#mx writers

dating an idol is hard, what with the media, their fans, and their busy schedules

but every relationship demands some level of sacrifice and this is yours

and your sacrifice is small compared to the absolute angel of a boyfriend you managed to snag

sure, hyunwoo is busy and the relationship can’t go public, but it’s good enough that all the people that are close to you two know about it and support it

you take every opportunity possible to spend more time with him

spending nights sitting in the corner of the dance studio doing your work and watching him practice is a frequent occurrence

so is accompanying him to the gym (which also helps keep you in shape because he’s always trying to introduce you to the latest workout fad that’s floating around on the internet)

hyunwoo loves bringing you out to try new restaurants too because

“i love watching you eat because you always look so happy”

he used to be really quiet in the first couple of months of dating but after a while he’s gotten much more talkative

honestly he’s pretty sure the only reason why he’s more talkative is because you make it feel like what he says matters

plus you share the same sense of humour so he never feels like he needs to try hard to keep you engaged or entertained

but this doesn’t mean you can’t share moments of comfortable silence

sometimes, after a hard day (for either of you), you can both just space out or keep silent and it won’t feel awkward

because there’s no pressure to keep up a façade of happiness since you can pretty much sense how the other person feels

you can tell he’s had a hard day when he insists on having meat for dinner and barely touches his greens

mostly because meat cheers him up

hyunwoo with glasses is something he waited a month and a half to reveal to you

he doesn’t wear trendy wire glasses or anything

his glasses are rectangular and kind of nerdy but you think it just makes him look more and more like a cute teddy bear

speaking of teddy bears, he once brought you to a carnival and he won a giant stuffed teddy bear for you

it took him a million tries but he insisted on winning that particular bear because you said it looked like him

he also named the teddy bear “shownu jr”

it’s not the most creative of names but it works and it’s straight to the point

whenever he goes overseas, he’ll tell you to “hug shownu jr whenever you get lonely”

and when you have your daily video calls he always asks to see shownu jr because it makes him feel better knowing that some part of him is always by your side

he’s known for being a “robot” because he’s always expressionless

but you can tell how he’s feeling from the slightest facial cues

the boys call it your super power

you don’t know it but one of the reasons he fell for you was precisely because you can read him like a book and you never ever pressure him to be more expressive

he can be himself around you

dating him would mean having to step into the role of “the mother of the monsta x boys”

kihyun is grateful for you because he’s finally got someone to help him with the absolute disasters the other members are

you always pop by with food and always remind them to de-clutter their shared spaces because oh my god you just moved in here how is it already such a damn mess

they get so used to you it’s hard to imagine a time before you came into their lives

but even though you’re the supposed “parents” of the group, they’re well aware that you’re both a young couple

because hyunwoo is actually the most affectionate person

he used to be really anxious about skinship and pda but it soon disappeared after you literally told him you liked it

non-verbal communication is so important in this relationship because it’s his favourite way of communicating and expressing himself

the sheer amount of times minhyuk has walked in on you two snuggling or kissing

to which he whines about it being “yucky”

also hyunwoo is practically always bare faced with messy hair when he’s off the clock

he’s also a person who sleeps shirtless and loves to cuddle in bed

he will spoon the hell out of you

he’s a fantastic cuddler and he always makes you feel warm and comfortable

although it makes going to the toilet in the middle of the night rather inconvenient because you don’t want to wake him up

when you do wake him up accidentally he actually takes some time to fall back asleep

waking up to him isn’t as fantastic as it may seem because he’s usually frowny and silent (he isn’t a morning person)

but of course most people aren’t morning people either, so your mornings consist of nods and pointing at things

whenever you two fight it’s almost always about how you never get to see him

and you’re always concerned about the amount of rest he’s (not) getting

but at some point you accept that this is something that makes him happy and his job is what motivates him to develop himself as a person

and even though it means spending months away from each other or having to share him with thousands of other people in the world

it’s worth it because you know he’ll always come back home to you

and sometimes it’s just soothing to know that someone as amazing, kind and talented as him chose you

although if you ask him, he’ll say he can’t believe someone like you would ever choose to be with him

“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 :

Changkyun was a scaredy cat.

