Seeing him worried like this worries Sunoo immensely, more than what he'd like to outwardly show.
"Please, don't say no, Sunoo. I wouldn't have come here if it wasn't necessary.” Jake’s face morphs into one of utter helplessness and he looks older than his years with the deep frown lines decorating his face. “I know you don't have the best bond, but he really needs your help. I tried to help him, but I can't do it. I tried really hard but I failed. I think you're the only one who can help—"
"Jake, breathe!" Sunoo interrupts Jake's distressed rant, putting a hand on his shoulder as he guides him to take deep breaths. When he's sure Jake has calmed down a bit, he asks. "What happened? Is Riki okay?"
Jake nods at the mention of his beloved's safety.
At least that menace is okay. Sunoo thinks to himself, unceremoniously sighing in relief. "Then who is it?"
Jake's lips part inaudibly, an answer ready on his tongue — but he falters. Sunoo can see the gears of his mind turning, it's like he's weighing all the possibilities of saying what's on his mind. Patience hasn't been his strongest facet, yet he waits for Jake to make his mind, unconsciously drumming his fingers on the rugged wooden cabinet he was leaning against.
Jake sighs before dropping the bomb as lightly as he could. "Sunghoon," he admits quietly, eyes downcast.
Sunoo's face hardens at the mention of his name. He remembers all those times in the past when Sunghoon laughed at his entire being. The day he was ridiculed on the streets of Allure Alley. He can feel the ghost of summer heat on his back and prickling behind his eyes, the frown on his face, and the grin on Sunghoon's. He remembers how Sunghoon has been anything but nice around him, how he hasn't even been agreeable around him.
No. I won't help him. Sunoo thinks to himself, grunting out a firm, ‘No’ without sparing Jake a glance.
Jake's face crumbles. But if there's one characteristic Jake has it's his persistence. When he sets his mind on something, he will get it done. He runs a frustrated hand through his hair and tugs at the ends. "I know you don't get along–"
Sunoo snorts at Jake’s generous description of his relationship with the younger Park. "'Don't get along' is putting it very lightly."
Jake gnaws at his bottom lip but continues anyway. "Regardless. He's been a mess. He woke up invisible three days ago. For three days he hasn't opened his shop and has been working on an antidote day and night. I tried helping him too, but I just can't figure out the root cause. He suspects he's been poisoned and you're the only one I know who can handle a poisoning case like a pro."
Sunoo glowers at the compliment, basking in the glory of his skill. He reacts to compliments like a puppy reacts to treats, happy, excited, and always seeking more. "I'm flattered. But I can't help him,” he says, becoming graver by the second. “He believes that I've poisoned him. Three days ago, he came here and spewed nonsense. He called me names, accused me of whatever this is, and then stormed out"
"He did that?" Jake asks, horrified. He never thought that Sunghoon would do that to Sunoo, he hadn’t expected him to be this rash in coming to conclusions. The Sunghoon he knows thinks, weighs his options, and then speaks. In the years that they’ve been together, he hadn’t seen him use foul words for anyone. Sunoo is an obvious exception.
“He did. He said he'll make everything alright himself. He's a fool if he thinks that sending you here will work, especially after all that shit he has said and done." Sunoo says, purposefully leaving out the details of their last meeting.
Jake’s fingers work on the sides of his temples as he feels an oncoming headache from all of this. He is here, seeking help on Sunghoon’s behalf as a good friend and, in turn, Sunghoon has been going around quashing whatever little chances he had of getting help.
"He didn't send me. I came here on my own." He tells Sunoo.
"He won't take my help and I won't help him. He thinks that everything bad in his life is the result of my actions. Let him suffer."
"I really wouldn't have come here if it wasn't necessary. I know you both drive each other up the wall. But please do me a favor, help him. He's a fool for thinking that he can do everything on his own. He's dense, narcissistic, and has the pride of a peacock; he won't ask for help but he really needs it. I see him struggling every day, the bags under his eyes grow disproportionately larger each morning. I can't see him like this. Please help him. Do it for me," Jake pleads, taking Sunoo’s hand in his.
