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Geum Seong-je was fucking bored.
He had occupied himself with haunting his regular pc bang for the first few weeks after the collapse of the Union, cursing at the utter incapability of his teammates and winning games solely by his own efforts. He would then head to the nearest convenience store for a cup of ramen and a packet of cigarettes, an activity repeated so often that even the cashier would start ringing up his bill the moment he entered the store.
But there’s a limit to everything and Seong-je was on the verge of losing his patience. He hated this kind of lifestyle. The sole reason he had joined the Union was because of the adrenaline its tasks offered him. Sure, he sometimes had to take orders from Baek-jin but he got to do his own thing most of the time. And his favourite hobby was roughing up the kids who had the audacity to show up looking all tough at first and then ended up begging for mercy once they were on the ground - faces bruised and bleeding, hair and clothes disheveled, holding onto an aching arm or a leg in desperation. The moment his victims ended up like this, Seong-je would get a little pissed. There was no fun in dealing with losers that gave up so easily.
Even though Mr. Choi considered him a potential replacement for Baek-jin, Seong-je knew damn well it would be nothing like the Union. And he wasn’t interested in anything that had to do with rules or organisation. He craved the spontaneous rush of violence that highlighted his life until a few months ago. He prowled the streets looking for prey, lurking in areas he had previously cornered his victims. But his reputation as the mad dog of Ganghak must have spread around like wildfire, because people had suddenly become exceptionally good at avoiding him at all costs. Spaces would seem to be cleared off of any human presence seconds before he entered, the ghost of lingering chatter echoing off the walls.
These fuckers. He desperately needed to get his hands on something before he died out of boredom or went back to accept Mr. Choi’s offer. He would rather throw himself off a cliff than go back to an offer he had rejected.
But it seemed like his prayers were met when his favourite toy of all time dropped right into the palm of his hands. Go fucking Hyun-tak. The idiot who doesn’t hesitate to aim a kick even with a busted knee.
Well, he didn’t actually realise it was Go Hyun-tak he was looking at, in the giant uncomfortable looking Pororo costume in front of a newly opened kids store, as he was lazily walking the streets of Myeong-dong, hands in his pockets with an unlit cigarette hanging loosely between his lips. He stopped right beside the store to take out his lighter to light his cigarette when the giant Pororo fucking walked up to him and barked,
“Don’t fucking smoke here, there are literally children around.”
Seong-je’s hands stopped midway, genuinely taken aback. Despite the muffled voice, it was clear as day to him who the owner was. He could recognise that loser anywhere.
“Is that who I think it is?” Seong-je asked, a hint of amusement in his tone.
This situation was absolutely hilarious, if he got pennies for the times he saw one of the Eunjang bastards dressed up in some weird costume, he would have two pennies, which is not much but it's hilarious that it happened twice nonetheless. Pororo turned away from him and walked back to the front of the store, completely ignoring his existence. Well then, guess he’ll stick around until the idiot is forced to acknowledge his presence. It's not like he had anything better to do anyway and this was the most fun he was going to have in ages.
Seong-je discarded his cigarette in a trash can and leaned by a pole right in front of the store, watching Pororo Hyun-tak exaggeratedly shake his head and wave his hands at every kid passing by the store. He let out a snort at the pathetic try hard behaviour, god, Go Hyun-tak was full of surprises. No wonder, he liked toying with him the most.
“Are you sure you’re not scaring these little shits away?” Seong-je drawled, making Pororo turn towards him comically. He could feel the glare through the thick ass costume. Perfect. The stupid cosplay thing went on all afternoon, Seong-je passing comments every now and then until he got tired and moved to squat against a wall. The fact that Hyun-tak was doing this with that fucked up knee of his was the most brainless decision ever, but what else could he expect from that fool?
At dusk, a man came out of the store with a towel and a bottle of water.
“Hyun-tak ah! Good job for today, man. Here, let me help you get out of your costume.” Fucking finally. Seong-je had waited long enough. Hyun-tak, drenched in sweat, bowed and thanked the man multiple times, accepting the towel and bottle from him before the man headed back into the store, waving him goodbye. He wiped his hair and neck and downed the entire bottle of water in one go. Seong-je watched his Adam's apple bob up and down as he drank, getting the sudden urge to punch him in the throat. But he restrained himself from doing that, he had more fun ideas in mind.
“God, you fucking reek.” Seong-je fell into step beside him, as Hyun-tak started walking away from the store. Hyun-tak ignored him and continued walking, trying to get ahead of him, but Seong-je noticed the slight limp preventing him from walking faster. He grabbed him by the back of his neck, catching Hyun-tak by surprise, who let out a yelp, and dragged him to a nearby bench, forcing him down.