 Or, at least, that was how his parents described him to his preschool teachers. Being the youngest in a family of five, and having two older sisters, he was the most coddled child. Changkyun couldn't go as far as ten feet without the supervision of anyone in his family. Every scratch or wound he had was tended to even before he had them — that was how he was brought up. And so his entire family was with him on his first day of school. His parents had given his teachers a long list of reminders — what the boy was allowed to do and not to do, what he was allowed to eat and not, what he was allowed to hear and not, and even whom he was allowed to play with and not.

As a result, he had grown up inside a warm, comfortable, and perfect bubble of a world his parents and siblings had created for him. In it, he could not feel pain, suffering, sadness, nor fear. To every problem, his parents, who were a phone call away, were the answer. And if they weren't around, well, he had his two older sisters as backup.

Anything outside his bubble was scary. Anything unfamiliar – lightning and thunder, crossing the road, answering the telephone, and getting bullied by a classmate — made him terrified. He was so used to his being in his bubble, even when his bubble was less than a percent of how big the world actually is. He jumped at every sound and cried at every contact with fear and pain. And so he did all he could to remain in his bubble, but destiny had other plans.

 Changkyun was a scaredy cat.

 Or, at least, that was his go-to excuse in college.

Why didn't he take that nice old professor for Economics? He was too scared to fail.

Why didn't he go to that party with those people? He was too scared to get drunk and do stupid things.

Why didn't he join that club? He wanted to get good grades and was too scared the club might take most of his time.

Why didn't he ask for that girl's number? Why didn't he accept his friends' invitation for a movie night? Why didn't he want to learn how to drive? Why didn't he want to have his blood drawn for a medical checkup?

He was too scared.

 Changkyun was a scaredy cat.

 Or, at least, that's what he thought. Because when she came along, he became convinced she was the oncoming storm he was preparing his whole life for. She was everything he wasn't — impulsive, spontaneous, outgoing, ridiculous, and utterly headstrong. Everything he was scared of doing, she had already done. Twice. She was able to convince him that he led a life too uptight, too strict, too terrified.

Slowly, with her help, he was able to start living his life. More than anything, she taught him to take risks, and that to feel fear or pain was only normal. The clawing and gnawing and searing pain in his chest that seemingly radiates throughout his entire body was not something to be afraid of. It didn't mean he was going to die. It meant he was human. Changkyun was overjoyed with himself. He was slowly discovering things he wouldn't be able to had he chosen to stay in his boring bubble.

 Changkyun was a scaredy cat.

 Or, at least, that was his excuse when she asked him to meet her parents.

"But why?" She had whined, her face slipping into a frown. "It's not like my dad wields a machete while my mom chews on tobacco."

"They do?" Changkyun asked, dropping his chopsticks onto his metal tray that caused a clang.

The girl rolled her eyes. "Of course not. But still, why not?"

"Because I'm scared," he reasoned, picking his utensils back up. "No, I meant to say, I'm terrified." He sighed and picked at his food absentmindedly while keeping his gaze down. He was much braver than before, that was for sure, but still a little less brave than she is.

"Of who? I told you my parents are just as normal as any other set of parents. It's not like you're meeting complete strangers. I've told you about them before, haven't I?"

"I'm not scared of them."

"If you're not scared of them, then who are you so afraid of?"

"You," he finally blurted out, his eyes flicking upwards to meet hers.

She was frozen in his seat, clearly not expecting his answer. Then she crossed her arms over her chest and said, "Are you kidding me?"

"You scare me. You're all over the place and crazy and bigger than life itself and I'm, I don't know, just... this. Just me. I've always been terrified of you. I'm a man of consistency, haven't you noticed? I've stuck to the same routine, day in and day out. I have rules for everything. You don't. You like not knowing what would happen next. You change your mind easily. I'm scared to death that you'd change your mind about me," he breathed out nervously.

