Work Text:
Crackling of fire was subsumed within the torrents of water creating a colorful spectacle. This display on the street was not an unusual sight. Despite seeing it for innumerable times, Hoseok wanted to get out of his car and give money to the street artists who were performing with such enthusiasm. Unfortunately Jimin would not stop the car as they were running late.
“Thank you for accepting our invitation,” a young woman said as she approached Hoseok, as he got out of the car. He had just made it on time to the predetermined venue. As a fiction writer, the number of invites he got every month was immense. However, he rarely attended any. But this was different. The blue shirt with yellow vest covering his sleeve was one of his currently favourite clothes. The dress that was reserved for outdoor events. And this was meaningful, beyond fame and monetary gain, for him. The theme of the event, ‘Extraordinary Quirks’ resonated with his works, with his life and with his soul.
“The kids would be really happy to meet you,” the lady continued while handing the program schedule and other necessary materials to him. He extended his gloves-covered hands and took them with a smile on his face. Jimin had other work to do, thus he strode forward alone, following the lady in front of him.
“It’s my pleasure that you considered me and gave me this honor. I am excited to look at the exhibition and see the magnificent sight that your volunteers have put up”
She stopped in her trail for a moment to look back and give a sweet smile. Throughout the walk, they managed to maintain small talks without any awkwardness seeping into the conversation. Only after reaching the place filled with people; students and teachers, young and old, volunteers and parents, only after coming near the archway covered with colorful balloons did they stop their casual conversation. The words “Arts and Literature Exhibition” adorning magnificently on the top of the arch
The opening ceremony was over in half an hour. Throughout the day, he went from one place to another, one stall to another, around the venue looking through a rich and varied masterpieces. Sometimes having a discourse with students and volunteers about the representation of extraordinary quirks especially in media and literature. Sometimes linking his interpretation of art and literary works with the intention of the creator was exciting. His favourite activity however, was meeting people who care for each other and forming acquaintances. Everything he loved was represented in this event and what he witnessed in reality was beyond his expectation.
The only drawback - if he could call it one - was constant questions about his next work. And the constant need for him to maintain distance so as to not accidentally have any skin contact (although that was highly impossible due to his attire). He knew his works were in demand but this was insane. As one of the few public personalities to actually speak freely on the topic of extraordinary quirks, a volunteer explained, his works were anticipated by both people with extraordinary quirks and general audience alike.
He knew the importance of works in understanding other’s perspective. Those who had elemental quirks, that was the norm of their world, could not imagine what it meant to have such out of norm quirks. Similarly, people with extraordinary quirks, who were small in population, could not completely understand the workings of elementals nor their fellow group members. For the number of categories of extraordinary attributes outnumbered its population, rendering them truly unique. Just hearing the students in the stalls narrating this back to him made him proud of his work with an underlying layer of self-consciousness along with it.
“While I would be happy to talk about his upcoming projects, it is not in motion yet,” he answered ance again. And that was the truth. It was not entirely under his control. After all, he had planned on collaboration making it hard to unravel the prospect as nothing had been in stone yet.
After half a day of moving everywhere, and speaking for hours together, exhaustion crept up on Hoseok. It started in his spine, making him slouch more, feel more unsettled as he mingled with the people. Slowly, it spread to his entire body, drawing out all the energy that usually bursts out of him at any given moment. His lack of going out in public was partially to blame for this.
Looking around he saw many people huddled over, sitting on the ground, in between stalls on a corner. Following their example, he sat down on the floor - covered with grass which unintentionally started tickling after his hands through them for the fifth time - with the books and art pieces that he had purchased lying next to him in their carefully protected covers.
Unfortunately he chose the wrong place. This was a ‘couples’ spot. Everyone around him was sitting in duos or trios. Some holding hands with their near ones, others hugging their partners, some couples sharing snacks between each other and sneaking kisses. Watching them made him feel better and worse at the same time.
He loved the pure bliss and thrill that played on their faces as they relaxed and enjoyed the company of others. At the same time, he could not stop being jealous of them. Everyone in this world could easily hold someone’s hand without a second thought. Everyone could enjoy the luxury of being in contact with others. Yet, he couldn’t. Not if he did not want to suffer another near death experience just by letting someone touch his skin. His craving for skin contact had evolved through years, increasing a little bit more each year than it had been the previous time.