“What the fuck are you doing?” Hyun-tak stutters, trying to get up but Seong-je held him down with a hand on his shoulder.
“Stay still. The least you can do is be a little less rude to the person who waited for you all afternoon at your lame ass job.”
“And who the fuck asked you to? You that desperate to pick a fight?” Hyun-tak narrowed his eyes up at him.
Seong-je snorted, “It would be hardly any fun to fight someone who can barely walk. On top of that, you’re no match for me anyway.”
“Asshole,” Hyun-tak muttered, “then leave me the fuck alone. Also, I can walk just fine.” Hyun-tak stretched his legs as if to prove it.
“Really? Go ahead then.” Seong-je moved aside to give Hyun-tak space to get up. Hyun-tak stood up fast, and immediately fell back on the bench, trying to hide the pained grunt that had escaped from his lips. Just as Seong-je had predicted. Hyun-tak closed his eyes, clearly embarrassed, “Uh, I’ll get up a little later, I guess.”
“Right,” Seong-je deadpanned and sat down beside Hyun-tak, close enough to annoy the latter, “so how do you plan on getting home?”
“None of your business.”
“Well, the bus stop is quite a walk from here. So you better get a move on if you want to catch the next bus. If you miss that, the next one to Yeongdeungpo won’t come until an hour later.”
“Thanks for the information.” Despite Hyun-tak’s indecisiveness, Seong-je could see the agitation etched on his face. Sighing exasperatedly, Seong-je got up and extended a hand toward Hyun-tak.
Hyun-tak’s eyes went wide at the gesture, “What the fuck are you gonna do?”
“Drag your ass to the bus stop, of course. Or would you rather prefer being princess carried? You’re probably heavy as fuck but I can try.”
“Cut the crap.”
“I’m serious. Don't waste any more of my time.”
Seong-je could see the fight slowly leave Go Hyun-tak’s body, being replaced by exhaustion. The latter got up and Seong-je snaked an arm around his waist, slightly pulling him toward himself. Hyun-tak involuntarily leaned on Seong-je, the pain in his knee clouding his judgement, and put his arm around Seong-je’s shoulder. Then Seong-je started walking slowly, almost dragging Hyun-tak’s entire weight along.
Hyun-tak stayed quiet almost the entirety of the way, Seong-je could clearly feel the awkwardness and self consciousness emanating out of him (that boy was so easy to read). Every time a passerby gave them a curious look, Hyun-tak would try to straighten up and Seong-je got immense pleasure out of pulling him back towards him. He could’ve beaten up a lot of people considering his three second rule but unfortunately (or not), the boy in his arms (whose ears had turned tomato red) had all his attention. They reached the bus stop and Seong-je sat Hyun-tak down on the bench before taking out his lighter and lighting up his cigarette. Hyun-tak had the audacity to scrunch up his nose in disgust. This brat.
“I didn't smoke all day because a stupid fucking Pororo told me not to. You’re getting on my nerves with that face.”
“Quit being so dramatic. At this point, you’re gonna die of lung cancer anyway.”
“Aww, are you worried about me, puppy?”
“Dont fucking call me that! And why the hell are you here anyway?”
“I can be wherever the fuck I want to be. None of your business.”
“Of course, it is my business! You’re with ME!”
“Then you should be fucking grateful to me.”
“In your dreams, you bastard.”
The bus arrived then, putting an end to their bickering. Seong-je hauled Hyun-tak up and almost pushed him up onto the bus. Hyun-tak limped slightly toward the back and took a window seat. Seong-je followed, dropping beside him.
“The bus is almost empty. Why can’t you go sit somewhere else?” Hyun-tak muttered, pulling out his earphones.
“And why should I listen to you?” Seong-je grabbed one earbud from Hyun-tak’s hand and put it in his ear, ignoring the surprised “hey!” from the other.
Hyun-tak sighed and leaned against the window.
“You’ve got shit music taste.” Seong-je said as soon as the first song started playing.
“And you’ve got shit personality.”
“You’d have been shivering on the pavement today, if not for me.”
“You so want to hear a ‘thank you’ from me. Keep trying, loser.”
“You’re so making me want to punch your pretty face right now.”
“Wh- what the fuck are you saying?”
“What? You scared now?”
“That's not - nevermind, idiot.” And with that Hyun-tak sighed and stared out the window for the rest of the ride, refusing to react to any of Seong-je’s snarky remarks. By the time the bus reached their stop, the sun had set already and the lampposts were slowly flickering on to life. Seong-je and Hyun-tak paid their fares - Hyun-tak bowing to the driver - and got down. The streets were mostly deserted except for the occasional passerby.