After a long moment of silence that seemed to stretch for years, Changkyun managed to look at her, only to find her already staring. The corners of her lips tugged upwards into a smile, then into a full-blown grin. "I'll see you on Saturday night at six, then?"

 Changkyun was a scaredy cat.

You still remember the First task with the dragons, watching Shownu faced Hungarian Horntail, silently praying that he succeed the task without a single bruise but in the end laughing your asses off as both of you shared crazy stories about his pants lit on fire when he’s about to escape with the Golden Egg on his arm and you flew straight to the stadium’s walls with your broomstick trying to get away from Swedish Short-Snout almost breaking your Golden Egg. 

“At least it burned my pants, not my face.”

“At least, I don’t break my nose, Son Hyunwoo. It’ll be the death of me if I broke my nose.”

“You’ll still be the gorgeous one in here, anyway.”

“Oh shut it.”

“No, I mean it.”

You still remember the time both of you got kicked out from the Library from opening the Golden Egg which turns out into an agonising shriek that both of you couldn’t comprehend (and successfully made the Librarian dragged both of you out and banned for a good amount of time.) Still, laughed from what just happened until one day, Shownu told you to open the Golden Egg under the water, giving the access to the Prefect’s Bathroom, which awes you at the end because how big the bathroom is and filled with amazing bubble soaps. You almost forgot about the Golden Egg because Shownu reminded you about the new Peony scented bubble soap, knowing that it is your most favourite flower.

“How did you know about my favourite flower?”

“I asked Professor Sprout about it.”

“Why?”

“So I can ask you to be my Yule Ball date, and got you this.”

You can feel your heart beats faster than before and cheeks flushed in hues of red, which Shownu finds it cute and adorable at the same time, he just want to protect you from all the harm in the Tournament. You grabbed the bouquet of peonies, and smiled at him. 

“So, what colour are we going to wear for the Ball?”

You still remember the day you panicked to Kihyun and Changkyun days before Yule Ball, trying figure out what kind of dress you should wear for the Yule Ball. Kihyun helped you to choose a dress since he know Shownu pretty damn well like an open textbook and Changkyun’s jaw dropped when you found ‘the’ dress. And when the day came, Shownu picked you up from the Ravenclaw’s compounds, eyes widened in surprise and you saw his lips tugged into a wide smile, extending his hand for you. You shyly grinned and held his hand, automatically fingers intertwined and fits just like a final puzzle piece. It felt complete.

You with a maroon-coloured silk dress that hugged your figure perfectly, golden embroideries that creates flower pattern on the edges, and small dark sapphire diamonds to give glimmering accents when your body moves; Shownu with dark maroon silk shirt, and black suit pants with a golden silk scarf hanging perfectly on his neck loosely, giving that magnificent Gryffindor charm that radiates from his aura. 

His eyes couldn’t leave you even for a second, and his smile never falters from his face. Even after both of you walked into the Ball, eyes were on both of you. (and you can hear Minhyuk cheering on both of you very, very loud, earning a smack at the back of his head from Hyungwon.) When the dance start for the Champions, both of you perfectly in sync with the music, the movements. 

“What?”

“What, what?”

“Stop starting at me, Shownu.”

“How can I stop? Look at you, gorgeous.”

You still remember the day for the Second task came, your hands trembled as your fear of water starting to creep behind your back. Your fear of deep waters shown clearly on your face and you still remember Shownu calmed you down only with a reassurance,

“You will be fine, trust me. You got this, and I’ll look out for you.”

You still remember the time all four of you jumped into the waters, swimming quickly into the Black Lake, fighting off grindylows, and saw those who are close to you at heart become the stolen ‘item’. You saw both Kihyun and Jooheon, both of them are close with you and Shownu, swiftly you took Jooheon up to the surface and hugged him tightly. A few seconds after that, Shownu and Kihyun came up to the surface, earning cheers from the spectators. “Thank God you’re okay.” You pressed your palms onto Jooheon’s cheeks, checking whether he’s been hurt or not, as well as Shownu to Kihyun. All of them are closest to you ever since the Tournament started, and after this task, you knew the bond between all of you will get stronger than ever.