Tearing his gaze, he turned away from this lovely sight. His body already gave him enough pain. There was no need for him to be subjected to more cruelty. Getting up from this cozy place, he started to look for another similar place. Finally finding a secluded spot deep inside, after walking for a couple more minutes, he crashed on soft grass.
Trying to erase the bitter taste left after witnessing the lovely image earlier, he stayed in his current position; sprawled on grass and staring at the sky. He closed his eyes, letting them rest for a second. Sunlight that was hidden behind the shadow of trees slowly started to embrace him. Slowly warmth from the sun started to spread throughout his body, relaxing him. It was as if sunlight recharged his exhausted body. He had rested just for a few minutes. Yet he felt refreshed after getting up.
With renewed energy he was now ready for his next program.
Hoseok got up from the place and trudged towards the center of the exhibition. He wanted to meet with the person-in-charge, to convey his appreciation and to inquire about the artist of the painting that attracted him. Before he could find the person, a line of students, some with his books in his hands, some with other things ranging from normal white paper to their own palms, had formed in front of him.
Although it was not in the program list, Hoseok didn’t complain. Flashing a bright smile, he signed his name for everyone not before politely asking them to maintain distance. He was rewarded with a glass of juice after the end of this impromptu scene, handed by a shy student at the end of line who bowed immediately to hide face.
He was surprised at this. Laughing at the situation, he simply held the glass. Just as he was about to keep the glass down and search for the person-in-charge, a small body, not even half his height, collided into him spilling the glass full of orange juice on him.
Hoseok was mortified because of this collusion. Afraid of being touched, he looked down to assess if by any chance he had opened up any vulnerabilities in the form of exposed skin. Thankfully he had not. However, his gloves and coat were completely soaked making it impossible to continue to wear them.
After much deliberation, he reluctantly removed his gloves. His entire body was sticky. If there was one thing he valued more than anything, it was his clothes. They were the barrier that protected him, his second skin. But he had to swallow whatever words were on the tip of his tongue. The child, barely seven from her appearance, started crying loudly. Volunteers around him were murmuring and looking at each other, lost and not knowing what to do. Everything around him went into chaos.
Despite the mayhem, Hoseok heard a clear deep voice sounding through the place. The owner of the voice seemed to have no problem seeing through the chaos, as if it was the most organised thing in the world and started to untangle the entire mess.
“Hakun, can you take care of Daeun for me please?,” he asked another child who was playing with his fingers. The boy, slightly bigger than the first one, let go of the adult’s hand and stepped forward. With practiced ease he pulled the crying child back and wiped her tears with his own hands.
While Hoseok was busy watching this scene, later thinking back on the event he didn’t know why he did not simply go to the washroom at once and watched those two kids interact, he did not realize when the distance between himself and the voice-owner reduced or when that person took out a stack of tissues (who knows from where) helped him clean his clothes.
The next moment, Hoseok froze.
In the process, Hoseok was sure his skin made contact with the strangers more than once, for more than a few seconds. Yet, he was still standing, alive and…… well.
His body didn’t reject the touch as it usually did. Instead, he felt, for the first time after more years than he could recall, how it feels to have skin contact, what human touch felt like. The lightness of the touch carried a warmth that was different than one he basked in a few hours earlier. It made his skin tingle and his heart clenched. Every cell in his body seemed to have bloomed the moment he realised he could tolerate human touch, enjoy it and not fall into the pit of pain and discomfort. He wanted to shout, to dance, to notify the entire world and invite them to celebrate with him.
In the end Hoseok didn’t do any of those actions. Instead he froze on the spot, so shocked that he could not react. He barely registered the guy’s voice saying, “I am extremely sorry for the accident. I will compensate for your clothes if you prefer that. Please send me the receipt, or any other compensation to be made, I will pay for them. Here is my card. Please excuse us now, we really need to get back immediately.”
A business card was placed in his hand, bare hand making contact once again. Yet Hoseok was still in a trance-like state. He didn’t know what happened, maybe it was just a late reaction and he would go through an intense episode of allergic reaction soon, maybe it was just his imagination. He came to his senses only after he heard Jimin calling him. Jimin rushed back to the car immediately after seeing his bare hands and brought another pair of gloves and handed it over to Hoseok.