Hyun-tak cleared his throat, “Um, I can walk better now. You can go home. I’ll be fine.”
Seong-je scoffed, “As if I care. You might get jumped and knowing how weak you are, you definitely won’t be able to protect yourself. I don’t really like the idea of someone else getting to play with my toy, so I’m gonna drop you home.”
“I’m not your fucking toy.” Hyun-tak bristled, and started walking, Seong-je falling into step beside him. Fifteen minutes later, Hyun-tak rang the doorbell to his house. His mother opened the door, her face lighting up on seeing him, the aroma of food being cooked wafting out the door.
“Son! What took you so long? I was starting to get worried.” She caressed his head, a hint of anxiety in her eyes and Hyun-tak felt a pang of guilt. “Sorry, mom. The work dragged on a bit longer than it was supposed to.”, he lied. He knew better than to worry his mom by letting her know that his knee had decided to act up again. His mom’s eyes then traveled toward Seong-je, who was still lingering at the back, an amused expression on his face. “Oh, hi there! Are you Hyun-tak’s friend? I haven’t seen you before.”
“No!” Hyun-tak replied a bit too fast, “he’s…just someone I know. I met him on my way back.”
“Ah, I see. It's already gotten late. Why don’t you invite your friend for dinner?” And before Hyun-tak could protest, she turned to him, “Please, why don’t you come in? We’d love to have you for dinner.” Hyun-tak half expected Seong-je to snicker and turn away but to his utter dismay (and shock), Seong-je flashed a deceptively sweet smile, “Sure, I’d love that. Thank you for inviting me.” He confidently strode past Hyun-tak (whose mouth was hanging half open in disbelief) and introduced himself to his mother.
“Hyun-tak-ah, why don't you take Seong-je to your room, hm? You both can freshen up, I will call you once dinner’s ready.” Then she disappeared into the kitchen. Left alone in the hallway, Seong-je glanced at Hyun-tak with a smirk.
“Drop your fucking act,” Hyun-tak whispered, grabbing his arm and dragging him toward his bedroom, “seriously, what’s your deal, huh? Why did you say yes to dinner?”
“Aww I thought you'd be disappointed if I said no. I can’t bear to see my playmate sad.”
“Did fighting all the time mess with your brain or something? I mean, of course it did…” Hyun-tak grumbled, grabbing a pair of clothes and making his way into the bathroom.
Seong-je was left alone in Hyun-tak’s bedroom and he obviously indulged himself by looking around. Every corner of the room screamed Go Hyun-tak, that boy was so damn predictable. A bunch of photo frames lay scattered on the bedside table, Seong-je’s eyes caught a particular frame - Hyun-tak, probably around twelve or thirteen, in Taekwondo uniform, short cropped hair shining with sweat, half crescent moon eyes and a toothy grin. He held up a gold medal in one hand and a certificate in another, while his mother proudly hugged him from the side. Pathetic, Seong-je thought, but at the same time, he felt a weird tug in his chest. Regret? No, Seong-je never looked back on his actions. He was simply following orders and if the bastard was training to be a Taekwondo athlete, he should have been strong enough to get back up and defend himself before Baek-jin ruined his dreams forever. Which was funny because the only reason Seong-je used to look forward to roughing Hyun-tak up was because the latter always seemed to be driven by this stubborn urge to never give up. The one time he did, he had everything taken away from him. A hand snatched the frame out of Seong-je’s hands, breaking him out of his musings.
“Did I give you permission to touch my things?”
Hyun-tak was out of the shower, his hair damp and sticking to his forehead. The tips of his nose and cheekbones were slightly red, Seong-je noticed. He had changed into a blue t-shirt and pants and a towel hung around his neck. A subtle scent of strawberry lingered in the air, making Seong-je get the weird fucking urge to lean down and sniff Hyun-tak.
“I was admiring your cute little childhood photos,” Seong-je smirked, “You haven't changed much, y’know?”
A flush crept up Hyun-tak’s face and he scoffed, setting the photo down on the table.
“Is this your new way of tormenting people, you psychopath? You can keep bothering me, but I’m not gonna get into stupid fights with you anymore.”
“Of course you won’t. You know you’d lose.”
“Oh please, don't get so ahead of yourself. I can still take you down if I want to.”
“Stupid AND cocky, what a deadly combination.”
Before Hyun-tak could retort, his mom’s voice called up the stairs, “Kids! Dinner’s ready!”
“You better behave and be nice to my mom”, Hyun-tak warned.
“Relax, I’m not that bad.” That earned him a massive eye roll before they both headed downstairs.