Sunoo curses under his breath, choosing to pace around the room and call Park Sunghoon as many colorful names as he knew. His friendship with Jake has put him in a difficult situation. He couldn’t refuse and he didn’t want to agree.
Sunoo has known Jake way before Sunghoon came into the picture. They had worked together on plenty of projects for Brighthit Corporation back when he was a part-time potion assistant there. Sunoo remembers his first day, how worried he was about messing up. He was still a beginner who needed to complete his six-month training to acquire his potion-brewing license and Jake had been the first person to greet him with a broad smile and a polite bow. Sunoo had been the happiest when Jake was assigned as his partner, they were the ideal team, an introvert who was good at charms and an extrovert who was good at potions. Together they had formulated many different and complex potions earning praise and hefty bonuses in exchange for late working hours.
Jake has always been supportive of Sunoo. They bonded over their love for dogs and Nishimura Riki; by sheer coincidence, Sunoo's childhood best friend happened to be dating his work partner. Quite naturally, their acquaintance blossomed into a healthy friendship. Sunoo had Jake's back and vice versa.
This is the first time Jake is asking him to do something. He couldn't just refuse, especially when Jake looked so miserable. But, his unsatisfied beef with Park Sunghoon held him back, both he and Sunghoon had always been finding ways to make each other's life difficult. He didn't want to let go of this golden opportunity to be the winner, but he also didn’t want Jake to mope around with that long face and be stressed because he had refused to help Sunghoon.
Life choices are never easy. Sunoo's mother had told him when he was younger; time and time again this phrase was rubbed into his face.
Jake stands there watching him pace around, praying to whatever deities there are that he agrees; he needs Sunoo to agree. It wouldn't end well if he didn't.
The pink-haired potioneer suddenly comes to halt right in front of Jake and curses loudly, starling the poor soul. His fingers scratch on the inside of his palm as he nods slowly. With an impassive face, he turns to him. "I'll do it…” He trails off. “I’ll do it for you."
The sigh of relief that Jake emits and his smile of genuine relief will forever be engraved in Sunoo’s mind along with the realization that he had signed up for something beyond himself. The precariousness of his impending future worried him to no bounds but watching Jake smile and be at ease was the only consolation he had. An unfair return it was but the deal was already sealed.
"Thank you so much." Sunoo nods robotically, lost in thought.
It's for my friend. I can handle Sunghoon. It's for Jake. He chants in his mind like a mantra, hoping that by some mystical force Sunghoon gets cured and he doesn't have to intervene. He knew his intervention would cost him a lot.
"We'll meet at his shop after work and then you can do whatever is required,” Jake says holding Sunoo’s hand in his much larger palm. “I have another request though….. Please don't tell anyone about this. It will be best if few people know."
Sunoo nods again as Jake smiles thankfully before leaving for some meeting he said he was having.
I'll be fine. I'll be fine. I'll be fine. I'll be fine. He tried to convince himself.
Fuck I don't think I'll be fine. He groans, making his way back to Jungwon and his unfinished tea, hoping that his face doesn’t mirror his internal dilemma. That wouldn’t end well, not when Jungwon can read him like a book.
Jungwon and Sunoo have been attached by the hip for more than two decades now. They had started as playdate buddies who pushed each other around just for the fun of it; over time their acquaintance blossomed into a beautiful friendship with sassy remarks, daily teasing, and mutual love and appreciation. They were the two pretty best friends who had the whole town at their beck and call with a bat of their eyelash. Jungwon is a sarcastic nutcase with an evil mind and Sunoo is the charming sweetheart with a nasty temper. Their personalities complimented each other. They're two peas in a pod. Similar in all aspects except their heights — Sunoo's a little taller mind you.
They knew each other like the back of their hand. Jungwon has seen Sunoo at his best and his worst; he knows just when to pester the potioneer for answers and when to let him work in his reverie.
