Technologyculturedneo

Gunshots.

Jeno bolts upright in bed like someone yanked his soul back from the afterlife. Three gunshots. He definitely heard gunshots. He stares at the ceiling, pulse racing. For a second, he wonders if he’s dreaming, but no, he’s wide awake and someone just fired three shots above him.

“What the hell?!” he grumbles while rubbing his eyes and peering at the clock on the wall. 10 a.m. His heart still doing parkour inside his chest.

For a second, he just sits there, frozen in place, staring at the ceiling like it's going to bleed. He throws off the blanket, padding to the window like he’s expecting to see a burning building, he throws the window open.

Instead outside, he sees a guy jogging with headphones. A bird lands on a power line. The neighbor’s dog poops on the sidewalk. Calm as anything. Mailman doing his rounds. Wind gently nudging the leaves. A guy across the street doing yoga in a tragic tank top.

Life continues, totally unbothered. He rubs his face, deadpan. “Okay. Either that was real or I’m losing my mind.”

He hears footsteps above. Then laughter.

Jeno storms into the hallway in pajama pants and slides open the window near the stairwell. “Mark!”

A head pokes out from the upstairs balcony. Sunglasses. Shirtless. Holding a literal smoking pistol. “Yo.”

“Did you just shoot your ceiling?” Jeno's attention moving all over the room to find any holes and proof that Mark used that pistol in his hands.

“Not at it. Into it.” Mark grins, and then rolls his eyes when Jeno doesn't budge from the door. “Relax,” Mark says, twirling the pistol like he’s in an old western movie. “Blanks. Keeps the upstairs ghosts humble.”

“There’s no one above you!” Jeno irks, being annoyed that he was awakened because his neighbor Mark was high again.

Mark points at the sky. “That’s what they want you to think.”

Jeno stares, blinking. “You need a therapist.”

Mark shrugs. “Therapist ghost. Same thing.”

Jeno ignores the deluded neighbor and heads back grabbing his blanket on the floor and scrambling underneath it on his bed. Then, right on cue, his phone buzzes on his nightstand. He grunts and ignores his.

But the phone buzzes again. Only his hand gets out to retrieve the phone on the nightstand. Sliding it underneath the covers - with his eyes closed he switches it on and turns the brightness down before he can open his eyes.

Unknown Number. But it’s not unknown. Not really. Jeno knows the name behind it. He always does.

It's Chenle: Yo, bro — favor? $50. Big move today. I’m desperate.

Jeno sighs, rubbing sleep from his eyes. Instead of typing Jeno opts to speak and allows his phone to create text. “This better be a couch and a folding chair. I’m not doing another piano situation.”

Chenle text back: Bro plzzzz - I'm bedridden and sick. Fine $100

Jeno texts back: Sure. Send me the address.

Jeno caves in. He always does… for more money.

So after getting ready in a black buttoned down shirt and black jeans, he heads off to Chenle's workspace - a moving service company. Since he's done this before, Chenle's manager doesn't even bat an eye when Jeno punches in Chenle's locker code. Jeno grabs Chenle's truck keys and contract flip file that the client as well as moving company had to sign.

On the road, Jeno uses his own GPS to navigate and drive through the bright afternoon. The drive is long, the area worth sight seeing. Tall palm trees, fresh grass worth millions on insurance, and houses humongous with so much land for no reason. By the time he arrives to the address that Chenle gave, it's 12 p.m. If he can finish this fast, he can quickly go back home and get in a quick nap.

So he drives up the paved driveway - shows certificate and receipt to the gate man who presses a button and a gate opens allowing Jeno to drive inside -

"It's not gonna work Chenle," Jeno finds himself snorting a little laugh as he thinks of Chenle - and how persistent the dude is to get Jeno to move out of his apartment. Whenever Chenle was 'sick' and asked for Jeno's help it was always to show Jeno that he should consider getting a good house. At first Jeno thought that he was really helping out - until he noticed the trend in houses and spots.

The moving truck rolls to a gentle stop at the edge of a grand, circular driveway, which is wide enough to host a dozen luxury cars and still leave room for a ballroom dance. At its center, a towering fountain commands attention: three angels carved from ivory stone, arms stretched out, pouring streams of crystal-clear water from their urns into a stone ivory basin below. The fountain’s soft, rhythmic splash echoes faintly against the open air, giving the place an eerie kind of serenity.

At the end of the roundabout, a grand staircase leads up to the main entrance, two tall French doors, framed by thick pillars and shaded by the house’s clean, elegant lines. The exterior is a smooth mix of white, soft black, and creamy brown, polished but not flashy.

Everything looks perfectly trimmed, perfectly placed like a house that doesn’t just look expensive, it knows it is.

Jeno parks on the side, not wanting to park near the cherry-red Ferrari that is parked right at the bottom of the staircase, gleaming like it knows it doesn’t belong near moving boxes. And not looking to get in trouble while filling in for Chenle, Jeno parks a distance away.

He gets out the large truck moving to the back opening it up and preparing to fill up the empty storage. He gets the black gloves on, and wonders if he should wear the moving jumpers attire… He decides against it. He just knows and has a feeling he'll be here for a while. Curtesy to Chenle. Jeno climbs up the stairs and knocks three times on the door - before he realizes there's actually a bell.

He presses it and waits. A minute later the door is pulled open, a man with slick black hair and a silk white robe stands before Jeno. "Hi-"

"Ah! You must be Chenle - wasn't expecting you till 3 p.m. in the afternoon, step in." The posh and soft spoken man moves aside, allowing room for Jeno to walk in. He's only 'Chenle' for a few hours. "I'm Jaemin, I called for relocation services. I already got the maids to pack the things you'll be carrying, so you don't have to worry about moving around the house- that's already taken care off. All you'll do is carry the boxes to your truck. I thought they'd be two of you."

Jeno stiffly smiles at the man. "I'm a special kind."

"Hm. Interesting." Jaemin folds his arm with a smile. "You can get started, it should take about an hour and a half. She's got so much shit." Jaemin mutters the last part more to himself. "When you're done, I'm sure the lady of the house will be back, from there you can take her wherever she pleases."

"Who's going to sign the bill of lading?"

"Y/n. The lady of the house. She stepped out early this morning, but she will be back. Don't worry. And if she starts something, complaining or nagging, ignore her and keep working until that truck has all her things."

It's an odd set of sentences, but Jeno doesn't prey on the drama, he simply nods and gets started with the first box when Jaemin walks away. A lady in the typical maid outfit quickly walks ahead of Jeno opening the second door in order for Jeno to have more room.

Jaemin is nowhere in sight after Jeno has lifted up a fair amount of boxes outside. Different shapes and sizes out, Jeno's muscles work hard to secure the boxes in his grip before carefully placing them on the ground outside near his truck. Just when he thinks he's almost done, different bunch of maids walk up and down the stairs, in and out different doors bringing out more boxes. He gets his earphones out and dials down the silence to turn up on the heavy rock music, to give him some energy. Nearly half an hour passes, when Jaemin, in a modest well tailored suit finally leaves the house in his cherry-red Ferrari and drives off.

Jeno finds that he's almost done in the house when there's a large stack of boxes near the truck. Once he's done with the last box he walks out the front door shutting it with the help of a maid. He then heads near the truck and begins the next phase of getting them to fit all inside the wide truck. It's time consuming, but the workout track blasting in his ears, he ignores the ache of his muscles and carries on working.

Not expecting anybody to be outside with him, he gets shocked when he violently gets shoved forward. His upper body budges causing him to hastily remove his earphone - a petite lady in a white knee dress angrily glares at him. You must be the lady of the house. The one Jaemin mentioned. Otherwise with what other authority did you have to push him?

"What the hell are you doing with my stuff?" you shriek.

Jeno picks up another box and places it inside the truck, not wanting to slow down on his fast momentum. "Look lady, I'm just filling in for my friend because he's sick."

"What does that have to do with you moving my things?"

"Somebody named Jaemin rented this truck and asked me to fill it up. By your reaction I'm assuming these are your things." Jeno gets in the truck and begins organizing the stuff.

"Wait." You hold your finger up, burning wholes at him. "Don't move another thing." With that you stomp your way back in your black jaguar and drive just a few seconds to the stairs and park. Jeno from the truck furrows his brows and watches you climb the steps with rage. Once you bang the door shut- Jeno carries on working not minding you as Jaemin previously suggested. He needs to finish so that he can get back home and sleep. It's nearly 3 p.m and he doesn't want to be here any longer.

By the time he's finished loading, managing and securing all the boxes of your belongings in the truck - he removes the gloves dumping them in before locking the back properly. Getting out the contract clipboard Jeno goes back to the house. Pressing the bell, it's not long before a maid opens up the door with a smile. "Can I get a signature from the lady of the house?"

"Oh yes. Follow me." Jeno follows behind the maid, who blabbers on about how Jaemin got you new designer clothes, shoes, bags etc., reasons why he packed up all your old things. Jeno doesn't care, he just wants to get your signature and leave. And from what Jaemin said, Jeno must leave with you so that you can tell him where to go and leave all the boxes.

He waits up the spiraling stair case as instructed. The second floor opens into a gallery-like hallway, bathed in soft, natural light that pours in from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The marble beneath his shoes gleam with a mirror finish, reflecting the chandelier’s scattered gold accents overhead.

But what truly steals the space is the massive clock which is impossible to miss. Mounted against an empty wall at the far end of the hall, it ticks with deliberate grace. Its hands being actual wooden hands, sweeping across over number as if time itself were a luxury only the rich could afford.

Everything is quiet. Too quiet. Like the house is waiting for something. Or someone. It’s not long before you appear that Jeno chants out an appreciation prayer in his head. He already visualizes his head and how he'd sleep. You're gliding around the corner in a long red dress, which hugs your figure well, a silky scarf draped elegantly over your chest and neck. You look like you belong in a painting.

Jeno snaps himself out of it, and quickly holds out the clipboard when you stand a few feet in front of him. "Just need a signature." he says politely.

You fold your arms and shrug. "To be honest with you, I didn't even know that my husband was going to do this. I have no idea where he expects my old stuff to go. Why don't you wait for him in your truck and when he comes he'll direct you."

Jeno's brows furrow. "I'm sorry but I can't wait any longer, I do have another job I have to be in-"

"That's not my problem." you deadpan. "When he was making arrangements with you, I wasn't there. You doing this job is between you and him."

"But it's your stuff in the truck." Jeno stretches his hand back towards the door.

"Then you can wait for my husband," You shrug again. "Or you can take it wherever you want to take it, because I'm not going to sign anything that I wasn't a part of."

Jeno's eyes can only narrow in disbelief. He's actually stunned, and stands there for a while - you turn around telling him he knows where the door is. Grumpily he leaves the house and phone's Chenle.

"Yho dude, can you call your client and tell him his wife is being incorporative?"

"What happened?"

Jeno thought that Chenle was bluffing when he said he was sick, but from the voice over the line that's filled with so much raspy coughs, sickness at it's finest - Jeno knows it's real. He begins to explain the situation from how he arrived early all the way to being told to wait in his car.

"Man, I wish I was there." Chenle snickers weakly. "I live for drama like that. I'll call my boss to speak to the client and then hopefully I'll get back to you with good news."

The good news call doesn't arrive as quick as Jeno had hoped. He watches the maids leave for the evening some passing him adieu. The sun even sets and before Jeno knows it, he's getting a call from his nightshift job.

"Haechan, please cover for me." Jeno grumbles, clearly upset at everything that has happened. "I'm stuck. I don't know for how long."

"Jaehyun isn't coming tonight, so you're off the hook. But you really do have to come in tonight, there's a huge oil spill. We're all stuck on cleaning duty. Please don't leave me to do our section alone."

"I'll try my best to come in as quick as I can."

Jeno cuts the call and then steps out the truck hoping to try again with you, however he thanks the heaven the moment he spots the familiar cherry-red Ferrari pull up. Jaemin rolls the windows down as he gets closer to Jeno, a confused look on his face. "You're still here?"

"I'm finding it hard to get a signature out of the lady of the house-"

"Ay, ay, language." Jaemin furrows his brows. "She's no longer the lady of the house."

"She doesn't want to sign." Jeno refrains from rolling his eyes, but clearly adds why he's still the mansion.

"I'll get her out. Just wait for here." Jaemin ends up saying, his face tightening. "Here, let me sign that for you."

"Thank you." Jeno gets the clipboard handing it to Jaemin. He doesn't even pay attention to how Jaemin's tone dropped when speaking about you and how you're no longer the 'lady of the house'. Jaemin drives up to the stairs, and steps out. The black suit holding him well even under the glaze of the moonlight. He goes around and opens up the passenger door holding his hand out…

Another woman steps out, long hair, short black dress. Jeno can't see the face, but he knows it's an attractive woman, simply because of how Jaemin's eyes glisten with radiance. Jeno's eyes widen unintentionally, knowing he just stepped right into Chenle's favorite drama, a cheating scandal. He shakes his head and goes back to waiting in the truck. He watches how Jaemin enters the house first… and then after a minute, the other woman enters.

Jeno waits. Some minutes go by.

He sighs. Is he really going to be here for another hour? Drumming his fingers against the wheel and taking his phone to call Chenle — he's broken out of his nonchalant thoughts when hearing a faded in cry and argument arising.

His head snaps up - straight to the front French doors. His jaw being parted slightly… by the escalation of voices coming from Jaemin and you- there's a fight going on. You're screaming, yelling and fighting holding onto the door - but Jaemin man-handles you grabbing your hair and clothes pulling you out.

"Oh, no. Not like that man." Jeno steps out the vehicle- yet with a violent push - you're thrown out of the house, and Jeno can only watch being speechless.

You snap on the floor but then paddle on your knees in a breathless moaning mess towards Jaemin's feet, begging and holding his legs. You're panting yelling out nonverbal words- Jaemin throws off a heel shoe into the distance and then kicks you away from him, only for you crawl back and have the door slammed to your face.

"Jaemin!" You yearn out, a pitch reflecting agony as you cry. You bang on the door - "Jaemin please!"

Jeno doesn't move. Too surprised to act.

It's only after a while do you stop beating at the door with your fist, body sinking into a ball, obviously crying. It's embarrassing A few more minutes, you sit up… crawl on your knees, getting down some steps to retrieve your shoe. You look so helpless when trying to wear your shoe, hands shaking, your trembling breath audible for Jeno to hear. His phone vibrates in his hand, indicating an incoming call. Chenle… but Jeno doesn't answer, his eyes move back to you.

"What the hell did they get me into?"

He sucks in his breath, clearly upset, feeling bad to have witnessed such a devasting thing act of cruelty in relationship. His best guess is that the man Jaemin kicked her and all her stuff out of his house, to make room for his new side chick. Jeno never really cares for drama, he always avoided it. But now getting closer to you, Jeno hears your whimpers and little hiccups, he knows he's already involved in this drama. Chenle would need to pay him extra.

You glance up feeling someone approach you. The view of the man and his stupid truck has you shifting uncomfortable as you sniff, trying to wrap the scarf around you, and adjusting your dress to look dignified. Your hair is messy and out of the bun - your clothes look like they had been tugged at, but that's not your concern.

Jeno pauses when he hears you let out a sad chuckle. "That's why he hired a moving truck.." your broken whisper, forces Jeno's words to disappear.

But he regains his composure when you get up, by yourself and sniff, walking down the stairs. The back of his head is itchy, he scratches it following behind you. He tries to help you up in the truck, but you're so stiff and rigid and angry that he can't even approach to help.

He gets in the truck, doesn't say anything when you keep crying lowly and whimpering. Once the engine starts, he's off riding into the night trying to get off the residents area just in case you don't want to be anywhere here. However you don't speak, you don't tell him to turn right or left. When he peeks at you from time to time, you're adjusting yourself to face out the window as you rub your face, wiping your tears, wrapping the red silk scarf around your body.

"Hey look," Jeno starts in a somber tone. "We've been, driving around for an hour. I do have another job which I'm supposed to be at right now, so there's gotta be some place I can take you." he peeks in your direction.

You're a puffy red eye mess with your hair unkempt as you hold onto your chest - Jeno gets blinded by the huge diamond rock ring on your finger. You look at him and chortle sarcastically. "Take me where?" you're breathless. "Take me where? He has alienated me from my entire family. He made me put my dad in a retard home, because…" you wipe your eyes. "Because he didn't fit his Korean chaebol lifestyle dream. I don't even have money in my own account - I didn't bring my phone - he…"

You breathe out again, the tears threatening to spill out. Jeno looks away focusing on the empty road with the streets only lit up lamps or closed LED signs on shops.

"I don't have anywhere else to go." you breakdown.

Jeno sighs. "Okay lady, I'm really sorry to hear about that. But it's the middle of the night and we're riding around in circles-"

"Stop the truck." he doesn't notice how you ball your fists and clutch your jaw.

"I'm not-"

"Just stop the truck!" you yell and glare at him.

Jeno looks baffled. "I'm not stopping the truck-"

"All you men are just alike- you just think of yourself- you don't think about anybody else but yourself-" Jeno shifts uncomfortably as your temper and aggravated cry manifest and you begin hitting him. "Just stop the truck and I'll drive myself!"

He's about to reject - yet you fiercely begin to grab the wheel - causing the car to swerve- and Jeno immediately curses and stops. "Okay - okay I'm stopping,"

"Get out!"

"We're in the middle of nowhere-"

"I don't care- get out of the car and I'll drive myself-" while Jeno tries to open the truck door - you're pushing and punching him to get out.

Jeno can't even react as he gets out and looks at you with disbelief. "You know what, now I see why you're going through what you're going through,"

"Go to hell." You slam the truck door shut. You adjust yourself in the seat and start the car.

"Have a nice life."

"I will. Thank you very much." you let out bitterly, the truck screeches and speeds off. "Fuck." Jeno looks at the clock, it's around 10 p.m.

He turns left and right, but the streets are empty. He brings out his phone ordering a ride. By the time the ride comes, Jeno phones Chenle. "Your crazy client's ex wife-"

"Ex wife?" Chenle sounds like he's leaning in for the tea.

"Yeah he kicked her out the house. Literally." Jeno grumbles. "Man listen, she hijacked your truck."

"Oh no. Jeno please tell me you're lying." there's a bit of a shift in Chenle's voice, for Jeno to realize that he's no longer 'leaning in for tea' but sitting up right being upset. "Jeno please tell me you're gonna get it back? Otherwise that shit's gonna come out of my paycheck for 6 months! I don't have enough money like you-"

"Okay calm down dude, I'm gonna get get. Tomorrow. For now, you owe me big time."

Once Jeno is home, he begins to scramble and put on his uniform before driving himself to work. Unfortunately for him, his boss who arrived moments before gives him his first verbal warning. Jeno works with a clouded head, full of anger, but it fades away when around 4 a.m. he clocks out and heads home. Once his head hits the pillow, he's out cold from the crazy day.

-

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Gunshots again.

Jeno blinks up at the plaster above his bed, groaning into his pillow. "Mark’s doing target practice with the ceiling again," he mutters and drags his body out of bed, and immediately stubs his toe on his desk chair. “Ow! Okay. Good morning to me.”

Jeno storms into the hallway in pajama pants and slides open the window near the stairwell.

"Mark!"

A head pokes out from the upstairs balcony. Sunglasses. Shirtless. Holding a literal smoking pistol. Mark. "Yo."

"Did you just shoot your ceiling again?" Jeno's eyes bleeding with irritation.

“Again?” Mark grins, and then rolls his eyes when Jeno doesn't budge from the door. “Relax,” Mark says, twirling the pistol like he’s in an old western movie. “Blanks. Keeps the upstairs ghosts humble.”

“For the last time, there’s no one above you!” Jeno irks and slams the door going back to his bed.

Then, right on cue, his phone buzzes on his nightstand. He grunts and grabs his phone looking at the text message.

Unknown Number. Chenle: Yo, bro — favor? $50. Big move today. I’m desperate.

Jeno furrows his brows. "Again?"

This time instead of replying by text he phones Chenle. "What the hell man? Didn't you already send me on a quest yesterday and I screwed it up? Now you want me to do another?"

"Uhm…" Chenle awkwardly coughs. "What are you on about?"

"Yesterday." Jeno grumbles running his hand through his hair. "I got your truck lost remember?"

"No."

"You nagged that I get it back before it comes out of your paycheck. Remember?"

"Fam, I'm sick and I have no memory of phoning you yesterday, and my truck is still at base." Chenle whines, his voice rising in confusion. "Just say if you wanna help or not- I'll get somebody else to do it."

Jeno pauses for a deep minute. He moves to the window, head tilting when he sees a guy jogging with headphones. A bird lands on a power line. The neighbor’s dog poops on the sidewalk. Calm as anything. Mailman doing his rounds. Wind gently nudging the leaves. A guy across the street doing yoga in a tragic tank top.

Life continues, totally unbothered. He rubs his face, when he looks at his phone and sees the date and time. 23 August…. “Okay. Either that was real or I’m losing my mind.”

"I think you're losing your mind. Or you didn't get enough sleep." Chenle grunts out. "Are you gonna help out or not?"

Rubbing sleep from his eyes, Jeno sighs. "I'm sorry Chenle, just some weird… dream I had. Send the address I'll get ready."

"Thanks Jeno, for that I'll bop it up to $100."

Once the call cuts, Jeno shakes his head, realizing he mixed up the days. Or he could've had a deja Vu dream. He gets ready, and put on a black buttoned shirt and pants. Heads to Chenle's work place and passes by the manager who shakes his head.

Jeno feels a weird sense of deja-vu once he gets in his track and already recognizes the way in which he's going on. It's just like the dream he had. However when he notes that mansion and the security guard all the same - he's left even more perplexed and confused.

"Hi-" Jeno instantly stops after the door is pulled open and a dashing man- no that's Jaemin!

"Ah! You must be Chenle - wasn't expecting you till 3 in the afternoon, step in." Jeno walks in with hesitancy. "You're a little nervous, don't worry. I'm Jaemin, I called for relocation services. I already got the maids to pack the things you'll be carrying, so you don't have to worry about moving around the house- that's already taken care off. All you'll do is carry the boxes to your truck. I thought they'd be two of you."

Jeno stiffly smiles at the man. He did this before… deja-vu. "I'm different."

