Mystic Messenger Angst Week 2019

[Day 3 of @mmangstweek | Prompt: Danger]

Also for the anon who requested prompt 23 from me last week.

Trigger warning: violence.

A cruel voice you didn’t recognise barely managed to get the words out. It sounded as though he was struggling against something.

“Why… talk… about… MC?!”

At the sound of your name your blood chilled. It couldn’t be–

“Ahh… Argh…” Yoosung’s voice was strained, as though someone had pinned him down while he tried to fight back. Yoosung… and Unknown.

Why was she hearing this? Did Unknown want to play around with her too?

“You feel pain, huh.” Unknown said, amusement in his voice. “Oh. You said your dream is to become a vet.”

“…How did you…?” Yoosung panted and then cried out in pain again when you heard a heavy smack ring over the phone.

“I know everything about you. Not just you but everyone in RFA.” Unknown said simply. There was another, heavier smack this time.

“Argh!” Yoosung cried out again, and your stomach felt sick. You’d been calling Yoosung for the past three hours and he hadn’t picked up, and now this? A call from Unknown so you could hear the mysterious man torture the person you loved.

“This is too cruel.” You whispered. “Leave him alone. Leave him alone!”

But if Unknown heard your protests through the call he didn’t let on.

“It’s so creepy to hear you actually calling him… Seven.” Unknown continued. “Don’t trust Luciel too much. He’s a liar.”

“No…” Yoosung struggled but to no avail.

You could hear the way Unknown smirked at him. “Now… let’s see how I can destroy your dream to become a vet. Hmmm…”

The pause that followed should have been silent but your head was pounding, heart racing. How could you help him? Where was he? And where was Seven - who had promised he’d look after Yoosung?

“Fingers?” Unknown asked playfully. “No… not fingers.”

You heard the undeniable flick of a knife and a gasp of horror from Yoosung. Immediately in your shock you came to. “Please… Please don’t hurt him! I’ll do anything! You can come and take the information from the apartment - I won’t tell anyone! Please just leave Yoosung alone!”

This time you did get a response.

“Oh? I forgot I was keeping someone on hold. That was rude of me. Maybe you’d like to say hello as well Yoosung?” You heard the phone on the other end get passed around and jolted as Unknown tried to restrain Yoosung for long enough to place the phone closer to him.

“Wh- What are you doing?” Yoosung asked, his voice weak.

“I thought you’d appreciate hearing her voice one last time. You could at least thank me.”

“MC…?”

“Yoosung!” You sobbed. “Where are you? Let me come to you - I can get Jumin to send people too, just tell me where you are!”

“It’s… too late for that.” Yoosung murmured softly. “Besides… I have no idea where I am either. Please don’t cry, MC. I don’t want you to be sad. I’ll be okay - it doesn’t even hurt that much.” As he said it, you heard another sickening thud and Yoosung cried out again, his breathing becoming more frantic.

“Were you acting tough because you thought I’d hang up on her soon?” Unknown teased coldly. “But that would be rude. We haven’t finished speaking to each other yet. She’ll be put on hold for a bit while I finish with you first.”

“Gah… argh…. M…C…” Yoosung choked out. “Hang… ngh… up… please!”

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Unknown hissed. “I’ll do a lot more to make him suffer if you don’t listen to this properly.” You whimpered, but Unknown just laughed. “Shall we begin? Now… left one first I think…!”

Your body shook violently as Yoosung screamed in agony. Shaking, shaking, shaking, shaking…

“MC! MC!? Wake up! MC!” Your eyes shot open and you bolted upwards, tears already streaming down your face as your brain struggled to handle everything.

“Yoosung!” You sobbed into your hands, remembering that horrible moment when he revealed himself at the party with a bandage wrapped around his left eye. “Yoosung! I’m sorry… I’m so sorry… I couldn’t help… I couldn’t help you…!”

Warm arms wrapped around you, hugging you fiercely. “I’m here, MC. I’m right here. It’s okay jagiya. It was just a dream, okay? None of it was real.”

Your breaths continued raggedly but as Yoosung murmured sweet reassurances in your ear you were able to focus on calming down. He didn’t stop his hold around you, and began to rub your back soothingly.

“It… felt so real.” You whispered at last. “The day you got hurt… Unknown made me listen to it… all of it. You were in so much pain.”

He kissed your hair. “I’m with you right now. I’ll always be with you. That day was a turning point in my life - it made me realise how precious my time with you is. I only regret how much I made you worry when it felt like I’d just disappeared.”

You hugged him back, sniffling. “You really made me worry a lot.”

He tucked a strand of your hair behind your ear. “I know, honey. I’m sorry. But I’ll always be here to hold you like this whenever you need me. You can always lean on me, jagiya. I want to be someone you can always rely on, and someone who always makes you feel safe.”

You held each other for a few more moments before you both sunk back under the bed covers, and you let your head rest on his chest. This way you felt protected. It was okay. You were okay.

Yoosung wasn’t going anywhere.

“Goodnight, Yoosungie.”

@mmangstweek Day 4: Reset Theory

A/N: I was busy with work so I couldn’t do this. Hopefully it still counts for the week. 

