peachesandsodas

“Umm—“ I inhaled deeply before letting it out into a long sigh, it’s hard to choose what to eat at this moment, because all I could think is how blessed I am to have him as my partner— but there’s this lump of thought that I couldn’t get a grasp on— oh, wait, food. Food first.

“There’s this steak restaurant that I’m quite curious about..” With my free hand, I grabbed and opened my clutch, searching for my phone to show Hyunwoo the place that I thought about. “And I think you’re going to like it.” I smiled before letting the brightness of my phone screen glows in front of me, as my fingers searching for the address of the mentioned restaurant. 

“You know, I ate almost everything. I hope we don’t break our credit card limit for this one,” Hyunwoo chuckled and that joke actually made me laugh whole-heartedly. Didn’t realise that this kind of small moments tickles and tugged my heart-string. “We won’t, I promise you, it will not be like that Japanese Izakaya we went to. That was over-rated and over-priced.” I said, in between my laughs that slowly dies down into another silent ride. I kept thinking, we’ve been together for years, down the road, things were not easy for both of us. Him, being an active artist and me, merely a business-woman who apparently goes abroad occasionally. It didn’t occur to me, meeting someone like Hyunwoo in my life, clicked immediately with how he understands the side of my work and so does myself. But it was hard. 

And my thoughts wander again.

Even though my mind wasn’t there, but I could feel how Hyunwoo’s hand didn’t let go of mine, his thumb softly caressing the back of my hand as he drives through downtown, passing through evening traffic that filled with people having their way back home or somewhere else— none of our businesses, anyway.

I sank way too deep in my thoughts, not realising that we’ve arrived in the restaurant I mentioned to him. “We’re here.” Hyunwoo sighed, unfastening his seatbelt and I did mine. Before I could even opened the car door, Hyunwoo was fast enough to opened it for me. There goes a skip in my heart beat, thanks to you, Son Hyunwoo. “M’lady.” He called, giving me a playful wink. “Stop it.” I laughed it off yet took his hand, getting out from the car. He hold my hand as he lead the way to the restaurant— oh my gosh, if I could slap his arm, I would, because I could feel the heat and red flushes on my cheeks right this moment. “No clapback moments, m’lady?” Hyunwoo teased me more, pushing my buttons at the right places. “Son Hyunwoo!” I smacked his arm with my clutch softly, before letting out a shy chuckle from my lips. “You better stop now or I’m gonna steal a half of your portion.” I jokingly exclaimed, walking a little bit fast, enough to face him as I walk backwards slowly. “Is it even possible for you to finish half of my portion?” Hyunwoo raised his eyebrow, “Maybe— Maybe a quarter?” I smiled apologetically before turning around to open the door, embellished with intricate ornaments and golden accents with cedar wood as it main point. The butler inside helped, smiling courtly before asking for how many people we need.

Thank goodness we decide to go for weekday night, there’s not much people inside the restaurant anyway.

As the butler lead us to our table, Hyunwoo kept his pace behind me and I could feel a slight tug from him which made me turn around. I raised my eyebrow in curious, waiting for his words. “You look amazingly ethereal in that dress.” He smiled softly, mentioning about the black silk maxi dress that I chose for tonight’s dinner date. It hugged my figure perfectly, and it seems like this man, is loving what he sees. Bingo. He snaked his hand to my arm, feeling the softness of the bare skin before placing a quick kiss on my temple. 

We are seated a little bit far back, with curved high sofa cladded with a dark brown leather and a rounded marble table for us. Hyunwoo let me take the seat first before he scooted closer next to me. The butler placed two menu books for both of us to scan through, and I could tell Hyunwoo already made his choice the second he opened the menu. “I’m getting the steak.” He said softly, eyes carefully reading through every words on the menu book, and I found it such an endearing sight with his brows furrowed in focus, slight pouted lips and his hand occasionally brushes his chin, a habit of his. 