This is exactly why he cocks up an eyebrow at Sunoo's sullen countenance.
"You look like you're regretting it already," Jungwon stated, sipping his tea. His ability to show concern without showing any always left people perplexed.
"Oh, I do!” Sunoo plops down in his chair with an uncharacteristic slouch. “I do regret it so much. But I can't say no, this is the first time Jake has asked me for a favor."
"You're not obligated to do anything you're not comfortable with." Jungwon reminds him, taking Sunoo’s hand in his and massaging his now red palm. Jungwon developed this habit when he caught on Sunoo’s nervous tic. Sunoo would scratch his palm red and Jungwon would rub it better.
“Jungwonie, do you think I'd do anything I don't like? I'll just go in there and try if it works out okay if it doesn't then well — at least I tried it for Jake."
"You're talking as if he's asking you to bring someone back to life. Is Riki in trouble?" Jungwon’s fingers pause, and his brows knit in distress.
"Good lord, Wonie! Riki is perfectly alright. It's something else."
"Oh!" Jungwon sighs, slinking back into his chair with a relieved sigh. Jungwon, Riki, and Sunoo have been the three musketeers ever since Jungwon read that tale in kindergarten. Messing with one meant messing with the other two as well, they were a package deal.
"I can't say it but it's not serious, I think it's nothing too serious," Sunoo says, trailing off.
"If I need to fight someone tell me in advance, I'll prepare some venomous tentacula."
"Yang Jungwon, not everything needs to be handled with violence." Sunoo tries to suppress the laughter bubbling inside him. Jungwon has a self-preservation thing that extends to the people he cares for, giving rise to some violent tendencies. He has beaten up his fair share of people because they chose to meddle with what was his. Jungwon had been dangerous when he was four and is still dangerous even now.
Jungwon grins. "True, in your case though, it mostly does end that way. Especially when it is with our dear Mister Park Sunghoon."
Sunoo glares at Jungwon over his teacup, gulping down the leftover tea. "We've never fought… like really fought."
"But you've almost fought with him many times. Also, Hyung, I've told you so many times, please don't finish the tea. This is made from loose tea leaves; you're not supposed to drink the dregs."
"I'm still alive so it's fine." Sunoo shoots him a cocksure wink.
Jungwon rolls his eyes, "Disappointed but not surprised. I expected better from a potioneer, you can't decide if something is okay or not by seeing if you're alive or not."
"I don't check potions like that, Wonie."
"Yeah yeah." He brushed it off.
Jungwon's always been like that, masking his concern with a sarcastic remark or two. Ever since they were kids, Jungwon had made it a life objective to nitpick on the small habits of the people he cares about. Riki and Sunoo were the prime targets of Jungwon's unexpected affection.
Despite resembling a soft and fluffy sheep, Yang Jungwon was the devil's spawn, figuratively. In his short life of a little over two decades, he had beaten the life out of a bully twice his size for taking his share of bubblegum pop candy without asking, almost committed arson, made a demon fall head over heels for him, and been the talk of the town for his many flings and nasty breakups.
He is quite troublesome if you were to ask anyone in the town. But for his friends and family, he has been the pillar of support, sarcastic and caring. He is always on the lookout for his people, more so when the people in question are Kim Sunoo and Nishimura Riki.
Because the three musketeers always stick together and have each other's back. Little Jungwon had proudly told him with a toothy grin after round hosing a kid at the carnival because he had pushed Riki.
Sunoo and Jungwon first met Riki at the ice jelly parlor near their house, when they were three. He barely knew any Korean words but insisted on silently following the duo like a shadow. His endearing eyes and boxy smile made it impossible for anyone to say no to him. Riki progressed from a shadow to a friend and then a best friend really soon. Over time, Sunoo realized that Riki was just as crazy as Jungwon if not more. He wasn't picking fights like Jungwon but instead pulled pranks and practical jokes on everyone and everything. Riki was a menace, but no one had the heart to correct him. Mainly because of the fact that he was the ‘foreigner away from his home’ but also because he had the most charming smile and convincing pout.