Warnings: Aggressive Yoosung, Restraining but nothing sexual Spoilers on Ray and who he is connected too and what his real name is

~+~+~+~+~+~

Ah it seems one of us found love. The air feels really heavy. I… should have known it wouldn’t be me. Was I too desperate again. Yoosung put down his whisk and sighed. He was hoping to entertain them today. To gain their favor. All of them had been working so hard to impress them. The Algorithm had made its predictions on the likelihood of who would be chosen to leave this abyss. V, Jumin, and Seven were tied with fifty percent, Zen and Ray with forty percent, Jaehee with nine percent and then there was Yoosung with a one percent chance. Compared to the others, his character wasn’t as appealing.

He touched his face and sighed. There was surely another chance. Perhaps they’d change their minds again. The nameless player may get bored again. They had gotten bored with Zen at first. Then they left Ray. Then they were going to be with Seven but reset early and got back with Zen but midway got distracted and never talked with him so they had to reset again. They always leave with such useless excuses.

Either way, he may have a chance. He bit his nail and winced. Oh, right, he already chewed through this one.

Yoosung carefully washed his hands. He needed to get ready for the party tomorrow. He glanced at his kitchen and narrowed his eyes.

Just in case…

~*~

Who is it? Who was chosen? He bit his index fingernail and glanced around the room. Seven was here laughing. A part of him was irritated. If anyone will reset, it’ll be for him. And there was that fucker V. Poor sad V with his pitiful backstory. Yoosung tore off the nail and spat it in the corner. He began working on the other hand.

“Yoosung?” Jaehee walked up to him. “Are you okay?”

“Y… Yeah.” He quickly hid his hands behind his back. “Yeah! I’m just a little bummed.” He said innocently. “Mmmph it’s a little sad you know?”

Jaehee nodded. “Jumin was chosen.”

That rich bastard. Tch. How obvious. “Well…” Yoosung looked down at his shoes. “Well… I’m still sad but I’m really happy for him. He gets eternal happiness and he can—ahem—he can leave.”

Jaehee nodded and tucked her short hair behind her ear. He could see her talking but he wasn’t hearing any of it. He glanced around the room and spotted Zen happily chatting with a faceless no-name. Why bother with those useless people? Why act like you’re happy? Yoosung felt his jaw tighten.

“- with their choice. Still, they may reset.”

Yoosung’s eyes refocused. “What? They want to reset?”

“I heard from them that they want to see if they can help V.”

Yoosung’s pulse quickened. “Hey… Jaehee,” his voice lowered “don’t you think they’re a little cruel?”

Jaehee arched her brow. “What do you mean?”

He grinned and rubbed the back of his head. “Nothing! Heh heh! I feel so fatigued. I think I need to eat something.”

“…Right… well regardless of the situation I made sure we had only the best. Please help yourself”

Of course she did. Maybe this was her way of trying to impress them. Nine percent… heh. He glanced over the table of food and felt his stomach churn. He forced himself to eat and shivered. There was a chance that they’d restart. He was upset they didn’t choose him… but he was more upset on the pain they brought bring others. He played his part as strictly as he could. He knew Seven always broke his role and mentioned to them about their resetting… somehow the Algorithm didn’t delete him. Maybe Seven outsmarted the system…

Yoosung shook his head. He couldn’t take another reset. The same innocent boy, the same loyalty towards Rika, the same hatred towards V, the same whining of wanting to be loved, the same innocent little flirting. Over and over and over and over again. He couldn’t take it. This never-ending limbo. The same fucking conversations and situations and all that other shit that they had to do. They had to all be infatuated with that Main Character. He was fucking sick of it.

He had to stop it.

Since they had come here, he had been watching them very carefully. Those parts the Algorithm thought it had deleted were still there. Those desires to monopolize everything. That possessive anger that was within him.

It was supposed to be for you.

MC screamed.  Apples littered the kitchen floor and a pair of mint green eyes stared her down from under the kitchen table.

“Saeran!”

Saeran bit into the apple in his hands.

“What are you doing there?” MC asked as she crouched next to him.

Saeran looked up at him, clutching the apple closer.  MC sighed as she glanced at the mess around them.

“Saeran,” she said a little firmly.

Saeran lowered the apple from his lips and looked down.

“You promised to eat one apple a day.”

“It’s not enough…” Saeran murmured.

“But if you break your promise, I’ll have no choice but to hide the apples.  Do you want that?”

Saeran shook his head silently.

“And Saeyoung will be worried about you.”

Saeran’s cheeks were red as he stared at MC silently.

“You like apples, don’t you?”

Saeran nodded.

“But Saeyoung will be worried if you eat too much.  You don’t want to worry him again, do you?”

“…No.”

“Then you shouldn’t eat apples behind his back.”

“…”

“Saeran?”

“Don’t…”

“Hm?”

Saeran glared at MC.  

“Don’t give me orders,” he barked sharply.

“It wasn’t an order…” MC said with a startled tone.

“Be quiet!”

Saeran whimpered and curled into a tight ball on the floor. MC parted her lips.

“Saeran?”

“I don’t want to hear it!”

MC widened her eyes as Saeran trembled before her.

“Saeran…are you ok?  Are you sick?”