The moment the four of you back on the pier, Hyungwon, Wonho, Minhyuk, Changkyun ran towards all of you and crashed into a group hug. Wonho almost in tears after watching the whole section of the tournament, thanking the Gods that the four of you are all safe and sound. You grew a soft spot for all of them, including Shownu. He wrapped his arm around your shoulder as all of you went back to Hogwarts, getting some final rest and preparing yourselves for the last and final task.

You still remember the night before the Third and Final task, Shownu asked you to walk around the school together with him, cold night air brushes onto both of your exposed skin. Walking in a comforting silence, Shownu sighed softly before turning around to face you. Both of you ended up at the Clock Tower Courtyard, somehow, you can feel the air between both of you getting heavy, and there is this— uneasy feeling that caught deep inside your heart, yet you couldn’t pinpoint what it is. His smile warmed your heart and at that point, you knew you’ve fallen for him. Months spent with the Triwizard Tournament, him, the boys, and moments both of you shared to bring glory to Hogwarts, as well as that special bond you both have. 

The hard work both of you gave; the blood, sweat, tears, and pain you both shared; mentally and physically challenged by clearing every single tasks given; risking both of your lives and hoping that everything will end tomorrow without any mishaps or whatnot. The thought of the Final Task burdens both of your shoulders as eyes are now onto both of you as the current lead and runner up in the scoring. But all you can think of is how grateful and blessed you are to have Shownu right by your side throughout this journey, and vice versa. Shownu couldn’t imagine what would it be if your name wasn’t called with his at the beginning of the selection, he couldn’t imagine the loneliness he has to go through even though he got the boys supporting him— yet, he found solace in you. 

The way he opened his arms for you, the way you moulded perfectly onto his figure and wrapped your arms around his waist, you sighed in content before you heard him say,

“I’m proud of you.”

You looked up to him and smiled, heartstrings tugged and there’s this sudden pain that struck in you as you saw his hazel coloured eyes looking straight to yours. He saw through your eyes and he felt that something is bothering you. Shownu didn’t dare to ask you, but he knew exactly what to do to ease your thoughts.

“Let’s give our best for the final task tomorrow, yeah?” 

“After that?”

“We can go to the Three Broomsticks with the boys and have some Butter Beer party.”

“And can we go to Zonko’s?”

“We can go to Zonko’s every time you feel like going.”

You snapped back to reality as soon as Professor Dumbledore gave a final speech for each Champions, and you saw Shownu smiled at you, giving a thumbs up before he took his place on one of the maze paths. You sighed before gripping your wand tightly, taking your place as you wait for the signal. Shownu turned around to see Wonho, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Jooheon, and Changkyun cheering for both you and him, giving them a small wave and smiled at the warm sight. He saw his name painted on a red and yellow paper that Changkyun made the night before with Jooheon, Kihyun waving his hands, Wonho and Minhyuk clutching onto each other as nervous took control of both of them, and there’s Hyungwon smiling warmly. He lastly looked at you, mouthed encouraging words for you before the signal was given by Mr. Filch and that’s when the Third task started. Hogwarts’s school band started to play a marching song, and all of the champions walked into the maze. As soon as all of them entered the dark maze, the sound of the band starts to dissipates, only the sound of gushing air and eerie quietness surrounding the foggy maze.

“Lumos.” Shownu faintly extended his wand as its tip light up into a bright light, clearing the darkness around him as he carefully walk towards the path in front of him. Every single side is covered in tall bushes and dry twigs and branches. As he got deeper inside the maze, he heard rustling noise behind him, and swiftly he turned around to cast a spell when a Blast-Ended Skrewt dashing towards him. “Confringo!” A burst of blue light emitted from Shownu’s wand, creating a loud explosion as it threw the creature a few metres away from him, giving enough time for Shownu to run away quickly. All of the sudden he could feel the maze surroundings are getting shallower and it made Shownu slowed down on his tracks, yet he pushed every inch of his muscles to run as fast as he could, following the clear path. He could feel the maze’s walls are closing around him, with his last spurt of energy, he jumped and rolled on the ground as soon he landed. He saw the maze’s wall closed, shocked and terror painted clearly on his eyes. 