"Hm. Interesting." Jaemin folds his arm with a smile. "You can get started, it should take about an hour and a half. She's got so much shit." Jaemin mutters the last part more to himself- but Jeno can't wrap his head around how everything feels so familiar. "When you're done, I'm sure the lady of the house will be back, from there you can take her wherever she pleases."

"Who's going to sign the bill of lading?" Jeno asks.

"Y/n. The lady of the house. She stepped out early this morning, but she will be back. Don't worry-" Jaemin keeps talking but Jeno zones out when he hears your name….

"Wait I'm sorry. Did you just say Y/n?"

Jaemin nods. "Yep. Look I'd love to chat, but I've got an important day ahead of me. Keep working until that truck has all her things." Jaemin pats Jeno's back and goes away.

Jeno can only breathe out. Feeling so strange because in his dream… he lived this.

Nonetheless, the work still needs to be done. He works - this time he doesn't put on any earphones, because he anticipates that you'll push him and arrive. No sooner then later, Jaemin drives off. Jeno doesn't remember when you'll come, but he does remember what you do.

To his surprise, he hears a car pulling up behind him. He's sorta freaked when you look the same, angry, and rushing to the boxes. You open one box and take a peak inside before looking at him. "Excuse me, where are you taking my things?"

"Uh-" Jeno's confused that you don't push him… Maybe it's because in his dream he had earphones so he couldn't hear you pull up… Jeno quickly answers sensing that he zoned out. "Jaemin called for relocation services. I'm supposed to pack all these up and-"

"Bullshit. Don't you dare move another box." With that you get back in your car and drive to the stairs. Jeno's surprised that even your car is the same. He doesn't move the boxes as you say and he waits…

Maybe it wasn't deja-vu, and today is a new and fresh day. If he doesn't get these boxes moving, he's going to be late for work in the night.

By the time Jeno finishes packing the boxes, he anticipates whether or not to go inside. After much hesitancy he goes inside the house, and doesn't wait for a maid. Recalling the steps as according to his memory, he goes up the stairs and moves further into a hall -

"Excuse me. How'd you get in?" You're hunched over tying your heels shoelace over your leg.

"Look, I'm done packing the boxes and I just need your signature."

You huff sarcastically. "You're quite rude. Barging in as if you own this place. Get out,"

"I just need this signed and then I'll be out of your hair." Jeno stresses.

You get up, Jeno notices that you don't have the silk red scarf, instead it's on the dresser behind you. You fold your arms, your boobs pressing out. "To be honest with you, I didn't even know that my husband was going to do this. I have no idea where he expects my old stuff to go. Why don't you wait for him in your truck and when he comes he'll direct you."

Jeno's brows furrow- "I'm sorry but I can't wait any longer, I do have another job I have to be in-"

"That's not my problem." you deadpan. "When he was making arrangements with you, I wasn't there. You doing this job is between you and him."

"But it's your stuff in the truck." Jeno adds, recalling the dream.

"You can wait for my husband," You shrug again. "Or you can take it wherever you want to take it, because I'm not going to sign anything that I wasn't a part of."

Jeno tilts his head. "Okay, so I can take these things wherever I want."

"Do what you want." you shrug.

Jeno turns, about to go, until he pauses. "I need a signature though,"

"I'm not signing anything. He called you, he'll sign it." You ignore him and turn around taking a seat. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got an anniversary gift to prepare."

Jeno shakes his head, but leaves nonetheless. If his dream is anything like reality, he doesn't want to be here when Jaemin throws you out the house. He forges a signature and pulls out with the truck, going down the paved path towards the gate with your belongings in the truck.

For some reason, he feels relaxed once the senses of deja Vu happens. He drives out following the road back to Chenle's workspace. He informs the manager that the client lady stated that they can do whatever they want with the contents in the truck.

"Rich people." The manager shakes his head. "Hey Jeno, step in my office real quick."

Jeno internally sighs. All he wants to do is go back home and sleep to prepare for his nightshift. Stepping in the office, Jeno moves towards the manager, who opens up a box.

"I never thought I'd say this, but your constant help with Chenle has really been recognized. Some of our best clients who live uphill, admired your quick and effortless movements," The manager states, as Jeno watches the manager fill up an envelop with money. "It's my understanding, according to Chenle that you work nightshifts, I don't know how much you get paid, but I want you to come work for us."

Jeno's eyes widen when the manager hands him the envelope.

"Don't worry, I'm not firing your friend." The manager laughs. "I'd like for you to work here. Your drive and work ethic, especially with uphill clients is really good."

"Uphill?" Jeno is puzzled but still takes the envelope.

"Oh you know, all those times you filled in for Chenle, you actually went to the rich side of town to do his job. Let's just say the uphill clients, loved that you were broad, focused and fast. They actually like that you're a one man team." The manager taps Jeno's back. "Just think about it. Anyway, the envelope is just an appreciation amount. For all your help. Here's my card, I'll be expecting your call tomorrow."

Jeno takes the card in his hands. "What would the pay be?" One thing about Jeno, he wasn't afraid to talk salary. So after a hafty conversation with the manager, Jeno nods and leaves. Already considering dropping one of the late night shifts he has.

Obviously he'd leave the one where he was paid less, unfortunately that one had a good friend, Haechan.

He goes by to a food court, ordering and enjoying the afternoon. He texts Chenle telling Chenle that he's completed the task, before moving over to texting Haechan and informing his pal that he'll no longer be working there.

Of course that makes Haechan immediately call him. "What do you mean you're dropping The Recycling Factory?"

"I got a better offer. Day job. One that doesn't allow me to sleep through the day and actually enjoy my night sleeps." Jeno speaks.

"Jeno you can't leave." Haechan fakes a cry. "I'll be alone here,"

"I'm sorry man. This job's pay is way better then what I make there at the factory."

After a little banter between Jeno and Haechan, he cuts the call parting on good terms, before calling his boss Jaehyun to inform him of the decision.

For some reason, Jeno feels so relived and relaxed as if something heavy has finally been lifted off his shoulders. "I can finally sleep early and on time."

After a long and heavy relaxing day at the mall, and getting some medication for Chenle and spending some time with Chenle, Jeno is home and plops on the bed. The time, 11 p.m.

He closes his eyes and slowly begins drifting off to sleep with the joy that tomorrow he'll start a new chapter in his life, you pop up in his head for a minute and he wonders if really Jaemin kicked you out the house.

-

Something is wrong. Terribly wrong.

Jeno wakes up with a jolt.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

He knows it's Mark.

Jumping from his bed to the window - he catches sight of the familiar mailman, dog, crop top yoga man- and his eyes are wide open. He also realizes that he's in his pajama pants alone - and that's something he didn't fall asleep with last night. He runs up the stairs going to the balcony finding Mark.

"You shot the bullets!"

Mark who appeared laid back, holds his hands up as soon as Jeno grabs him. "Yo man chill! Chill! It's blanks-"

"I know it's blanks you idiot!" Jeno shoves him back and runs back to his apartment.

Just in time his phone vibrates. Seeing that it's Chenle and he's asking for a moving favour causes Jeno to flung his phone out the window in sheer fear and paranoia. It's Thursday again!

"No-no-no-no" Jeno hurries to get his clothes on driving to Chenle's apartment, which was on the other side of town.

"CHENLE I'M NOT CRAZY!"

Jeno storms inside of Chenle's house - once Chenle weakly opens the door.

"Woah- what's going on?"

"Man something is wrong with me!"

"What? What's wrong?"

"I already lived this day- twice! Today it's repeating itself." Jeno walks back and forth- hands grabbing his hair- Chenle shuts the door and follows Jeno who's talking crazy. "Tell me you also realize that-"

"I don't- I don't realize - I don't know what you're talking about - man I'm-"

"Sick!" Jeno snaps and points to Chenle. "I know you're sick!"

Chenle holds his hands out to Jeno's shoulders. "Okay, thanks for knowing that and informing me. Yho what happened to your phone-" Chenle asks when Jeno shows him the cracked screen.

"That's not important - I threw it out the window but got it back, look at the date!" Jeno grabs Chenle's face - glaring into his eyes. "I already lived this day. I know I did. It's been Thursday three times now!"

"Jeno?"

Jeno breaks into a scary laugh moving away from Chenle, panicking back and forth. "Otherwise I'm insane and the whole world has amnesia!" Jeno shakes his head, scratching his head. Another thing about him, is that he hated routine work. He liked living his life without feeling like it was on loop. Everyday had to be different.

"Jeno you are going crazy. This isn't like you. It's freaking me out man. Chill." Chenle smacks Jeno's chest, looking baffled with the urge to laugh.

"I can't chill. I lived this before!"

"Did you smoke with your neighbor?" Chenle ends up chuckling.

"No! That's the thing - I thought I was crazy - but then it's not a coincidence that this is still Thursday-"

"Maybe it is."

"No! The day before yesterday was Thursday. I woke up to gunshots! You sent a message. I did your job, went to the rich man's house, packed boxes, his wife refusing to sign and I waited outside. He kicked her out, I drove around with her until she hijacked your car. I ended up going to work late and then went home and slept. But YESTERDAY!"

"Jeno calm down-"

"Yesterday I woke up to gunshots again, Mark. You sent your message. I did your job- but this time I didn't wait for the signature from the wife. I took the truck and went back to your work place. Your manager offered me a job and some money-" Jeno's eyes widen just as Chenle freaks out. "Don't worry he wasn't firing you, just wanted me to work there since I impressed the uphill people. I quite one of my late night job. Got you medication, spent some time with you and went back home and slept. But then TODAY! I woke up to gunshots. You sent your message and now I'm here."

There's a whole moment of silence, as Chenle stares at Jeno with his mouth wide open. "Man I'm too weak for this. Is this a prank-"

"I'll punch you in the face - and then you'll see. Tomorrow - or today will repeat itself and you won't remember a thing."

"Jeno you're not gonna- OW!" Chenle drops to the floor after one punch from Jeno. Chenle cowers and tries to protect himself backing away in pain of being punched straight in the face- feeling terrified that Jeno did such a thing. "Are you fucking crazy!?"

"I'm not crazy! I know I sound insane- but i can prove it!" Jeno moves back- not the slightest bit concerned that Chenle is whimpering on the floor. "It's like that saying, fool me once, shame on you. But fool me twice, I punch you-"

"No one fucking says that!" Chenle cries in agony.

Jeno's not listening as a thought pops in his head. "I can prove it. I can prove it. Follow me."

"You hit me and you want me to follow yo-"

"I said get up- get changed and follow me or else I'll punch you again!" Jeno raises his tone - Chenle screams out like a man child, weakly getting up and running to his room.

-

After going to Chenle's workplace - and taking the truck Jeno begins to 'prove' to a grumpy Chenle that he's not crazy. He doesn't even use the GPS. Chenle can't even focus on that, all he's thinking about is that he got punched by his best friend - who's now threatening to beat him up again because apparently Chenle won't remember it tomorrow morning.

"Boy will you get the shock of your life if tomorrow comes and today doesn't repeat itself." Chenle grumbles out. "I will hire someone to kill you."

"Look I'm sorry for hitting you, but I need you to believe me." Jeno emphasizes. "You'll see. There's a fountain outside of there house and a cherry-red ferrari outside-"

"How sure am I that you didn't google maps this?"

"I didn't- just listen! We'll meet the rich man. His name is Jaemin. He'll be in a white robe. And invite us in to start packing the boxes that the maids have already prepared. He'll make snarky comments about his wife and then he'll leave-"

"But that's how it's supposed to be." Chenle states furiously. "They prepare the moving boxes before hand!"

"No listen!" Jeno shakes his head. "This is different. Let's first get through this and then you'll see that I'm not crazy. We're pulling up now, and the driver will ask for documents."

Chenle can only turn his head to Jeno slowly and be baffled by his stupidity. "They have to ask the documents because-"

"Shut up and listen."

Chenle refrains from calling Jeno stupid as he watches Jeno hand the documents and drive in. "Oh look you were right. Fountain and red Ferrari." Chenle mutters out in a matter of fact tone.

"I know you're judging me. But you'll see."

After parking the truck, Chenle and Jeno step out heading up the stairs. Jeno knocks on the door- before Chenle rapidly removes Jeno's hands and presses the door bell.

"I knew that was there-" Jeno comments - causing Chenle to just glare. If looks could kill. Jeno would be dead. "Anyway he's gonna open the door and tell us he wasn't expecting us until 3-"

The door opens up and Jeno abruptly turns silent. His eyes enlarge joyously - but they drop immediately when seeing Jaemin isn't in a robe, but a black suit… the cheating suit.

"Ah! You must be Chenle…" Jaemin's voice fades when looking at the two.

"Sorry I'm Jeno. This is Chenle."

Jaemin tilts his head, having a stare with Jeno. Jeno doesn't even realize it. "You're Jaemin right?"

Jaemin nods still confused… for other reasons.

"I wasn't expecting you…" Jeno gets so happy when Jaemin's about to say the words that - "To come so late. It's after 3."

Jeno's eyes enlarge. "Oh crap. Sorry about that."

Chenle beside Jeno shakes his head. Disappointed.

"Well anyway. Come in. I called for relocation services. I already got the maids to pack the things you'll be carrying, so you don't have to worry about moving around the house- that's already taken care off. All you'll do is carry the boxes to your truck. I'm happy there's two of you."

"Yep." Jeno nods and looks to Chenle. Who still looks so sick, but manages a well and firm glare.

"Hm. Interesting." Jaemin folds his arm with a tight smile. "You can get started, it should take about an hour and a half. She's got so much shit." Jaemin mutters the last part more to himself and Jeno looks to Chenle - as if he predicted those words. "When you're done, I'm sure the lady of the house will be back, from there you can take her wherever she pleases."

"Her name is Y/n right?"

"How did you know what, I never put any of our names on file."

"Oh." Jeno panics, jaw dropping open.

"He's new on the job. Please don't mind him." Chenle butts in with a weak voice, but still maintains professionalism. "Uh so, Mr Jaemin, who's going to sign the bill of lading?"

"Well your psychic friend seems to know." Jaemin motions to Jeno. "But to answer you, my wife. She stepped out early this morning, but she will be back soon. Don't worry. And if she starts something, complaining or nagging, ignore her and keep working until that truck has all her things."

"Yes sir. Will do." Chenle bows.

"If you'll excuse me. I'll be leaving now. I've got plans." And just like that, Jaemin's out the house. Some maids open up the double doors, allowing Chenle to pick up the first and leave. Jeno follows in picking up the box as well.

"Okay, I screwed up. But I do think that it had to do with the time, the past 2 days I came early before 3pm-"

"Fuck Jeno." Chenle grumpily drops the box in the truck. "If you didn't wanna help all you had to do was say so. I wasn't going to force you."

Jeno shakes his head. "Actually you were, you bribed me with $100 so that-"

"You know what, you can leave. It's fine." Chenle walks past Jeno.

"No dude- okay I'm sorry." Jeno snaps back to his senses, realizing his friendship is at stake - and maybe- JUST MAYBE- this was the real world and that if he carried on jinxing things, he'd ruin a good relationship.

So he quietly assists Chenle to bring the boxes outside, while Chenle begins placing them nicely in the truck. Jeno feels bad, because he can hear Chenle breathing heavily and even coughing.

But he can't say much because - your car pulls up. "I hate to do this Chenle but-"

"Save it Jeno." Chenle jumps out the truck. "Let me guess she's the wife who won't sign? Gold star." He walks towards another box and continues to place it in the truck.

Meanwhile, Jeno watches you open one box and take a peak inside before looking at him. "Excuse me, where are you men taking my things?"

"Jaemin called for a relocation services. We're just packing as told."

"Bullshit. Don't you dare move another box." With that you get back in your car and drive to the stairs. Chenle didn't even pay attention to that- even though Jeno's head spirals again. Deja-vu. They continue to work in silence, before finishing up.

This time Chenle takes the clipboard. "Instead of you taking it in, I'll take it in, and come back with her signature."

And Chenle isn't wrong- because moments later Jeno watches Chenle walk back to him happily.

"I got her signature, something you couldn't do for 2 repeat days."

Jeno is downcasted, but gets in the track on the passengers seat as Chenle drives off.

"I have a feeling that you weren't so respectful when you were repeating the days."

"Okay. I fucked up-"

"Save it Jeno. Let's just wait for tomorrow." Chenle mumbles. "If tomorrow comes and I remember being punched, you better kiss your life goodbye. And if it doesn't come. You've got another chance with my good graces."

-

The time is 10 p.m. and Jeno's in some random park laying on the grass. He's ignoring Haechan's calls and avoiding the fact that he's got a shift. He truly believes that he'll wake up and the day will repeat itself. He's so upset with how the events unfolded today. He hit his best friend, got proved wrong multiple times and now he's waiting for chance to repeat this day again, so that he can make it up to Chenle.

"Damn I fucked up badly." He gets up from the ground. Deciding to walk, until he can't anymore. How did the loop even start? Because there's no bone in his body that believes this is a dream. He's never experienced this before in his entire life.

He's pulled out of his thoughts when hearing screeching tires on the road- his eyes catch sight of a rushing and speeding car that jolts up a speed bump and then dangerously swerves into a tree crashing up instantly!

Jeno covers his mouth and lets out a yell! Running to the tree- The car is smoking due the collision of the dangerous accident. "Hey! Are you okay? Help is on the way!" He quickly speed dials an emergency hotline. "Hello! Please locate and track my call! There's been an accident-"

"No problem. Sir please stay on the line."

Jeno gets close enough to the door, being a heroic in trying to get it to open up. It proves to be difficult because it's been rammed shut by the collision. With the cracked windows all the way up- he makes out the hunched over figure. He tries to work fast seeing the burning tires and engine in front- in a matter of minutes it's going to blow up. He goes over to the side door- and thankfully it's not as bad. With brute force he forces the door open - working quick as he sees blood sliding down the person's arm. Not wearing a seatbelt, he's able to pull the person out-

His eyes widen… it's you.

He tries not to pay mind to it as he continues to move you away from the car. You're bleeding badly all over your head, unconscious… he tries to locate his phone but seeing it not on him, he runs to the car to retrieve it only for a huge explosion to erupt from the car. His heartbeat beats fast and watches the burning car. He's never seen such, only in movies… to think that you could've exploded in that car is bizarre for him.

"Ah shit, my phone." He grunts before remembering that 'today' will repeat itself. He picks you up, carrying you in his arms, turning left and right, he can only hope that the ambulance is coming.

-

"Sir."

Jeno hears, but doesn't bother opening his eyes thinking he's not being addressed. Yet when a light hand taps his shoulder continuously he opens his eyes. He immediately shuts it when light swarms through. Grunting, he sits up rubbing on his eyes. The stand falls away from his eyes just as he adjusts himself to his surroundings, until his eyes land on a clock plastered on the wall. Jeno gets up, shock leading him to the wall where the time is.

Something is wrong.

It's 10 a.m. but there's no gunshots. No Mark. No phone call from Chenle… he's not on his bed like all the other times. Not in his apartment to witness the odd morning that Thursday presented itself to be. Surprisingly he's in a hospital and nurse with fitting yet a loose pink uniform has a smile on her face. "Seems like you had a good sleep sir. Sorry to have disturbed, but the patient Y/n wishes to see you." A bright corridor illuminated by the natural light from the landscape windows revealing the outside world.

He turns around, the nurse looking at him. "What day is it today?" Jeno questions instead scratching the side of his head. Noticing some ash over his pants and hands…

"Today, it's Friday." The nurse answers without much hesitancy before placing her hand out towards the open door. "This way," Jeno can only hold onto his chest with his heart beating as fast. He got so used to repeating Thursday that it feels so wrong to be Friday. It should be good, but why only when he's burnt bridges with Chenle, or made himself look like a fool the whole of yesterday. "Sir please hurry, she seemed agitated."

Jeno then nods, approaching the nurse who walks in the room first. In the room the natural lighting from the sky lights up with white room, the brightness serves as a reminder of why he hates hospitals, because despite their bright atmosphere - there's always a loitering reminder of pain. There's no other nurse in the room except the present one who gently holds onto your shoulder. You're hatched up on the bed staring out the window. There's a bandage on over your head, your arms that are visible are in casts that look heavy, Jeno can't see your leg, but by the odd shape of the blanket he knows that you probably also have a cast over your leg. You don't look so good either on your face with smaller bandages over parts of your lips, eyes, cheeks and nose. For now, all that should matter is that you're alive. Your head shifts when the nurse informs you of his presence. Your neck lifts slowly as you turn your head, the unfamiliar man stands in your room and you inhale and exhale.

"Who are you?" you let out weakly, voice hoarse from the accident.

Jeno watches the tears welling up your eyes. He can only guess what happened. If yesterday was just like the other dejavu days, then it means Jaemin your husband probably kicked you out the house and you went on a rampage and perhaps lost control of the wheel resulting in your terrible accident. He moves a bit closer to the bed as instructed by the nurse who ushers him close.

"Do I know you?" you ask another question, confusion sifting through your brain as you try to remember the man in front of you. You can't. However he's got a familiar face… "You're from the moving truck place right?"

"You remember me?" Jeno's eyes widen.

"You… were packing my things in your truck yesterday, weren't you?" Jeno nods, and you shake your head looking away. "Please get out."

The nurse draws closer to Jeno assisting him to leave. "She woke up melancholy, she needs some rest. You're free to wait outside, however if you merely saved her as you stated yesterday in your report, you can leave. We'll try to contact some relatives."

"Okay, I think that's good," Jeno nods, the reality sinking in to him of how real this day feels. No restarts and there's a huge possibility that perhaps he dreamt the whole deja vu think. "I'll leave then." Jeno concludes. The nurse politely bows, heading back in your room leaving Jeno alone on the corridor.

He's already walked down the hall and is about to turn to the staircase- but suddenly stops when hearing a scream! Rapidly he turns his head when hearing a loud metallic clink. "Please calm down ma'am!" he hears the nurse, and it's enough for him to speed walk back towards your room- His eyes widen when standing at the center of the doorway. Somehow you've opened the window wide enough and you're seated on the pane body and head facing the outside world. The nurse is at the center of the room - formulated words leave her lips trying to bring you back in the room but you shake your head.

"Please wait-" Jeno's voice captures your attention. Slowly you turn your head back, your one good eye eyes him down. Jeno sees all the tears you're releasing.

"You shouldn't have saved me."

