Chapter Text
The sky was beginning to darken and their people were digging pits and setting up bonfires.
It had become a common practice, according to earlier members, to gather together after completing a Main Scenario. Yoo Joonghyuk would question where they got the kindling each time, but if there was one thing he'd learned about Cale Henituse's people, it was that they're all secret arsonists who took after their leader's tendency for destruction and there was a concerning abundant amount of flammable things in the world.
Everyone had split up into separate groups, already well-versed in their respective duties because Cale had somehow trained the ridiculous habit of coming together for a big meal after a battle into them. Luckily, it never clashed with their ability to leap into battle formations at the drop of the hat, but Yoo Joonghyuk hadn't been able to adapt to their rhythm the first few scenarios he spent with them.
He was used to moving from battle to battle regardless of his hunger. He was of the idea that as long as he could still move and his body wasn't on the verge of death, it meant he had time that was better spent progressing scenarios. Cale hadn't agreed.
Hunger is the enemy, Cale had explained even though, really, it explained nothing at all; but Yoo Joonghyuk knew better than to argue with Cale about logic.
Someone struck a spark and a bonfire roared to life, many more followed behind it. Light was the first thing to greet this universe. Fire reflected in his eyes, witnessed by the sky full of stars. The scene was beautiful, eye-catching.
Yoo Joonghyuk suppressed the restlessness in his heart.
It wasn't difficult working with Cale Henituse and his collection, but it was jarring from his own experiences traveling with a group or alone. Yoo Joonghyuk held no doubts about their strength, but it was hard not to notice how they stood out in the apocalypse.
None of the people who followed Cale carried the fear or worry that was al-too prevalent these months after the first scenario. Younger party members could still brag to each other about their exploits with a bravado that the world should've stamped out, older members could still laugh and joke with each other without worrying about being stabbed in the back.
There was a sense of silliness and naivety still persisting in all of them. A kind of reckless confidence that came with knowing that there was a strong pillar watching over them as they marched forward.
These fires were an extension of that confidence; serving as a beacon, letting those outside to see the grand flames and long smoke rising from afar, and reminding them it was time to go home. Home.
That's what Cale created for them.
The fragrance of rich and fatty barbecue interrupted his train of thought. People sat around with drinks and alcohol, fatigue washed from their faces and replaced with relaxation and enjoyment. A cheer rose when one of Cale's dokkaebi contracted-servants held up a blue bag full of spices. Yoo Joonghyuk recognized it from his other round where he had honed his cooking skills. It was a luxury, really, to spend coins on.
But of course Cale wouldn't think so.
Yoo Joonghyuk leaned back against the tree bark with exasperation. The hustle and bustle of people, constellations, and dokkaebi chattering with each other formed a uniquely lively scene, not unlike a night market.
Who would think they were in the middle of an apocalypse?
Yoo Joonghyuk looked through the crowd, searching for their elusive red-haired leader who was still no where to be seen. He had disappeared the second the scenario had completed and Yoo Joonghyuk wished he had been there to stop him.
In spite of his ease in spotlight settings, Cale did not like being the center of attention unless he absolutely had to.
It wasn't something many were aware of considering how often the man found himself caught up in the midst of big events, willingly or (as often the case) not.
But if there wasn't any pressing matter that could force him to stay, Cale would disappear the second he could, and leave everyone else with their hands full dealing with the aftermath.
[2,000 coins have been sponsored.]
[Many constellations are asking you to find the incarnation 'Cale Henituse'.]
Yoo Joonghyuk scoffed. Of course they were, they always were.
God forbid they missed out on anything that had to do with Cale.
Yoo Joonghyuk knew there were constellations out there that sponsored other incarnations for the sole purpose of seeking Cale out, and the pay was equally ludicrous because it was a difficult task to fulfill. More than anyone would initially expect.
Cale Henituse, despite his looks and magnetic presence, was surprisingly good at staying hidden. It was only due to Yoo Joonghyuk's extensive experience from previous regressions that tracking him down now was — especially while they were in the same group — comparatively easier.
One useful trick he's found was that while Cale avoided attention, he also had an inexplicable weakness for the people he considered his responsibility. In most cases, you could count on him staying somewhere nearby to keep an eye on them.
Yoo Joonghyuk scanned the surroundings with a sharp eye and almost scowled when he spotted the red-haired man lounging on a roof, concealed behind the railings and nursing a bottle of alcohol. Judging by his laidback posture, he'll stay up there until everyone got too roaring drunk or sleepy to notice him sneaking down for food.
He clicked his tongue in irritation. The man already ate far too little for his liking to be skipping meals like this.
Yoo Joonghyuk grabbed a plate with some skewers and strode towards the roof. As he got closer, his footsteps lightened. It was a habit that came from hunting after someone who slipped away far too easily.