“I don’t want to hear it!  Leave me alone!”

His eyes were filled with tears as he glared at MC.

“Leave me alone…I feel like…I’m suffocating…”

MC’s heart broke at these words.  She lowered her gaze.

“Saeran…it’s okay…”

She reached out and stroked his back.

“It’s alright.  Everything is fine.”

“…Saeyoung?”

Saeran grabbed MC and hugged her tightly.

“Saeyoung!  Saeyoung!”

MC looked startled as she timidly hugged him back.

“Saeran…”

“Saeyoung, mother was being mean to me again.”

MC closed her eyes, grimacing.

“It’s okay, Saeran.  She isn’t here.”

“Saeyoung…don’t leave me.”

MC petted his hair and cradled him, until he fell asleep.

Jihyun stopped in front of a painting of a dandelion, its seeds scattering in the wind.  He lowered his sunglasses from his eyes to read the message inscribed at the bottom.

“The memories with you tormented me.  For days, for months.  The fun memories, the sad memories and the painful memories that we shared together. Those memories pained me at times, but I reminded myself of your encouraging words.  And the promise that I would never give up on my dreams.  

Thank you.  

Thank you for changing me.

Wherever you are, I hope you’re happy.  You don’t need to push or support me anymore.  I’m fine all by myself now.  So, don’t worry about me and be happy.  I’ll be happy too.

My amazing green cat.

If we were ever to meet again, I’ll tell you the things I wasn’t able to tell you then. 

Goodbye.”

Jihyun’s hand reached out for the message, a familiar voice ringing in his head.

“Wherever you are…” he uttered as realisation crossed his eyes, “whomever you’re with, I’ll take you back.  I’m…going to keep that promise now.”

MC lifted her head as she found herself surrounded by darkness. She rubbed her eyes, wondering if this was a surreal dream.

“Where…am I?”

“Hello.”

MC widened her eyes as an extravagantly dressed man with red hair and golden eyes approached her.

“Who are you?” she asked.  “Where am I?”

“Can you see me?” the man asked curiously.

“I can,” MC nodded, “but where am I?”

The man smiled.

“So we meet again.”  He stepped closer to her.  “I’ve been wanting to meet you…”

MC frowned.  “Do you know me?”

“Of course I do,” the man chuckled.

His smile frightened MC and she moved back a little.

“Who are you?” she asked once more.

“Your expression is so attractive,” the man sighed softly.  “Come closer…”

MC just stepped back further.  He moved closer.

“I’ve been waiting for such a long time…  Just talking to you whilst looking into your eyes gives me shivers. I’m so happy…  I’ve been waiting for so long…just to look into your eyes and talk to you once more…”

MC swallowed uneasily as he smiled wider.

“Did you have a fun time with your pets?  I prepared that little event just for you…”

“Are you…from Jumin’s world?” MC murmured.

The man hummed.  “Well, I would say I’m from the border between your world and his.”

MC’s eyes widened.  “Then…are you Saeyoung?  The Wizard?”

“Correct!” Saeyoung cheered.  “Very impressive!”

His laugh startled MC as he adjusted his glasses.

“I’m honoured…”

He bowed in an exaggerated manner and MC’s stomach knotted.

“You’re the one who sent the animals to my world…the one who had them make a contract…”

She began shivering.

“You planned all this!  Why has everyone lost their memory?!  What do you want?!”

Saeyoung’s smile dropped.

“Ah…you’re making it sound like I’m the villain…”

His face hardened.

“I am the one who grants desperate wishes to others.  The animals made a contract with me because they all desperately wished for something.  So I receive a fair price for fulfilling those wishes.”

“And what is that?” MC asked, a little afraid of the answer.

“Part of their memory.  I usually take away those that are related to sadness or anger.  But the most valuable one is love.”

“So…everyone forgot about me…because you took away their memory? You granted all their wishes?”

“Well, you see, these participants of the game were a little different from my other clients.”

“Game?”

“Six participants.  You and the five animals.  The winner may return to their world with their memories intact and their wish fulfilled.  And the losers remain in the human world and live their days out as humans without their memories.”

MC’s heart dropped.  “Who was the winner?”

“Why, the Black Cat.  Your Jumin.”

MC collapsed to her knees, tears brimming in her eyes. Saeyoung smiled a little.

“Ah, I forgot to tell you one thing.  It was the one who received your love that wins the game.”

MC clutched her chest as a sharp pain stabbed her.

“So…Jumin…to fulfil his wish…”

She hunched over, covering her face in her hands and sobbed.

“Why did you make this game?!” she screamed.

“Because,” Saeyoung chuckled, “I wanted to see everything. You in love, in despair, in sorrow…”

“I don’t even know you!” MC yelled.  “You’re crazy!”

“But I know you,” Saeyoung smirked.  “Very well.”

He bent down and grabbed her chin, forcing her to look up at him.

“The fact that you can see me know is evidence that you have a desperate wish.  Only those who can call out to me have a desperate wish.”

“I don’t have a wish!” MC denied.

“Oh, I think you do…should I guess?”

His golden eyes bore into his and MC’s chest ached.

“Jumin…”

She wanted to see him again.  To speak with him.  To be with him.