He never thought the Third Task would be this deadly. 

All of the sudden, a flashing red signal blasted through the sky, someone might be eliminated during the task, his thought quickly went to you, he just hoped that you’re still on the maze and nothing harm came to you. He regained his composure as he continued his path. The fog thickens after a few minutes of walk, and he heard your scream from afar and without even waiting any second, he dashes towards your voice. He saw the champion rep from other school chasing you with eyes covered in cloudy white; it seems like he’s been cursed. Shownu did not hesitate to jinx the person, he quickly grabbed your arm and pulled you to go behind him. He extended his wand and stunned the latter, he could feel you tugged his sweater, signalling Shownu to start moving as the maze’s walls are closing in once more. “Shownu— Shownu! Let’s go!” You pulled him and both of you ran against the closing walls behind. Both of you saw the gleaming Goblet, and hands reached for each of the handles. 

All you can think right now is to end the Tournament, to go back to normal times, filled with studies, random hangout times with the boys and Shownu at Three Broomsticks or playing around the halls with prank toys bought from Zonko’s. 

But both of you ended up in another unfamiliar compound, filled with angel statues and gravestones.

Shownu lifted his wand, carefully examine the surrounding. “It was a portkey. The Goblet was a portkey.” He turned around to face you. The Goblet is now right on another corner of the field, “Why would be a portkey?” You questioned the whole situation, slowly reaching for the Goblet but quickly stopped as soon as you saw someone approaching. 

The figure got your goosebumps raised within seconds, fear starting to creep from within, shock, disbelief, and you couldn’t even move from your spot.

Shownu furrowed his brows but then also stopped on his track as soon he saw the figure that approaches you. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, or people would call, the Dark Lord himself, Voldemort showed up. The Dark Lord clicked his tongue as his slender fingers grazed onto his white, long wand. 

“What a great opportunity to meet you both.” Voldemort’s voice sends chills down to both of you and Shownu’s spine. You couldn’t even move an inch as Voldemort approaches, lifting your chin to face him with the tip of his wand. “Two young, innocent, pure souls. What a surprise.” He smirked. Shownu took a few steps to approach you but then the Dark Lord pointed his wand at Shownu, stopping him from getting closer to you. “If I were you, I wouldn’t do that, young man.” He hissed, quickly striding towards Shownu to show dominance. The Dark Lord poked his wand onto Shownu’s chest, “So what would you do, if, I gave you a choice.” Suddenly a group of Death Eaters appeared from the dark shadows, cloaked in black robe and face covered in a bronze/brass skull mask. Your throat immediately felt dry and you couldn’t even have any strength to scream. A couple of Death Eaters grabbed your wrist harshly, pulling you towards the Dark Lord himself. “What are you doing?! Let me go!” You tried to yank your wrist off from the tight grip, Shownu still facing Voldemort, taking a second glimpse to look at you and giving a reassurance that everything will be settled, everything will be alright. 

“Her life, or yours.” Voldemort smirked, “Show your loyalty to me, and she’s free.”

“Let her go, and it’ll be settled.” Shownu demanded, looking at you before back to face the Dark Lord, he gripped his wand tightly, calculating every move and choices he made to make sure both of you can go back alive and safely. Shownu saw the Goblet is not too far from where they are standing, he knew what he should do, so he decided to stall some time. 

“Give me your arm first, young man.” 

“Not until your Death Eaters let her go.” 

Shownu looked at you, before looking at the Goblet and back to Voldemort. You knew exactly what’s on Shownu’s mind. It is a crazy idea but perhaps it’ll bring them both back safely. You gulped the nervousness down, gripping your wand tightly to brace yourself. 

Shownu looked at your briefly and smiled warmly to you. How can he still smile at this point of time?