I love him. So much.

I unconsciously smiled watching his antics, before decided on what food is perfect to fill this empty, grumbling stomach. The butler took quick notes on our orders before taking the menus, leaving us in private after filled our glass with water to start off. “I ordered us red wine, it’s perfect for the occasion, and finally—” He said, before taking a sip of his water. “Finally, a time for us to have a very, extremely, private dinner date.” I continued his sentence earning a hearty chuckle from Hyunwoo. “Seriously, it’s either your manager would call in the middle of us eating, or Jooheon asking for a FaceTime,” I laughed with him, wrapping my arm onto his. The perks of having a sofa seated table. “Do not fret, my love,” Hyunwoo grabbed his phone from his pocket, showing the black screen to me. “I turned off my phone so they won’t have the chance to bug us.” He said, slipping his phone back to where it belongs. I gave him a high five before sighing in content. How long has it been, having this intimate moment with only him alone? 

The dinner went smoothly, as we both expected; phones off, no distractions, amazing food we must say, great ambience, oh did I mention how many times Hyunwoo complimented the leather seat? Seems like someone might want to get one for himself. We chatted, catching up with both of our lives, laughed our hearts out, fingers intertwined with red wine stained both of our lips. 

This night, we let our heartstrings tugged, pulling into each other closer, and closer. All the small moments, etched deep into our souls. And this is when that passing thought came back to my mind.

What does the future brings for us?

It seems like Hyunwoo could read my thoughts, his eyes glued to mine, knocking on the windows of my soul and I let him in. He softly took my hand to his lips, placing a warm kiss on the back of my hand before we decide to go back to our ride.

The ride is silent, as the night grows colder and darkness engulfs the skies with stars blinking brightly, shining through dreams that are now caught by the emptiness of the air. I have to say, I’m starting to feel the tension between us thickens. It felt uncomfortable, but I can’t just blurt it out to him— not really a proper timing to speak anything out, I must say.

The road we’re taking, it seems unfamiliar for me, but looking at how Hyunwoo is still calm and collected, I let things slide as we went to the highway, far from our shared apartment and that’s when my thoughts are broken. I looked at Hyunwoo, questioning him on where we’re going next only to be replied with a small smile and him reaching for my hand, placing a quick kiss again on the back of my hand; you really know how to melt my heart instantly, don’t you. “You’ll know. Just wait a little bit more okay.” He calmly replied.

Now I can see the highway leads to a road with a visible skyline of the city, large trees filled the side of the road with steep cliff on the other. The glimmering view caught my attention, and I stare in awe, never thought the bustling city would look this beautiful at this time. Hyunwoo drives through the night road, still holding my hand and the sweet tune of LANY’s ILYSB buzz through the radio. Now I realise where he’s taking me to.

To the place we spent most late-nights talking our hearts out without anyone around,

To the place we spent ungodly hours waiting for that golden-purple hues rising up in the horizon,

To the place where our laughters echoed through the dark skies,

To the place I broke down in heaved breathing, with Hyunwoo holding me close, mending the broken pieces with his own hands,

To the place he laid out his raw, bare feelings to me.

To the place with our most fondest memories of each other.

He pulled over the side, right on the empty soil that views the very best of the city-skyline, lights glittering, showcasing how beautiful the night is. As both of us got out from the car, the night breeze brushes my bare skin, giving a little shiver as coldness strikes. Hyunwoo quickly draped his blazer jacket onto my shoulders, making sure I’m warm enough at this hour. The silence in the air made the sound of our heartbeat audible as I watch Hyunwoo walk towards the road fence—

“Hyunwoo.” I called, approaching him slowly.