“Ah…you do have one.”

“Give Jumin back…” MC wept.  “Take my memory away and bring him back!”

She sniffed and pulled away, sobbing ugly as she remembered all those times she spent with her darling black cat.  Saeyoung pulled away and hummed.

“Ah, what am I to do?  Your wish…the only desperate wish you’ve ever had…I can’t fulfil it.”

MC looked up at him with wide eyes as he chuckled.

“Because he never went back to his world.  Ah, don’t hate me too much.  So long as that wish is in your heart, I will stay in your dreams.”

MC moved away as he adjusted his glasses.

“I love you.  And whilst you pine after your black cat…I will show you the love I harbour for you.  I love you, MC…”

MC was woken up by loud music.  She raised her head and saw her phone on her bedside table was ringing. Her head hurt as she reached over and answered it.

“Hello?”

“MC!” Yoosung cried out from the other side.  “Are you alright?”

“Hm?”

“How come you haven’t come to school for the last few days? Are you sick?”

MC blinked as she pushed herself to sit up.

“School…?”

MC glanced at her desk and saw the books and the unfinished assignments.  Her heart dropped.

“What’s the date today?!”

“MC, are you really ok?”

“Yoosung…I…”

MC’s eyes were wide and alarmed.  Her heart began beating as she felt frightened.

“Who are you talking to?”

MC gasped as a hand grabbed the phone out of her grasp. Jumin towered over her, glaring at the screen.

“You know, this thing was always ringing loudly in the morning.”

“Jumin…” MC stuttered.

“And now you’re getting a phone call too.”

MC flinched as Jumin gripped the phone tight enough to make it crack.  His eyes looked dark as he smiled down at her.

“Did you have a good sleep?”

MC trembled as he dropped the phone onto the floor.

“Why are you shaking?  Are you scared?”

He crouched at her bedside and cupped her face, smiling wider.

“Don’t be so afraid.  If you do as I tell you…I’ll even take you for a walk outside.”

He leaned in closer, his breath caressing her lips.

“So don’t you dare try to get away from me.”

“I have a boyfriend.”

Those were the four words that shattered MC’s heart.  She sat in front of Jaehee who chattered away excitedly, a cheerful gleam in her beautiful eyes.

“He’s from England and he is so wonderful and polite!  I didn’t realise the English stereotype for a gentleman existed but…oh, MC, he’s just too perfect.  I haven’t found a single flaw by far.”

MC forced herself to smile.

“Perhaps it’s drinking too much tea?”

Jaehee laughed as MC hid her grimace behind her coffee cup.

“Actually, he prefers coffee!  We met when I took that extra class in roasting that I told you about? Oh, he just knows so much, he’s like a coffee encyclopaedia!”

“I can’t…wait to meet him…”

“Oh, I have to run.  I’m sorry about this, MC, but we can catch up this weekend!  See you then!”

Jaehee picked up her coffee cup and dashed out of the café. MC hung her head, her smile fading.

“Yeah…see you then,” she whispered as tears rolled down her cheeks.

“People say you were a model in a magazine a couple months ago.”

Zen smiled softly at MC as she sat next to him in the park.

“Ah…”

“Is it true?” she asked.

“It is,” Zen nodded.

“That’s amazing…” MC murmured.

“Babe?”

“I still can’t believe that a beautiful man like you…likes me.”

Zen smiled down at her.

“Is that so?”

“You’re…just by my side because we dated but then I lost my memory.  Do you really like me?”

Zen looked away and caught sight of the dandelions in the park.

“Babe.”

“Yes…?”

“Do you know the meaning behind dandelion seeds?”

MC looked a bit surprised at this question.

“Yes,” she nodded. “They say if you blow dandelions and scatter the seeds then your wish comes true.  It’s just a superstition though.”

“What is your wish?”

“My wish?”  MC took a moment to think.  “I guess it’s to draw well?  And be…acknowledged by a lot of people.  Why?”

“That’s…a good wish,” Zen smiled.

“What’s your wish?”

“My wish?”  Zen smiled as he fiddled with his recently cut hair.  “You already made my wish come true, babe.”

“I have?”

“Yes.  I wished to be in the same world as you.”

“I don’t understand. Of course we are in the same world.”

“It’s a relief,” Zen sighed as he sat back.  “That man didn’t do anything else to you…”

“What man?” MC looked even more befuddled.  “Did…he make my wish come true?”

“Babe.”

“Yes?”

“If you wish too hard then the Wizard will come for you.  So be careful.”

“Wizard?”

Zen pulled her in for a hug.

“He grants wishes but takes your memory away.  I…don’t want you to forget about me again.  Please…don’t forget any memories that we will make in the future.  Everything I say, everything I do, it is for you.”

He kissed her sweetly.

“I truly love you from the bottom of my heart, MC.”

“Yoosung!”

MC couldn’t believe it.  Yoosung had come back home!

She hurriedly took her shoes off and ran into the living room, her heart beating fast.  It slowed down when she saw him stood there with her sketchbook in his hands.

“Oh.  Long time, no see.”

With a wicked look, he walked up to her.

“So.  You drew me.”