Not a day goes by without him teasing his hyungs. But Riki's love for his hyungs and his sincere intentions overpowered all of his annoyingness and teasing. Sunoo may complain about his teasing all the time, but everyone knows he’ll have it no other way. Riki is like a baby brother to him, an annoying but loving brother.
Sunoo and Jungwon always bicker and Riki adds fuel to the fire, silence never prevails for more than a minute when they are together. It is always a competition of who has the better comeback. And Sunoo has liked it that way. He misses their teasing and the aimless chatter even more today.
After Jungwon’s departure, Sunoo is left to his own thoughts. Now as he sits in his quiet shop after sundown, he can't stop his imagination from running wild.
His thoughts range from how Park Sunghoon might have been cursed by a jealous lover to and how Sunghoon will definitely throw a fit and decline his involvement in the matter. Sunoo can clearly picture the furrowed eyebrows and the air of arrogance as Sunghoon tells him to mind his own affairs.
Sunoo regrets his decision; he knows that Sunghoon will only ever look down on him and call him names. He knows that he's gonna be insulted the moment he steps into Elements and Essences, knows that Sunghoon hates his guts and won't ever take his kindness— he won't offer kindness but still.
I'm doing it for Jake. That's all. Sunoo reminds himself, spelling all of his potions cabinets shut.
He turns over the "Open" sign and walks out, turning up the wards.
Let's get over this. He thinks, finding himself standing before a familiar looming two-story building in seven short strides. Sunoo takes a moment, gauging his own reaction. This wasn't supposed to affect him, yet his hands are clammy and his heart is thudding uneasily against his chest. This had been his second home. The past tense in the statement brought a bitter taste to his mouth and refreshed his memory. Elements and Essences didn't make him happy, not anymore. He has been here multiple times for lunches and brunches, small talks, and sharing joys, but this was his first time returning after almost a year.
Elements and Essences had been like a second home, only now he isn't welcomed there. Sunoo grimaces at his train of thoughts and pushes the door open walking into his once safe haven.
He half expects to be greeted by the cheerful Mr. Park. It is unsettling to not see him in the shop with his familiar dimpled smile. Sunoo frowns at his naiveness, he was expecting something impossible. The shop has lost its charm since he left, maybe it was the switched-off lamps or the lack of the calming smell of rosemary, but everything felt foreign now.
Expectations lead to disappointment. He had learned through experience.
He does a lumous charm, hoping to find some familiarity in hidden corners or crevices of the place he once thought of as his second home.
Elements and Essence was like a little library in the heart of Allure Street; a place where everyone found something for themselves. It was originally a Cauldron and Potion ingredients shop but Mr. Park had an affinity towards books and insisted on lending them to anyone interested. It was like a breath of fresh air in the fierce Allure Street. Mr. Park made sure that his shop stood out, he charmed it to smell like sea breeze and rosemary; 'it calms down nerves and improves customer experience.' he had told him. Sunoo had complimented his knowledge with a grin; he got to learn something new every time they met.
The shop is quaint, despite its dark color scheme. 'My son chose the color scheme.' Mr. Park had told everyone proudly. Sunoo didn't have the heart to tell him that black and grey were every child's teenage obsession. The shop in itself was stuffy, books — old and new, were crammed into the bookshelves that lined almost every wall. Mr. Park likes reading and it shows. A large leatherette wingback armchair sat near the fireplace, with a soft grey rug laid out on the floor in front of it. Sunoo often sat on it while narrating stories about his customers animatedly to Mr. Park who listened with rapt attention from his armchair after closing hours. It had been a ritual for them, meeting after closing hours every Monday to get over the Monday blues.