He only hummed in response, turning around to face me as he opened his arms, letting myself moulded into his figure, basking in his warmth and inhaled his white musk and bergamot mix perfume. “I know what you’ve been thinking, sweetheart.” He said softly, brushing a strand of hair to the back, to see my face clearer as he cupped my cheek. “Your mind is elsewhere, I know that.” He placed a soft, lingering kiss on my crown. I sighed deeply, nuzzled into his built. Gosh, I could melt into a puddle if he didn’t hold me like this. 

“I’m sorry—“

“You don’t have to be sorry, sweetheart.” Hyunwoo pulled back a little, taking a good look on my face before smiling warmly.

“I’m just, I’ve been thinking, Hyunwoo. It’s been a long time since we’re together in this journey, and, I’m just—“ I inhaled a deep breath before continuing my sentence, my heart thrums crazily inside,

“Thinking about the future? I told you, sweetheart. I know.” Hyunwoo, the most calm man he is, I have no idea who could he stay composed with this kind of topic, a serious topic that might lead us to something more. “I’ve been thinking the same too. And I’m pretty sure, we have the same thought.” Hyunwoo chuckled, letting his grip on my figure off as he stepped back.

Years have passed and do you know how much I’m blessed to have you, my love?

We met in such surprising timing, we never thought this would happen in the first place but look how fate play around with us, it seems like even the heavens are in our favour.

Even though is was hard, or maybe, still tough being in a relationship like this, but if I died and live another life, 

I would go and find you earlier than before, and do this all over again with you.

I know it wasn’t easy for both of us in the beginning, but look how far we’ve grown together, my love.

And I’d go through heaven and hell with you. For thousand times, and more.

Every day, I wished I’ve met you sooner, so I could love you longer, and much much more.

And now, all I can give to you is forever.

I clutched tightly onto Hyunwoo’s blazer that draped perfectly on my figure, tears already pooling on my eyes as my brain tried to process all the words coming out from Hyunwoo. 

My love, my sweetheart, my food fighter, and the most-sometimes nags a lot-partner in crime,

“Will you be my forever, will you marry me?”

Hyunwoo already on his knee, with a diamond ring on his hands secured perfectly on a black velvet box.

“Yes. And, Hyunwoo, please be my forever too.” Tears of happiness rolled down onto my cheeks, a soft chuckle escaped from my lips and I squealed when Hyunwoo crashed me into a tight hug. Hyunwoo slipped the finger onto my ring finger, and I saw his teary eyes, “You have no idea how long I’ve been preparing for this moment.” He chuckled in relief, sighing contently before pressing his lips onto mine. I want the time to be stopped at this moment, I just want to sink everything in— 

“I can imagine you repeating those sentence all night, and Kihyun probably smack you really hard so you can sleep.”

“That actually happened.”

And that’s, when our night ride continues its own story.

𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚎?

𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛 :

As they walk through the halls, all the Death Eaters are roaming around the school, making sure every students doesn’t make any rash actions despite all of them silently protesting about this inhuman authority and puzzling situation. Shownu walked behind Kihyun and Changkyun, making sure he protect the younger from any Death Eaters who want to mess with them. “Kihyun, make sure Changkyun is well rested, we never know what will happen today, okay?” Shownu said, after they made a turn at the corner, the hidden access to the D.A hideout. “Wait, you’re not coming with us?” Kihyun asked, after letting Changkyun to enter the hideout before him. “I need to find Wonho and Professor McGonagall about our whereabouts, especially the D.A.” Shownu smiled warmly to Kihyun, placing his hand on Kihyun’s shoulder, squeezing it softly to let him know that he’ll be alright. “I’m coming with you.” Kihyun grabbed Shownu’s arm, stopping him from wander off alone. 

“Kihyun, it’s too dangerous—“  

“Not if you’re with someone who’s more advanced in hexes and jinxes, right? In case, those pesky Death Eaters trying to mess with you.”

“But still—“

“I told you, Shownu, I’ll accompany you. Whether you like it or not.”

