Suho²s 🕴🏻 Network

“…And Junmyeon and Jongdae stayed with Kyungsoo for the night and then started walked along the shore of the river. Only a few hours later they could see their hometown, and with Junmyeon’s powers they easily swam to the other side and found the pond between their houses and realised that they were home. And you probably know who came to meet them first.”

“It was me.” 

Jongin nodded, head rubbing against Sehun’s knee as they were laying in front of the fireplace in his living room.

“It was you, Sehunnie, and you knocked the air out of Junmyeon’s lungs and wouldn’t stop crying so Jongdae fetched me and then we were all crying together by the pond. Then our parents came and the rest of the village too and we decided to throw a feast on the square. Even with so little time to prepare, it felt like a birthday party, with food and games and everything, and we had lots of fun.”

Sehun smiled and looked forward, losing himself in the memory. “Yes, it was fun. You ate chicken until you were sick.” He shrieked when Jongin pinched his thigh. “You always eat too much when there’s chicken!”

“Shut up! Anyways, Junmyeon and Jongdae had been gone for a long time so we were all happy to have them back. No-one thought that they were alive, except for you and me of course, so that day was absolutely spectacular. It wasn’t until the next day that they had a moment to themselves by the pond, and it was when they leaned against the tree where everything began, holding hands and watching the sun set, that they realised that they were truly home. The end.” Jongin pulled on Sehun’s nose and howled with laughter when his best friend retaliated by tickling him, and it took several minutes before they managed to catch their breaths again.

“Hey, Jongin?”

Said boy snuggled into Sehun’s thigh, eyes already half-closed. “Mmmh?”

“How do you know so much about this? I mean, they told us what happened but your story is so much more detailed?”

Jongin turned his head, a smirk blooming on his lips.

“Because I was there, of course! I followed Junmyeon to the river, I saw him in Kyungsoo’s garden, I saw him ride on Yixing and enter the castle - Taemin’s an old friend of mine, he told me about what happened there. I saw the thieves imprison him and how he and Luhan were set free, I looked through the windows of Baekhyun’s and Chanyeol’s houses, I saw the showdown with the Frost king, and how they returned. I saw it all so you can’t question the truth to my story!”

Sehun frowned. “I know you can move fast, but does that mean you knew where Junmyeon was the entire time and didn’t tell me?”

Jongin opened his mouth and closed it again, self-assurance turning into mortification.

“Uh… No?” 

That made Sehun push him down to the floor.

“You’re so mean!”

“But I was praying with you every night, I just forgot to tell you! I couldn’t do anything anyway! I’m sorry Sehun!” Jongin dashed around the room to escape Sehun’s wrath, and they were so caught up in their antics that they didn’t hear the door opening. Eventually they noticed Junmyeon and Jongdae watching them, and as they were tired from playing and startled by the company the two youngsters settled down to hear what they wanted.

“Did you tell him our story again, Jongin?” Jongdae cackled at the faces his friends made, and a smile stayed on his lips as Junmyeon cleared his throat. 

“Jonginnie, would you do me a favour?” Jongin and Sehun saw that their oldest friend was literally glowing with happiness, and they turned to Jongdae for answers but received nothing but a shrug.

“Sure, what do you want me to do?” Jongin studied Junmyeon’s face intently, trying to make out the reason before Junmyeon himself could reveal it, and it took an encouraging pat from Jongdae before he finally said it.

“Would you mind teleporting me somewhere?”

˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚

“We are one - Let’s love!” Junmyeon stood in his room by himself, practising his speech for the uptenth time and still not quite liking it. Maybe it just didn’t feel natural yet? They were twelve completely different persons, so it only made sense that it would take a while before they were able to say it and mean it…

But he wanted to try, because he was their leader now and he wanted to lead them all as good as he could.

About a month ago Jongin had teleported himself and Junmyeon to get all of his new friends and bring them to the village, and soon eight outsiders were chatting loudly by the pond. Junmyeon was forced to raise his voice to get their attention, and thankfully they had listened to him so he didn’t have to do it twice.

“Thank you for coming with such short notice,” he had begun. “I can imagine that you’re curious about why I brought you here, at this time.” He saw a couple of people nod and he smiled, growing more confident for every moment that passed. “Well, you see, I just wanted to thank you properly for saving Jongdae together with me, and so I prepared a feast in your honour that will begin as soon as I’m done talking.”

Some whoops were heard, making Junmyeon giggle, and he took a deep breath before revealing something from behind his back. 

It was the hexagon puzzle.

“Without even realising it, we found each other and our powers aligned to make the veil between the two worlds disappear. None of it would have happened without the help I got from each and every one of you, and I want you to know that if the red force shows up again, I’d be glad to fight it together with you. We may be different people and good at different things, but together we are one, and I know we can do whatever we set our hearts on doing.”

A shaky breath escaped him, heart thumping wildly as he reached the last and most improvised part of his speech.

“So if you want to, we can become like the legends of the story and fight evil with love.”

Granted, he received some groans by saying such a cliché thing, but soon they were all applauding him and came closer show their support.

“We’ll do it if you become our leader, Junmyeon.” Minseok gave Junmyeon an encouraging smile, and the others agreed with him. Junmyeon initially felt really awkward hearing this request, but soon regained his composure. If they wanted him as their leader, he’d do everything in his power to fill that role - with help of his fellow legends of course.

Today, a month later, Junmyeon sat by the lake again, reminiscing about the feast. They had eaten lots of good food, played games and even sung some songs together, and as night turned into morning they had parted ways with a promise to come by often. 

The sun was about to set, showing its beauty to the world once more before the day was over. Junmyeon wondered how Jongdae felt, being able to see things like this again after the red power had melted away from his sight, and suddenly he began to worry. Could he do this? Could he lead them if the red power acted up again? Or would they better off on their own?

“There you are.” Junmyeon thoughts were interrupted by Jongdae taking a seat next to him. “You know that the others are coming soon, right?”

“I know.”

“Nervous?”

Junmyeon sighed in exasperation. “It doesn’t make sense, I know that, things have have been going really well so there shouldn’t be anything to be nervous about, and yet I can’t stop doubting myself. Will I be able to keep my head above water as I take on the leader role?” Jongdae tilted his head and threw him an incredulous look, soon losing the battle against a teasing smile.

“You can control the water, and you can do this too. Who saved me from the Frost King?”

“Minseok may have been a big part of the problem, but I don’t think that he would have let it continue for much longer had I not come. He did want to save you after all.” 

“But you came, and you saved me. You’re the bravest person I know, Junmyeon, and if someone can do this, it’s you. We wouldn’t have appointed you as our leader and guardian otherwise.”

Junmyeon pulled a grimace at the new nickname he’d gained, liking the meaning and at the same time fearing it’s pressure, but the hand on his shoulder had him drop it in an instant.

“You’re amazing in so many ways, and there’s no way you can change my opinion on that. You will lead us well, both me and the others know that.” Jongdae looked back to the beautiful scenery and leaned his head onto Junmyeon’s shoulder. “You were my guardian even before you saved me, and now that you’ve brought us all together you’re their guardian too.”

Junmyeon swallowed the lump in his throat and put his head on Jongdae’s.

“Do you think so?” he whispered.

“I know so,” Jongdae whispered back.

“Hey, weren’t we supposed to meet here?” someone shouted in the distance, sounding vaguely like Baekhyun, and Junmyeon and Jongdae got up to join the ten other boys gathering in the garden between their houses. Together they were the twelve chosen ones who were once split in two but had become one, and while Junmyeon dreaded what the future held he knew that he’d always think of them as one in his heart.

And that no matter what, love would always prevail.

“Put your hands in the middle.” They did as they were told, and Junmyeon put his hand on top of theirs, unable to hold back a smile of his own as he saw the others’ smiling faces. 