At the far end of the room, opposite the inventory chamber was a wooden table with an array of family photos showing them growing old together. Sunoo's lips involuntarily stretch into a delighted grin as he spots his own self in one of the frames there. He had given it to him as a birthday present, a picture of them together from their fishing outing. He knows that the people in those pictures meant the world to Mr. Park and he is glad to be one of those lucky people. .
The shop hasn't changed much except for the owner and the expansion brought by the new owner, Elements and Essences, is now an Apothecary.
Sunoo couldn't care much for the line of business, but the owner made all the difference for him. Mr. Park and Sunghoon were sheer contrasts, two poles apart; Sunoo couldn't have guessed they were related had he not heard and seen it himself. Mr. Park had a soothing vibe, a familiarity, and comfort only he had to offer. Sunghoon on the other hand was cold and impassive, he never smiled or greeted people unless they did first, his face is always expressionless — except when he's fighting with Sunoo. The only reason Sunghoon still has customers is because of the goodwill of Mr. Park, and the handsome features he inherited from both his parents.
Park Sunghoon's appearance was singular; with his long nose and angular jaw, he did capture the hearts of many young witches and wizards. Sunoo knows that there's a not-so-secret fan club dedicated to appreciating Sunghoon's 'greek god body proportions' and 'slender fingers'; they ramble about his looks all day long. Though according to Sunoo, Sunghoon was only a pretty face, it all watered down to nothing when he opened his mouth.
"The shop is closed for the day," A brooding voice comes from inside the storage room at the back of the shop, pulling Sunoo out of his reverie.
It's alright. I need to stay calm. Sunoo tells himself, making his way to the person in question.
"The shop. Is. Closed." Sunghoon grits out hearing the footsteps nearing him.
"Don't be impolite to your customers." Sunoo reprimanded with a lazy grin, folding his hands behind his back.
Suddenly, there's a crashing sound from the chamber followed by cursing.
Mild panic surges through Sunoo as he rushes in through the door with his hand tightly gripping his wand.
'He's bleeding .' Sunoo realizes as the metallic scent of blood wafts up his nose, it's not much but it is still alarming. The room is dark, the only source of light being the singular bulb hanging from the ceiling. From the little light emitted from his lumous, he can make out shards of glass littering the floor along with drops of dried and fresh blood.
"Why the fuck are you here, Kim? Go away!" Sunghoon hisses. Sunoo whips his head in the general direction of the voice and notices the blood dropping out from where he assumes Sunghoon's hand is.
Sunoo casts a revelio on Sunghoon, inhaling deeply in surprise. Sunghoon is bleeding, he must have been bleeding for quite some time if the dried blood on his clothes was to go by. There were big gashes in his palm and fingers, which were bleeding.
Sunoo sighs to himself and carefully maneuvers around the shards and stands in front of Sunghoon.
"What are you–" Sunoo bends down and gently lifts Sunghoon's wounded hand, effectively shutting him up.
Sunghoon sits there in a daze as Sunoo inspects his wound.
"Where is the healing salve?" Sunoo asks, bringing him back to reality.
"Bu—"
"Healing salve?'' Sunoo asks again, carefully placing Sunghoon's hand on the table as he goes out of the chamber to look for it himself.
"Cabinet F, second shelf, last row" Sunghoon calls after him.
Sunoo returns quickly with the salve and applies it with deft fingers after cleaning the wound. He then cleans the shards of glass on the ground with a quick reparro, watching the shards rearrange themselves into potion bottles, an unreadable expression on his face.
Sunghoon sits there breathing heavily, avoiding Sunoo’s sharp gaze the best he could. "Do you break potion bottles in your free time or is today special?"
"I didn't intentionally do it! It's an accident!"
"Accident my foot. You throw tantrums and break things when they don't work according to your whims."
"Not true," Sunghoon argues. “I was working on an antidote for your prank. This happened because you barged in like this, surprising the living ghost out of me.”
Sunoo’s eyes darken at the implication of it all. “First of all, you can't blame me for every minor inconvenience in your life. Secondly, this is not one of my pranks. I did nothing!”