After the juice incident, he was firmly rushed inside the car waiting for them at the entrance of the venue. He had a list of questions, and how Jimin came at the right time was the last in the list.
What was happening? Who was that man and why could he touch him without any issues? Did his ‘condition’ improve, or was the mysterious man with heavenly voice just an exception? Was he real, was the world real or was it all a dream and he would wake up, still sleeping on the soft grass and sunlight bathing him?
“...alright? HYUNG!” Jimin’s shout finally broke the stupor.
“What the hell! Don’t shout inside the car,” he said instinctively.
“I have been calling you for so long and you are lost in your own world.” Jimin half ranted half mumbled. “What are you thinking so deeply about?”
No answer came from behind. Thinking he was still lost in his thoughts, the assistant did not press the matter. After some minutes Hoseok quietly asked,“Can you touch my skin?”
“Why miss visiting hospitals that much? Hyung your deadline is done. If there is any issue you don’t have to flee to hospital. I mean you can but you can always fake illness no need to harm your body. I can take you there without harming you,” Jimin said in one breath without turning back.
Hoseok knew Jimin didn’t take his words seriously.
“You think I am kidding?”
“You are not?”
Hearing the silence, Jimin finally turned back.
“Wait, are you really serious? Do you have a death wish?”
“Forget it”
He heard the heavy sigh of relief.
“What got into your head suddenly, speaking nonsense,” he grumbled.
After a few minutes of lecture, the car finally fell into a bout of silence. Jimin asked, “Forget it, how was your day?”
“It was amazing,” Hoseok replied, a smile spreading on his face, breaking his stupor.
“Did anything catch your attention?” His words seemed to have woken the sleeping beast.
“As a matter of fact, yes. There was this one painting, maybe not traditionally good, but I think it fits what I envisioned for the next story completely,” he replied. If Jimin was not driving the car, he would have straight up opened the cover from the frame and displayed it with satisfaction.
As soon as his eyes fell on it, he was captivated by it. He was compelled to buy it. From the conversation with the seller, he came to know the piece was priced lower than others due to its unique stylistic preference.
For his next book, a children’s book, he had planned on a visual format rather than the usual words. He wanted to experiment in this new medium, he wanted this story to go beyond words as much as possible. To say he was disappointed to find that the artist of the piece was an anonymous contributor would be understating.
“Don’t worry, just send me the picture later. I will try to see if I can find the artist” Jimin said after he explained the situation.
Hoseok was not sure about it. With a hum the conversation ended.
---
Next few days Hoseok was immersed in his work. His story was still too underdeveloped. He had to have a basic idea to present for collaboration. Once he was in this stage, no one could disturb him easily. He was in a state of flow.
It was only when his initial character design and rudimentary story beats were worked out did he pick his mobile. There were various missed calls from Jimin and unread messages from several people. By the time he had replied to every message, he called Jimin just to receive a message from him. The message read:
“ I found the artist. He has agreed to meet up with you once this weekend. I couldn’t discuss anything in detail. This is your chance. Persuade him to collaborate with you.”
Hoseok was stupefied. He didn’t know whether Jimin was extremely effective or the task was easy. Not wanting to know the details of how he found the information, he simply concentrated on the means of communication.
Tomorrow was the weekend. If he had delayed his call by even a day then he might have lost what looked like his only chance to meet with the mysterious artist. Thanking that was not the case, he praised Jimin to the moon and back. The younger one was too happy to be indulged.
The next day Hoseok was up early as usual. He finished his routine of jogging and exercise with more enthusiasm than ever. By the time Jimin came, he was freshened and completely dressed. A casual suit to fit the occasion.
“You really are eager to meet this guy huh?”
“Yes” Not feeling particularly ashamed, Hoseok agreed with the statement. Rolling his eyes at this reply, Jimin made him eat the breakfast that he had brought, which he joined at Hoseok’s insistence (of course that was not true. Hoseok knew sooner or later he would invite himself which was always better than eating alone)
They drove for an hour to reach the place, a famous restaurant. He knew Jimin would have loved to use his teleportation, however, by now cars had become as easy as teleportation, a little inconvenient time wise, yet easy nonetheless.
No one was present in the booked cabin.