He held up the sketchbook to where MC had drawn him.  MC’s eyes blurred with tears as she recalled the memory.

“Then draw me! Really cute, like a cartoon character!”

MC looked embarrassed as she stared at the sketch.  She had drawn it because he had asked her too, back when he was that happy, cheerful person.  And now…

The sketchbook was carelessly dropped on the floor and MC’s attention was snapped back to the present.

“Is it fun?  To draw things like this?”

He chuckled, that wicked smirk still on his face.

“Don’t tell me. Do you like me or something?”

He sneered at MC whilst she struggled to find the words to reply.

“Why aren’t you saying anything?  You like me, don’t you?”

MC pressed her lips together, struggling to hold back the tears.

“You paid so much money because you like me,” Yoosung chuckled.  “You were rich.  I didn’t know that.”

“Y-Yoosung…” MC stuttered.

“Where did you get the money from?”

MC shook her head, the memory of that dreaded phone call to her mother circling her head.

“You don’t need to know that.”

“You must really like me a lot,” Yoosung laughed.

MC looked away and Yoosung huffed.

“Why aren’t you answering me?” he demanded.  “You were willing to pay that much money because you like me, right?  What do you like about me anyway?  It’s ironic that I’m the one saying this, but you have such a bad taste in men.”

He leaned in closer.

“Then…will you like me even if I do this?!”

MC gasped as Yoosung grabbed her wrists and pressed them to the wall.  It was so sudden, MC didn’t resist.  Yoosung gazed down at her roguishly, sending chills down her spine.

This wasn’t the bright and happy Yoosung she knew.

“Didn’t I tell you to mind your own business?” he snarled softly.  

MC winced as he gripped her wrists tighter.

“I warned you before, but you must be dumber than I thought!”

The menacing glare paralyzed MC who was unable to utter a single syllable.

“What am I supposed to do to have you listen to me?!”

“It…hurts…” MC finally uttered.  “Let go…let go of me, please!”

“Why?” Yoosung scoffed.  “Don’t you like me?  Isn’t this what you wanted?”

“No…  Please listen to me!  I’m just worried about you…and you shouldn’t…!”

“Shut up!” Yoosung barked.  “What do you know anyway?!”

“It’s not too late!” MC raised her voice.  “I’m always willing to listen to…!”

Yoosung crushed his lips against hers, silencing her pleas.  MC never thought that kisses could be rough and painful like this. She tried to resist but it was no use, his grip just grew tighter.

When Yoosung finally released her lips, she let out a terrified gasp of air.  Her lips were tingling and sore.  The reality crashed down on her.

This wasn’t the Yoosung she knew and loved.

“Did you like it?” Yoosung teased.  “Or were you surprised?  Or…are you afraid of me now?”

MC couldn’t speak, she was just frozen in fear.

“Look at you. All shaken up.  I guess you’re scared of me.”

MC winced as he gripped her wrists even tighter.  

“Yeah.  You should be scared.  You know, you’d better watch out for guys like me.  I’ve been down to the lowest point in my life.  And I’m not scared of anything now.  Girls like you especially need to watch out for garbage like me.  I can be a total psycho if I want.”

MC took one look in his eyes and had that horrible feeling that he was not lying.

“You’re so fragile. And I don’t want to do anything bad to you.  …You understand what I mean, right?”

He leaned in closer.

“This is the last warning.  If you get on my nerves once more…”

He let the threat linger in the air before letting MC go.  She slid to the floor.  Her wrists were red from where he had gripped her.  He began to walked away from her.

“Yoosung…!” she cried.

“Don’t talk to me now.”

Tears rolled down MC’s face at his cold reply.

“Yoosung…”

“Don’t call me by that name.”

The door slammed and MC let out a heartfelt wail.

“Do you, Han Jumin, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded -”

“I do.”

Silent gasps echoed through the auditorium.

Cutting off the officiate wasn’t unheard of, or uncommon. But it was done by common folk - people too eager, way too excited to make their marriage official. Jumin was a gentleman, born and bred. He had to know better.

But none of them truly understood how the groom felt about his blushing bride. Jumin was excited, desperate even, to make you his wife.

While spectators murmured amongst themselves over Jumin’s brashness, you - you - the only important person before his eyes, were beaming. You bashfully tucked your hair behind your ear and flashed him a wide smile.

“Uh… ah… yes. Do you, MC -”

You hoisted yourself onto your tiptoes, wrapped your arms around Jumin’s neck and kissed him. Louder gasps followed by gentle murmurs disturbed the space once again as Jumin moved his hand to your jawline and deepened the smooch smoothly, passionately.

The officiate stood stunned, mouth agape and eyes wide. He hadn’t made the marriage official yet, and you two were already kissing.

Jumin took the kiss a step forward - he grabbed your waist and dipped you with grace and ease, further provoking the guests.

“Mr. Han, Miss MC, this is quite inappropriate,” the officiate whispered, sweat hugging the fabric from the collar to his neck.

Reputations were on the line. The classic, clean, traditional wedding ceremony was being tarnished. Priests and Pastors alike were ready to ban you both from ever entering a church.

But neither of you cared. The love, the passion, the kind, gentle, caring nature you both shared towards one another was all that mattered.