“Yeah sure.” Sunghoon scoffs.
“I didn't do it. I’m telling the truth. Believe me!'' Sunoo tries again, desperate to make him believe, not because he needed his validation or anything but because being wrongly accused is the worst feeling. He felt and looked like a punctured balloon.
Sunghoon’s eyes soften with something akin to guilt floating in them. “Why are you here?”
“Ah…. Jake called me.” As if on cue, the bell on the entrance chimes, followed by a cheerful, “I’m sorry I'm late.”
“Sim Jaeyun,” Sunghoon mutters, running a hand through his already messy hair.
Sunoo enters back into the main shop with a weary Sunghoon in tow. The shop is now lit up and considerably warmer than before. Jake made himself at home, he lit up the fireplace and cast some heating smells which worked wonders for the previously frigid shop.
“Hi guys, I'm sorry I'm late. We’re currently working on a top-secret task which takes up most of our time and requires us to stay back and work late sometimes. I saw Sunoo’s shop was closed and warded so I knew he was here. I hope you both did not tear off each other’s heads.” Jake says, putting his clothes away and adjusting the wild stack of papers in his hand. “That would be fairly inconvenient,” he adds after a moment of contemplation.
“Fairly inconvenient.” Sunoo snickers to himself.
“You're such a loving friend. I can see your deep concern.” Sunghoon drawls out, rolling his eyes at Jake’s choice of words.
Jake finally looks up from his paperwork and effectively loses his shit. “Holy fuck Sunoo! You're a genius. I didn't know you'd be able to find a cure so soon. This is crazy. I'm so glad Sunghoon is healed.”
Sunoo tries his best to contain his giggles as he sees Jake pacing around, making celebratory plans with the widest grin on his face. He almost didn't have the heart to burst his bubble.
“It’s his revelio. I'm still invisible, no progress.” Sunghoon grunts.
Sunoo thinks Jake with his long face and forlorn eyes, resembles a child who lost his shiny new toy wagon a few minutes after possession. His hands fall back to his side and his celebratory dance falters at the sudden appalling revelation.
“Sunoo for real? Is Hoon saying the truth?”
Sunoo quietly nods and drops his spell for Jake to see.
“See” Sunghoon states grimly.
“Don't worry we can do it. I'm sure he'll be fine.” Sunoo intervenes, casting the revelio again, certain that Jake would burst into a round of tears because of stress if he is unable to see Sunghoon.
Jake smiles ruefully. “I hope so.”
Sunoo has always seen Jake cherry and joyful; until this morning. Today he is seeing new sides of Jake, anxious Jake, and disheartened Jake is the new sides that he has unlocked since morning.
Sunghoon quietly makes his way to Jake and crouches down in front of him. “I'll be fine. Okay? None of this has anything to do with you.”
“I shouldn’t have don-”
Sunoo watches dumbfounded as Sunghoon takes Jake by his shoulder and pulls him into a hug. This was the first time Sunghoon has initiated a form of affection — at least in front of Sunoo. Sunghoon has always had a frigid air surrounding him, making him seem unapproachable and uninterested in everyone and everything. Affection and Sunghoon weren’t the two words Sunoo ever thought would be used in the same sentence, it made him seem normal, very unlike the impassive asshole he has come to be known as.
Sunoo could feel the warmth and the affection Sunghoon had for Jake from the way he held him; his veiny strong arms were wrapped around Jake in a gentleness that he didn't think they were capable of. Sunoo felt like an intruder creeping in on someone's private affairs. When Jake’s first whimper echoed in the silent shop, he realized that this display of emotions wasn't meant for his eyes, it felt too intimate.
Sunoo shuffled awkwardly in his place, listing all potions ingredients he had in his inventory whilst waiting for the earth to open up and swallow him whole. He could walk out of the door but that would be rude. He didn't care about pleasantries at all, but this is Jake and Jake is a sweetheart, too sweet to be abandoned like this. So Sunoo chose to stay, standing there in a corner, like a stone in a sandpit, awkward and out of place.