“ Of course he won't be here yet. Who asked you to hurry and come so early?,” Jimin said when Hoseok glanced at his watch for the second time since arriving here.
Hoseok did not even know his name, forget other matters yet he had already created an image of the man, stepped into the cafe, When the mysterious guy arrived at his table, he immediately recognized him, much to his own astonishment. It was the face he had come across just once in his life. Once was enough to leave a lifelong imprint on his mind.
“Hello, I heard you wanted to speak with me?” The owner-of-the-nice-voice guy slash mysterious artist (he didn’t know which title would be apt at the moment) said as soon as he saw them on the reserved table.
Jimin stood up and exchanged pleasantries with him without batting an eyelash. Hoseok, albeit absent minded, followed him.
The only thought in his mind was ‘This is the same guy who drew that painting’ was there really such coincident in this world?
“I didn’t know you would arrange a meeting in such a place just to ask me to compensate for your clothes,” Taehyung, as Hoseok came to know in the last few minutes, said after ordering his portion of the food.
Hoseok was not sure if the trace of wit and humor he heard was just a play of his mind or not. Nonetheless he did not want any miscommunication. After placing his own order, Hoseok said, “No it's not anything related to those -”
"You know each other?"
Before he could finish Jimin cut his words. He didn’t like the glint in Jimin’s eyes.
Hoseok didn't get a chance to explain. Taehyung had taken initiative to narrate the events in full detail. He didn't miss the way Jimin looked at him after hearing the part about the spilled drink. If he was telepathic, Hoseok was sure he could hear the sound of a motor turning in his assistant's head. He didn't know how much the other understood from the meager information but it was not as little as he hoped.
"As I was saying, its not anything related to that incident. The only reason I wanted to contact you was because of your painting. I really loved your art displayed in that exhibition," Hoseok said after Taehyung was done narrating.
"You wanted to meet me just to inform you liked my art? " Taehyung asked with a hint of surprise and disbelief in his voice. Hoseok couldn't blame him. That seemed to come out of nowhere.
"Not really. You see, I wanted an artist to help me with my next novel, a comics styled novel to be precise. What do you think? "
"You mean you want me to draw for you. Officially? "
Although his wording didn’t match what he said it was true to his intention. He nodded.
"I would love to!" The look of pure happiness radiating from Taehyung was refreshing to see.
“But I have a condition,” Taehyung said following his agreement.
Hoseok’s heart halted for a moment. While he was willing to accept any condition just to work with Taehyung, he had to stop himself from agreeing to this without hearing him out lest he left an unfavorable impression.
“As you may have noticed the other day, I have to take care of children. That’s my job as a kindergarten teacher. Just because you offered me this opportunity I can’t ignore my duty nor can I leave it. I can work only after my shift is over. I hope that is okay with you.”
Hoseok let out a sigh of relief. This was nothing. He was in no hurry to publish this work, if things got worse, he could always give the unopened manuscript that he had worked on last year to his publishers giving enough time for Taehyung to finish the work. He agreed without a second thought.
“If everything is settled, when can I expect to meet your lawyers?” he asked. After saying this he hastily added “no offense to you, just wanted to make things smoother for everyone.”
“None taken” And Hoseok meant that. “Anytime this week? Let me know when you are free. In fact I would have brought them today itself, but before that I wanted to know your thoughts first personally. Rest assured everything will be done quickly,” he reassured Taehyung again and again.
The look of relief on Taehyung’s face brought a faint smile to his face.
Once the talk about legal procedure was done, their conversation slowly, yet surely started to grow. Amongst the clatter and chatter of their surroundings, their voices were drowned yet Hoseok wanted to latch onto every word this person said. Not only was he the mysterious man who could touch him, but was also his recently discovered favourite artist. He didn’t want to lose contact with either of these identities.
Talking with Taehyung was easy and interesting. Within a few minutes of speaking about art, Hoseok discovered the difference between the person sitting in front of him and the one he saw that day. The cheerful and energetic speech of today was completely different from the composed sophisticated reaction of that day. And Hoseok liked both. He was so occupied with his conversation that he failed to notice Jimin’s absence from the table. It was only when Taehyung’s phone vibrated against the table that they both paused. Taehyung answered the call quickly. Finally when he bid his farewell and went out, Hoseok took note of his surroundings.