With that, Jeno as well as the nurse both trudge forward in speed just as you let go and you lose balance falling out of their view. A loud pancake splash is all that echoes- the sound hits their ears - before a loud wave of panic and shout erupts from people outside. Jeno stands over the window eyes wide open watching your body in the white attire slowly spread with fresh red blood. Jeno covers his mouth, not able to take in the sight of your broken body- he can hear the nurse yelling and shouting, other nurses and doctors flood the room, panic washing over. But Jeno shakes his head giving himself one hard slap.

"I'm losing my mind." Another slap, another and another until he can't stop hitting himself and other nurses stop him. He can see them, their words sound muffled in his ears, and just before he knows it. He passes out.

While Jeno passes out and some nurse assists him, another runs out the room accidently bumping into Jaemin-

-

Jeno opens his eyes, holding onto his head grunting out. No gunshots. Rubbing onto his eyes, he sighs out as he looks around the room he's in. A hospital room that's darkened creating a beige atmosphere, most likely due to the night sky and darkened skies that peak out through the halo curtains.

"You're awake."

Eyes jolting to the other person in the room, Jeno's eyes blink several times seeing Chenle. "Dude? You're here,"

"Yeah," Chenle, who's been seated on the guests chair gets up and walks towards Jeno's body on the hospital bed. Jeno manages to sit up on the bed. He's still in his normal clothes, not changed and feels revealed. "They found our business card in your pocket with my number and contacted me. Said you fainted after a tragic accident occurred. What happened?"

A brief silence and thought passes Jeno's mind, just as the image of your splashed body comes to mind, he gasps out and shakes his head. "This is a nightmare. It just has to be." Chenle doesn't prompt on, Jeno already looks shaken up and much more awake then he did seconds ago. Instead Chenle takes a seat on the hospital bed gently patting on Jeno's arm. The slight touch, brings Jeno back to reality and shakes his head. "The lady from yesterday," Jeno speaks, simply wanting to get it out of his chest. Chenle listens without interruption. "She… jumped out the window." Saying it out loud, has Jeno feeling strange. It still doesn't feel real. "Said that… it was a mistake to save her. That I shouldn't have."

"Come on man, it's not your fault," Chenle ends up saying after a moment of silence. "You just happened to save her. Being a good Samaritan, she just… she was just going through her own things and had enough of life."

"This is all crazy," Silence passes through the room, before some time later a nurse walks in smiling telling Jeno that he can be discharged. He doesn't dare to ask about you, or the aftermath. Deciding to just leave it in the past. Besides, he doesn't have to care about it since the deja vu seems to have stopped and also you're gone and he won't have to worry about seeing you again. Chenle offers him a lift home, and Jeno accepts.

"Oh by the way, today is Friday." Chenle speaks when dropping Jeno off in the house with a mischievous smile on his face, as he points to his cheek. "I'm all better and I can still remember the punch."

"Man, I'm really sorry," Jeno says, no energy to fight with Chenle. After the crazy aftermath that this day had to unpack, Jeno easily apologizes, knowing that perhaps he was- he shakes his head, trying not to let himself think about it. "I guess I wasn't feeling awake when I did that…" He just wants to close this crazy week that he's had. From deja vu's to sudden death? Surely not on his bucket list, but now it'll be a core memory. After departing from Chenle's car, Jeno enters into this apartment getting ready for bed. Tomorrow he'd need to find excuses for missing out on his shifts. He scoffs a little thinking how at some point in time during the deja vu's, he got the chance to be promoted into another work space. That would've been awesome.

Shutting the lights, he can't help but stare into the darkness… hearing the screeching sound of some tires- his eyes open up again, remembering the sight of your car driving straight into the tree. His heartbeats fast. The stress of being kicked out of the house must've eaten you alive and just allowed you to spiral. He's convinced now that what you did at the hospital was your attempt of leaving the world - and driving straight towards the tree was probably also your other attempt of leaving the world.

What could've happened in your life for you to just want to end it all and not give it another try? It couldn't just have been Jaemin cheating and leaving you… Jeno ponders on, wondering why only he was able to have those crazy deja vu's… he saved you, but still you ended up killing yourself.

Before his mind drifts off to sleep, he wonders… if by chance, if he had another deja vu repeat day… would he have tried to help you out in a different way?

"I guess I'll never know," Jeno shuts his eyes, sleep taking over him.

A dream manifests itself, nothing uncommon. However he beings hearing voices.

"Remember, so that I don't forgot."

"I love you."

"Don't die."

-

BANG!

BANG!

BANG!

Jeno's ears twitch by the sounds of the gunfire as he slowly awakens. His eyes stiffly peel open and stare into nothing. He traces the space around him, his ears trying to hear all that's happening, he exhales before he sits up… Is that Mark again? "When will he stop doing that?" Jeno grunts getting off the bed, he doesn't bother checking on Mark, already having had enough of his neighbor. Jeno yawns out, looking at the time 10 a.m. This might start becoming an everyday thing with Mark trying to 'shoot' the 'ghosts'. Jeno goes straight for the window… his eyes already spotting the tragic tank top of the yoga man, he sees a guy jogging with headphones. A bird lands on a power line. The neighbor’s dog poops on the sidewalk. Calm as anything. Mailman doing his rounds. Wind gently nudging the leaves- all familiar traits. But then freshly on his mind comes… your body, leg twisted to the side, blood pooling around your body and clothes - people shouting and scream. Jeno shuts his eyes. The image too disturbing, and he doesn't want to ruin his day.

He gets back on his bed, trying to get back to sleep so that he can be ready for his night shift.

But then his phone vibrates. Jeno doesn't know why, however the moment his heart actually skips a beat, he holds onto his chest. A terrible feeling rising up… The last he remembers about his phone, is that it got destroyed in the explosion after your car burned up. The whole of yesterday he was at the hospital with no phone… Jeno raises up. His hand finds his phone checking the time and date.

"No, no, no, fuck! NO!" Jeno grabs the pillow throwing it over his head yelling and punching out. He gets off the bed frantically dressing up- but stops. Hands itching to throw a punch at something, anything at all. He holds himself back, trying to breath in and out and calm himself down. This can't be happening. "NOT AGAIN!" He can't help the yell that escapes his throat. "Okay just be normal! Just be normal! Why- why-why?!" Jeno yells out. But he tries to calm down.

Jeno jumps when his phone rings. Must be Chenle. Jeno picks it up quickly. "Chenle? Do you remember me punching you yesterday?" Jeno asks out as his first question.

"What? Punch? Did you have a weird dream?" Chenle coughs, a chuckle leaves his lips, indicating to Jeno that indeed the day has repeated as Chenle doesn't sound upset with him- but sick, like all those other repeat days.

"Dude something is wrong with me." Jeno rubs his temple, his thoughts going all over the place even though he tries to explain to Chenle the situation. "You're not gonna believe me, but I need you to listen to me well Chenle."

"Alright…" Chenle sounds unsure, however he gives his ear.

"I don't know what's going on, but I think I'm cursed."

"Cursed?" Chenle chortles. "How and why?"

"This day, this Thursday, it keeps repeating itself. It has repeated itself like 4 or 5 times now… At first I thought it's a dream, but it's not!- it's vivid and I can remember everything. I've repeated this Thursday 4 times now, and the 5th time which was yesterday- yesterday was Friday- and it was different."

"Okay…" Chenle awkwardly clears his throat. "Um. Let's see. Jeno uh, are you sure about what you're saying?"

"Yes I'm fucking sure! The days keep repeating themselves! And I keep waking up to the same day."

"Do you perhaps know why the days are repeating themselves?"

"No, but I can tell you of the same repeated activities I've had, you sent me to some man's house because you're sick and I witness this couple fighting- okay wait the guy wants to divorce her, but so far I've seen him kick her out once, the other time she's stealing your truck, the other time she gets in a terrible accident and then-" Jeno pauses thinking of you. "Wait, if this day has repeated, that means… she's alive…" Jeno suddenly thinks. Each encounter with you was different… could you…. be the reason to why all of this is happening? His eyes then enlarge slightly… "No way. It can't be."

"Jeno, I'm not following you," Chenle makes his presence known again over the phone call. "I think you slept well. Really well to the point where you dreamt a dream inside of a dream multiple of times. You know what my Chinese family says about deja vu? That's it's a moment that is so important, so so important that your soul refuses to let you forget about it… wait or is it a dream acting as a rehearsal for a moment your life depended on? Or maybe it's because you're stressed and tired," Chenle hums out confused before letting out a sigh. "Anyway, tomato tomato, potato potato, never mind man, what matters is that you slept so well. Anyway, I've got a moving job that I need your help with-"

Chenle goes on to asking the favour for the job, bopping up the price to a 100 and before Jeno knows it, the call has cut and he gets ready for the day. However he can't get what Chenle said out of his head… a dream acting as a rehearsal for a moment that life depended on? What does that even mean? Could this day be repeating for a reason- at that he thinks about you again. Your life has literally been brought back to life. He'll only believe it when he sees you. But what are the odd chances that this day is repeating itself because of you? Many people die, so why only is his day repeating- there must be something else. Something else… Jeno has to figure it out, otherwise these days will become like nightmares for him.

He gets ready, and puts on a black buttoned shirt and pants. Heads to Chenle's work place and passes by the manager who shakes his head. This is all a strong deja vu for Jeno, but he pushes on. The mansion is still the same, and even Jaemin…

"Ah! You must be… Chenle?" Jeno senses the confused stare from Jaemin, but remains calm. Why is he looking at him like that? Jeno clears his throat, allowing Jaemin to be snapped out of his thoughts, he looks at his wrist watch and then faintly chuckles. "I'm sorry, I…" Jaemin motions for Jeno to enter. "Sorry, deja vu. I wasn't expecting you till 3 in the afternoon, step in." Jeno walks in with hesitancy and confusion listening to Jaemin's words. Did Jaemin just say deja vu? Jeno's tempted to ask questions, however Jaemin gets back on track. "I'm Jaemin, I called for relocation services. I already got the maids to pack the things you'll be carrying, so you don't have to worry about moving around the house- that's already taken care off. All you'll do is carry the boxes to your truck. I'm sorry but I thought they'd be two of you."

Jeno stiffly smiles. "Are you okay sir?" Jeno asks instead of replying with the repeated words. If this is deja vu and if what Chenle -said is true… then something in the 'universe' is depending on him not to repeat the same mistakes of yesterday… or rather the day Thursday. This day must be important, and he has to keep in track with everything. Even Jaemin who seems oddly suspicious.

"Okay?" Jaemin looks around and then chuckles. "Yes I am, I'm sorry about that, my head is a bit clouded. You're free to work, I've got an important day ahead of me. I really have to get going."

"No problem." Jeno nods, getting to work. The work still needs to be done. He works - this time he doesn't put on any earphones, because he anticipates that after some time when he's nearly done you'll arrive. No sooner then later, Jaemin drives off even strangely waving to Jeno, before he pauses his car besides Jeno.

"Hey listen, my wife will be back any time, you can let her sign the bill of lading." And just as Jaemin drives off, Jeno carries on working. It's muscle memory at this point as he puts in all the boxes accordingly in the truck- with all the practices he's been having, it seems easier to even finish on time. And but the time your car pulls up, Jeno unintentionally pauses everything he's doing… one because he wants to see if it's really you, and two because he's surprised seeing as he's neatly arranged all the boxes inside the truck… meaning there's no box for you to check.

He doesn't know why, but he feels relief upon seeing you. Alive. Rapidly getting out of your vehicle confused, you rush up to him.

This is it- He's about to meet you for the first time… again.

"Excuse me are those my things? Where are you taking my things?"

Instead of going back and forth with you, Jeno steps forward cautiously, watching you glare him down. You're so angry. But you're very much alive. He's got a feeling, a hunch that for some reason… the day could be restarting again either because of Jaemin… or you. From the looks of it, Jaemin seems he's aware of some kind of deja vu - but you don't. Jeno's mind works like fast cogs as he wonders about your safety and health. He thinks back to Friday - for some reason Thursday didn't repeat itself and went straight to Friday. Could it have been because you were alive? If he wasn't there on Thursday… there could be a chance that you crashed in that tree and died… hence the repeated days for him.

It's a far stretch, but it's the only good thing Jeno has for now. He just doesn't know why he's affected. If this is a 'you and Jaemin' problem, then he shouldn't be involved… perhaps he was involved because he witnessed Jaemin kicking you out-

"Earth to moron?" You snap your fingers fast in his face and shove him back by the shoulder. "Listen here, you better get my stuff out that truck or else-"

A loud gasp leaves your throat as Jeno grabs your arms tightly and calls your name. "Listen here ma'am, I don't know how you're going to take this but your husband is leaving you tonight. He's leaving you for some other woman-"

"Bullshit. Don't you dare move another box." With that you push Jeno back and get back in your car and drive to the stairs. Jeno's surprised that even your car is the same. He doesn't move the boxes as you say, however he waits… and then he just decides to go inside the house. Knocking twice on the door, a servant opens it up and leads him upstairs. Jeno waits, and just like last time you're seen coming out of a specific room. "What are you doing here?"

You're dressed in that familiar red dress that highlights your gorgeous figure, and he can only remember how he last saw you sprawled out on the floor broken and hurt… dead. "I…" Jeno tries to rephrase his words in a way that won't get you to be upset or mad. But it's inevitable. "I know it's none of my business, but I overheard your husband talking to another woman. He told me to pack up all your things and once you arrive that I need to take you where ever you want to go."

You simply stare at him, confused and unable to speak. There's a flash of sadness, and then worry and then confusion. "Su, call the police, call security, call Officer Lee."

"Wait," Jeno shakes his head. "What?" he asks confused. "Your husband wants to throw you out- and you're calling the cops? You should be cutting your loses right now before something bad happens to you?"

"Look here crazy person!" You snap snapping your finger in his face with a hand over your hip. "I don't know you. You're just a stranger, a strange mover telling me my life is a lie. If there's one thing I know about Jaemin, is that he'd never leave me. I'm everything he needs."

"But-"

"Ma'am I've called the police, security and Officer Lee."

Jeno's eyes widen as he shakes his head, trying not to get mad. For some reason he doesn't even fear going to jail - something in him tells him he's going to restart the day. "If you send me to jail, I can't prevent what he'll do to you-" Jeno states.

But you scoff and fold your arms. "Su take down the number plate of his truck and send it to me. Listen here mister, I'll sue you for defamation. You think you can waltz in my house, I'll sue you for unauthorized access in my house, also known as trespassing. You're not getting away with anything, I don't care even if my husband called you, you're going to jail and I'll surely get a civil lawsuit against you as well for taking my belongings without my consent-"

"What the hell- why're you acting like a bitch lawyer? You're husband-"

"I'll let you know that I am a lawyer and anything you say right now will be used against you. Did you just call me a bitch? You could end up in jail for a breach of public peace-"

"Why are you so 'mean' woman?"

"Because you're not being 'nice' man." You firmly state, eyes enraged and Jeno just stares at you in disbelief. He's reminded of the conversation he had with you the first night you were kicked out. You were complicated. He thought you'd be soft since you are potentially dealing with some form of suicidal thoughts- but he's mistaken when he sees the scowl on your face and you type away on your phone mentioning that you will be charging for several things.

Without thinking, Jeno grabs you by your shoulders shaking you once. "You're ruining my life every time you die!" he whisper yells, seething through his teeth. "Why the fuck can't you be cooperative and leave your damn husband? He's the real jerk here, I've seen this before, he kicks you out of his house and then you kill yourself-"

"I'll sue you for harassment- Let me go!"

"Police! Step away from the madam."

"Officer Lee get this lunatic of a man away from me!" You dramatically growl in annoyance once Jeno is getting cuffed up by the police. "I'll be suing him so take him to a holding center. He grabbed me, yelled at me, swore me, moved my things without my consent, trespassed and drove his vehicle unauthorized-"

Jeno tries to refrain the words that want to spill out but he can't help himself- "You know what, now I can see why you're going through what you're going through. You're crazy." He says all this while being forced down the stairs by the Officer Lee.

"Stop talking. You've got every right to remain silence."

You don’t even look at him. You stand on that grand marble staircase, chin tilted high, the image of a woman who believes her life is perfect. You watch them drag the "crazy mover" away with a look of pure disgust.

Outside, there's a few man in black with 'Security' over their shirts, as they scan the truck and begin to unload the contents in the truck. "What the hell?" Jeno grunts as he's stuffed in the car being told of his 'rights'. He rolls head and shuts his eyes. He can't believe that this is happening to him… but for some reason, he feels disassociated with reality - especially knowing that he might wake up to the same day.

"You're in hot waters now pal. Do you know who Y/n is?" Jeno's eyes open when feeling the car move, as well as the lips of the police. "The bulldog face of the largest lawsuit enterprise in the country. You mess with her, you mess with the cruel punishments of the law. Whether you deserved it or not, you've just unleashed the hounds on hell on you. She'll get you in prison." The officer rambles on about your authority and power, and all Jeno can wonder is how on earth he's ever going to go back to his normal life when you don't even want to accept help.

"This is bull." he mumbles.

Jeno spends the next several hours in a cold, dim holding cell. He doesn't pace. He doesn't yell. He just sits on the bench, staring at the concrete floor, counting the seconds. He knows the rhythm of this day now. He knows that while he is sitting here, Jaemin is bringing another woman into that house. He knows that while he is trapped, you are discovering the truth.

At 10:00 PM, the officer taps the bars. "You're lucky. Honestly you are. Na Jaemin dropped the charges on behalf of Y/n. Said he didn't want the paperwork. Get out."

Jeno steps out into the night air. His phone is dead, black screen, no ride, no GPS. He's angry, but he's got no choice but to start walking until he finds a familiar spot. Next time he'll remind himself to bring some money or even food. This day itself is exhausting. He chuckles bitterly being thankful that at least he did something different today instead of following in his regular routine. It's actually been kind of nice not being to work, and worrying about other things then his preocupied and simple life.

He starts walking. The air is thick and humid. He walks past the closed shops and the flickering LED signs, his heart and mood slowly rising up again, feeling better.

But then, he hears it. The silence of the night is shattered by a sickening sound. Tires screeching and then a loud crash on the empty road. His head sharply turns to the sound, behind a building. Jeno sprints toward the sound near the alleyway. He reaches the bend in the road where the old oak tree stands- or rather tilts with a dent in it's arks. The black Jaguar is crumpled against the trunk, steam hissing from the engine. He doesn't call the police this time. He just runs to the door and pulls on it with all his might.

It opens easily. You are slumped over the wheel. There is no explosion this time- just a quiet, devastating stillness. He reaches for your pulse. But it's already clear from your tear-filled face as well as empty cold half open eyes that you're no longer living.

You are gone.

Jeno doesn't cry. He just stares at you… his heart aching and shifting at the sight. Your sassy talk an echo in his mind, as he wonders what pushed you to do this to yourself? He just learnt that you're a lawyer and you're a really great one- so someone with all that power… how could they still crumble and die a pitiful death? Could it really have been because of your husband throwing you outside of the house?

He backs away from the car, his eyes finding it hard to leave your face. The sight is bitter yet sweet… you look like that painting derived from Hamlet, Ophelia, a tragic character… who was struck with madness yet was still innocent.

Jeno ends up taking a seat on the grass next to the wreck, the car blows up and Jeno gets impacted slightly, but he doesn't move. In fact he lays on the ground… your burnt dead body in the car… Staring at the moon until his eyes grow heavy, Jeno stays there all night, a silent sentry for a woman who has died thinking she is 'unloved'. It doesn't help that nobody comes to save you.

Eventually, exhaustion wins and Jeno shuts his eyes.

- Once Jeno begins dreaming… it's cut short by a voice.

"Remember so that I don't forgot."

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Jeno doesn't bolt upright. He just opens his eyes and stares at the ceiling. It's one thing to restart the day, it's a whole other thing to wake up to gunshoots. Mark.

"One of these days, I'm gonna kill him and wake up to do the same thing over and over again." he grumbles out in annoyance.

And just as he gets up to give Mark a piece of his mind, his mind clicks to reality, to last night… or rather the repeat day. It finally clicks. He isn't looping because of the job or the money. He is looping because of you. The universe won't let him leave Thursday until he figures out how to keep you on this earth. Unlike all the other days, Jeno grabs his phone and types your name. It's a pretty commonly unique name, yet when he adds lawyer right there next to it- the name holds weight and power.

A real female under dog. Parents abandoned you when you were younger but you honed your intelligence like a shield and fought the good fight. Up until you got yourself involved with Jaemin… Thank goodness for the internet, Jeno reads through some headlines and scandals of your 'celebrity like' relationship with Jaemin. Jeno does a double take when realizing that Jaemin is practically famous. A personal doctor in a specialized field.

And then his phone rings.

"Chenle did you know that the person you're about to send me to, Jaemin is a fucking celebrity?"

"Hello to you too?" Chenle coughs, sounding sick but still amused. "Bro, I don't even know who that is," Chenle responds, making Jaemin wonder about how famous Jaemin is- especially if Chenle doesn't know him. "Anyway, uh, I was hoping you could do me a favour-"

"Yeah yeah, add a 100." Jeno adds with boredom and then cuts the call already knowing the morning routine of this whole day. He goes through the motions with the efficiency of a machine. He takes Chenle's job. Meets a 'confused' Jaemin. Packs the boxes. He doesn't try to convince you when you arrive- he knows you won't believe him. Instead, he waits. The time goes by slow, and just when it reaches peak afternoon around 6pm, he watches the servants of the house leave and he takes that as his sign to 'sneak' into the house.