Hyun-tak’s mom had set the table for three, bowls of rice, meat and vegetables steamed, giving off a particular delicious aroma that only came from the warmth of homely meals cooked with love. Seong-je cannot remember the last time he had had a meal like this. Hell, he would take this over convenience store ramen anyday. And he would also get to annoy Hyun-tak so that was even better.
“If I’d known you’d be joining us, I would have prepared something better. I apologise if this is too simple.” Hyun-tak’s mom smiled apologetically as she handed Seong-je a bowl of rice.
“Mom,-” Hyun-tak started but Seong-je cut him off.
“This already smells like the best meal ever, I’m sure it will taste even better. I should be the one apologising, I didn't mean to intrude. Thank you for the meal, I’ll enjoy it to the fullest.” Beside him, Hyun-tak looked like the wires in his brain had just short circuited.
“Aww, you’re such a polite kid. I’m glad Hyun-tak is friends with you.” Hyun-tak choked on his rice at his mom’s comment and Seong-je patted him on the back, shooting him a wink when the other scowled.
“Do you go to Eunjang too? Are you friends with Baku and the others too then?” Hyun-tak’s mom asked, polite curiosity laced in her voice.
“No, eommoni, I go to Ganghak, and Hyun-tak is the only one I'm friends with. I have had the pleasure of meeting the others though.” Seong-je smiled, it was funny, considering the circumstances under which he had met them.
“Ahh, I see. Hyun-tak, you never told me you had friends from Ganghak too. Anyway, how was your work today? I hope it wasn’t too tiring?”
A momentary cloud of hesitation passed over Hyun-tak’s face before he went on to lie, “Oh no, I was not tired at all, in fact I enjoyed myself quite a lot.” He beamed at his mother, shoving a spoonful of rice into his mouth.
“But considering your knee, shouldn’t you be avoiding jobs that require you standing all day?” Seong-je had to speak up and ruin Hyun-tak’s elaborate lie.
“What? Hyun-tak. Why did you not tell me this?” His mother eyed Hyun-tak sternly.
“Oh, Mom, don't worry. My knees are fine now, I can handle activities like that.” Hyun-tak tried to explain while kicking Seong-je under the table simultaneously.
“I don’t think you should though. Don’t you remember what the doctor said about chronic pain?” And then her face softened, “Listen, I know why you’re doing this. But don’t burden yourself like this physically. I have more than enough money saved to support your college expenses, son.”
Damn, Seong-je didn’t expect the mood at the table to get so fucking solemn. Hyun-tak looked like a kicked puppy as he nodded at his mother’s words and continued eating. As if sensing Seong-je’s thoughts, Hyun-tak’s mother spoke up again, “Aigo, I’m sorry Seong-je, dear, for bringing up these conversations. But it was really nice of you to be concerned for Hyun-tak. I’m glad he has you as a friend.”
Seong-je’s sweet smile at her almost felt wrong on his face, “I’m glad I get to play with him as well.” Thankfully, they finished eating soon after, putting Hyun-tak out of his misery.
“Thank you for the delicious meal, eommoni. I will not bother you anymore and take my leave now.” Seong-je bowed politely, ignoring the bewildered scoff from Hyun-tak.
“Oh, don't worry, dear. It wasn’t a bother at all. Feel free to visit any time you want. Hyun-tak, go see your friend off.”
Hyun-tak rolled his eyes behind his mother but followed Seong-je out of the door anyway.
They walked in silence for a while, the song of cicadas keeping them company. Seong-je lit a cigarette, sending wisps of smoke into the humid summer night. Hyun-tak broke the silence first.
“It was hella weird seeing you act all normal like that, you know?”
Seong-je smirked, “Yeah? And which one do you prefer, pup? I’m willing to act that way with you.”
“Ugh, can you stop spouting bullshit, for fuck’s sake?”
“You’re the one who started the conversation.”
“Yeah, my bad. Go ahead by yourself. I’m going back home. I’d ask you to get back safe but you’re the danger anyway, so…” Hyun-tak trailed off, turning around.
“Wait,” Seong-je stepped closer, fishing out his phone from his pocket. “Give me your number.”
“What the fuck? Why?”
Seong-je shrugged, “So that you can come entertain me every time I’m bored?”
“The fuck? What the hell do you take me for?”
“My favourite playmate,” Seong-je leaned into Hyun-tak’s space, exhaling smoke right into his face.
“You bastard,” Hyun-tak coughed, eyes watery, swatting his hands in front of his face, “just get lost already.”
“I’m not going anywhere until I have your number in my phone. Or should I threaten one of your loser friends for it?”
“You’re insufferable,” Hyun-tak gritted through his teeth, snatching the phone from Seong-je’s hand and typing down his number. He pushed the phone back into his hands once he was done.
“Here. Happy now?”