Following Taehyung’s steps, Hoseok got out of the place after paying the bills.
“What the hell was that?” Jimin’s question greeted him as soon as entered the car.
“What was that juice incident? Is it what I think it is?”
Hoseok didn’t want to hide anything. He shrugged and nodded his head.
“Is that why you were all weird and talking about skin contact the other day?,” he pressed.
Once again Hoseok just nodded his head.
“So you really are cured.” Jimin’s face, which was filled with irritation, instantly brimmed with happiness like a draining phone which was suddenly connected to electric source.
“No. Sorry Jiminie,” Hoseok said. He felt bad. He always wanted to be the person who brings hope and smiles on others faces. Seeing the bright smile on Jimin’s face fade away because of him made him feel bad. However, he could not hide the truth.
“I consulted Namjoon after that day. He came to my home the other day and even performed all the tests. Nothing has changed.”
“Then why?”
“Namjoon thinks Taehyung’s quirk might cancel out mine or something like that. He is not sure. But he suggested to have more contact with him and to see what will happen.” Hoseok explained whatever knowledge he had on the topic.
“Is that why you wanted to contact him?” Jimin asked quietly.
Before Hoseok could even process where this was coming from, Jimin continued, “Hyung you know I love you. Very much, but you can’t use others as treatment. I mean even if you do you have to inform him.” As he spoke, Jimin refused to look at his face, to make any eye contact. He didn’t want to disappoint him but not let go of this issue at the same time.
Hoseok smiled. Jimin was so cute like this. He had an urge to pinch his cheeks. And that’s what he did after wearing his gloves (He didn’t know when it was removed. He had it before Taehyung had entered the cabin) despite the weak protests.
Of course he knew the younger one loved him and did not want him to suffer from his allergy. He was after all, the only person who had seen it all from a young age due to them being neighbours. The fact that Jimin was his ardent follower when they were kids only helped to strengthen this bond.
Even if his intentions were misplaced, he trusted Jimin to correct him and was sure he would never feel disappointed or even angry at him.
“Ayoo, silly boy. Of course I know that. Don’t worry, I don't have any intention to deceive Taehyung or use him. I didn’t know the artist of that piece and the person who stumbled into me were the same people. It was only today I learnt that.”
“Thank God.” Jimin said his shoulders sagging as if a huge burden was lifted from his shoulders.
After this, their way back to the house was filled with lively chatter. However, Hoseok could not put aside Jimin’s words. From an outsider’s perspective his actions would seem questionable. Who would believe this being a coincidence? Isn’t it natural for Taehyung to suspect him the moment he knows the truth?
Hoseok didn’t know the answer to this.
----
Hoseok was extremely content.
Working with Taehyung was an amazing experience. In the past few months there had not been even a single day where they did not speak with each other; either in person or through electronic means. His work table was littered with notes full of his own handwriting interwoven with Taehyung’s neat and small writings, papers filled with Taehyung’s sketches, his inbox filled with the hundreds of images Taehyung had shared.
He loved every bit of his days. He loved that Taehyung was as interested in this story as he was. That Taehyung was also concerned with the pain and joys of someone without quirk as the protagonist of the story as he intended. He loved the fact that Taehyung never complained about the decisions of his, their, protagonist and understood them all too well.
He loved whenever Taehyung complimented him, both during and outside of the work. He also loved when Taehyung gave his opinions and critiqued his work without sugar coating his words. In short, he loved how easily and surely Taehyung integrated into his life, a constant presence.
Taehyung's presence had resulted in a warmth that was beyond his professional capacity. Physical contact, not veiled by layers of clothes, came naturally with Taehyung. Simple acts such as holding hands or even brushing fingers brought relief to him. The fact that he could receive any warmth of human contact without suffering to the near death was an added bonus that he never wanted to let go out.
The only thing he hated was himself. Or the part of himself which did not want to bring up the topic of his condition. There were moments, far too many for his liking, where he almost blurted the truth but stopped at the last moment. The thought of everything coming to an abrupt end always closed the door for any honest communication.
He did not miss the subtle look that Jimin sent towards him when all three of them were having a meal celebrating the first month of their partnership. He decided to simply ignore ever seeing it.