Shownu’s smile grew wider as he nodded softly, allowing Kihyun to accompany him in search of Wonho around the school premises. His heart warmed up knowing that Kihyun is right by his side, despite how dangerous the situation is. Since his involvement during the Triwizard Tournament, Shownu found himself in search of solace and content in Kihyun’s presence, and he finally realises that he really do need Kihyun by his side. Both of them quickened their paces as soon the sun sets into a dark night sky, not wanting the Death Eaters to caught them red-handed for wandering after curfew. Shownu grabbed Kihyun’s hand to match with his fast pace (especially with his long strides), moving to Professor McGonagall’s office. 

“Professor? It’s me.” Shownu knocked on the door before opening Professor McGonagall’s office softly, poking his head inside to meet with Wonho’s and Professor’s presence themselves. “Shownu!” Wonho exclaimed, his lips tugged into a relieved smile. “Hey, Ki! Decided to tag along?” Wonho smiled as he ruffle’s the younger’s hair. Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, gaining their attentions back. “Wonho already told me about this whole— Dumbledore Army.” Professor McGonagall’s eyes looked stern, “As long as all of you are safe and together, I’ll try to make sure that all of you are protected under my watch. Do you understand?” With that, all three of them nodded, feeling relieved that Professor McGonagall is backing the Dumbledore Army. “Now off you three go, back to where the place you’ve been telling me— before things got out of hand from my sight—“ Professor McGonagall’s sentence stopped in the middle as soon as she saw someone barges into her office, Kihyun jumped in shock, and Shownu quickly hid the younger behind him, alongside with Wonho, they dealt their wands pointing towards the door. “Professor! We need to go to the Great Hall, like, now!” One of the younger student said, with terror apparent on her face as she tried to catch her breath. Perhaps, she’s been running from their hideout. “Potter’s here, Professor.” With that sentence, all of them rushes to the Great Hall, greeted by students already gathered there and silence fills the cold air in the Great Hall. 

That’s when nightmare turned into reality; Harry Potter is back and Voldemort’s Army is right outside, ready to destroy everything that stopping him from getting Potter’s blood on his hand. The battle is coming and Shownu could feel the tension rising and thickening in the air that filled Great Hall. Professor McGonagall ensured that the younger students will be evacuated, and it broke Shownu’s heart when Changkyun was arguing with the older Ravenclaw students for wanting to stay, eager to help Shownu and others in the battle. Only Kihyun could reassure and change Changkyun’s mind, he treated Changkyun like his own little brother, or almost, son-like relationship. Kihyun pulled Changkyun into a tight hug, then pulled away to wipe off the younger’s streaming tears off from his flushed face. “Changkyun-ah, hey, look at me.” Kihyun softly said, cupping Changkyun’s cheeks with his palms and Kihyun’s thumbs caressing the younger softly. “I will be fine. You have to take cover as Professor McGonagall said, I— me and Shownu don’t want you to get hurt.” Kihyun reasoned to Changkyun, only earning a groan, still hard-headed to stay with them. “No! I want to stay! I don’t want to leave!” Changkyun argued back, already a crying mess and it literally broke Kihyun’s heart to watch him. Shownu sighed deeply, placing his hand onto Changkyun’s shoulder, squeezing it softly. “Changkyun, I promise you I’ll watch over Kihyun, then we’ll go get you, okay?” Shownu looked at Kihyun then Changkyun, the youngest looked at Shownu with tears already pooling once more on his eyes. “B-But.” His voice came out like a whimper, not wanting to leave the Great Hall even though most of the younger students already evacuated. “Go, Changkyun. We’ll find you later.” Shownu pushed Changkyun towards the group of students, led by Madam Pomfrey and Mr. Filch to a secret passage that leads to Hog’s Head Inn. Not being able to argue with Shownu and Kihyun, Changkyun’s shoulders dropped as he followed the group, but then, right before the Great Hall’s door closed, he quickly turned around and slipped pass through the gap, leaving the evacuation group to stay back in the battle, making sure that the others doesn’t see him around. 