They believed in him, and therefore he believed in himself.

“We are one - Let’s love!”

And so they lived and spread harmony wherever they went, and if you haven’t heard anything new about the red power, they still are.

Fine

(Jongin, would you please stop snooping around and tell Sehun everything that happens to me? It’s getting really annoying!)

When Junmyeon’s sobs had quieted down, Jongdae started speaking.

“Minseok.” So that’s his name, Junmyeon thought and looked up, seeing the Frost King return the gaze from underneath his fringe.

“Yes, Jongdae?”

“I can imagine how you felt, but it doesn’t make this less wrong. Even if you wanted to save me from the enemy this wasn’t the right way to do it. If you saw me through Junmyeon’s eyes, didn’t you understand that it would hurt him? That if you took his friend from him to make him your own it would hurt him?” He looked at Junmyeon. “Because it did hurt you, right?”

Junmyeon hid his face in his shoulder again. “You hurt me, Jongdae… and you didn’t let me find you even once…”

Jongdae grimaced and started saying “I’m sorry…”, but Junmyeon wasn’t having any of that.

“I know you weren’t being yourself.” Jongdae smiled a sad smile and then looked at Minseok again.

“You and me belong to the same world? You and me and four others, and Junmyeon and five others?” He whistled when Minseok nodded. “So the story was true then. And we have powers too? I wonder which ones we have, and how we managed to see each other despite being born into different worlds…”

“After seeing how he saved you I think it’s pretty obvious what power your friend yields.” The Frost King looked so innocent and scared that Junmyeon had a hard time believing that it was the same person that had threatened him just a moment ago. Had Minseok really laughed in such a menacing way? Had he really been the brain behind all of this? But curiosity soon overthrew his disbelief.

“What power do I have?” Junmyeon gave Minseok a steady look, easing up at the small, true smile he got directed at him.

“Water.”

And in that moment, Junmyeon understood.

It was the water in the pond back home that had led him away and brought him to Kyungsoo. When he cried, the flowers started to bloom in the garden. It was the water that had hindered the snow to reach him outside the castle, and it was his tears that had reached Jongdae’s heart. Maybe this power was what bound him together with the other eleven, and maybe he had a role to play in why he and Jongdae had been able to live together, but everything truly felt so much clearer after Minseok had uttered that single word and he couldn’t help returning the smile.

“Maybe that explains our bond to each other too, Junmyeon.” Jongdae took hold of Junmyeon’s hand, intertwining their fingers. A few seconds passed, then a chuckle escaped Jongdae when Junmyeon jumped in surprise. “Did you feel that?”

Junmyeon’s big eyes found his. “Electricity.”

“And water leads electricity.” Jongdae squeezed Junmyeon’s hand, but released it when his gaze fell upon something on the ground. “Junmyeon, did you touch this?” His friend shook his head and Minseok came closer to get a look at the now completed hexagon puzzle, the three of them reading the words written on it in unison. 

“Let’s love.”

That’s when they all felt it - the feeling of something tearing.

Minseok was the first to leap to his feet. “It’s gone. The veil is gone.” When he saw the others’ questioning looks he laughed loudly. “The worlds are one again. The riddle is solved! We’re free!” He made a few twirls with his arms outstretched before rushing over to take their hands in his own. “I’m sorry, and thank you!”

“I think it’s Junmyeon you should be thanking, he’s the one who said it.” Jongdae laughed together with Minseok now as he saw Junmyeon’s reddened cheeks.

“It’s nothing.”

Minseok hugged them both and went to open the gate with a wave of his hand, running out into the snow. Overwhelmed, Junmyeon looked at Jongdae; his best friend who was finally found and saved, smiling his trademark cheshire grin like he didn’t have a care in the world.

He had done it.

“Shall we go home?”

The feeling of Jongdae’s warm hand in his was answer enough.

˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚

When they came close to Chanyeol’s house a boy flew into Minseok’s arms so quickly that all Junmyeon saw of him was a brown line, and Minseok started laughing as he spun them around.

“Minseok! Minseok!” 

“Luhan! They saved me, they saved us!” He slowed down, releasing Luhan as he grew serious. “I was wrong, can you forgive me?”

“Of course!” 

Junmyeon gaped at the beaming reindeer-turned-boy who held onto the Frost King’s arms; he was rather small, with soft brown hair and big doe eyes - eyes that promptly turned his way and a split second later he was lying on the ground, trying to breathe as Luhan gave him a bone-crushing hug.

“Junmyeon, you did it!”

Junmyeon laughed and hugged him back, and as soon as they let go of each other Luhan turned back into a reindeer again. “Let’s go find Chanyeol, he’s probably very worried.” He motioned for them to get on his back, but Minseok rejected the offer.

“I can move fast in the snow, it’s my element after all, but who is this Chanyeol?”

"He controls fire!" Luhan exclaimed, Minseok's eyes widening as he understood.

“Ah, he must be one of yours then, Junmyeon." 

Junmyeon’s heart skipped a beat. He was one out of six, and if Chanyeol was another one, who knew if he’d already met the other four… Then Jongdae hugged him from behind and he was brought out of his thoughts.

As the worlds were no longer separated it didn’t matter - they were one, all twelve of them.

Cheers filled the air as Chanyeol met them and he lifted Junmyeon in a rough embrace. “I knew you could do it, I knew it!” he shouted, his voice exceptionally loud to hide the moistness in his eyes (Junmyeon saw it anyway, but didn’t say anything - he just thanked his friend for believing in him when he needed it most). Jongdae then approached to say hello and he got a hug too before they left together to visit Baekhyun.

The boy with the power of light ran out of his house as soon as he saw them, bawling into Junmyeon’s neck before he could even say his greeting. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to do it...!”

Junmyeon patted his shoulder, telling him that he forgave him, because he had been vital in saving Jongdae too, hadn’t he? But that only made the situation worse and Jongdae and Chanyeol had to help with calming Baekhyun down, all of them holding each other until the tears stopped falling. Then Baekhyun’s grandmother invited them all for supper and with five boys around the table she looked quite happy.

After saying goodbye to Chanyeol and Baekhyun the following day, Junmyeon and Luhan traveled towards the forest clad hills, and it didn’t take long before they heard a voice, strong and clear, call for Junmyeon.

“Junmama!” And Junmyeon threw himself off Luhan only to be lifted up by Zitao, and when the thief had gotten enough hugs to be satisfied he saw who was standing behind them.

“Minseok? Is it really you?”

Minseok stood in the snow, looking apologetically at his old friends. “It is me. Zitao, Yixing, can you forgive me?” And immediately he was also pulled into a hug, Junmyeon and Yixing cooing at the sight as they embraced.

Soon Zitao spotted Jongdae as well. “So it was you Junmama was going to save.” He snorted and Junmyeon nudged him with his elbow. “I wonder if you know how much effort he has put in for your sake.” This time Junmyeon actually pushed him in distress.

“Why did you have to say that…” he muttered, making Jongdae smile.

“I do, and it’s all thanks to those efforts that I’m here now.” The smile turned into laughter and Zitao stopped pretending to be mad as he said a proper hello.

As they sat by the fireplace that evening, Yixing filled everyone in on what had happened since they last saw each other - when he'd given the castle a quick visit in Junmyeon’s absence he had learned that Jinki and Taemin had started travelling around the country, and people loved them wherever they went. Yibo was now a respected foreman, as was Yixing, and the kingdom prospered under their care.

When Jongdae was leaning against the shoulder Zitao hadn’t taken for himself Junmyeon closed his eyes, revelling in the feeling of being surrounded by friends.

Luhan parted ways with them as they said goodbye to Zitao, his longing to run free too strong to ignore, and Junmyeon and Jongdae rode on Yixing until they reached the castle. There, Yixing was as gentle as always when he wiped away the tear escaping Junmyeon’s eye.