He pushed the door open as quietly as he could but it made a noise all the same, and Cale raised his eyes over carelessly to him. He choked mid-sip and immediately sat up from his sprawled posture, clutching his bottle of wine closer like a petulant toddler who had been told it was time to sleep but didn't want to.
Amusement rose up in Yoo Joonghyuk's chest, but he suppressed it. There was no need to encourage Cale when he already had more than enough people willing to indulge in his every whim.
"Cale." Maybe it was his tone, his expression, or the cold night breeze that blew by, but whatever it was, it caused Cale to shiver. Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes narrowed.
His fingers itched to drag him back down and force him to sit by the fire. But as if he could hear his thoughts, Cale, the absolute toddler, scowled at him. "No! If I go down there, they will undoubtedly swarm me."
On cue as always, they heard the group of drunkards below wailing Cale's name. Cale's mouth shut with a click and he ducked back down.
Yoo Joonghyuk's brow raised.
"What? They're too enthusiastic," Cale defended. "It's weird. I didn't even do anything special."
Ridiculous.
It was a word that few would associate with this man's character, but described him far better than anything Yoo Joonghyuk could think of right now. Unbelievably kind and selfless Cale who complained about people liking him, and yet continued to do things that made others think the world of him — Yoo Joonghyuk couldn't tell if the ache in his chest was from irritation or unwilling fondness.
A ridiculous man in this joke of a world.
"Of course they are," he said bluntly. Yoo Joonghyuk looked at the crowd of people below, faces bright with an unfamiliar emotion that he'd forgotten could exist until now. Hope. Determination. A longing for what the future holds.
Yoo Joonghyuk remembered all the things this person had accomplished in other rounds and this one and his voice lowered, softened, with an honesty that he thought he'd lost the right to. "Everyone believes in you. Everyone loves you."
No matter how many times Yoo Joonghyuk saw proof of it, it still left him somewhat shaken and filled with an emotion that he could not name.
Cale looked as though he had swallowed something sour and Yoo Joonghyuk didn't need to read his mind to understand the indignation that was running through Cale's head. "That sounds terrifying." He avoided his gaze and attempted to ignore him. "Never say that again."
Yoo Joonghyuk huffed, it wasn't quite a laugh though it verged on the cusp of one. He shoved the plate of skewers at him and took off his coat with his other hand. "You brought this on yourself, you ridiculous fool," he said.
Cale frowned harder and gave him a huffy glare that did little to deter Yoo Joonghyuk's amusement from growing. His cheeks were flush from alcohol and his hair was ruffled from the cold wind. He looked impossibly far away from the indomitable force of confidence and composure that many had built Cale Henituse to be in their minds.
He looked... human.
Yoo Joonghyuk couldn't help softening at the sight.
"You..."
Cale's eyes turned round and his mouth parted in surprise. It made his face look even younger, sweeter, like a college student who wouldn't be out of place on a campus and not battling his way through scenarios and monsters.
It was always odd to think about how quickly Cale had adapted to this way of life.
Not unlike how Kim Namwoon had taken to bloodshed with the ease of a fish in water, Cale Henituse had never faltered under his position as a leader and commander. And not for the first or last time, Yoo Joonghyuk wondered who Cale Henituse was before the world ended.
Yoo Joonghyuk sat down with a frown. "What is it?" he asked.
Cale blinked rapidly, then looked away from him again. "Nothing."
Liar.
Yoo Joonghyuk mentally rewound the conversation, struggling to figure out what provoked him before he caught sight of the reddened tips of Cale's ears. He was so fair-skinned that the crimson color was especially conspicuous.
Yoo Joonghyuk couldn't stop staring.
Are you embarrassed? he wanted to ask.
It was strange to associate Cale with that word, given the times he'd witnessed him doing the most shameless things without hesitation. Yoo Joonghyuk hadn't realized the red-haired man even knew the definition of the word, but he was stunned by the sudden need that flared within him to understand what he had done to make such a reaction from Cale and how to reproduce it.
It was kind of embarrassing if he thought about on it more, but before he could, Cale's face shifted into something more contemplative. You could see the gears turn behind that clever mind of his.
His brows shot up.
He knew that look. How could he not?
It was obvious to the naked eye; the same look Cale Henituse wore whenever he was thinking about his next big plans — which wasn't to be confused with the one he wore when he was thinking about scamming someone, although, more often than not, both seemed to go hand-in-hand.
[Many constellations are shaking at the sight.]
Yoo Joonghyuk, on the other hand, was flabbergasted by it.
What could he possibly be thinking about right now?
"Hmm," Cale said.
Hmm??
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is extremely thrilled by this turn of events!]
[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is asking excitedly if someone is going to be set on fire again.]
