Work Text:
(5)
The world was crumbling, even though he had done everything to keep it intact.
His world was crumbling, and Jihoon could do nothing but watch .
(4)
That boy used to say, “Don’t worry, Jihoon-ah. I won’t leave you alone.”
That boy also used to say, “I’ll be strong for you. I’ll protect you.”
And fulfilled his words, that boy did. He stayed by Jihoon’s side, from the beginning till the end. When the Calamity fell upon their world, the world they lived in, that boy stayed—even though he could have ran.
(3)
“Kwon Soonyoung, you’re a dumbass.”
Usually, that Kwon Soonyoung would laugh sheepishly. Usually, the boy who promised him safety would make up any reason for the stupid thing he did. Usually, that man whom Jihoon trusted his life to would plead his innocence with acting (endearingly) cute.
Usually, Kwon Soonyoung was warm.
Usually—
(2)
Ah. It’s getting lonely.
Being trapped in a crumbling tower with the cold, soulless body of the man he loved was lonely.
Sitting in the center of the array that was his—their—last hope, Jihoon closed his eyes and cradled Soonyoung’s self in his arms.
To the person who could no longer hear, he whispered words of love:
“May you live a long life in your second life, My Everything.”
(1)
The array he drew using his and Soonyoung’s blood lit up a violet light.
The bright, eye-blinding light engulfed them. Using his life as the force to activate this last resort, Jihoon bid his farewell to the world they lived in.
.
.
(0)
“Jihoon-ah, I dreamt of something scary again, last night. In that nightmare, I let you down and had to leave you all alone. I failed to protect you .
“Jihoon-ah, I’m scared. Please don’t be angry at me. I swear I won’t do that; it’ll take a long time but I swear I’ll make you the happiest man in this world.
“Jihoon-ah, why are you crying?”
In the arms of the man he loved for two lifetimes, Jihoon let his weakness be shown. Amidst his tears, he chuckled, “Kwon Soonyoung, you’re a dumbass.”
‘
This time, it’s
my
turn to protect you.
’