“Take care, Junmyeon, promise me that.” Junmyeon nodded and hooked his pinky with the unicorn boy’s.

“I promise.”

Yixing hugged Jongdae and Minseok as well and then the three of them started walking, putting some distance behind them before Minseok slowed and finally stopped.

“I can’t go any further.” Jongdae was quick to come to his side, Junmyeon joining him, confusion apparent on their faces. 

“Why?”

“It will be summer where you’re going, and I’m still too ashamed to come with you. That’s why I’ve decided to turn back for now.”

“Are you sure?” Jongdae’s voice was filled with compassion, and despite everything that had happened Junmyeon felt the same way. Minseok nodded and accepted a hug before taking a step back, looking at Junmyeon.

“I think I understand why I saw you in the window that night, Junmyeon. I was looking for the missing person in my group and found you, a strong willed person harbouring a heart filled with love for everyone. You were someone I wanted to be but wasn’t - a leader. Junmyeon, I think you’re our leader, and if we meet again I will do everything in my power to support your every step. Even if I’m older than you.” A cheeky smile appeared on his face, showing off his soft features as he took another step away from them. “Thank you once again, and I do hope that our paths will cross someday.”

While Jongdae waved in farewell for a long while, Junmyeon was lost in his thoughts. A leader? Him? He felt Jongdae’s hand slid into his and his feet started walking, but it was hard to let Minseok’s words go. Someone like me could never be a leader…

Then Jongdae started singing, and it succeeded in making Junmyeon return to the present and sing along, just like it had so many times before.

When they opened the gate to the garden Kyungsoo was already standing there and he swiftly walked into Junmyeon’s welcoming arms.

“I promised to visit,” Junmyeon whispered, and the other boy shuddered.

“I’m sorry.” It was clear that he meant his part of the spying, and Junmyeon didn’t need to see him to know how sincere he was.

“It’s okay. I did fine anyway, and I got many new friends along the way, so what did I really lose?”

Kyungsoo drew back so he could put his hands to Junmyeon’s neck, tear-filled eyes accentuating his serious expression. “You were brought from your home and your family, and your childhood friend was taken from you. That’s what you lost, and if you hadn’t gotten it back I would have gone after you. I like you, Junmyeon, and I truly regret helping the enemy to get to you.”

Junmyeon smiled, moved by his words, and put his hand on top of Kyungsoo’s. “It’s okay, honestly. I forgive you, and I hope we can remain friends after this.” 

Now Kyungsoo also smiled, as remorse gave way to boldness. “Best friends.”

“Along with me, I hope.” Junmyeon guffawed at Kyungsoo’s surprised face as his companion interfered with their conversation.

“Kyungsoo, may I introduce my childhood friend, Jongdae?”

They found a house the next day, right after the sun had started to rise, and when Junmyeon knocked on the door he was hit by a gush of hot air. How is this possible? Such heat shouldn’t exist when it’s winter! The answer came as a tall boy with big ears opened the door and a heat unlike any other Junmyeon had ever felt hit him with it’s entire strength.

“Hi, I’m Chanyeol! Who are you?”

Luhan told him their story once again, adding Baekhyun’s part to the ending (Chanyeol was happy to hear from his friend), in front of his fireplace that emitted such heat that they had to remove almost all of their clothing. Chanyeol was hot-blooded to his core and he sure did make use of it in this landscape, but even he got goosebumps when they mentioned the Frost King.

“The Frost King’s castle? Are you sure you want to go there?” When Junmyeon nodded he put his chin in his hand in thought, reading the note he’d received one more time before throwing it into the fire. “I know that your friend is with the Frost King, he brings him outside every now and then and from what I've seen they both radiate coldness and ill intent. I don’t like it one bit. No normal being would want to get in between them and risk getting their heart frozen.”

The reindeer looked at Chanyeol with big eyes. “Can’t you come with us and melt them then? You can control fire!”

“I wish it was that simple. My fire can melt snow and ice, sure, but this is different. Whatever’s going on between the two of them is filled will some kind of evil power that I can’t handle, and I think we need something extraordinary to destroy it.” He looked at Junmyeon, who had been quiet the entire time.

“I think you can do it, Junmyeon. You don’t need my or anyone else’s power, because I know that you’re strong in another way. You have a goal that has kept you going and you’ve managed to get out of all the difficult situations you’ve encountered this far, managing to get both humans and shapeshifters to join you on your journey without even trying. If you can’t save Jongdae, no-one can.”

Junmyeon stared at Chanyeol, his face hot both from the heat of the room and the kind words. Never had someone said so many nice things about him at once, especially not after only just meeting him, so to say that he was rendered speechless was not an exaggeration. 

“Can’t we help him somehow?” Luhan said, looking between Junmyeon and Chanyeol.

Chanyeol shook his head. “No, I think he has to do this himself. You can bring him to the outskirts of the forest, but then you have to return. If everything goes well, which we of course hope, Junmyeon will return after saving his friend.” The lanky boy drew closer to Junmyeon and crouched down to look him straight in the eye.

“You can do this, I’m sure of it. Don't think too much, just go and do it, okay? We’ll be waiting for you.” He showed all his teeth in a blinding smile, and Junmyeon gave him a careful one back. Chanyeol was similar to Baekhyun in his way of approaching the upcoming battle with energy and positivism and he appreciated that immensely, because the moment of truth was drawing closer and he needed all the support he could get.

He got up and looked at Luhan and Chanyeol, renewed certainty shining in his eyes.

“Come, Luhan, let’s go save Jongdae.”

˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚ ˚₊‧✩‧₊˚

"Thank you for the ride.” Junmyeon slid off Luhan’s back. “It means more than I can say that you’ve done so much to save Jongdae.”

“No, Junmyeon, YOU are going to save Jongdae,” Luhan corrected him. “I just did what I could to help. Chanyeol is right, you’re strong and you will surely do well.” He nudged Junmyeon’s face with his nose, his brown doe eyes watery. “Hurry back afterwards, and good luck.”

“Thank you, Luhan, I promise.” The reindeer quickly ran back into the forest towards Chanyeol’s house, and when Junmyeon couldn’t see him any more he turned towards the castle belonging to the Frost King.

The snow hit him fiercely as soon as he put his foot on the first step of the stairs, but for some reason it didn’t reach him - instead it melted and disappeared. Astounded, he took in the sight of the shimmering, tiny droplets around him, but soon forced himself to continue. He could admire them later. The entrance towered above him, filled with icy winds, and after taking a deep breath he put his hands on it, leaning forward. It was unlocked and slowly creaked open, and he didn’t have to go very far before he saw them.

There was Jongdae, sitting next to a boy who looked like he was somewhere around their age. He had a soft, round face, but it also held a sharpness to it that neither him nor Jongdae possessed. All of a sudden Junmyeon realised that he recognised the boy - he was the one he had seen after dragging his hand across the window in his bedroom so many years ago. It was a boy with childlike features but cold eyes, a boy who laughed but then disappeared into the snowy frenzy and only left beautiful frost paintings behind.

It was now perfectly clear to Junmyeon that he was standing in the presence of the Frost King.

After a short while the boy stood up and patted Jongdae's hair.

“I’m going outside for some fresh air.” He mirrored Jongdae’s wide smile, the one Junmyeon had missed so much and that broke his heart because it didn’t look real any more, and waved goodbye. “Keep up with the puzzle in the meantime.” He disappeared through a door on the other side of the hall, the sound of it closing echoing for multiple seconds before it disappeared. Then there was only silence.

Junmyeon could only feel his heartbeats, loud in his ears and hard against his ribs. After what felt like an eternity he took a step towards Jongdae, but he stopped when Jongdae slowly lifted his head to look at him.