[The constellation 'Castle of Light' is sighing in exasperation.]
Yoo Joonghyuk would like for them not to enable the red-haired man.
"Cale," he interrupted the swarm of messages. "Stop thinking. The scenario's over."
However Cale wouldn't be himself if he listened to Yoo Joonghyuk. Sometimes it felt as if he existed just to be contrary to him. Cale blinked his carnelian eyes and gave him a confused, innocent look. "I know that," Cale replied easily, as if butter wouldn't melt in his mouth. "I'm not thinking about anything."
The little liar.
Yoo Joonghyuk didn't buy it and he was willing to bet the countless eyes watching them didn't either.
[Many constellations are waiting with great interest.]
"But if I were to, hypothetically speaking, have an idea for the next scenario that needed you to..." Cale trailed off as he pulled Yoo Joonghyuk's coat lapels together, fiddling with the fabric thoughtfully; probably shamelessly wondering if he could steal it away like he did in other regressions.
Cale usually looked lazy, but he was the type of person who would not be deterred after deciding on something, and no one could stop Cale from getting what he wanted or accomplishing his ideas.
"Well," Cale breathed.
Yoo Joonghyuk glared.
Cale cut him a look under his lashes and tilted his head, as graceful as a crane in pose. A few red locks fell from his shoulder, brushing against his cheek.
Yoo Joonghyuk's chest burned as Cale slowly tucked the lock back behind his ear. When he leaned close, he could smell the sweet notes of cherry wine from his mouth. Yoo Joonghyuk squeezed his eyes shut.
Unsaid words hung between them, tantalizing in its secrecy. Cale was always like this, clever and careful with his words like each extra syllable costed a fortune; they probably did at this point.
Cale would never say anything more if he could convey things with less. Calculative and deliberate like a spider weaving a honeyed-web for its prey, and yet people and constellations alike fell for it every single time.
[500 coins have been sponsored.]
[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is asking you to convince the incarnation 'Cale Henituse' to spill his plans.]
[1,000 coins have been sponsored.]
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is saying that you should sit closer to the incarnation 'Cale Henituse'.]
Step into my parlor, the spider said to the fly.
If he were a saner man, Yoo Joonghyuk would turn around and walk out that door, away from what would undoubtedly be another crazy plan that would end up with someone in flames.
But he wasn't.
Yoo Joonghyuk didn't have to look to know that Cale was still watching him with those patient eyes. Waiting in perfect serenity, gauging his reaction.
He felt the weight of that gaze lay on his shoulders. His heart beat faster, thundering in his chest. Yoo Joonghyuk blamed the wine for his lapse in judgement, the wine that had yet to touch his tongue, blamed anything to pinpoint his decision on.
Because they both knew his answer.
Cale Henituse was quite possibly the most unorthodox, perplexing person Yoo Joonghyuk had ever met. But for all that his plans were strange and often insane, they've always worked out to their advantage and made up for whatever trouble was sure to follow — and Yoo Joonghyuk would never give up any opportunity that would bring him closer to the end.
"Haaaaaa."
Yoo Joonghyuk opened his eyes. Fine. He could recognize defeat when it came to him, especially in the form of the crazy leader he'd sworn loyalty to. "Give me the bottle," he demanded.
Cale smiled.
It was a stupidly attractive smile for a stupidly pretty man, full of self-satisfied cleverness like a smug cat that knew it had gotten its way; and Yoo Joonghyuk had never been a pet owner before, but he thought he could understand them with stark clarity.
"Leave half for me," Cale reminded him. That pretty little smile still on his lips, watching him in amusement as constellations flew around them as witness.
Yoo Joonghyuk ignored the man as he downed the rest of the bottle. The sweet and spicy richness made it easier to pretend he didn't notice the feeling of hungry anticipation clenching around his heart, betraying his disgruntled scowl.
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is shaking with laughter.]
[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is tearing his hair in excitement.]
[1,000 coins have been sponsored.]
[The constellation 'Castle of Light' is reminding the incarnation 'Cale Henituse' to be careful.]
Constellations danced around them, readying themselves for yet another great story while below them, the crowd seemed to have caught the sudden change in the air; like dogs scenting blood, many immediately locked onto the sight of them on the roof with pointed fingers and eager eyes.
Laughter involuntarily skipped out of Yoo Joonghyuk in bright, bending waves when Cale cursed at the sight and stumbled to his feet, trying to escape before they could corner him for another speech.
Ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous.
This was the man he chose to follow.
Yoo Joonghyuk sat up, lifting a hand to catch the end of the oversized coat, stopping him in place; the betrayed outrage that crossed Cale's face lightened his mood.
Well, it's not like he expected anything else when he decided to throw his bets in with Cale Henituse this round.