“You always make me happy, you wimp.” Seong-je raised his hand to softly tap Hyun-tak’s head making the latter jump back as if he had been electrocuted.
“The fuck are you doing? Leave before I punch you in the face.”
Seong-je snickered at the way Hyun-tak visibly turned red under the glare of the street lamp.
“Always all bark and no bite. Cute. Reply when I text.” And with that he turned around, raising an arm in goodbye. Hyun-tak stood staring at his retreating back, until he disappeared around a corner. A shiver ran down his spine at the thought of Seong-je’s last words. What a weird day.
Later that night when he was almost on the verge of falling asleep, his eyes drooping into subconsciousness, Hyun-tak’s phone vibrated, jolting him awake. Thinking it was probably Baku spamming him with random reels, he unlocked his phone but was surprised to see a text from a random number.
Unknown 1:11 AM
Meet me tomorrow at the bus stop.
You 1:12 AM
Who is this??
Unknown 1:13 AM
Your saviour.
What are you doing up so late?
You 1:14 AM
Fucker
That's none of your business.
Asshole 1:15 AM
Whatever. See you tomorrow.
You 1:16 AM
Wait what?
I'm not meeting you
Asshole 1:17 AM
You sure about that?
What if I show up at Baku’s father’s restaurant looking for you?
You 1:18 AM
Don’t you fucking dare
Leave my friends alone
Asshole 1:19 AM
Sure, princess Grace me with your presence then
You 1:20 AM
… Ughhh
What time
Asshole 1:21 AM
Is 11 fine with you?
You 1:22 AM
Gracious of you to ask
Yeah
Asshole 1:23 AM
Wdym? I’m always polite
Make sure to look pretty
You 1:24 PM
🖕
Asshole 1:25 PM
Good night, cutie
You 1:26 PM
God, you're impossible
Night
—
Hyun-tak woke up to the harsh glare of the sunlight piercing through his eyelids. The first thing he noticed was how humid his room felt even though it was pretty early in the morning. He had sweated through his shirt, the cloth sticking uncomfortably to his back. This is the kind of day he would have preferred to stay in, lying on the sofa binging TV shows. But no, he had agreed to meet that weirdo, of all people. He could not make any sense of any of his actions the previous day, nor could he fathom why Seong-je wanted to meet him again today. Maybe he wanted to beat him up? After the Union fell, he hadn’t really heard about Seong-je going around terrorising the poor kids of the neighbourhood like he previously used to. He had assumed all the Union members were busy laying low after everything that went down. Gone were his few months of peace, now Hyun-tak was back to dealing with the mad dog of Ganghak. Maybe he has changed his tactics from physical abuse to mental torture? Anyway, Hyun-tak wasn’t one to back down from bullies, he would show him his place today so that Seong-je never dared to bother him or his friends again.
He forced himself out of bed and made his way to the bathroom for a quick shower. Taking the humid weather into consideration and having no idea where the psychopath was gonna take him, Hyun-tak put on a plain white tee and layered it with a baseball jersey. His mother had already gone off to work so he made himself some toast while checking the messages from his friends.
The Eunjangs + Suho groupchat
Baku
What are you guys up to today?
My dad is making me work in the restaurant AGAIN
Juntae
Awwhh noo :(
I’m going to check out some new manga from the store near our school with my friends from the anime club!
Sieun
You’ll live, Baku, stop whining.
I’ll be studying and then I’ll go over to Suho’s
Baku
Noo ice princess
But why weren’t we invited to Suho’s as well? 👀
You
Ugh leave them alone Baku
Baku
My Gogooo
Why don't you treat me to some lunch today?
You
Why the fuck would I do that?
And anyway
I can’t today
I’m busy
Baku
What ya up to?
You
i’m going out to meet a friend
actually no
not a friend
just an acquaintance
Baku
YOU HAVE OTHER FRIENDS!!!???
Juntae
even i am surprised
Suho
HELP-
You
ugh i told you guys not a friend
Baku
suree
you got a date?
You
wth no
Baku
lol thought so
how can you not tell your best friend about this new mystery guy gogo :(
You
fuck off
i’ll tell you later
Bye
He let out a sigh and checked the time. 10:40. It was barely a five minute walk to the bus stop but for some reason, he was feeling way too agitated to wait. Whatever it was that Geum Seong-je wanted, he wanted to get done with it quickly. He grabbed his keys and wallet and left the house.
The sun beat down on him like a punishment, drops of sweat beaded on his forehead and a few trickled down his face as he made his way toward the bus stop. The roads were quiet except for the occasional horn of a passing car and the insistent drone of the cicadas. He sighed in relief as he settled down under the shade of the bus stop, wiping the sweat off his face with the back of his hand.