An abnormally loud gasp bounced off the walls. Jongdae didn’t show any signs of knowing the person standing in front of him, and the grey of his skin and the blue of his lips made Junmyeon clench his chest in fear. He inched closer and noticed out of the corner of his eye that Jongdae was fiddling with something that looked like a geometrical shape of some sort, but his gaze was fixed upon Jongdae’s face. How can he smile with those lips? How can he see with all the frost in his eyelashes? How can he work on a puzzle with fingers numbed by the cold? He walked faster and as soon as he was close enough he threw himself onto Jongdae.

“Jongdae! Jongdae, you’re alive!” He felt the coldness seeping from his friend’s body, painfully aware of the fact that Jongdae didn’t move a muscle to return the embrace. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you! I mean, at first I just waited, which was really difficult but in a different way, but then I was kind of forced to leave our hometown so I decided to search for you and I had to deal with lots of difficult things to get here... and now I finally found you.” He loosened his grip and tried to see if there was even a tiny flicker of life in those eyes, but they were completely empty.

“He won’t change.” Junmyeon looked up, meeting the gaze of the Frost King. He wouldn't have believed it possible one moment ago, but the stare he got was even colder than before, and Junmyeon swallowed as a smile showed itself on the other boy’s lips. “Your friend belongs to me now. Actually, he has belonged to me ever since he was born, but for some reason you managed to get around the rules and become friends.”

“Wh-What? Belongs to y- what rules?” Junmyeon didn’t understand anything and Jongdae just watched them, not a single emotion showing on his face. The Frost King laughed at his bewilderment and held up his hands.

“Don’t tell me you haven’t heard about the rules, you’re one of us! You must have heard of the twelve legends and the tree? About the evil red power that split them and the tree in two?” The accusation in his voice had Junmyeon searching his memory frantically. His mother had told many stories to him and later on Jongdae, Sehun and Jongin, but had he heard this one? It did sound familiar…

“You mean the one with the two worlds?” he finally said, and the Frost King nodded.

“You have heard about it. But do you understand it?” He sneered at the face Junmyeon made. “Apparently not. Have you never played with the thought that there might lie some truth in it? I know you’re one of us, or you wouldn’t have been been able to see me in your window that day. Do you know what power you yield? What role you possess? Which world you belong to?” He looked at Jongdae who quietly studied them as Junmyeon still held him close. “You two aren’t from the same world. Me and Jongdae, on the other hand, are. When I saw him through your eyes back then I decided to save him before the red power struck. You’re incredibly easy to read, did you know that? You wanted to see if Jongdae was awake. As I was looking for him I found you, and then it was simple for me to come by your town and take him away from danger.” He laughed again, a little less joyously.

“However, I was too late, and you turned out to be a stubborn one. You followed me, and you managed to get past all hindrances without losing your way. Even though the enemy had spies you arrived here alive and well - yes, they had spies. Do you know of a Kyungsoo and a Baekhyun? The red force used their darker feelings to locate where you were, which wasn't hard because you mattered to them, as you did to Jongdae.” Now the Frost King was standing before him, a threatening glare twisting his cute face in a horrible way. “But nothing can bring him back now, not even his so called best friend, because that’s me now and I want him to stay here. The red force can't harm him any further, so what can you really offer?”

Junmyeon couldn’t believe it. This boy had taken Jongdae just because he believed he had the right to do so, to somehow protect him because they were from the same world? Didn’t Junmyeon and Jongdae share their lives with each other ever since they were small? How could the Frost King think that he was saving Jongdae when it was obvious he was freezing to death?

In that very moment Junmyeon gathered every ounce of courage he had and stood up, staring back into the Frost King’s eyes and opening his mouth.

“Who do you think you are?” The first words were nothing more than a whisper, but his voice quickly became louder. “I’m being serious. Who do you think you are? Sure, you may be the king of the frost but does that give you the right to take what you want? Even if that story is true, even if it turns out that you and I aren’t from the same world I don’t care. Do you understand? I don’t care! Jongdae has always been my best friend, he has been there when I needed him and more than that! He tells me that he looks up to me and clings to me all the time and it makes me happy! And even if this trip has been tough I gained many new friends and they’ve all been willing to help me - it felt like we were one in our wish to save Jongdae and that feeling has helped me stay strong, so strong that I refuse to let someone take that joy from me without asking Jongdae first.”

He panted as he looked at the Frost King, who was now staring at him in shock, then shifted his gaze to Jongdae. His heart broke once again when he saw the shell of the boy that had once been his dearest friend, and he kept talking as he walked towards him.

“Don’t fight evil with evil, let’s love instead. What do you gain from saving Jongdae like this? He’s just a doll, a shadow of the person he used to be…”

He fell to his knees and put his head on Jongdae’s shoulder.

“Jongdae, I want you back. My life doesn’t work without you. Not without your pretty smile, your sarcastic manners, your hugs and your beautiful voice. You’re my best friend, but if you decide by your own free will that this is your home, I will let you go."

Junmyeon was tired of crying by now, and yet the tears came when he leaned his head onto Jongdae’s shoulder, dark patches forming on the frozen shirt as he tried to accept that his friend just might be beyond saving.

“Junmyeon, I couldn't ever bear to be separated from you. How can you even think that I'd want that?” Junmyeon hiccuped and looked up, into Jongdae’s face - bright, shining, alive - and started crying even more as he held his hands to his face.

“Jongdae..!” 

Said boy pulled Junmyeon into an actual embrace as warm tears fell down his cheeks.

“Hush, it’s all right now…”

“You will bring him straight there and straight back, do you understand?” Zitao was trying to instruct the reindeer that was prancing around the yard, now free of all the boundaries in the world.

“Luhan, are you listening?!”

Luhan continued his prancing as he glared at his former caretaker. “Yes, I’m listening. I know my home country through and through, and I promise I’ll do everything I can to protect your mama.”

The choice of words had Junmyeon staring at Zitao, but the thief refused to acknowledge it, the reddish colour adorning his cheeks the only sign that he had heard it at all. 

“Am I mama to you?” Junmyeon had a hard time keeping his cheerfulness in check, and Zitao must have heard it in his voice because he relaxed a little, even he still wouldn’t look at him.

“Yes, you’re mama to me. If that’s okay with you? It not like I have anyone else, and you’ve been kind to me even if you were my prisoner, and…” He became quiet as Junmyeon took his hand and smiled so wide his eyes turned into crescents.

“I don’t mind, I’d love to be your mama if that’s what you want.”

“Quit the mush and get to the point - I want to run!” Luhan jumped in protest while Yixing snorted at his antics, and Zitao looked at the two animals and then finally at Junmyeon. 

“Are you sure you want to leave your unicorn here?”

“I’m sure. We’ve already talked about it. Yixing needs a break from all this, and I know he’s safe with you.” Junmyeon scratched Yixing behind the ears, touching foreheads in farewell. “I promised to return, didn’t I? I’ll get him then.” 

At last Zitao relaxed, his trademark grin appearing as he threw a glance backwards.

It was time.

“The others will wake up soon so you’d better get going.” He grabbed hold of Junmyeon’s scarf. “I’m keeping this because it’s pretty, and you get mine, because it’s warm.” Confusion took over Junmyeon’s features, but only for a moment, a grin rivalling Zitao’s taking its place.

Zitao helped Junmyeon get up on Luhan’s back, who for once stood completely still, not showing any trace of misbehaviour. He probably wants to prove to Zitao that he can handle taking care of me, Junmyeon thought to himself and patted the reindeer’s head in appreciation before looking at his guard-turned-friend one last time.

“I guess this is goodbye then.”

“Yeah. Take care, Junmama.” 

Junmyeon laughed at the nickname. “You too, my son.” And he laughed even louder as Zitao’s embarrassed shouts echoed after them, waving without looking back as Luhan was galloping so fast that it would’ve been dangerous to turn around. 