His initial plan was to investigate and get a better chance to know who exactly he's trying to save. Obviously it's you- he has to keep you from dying. But he wants to know more about you, why a bombshell woman like yourself would rather take the high road to death rather then just live through a break up. The house is massive- he avoids going up the stairs because he knows you're there, however downstairs isn't so safe either. Despite the many places to hide, Jeno's heart beats fast every single time he hears your hilled footsteps echoing around. The mansion is surely lived in and doesn't echo silence. You're all over the place making it hard for Jeno to stay in one place. Not being seated, walking up and down, preparing food and decorations, answering calls-

"I know right, I wanted to do something special for him. It's our one year anniversary, and I think he deserves just the best. This morning he gave me a five thousand voucher to go on a crazy shopping spree. And then when I got back home, I found out he also bought me new clothes and threw all my old ones away. Can you believe it? So yeah obviously I have to do something extravegant for him." you laugh into one call. "I've planned the whole trip. We're going to Dubai in a couple of days, and I'm so excited as this will be the first trip alone. Finally we can start acting like a married couple instead of work work work-"

Jeno gathers intel about you. As well as Jaemin. Tonight, on this Thursday- just like all the other Thursday's is your one year annivarsary with Jaemin. You've planned out a surprise for him. You're sweet and thoughtful. Jeno notes. He sneaks up the stairs quickly when you head into the downstairs kitchen. Looking at the gigantic clock on the wall, Jeno ducks when realizing it's almost time for Jaemin to arrive and then just in time-

The front door opens. "Shit." He lays on the ground and shifts until he's behind a wall. He sees Jaemin-

"Why the hell are you still here?" Despite the voice being low, Jeno can hear the irritation clogged in Jaemin's tone. Wow. Already to a heavy start. Jeno notes how this won't be an easy listen.

Jeno can't see you, but he hears you. "Jaemin, please don't start this, let's be good tonight. Happy anniversary honey-"

"I told you I don't want to be with you anymore-"

"And you were angry when you said that. Look, I just want us to be good- just for tonight. Is that so hard?"

"Yes Y/n it is hard." Jaemin's tone cuts through. "And I have something to tell you-"

"No, no words, just touch me, kiss me, do anything else but yell or be grumpy- look I even got you a gift. Happy anniversary-"

Jaemin calls your name sternly as if trying to shut you up. Jeno tries to peak from the wall he's behind, while still being on the floor on his stomach. He makes out Jaemin's figure and you're outstretched hand handing him a tiny black box.

"Aren't you gonna open it?"

But Jaemin calls your name again, yet you place a hand over his lips.

"Jaemin please, I don't want to fight tonight. I saw the clothes in the wardrobe and they look so gorgeous, I mean some of them I need to get them tailored because they're too small, and others aren't my taste nonetheless I love them and I appreciate that you did this-"

Jaemin holds onto your hand as you try to touch his face. He says something that Jeno can't hear, yet when the front door opens and he sees that skimpy lady in the short black dress, Jeno can tell that it's time.

Jaemin starts again. "I need to tell you something-"

But you cut him off. "Jaemin I thought I told you to quit it with this prostitute." Your voice is loud, and Jeno wonders if he shoud even intervene. Especially knowing how this will end. "What is she doing here?"

"I asked her to come." Jaemin responds, stretching his arm back and allowing the skimpy woman to smugly take a hold of his hand and step forward. While the lady seductively walks closer to Jaemin with a smirk on her face, Jeno begins understanding a little bit more of the situation. "There's no easy way to say this, but this one year has taught me that I don't want to be committed to a woman who psycho-analyzes everything I do."

The nerve is struck when the skimpy lady opens her mouth and talks. "Is she wearing the dress I picked out?" Jeno's eyes widen when recalling the words… the clothes belong to this skimpy lady. "Why are you wearing my clothes?"

"Your clothes?" You breath out in shock. "Jaemin, it's our anniversary today, how could you?" You sound upset and even vulnerable.

"Our marriage has run it's course Y/n and I'm tired of you."

"Jaemin." You back away, away from the view of Jeno.

"It's over. I hired some guy and a moving truck to pack all your things and take you anywhere you want to go-"

"What are you trying to say?"

"Why are you acting so surprised? As if this is new? Get it in your head, I don't want this anymore. I think I'm being more than fair when asking for a divorce. Come on, don't act so surprised," Jaemin gives the most disgusted face ever. "I haven't touched you in a year. We haven't spoken in months because you're always busy with work. And oh god- I can't count how many times I've had to cancel dinner reservations because you had to work overtime. I haven't been happy in this marriage."

"Jaemin, honey, don't say shit like this. Don't say that-" You hiccup.

Jeno watches how the skimpy lady looks at you with amusement, even taking a seat on the large couch with a little chuckle. So cynical. "Please don't tell me you're one of those begging girls, you're too grown for that."

You ignore the skimpy lady and continue speaking, directing all your attention to Jaemin. "What am I supposed to do without you?"

"You're a bright girl. You'll figure it out. Take alimony. Clean me dry if that's what you want. Remove all your money from my account- heck go ahead and clear out my bank accounts. I don't care. All you ever think about is money, so take it all. Take everything you want, but this house. I own this house, you came here with nothing, you can leave with what you've earned throughout our time together. Sue me if you want. You signed a prenup, so take all that you want. But I'll have you know right now, that it's over. We need to separate because I can't do this anymore."

"You're mad Jaemin. I'm not leaving."

"No?" Jaemin clutches his jaw, chuckling bitterly. "Yes, you are. Don't make me act out, the truck is still outside. So just be obedient like you've always been and leave."

"Jaemin… please, just look at me." Your fingers claw at his sleeves gripping him tightly, slowly shaking him. "I'm the sweetheart you wanted to marry when we were just kids. We were sweethearts, Jaemin. We were kids when we started seeing each other. Ten years… how do you throw ten years onto the sidewalk like it’s trash? Jaemin, look at me. It’s me. It’s your wife. It's the girl who stayed up with you while you cried over your first surgery. How could you say these words to me? How could you… how could you do this to me? How could you say this to me?"

Your voice doesn't just tremble; it fractures, it brittles, a jagged sound that seems to come from your lungs rather than your throat.

"Jaemin, wait. This isn't- we can fix this. You're not thinking straight." You try to speak, and Jeno watches you get on your knees. Begging. "How could you do this to me? After everything I sacrificed for your career to thrive? Jaemin, it's me! I can do anything you want me to. I've always put you first. Even this work that I do- it's just for you. I'm your lawyer. How many cases have I defended you when you were guilty? Jaemin you can't do this to me. You're talking to me like I'm a stranger. You're looking at me like I'm a mistake. Please… please don’t do this to me. Not like this. Okay fine, what do you want me to do? Just say it- Please don't leave me."

"Y/n be a lady and leave quietly." Jaemin holds you up to stand to your feet, but you're shaking your head walking forward, and muttering out 'no'.

"Jaemin?" It' a small, broken sound, the sound of a child realizing they're lost. "How can you even think of doing this to me?" Your voice trails off into a ragged whisper. "How can you say these things? How can you do this to me when you know I have no one else? Jaemin, please… it's me. Don't you see me anymore? You said if you have me you have everything."

"I'm not going to say it again. Get up. And leave."

"No." You back away leaving him, not believing that this is your fate. "I'm not leaving you with this scarlet witch slut."

"Leave before I lose my temper."

"NO! I AM NOT LEAVING!" you yell out, your voice cracking painfully in the middle. "You don't get to do this! You don't get to delete ten years of my life and just… just throw me away!" Jeno listens and watches at how you aren't fighting for the furniture or the money; you're fighting for the right to exist in the life you sacrificed everything for.

"You what?" Jaemin asks confused. "I don't get the right to throw you away? Do you know what the fuck you've done to me? You've drained me! Mentally! Physically! I can't think when I'm with you! My ideas run dry whenever I'm here- stuck with you! I hate you Y/n- I hate you so much that I just want you to die- you know what- I think that'll make me happy. I want you to die. Die! Now fucking leave my house before I make you!"

Jeno's pulse quickens, as he watches the shadow play of the assault through the tall French doors. He can't stand it- the way Jaemin's hands clamp onto your frame, the raw, brutal force of him manhandling you across the marble floor like you're nothing but a nuisance to be cleared. The scene is reaching a drastic state. Every one of your jagged, desperate screams is followed by the sharp shatter of expensive porcelain and the heavy, sickening thud of furniture being overturned as Jaemin drags you by your waist. It isn't just an argument anymore… it's something he's deeply involved in now.

He watches how you try to hold onto literally anything - but it's no use, because after fiercely picking you up, he throws you out.

And then finally the door shuts, tightly with an extra bass to the house locking sound. Silence. Your voice is muffled as you cry out Jaemin's name.

Jaemin pants, his breath hitching as he rakes his fingers through his disheveled hair, the adrenaline of the struggle still radiating off him. He barely has time to steady himself before the other woman glides toward him, pressing into his space. She murmurs sweet nothings against his skin, and Jeno feels a wave of pure nausea as he watches Jaemin sink into her embrace, seeking comfort in her kiss while the echoes of your screams are still hanging in the air.

Well… now he wonders how to leave the house. To leave before you go on and do what Jaemin told you- to kill yourself. Jeno shakes his head. The urge to run down the stairs and punch Jaemin being so high right now.

"Can you believe that bitch? I can't believe you let her leave with my dress. I'm so pissed."

"Don't worry, I'll get you a new one,"

As a new wave of kisses echoes through the hollow house, Jaemin and the woman disappear deeper into the rooms, leaving the foyer silent and empty. Seizing the opening, Jeno slips down the stairs, his movements fueled by a sudden, sharp surge of courage. He reaches the front door, fumbling with the lock for only a second before bursting out into the night air- only to see your taillights bleeding into the distance as your car roars away.

Jeno sprints for the truck. It’s heavy and slow, but he has to try. Anything is better than letting the clock reset; he refuses to let the day restart only for you to suffer through that brutal confrontation all over again.

The engine groans to life as Jeno reverses and guns it, chasing after your reckless path. You're driving like someone with nothing left to lose, smashing straight through the security barrier at the gate without slowing down. Even as your car vanishes from his sight, Jeno doesn't hesitate. He knows exactly where you're heading- to that oak tree and the twisted metal of the accident. Gripping the wheel, he takes a sharp turn, pushing the truck to its limit as he attempts a shortcut, desperate to reach the crash site before you do.

He begins to wonder and think about a potential plan. What will he do? With the speed you're at, there's no stopping you with words.

After a few frantic turns, Jeno skids onto the main road. He’s made it. He swerves the truck, positioning it as a jagged shield in front of the oak tree, and leaps out. The distant roar of an engine grows louder, the high-pitched whine of a vehicle pushed to its breaking point. You're coming, and you're coming fast.

He begins waving his arms frantically, a desperate silhouette against the dark. He fumbles for his phone- 16% battery but he snaps on the flashlight, whipping the beam back and forth as he stands dead-center in the road.

The headlights finally crest the hill, blinding and furious. Jeno's heart hammers against his ribs, he has no idea if the loop protects him. If you die, the day restarts, but if he dies? It's a gamble- one that he's willing to take. He is the only thing standing between you and the end.

The car doesn't slow down. It's a bullet of steel and glass aimed straight for his chest. Jeno begins running across the street. Back and forth- darting left, then right, jumping in the path of death to force you to see him.

The screech of burning rubber tears through the night. Jeno's body goes rigid. He shuts his eyes, bracing for the bone-shattering impact, and waits for the world to go black-

BANG!

"Dad! You have to save mum! Dad, save her! Please!"

BANG!

BANG!

BANG!

Jeno jolts up from his bed, breathing frantically holding onto his chest- where his heart is about to beat outside of his body! Did he die? Did he die? He didn't feel anything- so he knows he must've died because he's waking up again on a Thursday. Checking on his phone rapidly, Jeno grunts and runs a hand over his face. "Fuck."

He lays back on the bed, yet sits right up remembering hearing voices just before the impact. He tries to remember the words he heard echoing around. In his dark room, he blocks out his ears, the air suddenly feels cold. Distant as he brings himself back to that moment. He doesn't know if it was a group of people or what, but he recalls the voices of a child or children… Static crackles in his ears like an old radio, and through the noise, a chorus of small, desperate voices pierces through the void:

"Dad! You have to save mum! Dad, save her! Please!"

And his eyes open wide upon his memory returning.

The words don't make sense. "Dad save mum?" and then he remembers the other times when he heard voices in his dreams. "Remember so that I don't forget?" he sighs. "What the hell is going on?

And then his phone rings. Jeno ignores the buzzing on his phone, knowing it's from Chenle. He returns to ponder on the words…

Jeno shakes his head at the random first thought that comes. He grunts. "Ugh Chenle, what the hell did you get me into?"

At this point, everything that Jeno knows to be his life is over. Three different part time jobs is a thing of the past, he doesn't sleep during the day anymore, and his thoughts have only been filled with you. Even as he drives to your place, greets a confused Jaemin and gets to work, you fill his mind. You come in your vehicle (the same ride that killed him) and you yell for him to stop packing your stuff- but Jeno's been through this so many times, that he continues packing. And waits until the truck is full.

Today is the day he'll make you survive. But then:

'Dad! You have to save mum! Dad, save her! Please'

The words echo in his ears. Who is this dad? Who is that mum? Why are the begging him to 'save her'? Is the her the same mum? And why did he only get this dream when he was knocked out dead… Nothing makes sense. Nothing feels real anymore.

He's brought back to reality when his phone rings. He knows it's Chenle, and with less dread then all the other days, he gets up on a mission. Cleans himself up well, makes sure he seems good and leaves. Nothing out of the 'ordinary' happens. Same confused boss, same road, some maids, same you yelling at him to put your things back, same maids leaving at the same knock off time, and even Jaemi appearing under the dark sky confused.

"You're still here?"

Jeno explains the bill of lading issue like it's no big deal, because he knows it doesn't really matter. What matters on the other hand, is the next scene, the scene where it gets heavy. Jaemin signs the paper, asuring Jeno that he'll get you out. And that's when Jeno steps up. Because he knows how this will end, and he doesn't want to see it, or have a repeat of it. "Hey, do you think I could come with you?"

"Where? Inside my house?"

"Yes," Jeno smiles tightly. "She was actually very… rude to me. And I just want to make sure that she's alright with leaving with me, instead of getting surprised."

Jaemin is actually stunned by that. He tilts his head to the side, no look of despair, just wonder. "Uh, yeah. No problem."

Jaemin watches how Jeno takes his steps towards the house and follows right behind him. "I swear I've seen this guy before." Jaemin mutters under his breath.

Rae, his new girlfriend seated on the passenger seat, gently brushes his hair, patting it. "What's wrong bae?"

"Nothing. Just another worker almost overstepping their boundary line." Jaemin kisses her knuckles, gently squeezing her hand while driving up the little pathway. "It seems like the 'madam' is still in the house, I've gotta take her out."

"That bitch annoys the hell out of me. You know she claimed I was guilty in court, and I didn't even do anything."

"I know sweety. This will be the last time we'll deal with her. So, wait in the car, I'll be back."

"Wait?" She scoffs. "I'll give you a head start of 20 seconds."

Jaemin smiles, before he unbuckles his seatbelt preparing himself for what's to come when he is facing you. Truth be told, he had forced himself to be with you, when in reality he didn't love you. He's tried getting rid of you, but you always held on, no matter what, no matter the arguments. While he admired your persistence, he hated how much affection you had for him. Because no matter what, he couldn't show you back that same love. So as he stands next to Jeno and presses the numbers, he opens up the house door.

The warmth of the house spills out, a warmth that Jeno knows is about to turn ice-cold, especially when he sees the passenger door open and the skimpy lady walk up the staircase of the house. Jaemin looks uneasy, however he's got a determined face. Jeno wonders what is going on through Jaemin's head in this moment.

The foyer is decorated with flowers, yellow tulips that you're fixing near the kitchen entrance. You get the glass of champagne in your hand, your face lighting up when the door opens and you see Jaemin. "Honey-"

"Why the hell are you still here?" he questions in a low tone.

Your voice dies in your throat. Your gaze shifts from Jaemin to the 'prostitute' standing in his shadow, and finally to Jeno, who is lingering by the door.

Jeno watches you. He searches your eyes for any flicker of the 'Mum' the voices screamed for. For a split second, your eyes lock with his. You don't yell this time. You don't threaten to call the cops, instead, you tilt your head, a look of profound, haunting confusion crossing your features. It's as if you're looking at a ghost you recognize but can't name.

"Y/n," Jaemin starts, his voice flat and clinical. "I’m not going to make this a long night. Please just be a lady and leave quietly."

"Jaemin, what is this?" Your hand trembles, you leave the champagne on the table with the yellow flowers and pick up a black square gift box. "You're supposed to come in and say 'happy anniversary', not bring all these strange people. Why is this prostitute here? Why is the mover still here?"

"He's here to finish the job," Jaemin says, stepping into your personal space. He doesn't touch you yet, but Jeno sees his shoulders square up. Jeno notices how Jaemin tries to remain civil - perhaps because of the people around him. "The truck is packed. You and I are through." Jaemin says lazy, causing Jeno to speak - out of place.

"What he means to say is that, it doesn't have to end in chaos, just follow me out the door

The woman in the black dress giggles, a sharp, metallic sound that grates against Jeno’s nerves. He shifts his weight, his eyes darting between you and Jaemin. He is waiting for the moment Jaemin’s patience snaps.

"You’re joking," you whisper, the lawyer in you trying to find a loophole in a nightmare. "This is some kind of sick anniversary prank. It has to be." you pick up your glass, your hands shaking as you try to drink and laugh it off.

"It's not a prank, Y/n." Jaemin reaches out, his hand wrapping around your wrist to pull the glass away. But you don't budge, causing Jaemin's jaw to tense up. "Stop drinking and leave."

Jeno moves before he can think- especially when seeing Jaemin grabbing onto both of your wrists almost violently. He steps forward, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "I'll take over from here. It doesn't have to get physical, and you just can't deal with someone like that. For fucks sake it's your anniversary and you didn't even warn her that you'd do this shit."

Jaemin freezes, his head snapping toward Jeno. The woman on the couch stops laughing. Even you look at him, stunned by the sheer audacity of the hired help.

"I'll deal with her the way I want to deal with her." Jaemin’s voice is a low, dangerous growl.

Jeno doesn't back down. He feels the ghost of those voices pushing at his back. Dad, save her. The way he feels in his heart right now in this moment speaks volumes. A part of him is certain that those voices were trying to call out to him- that he is the dad… and that you… are the mum… meaning in some twisted way… "I said don't touch her," Jeno repeats, his eyes burning into Jaemin's hands over her wrists. "You signed the bill of lading, I'll take over from here."

The air in the foyer turns heavy. Jaemin lets out a sharp, incredulous laugh, dropping your wrist as he turns fully toward Jeno. "I don’t know what kind of hero-complex you've got, but you're a hired hand. You don't get to mingle in our personal affairs. Get out before I have you arrested."

"Jaemin, stop it!" you yell, your voice cracking. You look between them, the champagne glass slipping from your numb fingers and shattering on the marble. The sound is like a starting pistol. You scramble back, chest heaving. "Who is this? Why are you doing this to me? I- I know you're upset but please I planned a trip for us, and I want to make it better."

"There is no trip, Y/n! There is no us!" Jaemin screams, finally losing the mask of calm. He lunges toward you, not to hit, but to grab your arm and drag you toward the door. "Both of you, out! Take your trash and your 'bodyguard' and get out of my sight!"

"No! I am not leaving!" You fight him, your heels skidding on the spilled alcohol, your hands clawing at the air. "Jaemin, please!"

Jeno doesn't wait for the violence to escalate, instead he steps in, his large frame wedging between you and Jaemin. "Let's just leave." With a firm but careful grip, he hooks his arm around your waist, hoisting you back.

"Let go of me! Who do you think you are?" you scream, pummeling Jeno’s chest with your fists. You are a whirlwind of silk and rage, your eyes bloodshot with the suddenness of your life ending.

"He isn't worth it," Jeno grunts, absorbing your blows as he maneuvers you toward the exit. "He clearly doesn't want to stay so let's go."

"Put me down this instant! I will fucking kill you! Do you know who I am?" you howl, but the door slams shut behind you, the click of the deadbolt sounding like a guillotine.

Jeno doesn't stop. He carries you, kicking and sobbing- "You don't need him."

You grunt out in pure anger. "AHHHH! Who the hell are you?" You stand up- with all sorts of emotions reflecting in your eyes. The tears that threaten to spill are a mixture of rage and sorrow once you prey with all your might and finally get out of his tight grasp. "Do you even know who I am?" you push him back with all your strength grating your teeth struggling to stop yourself from trembling from anger and disbelief. "I can sue you for meddling in my personal life- you put your hands on me- you dragged me out of my own house"

"With all due respect ma'am, he would've done worse."

"You don't know that!"

"Yes I do actually. I've seen this one too many times-"

"What the hell are you even talking about?" you cry out in pure rage and disbelief as you turn around and cover your face. A laugh and cry leave your mouth at the same time. "You just ruined- you idiot! Why did you do that? Do you know that I can sue you right now?" You break down vulnerably. "Why is he like this? How could he do that to me? With those savage- Am I not enough? I've done everything for him. Jaemin!" You pound on the door frantically but Jeno holds you back again.

You scramble out of his arms in rage pushing him back and down the steps yelling out. "WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU!" Jeno allows you to push him around and yelling. "Who the hell do you think you are! Who the hell do you think you are? Why did you do that?" And by yourself- you stop pushing him and take a step back, panting out and looking back up towards the door that you were dragged out of. The shut door with no Jaemin. He didn't even chase after you… he really threw you out. You can't believe it, so you look back at Jeno. "I will ruin you." you whisper, your voice thick as fresh tears leave your eyes. "I’m going to sue you. I’m going to ruin you for this. You ruined everything. I could have talked him down… I could've calmed him… you just ruined everything."

Without another word, you wipe your eyes and head to the truck where your things are. You take a seat and strap yourself. By the time Jeno gets behind the wheel he takes a look at you. But you have your face in your hands.

Jeno doesn't speak.

He just starts his car and exits the mansion's noble land.

He drives the exact route he knows by heart, the one that leads to the bend in the road where the old oak tree stands. The one you crash into every night and make the loop happen again. He pulls the truck onto the grass, the headlights illuminating the thick tree. He cuts the engine.

Dryly, you let out an odd statement. "You wanna bury me alive. Don't you?" Jeno stares at you, at how odd your rhetorical question is. You've been quiet the entire ride, resorting to leaning on the palm of your hand while you stared dead at the road.

"Why would I wanna bury you?"

Your voice is now charged with irritation. "Gee Sherlock, first you kidnap me out of my own home, stuff me in your truck, and now we're in the middle of nowhere at a fucking park. Who knows what's in your trunk aside from my things- oh yeah, a knife and shovel so that you can fucking rape me and then burry me alive because you don't have the guts to kill me-"

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Jeno questions, sounding disgusted. "You're making it hard for me to pity you?"