The Gods were on Sunoo’s side, and his prayers were answered relatively soon. Jake's sobs turned into quiet sniffles by the time Sunoo was at his eighty-seventh potion ingredient, lucky for him. Sunoo has always been a little fiddly with crying people, he didn't know how to comfort people or say the right things when someone cried; he always resorted to standing in a corner as someone else comforted them. Sunoo sometimes thinks that he’s too numb. Everyone has a weakness or two, his are just a little divergent.
With weary eyes, Sunoo watches Sunghoon gently pat Jake on his back. “Are you okay now?” Sunghoon murmured in Jake’s ears and Sunoo pretended to not have heard it. He didn't want to be any more intrusive than he already was.
“Okay, now that everyone’s fine. Tell me what this asshole is doing here.” Sunghoon addresses loudly after Jake’s meek nod, gaining Sunoos' attention and causing the blood in his veins to boil.
“He’s not an asshole, Hoonie. Don’t call him that, he’s here to help. And regardless, he has a name which you should use respectfully.” Jake reprimanded him with a frown.
“This is exactly why I didn’t want to help him,” Sunoo says just as Sunghoon exclaims, “I’m not going to take any help from him. He did this.”
“For fucks sake, I didn’t! I told you that I didn’t do it, I mean what I say.” Sunoo yells.
“Sunoo please calm down and Sunghoon shut up,” Jake says and goes to Sunoo’s side, rubbing his shoulder in an attempt to calm him down.
Sunoo takes in deep breaths, willing himself to not lose his temper in front of Jake, at least not in front of him. “I told you. He doesn’t need my help, all he is going to do is call me names, humiliate me and then kick me out of here.”
“No. I’m here this time, nothing like that is going to happen now. I Promise,” Jake assures him in his softest voice, holding his hand as if he is dealing with a child. “Park Sunghoon, behave yourself.”
Sunghoon frowns at Jake’s tone and turns to Sunoo. “You ratted me out? What did you tell him? Why are you so bent on making my life a mess?”
“I did nothing, Sunghoon! N-O-T-H-I-N-G! I told him nothing, he came to me asking for help, he wants me to help you!” Sunoo’s aggravation could be heard in his voice, he is feeling murderous despite Jake’s calming presence grounding him.
“I can handle this on my own. I’ve been doing just fine.”
“Liar. You have nothing under control. How long have you not slept? I can smell the numerous sleepless draughts you've had in the air. Things don't work like this.”
“Now you will tell me how things work?”
“Yes! You’ve done a terrible job so far, you can do nothing, you can barely keep this shop running let alone brew a potion for a mysterious invisibility case!”
“I’m not a failure,” Sunghoon screams back in so much anger that the veins of his neck pop out.
Jake watches in horror as two of his closest friends scream their lungs off.
“I never said that! Are you insane?”
“Yo-”
“STOP!” Jake shouts louder than the both of them, startling Sunoo and effectively shutting them both. “You’re fighting for absolutely no reason. Kids behave better than you both. I haven’t seen anyone behave like this. I’d rather you both shut up and listen to me before I charm you both to be stuck by the hip for three months; I can very well do that!”
Jake has always been optimistic and nice, even when Sunoo almost burned down his office in a potions accident — he had brushed it off with a smile, happy with the fact that Sunoo was safe. He never got angry, at least not outwardly, Sunoo is sure that Sunghoon and he have made Jake reach the bouts of his patience; to have elicited such a fierce temper.
“Calm down, Jake…." Sunoo mumbles, slinking into the nearest chair like a nervous child expecting corner time after bad behavior.
Sunghoon watches from under lashes as Jake inhales deeply, rubbing his temples before dropping into the armchair, his lips are constantly moving as if he’s having an internal conversation with himself but there’s no sound — particularly alarming for the duo who were threatened a few minutes ago.