In front of him snow-clad mountains could be seen in every direction, and Luhan seemed to know where to go.

“Just hold on to me, and we’ll be there in no time!” Luhan took a big leap and sped up even more, and Junmyeon’s heart soared.

Jongdae couldn’t be far away now.

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"In no time" turned out to be a wrong assumption, even Luhan admitted to that as night fell during the fifth day. The food they had brought was long gone, and as there was no sighting of the castle belonging to the Frost King Junmyeon suggested that they should look for a place to stay for now. Luhan grunted in frustration but submitted to the idea, and soon they could see something lighting up the dark.

The building was only one story high and made entirely by wood, the welcoming aura it gave off making it easy to knock on the door. Junmyeon's vision was soon filled with a boy’s wide smile and unruly hair, and his mood grew lighter along with the brightness coming from inside the house.

“Hi! What can I do for you?”

Junmyeon explained that he was on his way to the Frost king’s domains but had run out of food, and him and Luhan were immediately led to a fireplace as an elderly woman brought them something to eat and drink.

“I’m Baekhyun,” they were told after they’d all sat down - the boys and the reindeer on the floor, the woman in the sofa - “and this is my grandmother. What's your name?”

The question was directed at Junmyeon, but Luhan answered it, his eyes glinting with laughter as it made their hosts jump in their seats.

“I’m Luhan, and this is Junmyeon.” The reindeer seemed keen on talking for the both of them, and Junmyeon was more than happy to let him do the storytelling. After all, he had told it many times himself already, and he enjoyed listening to Luhan's voice so there really wasn't any reason to complain. 

It did feel a bit weird, though, hearing his story being told by someone else, and as it went on it almost felt like everything had happened in another life, to another person. How long had it been since he had taken that boat? For how long had he been away from the village he grew up in and his parents and Sehun and Jongin? Tears pricked his eyes as he thought of them, but he was determined not to let them fall.

It was for Jongdae’s sake that he was here, and he had no intention of giving up now.

“What an adventure!” Baekhyun laid on his back, staring up onto the roof in amazement. “An actual adventure, and an exciting one at that. I wish I could have been a part of it, nothing fun ever happens here.”

“That's not what I heard last week, when Chanyeol was visiting.” Baekhyun’s grandmother peered over her glasses and chuckled at her grandchild, who slowly joined her in laughing as he sat up again.

“Yeah, you’re right grandma. Things do happen around here, definitely more than it does at home.” He turned to explain to his guests. “I only live here during certain parts of the year, grandma becomes so lonely otherwise and I do have friends who miss me. But an adventure like yours is way beyond me!”

Junmyeon raised his eyebrows, not quite agreeing. “Well, yes… it has been an adventure, but it hasn’t been that fun..!” But he was interrupted by a playful punch on his arm.

“Come on! You did have fun, didn’t you? I get that the reason you had to go was sad, but I’m sure you got to experience some nice moments on the way here.” And Junmyeon couldn’t disagree. Baekhyun’s way of seeing the positive side of things won over his own motivation right now, and he felt a tug at the corner of his lips as he locked eyes with Luhan.

“Yes, you’re right. I did find some new friends…”

Baekhyun clapped his hands in triumph. “You see!”

“Baekhyun.” The energetic boy winced at his grandma’s repercussion. “Don’t make our guests uncomfortable.”

“I won’t, grandma…” Junmyeon grinned at Baekhyun’s display of emotion and received one in return. “I hope I’m one of those friends you mentioned, Junmyeon.”

The grin grew into a full fledged smile and he grasped Baekhyun’s hands.

“Of course you are!”

That night Junmyeon slept with his new friend in a proper bed - Luhan being too tired to move from his place in front of the fireplace - and when they ate breakfast the next morning Baekhyun’s grandmother gave Junmyeon a piece of paper with some scribbled notes on it.

“Bring this to Chanyeol, he lives a couple of miles from here. I’m certain he knows the final part of the way to the Frost King’s castle, as he tends to walk around where Chanyeol’s house is located during this time of the year.” Junmyeon thanked her, and minutes later he was once again sitting on Luhan’s back, ready to leave.

“Say hi to Chanyeollie from me!” Baekhyun stood by the door next to his grandmother, waving them off. “And remember to visit!”

His grandmother nodded. “You’re all welcome to stop by whenever you want!”

“And don’t forget your friend, Junmyeon.”

The comment made Junmyeon more than a little confused. “Why would I forget Jongdae?”

“No, I meant me you dummy!” Baekhyun rolled his eyes and gave him another smile - a smile that Junmyeon couldn’t reciprocate due to it’s sudden unnaturalness. Something was different, and he couldn’t put his finger on what, but after a few seconds he decided to let it go. Maybe his new friend was just going to miss them.

Baekhyun continued. “Also, look for my sign tonight. I’ve been working on a trick, so when you see it, just follow it until the morning arrives. And promise you’ll visit, it’s too boring to just torment Chanyeol.” He yelped as his grandmother squeezed his neck, but he didn’t stop smiling and now Junmyeon returned it in earnest.

“I will. See you!” Now came the moment Luhan had been waiting for and he sprinted in the direction they'd been pointed towards, and when the night approached the most beautiful northern light shone above them, guiding their way in the dark.

Twilight came only hours after their departure, and as the road was currently bordered with coniferous trees Junmyeon was reminded of all the tales he had heard about things lurking in dark forests. 

It’ll be alright, he tried to reassure himself. Even if things haven’t gone that well, I have gained many friends - Kyungsoo, Yixing, Taemin and Jinki… I just have to stay positive and focus on finding Jongdae!

He could feel the tightness in his chest ease up a little as he did this - that is until he heard something that made him freeze up completely.

“Gold! Pretty clothes! Give it to us!” People appeared everywhere and pushed the carriage on to its side, catching Yixing before he could run away and pulling Junmyeon out by the shirt, only letting go after he had been dragged into their midst. As he caught his breath he found himself looking up at a tall man with bleached hair and a hard look on his face.

“Oh, what a cute little boy we found. You’ve got to be someone special to get such a nice escort, and you look healthy enough to fit the bill. Maybe you’re the son of a wealthy person?” His gaze was cold and Junmyeon clenched his jaw in defiance as he refused to break the eye contact, an amused smile appearing on the man’s lips as he did so. “A brave son of a wealthy person, perhaps. Anyhow, your things belong to me now, and as the leader of this gang I will decide what’s going to happen to you. I think I-“

“Kris!” A gangly boy threw himself onto the leader’s back. “Let him be! I want him!” He slid back into the snow and approached Junmyeon. “He looks nice. Kris, let me keep him, I want to have him in my bed!” Junmyeon was suddenly alert like never before and stared at the boy who was no doubt younger than he was, despite his towering length. He then looked at Kris and saw him furrow his brow before shrugging his shoulders.

“Fine, Zitao, you can have him. He’s not my style anyway.” He turned on his heel and started walking towards the carriage. “Just try not to break him, like you did with your last plushie, and remember that you’re responsible for everything he does from now on.”

“Sure!” The boy named Zitao grinned like a wolf and Junmyeon swallowed hard as he was left with his new caretaker. His discomfort apparently didn't go by unnoticed as Zitao tried to calm him down in his own way, which wasn’t the best way by any means but Junmyeon was still happy that he at least tried. “Don’t be scared, I know wushu and if someone comes close to you I will beat their asses. What’s your name?” 

Junmyeon swallowed again and tried multiple times before he managed to answer him. “Junmyeon.”

“Jun-m-what? Jun-ma-” Zitao seemed to have difficulties pronouncing his name, which almost made Junmyeon laugh despite the seriousness of the situation. “I’ll just call you Junmahao. Come, you can sleep and eat with me.” And he linked their arms together and pulled Junmyeon with him to his home, where Kris and the others were already having dinner. Zitao waved before turning towards a room that was probably his and closed the door behind them.