"Do I look pitiful to you? Why the fuck would you want to pity me? Because my husband throw me out of the house?" Your voice charged with authority gets Jeno to sigh out in irritation.

"I didn't mean it like that." He says tightly.

"All you men are just alike," you scoff and fold your arms. Your tears have run dry and there's a dry strand making paths down where they used to be.

Jeno is confused to say the least. He doesn't understand you, even though he thought he understood. All he can do is stare while being baffled. He thought that by bringing you here, you'd remember or… at least be in your feels so that you guys could… he doesn't know what he intended- all he knows is that today was supposed to be the day he keeps you alive. But you're impossible to deal with. Your bipolar and sarcastic mood doesn't sit right with him and he just wants to leave you alone. But he knows he'd be walking up to the same day again.

So he sighs, as a way to calm down… and attempt to try again with you.

"I…" His speech halts as he wonders. Does he tell you the truth? Or some words of comfort? Fuck that- he thinks to himself. He's come too far to mess it up. And there's no way you can kill yourself now- not on his watch. "I have dreams… about you."

"So you wanna fulfill your fantasies." you mumble boredly, clearly drained of energy and probably choosing sarcasm and annoyance to get by.

"You die every time. And no, I'm not the one who kills you. You do that to yourself. " Jeno ignores you. "In my dreams… you just choose to die, because you don't want to live in a world without him- without Jaemin. And can I just tell you- while I still have the chance- that man is an ass. He's dragged you out shamelessly, cheated on you, disrespected you- and he's weakened you."

You don't say anything. And Jeno doesn't look at you, he stares at the tree.

"I know this all sounds crazy, but I'm tired of seeing you die. That's why I did what a did."

"What mental asylum did you escape?" Your question, has Jeno rolling his eyes. "No seriously, pass me the blunt you smoked so that I can escape reality just like you? To hell with this, just take me to a hotel-"

"So that you can take your own life? No. You're staying right here where I can see you."

"You can't keep me here-"

Jeno doesn't budge when he removes the key from the ignition and stuff the key in his pocket- ignoring your wide eyes of disbelief.

After a moment you lean back in stun. "I cannot believe this is happening to me." You shake your head. "No phone. No way out. And I'm trapped with a man who's smoked heaven knows what."

"I'm being serious here."

You shake your head. "No. You're being a man. You want to play games with me. So that you-"

"Humor me a bit." Jeno interrupts you, not caring. "That lady in the house- the one Jaemin brought. Do you know her?"

That gets you quiet- shut down in speech.

"How about another question… what do you dream about?"

That gets you to stare, clutching your jaw and leaning back on your seat while looking out the window. Angry, you fold your arms and restrain yourself from entertaining this mad man- you don't know what to do. The door is looked and he's hell bent on believing his damn hallucination. You could always hit him and fight him and then get out- but you're not too sure what state this man is in. For one, he could really rape and kill you- if he's that crazy. And two, you don't have anywhere to go, so even if you did run away. You've got no phone, no money… and no way…

Jeno turns his head to you. Even though you're not looking at him, he's taking you in with his eyes. Something shifts in him… call it pity or sympathy. But he just sees you being broken and in need of fixing. How did you get like this? He wonders, but doesn't say it out loud. You're hellbent on not speaking to him- Jeno watches his dashboard as the time turns from 2 minutes of silence to 30 minutes of full on quiet and only nature hearing.

"Remember, so that I don't forget." Jeno suddenly says. No reaction from you- at least not one that he can see. "I hear that in my dreams as well. As well as someone telling a dad to save a mum… I hear someone saying 'I love you'. I hear someone saying 'Don't die'. And frankly speaking… Y/n… I'm tired of starting this day over and over again… So please, just do me a favor and don't die tonight… There's literally 4 minutes to midnight… and I've missed out so much of my life trying to worry about you and trying to figure out what the hell is going on. Please."

You finally turn to him. Your eyes aren't full of the disbelief or disgust you’ve carried since you first climbed into this truck; instead, they’re just… hollow. He watches you, bracing himself, waiting for the one sentence that might finally make this loop madness make sense.

When you finally speak, your voice is a ghost of itself.

"I have dreams of dying. I don't know how I die, but when I die, I'm at peace." You lick your dry lips and look away. "It's like, only for a limited time, I'm free from my burdens of life. I'm alive even though I'm dead… So sometimes, when this earth is just too much… I dream of going away to that place where I felt nothing but waves of peace."

Jeno isn't expecting that answer at all- in fact he didn't even expect you to be vulnerable suddenly. "So you'd prefer to die instead of live?"

A dry, joyless scoff escapes your throat. "In this moment? When you’ve just ruined my relationship with my husband? Or when I’ve finally realized I was never actually needed in his life?" Your breath hitches as you catch sight of the dress draped over your lap—a dress that belonged to the other woman. "Maybe this is just what I get for choosing wrongly. You told me to remember so I wouldn't forget… and I recalled those dreams. They weren't like yours. No loops. Just visions of me in the afterlife, finally living happily with myself and with the right… with the right person."

You turn to him, your vision blurring as tears finally clump together in your lashes. Jeno holds your gaze, his chest rising in a heavy, grounding breath.

"I learned a long time ago that love hurts," he says, his voice low and steady. "So I don't bother with it. I just try my best to be… good. Or at least, to not hurt people. The world is already full of that. I'm no saint, but I hate violence. I try to minimize it. And this loop… it’s made me aware that I do have a soft spot. I don't like seeing people die."

"Tell me about this loop," you ask suddenly, the shift in your tone catching him off guard. "Tell me how I die. Tell me how you save me."

Jeno flinches, a flicker of failure crossing his eyes. "I… I haven't even saved you yet. I think this is the fifth or sixth loop. It's been almost a week now. You just die, every time."

"So what's different this time?"

He inhales softly, his throat bobbing as he gulps, trapped by the intensity of your stare. "I made it my mission that today… I’d try to get you to at least live until midnight."

Simultaneously, you both look at the dashboard clock. 00:03. A small, genuine smile breaks through Jeno’s exhaustion, and a faint reflection of it touches your own lips. "Goal achieved," he whispers.

The silence that follows is different—warm, almost stifling. Jeno holds his breath as a strange heat crawls up his skin. He doesn't want the moment to end, but before he can find the words to keep it going, you beat him to it.

"What's your next mission? To make me fall in love with life? To not give up? To believe there’s better out there for me? To forgive?" Your sarcasm is there, but it’s brittle, layered over a deep, aching sadness. You let out a small, tired chuckle. "I don't know if I'm that strong. I've revolved my entire life around Jaemin. I met him when I was fifteen; he was playing medic for my scraped knee. I took care of him. I paid his expenses so he wouldn't stress. I even became a lawyer just to get him clearance for his medical practice. I made his life easy."

Your voice cracks as the reality settles in. "So I don't understand why, after all that sacrifice, I'm the one in this truck with my life packed in the back. I've wasted my life. He took it from me, and he didn't even say sorry. He just kicked me out."

Jeno stays silent. He doesn't offer empty platitudes because he doesn't have the answers. He just sits there, letting the space between you hold the weight of your words until the air clears.

"I'm not gonna tell you to take it one day at a time," he says finally. "Because I know that’s not what you want to hear. Truth is, I don't know what's going on either. So instead, I'll just tell you to live. Not for him. For you. You’re a bright woman—intelligent beyond compare. A 'bulldog,' as I read on the 'net."

You nod, a shaky breath escaping you as you stare out at the lone tree he’s parked in front of. "Will he even care who I become now that he’s left me?"

"Who knows? But don't do it for him. Quit your job if it hurts. Start fresh. Smile more, because it’s beautiful. Don't be a picture-perfect woman. Just be… alive. Be the moment. Hell," Jeno smirks, a flash of his usual self returning. "I'm giving you motivational advice that I don't even take myself."

You chuckle, finally turning away from the window to look at him. "At first, I was just entertaining the idea of the loop… but I think I know why you were stuck with me."

"Why? Because it hasn't been obvious to me. Delight me."

"Because no one has ever spoken to me like this. No one. I'm always the one talking—"

"—And threatening to sue," he cuts in with a grin.

"Exactly." You laugh softly. "I know I’m not easy. You could've taken advantage of this loop. You could've done anything knowing the day would just restart… but you spent it trying to save me. You could've robbed a bank, or partied, or… just lived your life."

"Trust me, none of that interests me. I just get by. Anyone who knows me knows two things: I work three part-time jobs, and I sleep until 5 p.m. My life is simple."

"Peaceful?"

"Aside from a crazy neighbor shooting his gun every morning? Yeah, it’s peaceful."

"I need that peace," you whisper, the longing evident in your voice. "Do you think I'd fit in?"

Jeno looks at you, really looks at you, and shakes his head. "With the neighbors I have? Probably not. You belong in a mansion."

"No, you do. You're responsible. I belong in the gutter."

"No," Jeno says firmly, reaching out as if to stop the thought. "We're not doing that. No more putting yourself down. Let’s be positive. If you want to downgrade from a mansion to a rusty condo, then go for it. Learn something new."

You look at him, the first spark of something like hope flickering in your chest. "I will." You nod eagerly. "Are there any available rooms in your condo right now?"

Jeno's eyes widen. "Wait like now?"

You nod, a sudden, frantic energy replacing the hollow ache in your chest. He stares at you for a long beat, searching for any sign of a joke, but he only finds a sharp, desperate sincerity. He leans back into the headrest, a breath of pure wonder escaping him. He hadn't expected you to be this highly motivated, or this impulsive… but the fire in your eyes is hard to argue with. It's Friday, after all. And miraculously, he didn't wake up to the sound of Mark's morning target practice today.

Before shifting the truck into gear, Jeno looks out at the twisted, ancient branches of the tree they were parked under. He points a finger toward the gnarled bark. "Does this tree… have any significance?"

You follow his gaze, to the tree. "Did you know that trees are the only things that truly know how to let go?" you ask softly. "Every autumn, they don't struggle to keep their leaves. They don't mourn them. They just let them fall because they know that to survive the winter, they have to become a little bit emptier. They trust that something else will grow when the time is right." You reach out, your fingertips brushing the cold glass of the window. "I used to come here when the house felt too loud with Jaemin's silence. I'd look at this tree and wonder how it stayed so grounded while everything around it changed."

Jeno watches you, his expression softening into something unreadable but profoundly kind. He doesn't say anything, because he doesn't have to. The silence in the truck isn't heavy anymore… it feels like a clean slate. He gives the tree a final, respectful nod, then turns the key.

As the truck gains speed, heading toward his rough neighborhood, Jeno glances at you and sighs, almost embarrassed. "Fair warning: the elevator in my building has a personality. You have to kick the door twice on the third floor or it'll keep you hostage."

You let out a shocked laugh, the sound bright and startling Jeno for a bit.

Jeno leaves you in the truck, his mind racing. He's half-convinced that if he looks away, you'll pull a U-turn and drive straight back into the life that broke you. But he chooses to trust you. He climbs the stairs and beats down on the landlord's door… obviously Jeno is met with a storm of muffled curses and 1 a.m. irritation. After a tense back-and-forth, Jeno returns to the truck, breath visible in the night air. "Good news, there's a vacancy. Bad news, he wants the deposit before you even get a key."

You look at him, then at your lap. Your bank cards, your purse, your entire digital life… it's all back at the mansion. "I have nothing," you whisper, you sudden motivation slowly fading from your mind. "Just the boxes." Who did you think you where? Trying to 'try' at life but really you were just meant to die-

"I/ve got it," Jeno says simply cutting you from speaking down on yourself. He doesn't wait for you to protest. He goes… and then he pays the fee, and by 2 a.m., the two of you are hauling heavy cardboard boxes up a flight of narrow, slightly peeling stairs.

The apartment is tiny, a 'rough around the edges' studio that smells faintly of old floor wax. By 3 a.m., the floor is a sea of brown tape and labels. You look at the pile, then at the limited square footage, and realize half of your old life won't even fit.

"Take the rest," you tell him, gesturing to the remaining boxes in the truck. Your voice is small, hesitant, but firm. "Do whatever you want with them. Sell them, toss them. I don't want to look at them."

When Jeno finally finishes placing all the boxes neatly in the truck and wonders what to do with the rest- a cold realization hits him. If the loop is truly over, he's missed his shift. He's probably in trouble. But as he looks up at the single yellow light glowing from your new window, the worry doesn't bite as hard as it should. You're safe. You're alive. That's all that matters for now. He'll probably have to take it to Chenle's boss and explain…

He stumbles into his own room, collapses onto his bed, and shuts his eyes. Anxiety hums in his veins. Please let it be Friday when I wake up, he prays. Please let the sun come up on a new day. Not Thursday…

-

"Remember so that I don't forget."

-

BANG!

BANG!

BANG!

Jeno's eyes snap open. His heart lunges against his ribs, a frantic, terrified rhythm. He bolts upright, chest heaving as he gasps for air. No. No, no, no. He reaches for his phone with shaking hands, squinting at the bright screen. "Oh God. Please no. Not again." he runs his hand over hair, before pressing the button on the screen.

10 a.m.

…

Friday.

The loop didn't reset.

The day just continued.

In a state of pure, adrenaline-fueled shock, he runs out of his room and lunges up the stairs to your floor. He finds you standing in the hallway, still wearing that same dress, though it's wrinkled now. You look like you just woke up and are trying to find the source of the gunshots. You're rubbing sleep from your eyes, looking thoroughly unimpressed.

"Is that the gunshot neighbor?" you ask, your voice dry with morning-after annoyance.

Jeno doesn't answer. He just laughs- a loud, hysterical sound of pure relief. You're still here. You didn't vanish into a reset. He's got his life back, and you're a part of it. Sorta. He walks toward you, fists balled in excitement, and pulls you into a sudden, crushing hug.

"Thank you for not dying," he mumbles into your shoulder, his voice thick. He doesn't pay mind to your startled stance as he engulfs you closer in a deep sincere hug. "If you need anything. Anything at all, you've got a really good friend in me. I promise. I won't let you die. I can't solve all your problems, but I won't let you go. Thank you."

You stand there, stiff at first, before your hands tentatively rest on his back. You aren't strong yet-your hands are still shaking… but you don't pull away. "Seriously what did you smoke, I want to smoke it as well."

The days that follow blur into a new, quiet rhythm.

Jeno leaves behind the grind of his third late-night job, having landed a steadier gig at Chenle's workplace. It gives him something he hasn't had in years: time. Time to rest, and time to check in on the woman he pulled out of a time loop.

He didn't think you were serious about the 'gutter' life, but you prove him wrong. You officially resign from your old lawyer firm, trading courtrooms for the park, where you join those slightly tragic-looking morning exercise groups. You're always a step behind the rhythm, hesitant and unsure, but you show up. Every single day. Jeno watches you from his window… supportive.

Eventually, you land a job at a local pet store. Your days are filled with the scent of cedar shavings and the quiet company of animals that don't ask for legal clearance or sacrifices. You never mention Jaemin. You never call him. Jeno never pries into that closed door, content to just watch you build a world that is finally, mercifully, your own.

Until- An interlude… of the unthinkable happens.

4 years later…

You sit up with a sudden, sharp gasp. Your eyes fly open, but for a second, everything is a blur. The hard plastic of the hospital chair is digging into your back, and your neck feels stiff and sore. The air smells so strongly of chemicals and bleach that it's hard to breathe. Your mind is still in a daze and you look around in the dark room wondering where you are.

Then, the sound hits you.

Beep… beep… beep…

The heart monitor. It's the steady, lonely sound that has been the soundtrack of your life for four years. It snaps you back to reality instantly. This isn't a dream; it's the sterile, suffocating air of the hospital.

You sigh, the sound heavy with four years of exhaustion, before stretching your stiff limbs and crossing the small room to Jeno's bedside. You flick on the lamp, its warm glow cutting through the oppressive shadows. It’s 00:08. You yawn, rubbing the sleep from your face as you pointedly ignore the release papers sitting on the nightstand, the cold, legal reality of a life moving on without him.

You take your usual seat, sinking into the chair that has molded to your shape over the years, and look at him. Even in a coma, Jeno has aged with a quiet, heartbreaking grace. The sharp, restless energy he once had in that truck has settled into something soft and ethereal. His skin is pale under the lamp, but his features remain as striking as ever, frozen in a peace he didn't have to fight for.

Gently, you place your hand over his face, your thumb tracing the familiar line of his jaw. You smile a little, a fragile, private thing in the quiet of the ward.

"Don't die on me." you whisper. "Please… wake up."

Suddenly, the steady rhythm breaks into a frantic, high-pitched sound.

Beep-beep-beep-beep!

"Jeno?" You bolt upright, your heart leaping into your throat.

Jeno's body is shaking violently on the hospital bed. He's fighting against the thin hospital sheets, his back arching off the bed in a stiff, painful curve. His heels dig into the mattress, and his arms and legs are trembling with a force that looks like it might break him. It's terrifying to watch. It looks like he's trapped inside himself, and his mind is desperately trying to tear its way out of his skin just to get back to you.

"Nurse! I need a nurse in here! Help!" you scream, your voice cracking with the same desperation you felt in the dream.

The door bursts open. A swarm of blue scrubs floods the room. "He's crashing! Status epilepticus, get five of lorazepam, now!" A nurse yells out.

"Step back, Mrs Na! We need space!"

You sink against the cold hospital window, the glass chilling your forehead as you bury your face in your shaking hands. The tears come before you can stop them, hot, heavy, and exhausted.

It feels like a lifetime ago, yet you can still see the exact moment the light went out.

Fours years ago… after Jeno and you had just created a life together by welcoming twins into the world… Jeno was in a terrible truck accident.

It didn't just break his body but it stole his memory. You remember standing by his bed back then, your heart racing, waiting for him to look at you with that familiar warmth. Instead, when he finally opened his eyes, he looked right through you.

The look was hollow. Empty. It was the first true tragedy of the loop… the day the man who had died a dozen times to save you finally lived, only to look at the woman he loved and tell the doctors he didn’t know who she was.

You had been devastated, a ghost haunting the halls of your own life, but you stayed. You held his hand every day, even when his fingers remained limp or, worse, when he pulled away because you were a stranger to him.

"You're here again," he had whispered a few months into the first year after his accident when you came to visit him in the hospital. His voice raspy from disuse. He wasn't looking at you with the warmth you'd grown custom to… or the shared secret of the midnight deadline. He was looking at you with polite, agonizing curiosity.

"I brought the books you like," you said, your voice caught in a permanent state of repair. "The ones about the trees. You used to say they were the only things that stayed in place."

Jeno tilted his head, a ghost of a frown pulling at his brow. "I don't remember saying that. I don't… I don't even think I like… trees that much."

The rejection was a physical blow, a silent bang that echoed louder than any gunshot neighbor. You forced a smile anyway, the kind of smile you'd practiced in the mirror.

"That's okay," you whispered, reaching out to tuck the blanket around his legs. "I remember for both of us."

"Why do you stay?" he asked, his eyes searching yours for a history that simply wasn't there anymore. "You're a lawyer, aren't you? You look like you have important places to be. Important people waiting."

You paused, your hand hovering near his. "I'm…" The doctors told you to be patient and steady, and not rush to expose all the memories… "I'm not that person anymore, Jeno. I'm just… a friend. Someone who doesn't like seeing people go through things alone."

He had just nodded then, turning his head back to the window, leaving you to sit in the heavy, sterile silence of a love that only existed in one heart.

He remembered his best friend Chenle.

The second tragedy was louder, more violent. It didn't arrive with the hollow silence of his memory loss; it came with a crash.

Just as the doctors finally cleared Jeno to come home—the modest two-bedroom apartment you’d carefully scrubbed and prepared—the reality of your new life collided with his fractured one. You stood in the doorway, watching him navigate the hallway like a man walking through a museum of someone else's life.

Then, the nursery door creaked open.

The sight of the twin cribs, the soft scent of baby powder, and the quiet gurgling of two infants should have been a homecoming. Instead, Jeno froze. He looked at the babies, then back at you, his expression a painful mixture of confusion and a growing, defensive panic.

"Who… whose are they?" he whispered, his voice thin.

The truth died in your throat. You looked at the man who had died for you, the man whose face was mirrored in the sleeping children before him, and you chose the only mercy you had left.

"They're mine," you said, the lie tasting like ash.

"Who's the baby daddy? You married?" he looked at your ring.

"Ah… yes. The baby daddy… and I are taking a break. But don't worry about it. I'm just your roommate, Jeno. We've shared this place for a while. It's… it's a big apartment. You have your own space."

He let out a breath, his shoulders dropping in visible relief. "Oh. Right. Roommates." He looked at the twins again, his eyes distant and polite. "They're… they're beautiful. Oh they're girls. Sorry if I ask too many questions."

"It's okay," you managed, your nails digging into your palms as you forced a steady tone. "You were gone for a while. It's a lot to take in."

You had to accept it then… the crushing weight of a father who didn't recognize his own blood. You watched him reach out a hesitant finger to touch a tiny hand, only to flinch back when the baby stirred. It was a clean break. You were a ghost in your own home, raising his children in the shadow of a man who thought he was just a guest.

Every time you looked at them and saw his eyes, his smile, his quiet strength, the wound reopened. But you stayed. You played the role of the helpful roommate, the kind stranger, because even if he didn't know who you were, you knew exactly who he was to you.

And the second tragedy… one minute, he was standing in the middle of your small living room, his brow furrowed as he argued about something trivial, a misplaced key, a bill, something you can't even remember now. Then, the words simply died in his throat. His eyes rolled back, and he dropped.

He hit the floor with a sickening thud, his body suddenly a stranger to itself, shaking like a fish out of water. You had scrambled to him, your heart hammering against your ribs, pressing your hands to his shoulders and counting his breaths until the storm passed. You thought you'd won that round.

But the second time, there was no warning.

You woke up in the dead of night to the sound of the bedframe rattling against the wall. The moonlight caught the frantic, rhythmic jerking of his limbs. You screamed his name, shaking him, begging him to come back, but his eyes were fixed on a ceiling only he could see.

"Jeno! Jeno, look at me! Breathe, please just breathe!"

Your voice had been a raw, jagged thing in the dark, but he was gone. You fumbled for your phone, your fingers slick with sweat as you dialed for an ambulance, the silence of the room replaced by the terrifying, wet sound of his labored breathing.