“Older students who decided to stay and fight, please follow me. I need Kihyun and Minhyuk together with me!” Professor McGonagall asked, walking towards the Viaduct Courtyard, followed by several students and other Professors. Before Kihyun followed suit, Shownu quickly grabbed Kihyun’s arm, pulling him close, “Please, be safe. Be careful.” He said, eyes painted in concern and fear of losing him, yet Kihyun replied with a reassuring smile that made Shownu’s heart skips a beat. Kihyun’s hand reached for Shownu’s that held his arm, squeezing it softly. “I will, I know you got my back. And you got mine. You too, be careful.” Kihyun replied, slipping away from Shownu’s grip to follow Professor McGonagall to set up a protective barrier around Hogwarts. At that second, Shownu felt empty as he watch Kihyun dashes outside with Minhyuk, his heart strings tugged and worry could not left him alone. Before he lost sight of Kihyun, he saw the younger turned around with a grin plastered on his face, “And don’t die!” Kihyun pointed his wand towards Shownu, earning a soft chuckle that escaped from Shownu’s lips, “I won’t, I promise!” 

Minhyuk already with the group in the gardens, pointing his wand as a layer of barrier encapsulates the whole school’s compound. Kihyun followed suit, chanting a spell and a string of bright light shots from the tip of his wand, pointing upwards to the sky. “Took you long enough, Ki.” Minhyuk said, still looking upwards to the sky, mesmerised by how beautiful and bright the barrier is. “Had to make sure Changkyun is safe first.” He replied, sighing faintly as he watches the barriers starting to fill up the dark night. 

Shownu took a final glance at Hyungwon and Jooheon, who are busy preparing with the medic staffs, gathering potions and making sure that the Great Hall is safe enough for students or teachers who are wounded then he followed Wonho towards Wooden Bridge that connected to Clock Tower Gardens. They are the first line of defence for the ground combat later on, with Neville right on front of them. “Are you guys nervous?” Neville asked, his hand gripping tightly onto his wand, occasionally changing his grip. Wonho chuckled, wand already pointed up front, “Yeah, but thrilled.” Wonho glanced at Shownu, which the oldest replied with a small smirk, wand ready. “Well, we won’t do this twice anyway, so make it count.” Shownu replied, earning a small chuckle that escapes from Neville himself. “I really like you guys, we should hang out after this.”

Back in where Kihyun stood tall, his eyes caught a figure that made his heart dropped an instant. Changkyun did not follow the evacuated students. He quickly rushes to the younger, grabbing his Ravenclaw robe, turning him around to face Kihyun. “What are you doing?! I told you to not stay here, Changkyun!” Kihyun’s eyes widened in shock, “Ki—Kihyun!” Minhyuk called from afar, pointing towards the sky and the sight gave them goosebumps. Light bolts starting to shower on top of the barrier, breaking the protection layer. “Oh my God..” Kihyun voice came out like a whisper, “H-hyung.. What’s going on..” Changkyun’s eyes widened at the sight as well, but he quickly pulled by Kihyun towards the Great Hall. He rushes together with Changkyun, leaving Minhyuk and the other students and teachers to stand on guard. He can hear the howling noises, the battle cries, the sounds of people running towards them. It will soon to be chaos, and Kihyun couldn’t let anyone lay fingers on the young Ravenclaw. He saw fear evident on Changkyun’s eyes, glistening with tears that starting to form. Kihyun grabbed Changkyun’s shoulder firmly, looking straight into his eyes.

“Changkyun! Listen. Stay with Hyungwon and Jooheon inside—“

“But I want to help!”

“Listen!”

Kihyun raised his voice before taking a quick glance at the group of people at the Courtyard already on their feet for the battle coming up in seconds. 