The room was rather neat, and pieces of clothing and trinkets filled his closet and shelves. Junmyeon felt like he was watching the interior of a merchant’s place, with the difference that this boy wouldn’t sell anything. Maybe I won’t get to leave either, now that I’m part of his collection…

Zitao sat down on the bed and patted the spot next to him, and Junmyeon, who was still wary of the boy, obeyed. After taking his seat, Zitao smiled in appreciation and showed him a big, disheveled wolf plushie that sat by his pillow.

“This is Baby, the plushie Kris was talking about. I promise to be more careful with you.” Junmyeon gulped as Zitao got hold of his hands. “I like you, Junmahao. You look kind, and you’re not angry about me taking you for myself.”

Junmyeon shrugged and looked down, unsure of what to say. “You saved me from your leader, so why would I be angry?” 

Zitao laughed loudly. “Believe me, Kris wouldn’t have dared to do anything extreme. Even if his outer appearance and strength makes him a decent duizhang he’s actually a coward when it comes down to it…” He smiled playfully and tilted his head. "You're really short."

Junmyeon hit Zitao’s arm without thinking about it, and the boy laughed happily, making Junmyeon smile for real. He actually felt safer now that Zitao had showed to be a good person, and when it was time to sleep and he wanted to keep Junmyeon next to him in his bed he obliged without any fears. But he couldn’t sleep, because even if things had turned out to be better than he’d hoped for he still had Jongdae to save.

The problem now was that he was stuck, and he had no idea how to escape.

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"Junmahao!"

Junmyeon looked up and greeted Zitao who entered the room carrying dinner with him and putting it on the bed before latching himself onto the his arm. The young thief sure was adorable, and he seemed to genuinely like him so Junmyeon didn’t feel uncomfortable at all.

But he wasn’t supposed to be here.

Many days had passed since he was taken prisoner, and Junmyeon had learned that even if they were on good terms, Zitao always locked the door so that he couldn’t run away. The lack of trust stung a bit, and yet, he knew that should Zitao ever ask him about looking for escape routes he would have to say yes.

One thing that made it more bearable was the fact that he could see Yixing through the barred window that faced the backyard. The unicorn was completely unharmed, and he had a beautiful reindeer to keep him company - a reindeer that was quick to share that he also could talk and change shapes (even if he didn’t want to do it right now for some reason). That’s why when talking to Yixing he got to know Luhan.

“I’m from up north,” Luhan told them as he somehow got an apple hanging out of his reach to fall down into his opened mouth. “You could see beautiful sunrises and sunsets there and the air was clear and cold and it was absolutely wonderful.”

Junmyeon, head in his hands as he looked at the reindeer in interest, smiled. “How did you end up here?”

Luhan swallowed and turned his head, his beautiful brown eyes looking straight at him. “The thieves captured me one day, maybe they wanted to eat me but changed their minds or something. I’m truly grateful that they let Zitao take care of me, but it’s not the same as being free.”

“Just like me then.” Junmyeon let out a sigh and Yixing sent him a comforting look, coming closer to nudge his arm. “And you, Yixing. I’m sorry, it wasn’t my intention to get you into this mess.” 

“Don’t say that. I’m alive too, aren’t I?” Junmyeon patted his head when words failed him, his smile returning when he heard his friend’s happy grunts. He admired Yixing a lot, not least because of his ability to convey what he felt in a concise and kind way, something that had become very obvious to him that he himself lacked. Not once during his stay had he managed to tell Zitao about his mission to save Jongdae, and by the look of it, it wasn’t about to happen soon either.

Yet another couple of days passed before Zitao finally brought the matter up.

“Junmahao?” The bed creaked as Junmyeon shifted to look at him. “Something is wrong, isn’t it? Don’t you like being here with me?” 

Junmyeon was on the verge of denying it but stilled, deciding to go with the truth as he touched Zitao's arm fondly.

“It’s not like that, Zitao, you know I like you very much.” The thief giggled and snuggled closer to him. “But…” Junmyeon breathed deeply - it was now or never. “I shouldn’t be here. I have a friend who needs my help, and too much time has already gone to waste and I’m so scared that I am going to be too late..!” The words tumbled out of his mouth and he was about to apologise for not making any sense when Zitao put his hands to his cheeks. That, and the fact that there was no anger in his expression, calmed Junmyeon down.

“Tell me everything, Junmahao.”

And Junmyeon told him his story, just like he’d told Kyungsoo and Yixing and the royals at the castle, and by the end he was looking down into the mattress, afraid of whatever reaction he was about to get. Zitao on the other hand had been silent the entire time, eyes never leaving Junmyeon’s face as he spoke, and seeing his prisoner - friend - act like this made him wince.

“Junmahao.” Junmyeon’s gaze slowly returned to him. “You’re a wonderful person, and your friend needs your help. I don’t want you to leave, but I guess you have to, because I don’t like seeing you sad.”

Tears gathered in Junmyeon eyes. “I’m so sorry, I don’t want to leave you either but Jongdae-“

“Shh, I understand.” Zitao acted maturely for once as he took the smaller boy into his arms and let him cry. “You mean a lot to me and I hate that I have to do this, but I’m letting you go. Take your unicorn with you, and Luhan too. He’s from the Frost King’s domains, right? He can show you the way.” Junmyeon balled his fist in Zitao’s nightshirt and he sniffled a couple of times before looking up.

“How can I ever thank you enough?”

Zitao showed him his pinky. “Just promise to come back.”

Junmyeon hooked his pinky around Zitao’s without thinking twice.

“I promise.”

By the time the sun had passed it’s zenith the first snowflakes had fallen, and it didn’t take long before the drifts made it difficult to walk. Junmyeon’s legs hurt from both the strain and the cold, and so he decided that he had to rest, whether he liked it or not. He looked around for a place to sit, inhaling in surprise when he saw a horse watching him with mild interest from behind a fence. He had always liked horses, and this one was particularly beautiful; it’s coat and mane shimmering in white, making Junmyeon wonder where it began and the snow ended.

He was greeted with a snort when sat down on a nearby rock, and then the horse started to speak.

“Hi.” 

Already before catching a glimpse of the Frost King in his window he had believed his mother’s stories to be more than simple fairy-tales, and therefore he wasn’t that shocked when encountering his first talking animal.

“Hello,” he greeted back, then he gasped as the edges of horse turned blurry and a boy climbed over the fence to stand beside him. 

“I’m Yixing, and I got worried when I noticed you wandering alone. Is everything alright?”

A sheepish laugh escaped Junmyeon. “Yeah, it’s alright. It’s just… it’s the first time I hear a horse speak and see it turn human…” Yixing grinned, a mischievous look in his eyes and multiple dimples revealing themselves on his cheeks, but they disappeared when Junmyeon started shivering.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Before Junmyeon could answer him, Yixing got down on his knees and put a hand on his thigh. “You’re in pain, right? Your feet, your legs, your soul, they’re all hurting.” He shifted so that he was sitting more comfortably on the ground, showing no signs of being affected by the freezing temperature. “Tell me your story, I’ll heal you in the meantime.”

Junmyeon tensed as he felt hotness spreading from the hand on his leg, but the warm look in Yixing’s eyes got him to slowly relax, and then the words fell from his mouth like running water.

When he had told Yixing everything he was completely warmed up, and nothing hurt anymore. The horse-turned-boy got up when he realised that the story was finished and he looked up to the sky, mumbling to himself for a minute before clearing his throat.

“I think I might have seen your friend.”

Junmyeon was on his legs in no time at all.

“Really? Did you see Jongdae?!” 

“I’m not sure, but it could be the new prince. King Jinki got to know about his younger brother being adopted by mistake when they were children, and announced that the one who could find him and bring him back would be greatly rewarded. I have an acquaintance in the castle who told me this.”