The rush to the hospital was a blur of red lights and cold linoleum. You sat in the waiting room, your hands stained with the ink of the release papers you couldn't bring yourself to sign, until… a doctor finally emerged with a look that held no hope.

"It's Status Epilepticus," the doctor explained, his voice clinical and detached. "Essentially, his brain has entered a seizure loop. It's stuck, and it won't break on its own."

"Loop?" You asked.

The word loop had sent a cold shiver down your spine. It was a cruel irony, the man who had spent a while trying to break a loop of time was now trapped in one made of his own firing neurons. Usually, a seizure lasts a minute or two, and the brain resets. But for Jeno, the electrical storms in his head just kept firing, one after another, without giving his body a second to breathe. They explained to you, in those cold hospital hallways, that because the seizures wouldn't stop, his brain was essentially overheating.

To save his life and stop the permanent damage, they had no choice. They had to put him into a medically induced coma.

They told you it would only be for a few days, just enough time for the 'electrical fire' in his brain to burn out so they could wake him up. But days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. And eventually, those months turned into four long, silent years. His brain had gone into a protective shell, and no matter how much the doctors tried to lower the medication, Jeno simply wouldn't wake back into reality.

For four years, you've lived in a quiet house. You've watched your 2 baby girls grow up in a long, cold shadow, babies becoming young walking girls who only know their father as a steady heartbeat and a collection of tubes.

'Dad you need to save mum please-' One of your daughters would whisper in her father's ear. 'She keeps crying. Please wake up.'

You've had to be both parents, all while mourning a man who was still breathing right in front of you. He was technically there, a body in a bed, but he was spiritually gone, lost in some dream world you couldn't reach.

But ten days ago, everything changed.

The doctors called you, their voices tight with a new kind of energy. For the first time in a while, the monitors showed a spark. A surge. Something in Jeno was fighting back, screaming from the bottom of a dark well. They told you to talk to him. They said he needed a 'tether'… a reason to climb back up. They told you that your voice might be the only thing strong enough to pull him home.

And so you've been sitting here, hour after hour, whispering the same stories into the silence, hoping that somewhere in that seizure loop in his head, he can finally hear you.

So even now… through the gaps between the doctors' shoulders, you watch the chaos. "He's in V-fib! Charging! Clear!"

BANG.

Jeno's chest jolts off the bed. The sound echoes in the room.

BANG.

"Come on, Jeno," you whisper into your palms. "Don't leave us. Not again."

BANG.

The monitor lets out a long, terrifying drone… and then, a steady, slow beep… beep…

"He's stable. Sinus rhythm is returning." The doctors begin to exhale, backing away, recording notes. One by one, they file out, leaving the room in a heavy, exhausted silence. All except one, Doctor Na Jaemin.

"Y/n. It's time to sign those papers-"

"No. He's still breathing-"

"You can't possibly want to live like this. Have pity on yourself. It's been 4 years- You're not looking any happier then he is." He calls your name gently. "When are you gonna finally leave him?"

"I can't give up on him." You walk past Jaemin and sit on the edge of Jeno's bed. "He saved my life…"

"It doesn't mean you get to save his."

"Yes it does. I said my vows. In sickness, and in health."

Jaemin sighs. "You said those vows to me now-" he shuts his mouth when you give him a glare. "Fine. I'll leave." The release papers that he left a week ago are still on the coffee table. Jaemin shakes his head, finding everything hopeless.

"Thanks." Jaemin stops in his track and then looks at you. "For paying the bill for this month, for him."

Jaemin's expression tightens, his hand lingering on the door handle. There is a flicker of something in his eyes… not just the professional coldness of a doctor, but the exhaustion of a man who has been playing a long, patient game. As a lead neurologist, Jaemin had been the one to oversee Jeno's case from the very beginning. He was the one who explained the Status Epilepticus to you four years ago, and he was the one who eventually told you that the coma might be permanent. But over those four years, the lines had blurred…

The relationship Jaemin had with the woman he cheated with didn't last. Once the thrill wore off, he realized she was only there for the lifestyle and the money. When he heard you had rushed to the hospital that night, breaking down in frantic heaps of tears, he showed up. He stood right beside you as if he belonged there.

Because you had never responded to the court dates for the divorce, you and Jaemin were still technically married. Even after years apart, the paperwork said you were his. He took advantage of that. He saw your vulnerability, a woman exhausted from waiting for her 'roommate' to wake up, struggling to raise two babies alone.

Eventually, the stress broke you. Between the mounting hospital bills for Jeno, the rent for the condo, and the costs of two growing children, you were running on fumes. Jaemin made a proposal, and with no other choice, you agreed to move back into the mansion, but only until Jeno got better.

It was a cold arrangement. Jaemin became your support and your financier, playing the part of the devoted husband while the man you actually loved lay silent in this hospital room. You were living a double life: a wife in a big, empty house by day, and a grieving stranger at Jeno's bedside by night.

He's been pushing the release papers for months now, his medical expertise telling him that Jeno's brain is a lost cause. He wants you to sign them so the hospital can finally pull the plug and let Jeno's heart stop. To the world, Jaemin is being a merciful doctor; but to you, it feels like he's trying to erase the only man who ever truly saw you.

"Don't thank me for the money, Y/n," Jaemin says, his voice dropping to a low, frustrated hum. "I'm not paying his bills because I want him to stay. I'm paying them because I want you to be free. Just look at you, clutching a hand that hasn't squeezed back in a decade."

"He's still in there, Jaemin," you whisper, not looking back at him. "I know he is,"

"Not this again," Jaemin counters sharply. He looks at the papers on the coffee table one last time. "The board is pressured for the bed, and your children deserve a mother who isn't a ghost. Think about it. Really think about it tonight."

The door clicks shut behind him, leaving you alone with the hum of the machines.

You turn back to Jeno, his face pale and still. You reach out, lacing your fingers through his, and for the first time in ten years, you don't talk about the kids or the weather. You lean in close to his ear.

"Jeno," you breathe, your voice trembling. "If you're ever going to wake up… if you're ever going to save me like you did before… it has to be now. Because I don't know how much longer I can fight him for you."

Suddenly, the heart monitor- the one Jaemin just said showed no hope- skips a beat. Then another.

And then, Jeno's thumb brushes against your palm. You don't know if it's reflexes, but he's done this to you, several days in a row now. Always private, with no witnesses but him and you. And it's in that slight thumb brushing over your fingers, that you have hope.

You sink into the chair and take his hand.

"What are you dreaming about, honey?" you ask, your voice a ragged whisper as you brush a stray hair from his forehead. "Because I miss you." You lean heavily against his arm, the sterile scent of the sheets filling your senses. "Please wake up… I need you to wake up. The doctors are telling me it’s time to pull the plug. They say it's been too long. But Jeno…" A sob escapes as you press his cold knuckles to your lips. "I need you more than ever."

You let out a small, bitter laugh, the kind that only comes from years of grieving someone who is still breathing. "Are you still in the loop? The one where you saved me? Where we went from strangers to… whatever we were? What was it you said? Remember so that I don't forget? I need you to remember, Jeno. I need you to remember me."

You start to tell the story again, the one you've whispered a thousand times in this room, hoping the truth might finally shatter the glass of his coma. You look down at the ring on your finger, the one you still wear, even though the Jaemin thinks of Jeno's ring as a joke.

"Jaemin… he really hates you. He wants me to think about it. To give the go ahead at pulling your plug. But I won't even think once about killing you. All I can think about is how you saved me." You take a soft breath, thinking about where all your problems started. "It should've been me who got hit that day. I should've been the one in that truck… but you took the keys that morning and offered… It should've been me."

Your eyes water as you bury your face in the side of the bed. After a moment, you sit up, checking the clock. 01:00 AM. "I'm so scared he’ll do it while I’m not here," you whisper to the silent room. "That he’ll pull the plug the moment I step out. I can't leave you alone. I'm just so scared."

You lean forward, resting your forehead against his hand, seeking a warmth that isn't there.

The door creaks open. You brace yourself for another one of Jaemin's rages, but instead, he walks in calmly, carrying a bouquet of flowers. He crosses the room with practiced ease and drops to one knee, presenting the flowers like a peace offering. Tucked into the petals is a small note.

You set Jeno's hand down gently and take the paper. Jaemin watches your face as it shifts from deep sadness to confusion, and finally, to pure shock.

"Jaemin…"

"The girls are turning five next week," he says with a heavy sigh. "They need a father. I'm sorry for rushing you, but I can't keep watching you fall apart for a ghost in a bed. I've been their father for four years, Y/n. Let's make it official."

He looks at Jeno's still form, then back at you with a terrifyingly calm expression.

"Please. End his misery so ours can finally begin. I promise you this time, I will treat you better. I miss you."

- Jeno's Pov

Jeno is walking down a hallway that never seems to end. Everything is a pale, shimmering white. Every few seconds, bright flashes of light zip past him like falling stars. He knows he is trapped in his own mind… his own memory lane, and he is searching desperately for a way out. A way to wake up. He has to find the exit before the light disappears forever.

He reaches out and grabs a brass handle. When he opens the door, he sees a memory in the room… a familiar memory.

"You're late," your voice says, playful and sharp as he follows you to the kitchen after a heavy shift. You are wearing an oversized t-shirt, holding a piece of burnt toast. "I finally made burnt toast. See how fast I'm advancing in life."

Jeno wants to laugh, but he knows this isn't real. He remembers the smell of the toast and the way the sun hit the wallpaper. He stays for just a second before pulling the door shut. "I'm coming back," he whispers to the empty hallway. "I need to get back to Y/n… she's waiting for me… Focus Jeno. Come on now… where is that door?"

He opens another door. It's a memory of a pet store. You are covered in dog fur, looking tired but happy. "Jeno, look," you say, pointing at some kittens.

He smiles, but it hurts his ghostly face. He doesn't know how long he's been here in his own mind filled with memories of his life… but he knows he's been here for a long time, looking through memories; some which he gladly stays to watch and others he quickly walks by. But within the past hours, he's been feeling an urgency to hurry up.

He closes doors, one after another, and the next, and the one after that. Each door is a piece of the life you built together after the loop incident. He knows he has to keep moving; he can't stay in the past. Some memories, he's too ashamed to look at- such as the ones where he had amnesia. He can see the look of sadness passing through your eyes in all those memories- and it's not something he likes to see.

Then, he stops at a door that feels warm. It feels like home. He steps inside.

Could this be it?

The air smells like a hospital, and he hears a sharp, thin cry. He watches a memory of himself from four years ago. You are in the hospital bed, gasping for air. You both thought there was only one baby.

"Wait," the doctor says in the memory. "There's another one. Help her, Dad, here she comes."

The Jeno in the memory looks like he might faint, but then he is holding them, two tiny babies wrapped in pink blankets.

"Auemi," the memory-Jeno whispers. Then he looks at the second baby. "And Jenny. Our little Jenny." He kisses your forehead and then kisses the girls. It was the happiest moment of his life. It was the moment the loop finally felt broken.

Jeno steps back into the white hallway. His heart is heavy with those names: Auemi and Jenny.

"I have to get out!" he gasps. He looks up and sees the lights starting to dim. The 'sun' in this hallway is setting, turning the walls a dark purple. He is running out of time. He can feel his connection to the real world getting thinner and thinner.

He starts to run. He passes doors of graduations and quiet dinners, but none of them are the exit. The shadows are getting longer, swallowing his memories one by one.

"Not yet!" he screams into the dark. "I'm not finished! I haven't seen the way out yet-"

But there is no handle. There is no lock. There is only the growing darkness and the distant, fading sound of a heart monitor's lonely beep.

The darkness isn’t cold… it's heavy, like being underwater. Jeno stands before the towering, skeletal tree and the clock with the humming, invisible hand. The ancient voice doesn't boom this time. It's a whisper that fills his skull, weary and patient.

"YOU HAVE REACHED THE BOUNDARY, LITTLE SPARK."

"I'm not ready," Jeno says, his voice cracking. He thinks of the tiny, milk-scented heads of Auemi and Jenny. He thinks of you sitting in that plastic chair, your spirit thinning like a worn-out silk ribbon. "Please, help me find the exit. I have to get back. Please."

The Being isn't visible, it's manifested itself as a tree. The air shifts causing the wind to blow over the trees so that it may speak. "THE LIFE YOU BUILT WAS A STOLEN FRAGMENT. YOU WERE ALLOWED TO LIVE, ONLY IF YOU SAVED HER LIFE. AND YOU HAVE. NOW YOU MUST GO-

"The hell? No. I'm not going."

"YOU WERE ONLY ALIVE BECAUSE OF GRACE, BUT JENO, YOU DIED THAT NIGHT."

"What night are you talking about? I didn't die- I just had amnesia-"

"THE FIRST NIGHT YOU MET Y/N. YOU DIED."

"What?"

Suddenly a door appears in front of the tree and slowly opens. Jeno doesn't need to step forward as he can see clearly. The dreams… or rather the loop he lived over and over again is no stranger to his memory… But this time, he sees that after picking you up from Jaemin's outrageous brutal kick out of the house, he drives you… to the tree… he recalls that peaceful talk you had with him, about how you wanted to change your life. And just as he's driving to his apartment… he accidentally crashed into a tree… He crashed it in a way that it saved you… he died… while you lived.

"That's not possible…"

"THE TRUCK WAS THE END, JENO, YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO DIE. EVERY YEAR SINCE HAS BEEN A DEBT."

"A debt to who?"

"TO YOURSELF. AND NOW FINALLY YOU ARE BEING SET FREE."

"Wait-" Jeno shakes his head. Understanding, but not wanting to understand, and it seems that the Being talking through the tree doesn't mind explaining for as long as Jeno asks. So Jeno gulps. "Please wait. Don't I get to see them? My family? My children… My Y/n?"

"DOWN THERE… IN THE ROOM OF WHITE WALLS… THE DEBT IS BEING SETTLED. THE PLUG HAS BEEN PULLED. NOT OUT OF MALICE, BUT OUT OF MERCY. THEY ARE LETTING YOU GO."

Jeno shakes his head. "What are you saying? Are you saying that I died and the only reason I was alive was to pay a debt to myself?"

"YES, YOU MADE A VOW TO BE THERE FOR HER UNTIL SHE WAS UP AND READY TO STAND ON HER OWN TWO FEET. SHE IS READY. AND NOW IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO GO TO. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE JENO."

Suddenly a sparkling and shining white door opens. Jeno back up, tears rapidly over his eyes. "No… Can't I at least stay… just to watch her? Please- I don't want to go-" Jeno cries.

"TO STAY IS TO WATCH HER WITHER. TO DIE IS TO LET HER BLOOM AGAIN."

"Is there no other option?" Jeno cries. "I didn't even tell her I love her- I miss her- please-"

The Great Tree shivers, its dry branches clattering like bone. "THERE IS A THIRD PATH. THE ONLY PATH WHERE YOU REMAIN ALIVE."

Jeno looks up, hope flare-lighting in his dark eyes. "Anything. I'll take it."

"IT'LL BE HELL FOR YOU. BUT IF YOU WANT, YOU MAY RETURN TO A MOMENT IN TIME THAT YOU THOUGHT WOULD LAST FOREVER." the voice rumbles, a note of warning beneath the floorboards of the world.

"A moment in time that I thoguht would last forever? You're talking about the loop?"

"FOR THE WORLD, LIFE WILL CONTINUE. Y/N AND JAEMIN, AND YOUR CHILDREN WILL LIVE ON. BUT FOR YOU, YOU WILL BE TRAPPED IN THE LOOP. IN THE LAST DAY WHERE YOU LIVED. TO THE MOMENT THE CLOCK STRUCK TEN A.M. AND THE GUNSHOT WOKE YOU UP. YOU WILL BE TRAPPED. THE LOOP WILL RESET EVERY TWENTY-FOUR HOURS. FOREVER. SHE WILL LIVE, AND YOU WILL BE WITH HER, BUT YOU WILL NEVER SEE YOUR DAUGHTERS GROW. YOU WILL NEVER GROW OLD. YOU WILL SIMPLY… BE IN THE LOOK. UNTIL THE END OF TIME."

Jeno freezes. The ultimatum hangs in the air like a guillotine.

"CHOOSE, SPARK. THE PEACE OF THE AFTERLIFE, LEAVING HER TO FIND A NEW PATH… OR THE ETERNITY OF THE LOOP, WHERE SHE IS SAFE-

"You mean where she dies every night… you want me… you want me to watch her die every night?"

"WHERE YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO REMEMBERS."

Jeno closes his eyes. He sees the future he just left…. the one where he is a "ghost in a bed." He sees you at the pet store, tired but real. He sees the twins fifth birthday… he sees you happy. If he goes back to the loop, those girls will never exist. You will be a lawyer again, sharp and angry and "the bulldog," trapped in a single Thursday for the rest of eternity.

"You said… if I stay dead…" Jeno whispers, "She lives?"

"SHE CARRIES THE LESSONS YOU TAUGHT HER. SHE SURVIVES."

Jeno looks at the flickering door in the distance. He can hear the long, flat tone of the heart monitor. He can hear your jagged, broken sob… the sound of a woman who has finally, mercifully, let go.

He stands up, his hands shaking.

"If I could live in a single Thursday forever, would I? Even if it meant watching the person I love forget me a thousand times? Let me guess… I already made the decision to loop… that's why I kept looping in the first place. My future self selfishly chose to live…" He looks at the clock. "How could I do that… I can't take her life away just so I can have her. I can't trap her in a Thursday because I'm too selfish to leave."

"SO GO. DIE IN PEACE LITTLE SPARK."

Jeno bites his lip, the veins popping on the side of his head as he holds back his tears.

After awhile of reminiscing of the life he had with you, he turns away from the 'loop' door. Away. He walks toward the Great Tree, his heart heavy with a love that is finally, truly, selfless.

"She said when she died… she'd feel peace…" Jeno chokes out, his form beginning to dissolve into golden sparks.

The Being is silent as Jeno reaches out and touches the bark of the tree. The darkness isn't heavy anymore. It's warm.

-

In the hospital room, the flatline continues. You are hunched over Jeno's hand, your forehead resting on his knuckles. Tears streaming down your face.

But then, the air in the room shifts when the warmth leaves his hands. You hold onto your stomach… Your sob echoes all the way down the hallway. You look up at his face. He's gone, but for the first time in four years, his expression isn't blank. He looks like he just achieved a goal. And with that, you shut your eyes in remembrance. He told you... to not live for anyone else. But for yourself. Even though Jaemin opened doors and assisted you. You won't allow yourself to be treated any different from how you treat yourself.

-

That's until one night, after an extremely heavy day at work with him working overtime to finish an interior layout, he stopped by a store which had a mini bar that sold alcohol. He had never drank alcohol in his life due to what he saw from his parents. However instead of walking to the train and then catching a cab home, he stayed in the fast paced environment and followed a billboard sign which had an advertisement. An advertisement that mirrored his tired miserable day to day life. He landed up in front of the store. While he felt slightly out of place, with commuters from different businesses and work stations, he sank into a seat outside, alone, listened to conversations, ordered and finally drank one bottle. At first the taste was unexpected, not bad enough to give him an excuse to leave, however he caught himself ordering more. His focus no longer on the taste and flavor of the alcohol… not even his miserable life… but a beau. A waitress. Black pants with a black apron over the waist, and a white buttoned down shirt. Laughed with ease. Served guests with diligence. Handled a tray as though it were fine wine. And looked naturally gorgeous.

The most striking woman he's ever seen in his entire life. Bubbly, bright, confident and so generous. And the moment you stepped in the bar, you took the spot of his old waiter and became his waitress. "How you doing sir? Care to go for one more bottle?" You'd come by to his table once in a while asking with natural charisma and batting of eyes- charm oozing out of you. Jisung could sense it that you knew that he was intrigued and starstruck by you, it was the only way he could explain the 9 empty bottles and a bill higher then what he gets paid for one of his part time jobs.

Even though his bank account was already bleeding with fixed subscriptions and unavoidable bills- from that night on, he became a regular at the mini bar. Just so that he could see you.

And finally after a good week of eagerly showing up to the mini bar like it was an important attendance, you finally learnt his name.

"Ah! My favourite customer is here!" You'd drop everything - not really - but you'd acknowledge him even when serving others. And Jisung felt special. "Jisung, your seat has been reserved. Table for one, in the corner there."

Jisung was just enthusiastic that a frail looking man like himself, weak with no muscles, bowl cut hair and glasses could have a girl like you- nose ring, tattoo of birds on your wrist, light makeup and different colored hair- a girl with an awesome personality to talk to him. He was never known in high school, kept his head down in university, at work he was just an employee holding onto his job. But here, he was a name, a person, a character with wings… and that's when the imaginations started. He started to see himself in a different light. In his head, he was cool, mysterious, hunky, everyone loved and wanted to hang out with him.

And then the next few weeks - his eyes became lenses of video graph memories of every interaction you'd have with him. Although you knew his name and would serve him bottles of alcohol every night - minus the weekends, it's the little side conversations that Jisung jotted down in his notepad when he'd get home wasted as hell.

"Tonight she asked me where I worked…" Jisung would write it down in a book that he'd specifically made for everything related to you. If he were a photographer- he'd definitely capture secret shots of you working and smiling and just looking so ethereal - but he's an artist, a landscape artist… for anime…

And it's upon that thought- that he grabbed a pencil and turned a page, and even though drunk. He drew.

Drew an anime version of you.

Rad, chic and cool.

And when he was sober and saw the drawing, something in him sparked. He went to work with a new headspace- ideas brewing like hot steaming coffee being poured in a cup. Even though he had work todo, he managed to sneak in a few plot points, characters he'd thought about, a whole world in his head! And before he knew it- he had a whole series in his mind and he couldn't wait to NOT visualize it anymore - but to SEE it! It was supposed to be about you- but that's the thing about art, you can't control it. His whole fantasy world grew bigger then you, the characters he created had a special place in his heart…

And that's how 'Lee Jeno', leader of the 'Dream TEAM' was created.

He's the energetic, sweet, fun, sporty and the heart of the Dream Team. The series follows him and his group of friends; Renjun, Jaemin, Mark, as they navigate college life, sports, music and brotherhood.

Jisung felt so attached to this series- that for months even though his life was miserable, this drawings of Jeno and friends was a glimmer of light in the dark. He began coming to the mini bar religiously, but just to drink one bottle as he got out his book and just drew.