Taehyung and Jimin hit perfectly with each other, not surprising anyone, not him at least. There were times when Taehyung sat between them on the huge sofa, watching movies in Hoseok’s home, creating a phantom of skinship between them.
“Hyung, today is a special occasion. You have to come to our school. Hurry up, be here in an hour. Please…” Taehyung’s voice message came as Hoseok’s pen moved aimlessly on the blank paper while the document on his device was not touched for ten minutes.
With an imperceptible shake of his head, he saved his writings and closed the device. Replying to Taehyung with a thumbs up emoji, he did not waste any time and got ready. Collecting his clothes, he went out. Instead of calling Jimin as he usually did, he hailed a cab for the first time in many years. He did not want to interrupt Jimin’s private vacation.
Even though he was completely decked from head to toe with layers of clothes, making sure not to leave any part of his body open for others to touch even accidentally, even with no direct skin exposure, he couldn’t relax completely. He squashed in the back seat, trying to create as much distance between himself and the driver as physically possible trying not to be obvious in his actions lest he appeared rude. When he finally stepped out of the cab after half an hour of tensed ride, he let loose of his tightly wound body.
The school Taehyung spoke of was a kindergarten in a suburban part. The board resting on the top of the building proudly proclaimed itself to be a mixed school where everyone, regardless of their quirks, were welcomed. Before he could even cross the road, high pitched voices and chatters of what seemed like hundreds of voices blending together boomed from the building.
As he entered the building, the sound only increased along with his own curiosity. Hoseok was directed towards the auditorium at the end of the corridor after showing ‘the invitation’ (in reality it was an image of a hand written letter by Taehyung) in the reception.
Hoseok went inside the auditorium through the back door, trying his best to blend in and not create any disturbance. With his mask and sunglasses still perching on his face, he was sure no parent would recognize him. He stood in a corner, avoiding both the gaze and touch of any wandering person.
A kid was standing on stage with a small drop of water emerging from thin air falling on his palm. Hoseok thought the kid looked familiar but couldn’t place him. As soon as the kid was done with his performance, Taehyung stepped on the stage.
The so-called special occasion turned out to be a ‘Quirk Show’. Taehyung brought the microphone near to his mouth and said, “Hakun!! That was amazing. Everyone is clapping so loudly for you” as if on cue, tiny claps started to reverberate throughout the hall. The kid looked proud beyond words.
Another teacher, Hoseok presumed, encouraged everyone to clap while simultaneously preparing the next kid to go on stage.
After Taehyung directed him down the stage, another kid entered. The show continued. Taehyung noticed him as soon as he got down the stage and rushed towards him.
“Hyung, You made it. Did you watch my kids performing their quirks successfully? Aren't they amazing?” Taehyung asked without pausing for a second.
This was not the first time for Hoseok to hear about the amazing brilliance of Taehyung’s kids. Yes, he called all the children in the kindergarten ‘his kids’. Yes, he considered everything they did as an art of pure genius or amazing feats to be honored. Hoseok had never seen such strong descriptions used to praise small kids. For some months he assumed the kindergarten was meant for advanced children.
It was only after Jimin, who had volunteered to work a week in Taehyung’s school after losing a bet, worked there for a week did he learn that was not the case. These kids, though extremely amazing and lovely, were quite ‘ordinary’ as things could be. That didn’t stop Taehyung or Hoseok’s admiration for Taehyung, who could see greatness in the face of the ordinary, to be less appreciative.
Hoseok lightly clapped his hands and smiled.
“They are awesome kids and you are the best for training them,” he added, knowing the younger one loved to hear these words of flattery.
“Of course I am. Also you have to wait until the very end okay. There is a surprise,” Taehyung said while running back towards the stage. Every time Taehyung went on stage, he took time to praise the kid and show encouraging gestures standing next to him .
After a while, Taehyung announced it was time for Teacher Min, Hoseok realised that it was the other teacher, to show his quirk. He didn’t know teachers were also included in it. Did that mean Taehyung would exhibit his quirk too?
The kids for their part looked completely interested in the performance, some even shouting loudly at the fire display on stage. Hoseok could not help but be enthralled by this show. Soon after it was Taehyung’s turn.