Junmyeon listened with interest since he knew Jongdae had also been adopted as a child into the family he now called his own, but his hands soon started clenching and unclenching as he grew impatient. “And Jongdae?”

Yixing smiled. “I’m getting there. There was a list of things that the King remembered from his childhood that he ticked off as people came to claim the prize, but until a couple of days ago they all turned out to be frauds. Then your friend arrived, clad in nothing but rags but with a bright expression on his face. He had been on the run for a year or so, his hair rather long and his stride full of confidence, like he had his mind set on something.”

“That must’ve been Jongdae!” Junmyeon clapped his hands in joy, his enthusiasm drawing a chuckle out of Yixing before he continued.

“It might be him, yes. In any case, this boy took the King by surprise when he revealed that he himself was the lost prince, and after he had showed that he remembered everything King Jinki remembered he was made prince once again. If my information is correct they are planning to take a tour throughout the land to show him off, and even I’m looking forward to that.” 

He stopped to take Junmyeon’s hands in his own. “I can take you to the castle and ask my acquaintance to sneak us in tonight, if you want to see your friend. The brothers share a room, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find him, but we have to get inside first and that won’t happen until tonight at the earliest. Can you wait?”

Junmyeon's fervent nod was all he needed to see, and Yixing let go of his hands and turned around. 

“Want a ride?” He laugh-whinnied as he startled Junmyeon yet again by turning back into a horse, Junmyeon laughing along with him as they rode towards the castle.

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"Pssst, Junmyeon!" Junmyeon woke from his slumber where he was sitting against the wall of the castle. It had turned dark now, and his heart rate sped up as he ran towards Yixing.

“Hi Yixing! Did it go well?” Yixing held his thumbs up and grinned.

“It went well. This is Yibo, my acquaintance. He has an extra key as he belongs to the castle staff, and now that everyone else is asleep we can get in.” Yixing showed towards a tall boy who took Junmyeon’s outstretched hand in a firm grip before he turned to open what could only be a back door. 

“Just follow me, and be quiet,” he whispered, and Junmyeon and Yixing heeded his warning as they went in. 

Yibo cast a glance over his shoulder as they walked down the corridors.

“Yixing has told me many good things about you, Junmyeon.” He snickered as he saw the boy blush at the compliment. “You seem like a nice guy. I really hope that you find your friend. Okay, we’re here.” They had passed by many beautiful rooms and the one they had stopped by was just as amazing as the others. Two beds were standing next to each other and when Yibo pointed towards the one standing the furthest from them Junmyeon nodded and started walking, taking careful steps until he was able to lean over the head of the bed. There he saw a tuft of black hair and he started to smile - it was Jongdae! - but it vanished as quickly as it had arrived when the man moved and Junmyeon got a good look at his profile.

There was no denying it. This was not Jongdae, and as Junmyeon broke into tears he made the prince wake up.

“Who’s there?” 

The King woke up hearing his brother's outburst, but Junmyeon just kept on crying and so they both got up to put a hand to his shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

Neither the King or the prince were angry with him, rather the opposite - after hearing his story by the fireplace they wanted to aid him in any way they could.

Taemin, the reinstated prince, expressed a lot of enthusiasm towards Junmyeon’s further adventures and even offered to give him a place to stay as they searched for Jongdae on their tour, but Junmyeon wanted to save Jongdae himself and therefore had to say no. He did ask them for some help though, since he had no idea where to look for his friend next, and he got it straight away.

“Of course we’ll help you! You came all the way here, it would be awful if you had to return now.” Jinki truly was a kind king and it was evident that it ran in the family as Taemin led Junmyeon to his bed.

“Sleep in it tonight, you look like you need it. Me and my brother will talk and figure something out for your trip.” Junmyeon gave them a tired smile and barely managed to say thank you before he fell asleep.

Morning arrived, and after being clad in new clothes Junmyeon had a big breakfast and was shown outside to where a beautiful carriage stood, pulled by a white unicorn. Junmyeon beamed as he recognised Yixing, and even more as he saw Yibo by the royals’ side. When he had greeted them, King Jinki turned and gave Yibo a serious look. “What the two of you did wasn’t right, but if you agree to not do it again before talking to us I think a promotion will suffice.”

Taemin smirked as Yibo laughed in disbelief, Yixing whinnying softly as Junmyeon got closer to admire his horn. “I guess I didn’t see it because of the snow,” he said breathlessly, “I thought you were beautiful before, but this…” The unicorn seemed to get embarrassed by his words and nudged him with his muzzle, Junmyeon giggling before leaning his forehead against it.

“Thank you for all your help, and for agreeing to accompany me on my journey.”

Yixing threw his head up and down. “Don’t mention it. What are friends for?” And he let out a squeal as Junmyeon threw his arms around his neck.

The carriage was already packed with food and blankets so all that was needed was for Junmyeon to take a seat. He did so, and turned to give the king and the prince one last, grateful look.

“Thank you for everything, Your Majesties.” His efforts to use formalities caused Taemin to shake his head.

“Drop the titles, please? I lived the majority of my life without them and I’d very much like to do so for a little while longer.” The smirk reappeared on his face as he said this, King Jinki soon following suit.

“And we didn’t do much, we just helped a friend out. Take care, and tell us all about what happened when you return!”

Junmyeon nodded as Yixing got the carriage moving, waving goodbye with a smile on his face; a smile that stayed on his lips as he turned forward and looked at the shimmering landscape that spread out in front of him.

He was on his way again.

“I love your garden, Kyungsoo.” The boy in question threw a glance down to the person sitting by his legs, head cushioned against his thigh. Kyungsoo had been focusing on his cooking, humming as he did so, but the sudden compliment had him smiling - it was something Junmyeon saw him do often lately, and he'd like to think that he knew the reason why.

Junmyeon liked Kyungsoo. He liked him a lot. There was something warm and down to earth about him that eased Junmyeon's mind off whatever troubles he had, and he felt selfish even confessing it to himself but he had really needed a friend. Back in the village he had closed himself off, certain that nothing would ever make him happy again, but ever since Kyungsoo had pulled him out of the water their relationship had grown like the flowers in his garden.

The flowers...

“You know, the flowers remind me of how I used to play with my childhood friend by the pond… with Jongd-“

“Dinner is ready!” Junmyeon took the plate from Kyungsoo’s hands, not really minding being cut off or the fact that his companion seemed to be in a hurry to go outside to eat together. Nothing bothered him any more, except from the occasional urge to grasp a faint memory, but being with Kyungsoo in his garden always made that go away and so he spent his time there contently.

Then came the day when Junmyeon was by himself out in the garden, once again mesmerised by the plants surrounding them, asking Kyungsoo as he approached him:

“Won’t you sing for me?”

Kyungsoo sat down and put his head on his shoulder. “Only if you sing along with me.”

And they sang; Kyungsoo first, Junmyeon joining him not too long after that, and their voices merged together and rose up into the sky. As they hit the last note Junmyeon had begun to cry, and he was quick to apologise.

“I’m so sorry, I don’t know what came over me… Singing with you just reminded me of something from a long time ago…” The many memories that washed over him made him grimace in pain. “It was by the pond, me and… Jongdae. We sang, and we looked at the flowers… the white flowers, weren’t there white flowers here before..?” 

By now he was full on sobbing, and as his tears fell onto the ground, the white flowers he was talking about came out of their hiding place and thrived once more. He was brought out of his misery when he saw this and Kyungsoo's defeated smile - he hadn't tried to stop Junmyeon from remembering this time around and the realisation hit him like a ton of bricks.

He wasn’t meant to stay here.

“Wait, what am I doing here? Oh no, how much time has passed? I have to go..!” Already before he had finished his train of thought he was running, eager to get back on track.