“So excited to see me that you show up early?”
Hyun-tak snapped his head up at the irritating voice to see Seong-je leaning by the bus stop pole with a smug grin on his face. He was wearing a striped t-shirt and black cargo pants and a cap turned backwards. Why did that bastard lowkey look good? With a jolt, Hyun-tak realised how obviously he had been staring and cleared his throat, “If anything, I’m excited to punch you in the face, asshole.”
Seong-je smirked, “You even took the effort to dress up for our date. How cute.” Hyun-tak’s eyes widened and he sputtered, “D-date?? The fuck do you mean? And for your information, I barely put in any effort. I just happen to look good all the time.”
Seong-je looked at him for what felt like minutes, like really looked, before replying, “Sure you do.” and got up to board the bus that had stopped. He didn’t even bother to look back at Hyun-tak knowing damn well the mutt would follow regardless.
“Where the hell are we going?”
“Relax, you’ll get to know once we reach there.”
“What do you mean relax? I’m not just gonna follow a psychotic menace to god knows where without any questions.”
“And yet, here you are.”
That got Hyun-tak to shut up. He huffed out angrily and stared out the window for the rest of the ride. The cityscape soon wheezed past to reveal houses separated by large areas of greenery. Is he gonna take me to the outskirts of the city to beat me up in some shady abandoned place and leave me there so no one finds my body?
“You’re gonna pop a vein with all that overthinking. Quit worrying your pretty little head.”
Hyun-tak heaved an exasperated sigh - whatever drug Seong-je was snorting these days was working wonders. He refused to entertain his shenanigans any further and just shot him a murderous look. It was already annoying that Seong-je seemed to be able to tell exactly what he was thinking about. But that was probably because that lunatic went around terrorising tons of people, Hyun-tak rationalised.
The bus slowed to a stop and Seong-je got up, “This is where we get down.” He flashed a gummy grin and Hyun-tak’s stomach did a weird flip (probably out of the imminent dangers that awaited him).
Hyun-tak got down and stared desolately as the bus grew smaller and smaller into the distance. He then looked around, taking in his surroundings. It looked like a small town, like the ones that are tucked away from both the hustle and bustle of city life and the attention of tourists. The ocean was probably not far from the town because the air carried the salty sea scent. That and the abundance of trees made the area much cooler than the urban microwave that was Seoul. It was a pleasant place to be, and Hyun-tak wished he was there with his friends instead of the literal devil.
“Okay what now?” he snapped, his irritation doubled now.
“Do you know that patience is a virtue?”
“You should be the last person talking about virtues.”
“I am very virtuous, Tak-ie.”
“Don’t call me that. Just answer the damn question.”
“Hmm, figured I would give you a better part time job than embarrassing yourself as Pororo. Although I gotta admit you looked very cute in the costume, but its more fun when I get to fuck up your knee than when you do it yourself.”
Hyun-tak stared at him, dumbfounded, for a solid minute before simply uttering, “...what?”
Seong-je just looked up to the sky and sighed, as if Hyun-tak was the one being vague as fuck at the moment.
—
Hyun-tak had dreamt of a lot of things in his life and had been entertained by imagining himself in many absurd situations. For example, his dreams of participating in the Olympics had seemed plausible at one point of time, but he had indulged himself in those delusions even after his dream had been brutally shattered. Who would his opponents be, how would he look on TV, how he would mention his mom and Baku in his winning speech - were all ‘what if’ scenarios he enjoyed thinking about on days he was bored or on nights he couldn’t sleep. But if someone were to tell him that one day he would find himself planting rice in a fucking field with Geum fucking Seong-je, he could not have been able to see that happening in any possible way. But life was full of surprises. And here he was, decked in a straw hat and rubber boots, ankle deep in a muddy field, holding a fistful of paddy with the sun blazing down on them and Seong-je whistling peacefully a few feet away from him.
When Seong-je had dragged him to the fields, a kind looking elderly couple had greeted them with the warmth of grandparents welcoming their grandkids during summer vacation. Seong-je’s demeanor had completely changed again, just like during the dinner with his mom - instances where he suddenly gained the ability to act in a civil manner. When the grandma and grandpa started focusing on Hyun-tak, doting on him about how “handsome their grandson’s friend was”, Hyun-tak was too distracted with the newfound information to be able to react properly. Seong-je had brought him to his grandparent’s place. He simply couldn’t wrap his head around that. Sure, he just wanted to exploit his labour, but they weren’t even close enough for Seong-je to reveal this side of his family to him. But then again, one cannot expect Seong-je to follow the norms of society. They would go back to being strangers the next day and Hyun-tak would be left feeling sad for the doting grandparents he got to meet so randomly.