“Everything will be fine, trust me.”

You nodded, Voldemort signalled the Death Eaters to let you go. You walked towards Shownu slowly, and as soon as Shownu’s hand extended to pull you closer to him, you casted a knockback jinx to Voldemort and Shownu quickly hexed the Goblet with Accio spell, flinging towards both of you. 

But, Voldemort was smart enough to realise all your plans. 

A bright green light bursts out from Voldemort’s wand and everything went too fast for you to comprehend. You felt Shownu’s arm holding you close, protecting you, shielding you with his taller build as your hand grabbed the Goblet, teleporting you back to the maze entrance. 

You felt the damp grass beneath you, the sound of marching song still played by the band, the cheer roared loudly when spectators saw you and Shownu appeared nowhere all of the sudden. You could hear Minhyuk and Wonho screamed on top of their lungs at your return. But something felt wrong.

Shownu didn’t show any movement, his arm still wrapped on your waist and hand gripped tightly onto his wand. You threw the Goblet to the side, quickly placed both of your hands on his cheeks; it felt cold. 

“Shownu— No.” Your breath hitched when you saw how pale he is. Lips turned blue, as blood stopped running inside his veins. Your lips quivered as tears escaped from your eyes, “No, no no no. Wake up, Shownu. No. You promised me.” 

Death took someone so precious to you, it took Shownu away from you.

You can feel your heart is breaking into pieces, all you wish is to turn back time, to save him, to keep him alive. 

Your hands clutched tightly onto his red knitted sweater, not wanting to let him go from your grasp as lungs wrenched in agony to see the lifeless body lying next to you. Your tears rolled down onto your cheeks, dropping to the damp grassy field before you cried onto his body. Hoping that he will wake up, hoping that he will regain his consciousness, hoping that you can feel his fingers brushing through the strands of your hair and say, “Hey, look, I’m fine.” for one last time.

Even after the arrival of the two of you from the maze, the school band doesn’t seem to stop playing its anthem, until one person screamed in fear looking at the condition. It was Kihyun who dashed from his spectator seat, running to both of you as soon his foot landed on the field followed by Minhyuk, Hyungwon, Wonho, Jooheon and lastly Changkyun who held close to Jooheon’s sweater. Professor McGonagall runs towards you and pulled you away from the body, but you still held onto him, not wanting to separate even though all the Professors from Hogwarts telling you to step away from him. “No! Please!” You shouted, shrugged off the hands that held onto your shoulders, holding onto his body, Hyunwoo’s lifeless body. “Please, please no.” You feel your body pulled away by Professor McGonagall. Your vision blurred from tears pooling on your eyes, but you can see the other boys are crying their eyes out for the loss of their friend, their brother, their backbone and pillar of strength. 

You can see the Professors took Shownu’s body away from the field, only tears and and silence was heard in the field. You broke down even more when Kihyun held you close, the boys surrounded you and embraced you tightly, as if they’re trying to mend all the broken pieces inside you.

The Tournament doesn’t matter anymore, the Goblet doesn’t matter anymore, the Glory, Pride, everything, it doesn’t matter anymore.

All you want is to turn back time;

All you want is to see him smile, the way his eyes crinkled into a crescent shaped moon when he smiled widely.

All you want is his laughter rang through the halls, earning a glare from Professor McGonagall .

All you want is those small moments when both of you passing small notes in Professor Snape’s class to come back.

All you want is to have Butter Beer pong with him and the boys.

All you want is those pep talks in the library or pranking Kihyun during break time.

All you want is, Shownu. To be alive and well.

A bright sunrise will contradict the heavy fog that weighs you down,

In spite of all the funeral songs,

The birds will make their joyful sounds,

You'll wonder why the earth still moves,

You'll wonder how you'll carry on,

But you'll be okay on that first day when I'm gone.

But life will call with daffodils,

And morning glorious blue skies,

You'll think of me some memory,

And softly smile to your surprise,

And even though you love me stil,l

You will know where you belong,

Just give it time, we'll both be fine,