Still, he hesitated by the gate, his heart set on not having him leave without giving Kyungsoo a proper goodbye. 

“Thank you for everything, Kyungsoo! I promise to visit you again!”

And after seeing a hopeful smile grace Kyungsoo's lips, he turned and ran.

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“Is it autumn already? Or winter?“ Junmyeon studied the colourful leaves that were lying on the ground and the frost that marred them, his mind running as fast as his legs as he tried to comprehend his situation. He knew it had been summer before he met Kyungsoo, which meant that months had passed since that frightful boat ride, and that meant that his parents and friends had no idea where he was, just like when they had lost Jongdae…

Junmyeon halted as something dawned upon him. Maybe this was a sign? Maybe this was the universe’s way of telling him to do something instead of just moping around, waiting for someone who would probably never return? He squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep breath, collecting himself before attempting to take in his surroundings.

He was standing by the river, the same river that had brought him here, and he could make out the silhouette of something that looked like a village far in the distance. He turned around and saw Kyungsoo’s house, looking as green and inviting as ever, and he sighed. He somehow understood that his new friend had tricked him into staying for way too long, but he couldn’t bring himself to be angry with him - rather, he felt thankful.

I have already been gone for too long, he thought as determination stilled his shaking hands, they can wait some more as I save my best friend. 

And so Junmyeon turned his back on his home and started walking.

The weather calmed and the snow melted away, then came spring and Junmyeon and Jongdae began to meet by the pond again. The birds were singing, everything became more colourful and the flowers grew strong and beautiful - it truly turned into a summer as lovely as the winter had been harsh, and every day was filled with games and laughter.

Then came the day when they sat under a tree and Junmyeon read aloud from his favourite book. He was in the middle of a sentence when Jongdae suddenly got up and held a hand to his face.

"I got something in my eye!" He rubbed his eyes for all he was worth, then whimpered and clutched at his heart. "My chest hurts too!" Junmyeon had also gotten to his feet and was currently holding his best friend around the neck while searching for the source of the pain, tearing up as he became more and more scared.

"I don't see anything, Jongdae!" he cried, but by now Jongdae had stopped rubbing his face and suddenly looked like nothing had happened.

“Would you stop crying, you're ugly when you cry! I'm perfectly fine!" He took a step away from the tree and grimaced when he saw the flowers. "Geez, this one is crooked, and that one's become food for worms. Nature sure is disgusting!” He then started to tear them apart, but quickly lost interest and stomped off to his house, slamming the door shut and leaving a shocked Junmyeon by the pond.

What just happened? 

This question echoed in Junmyeon’s head as he slowly walked home, and remained unanswered as the days went by.

From one moment to another Jongdae had changed into someone who teased people without mercy, someone who made fun of their parents behind their backs, someone who hated Junmyeon’s favourite book and who only complained at his attempts to make him laugh or remember how things were before. This was a Jongdae who didn’t utter a taunting remark without fully meaning it, not at all like before when a smile always hid by the corners of his lips, and no matter how hard he tried not to take it to heart Junmyeon couldn't help doing so.

Autumn passed and winter arrived once again and coincidentally the two former friends met at their pond one day, Jongdae motioning towards the falling snowflakes as he noticed Junmyeon approaching.

"Look at them, Junmyeon. This is beauty, those stupid flowers you're always nagging about don't even come close. It's such a shame that they melt away so quickly." He shook his head in disappointment and turned away, Junmyeon heaving a sigh as he did so. Nothing had changed between them during the months that had passed, and it hurt having to be reminded of that every time they saw each other.

Suddenly Jongdae got close and screamed into his ear. "I'm going down to the square to play!” And away he went, obviously happy about leaving a shaken Junmyeon behind. Junmyeon on the other hand went back home again, back to his room, the sheer hopelessness of the situation having him leaning his elbows on the windowsill in defeat.

Was it going to be like this forever? Would the old Jongdae never resurface?

If he were to be honest, Junmyeon felt like going to bed and sleep the rest of the winter away, but for some reason his subconscious wouldn’t let him rest and instead he leaned on the windowsill, the way the moon shone on the snow making him forget his frustration for a while. However, as the evening wore on he fell asleep, and when he woke up he couldn’t remember if he had seen Jongdae come back or not. At first he tried to tell himself that he had simply failed to notice his friend returning, but his worry grew as he checked both of their houses, then the square, then resorted to asking everyone he met.

When he came across Sehun and Jongin, two sweet boys who were known throughout the town as the most troublesome duo of the decade, he was told that Jongdae had won the game they had been playing by being dragged behind a big, white sleigh. They hadn't seen him after that though, and Junmyeon had them show which way the sleigh had taken so that he could try and follow it's tracks. Sehun and Jongin didn't think it possible, what with the square being well-visited and all, but they offered to keep him company, and even refrained from teasing him when Junmyeon had to accept that they were right.

It was with a heavy heart Junmyeon walked home that day, the knowledge that they hadn't missed each other last night doing little to comfort him when Jongdae was nowhere to be found, and for the rest of that winter no joy was present in his home.

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Time passed, and spring came, bringing the flowers and the birds with it. But no Jongdae. Junmyeon tried his best to work and function as usual, but the people around him were well aware of the fact that he often went down to the pond to stare out into the distance, and so they suffered with him. 

The days went by like that, each passing day similar to the day before, until one day when he actually sat down and let his hand touch the water.

As the cool liquid flowed around his fingertips, he felt something tugging him upwards, and he noticed that there was a small creek that ended up in the pond. How could he have missed that after all the years playing here? The tugging became more insistent when he walked towards the creek and soon he found himself standing at the shore of a big river. He looked at the sheer amount of water in awe for a moment, before he absentmindedly sat down on a wooden bench to collect his thoughts.

He soon realised that it wasn't a bench; it was the sitting area in a boat, and it wasn't tied to the shore so to Junmyeon's horror it began to float out into the river - away from the town, away from his family. At first he contemplated jumping into the water, but by now the stream was too strong and it felt too risky to try it. He finally accepted that he was stuck and he sat down again, deeply saddened. 

First Jongdae, now this? 

He cried bitterly, the tears disappearing into the cascading water that surrounded him.

Junmyeon didn’t see a single person for quite some time, but when he spotted a house among the greenery he was immediately up on his feet, screaming as loud as he could. His heart leaped when the door opened and a boy clad in black with big eyes came out. Those eyes widened even more when they saw Junmyeon and the boat and he began to run towards him.

“Take my hand!” Junmyeon did so and a moment later he was thrown onto land by the brute force in the boy's arms. For a minute he just laid there, trying to catch his breath, then he turned towards his saviour.

"Thank you for saving my life!" The boy smiled a heart-shaped smile and helped him up. Junmyeon was taller than him, but not by much, and he soon learned that his name was Kyungsoo. 

Junmyeon felt safe with him from the very start.

“I’m glad I could help. Would you like to come into my garden and calm down with a cup of tea?" Junmyeon said yes, and together they walked up the hill to Kyungsoo's house that was surrounded by all kinds of plants. Among them Junmyeon could spot his own and Jongdae's flowers, and a sad expression appeared on his face. Kyungsoo noticed it and watched him with concern.

"Is there anything wrong?" Junmyeon shook his head and smiled at his new friend.

"No, not at all. It's just that the white flowers over there remind me of the ones standing by the pond between mine and Jongdae's houses, back in my hometown…” 

Kyungsoo went behind Junmyeon to put his hands on his shoulders and gently pushed him down so that they were sitting in the soft grass. Junmyeon appreciated the caring gesture and gradually forgot what had him anxious in the first place. 

"Don't worry, Junmyeon. Everything will be alright. Now tell me everything from the beginning."

Junmyeon nodded and closed his eyes while leaning into Kyungsoo.

Everything would be alright.