"Looks so cool. Love the bursts of color- it's so bright-" You'd sit with him sometimes and watch him draw. He knew he was still shy and nervous around you, but it didn't matter because your presence was bliss- "Can I read it?"

"Uhm-" Jisung nervously flips through his pages…

You smiled, only making him red all over the face. "Okay tell me about it," but instead of telling you, he flipped to a page and turned the book around showing you.

And for 5 minutes you flipped through, entertained and then- "I like Jeno,"

That only fueled Jisung with more ambition- because Jeno represented the parts of Jisung that was hidden under layers of abuse and silence, destroyed but still inside of him. All his wants and desires, all his hopes and dreams, everything he wanted to be- fell upon Jeno's shoulders. And the fact that you acknowledged Jeno- means that you also acknowledged him… that you like him.

"R-really?" Jisung questioned, getting interested in pursing some kind of conversation with you. "Why?"

Sitting comfortable across from him, still in your work uniform taking a short break or waiting for customers- that night you indulged him with conversation. "I mean from this little piece of storyline, and what you drew, Jeno is like the man of my dreams. He's a leader, strong, intelligent, attractive- he's like a night and shining armor who'd save anyone." You giggled- Jisung saved that sound and image in his mind- practically glued it as his wallpaper whenever he opened his eyes. "I don't know, Jeno would be the perfect guy if he were real. He's so down to earth and chilled with his friends. Anyway, this bits really cool. Keep it up, gotta serve the next table."

Jisung went home that night, and instead of sleeping- spent the entirety of the night animating it from his book to his virtual sketchpad tablet which connected to his laptop. Motion anime. He no longer wanted to see it… but WATCH it.

The goal in his mind, to impress you. He didn't just want you to see his art anymore. He wanted you to fall in love with the world he made for you.

And after several months of grueling hard hours, days and nights of sometimes no sleep, literal blood (being abused by a nosebleed because of nausea from not sleeping), sweat and tears - all of Jisung's work finally paid off. Satisfactory work. He finally finished it… a season 1 of his life… his make belief life in anime form. And as soon as the time turned to the next year, after a work party, he went to where you worked. A gift wrapped in his backpack.

"Happy new year Y/n." Jisung sweetly said to you. To say you were touched was one thing- but when you saw him bringing out a wrapped blue present you felt like crying.

"Man, this is the first time I'm receiving a wrapped gift." you smiled gently. Jisung still had a lot to learn about you, and he wanted to. He wanted to get to know you so much more- not the version he created of you in his anime, but YOU. "What is it?"

"It's a surprise," he said, hoping that you'd like the gift. "Once you get home, you'll see what it is. I wouldn't want you to mistake this gift as me being self-absorbed, however I thought you might enjoy it. Instead of 'Netflix and chill', it can be your…m-magic and hearts to hearts."

Jisung loved seeing your smile.

And after that night, he was practically unable to return to the mini bar due to a heavy weight on his chest.

He bought you a tablet - and put in episodes of the series Dream TEAM, that he created. Not just that, but he also gave you a handmade and printed drawn manga anime styled 4 part collection of his Dream TEAM story- all complete just like the series! He was feeling embarrassed and didn't know if it was a good gift- he had planned that if you were too busy to read or weren't into reading then you could watch it- but if you were into reading then you could read it. Either way, he thought it was a good idea at first, yet after handing it to you- and seeing your smile, he didn't want your expectations to be disappointed… his mind shot back to reality! Was that a good enough gift?

After some weeks, with enough courage he came back to the mini-bar one night after work. He had convinced himself that the gift he got you was bad. He only had bad expectations of your reaction. So when you marveled out and cheered his name causing a few heads to turn- he was beyond stoned and surprised.

"My mind is BLOWN AWAY!" your hyper tone, ecstatic eyes, hands with so much emotion, cause Jisung to blush away- with pure happiness. You've never looked like this before. And he's happy to have unlocked another version of you… You express how much you loved the gifts! And unexpectedly encouraged him to publish it. He shyly explained how uncomfortable he felt to put his name out there- however you persisted and even advised him that he could post on places that would get him paid- you were sure that his work would really bring in bags of cash for him. "You could even make it a webtoon- I mean with all that color and animation, it'll get insanely popular, I'm sure everyone will love it. I'll be your number one fan."

That was another turning point in Jisung's life. He took your advice. Created an account… and nervously decided to share Jeno, the Dream TEAM, and his creation to the world… under the name Dream Team Creator…

And just like that, Jisung who had never been popular anywhere - after a whole month, his webtoon sky rocketed beyond his imagination shooting into space! reaching people everywhere! Overwhelmed by his creative success - he had you by his side to help him manage and create social media accounts for 'Dream TEAM Creator'.

Everything was going well… Jisung - even though anonymous in he real world was famous online- was getting the life he always wanted. Through his webtoon, he was getting paid better then his part time jobs… so he quit his part time jobs, had more free time, got your number - followed you on all socials- became your friend! and was finally going to ask you out- ask you to be his girlfriend.

But… this story isn't about Jisung… It's about the Dream TEAM.

Dream TEAM WORLD #76 EDITION! Watch anime | Read Manga Anime Loading… Scene 1:

"Something feels weird." Jeno, literally hot in his sweater clinging to his body, yet still confident enough to keep it own feels a 'pang' inside his body suddenly. He rubs his chest- yet swiftly catches the flying ball before it can hit his face, snapping him back to reality. Back to the ball game he's playing one on one. With easy moves, he flings his arm around, smolder on his face, hastily passing and dribbling the ball over a sweaty shirtless Jaemin- and then runs, jumps- thrusting the orange basket ball straight into the hoop!

A cheer- "Nice one!" from Mark, squatting on the ground with a towel around his neck.

"Smoked!" Renjun laughs from the corner of the court, watching from the concrete ground, as his friends played in the caged street basketball court. "Damnit Jaemin, where'd you get your confidence from? How can you miss a 4 pointer shot? Ball literally landed into Jeno's arms- Aw is poor baby Jaemin gonna cry out for his mummy," a mimicked cry leaves Renjun's lips, clearly mocking Jaemin who he dumps himself on the painted blue ground back facing the sun. Jaemin flicks up his middle finger in Renjun's direction.

Renjun's laugh fills the court.

It's not long before a finger flick to his forehead gets him actually in a cried pain. Dramatically he clutches onto the 'injured' spot and glares daggers at Mark- who now stands beside him, smirk over his lips. "Yho, how many times do I have to tell you, not to make fun of the players? You think what he's doing is easy? Get in there, under this hot weather, and try and land a shot- oh wait I forgot, you did, and got yourself with a literal third leg as a crutch,"

Renjun's pompous attitude returns, and so does his chortle. "Ho, ho, ho- I think you're forgetting that it's possible to land a shot under this blazing heat. If it was eeeasssy for the J-man to do it- then it shouldn't be so hard for Jaemin."

Mark scoffs, and then turns his gaze back to the court, watching now as Jaemin gets on his feet bouncing the ball around. "Dude, you just lost."

"Jeno! This isn't over." Jaemin pants out.

"Yho Jaemz," Renjun calls out. "You wanna go up against Jeno again? You're only setting yourself up for failure,"

"Nah, it's not failure until I say it is," Jaemin runs while basking the ball before he strikes a shot and it lands perfectly in the net. "Mark, wanna play instead of ducking with Renjun?"

"Yeah Mark, why don't you play-" Renjun butts in, and nods to Jaemin. "Sore loser wants you to go easy on him, so that he doesn't have to feel the impact of losing to a god like Jeno."

Mark laughs slightly at Renjun's commentary. He considers, and then ultimately jogs into the caged court, clapping his hands while walking to Jaemin - serving as a hype man. "Ayt, let's play teams. Us against Jeno."

"You're crazy." Jaemin upon hearing Jeno's name- gets basketball war flashbacks and sinks to the ground, refusing to get up, even though Mark grabs onto this arm trying to pull him. "How many times am I going to be humiliated by that giant?" Dramatically Jaemin groans aloud, clearly trying to get attention - a specific attention. "Jeno this is the part, where you tell me it's not about humiliation, it's about training and work and whatnot-"

Mark and Renjun snicker lightly, but then draw their attention to their friend Jeno… who stands in the same spot. Navy blue hair clinging to his forehead due to sweat, eyes transfixed on the ground not blinking, lips tightly bit under his own teeth, and finally a posture so rigid that anyone could mistaken him for a statute.

"His build is so posh." Renjun swings his feet from side to side, basking under the comfortable weather and watching. "When are you guys gonna get the game going?-"

"Yho Jen-" Mark calls out. "Teams of 2 sounds fair right?"

That doesn't catch Jeno's attention. Still standing, stiff.

"Jeno!" This time Renjun calls out, now laying down with his phone being his main focus. "Snap out of it and wipe the floor with all of them."

Mark's eyebrows furrows as he let's go of Jaemin who dramatically falls. He stands next to Jeno. "Man you good?" A pat on the back seems to do the trick- as life draws back into Jeno's eyes.

"Huh?" A few blinks, Jeno glances around and then clears his throat. "Oh yeah, sorry. I'm good,"

"Spacing out in the middle of the day?" Mark chuckles lightly.

Jeno smiles, wiping his forehead. "Just envisioning how I'm gonna mop the floor with you guys."

"Ohhhhh should I get the mop for you?" Renjun practically begs, mischievously and dramatically running into the court, a little too hyper for his knee injury- which causes him to fall. He let's out another dramatic cry infused with actual pain.

"Idiot," Jaemin laughs. "What part of sit out of the game don't you understand?"

"It's a little too early to smell alcohol in the air." Mark remarks.

"Oh god again with that saying? Mark." Jaemin weakly gets his head up just to meet Mark's gaze to express how he disliked that saying. "Stop trying to make it catchy."

A snicker leaves Mark's lips as he gets the ball back into his hands and grips it tightly, before tossing it to Jaemin he who sits up, while Renjun gets out of the court again. "Fam if you've got a problem, I'll play you for it. A point says I get to keep saying it for another month-"

"Now you're playing into my weaknesses-" Jaemin competitively zoots up, ready with zeal as he pats his chest. "Cool, I'll just have to win, and for a month you'll stop saying that."

"You're on-"

While the ball game commences between Jaemin and Mark, all game focused, hurdling the ball and running, blocking and even Mark landing a score- the game seems to forget the other player, Jeno who's lost in the distance. Jaemin trying to get the ball for himself accidently knocks Jeno yet continues to stride to Mark all focused- Renjun notices Jeno's zoned out stare and tilts his head. "J-man? You good? Ey Jeno!"

The voice breaks out loudly for Jeno to jolt up, his eyes coming out of that trance again. "Sorry," he shakes his head, dusting his hands together and then clapping- trying to regain his composure. Just as fast as he regains strength to play the game he loves with his friends- is the same speed it takes for the sudden feeling of… motion sickness to pass over his body. He literally stops and dodges a speeding ball from Mark to Jaemin. Jeno holds onto his chest, panting and swallowing some saliva over his dry throat.

Jeno speaks up; "Stop, stop, something's wrong." This time this gets his friends attention.

"Wanna stop?" Jaemin asks, a hint of playfulness in his voice. "Want us to go easy on you?"

"You don't look so hot," Mark adds more seriously, still keeping his tone casual, running to get his bottle of water.

"Sorry, I'm just…" Jeno rubs his chest. "I'm just feeling. Weird." he says when feeling that odd fatigue over him. It's almost like… Motion sickness… that's as close as he can describe what he's feeling. His whole body… it feels strange. "Does anybody else feel that?"

"Feel what?" Renjun on his crutches makes it on to the court, to stand with his friends, who've gathered around Jeno worriedly. Renjun takes a look at Jeno's worried pale and horrid face. "What's wrong dude?"

"Did anyone else see that tear from the sky?" Jeno has his eyes glued up to the sky, were a second ago he watched a tear drop…

Jaemin and Mark look to the sky, before turning back to Jeno. "Hey man, you okay?"

"It's clear he's not." Jaemin mummers.

Jeno, can only shut his eyes as his fists rub over them, not being able to understand what's going on. "I think I need a doctor." He concludes.

"Ayt get in my car," Jaemin immediately states- yet when they all try to hurry to the car, Jeno stops and turns around frantically.

"Does anybody else hear that?"

"Hear what?" Mark looks confused - as do all of them.

"I think you're losing it Jeno." Jaemin finally says, seriously, sensing the urgency of the matter, yet confused by Jeno's disposition.

"I also think I am." Jeno says, feeling aware of everything. He doesn't mind that his friends keep looking at him strangely. He also wants to know what's this strange thing he's encountering. Something else passes over him, and he completely steps back into the court where the feeling gets the strongest. "Someone's crying."

The boys look to each other, before focusing back on Jeno. "Crying?"

"I hear it."

After another brief eye contact, Renjun decides to be the spokesperson of the 2 boys confusion. "Jeno there's no one crying. No people, no buildings anywhere here, or not even so much as a car riding past this court. Let's just go to the-"

"There again. Another tear drop!" Jeno shhh's Renjun after seeing another 'tear drop'. And then he shuts his eyes while trying to focus on the odd sound that he alone can hear.

Renjun speaks over Jeno who's trying to concentrate. "Your brain is fried from playing 4 rounds underneath the sun- lol I thought Jaemin had the worst half of it, but you sound crazy right now Jeno." But Jeno's not listening… instead, he walks to where he can hear the sound… Like a hotspot game, when he's around a specific area in the court, he hears whimpers and sniffs very well and clearly, but when he's on other sides of the court, he hears nothing. To the rest of the guys, Jeno looks insane walking around the court with his eyes closed. And then the craziest thing happens… aside from Jeno's already odd behaviour, he takes it a step further when into insanity when he touches his head.

"The tear fell on me." He then holds his hand up- midair. Literally pats the air. "There's someone crying, can't you guys see it?" he questions.

Mark, Jaemin and Renjun watch Jeno's back in confusion, all wondering what trick or gimick their friend is plotting. "Cut it out Jen… it's already weird." Mark mummers and then turns to the boys when Jaemin clears his throat.

"80% of the time he wakes up normal, other times there's a 19% chance he wakes up odd and then there's this 1% shit." Jaemin mutters folding his arms.

"There's no one there Jeno, just get in the car and let's go to the hospital. It's possible that the sun did this to you,"

Mark hides a laugh. "Brain damage by the heat- OH MY GOD!" Mark shrieks - just as everyone's eyes pop out of their sockets. The once occupied space by Jeno, suddenly swishes and whirls… a wind blowing after that puff leaving the spot empty.

"Did- did- did anybody see that?! Or have I somehow banged my head!? H-he just disappeared into thin air?" Renjun whisper yells. "Tell me I'm not the only one who saw that?"

"I swear- I saw him vanish!" A moment of panic washes over the boys at the mere sight of their friend disappearing into thin air. "There really is alcohol in the air!"

-

Real World: Jisung

Jisung sits up without missing a beat from his alarm clock which strikes exactly at 05h00 a.m.. He turns it off, eyes wide open and botched red from the lack of sleep. The horrors of the events of last night kept him awake in a trance, a nightmare. He rubs his eyes, groaning as he shifts off his bed and slips his feet into his slippers. He kept hoping and waiting for sleep to come- but in each time it came, it was ruined by the image burned in his head from last night. No need to check the time on his phone- no need to be reminded of the fool he made himself to be in front of you, because opening his phone would mean that he'd have to see if you texted him back - after that awful moment.

"It was so embarrassing." Jisung slumps against the cold bathroom wall after using the toilet. Not wanting to recall your face- your shock- he jumps into the shower and turns it on. COLD! He endures it, even though he's getting drenched in his pajamas. As long as it allows his mind to be drifted away.

After removing his clothes, and willing himself into taking a shower, he's finally out of the bathroom and sinks back on his bed. Contemplating whether to go to work or not, Jisung misses out on a full hour of changing while sulking. He hates that he feels this way, but he can't help it.

Why did you have to reject him? Why did you have to say the things you said- Jisung replays the conversation over and over in his head - wondering what could he change? Absolutely nothing. All this time he thought he was getting closer to you… but you were just… Jisung huffs in some air, and gets up, dressing in some sweats and a shirt - he's not going to work- and he doesn't even care to inform his manager that he'll be off. He'll be in big trouble- but just for once in his pretend/miserable life, he'd like to actually have a moment to… crash out.

His composure cools down when huddling on the couch, eyes on the big screen as he projects from his laptop to connect and play out… the anime series he's spent a whole year of his life perfecting… perfecting just for you. He selects the latest work in progress storyboard plot he was writing and animating… this episode hasn't been released yet. As he wanted this episode to finally have allowed Jeno to get the girl. But how can he allow Jeno to get the girl, when he hasn't even yet gotten you?

For crying out loud, this anime has characters who are suited for each other, only because of real life experiences he had with you. With story lines of stories you had told him of your ex's and friends. This anime and manga with life lessons you'd shared… He listened, he documented, he drew, he designed it, all for you. During the process he was the most happiest he's ever been in his entire life. Life only made sense when you were in it. This anime only started because he wanted to visualize you… to see you with him… And this episode is supposed to be the episode that Jeno gets you- he whooshes you off your feet and the female version of you in the show; Bae, says yes.

However in reality, Jisung is just so… "Pathetic." Did he really think he had a chance with you? It's the fact that he even thought you'd say 'yes'.

With an upbeat intro opening- Jisung's thoughts come back, his eyes focus on the screen. He feels a pit in his stomach when hearing your favorite song as the opening. 'Here we go~ Come with me~ There's a world out there, that we should see ~ Take my hand, close your eyes~ With you right here, I'm a rocketeer~ Let's fllyyy~'

Seeing the vibrant, colourful squad and joyful boys, chilled and relaxed- Jisung can't help but sink in humiliation… what was he thinking. "Did I actually think I could be something? I'm so dumb and foolish." The characters in the theme song play basketball, go to the gym, study together, bask in ambiance and peace and Jeno always gets Bae's attention… and seeing you as Bae and Jeno and the friends all around while the title sits on the screen… actually gets him emotional.

Dream TEAM!

That was supposed to be him. His life. He dries his eyes, biting his lip to not think of his life and the tragedies that always happen. "Why doesn't happiness last in my world?" he sniffs again. He's always worked so hard, but nothing ever went his way, and now finally when he actually has something going for him- the world doesn't agree.

The Unaired - WIP (work in progress) episode begins, a casual scene of the boys playing basketball in the court. Jeno dominating Jaemin. As far as he remembers in the episode, after the boys are done playing, they go to the place that Bae is always seen - the cafe where she works, and Jeno takes shoots his shot and asks her out, and Bae says: "I was beginning to wonder when you'd ask me. The answer is yes. Yes Jeno. I will be your girlfriend."

Jisung remembers that line clearly, because it's what he had hoped you'd say to him.

Jisung can't even focus on the screen, his head wondering back to you and the conversation of last night. You actually rejected him. He asked you out, asked you to be his girlfriend and you actually rejected him. The mere thought of you breaks him- he falls apart again.

Actual tears burst from his eyes. He tries to be subtle, holding it all back in- however it swarms out. The rage of his life, of work, of his unhappy self, all rush out in agony as he cries out. Tear drops landing on the screen of his laptop. He places it aside and gets up going to the bathroom to fetch some tissues. Seeing his puffy red eyes in the mirror, his own reflection only showing the real Jisung. "A worthless piece of shit loser." In rage he slams his fist against the mirror. A crack creaks out- yet the damage on over his knuckles is much more. Blood leaks through some cuts and he moves back. "I'm just a coward, who should just kill himself."

"No."

Jisung freezes when hearing someone else breath out. Still holding onto his wrist of his bleeding hand, he refrains from turning around- even though he can sense the presence of someone behind him. He waits, trembles, hearing clearly that someone is breathing behind him-

"Don't kill yourself."

"AHH!" Jisung jumps by the contact of the hand on his shoulder- he looks back in reflex fright.

Today he didn't bother opening up any curtains, or lights, his emotions weighed him down and refrained from wanting to see any lights. So to sharply analyze the figure in front of him- he clearly makes out the lighter shade of hair- navy blue. And because the person's clothes are so bright- he can see the blue and colour infused jersey as well as white pants and orange sneakers. "What the hell are you doing in my house?"

Both him and the male figure jump- when another voice yells out in panic. "Jeno!!"

Jisung's eyes enlarge by the name- he follows behind the tall blue haired guy to his living room. His small living room- which now has the presence of two more beings huddled by his old tv bringing out a person-

Jisung's jaw drops, a gasp leaves his throat- he doesn't even know what he's looking at. Two people pulling out someone from the tv?

"Ya! Why're you pulling so hard- OW- my leg! My leg! Guys- did you forget my leg is injured!"

"Shut up and pull yourself out!"

"Yho fam why're so heavy?"

Jisung steps back, pure terror in his enlarged eyes. "There's no way." he shakes his head, snaps his eyes shut and then opens them again. He's still in his tiny living room- with 4 other man. One is in long grey sweat pants and a black vest showing how ripped with muscles he is- blonde white hair standing out the most. Another in a bright peach jersey and white shorts, a green beenie over his head. And the other guy being pulled out of the tv has a black snap back, with a yellow opened shirt showing his white shirt inside-

With one heavy tug he's out of the tv- he holds onto his leg, however he's immediately stunned and gets up on his feet-his one good leg- "Holy shit! Why're you looking like that?"

The beings all turn to look at each other. Transfixed on their appearance, the human like form they've taken being far different from the animation they've been drawn with. "Nope, nope, we have to go back. Something isn't right. Jeno we need to leave-"

But the blue haired being forms an 'x' with his arms, shaking his head. "We can't leave. He was crying. He's got a problem. And we need to solve it. It's what we do."

Jisung can only gasp, pure shock. "I must be dreaming." Without another thought, Jisung hurries to bathroom- which isn't that far considering his one bedroom apartment only allows him to take a few steps and he's already in the next location. Once he enters the bathroom- not a single thought flies through his head when he punches the mirror again-

In between it's shatters- he hears a hoard of voices and panic washes over him when feeling- actually feeling the hands of the beings that came out of the tv grabbing him and pulling him back. "Cut it out dude!"

"You're bleeding!"