Jumin pulled you up and pushed your veil back, aware that pushing the veil of the bride back twice was considered bad luck in the minds of many of the guests, but caring very little for their opinions.

“I do. I do, I truly do.” Your smile widened the longer you stared into Jumin’s eyes - eyes that were focused adoringly on you. You alone.

The officiate looked down. “... Then… by the power vested in me… I now pronounce you man, and wi -”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Jumin’s hands cupped your cheeks and pulled you in for another deep, mind-numbing kiss.

“... Wife. You may now kiss the bride,” the officiate mumbled .

It was completely unconventional. To most, it was uncalled for. But neither of you cared. All that mattered… yes, all that mattered was you before his eyes, and he before yours.

Without a single care in the world.

~~~

Funny how time changes things. Funny how fickle happiness can be. All it takes is one annoyed glance - one careless sigh.

You had been married to Jumin for three years. Three. And the careless disposition you both shared on the day of the wedding quickly became a careless disposition for the marriage.

~~~

Arguments were frequent.

~~~

“Jumin, you promised me that you would come to this event.”

“Darling, it can’t be helped, I need to be in Dubai by then.”

You threw your work scarf over the kitchen stool. “How is it that I manage to make all of your work functions but you can’t make any of mine?”

Jumin’s jaw tightened. “Because I am busy.”

“You’re never there for me the way I am for you!”

“That’s not true, darling. Haven’t I told you before? You will always come first. Always.”

“You say that… but it doesn’t feel true anymore, Jumin.”

~~~

Once genuine investment in each other turned passive and cold.

~~~

“Where are you going?” Jumin boomed, his voice carrying throughout the penthouse.

“Out,” you sighed, slinging your bag over your shoulder. “I won’t be gone long.”

“I thought we were going to stay in tonight. Watch a film.”

“Yeah, well. I changed my mind, Jumin. Besides, we’ve watched ‘The Notebook’ a million times already.”

“Stop exaggerating, MC. We’ve watched the film approximately sixty-five times.”

“I don’t feel like watching it again. Not like anything changes the sixty-sixth time.”

“MC -”

“I gotta go.”

~~~

Even the basic need of touch seemed unwanted.

~~~

“You look so handsome today,” you purred into Jumin’s ear, gliding your hands down his chest.

Not now, he mouthed, his phone pressed firmly to his ear.

It was common - almost normal - for you to tease him in the middle of a business call. He would get flustered, adorably so, hang up, and refocus his attention solely on you. But lately...

No. You wouldn’t give up. You licked his earlobe, bit down and tugged gently. A soft yet sharp gasp was your response - followed by a sharp, unforgiving glare.

You buckled slightly, your feet catching on the carpet. Jumin reached to grab your arm. You winced, not because of how firmly he gripped your arm, but because of how cold - how distant his touch seemed. You didn’t like this. You didn’t like it when he was like this.

He pulled his phone from his ear, the sharpness in his eyes now dull and tired. “Not now. Please, darling, not… not now.”

~~~

Funny how time altered things. The longer you were exposed to him, the more vulnerable you felt. Was he growing tired of you? Were you of him?

You took your place in the armchair by the window overlooking the city, a glass of wine in hand. You two had grown accustomed to one another, surely.

But the love was still there. You, at least… you still adored him.

Did he, you?

To your surprise, Jumin took his place in the armchair beside you. His curled bangs fell gracefully down the slope of his nose… his soft, firm hands eased over the arms of the chair to his lap… and a soft, melancholic sigh escaped his lips.

You two hadn’t sat like this in… in months.

“Hello, darling.” Jumin hummed gently and glanced at you. He looked tired, exposed to too much in a short span of time.

Including you…? You hoped not.

“Hello, honey.” You tried to control yourself and your emotions. But as you spoke, your voice trembled.

You cursed inwardly as your husband sat up cautiously.

“What’s wrong, my love?” His brows knit together. The tips of his fingers whitened as he gripped the arms of the chair and pushed himself forward.

“Nothing, nothing,” you smiled. “I just… we’ve been married for a little while now and I… I hope you don’t regret me, Jumin.”

He froze. The atmosphere surrounding you both turned stale. The only semblance of life was Elizabeth the Third, who strolled to you and rubbed herself against your leg.

“I… you know what, never mind, please forget I said anything,” you muttered quickly, unable to bear the awkward environment.

Jumin gripped your wrist before you could get away from him. He stood, spinning you to his chest and holding you in a tight embrace.

“Repeat that?” He asked rigidly.

“Please… forget I said anything?”

“MC.”

You floundered. “I know things have been difficult for us lately. I think back on our wedding day and I compare how good things were to… well, how they are now. I hope… I hope you don’t regret… me.”

Jumin’s stony expression faded as you spoke. He looked distraught.

“Darling… darling,” he exhaled, pulling you into a hug.

You surrendered yourself to his embrace, closing your eyes and wrapping your arms around his waist.

“How cruel of you,” Jumin whispered fiercely, curling his fingers over your form. “How cruel of you to suggest that I could ever regret knowing you.”

You lowered your gaze. He caught your chin and tilted it up, keeping your eyes locked on his.