“Changkyun, if you want to help then stay inside the Great Hall, help Hyungwon and Jooheon tending the wounded. They will keep you safe, and please,” Kihyun took a deep breath before letting out a heavy sigh. “Please, be careful.” He pushes Changkyun towards the Great Hall. Hyungwon and Jooheon’s eyes widened in surprise to see Changkyun didn’t left with the younger students. Hyungwon quickly rushes towards Changkyun, already knew what to do by looking into Kihyun’s eyes. “Keep him safe.” With that, Kihyun rushes towards the Viaduct Courtyard to join Minhyuk and the others to fight. 

As soon as the protective barrier is broken, it was hell on earth. The school’s suits of armour that enchanted by Professor McGonagall made their first defence as soon as Death Eaters and giants flung themselves, breaking and crashing each of the stone suits of armours. All of them are taken aback at the sudden and intenseness of the first wave of attack. “Get inside! Take cover! Take cover!” Professor McGonagall shouted, and Death Eaters starts to flock on Viaduct Courtyard, coming with a black smoke and the surroundings went under fire with explosions because of the curses thrown towards the students and teachers. Kihyun managed to jinx a few Death Eaters that flew towards him, Minhyuk on the other hand almost got crashed by one of the giant’s foot. Minhyuk was running towards the Entrance Hall and got halted by two Death Eaters in front of him, before Minhyuk could even cast a spell, Kihyun saw the rubbles of stones next to the Death Eaters, he pointed his wand towards the rubble and casted a spell, “Oppugno!” The rubbles flew to the Death Eaters, knocking them down and giving both Minhyuk and Kihyun enough time to run into different direction. “We need to find Shownu and Wonho.” Kihyun grabbed Minhyuk by his robe, pulling him towards the Clock Tower Courtyard. 

When the protective barrier broke down, Neville’s eyes widen in surprise when he heard sounds of footsteps coming quickly towards them. Scabior and the Snatchers are already running to where Neville, Shownu, and Wonho stood. They flew jinxes towards the chasing group, as they run away as fast as they could to Clock Tower Courtyard. Shownu ducked his head when a jinx almost blew his head off, Wonho’s jinxes threw a few Snatchers a few metres behind, giving enough time for the three of them to widen their gap. “Oh my God oh my God oh my—“ Neville threw in a few jinxes but not daring to look back. “Keep running guys!” Shownu shouted, taking a glance as he threw a spell to Scabior, but the latter managed to dodge it. They could feel their muscles start to tightened, yet they keep on running, pushing their limits to save and risking their lives at the same time. Shownu pointed his wand towards the wooden plank behind him, casting a spell that creates a huge explosion on the bridge. The wooden planks starts to crumble and the Snatchers including Scabior fell to their deaths. Little did he knew, the wooden plank kept on falling, Shownu and Wonho are leading in front, yet Neville struggles to keep up with the two. “Guys!—“ Neville’s legs wasn’t fast enough with the crumble of the planks, the sight made Shownu and Wonho stopped at their tracks as the wooden plank also stopped crumbling behind them, “Neville!” Wonho shouted, within a few seconds, he saw a hand gripping tightly onto the remaining plank, “Guys! I need a lift!” Neville survived the fall in matter of seconds, Shownu and Wonho quickly grabbed his hand and pulled him up. “That was close.” Shownu sighed in relief as the three of them survived the bridge attack. But when the sound of explosion was heard, Shownu quickly get back on his feet and dashes towards the Clock Tower Courtyard. “We have to find Kihyun and the others.” Shownu said with an agitated tone, Wonho followed suit as he blocked a few Death Eaters’ attacks on them. Shownu jinxed and hexed a few of them, but his tracks were stopped when a swarm of Acromantulas. He saw Hagrid tried to reason with the swarm of spiders yet the creatures didn’t listen. Both Shownu and Wonho casted a combined spell that sent the Acromantulas back a few metres away from them, they keep on fighting in the battle of the Clock Tower Courtyard, not realising Dementors are slipping into the premises. As they dashed to the halls, every corner already filled with broken walls, rubbles, students and teachers grouped together to fend off the Death Eaters, flames engulfing different parts of the castle and it clearly shown what it feels like when hell broke loose; but all he could think is to find Kihyun and protect him at all cost. 