“Now you both will shut up and listen to me very carefully. Sunghoon, you’re a complete idiot, Sunoo never called you a failure, stop assuming things. And Sunoo, stop calling out Sunghoon for small mistakes, you can't demean his whole existence just because you both don’t get along. With this being said, I don't want to hear either of you bad-mouthing each other; at least when I am around.” Jake looks at them both with enraged eyes, making them squirm in their seats. “I called Sunoo here. I requested him to do me a solid to help you with whatever this is. So you better behave.” Jake eyes Sunghoon making Sunoo break into a tiny triumphant grin. “This doesn’t mean that you get to call him names or make his life difficult,” he adds, eyeing Sunoo wearily.
“I can’t hold Mr. Sui for a long time, it’s only a while before he gets weary of ‘Sunghoon had to rush to his hometown for a family emergency.’ You both better solve this soon, there’s only so much that I can lie. Do this without ripping each other to shreds, else I swear I’ll bring you both back from the dead and then bind you for eternity.”
Sunghoon’s eyes dance uneasily across the room; his lips part and Sunoo can feel a ‘no’ threatening to flit through them, only it doesn’t come.
“It’s for your own good,” Jake adds pointedly before Sunghoon can refuse or whine.
Sunoo watches Sunghoon’s adam's apple bob softly as he swallows down whatever retorts he has. “Fine. Once. Only for this once.”
Sunoo is very surprised by this, his eyebrows disappear in his hairline and the only response he can muster is an unintelligible ‘What’, gaping like a fish caught in a hook.
Jake grins happily and the atmosphere lightens up instantly, as bright as it can be when the doom is visible in the foreseeable future. “Great! Now we just decide upon the living arrangements and then we’re done for the night.”
Jake’s power is truly amazing, not only did he convince Sunoo to help his arch-nemesis, but he also convinced the said arch-nemesis to cooperate with him — Truly worthy of applause.
Only this puts Sunoo in a very inconvenient situation, he now has to deal with Sunghoon, make an antidote for an unknown potion, run his shop, and not rip someone to shreds, an abstruse task.
“No talks about living arrangements required, I’m going to live here. I have a very functional flat upstairs.”
Jake frowns. “It’s going to raise suspicion if people see you or the lights on. For them, you’re supposed to be in Suwon right now. And it will also be inconvenient for Sunoo to rush between the two shops without being caught.”
Sunoo wants to protest and give his input, but he knew that he signed himself up for trouble the moment he said yes to Jake this morning; in the back of his mind he wanted to see how far will life test his patience, he wanted to see the worst which could happen and while he was at it he also wanted to see if he can annoy Sunghoon enough to make him physically fight him.
“But-” Sunghoon starts only to be cut off by Sunoo. “Jake's right… It will be inconvenient for me.”
The withering glance Sunghoon spares him elicits a triumphant grin from Sunoo. Devilish intent indeed. “What about my inconvenience?” Sunghoon whines
“All this is for your benefit only,” Jake states with his best doe eyes.
Sunghoon groans. His options were limited, and his situation was peculiar enough, with no way out in near sight. He could stand his ground, be difficult but that would do him no good. He felt burdensome enough, causing Jake so much trouble already. He didn’t want to be an even bigger headache; with a heavy heart, he agrees to move in with the devil incarnate with a simple nod.
“Great. I’ll come in to check on you guys regularly. But I need to leave now, Riki is waiting for me. Meet you soon, take care. Sunoo, please give him a sleeping draught and firecall me if he makes a fuss, you need to rest after all of these sleepless nights.” Jake calls out already halfway out of the entrance with his myriad of scattered belongings.
Sunoo watches the door slam shut behind Jake before turning to the doofus that is Park Sunghoon. “Get whatever you need, I’ll look for sleeping draughts.” before casually sauntering out of the shop with his hands in his pockets.
“Wonderful” Sunghoon grumbles in the empty shop, stomping upstairs to gather his belongings. What he does know is that this was the beginning of the end. The choices he made today were making up his future, a future that seemed anything but bright.