“Things may have been tense lately, I’ll admit that. But our disagreements, our squabbles… darling, they suggest that we are in love,” he continued. “No matter how much time passes, I will always love you. You are the only person I will look for at the end of each day. That will never change, so long as I live.”

You bit your lower lip - he leaned in and released your teeth’s harsh hold against the tender flesh by kissing you sincerely. Your heart skipped a beat - no, two, three beats. This was your husband. He was the man you loved, the man you vowed to love and cherish from that fateful wedding day to now.

“No matter how many times we disagree, and no matter how often,” he hummed in between kisses. “My love for you will only strengthen. You are my dear one, MC… you are my wife, you are my own, and I am yours. Forgive me if I made you think otherwise.”

“Jumin…”

“Do you…” his confidence wavered. “Do you… regret -”

“No,” you interrupted immediately. “No, no. No, I don’t regret you, not in the slightest. You are my everything, Jumin… where would I be without you?”

“It excites me to think of all the time we have together,” Jumin smiled, his finger still hooked under your chin.

“A hundred years?” you beamed.

“Much longer than that,” Jumin crooned, kissing your jawline. “Why don’t we plan a trip together, hm? You and I, we can go wherever you want.”

“Really?!”

“Really.”

“I’ve wanted to go to Napa Valley for a few weeks now,” you gushed eagerly. “What do you think? We’ll get to go on the Wine Train!”

“... Or… we could tour Europe,” Jumin chimed in slowly. “If wine is what you’re after, we can start from The Netherlands and travel down to Italy.”

“That would take up too much time,” you griped. “There’s plenty of wine at Napa Valley, and we’d stay in one place.”

“We would spend more time with one another if we toured Europe,” Jumin replied flatly.

“No matter where we go, we’re going to be spending time with each other,” you sighed.

“... Are we disagreeing again?” He quirked a brow.

“... I believe we are,” you grinned mischievously. “Play you for it?”