The Great Hall is already filled with medic nurses busying themselves to help tending the wounded, with help from Hyungwon and Jooheon, the only hall is well-protected despite sounds of explosions and ground-shattering earthquakes made the space shook. Changkyun couldn’t hold himself for standing there in the Great Hall, so he quickly dashed towards the Great Hall door and slipped out from Hyungwon’s and Jooheon’s watch because the Great Hall was too crowded and busy at that point, they didn’t realise that Changkyun is missing. Jooheon about to call Changkyun to grab more potions that are nestled safely in the corner, but when he realised that Changkyun is nowhere to be found, he rushes to Hyungwon, “Changkyun’s not here.” Jooheon immediately rushes out from the Great Hall, followed suit by Hyungwon. Panic flooded their mind, in hopes that the youngest is still safe and alive at this point of time. 

Changkyun quickly ran from the Great Hall, only greeted by the chaotic battle. Equipped only with limited spells inside his mind, he marches forward to group with other students. Even though he is still young, but he has larger wit and bravery like any other older students. With his deep knowledge of usable jinxes, he managed to knock a few Death Eaters from attacking other students. Changkyun’s eyes landed on two familiar figures, he runs towards them as he casted jinxes here and there to block attacks, “Hyung!” He shouted to get Kihyun’s attention. Kihyun heard the familiar voice and he snapped his head towards the voice. “Changkyun!” Kihyun’s eyes widened in horror, when his eyes landed on the young Ravenclaw. He saw a glimpse of dark figure behind Changkyun, a Dementor to be exact. It sucked Changkyun’s happiness from behind, making the younger fell on his knees as it sucked in every oxygen from his lungs. He gasped for air as his hands snaked to his throat, tears rolled down onto his cheeks as he tried to shout for help. Kihyun let out his Patronus spell, chasing away the Dementor behind Changkyun. Kihyun quickly grabbed Changkyun and lifted him up, “How many times I have to tell you?!” Kihyun hugged the younger, then turned around to call Minhyuk. “H-Hyung I want to help..” Changkyun voice came out soft, gasping for breath after the Dementor’s Kiss. “Minhyuk, make sure he’s on your sight.” Kihyun ordered, before leaving Changkyun with Minhyuk. “I have to find Shownu. I’ll come back to you.” Kihyun reassured before he runs back to his pathway. 

The battle doesn’t seem to end soon even when the sun already rises into a chilly morning, Kihyun’s legs already about to gave up on him, and the only thing that kept him alive is his determination to find Shownu and to protect him. His wand tightly gripped on his hand, flinging jinxes and hexes towards Death Eaters as he rushes through the halls, trying to find that tall and built figure that always running inside his mind. And right at that second, his eyes met Shownu’s. The sudden wave of comfort, relief, and joy rushes inside him. He could feel his tears are forming on his eyes, his breath hitched when Shownu ran towards him. Shownu felt the same way as soon as he saw Kihyun on another side of the halls. The fear of losing him at that second washed away when Kihyun ran towards him, the fear of being all alone in this madness dissipates. Shownu wrapped his arms tight around Kihyun’s small figure, a sigh of relief escaped from his plump lips. “Thank God— Thank God you’re okay.” he whispered softly to Kihyun, heart’s beating fast as if it’s about to burst. Kihyun automatically wrapped his arms around Shownu’s waist, silent tears rolled down onto his cheeks, he was afraid, scared, terrified— but now, with Shownu right next to him, it feels like he could take down the world. “You kept your promise.” He chuckled softly to relieve any tension around the area. Shownu pulled away from the hug and wiped Kihyun’s tears from his cheeks, smiling warmly at him. “You’re hurt..” Kihyun brought his hand to Shownu’s temple, blood already dried on the side of his face, dirt and dust moulded into his shirt and robe, but Kihyun had to admit, Shownu looks way attractive at this state. “I just exploded the Wooden Bridge with Neville, sounds not too bad, right?” Shownu chuckled, Kihyun slapped Shownu’s arm lightly, in disbelief at this point of time, Shownu could joke a little. “You could’ve got hurt, you know?!—“ Kihyun’s eyes widened, realising that Changkyun is probably still around the battle. “We got to find Changkyun.” Kihyun quickly pulled Shownu towards the path to Great Hall. “Changkyun’s here?!” Shownu stated in shock, occasionally jinxing the Death Eaters when they ran in the halls. “He— he got his own mind. Let’s just make sure he’s—“ 