He was completely invested as soon as Taehyung entered the stage. In their short yet meaningful duration as friends-collaborators, they had never asked each other’s quirk. An odd behavior to be honest, but something that he didn’t have any qualms about. His own issues forbade him from asking Taehyung about his abilities. To see Taehyung’s ability was not what he expected from today, but not something he would complain about either.
On the stage Taehyung took out several unknown items, which he did not even have a clue about. However, others seemed to know plenty. The children squeaking and giggling with joy, and adults seriously observing the stage, as if wishing to dissect the entire performance and write thousands articles analyzing them. It made his curiosity grow bigger than it had been initially.
Taehyung performed several things on the stage. Making things appear and disappear in front of their eyes, solving unsolvable situations and riddles. Each time he finished one move, he was greeted with applause.
No matter how hard he observed, Hoseok could not figure out what his ability was. He was no wiser than he was an hour ago. Amidst the huge applause, he let go of his thoughts and joined them.
“Surprised?” Taehyung asked once he had sent all the children away and they were sitting in the car. The darkening sky outside filled with wandering fireballs and randomly gushing water foundations surrounded them.
Hoseok nodded. “Absolutely. You were amazing.”
Taehyung gave a dramatic bow with one hand near his chest and another stretched back. His action in the cramped car seat looked awkward instead of intended charm, making Hoseok laugh. Getting up from his goofy posture, Taehyung took Hoseok’s hand towards him and started to draw circles with his finger. After a moment of pure bliss Taehyung asked “Are you ready for today?”
“Yes.”
“I will beat you once again. You just wait.” Taehyung’s declaration, unlike his previous gesture, sounded regal.
Hoseok really hoped Taehyung was wrong today. He wanted to win today.
---
Hours later after playing more than five rounds of games both settled on the sofa. Sounds of characters of some drama speaking filled the room, occasionally interrupted by either Taehyung’s commentaries, Hoseok’s laughs, both or combinations of them. Taehyung was munching on an apple while his other had clasped tightly around Hoseok’s hand, enjoying the murder mystery contrary to his earlier mocking. The detective, a young handsome guy with the ability to see lies, the story was interesting. Watching the lead solve mysteries, the unsolvable puzzle of Taehyung’s quirk, emerged in his mind.
The curiosity to know became too overpowering that he momentarily forgot about his own predicament and blurted, “By the way, what is your quirk Tae? I couldn’t figure it out today”.
“Nothing,” Taehyung replied without any pause. He was still completely engrossed in the show to remove his eyes from the screen.
No matter how he thought, this didn’t answer his question. Hoseok was still as perplexed as before. His answer didn’t prove anything.
Taehyung finally stopped watching and smiled looking at his face.
“I mean I don’t have any quirks, hyung. I am like your protagonist, an extraordinary person, person without quirks.”
In his entire life, he had never heard of any person without quirk. That was the thing of ancient times. That was the sole reason for the existence of his protagonist. Now that he heard Taehyung's claim, despite knowing deep in his heart Taehyung would never lie to him about this, he didn't had any reason to, Hoseok could not take it at face value.
"But today, on stage,.... What was that?," he asked, voice so low that he was afraid Taehyung might not have heard him.
"That's simple tricks. Something I learnt after school," Taehyung said. Taehyung was calm, calmer than ever, unlike his own state. He didn't know how anyone could be this peaceful while dropping such explosive news.
Is it really explosive news to him. A thought swiftly appeared.
“Why didn’t I know about this before?”
“You never asked,” Taehyung said. Once again his voice and actions calm beyond words. He seemed expecting this response which for some reason saddened him.
“Do you mind?”
It was then he understood the practiced calm and ease with which he delivered the news. Maybe this was not the first, or rare, question for him to face. The doubt, the rejection that he himself feared, maybe Taehyung had known it too well to feel disturbed by it. Hastily he said, “No. You just said right? It makes you extraordinary. Well maybe we all are in some ways or others. So it doesn’t matter” For the first time Hoseok realised the shortcomings of language. The same language which he had seen as ultimate power had today betrayed him, not able to convey his intention properly.
Despite this shortcoming, Taehyung’s words were crashing on his walls. It was as if a dam burst in his mind. Taehyung who had no quirk had no hesitation to express it yet he, a person who would technically be in a better position in society for even having a quirk, no matter how useless or harmful it was, was clouded by his own insecurities. If he did not reveal the truth now, could Taehyung ever forgive him? Could he ever forgive himself?