Well, the least he could do was help them out in the field, so he set to work diligently, completely forgetting the ridiculousness of the situation for the moment. After what felt like a grueling two hours, they got called for lunch, thankfully, because Hyun-tak’s stomach had started to make embarrassing growling noises. He followed Seong-je into the house, and the aroma of freshly cooked delicacies only intensified the growling in his stomach. Grandma had laden the table with a proper feast - plates heaped with japchae and galbi and even steaming bowls of kimchi jjigae with all sorts of banchan.
“If I had known you’d be coming, I’d have prepared something better,” Grandma mentioned, patting Hyun-tak’s back.
“Halmeoni, this is more than enough, thank you so much for taking the trouble to prepare all this. I’ll make sure to enjoy it!” Hyun-tak answered with an eager smile.
“That’s all I want! Eat up kids!”
The next hour the only sounds in the room were the clink of cutlery and the satisfied hums that escaped their lips as they finished all the food. Seong-je had been unusually quiet for the past few hours and Hyun-tak was more than grateful for the silence.
After lunch, the two made their way back to the field and only stopped when the sun had just set, tinting the neighbourhood, which seemed to have come alive with the cacophony of birds returning to their nests, in a bluish hue. On their return, grandma surprised them again with juicy watermelons and refreshing shikhye.
“I feel like I have overstayed my welcome. Thank you for all the warm arrangements, halmeoni, harabeoji,” Hyun-tak bowed to each of them in turn.
“But it’s already so late, surely you are not planning to go back? Just spend the night here!” Grandpa insisted.
“Oh no no, I would not want to bother you anymore.” Hyun-tak glanced at Seong-je for support but the dude simply shrugged. Of course.
“Oh come on, it would not be any trouble at all. Tell me which old person does not like it when they can convince their grandson to stay with them, even if it is just for a night? And you are the first friend our Seong-je has ever brought here so of course you are even more special!”
Hyun-tak’s face flamed in embarrassment, who knew what kind of bullshit story the maniac had given his grandparents about his life back home.
“I’m too tired to catch the bus, anyway,” the devil spoke up, “so let's just spend the night here.”
—
Hyun-tak called up his mom and let her know that he would be staying over at his friend’s place for the night. The group chat with his friends was also going crazy with Baku spamming about some game he wanted to play with them. But Hyun-tak was too tired to reply so he made a mental note to himself to do it the next morning. After dinner, grandma showed them to their room, “Our grandson had been sleeping here ever since he was a child, so it is basically considered his room now.” Sure enough, the room did seem like a kid had spent their growing years in it - there were crayon drawings covering the walls, some of the artworks had even been stuck to the wall along with some polaroids of scenery that looked like they were taken around the area. The desk in the corner was littered with random trinkets and books.
“You guys make yourself comfortable, I will bring an extra pillow and blanket for Hyun-tak.” Hyun-tak whipped toward Seong-je as soon as she left, “There’s absolutely no way I’m sleeping beside you.”
Seong-je was already making himself comfortable on the bed,
“Well, you’re already wearing my clothes, so what’s the problem with this? Are you someone who cuddles in their sleep or something?”
“I’m more worried about my safety when sleeping beside a psychopathic devil like you.”
Hyun-tak ended up making a makeshift bed with the blankets grandma gave them and laid down with a groan. He tossed and turned for a while until Seong-je let out an exasperated sigh and threw his pillow down at him.
“Hey!”
“Ugh just get up. Your whining is not gonna let me sleep all night. Just take the bed, I’ll take the floor.”
Hyun-tak was not gonna pass up on the offer to make Geum Seong-je suffer on the cold hard ground so he got up without any complaints, making himself comfortable on the bed. The room went quiet except for the soft hum of their breaths, the trill of the crickets outside and the occasional barks of a restless dog. Hyun-tak tried to fall asleep - it should have been easy considering how tiring the day was - but the ache in his body only seemed to sharpen his mind, keeping it awake. He rolled onto his side and glanced at Seong-je, the latter had his eyes closed, his unruly hair splayed out on his pillow. A sliver of moonlight that escaped through the drawn curtains illuminated his face, and the absence of his glasses seemed to soften his features. Without the smug expression plastered on his face 24/7, Hyun-tak could almost consider him attractive. That thought was simply too much for him to process so he blabbered out into the dark, “You awake?”, feeling stupid instantly. Seong-je sighed, “Well, I was trying not to be but princess called.”
“Fine, my bad. Just go off to sleep, asshole.”
A beat and then Seong-je spoke.
“What is it? Just spit it out.”
Hyun-tak hesitated for a moment, “Why…did you bring me here?”