That second, the world felt like slowing down in front of Shownu’s eyes, not until he’s able to comprehend what just happened in that split second.

Not until Shownu saw a Death Eater pointed his wand towards Kihyun from the side, 

Not until he shouted Kihyun’s name to warn the danger,

Not until Kihyun stopped on his tracks to met the Death Eater’s gaze,

Not until an explosion blasted on the stone walls caused by the Death Eater, right next to Kihyun and it made him flew to the side, his unconscious body rolled on the cold ground after the sudden impact, blood started to flow out from his mouth,

Not until Shownu’s heart shattered in pieces to watch the scene in front of his eyes, and blood boils in anger as he threw a curse spell to the Death Eater, exploding the opponent into dust. 

And all of the sudden, everything stops, the battle, the cries, the explosions, the chaos— everything stopped at that second.

Shownu ran to Kihyun’s unconscious state, quickly wrapping his arm to prop Kihyun’s body onto his chest. Holding him tight, holding him close to his heart. He dropped his wand, before holding Kihyun with both of his hands, “Ki—“ Tears started to blur his vision, he blinked fast, letting the tears dropped to Kihyun’s cheek. “Kihyun.” He calmly called, but there is no respond from Kihyun. “Ki, please, please wake up.” 

Fear of losing him starts to encapsulate Shownu, he realises how precious Kihyun to him, how grateful and blessed he is to have Kihyun by his side.

He remembers the moments Kihyun helped him out in classes,

He remembers how Kihyun always tend his wounds after Quidditch matches,

He remembers the time Kihyun accepted Shownu’s decision to be involved in Triwizard Tournament,

He remembers when Kihyun asked him to accompany him stargazing at the Astronomy Tower,

He remembers Kihyun always passes the roasted chicken to Shownu’s plate whenever he’s still hungry,

He remembers that his love for Kihyun, is real.

Those small little moments flashes quickly in his thought as his hands still holding Kihyun. He could hear faint breathing escaped from Kihyun, and that’s when he broke down completely. He almost lost someone who’s precious to his dear life. He almost lost Kihyun. He couldn’t forgive himself for not being able to protect Kihyun at that moment, but also he is grateful that Kihyun is still alive.

The rest of the boys found Shownu in the middle of piling fallen bricks and stones, holding Kihyun tightly as silent tears fall from Shownu’s eyes. Hyungwon quickly hide Changkyun away from the heart breaking view with his taller built, Jooheon gripped onto Minhyuk’s robe tightly, speechless and it felt like there’s a lump in his throat, making both of them unable to speak any words. Wonho approaches Shownu, lowered himself to check on Kihyun’s state. Shownu didn’t say any words as he grabbed his wand on the ground, his other hand still holding Kihyun firmly, “Vulnera Sanentur.” Shownu whispered softly onto Kihyun’s ear with his wand pointing towards the body. Slowly the deep gashes start to close up and Shownu could hear Kihyun’s breathing much more clearer. He lifted Kihyun softly, still holding him tight and close, as if his body is fragile as a porcelain doll.