Jumin sighed and rolled his sleeves up. “You’re on, darling.”

~~~

This was for the first day of @mmangstweek *rolls and plops into a ravine*

Ah well, better late than never, ey!

@mmangstweek Day 5

“...If MC wants to leave, then alright… but if something happens to them, I won’t just stay and watch,” Jumin briefly glanced over at your stone cold glare, but quickly looked back to Jihyun so he didn’t wither under it. This wasn’t right. He didn’t feel right letting you go back, and it wasn’t just because he was not used to not having control over the situation. He felt like you were going to walk right into a death trap. He was afraid he was going to lose you. If Jihyun wasn’t threatening him with such extreme measures, Jumin wouldn’t even be considering the possibility of standing back and watching you go.

Jihyun smiled in relief, the tension leaving him as he said, “Whew… yes, of course. Nothing will happen to them.” Jumin’s trust towards his supposed best friend had been flaking, but the warmth in his eyes was a little comforting. It almost made him believe V.

Regardless, Jumin gave a small smile and forced himself to turn back to your death stare, “...MC, please take the clothes I got for you. I’d be grateful if you wore them tomorrow.” He closed his eyes, swallowing back the lump in his throat as he continued, “I apologize if I offended you in any way… I never thought you wanted to leave me so badly.” He opened his eyes again only to be greeted by the sight of you clenching your jaw at his words. He stopped talking.

“You know now, so it’s okay,” Jihyun gave a little effort into trying to make the statement sound genuine, but it wasn’t nearly enough, “Then shall we go, MC?”

Jumin stayed silent as you got everything you needed and cast him one last dirty look before leaving with his best friend. He watched from his window until the car was out of sight. This was very wrong. He folded his arms and tried to convince himself to leave the window and focus on something else but he couldn’t.

His attention only shifted when he felt Elizabeth brush against his legs affectionately. Jumin glanced down, just then becoming aware that his cheeks were wet with tears. He brushed them off and regained his composure.

“Elizabeth,” He mumbled, “Do you think they’ll ever forgive me?” Elizabeth just rubbed her cheek along his pants leg as if everything was the way it was before. He felt a hollow half laugh escape him as he continued, “Right, you don’t understand my plight. You feel that I am upset, but don’t know why.”

The cat didn’t respond with anything more than leaving his side in favor of the couch.

“...Can you at least answer one question? How do you cope with a broken heart?”

-

“Mister Han?”

No. Nononono. This couldn’t have happened. Jihyun said this wouldn’t happen. He gritted his teeth for a second to help him keep his stoic appearance.

“You’re certain? You’re absolutely certain? There’s no possible way they’re still...?” Jumin’s voice gave out on the last few words. He couldn’t bring himself to finish the sentence.

Jaehee gripped her clipboard to her chest a little tighter, giving a small nod at his question, “Unfortunately, yes, I am certain.”

Jumin took a deep, shaky breath through his nose and he waved her off, “Cancel any meetings I have scheduled. I need to go and sort out the details.” He straightened his jacket.

“Mister Han, are you sure you’re able to do that? Maybe you should take the day off.” The suggestion was normally one he’d never hear from her, and it was understandable considering the circumstances, but he nodded silently and began gathering his things.

Saeran paced the apartment, wringing his hands and rearranging the plants around.  He glanced at the clock occasionally, biting his lip.  

His heart was in his throat as he wrung his hands, licking his dry lips as he fumbled with his sleeves…

“Saeran, I’m back…”

“MC!”

His girlfriend gasped as Saeran ran into her arms and squeezed her tightly.

“I’ve missed you!  I thought you would never come back…”

“…Saeran.  It’s been half an hour.  I just had to buy some milk and eggs.  Are you alright?”

Saeran pulled away with a sheepish look and smiled.

“Yes.  I…I’m not used to this yet I suppose.”

MC smiled and kissed his cheek.

“Come on, let’s make dinner.”

MC hummed to herself.  The house was empty and quiet as she prepared dinner.  She gazed out at the garden longingly, her head propped up by her hand.

She glanced down at the kitchen counter, the sliced vegetables staring back up at her silently.  Not even the birds were singing today.  Everything was just silent.

MC’s face fell as she took a break, sitting by the kitchen table and looking at the clock.

They were late.

Was there an accident?  Did they stop by to do something?  Did their daughter get kidnapped?  Why hadn’t Jihyun messaged her?

MC tried her hardest not to bite her nails as she checked her phone again and finding no new messages.

“We’re back!”

MC let out a sigh of relief as she heard the pitter patter of feet and her daughter ran into the kitchen.  She gave her a hug as Jihyun came into the kitchen next with grocery bags.

“We had to stock up on ice cream apparently,” he chuckled as MC covered her mouth.  “Sorry I didn’t let you know, my phone’s battery died.”

MC was just happy to hug her husband as tightly as she could, tears pricking her eyes as she relished the sound of her loved ones being with her.

“Ah, the internet connection isn’t the best, but it’s something…”

MC smiled sadly as she sat in front of her laptop, swaddled in her blanket.

“I miss you, MC,” Saeyoung said as he tapped at his keyboard. “Sorry, I still need to do some work, but at least I can do it better now I can see your face.”

MC sniffled as she hugged her knees closer.  Saeyoung paused to look at her and grinned into the camera.

“Just three more days,” he promised.  “And then I will come back with a lifetime supply of Honey Buddha Chips! We will shower in Ph.d Pepper and I will shower you in kisses.”

MC blushed and raised her hands to cover her face.  Saeyoung laughed and grinned at the screen.

“MC.  I know it’s hard.  But once I get back, I’ll never leave again.  I swear.”

MC nodded as tears rolled down her face.

MC lounged across the sofa, staring at her phone and playing her idle games.  Elizabeth curled up in her lap, purring away.

MC glanced at the rain outside with glum eyes.

A text message caught her attention.

The flight was cancelled due to poor weather conditions.  I’m sorry, my love, but I’ll be an extra day.

MC’s eyes watered as she dropped her phone and cuddled Elizabeth closer.

Jumin, please come home!  It feels like it’s been an eternity since I’ve seen your face…

“Jaehee!  Oh, I’m glad I’ve gotten through to you!”

“MC, it’s wonderful to hear your voice.”

“Ah, Jaehee, it’s been a nightmare today!  Seven came and tried to make latte art!”

“No!”

“Milk, everywhere!  He tried to make a cat but he didn’t make the foam right and…oh, Jaehee.  It spilled all over the croissants, I had to make another batch…”

“Right.  Luciel is blacklisted from now on.”

“Jaehee, we don’t have to do that.”

“No, no, if he wants to make this latte art, he can do it in his own home!  Although, that does sound like a good idea to research.”

“How’s your uncle?”

“Better.  His health is improving, thank goodness.  I should be able to come back this weekend.”

“Oh that’s wonderful!  I miss you so much.”

“I miss you too, MC.  I have to go. Sleep well.”

 —

MC couldn’t stop replaying their last conversation as she lay in bed.  Her heart was fluttering as she listened to every word, a smile on her face.

Come home soon, Jaehee…

For the past month, MC had been buying more tissues than she had for her entire life.

When Zen went on his tour around America, she didn’t know how hard it would be without him.  He was so busy that he couldn’t message much.  

MC would have gone with him since she was his manager, except she got into a motorbike accident and her leg was now in a cast.  She urged Zen to go, not wanting to harm his career by having him pull out of the tour.

Now she was in their apartment, blowing her nose and eating an unholy amount of ice cream.  She had so many empty tubs, she could build a fort if she put her mind to it.

She huddled in front of the TV, watching the live performance with red eyes.  It was just a scene or two from the upcoming play that was going to be going live in about two months.

At the end there was a Q&A.  MC took the opportunity to grab her crutches and go back to the freezer for another tub of ice cream.

“Zen, you’ve worked so hard to get to here.  What has it been like?”

“Ah, well, it has had its ups and downs,” Zen chuckled as MC got back onto the sofa, huddling in her blanket.  “But…I couldn’t have done it without my manager.  My MC who has always been there for me.”

MC was startled, nearly dropping her spoon as she stared at the screen.

“She couldn’t make it here because of an accident.  But, babe!  If you’re watching this, then I promise you, I’ll come back and make up for this lost time! I miss you.”

MC took a deep breath and cried more tears.  Tears of joy.