“What’s yours hyung?”
Now was his opportunity. Making up his mind Hoseok replied, “Actually, Tae I have something to say. I don’t know if you have noticed but I can't touch anyone,” he said, his voice tinged with a slight hesitation. “Apart from you,” he added hastily in order to prevent any sort of miscommunication.
He recounted the entire situation, emphasizing on the fact that he never intended to misuse the other or withhold this information. Every attempt to clarify seemed too short, too muddled and too disingenuous.
“Hyung, I know. You don’t have to justify,” Taehyung said after he tried to explain the events for the fifth time.
And Hoseok stopped.
“So when can I see it?,” Taehyung asked after several hours had passed. Hours of nothingness, laying on the sofa and simply resting their palms together. The calmness that engulfed them was so soothing that he did not want to do anything, not even shake his numbed legs to relieve them or move the fingers of his now-cold left hand. Taehyung’s question broke the calmness. Oddly this interruption did not feel out of place.
“See what?”
“Your quirk,” Taehyung replied, as if that was the most obvious thing in the world
“My quirk?” Hoseok was puzzled for a moment.
“Hyung, seriously? As you said, your allergy is just a result of your quirk not your quirk. I just wanted to see what your actual quirk is.” Taehyung elaborated. Even after hearing this, he could not wrap his head around it completely.
He had forgotten what it was like to use his quirk. He had forgotten what it was before accepting ‘touch deprivation’ as his reality, before his near death allergic episode, before constant headaches, sourness in his nostrils, swollen red eyes, red skin patches and searing pain became his norm. The wonderful feeling of using his ability, the rush of adrenaline he felt whenever he stretched his palm to create his own universe, the excitement as energy flowed through his veins and heated his entire palm just before it glowed. Everything that he had buried inside his heart so that the reality of his situation became more bearable unraveled at this moment
“You don’t have to show it to me today, or ever, if you are not ready. That is perfectly alright,” Taehyung said softly after a long pause. It was then that he realised his silence had communicated the wrong message.
“No, no it's okay. In fact I would love to. I just….. it’s just…. I had not used it in so many years…” No matter how hard he tried, Hoseok was not able to put his thoughts into words. His relationship with words had gone into a drain today. There was no salvaging at this point.
“That’s okay. You can take your time, hyung. I will be waiting for it.”
He didn’t know when his eyes became hot and moist with unshed tears. A hand encircled his neck giving the warmest hug of his recent memories.
---
Weeks later, their life was back to how it was. Both working on the project, Taehyung gushing over antics of his children or at times his co-workers, Hoseok contacting Jimin to propose another book idea, the two watching and criticizing shows and dramas just for fun.
One day, after a swimming match where Taehyung tried all the silly poses and games that he wanted to try in his friend’s private pool that he had booked, Hoseok said, “Tae, I have something to show”
“Huh?” Taehyung who was rubbing his head against the towel aggressively, trying to ward off every single droplet of water, did not hear his words clearly.
Instead of answer, Hoseok pulled Taehyung to sit on the nearby bench. He sat on the ground, opposite to Taehyung and stretched his hand. Just like the way he the first time, and how he practiced the last couple days, he concentrated intently on his palms. Images of the vast universe, filled with innumerable stars, known and unknown matter flashed in his mind. The coldness of the atmosphere contrasting with the scorching temperature of the stars filled his senses. Slowly, his palms brightened mirroring Taehyung's big, bright eyes
Within moments there was a miniature version of the universe in his hands. From glowing stars and the bright colors of planets to the dark nothingness.
“It's so pretty,” Taehyung said, his voice filled with awe. Hoseok wanted to laugh out loud looking at the open mouthed Taehyung in front of him whose eyes refused to look at anything other than his palm.
“I know. This is for you.” Hoseok said as he took out the box he had hidden safely in his pocket after changing from his swimming suit. He had specially customized the box so that it could withstand the unique creation in his hand. Carefully, he transformed the object from his hand to the box, sealing it there forever. He handed the box to Taehyung who took it as if it was the most delicate thing in the entire world.
Maybe it was.
Just like how precious their bond was to him. That was enough for him to be content for now.