There was such a long pause after the question that Hyun-tak thought Seong-je had probably fallen asleep but when he turned towards him, the latter was already looking at him. He smirked, “Why? Were you expecting to go somewhere else?”
“You know that’s not what I mean.” Another long pause.
“Well, I felt too bored in Seoul and I brought you along because you’re entertaining as hell.”
This time Hyun-tak took some time before asking, “What about…your parents?”
“You wanna meet them as well? Aren’t we moving too fast, puppy?”
Hyun-tak was grateful that it was dark because he felt his face warm up instantly.
“The fuck are you on? Also you have already met my mom. I was just asking because they might be worried about not knowing where you are.”
“They are overseas for a business trip and they hardly ever care where I am so don’t worry your pretty little head about it.”
Hyun-tak’s thoughts shifted to Sieun - his parents were always so busy with work that he practically lived alone. Seong-je was probably brought up the same way except the asshole at least had loving grandparents. Still he could not help but wonder how lonely it might have been for Seong-je. Sieun had Suho and Baku and Juntae and him. What about Seong-je? The Union wasn’t the sort of place where they were friends with each other, the closest he had been with anyone was probably Baekjin. Hyun-tak had been there for Baku while he grieved for Baekjin but Seong-je probably had no one. He might have been a maniacal bully who had only shown interest in beating people up - Hyun-tak had no business feeling bad for him - but his heart started to ache for the boy who was currently lying on the floor beside his bed. He remembered how Sieun had come across as cold and arrogant when they had first met but as their friendship developed, those walls got broken down and he realised how caring and warmhearted Sieun actually was. Maybe Seong-je’s cruelty was a similar mask he put on to protect himself. Well, Seong-je is the one who had dragged him all the way here, and too bad for him, Hyun-tak was not the type to let go easily once he set his mind to it. So, “Do you have any friends?” he blurted out. What was Seong-je gonna do, beat him up?
“I’d rather kill myself.”
“Geez, stop trying to act like that.”
“Like what?”
“As if you’re above everybody.”
“Well, I am.” Hyun-tak rolled his eyes. Why was he even trying?
“Since school’s over, what are you planning to do now? Are you applying for college?”
“You that curious about my life?”
“You literally dragged me to your grandparent’s house!”
“Not like that means something.”
“Well, it does.” Hyun-tak hesitated but he had already come way too far to back down now.
“Really? Please elaborate, Hyun-tak shhi.”
“Your grandparents think of me as your friend so I’m gonna treat you as one, whether you like it or not.”
Hyun-tak could feel Seong-je staring at him; even in the dark and the humidity, his gaze sent a chill down Hyun-tak’s spine.
“Did you forget everything that I did to you and your friends?” Seong-je spoke after a while, but his voice seemed to have gotten a lot softer.
Hyun-tak had not forgotten. Breaking his knee was the most depressive period of his life. He was at his lowest, and the sole reason he could get back up on his feet, figuratively, was because Baku refused to leave his side for even a moment. Sure, he could never forgive Baekjin for ruining his career but at the same time, he knew the boy did not deserve…to die either. He did not deserve to get tangled up in the Union mess, he should have led a normal life, going to school, being surrounded by friends. And whatever Seong-je had been up to till then, he deserved some semblance of normality as well. Maybe he too needs someone by his side, although he would never admit it, maybe he too mourns Baekjin. Hyun-tak didn’t know how much he could help Seong-je, but he was not going to give up without trying.
“Hello? Earth to Hyun-tak? Did you go down memory lane?”
Hyun-tak’s eyes would probably stick to his forehead with the amount of eye rolls Seong-je instigated from him.
“Can you go one second without making any snarky comments?”
“Already did.”
Well, Hyun-tak was the one who had decided to befriend the devil so guess he had to get used to the nonsense.
“I’m gonna sleep now so good night.”
“Wait. you did not answer my question.”
“What question?”
“Are you acting stupid on purpose?”
“Is that your question?”
Seong-je sighed. Now that, Hyun-tak could get used to. Two can play at this game.
“Fine, good night. I might smother you with the pillow so watch out for that.”
The room fell into silence, the distant trill of the cicadas wafted into the room through the open window. Seong-je turned on his side, with a soft grunt and the blanket shuffled loudly. Hyun-tak stared at his back for a while, watching Seong-je’s shoulders rise and fall as he drifted into sleep.
“You know,” Hyun-tak mumbled, half asleep, Seong-je’s shoulders tensed slightly, “you don’t seem to have any reason for half of the things you do. So, don’t ask me why I want to be your friend. I just do, okay?” And the last thing he noticed before drifting off completely, were Seong-je’s shoulders relaxing again, the rhythm of his breaths evening out, as if a burden had been unloaded off of him.