Jisung can't comprehend it! How his mind is literally going insane while he's being yanked left-right and center by his CREATIONS! "Hell! Let me go!" Jisung abruptly cuts off from the tight grips of the guys- minus the one guy on the couch, holding onto his leg. He shakes his head- looking into each one of their eyes, he instantly recognizes them.

Renjun. The grounded realist of the group, sarcastic, observant, and never afraid to call out nonsense. In the recent work in progress Jisung made his leg ache due to a basketball accident.

Jaemin. Thrives on being the wild card. Jisung recalls having a tough time in deciding if Jaemin should be without a shirt for the entire episode.

Mark carries the quiet wisdom of someone who's seen a lot but doesn't talk about it unless he has to. Jisung sees that whole wisdom in his eyes just from looking at him.

And Jeno. The heartthrob of the group. Jeno's charm is effortless. The kind of person who always helps others, even when he's struggling inside… This latest episode was all about him…

Jisung can't believe it. He walks towards the light switch- he's eyes not leaving the beings who stare at him equally shocked and confused. He turns on the light- and then walks to the curtains and pulls them back, allowing all the light his tiny house can produce to reflect on the beings in the room. "This can't be." he covers his mouth and then points to each of them. "Jaemin. Renjun. Mark… Jeno." Their heads turn at once. He wants to laugh, to scream… or wake up.

"Here." Renjun raises his hand and then looks back to the others now being able to see them clearly. "Wow, do we look weird or what?"

"I'd go with or what," Jaemin awkwardly mummers and moves back and forth on the balls of his feet- until his eyes catch something on the little study table in the corner of the room. "Is that me?" he picks up the manga book, flipping through the pages being familiar with the animation- "Hey this is me! And you Ren- wait…" Jaemin tilts his head… "This is us." He closes the manga comic book and reads the title: "Dream team…"

Not just him, but Renjun, Mark and Jeno are caught in a daze by the pouring light and their new appearance as well as the comic that Jaemin is holding. They can tell that something isn't right- yet… it's unclear what they should do about it. "What now?" Renjun asks.

"We have to go… back?" Mark questions and looks at Jeno.

Jeno on the other hand has his eyes on Jisung. The wheels in his head, turning just a little. He heard crying. It's clear that the person in front of them is… a mess. And something in Jeno can't leave without helping out. In fact, the longer he keeps looking at the person… he feels a closeness to him. "It's impressive how you know our names pal?" Jeno starts, polite but radiant. "What's your name?"

Jisung only swallows. "I'm going insane."

"Nice to meet you 'I'm going insane.'" Renjun cackles by his own joke. Seeing no one else laugh, he sighs and leans back.

Jeno chuckles lightly, nervously before approaching. "I can assure you that you're not the only one feeling that way. It seems like… my friends and I came out of your tv. Which is insane. But we could all benefit from each other." his warm smile, allows Jisung to be at ease. I heard you crying moments ago and so, I walked…" Jeno tries to recall. "And then I was just here."

"Me too," Mark adds.

"So did I," Jaemin nods, taking a seat on the study chair. "Renjun,"

"What? I followed you guys when I watched you guys vanish. Didn't know what I ran into, but I just ran." Renjun answers honestly and then points his finger out. "Are we all gonna ignore the pool of blood on ground from his knuckles?"

"Oh-" In heaps, Mark and Jaemin begin to look for some tissues, while Jeno gently holds onto the hand and examines source of bleeding. "Doesn't seem broken. Let's just clean this up." Jisung can hear footsteps echoing around, hush voices asking questions, but all in all the boys all come back to the living room with handy supplies. Mark has found some bandages while Jaemin has sellotape and Renjun- even though with an injured leg comes back with a tissue ply. Jeno and Renjun work on Jisung's hand, Jaemin and Mark cleaning the floor. Jisung is still in disbelief. It's not real- he keeps telling himself, yet he can see them, hear them, feel them touching him, even smell them.

Jeno pauses for a second, just from how Jisung jolts a little when Mark wraps the sellotape a little too tightly. Jeno's gaze lingering on Jisung, a second too long, like something about the man in front of him is… familiar. "Have we met before?" he asks softly, more to himself than to Jisung.

Jisung nonetheless frowns. "What?"

"Nothing," Jeno quickly shakes it off with a smile, but there's a flicker in his eyes, recognition? déjà vu? He doesn't say more, but he watches Jisung like he's trying to remember something important. "Anyway, what's your name?"

"Yeah and why are we in your living room?" Renjun questions. "Why do we look like this? Why do you have a manga about us? I've got a whole bunch of questions-"

"Patience guys. This is a confusing situation for all of us." Mark finds a spot on the floor and focuses on Jeno. "So, you heard him crying? That means he's the solution."

Jaemin snorts as he reclaims his position back on the study chair, while flipping through the manga. "Gee Mark. Solution? Really? I'm still on the part where we jumped out of the tv and look like this, and for some reason this person here has a comic book about us. If you're not going to figure it out soon, I might just believe that he's our 'god'."

"I don't want a god who wants to kill himself." Renjun looks back to Jaemin and snickers, but then quickly adjusts his face when catching Jisung's stare. "This isn't real right? Let's just go back,"

"How?" Mark asks- and in the moment he presses on the tv with his finger. "It's not taking me back in." And indeed the tv seems like a regular screen now. "Which only leaves me to believe that we need a solution to get back in the tv."

"Oh Mark, always the optimistic," Jaemin sighs, before a chuckle leaves his mouth. "Wait- you're telling me- you mean to tell me that we are really here? This is real?"

A whole banter goes on between Jaemin, Renjun and Mark who are in denial about the situation- meanwhile Jeno, even though stunned about everything, he's not confused about why he's here. "Mark." he calmly calls out. "You said we need a solution right? Well, I think you're right. He's the solution. I heard him crying- I heard you crying and if we're here, it may mean that we have to solve your problem."

"What?"

"Jaemin what else could it be? We'll get to every possible scenario, but for now let's focus on the present facts." Jeno mentions, watching Jisung who slides down the wall- horror now subsiding as he comes to terms that this… is real. "So, please help us out pal, what's your name?"

"Jisung." he answers, having nothing else to believe, he points to himself. "You heard me crying?" Jeno nods. Jisung looks away, avoiding their eyes. How is this real- he wants to ask, but Jeno beats him to a follow-up question.

"So, why were you crying?"

The room gets quiet. Maybe this is still a dream- Jisung thinks, but it's not like he's waking up anytime soon. He knows from his own experience how his own nightmares never like ending, so he sighs and just… goes along with it. He looks up, all eyes on him. All these bundles of bright clothed males in his room… he doesn't feel overwhelmed by their presence, there's a sense of familiarity with all of them. All his… personalities listening to him. He tries not to chuckle that he's losing his mind- especially when he looks at Jaemin who's lips look like he wants to break out into a laugh- and from the looks of it, it seems like a laugh of confusion and disbelief.

"I… I'm fine." Jisung clears his throat, not knowing what else to say.

"No you're not man," Mark this time speaks up. "You've got a bleeding hand. Something's wrong."

"Besides that your house was dark when we came in," Renjun folds his arms. "If you ask me, you just need some sun, music and maybe a ball game. It always fixes everything. Right?" And in chorus, all the boys except Jisung answer in happiness.

"Right!"

Jisung shakes his head. "In my world, there's no such thing."

"Why not?" Jaemin questions. "Is there no sun? Or music? Or basketball? Or you just don't want to?"

Jisung looks down. "I…"

"What's wrong?" Jeno on the floor, crosses his legs, ready to listen to Jisung. "I may not look like it, I'm really good at helping out. In fact, we all can. When someone's upset, we always get down to the root of the problem?"

Jisung offers a light snicker, knowing those words very well. He wrote them. He wrote Jeno like that. Jeno as someone who can't pass on someone being upset- for crying out loud, it's how Jeno has so many friends and many allies, because he understands people and doesn't like seeing them alone. "I don't think you can help me," Jisung shakes his head.

"Why not?" Jeno asks. "Everyone needs help once in a while. You can't go through it all alone,"

"I actually can." Jisung cuts out, looking at Jeno- probably looking hopeless. "I've gone through my whole life alone. No one but me."

"Now you have us," Mark says. "Literally. We're here, so stop moping. You're hurting the atmosphere."

"Hm," Renjun rubs his chin. "You say you've gone through your whole life alone? Where have I heard that before? We may have been born alone on this earth, but we're never alone. As long as we've got people around us, we can't go through life alone."

Jisung gets up abruptly. "Well I can. I'm a living proof of it. In fact, I think I'm meant to be alone. My parents didn't even care about me. My boss sees me just as a pencil. This world treats me like I should just die. And Y/n… she…" Jisung looks down. "If people don't want me in this world, what's the point of living?"

"Y/n?" Jeno calls out. "Is that a girl? Girlfriend?"

"It must be," Jaemin says, eyes engrossed on the manga he's reading… "And I bet, it must be the final straw to why you wanted to kill yourself. Right?"

"You know what she said?" Jisung chuckles sadly, the emotions reflecting in his eyes and Jeno can clearly see the newly forming tears. "She said that she… felt bad for me. And I'm crying because of that. Because it's true. I'm a coward. I'm not strong. I'm not like you. I live in my head because the real world sucks. I live in a maze that always leads to unhappiness, so why wouldn't I want to kill myself?"

Jisung wants to stop himself, but the words come out like word vomit. He's never been vocal about his thoughts - ever. He's always just kept it in. Kept it in his head. And honestly, it feels good to just be vocal instead of having these thoughts in his head. At least now- he can hear what he really thinks. And the boys all listen, no one stopping him.

"I-I… I've never been happy with myself. And I don't need no one feeling bad for me. Especially not her- do you know how many new things I tried out because of her? I've stepped out of my comfort zone just for her. But then she tried to offer me pity and then threw jabs at me." Jisung scoffs, bitterness clouding his eyes. "She wants to give me advice and then laugh at me, behind closed doors- just close the door, let me be by myself. Just me and myself. I'm tired of living. I know it sounds crazy to everyone. But I'm depressed as hell, stressed as hell. There's no medicine that could cure me, no help that could save me." Jisung dries off the tears that mistakenly spilled. "So yes, I've gone through this whole world by myself and I just want to die-" His moves away from the group but is stopped instantly when Jeno grabs his arms getting up as well.

"Stop it Jisung." It hurts Jeno to even hear what Jisung is saying about himself- all because of a girl. "Just because she felt bad for you, doesn't mean the world doesn't want you. Doesn't mean that everything you said is true."

Jisung shakes his head. "It is true. I was invisible for so long that it felt good to be noticed. But who am I kidding, she doesn't want to be with a guy like me. And if she doesn't want me, then no one wants me."

"Jisung stop it." Jeno holds his arm firmly. All the words spoken, all the words that left Jisung's lips, land straight into Jeno like a familiar record, almost like a pain he's felt before. "Did she say those words? Did she actually tell you all that? Or is it you- feeding yourself lies? Don't do that man. Don't put yourself down like that. It's not right."

A sad laugh escapes Jisung's mouth. "Oh please this is the real world-"

"Real world or not- you're depressed. That's something I understand," Jeno cuts off, sternly gazing into Jisung's bitter eyes. "But nobody likes a broken record. You can't tear yourself down. You can't do that to yourself. It pushes people far away from you. It doesn't make you attractive or even someone to be around. Only you have walked in your shoes, don't let others judge you off of what they see. So what if she said she felt bad for you? It doesn't change who you are- there's a million other people who will like you if you don't feel bad for yourself and wallow in self-pity."

The room is quiet. Jisung and Jeno having a deep stare off. Jeno meaning business and hating self negativity- and Jisung realizing that he spoke all his mind out and is ashamed of how that made him seem- especially since Jeno looks upset at him.

"Uhm." Jaemin drums his pants awkwardly. Deeply despising the energy around him. "Pal look, there's a million different things to be heartbroken about, and a girl shouldn't be one of them."

Renjun nods. "Gee. You need to hit the gym. Stop crying."

"No." Mark gets up and then walks towards Jisung and Jeno. Mark hated seeing Jeno upset, it always meant that the situation was pressing and affecting him. "It's okay to be upset about a girl. There's nothing to be ashamed off. In fact, we know a girl like that. Her name is Bae. Gives mixed signals all the time." Jisung turns to Mark when hearing the name. "Jeno was once upset about her. He never knew where he stood with her, however he didn't cry around, he would work on himself. Point is, dude, Jisung, if this girl means something to you, and she said things that hurt you… then take space to breath and then get back up and work on yourself. Don't hit the mirror, it did nothing wrong to you. Don't call yourself pathetic. Change."

"I've tried to-"

"You tried to on your own." Mark places his hand on Jisung's shoulders, just as Jeno let's go off his wrist and nods. "But now, we're here. Right Jeno?"

"Right." Jeno nods, his eyes real and firm. "We won't let you go through this alone. You can take your time to heal, but we're here for you."

"Yeah but for how long-"

"Shhh." Renjun shuts up Jaemin.

Jeno although hears it. "I don't know for how long, but whatever brought us out of the tv and into your world means we have to help you out. All hands on deck." he answers. Renjun and Jaemin look up reluctant to help but Mark nods, agreeing to help. "So, we're going to help you out. It's what we do. It's like our own bro code, no bro gets left behind. We all excel and succeed together." Jeno sticks his hand out, and in an instant Mark places his hand over his. Jaemin is up on his feet not wanting to miss out on the moment- even though he's not too hyped about it.

"I'm there in spirit." Renjun says, however still gets up, hops over the short distance and then places his hand over the others.

Jisung looks to the boys surrounding him. His own creation talking back to him and wanting to help him? The moment is surreal and crazy… he allows himself to feel the ambiance of warmth in the room. It's kind and wholesome. They're here and they want to cheer him up. Looking at him with ease and encouragement… They don't even know what's happening but their priority is him.

Feeling touched, he places his hand in the middle. That earns him the gift of seeing their smiles. His heart… warms up because this is a scene right out of his comic. He's never had a moment like this, however right now, with his hand piled on others it feels really good.

"Together on 3." Jeno speaks. "1! 2! 3!"

"TOGETHER!"

-

Jisung doesn't live in the best of apartments- he himself has always categorized this part of town as the 'slum neighborhood'. Why? Because the building was small, with darkened brown bricks and the space felt and looked congested. And there wasn't any difference outside. Despite the striking blue sky and the plush white clouds, it's almost toned down or not visible due to how high and grey the apartment buildings are- blocking out the view above. Not only that, some parts of the streets had potholes- the people didn't look at all wealthy… some probably didn't have jobs. After all- this neighborhood was just a place of people all struggling yet passing by with their lives.

"Hey sorry sir," Jisung quickly stops someone on the sidewalk and clears his throat. "Sorry to disturb, but can you… see people behind me?"

The man, ordinary pedestrian can only stare- at the gloomy man in black with a whole bunch of colorful boys behind him. They surely stand out in this part of tone with all that color. "Yes, I can."

"Okay that's good." Jisung smiles and bows, allowing the men to walk away, meanwhile Jisung turns around. "Good news. You are seen."

Jaemin shakes his head. "So this is the real world."

"Our world is better." Renjun states, walking beside Jaemin with a cane that Jisung gave him. The streets that they're walking on feels a bit dull compared to the roads in their world. The colors feel faded unlike the bright style they've got on. Renjun shakes his head and turns to Mark who's beside Jaemin. "Mark, are we really gonna help this loser?" Renjun flicks his head towards Jisung who's in front of them.

Jaemin snickers a little. "He's our creator be nice."

Renjun grunts. "Our creator? Look at him- he's so… depressing."

"He's going through something." Mark whispers back. "It makes sense for him to be down. And Jeno wants to help out. And we have no choice but to help, otherwise what other reason did we have for jumping out of the tv with him?"

"I came for you guys." Renjun mutters. "Should've stayed behind." he dramatically sighs. "My question is, how are we even able to do any of these things. Thinking by ourself if he's our creator."

]Jaemin's curious mind hums out. "I saw on the table a storyboard… If we're thinking hypothetically, maybe this is a new episode and he hasn't gotten time to develop how we think and talk… hence we're moving mechanically according to our personalities."

"Perhaps," Mark agrees finding the thought interesting. "That actually makes sense… you said you saw a storyboard?"

Jaemin hums. "We'll talk about it later in the house. Let's focus on our poor sad creator."

After allowing Jisung a moment to take another shower as well as dressing up, the boys coped together in the living room. Engaging in the content material about themselves… Dream TEAM. It wasn't hard for them to accept that they're animations- there was no other choice but to accept it. That new found knowledge didn't change who they were, they still felt like themselves. Which was strange for Jisung because he was under the impression that he was dreaming and talking to himself. After dressing up in a black hoody and some pants, he was stunned to still see the crew in the room. 'Let's take a walk!' - They said, trying to encourage him to take them outside so that they could see the world.

"So Jisung." Jeno beside Jisung takes a look around. "This is your world." Jisung nods, his gaze is still on the ground and there's no smile on his face. Jeno, intrigued by the new information of everything… even though nothing is clear… Jeno still feels this bond, this connection to Jisung. The sadness that Jisung feels makes Jeno eager to want to help him- it feels like this is a friend he's never known, but knows that this kind of friend has always had his back.

Jisung peaks to his side when hearing Jeno snicker. "What?"

"Ah-" Jeno jolts and smiles considerably. "It's nothing, it's nothing."

"Don't mind him, Creator." Jaemin teases from the back. "Despite Jeno being relaxed, he's also a huge dumb ball. But you must know all about that, since you're our Creator."

"Jaemin." Mark calls out nudging the ladder.

"Hey I don't mean to be insensitive but, I say, we break her heart." Renjun mumbles. "This girl who broke Jisung's heart, we should break her heart."

"You're like a devil on the shoulder." Mark mumbles. "Why would anyone want to break someone else's heart?"

"Well because she broke our Creator's heart." Renjun states as if it's obvious.

The banter goes on for a bit- and Jisung actually smiles…

It feels like… he's actually in their world. There were nights where he drew and wrote scenes with desires to be in them, to be with them, to be a part of them… and simply hearing different voices like children bantering and bickering behind him… make him feel a strange sense of achievement.

"That's actually a good idea." Mark speaks, causing Jisung to focus on the present conversation at hand.

"What's a good idea?

"Jeno suggested we meet her." Jaemin speaks. "And then we can decide if we break her heart as Renjun intended, or we continue to work on you as Mark offered. What do you say Creator?"

Jisung blinks, and looks hesitant at first. "Can you stop calling me Creator…"

"But you're my-"

"I can't take you to her." Jisung sighs out.

"Sounds like you're running away from your problems," Jeno stops in his stride, folding his arms, allowing for a matching sigh to leave his lips. "It makes sense. You've got a lot of problems. It doesn't help that there's no form of motivation anywhere here." Jeno watches a person liter on the ground before crossing the road. Jeno refrains and holds himself back, he doesn't want to be disrespectful and call out all the wrong things, so he just smiles at Jisung- patting his back. "It's okay. The first step to anything is having a change of scenery. In your case, your environment affects your mood. You need to change that. So Jisung, take us to… some place with… light. With something exciting and motivational."

"This feels so weird," Jaemin mummers with an amused yet curious gleam in his eyes. The world is so different from what they know.

"We can go to a park?" Jisung points, indicating that in between the large buildings seen, there might be a park. "We can walk to the park."

"So what? There's no cut scenes, or jump to-"

Jisung pauses in his steps, a thought popping in his head. Looking to the bubbly, colorful beings, he tilts his head… The more he thinks about it, the weird it gets. The big question is: HOW? How is any of this possible? They left their world and now they're here- they can't go back and they're all convinced that they have to help him in order to get back in the tv? How crazy is that- how bizarre is that? How and why are they going along with this, as if it's normal?

"I don't like how he's looking at us." Renjun folds his arms.

Jaemin clears his throat, politely snapping his thumb. "You know, most people would actually talk while they stare… Dude,"

"Oh sorry." Jisung apologizes timidly, causing Mark's lip to tilt upwards.

"You're just like Jeno," Mark takes initiative and begins walking- not further developing his thought… leaving Jeno wondering what Mark has seen in Jisung- for him to be comparing.

Nevertheless, the park is just as dull. Instead of green, fresh, radiant grass - the boys are not impressed with the dried, drained yellow they see all over the floor. There's a swing made of a tire and rope hanging from a tree. "No, no, no." Renjun shakes his head. "You mean to tell me the only way back to our world is to help Jisung gain self-confidence? How is someone supposed to get confidence when they live like this? How can you be proud of such a neighborhood? How can-"

"Renjun that's rude." Jeno cuts in, even though he sorta had similar questions. "It's not nice to judge-"

"But I want to go back to where I came from, and by the looks of it- it looks like we'll stay here forever." Renjun dramatically places his hands against his head- his stick dropping. Renjun refuses to hear anyone else speak-not Mark or Jeno who try to settle his nerves. "Is there no where else you can take us? Don't tell me that your world is filled with such- darkness? Don't you know that your environment shapes you? With all this lifeless things- I too would take my own life, especially if this is how I lived-"

"Why are you so over the top?" Jaemin frowns-

Jisung feels ashamed, but quickly gets out of his phone… he doesn't know that many places except work, home and… the mini bar. He has never thought much about his environment before. Never given thought that his environment shaped him… Without much thought, he requests a 5 seater ride to the only bright place he knows. Not his work place… but… the mini bar store. He's relaxed knowing that as it's still early, you wouldn't be at work… as far as he knows, you have night shifts. So he's hoping to bring the boys to a 'life filled and colorful place', before they smoke and roast him for his area and living conditions.

Upon opening up his phone to request, he ignores the several missed calls from you, as he directs his attention to ordering a ride. He had no courage to face you again after that.

-

"Now this is what I'm talking about." Renjun grins brightly, proudly yet again. Throughout the car ride, once the gloomy scenery disappeared and the roads seemed a lighter shade of grey with clean streets and corners, brighter buildings, lush and vibrant trees - Renjun noted it all. Not only him but everyone else in the car, they could tell that they were some similarities to their worlds after seeing this environment. Jisung felt relieved, and finally when the cab stopped at the mini bar - in broad day light the store was at it's gorgeous sun kissed era. The building looked clean with the additions of beautiful green vines attached with roses, the people causally walking around seemed hard working and filled with determination - a whole new world that the boys could be proud of. So as Renjun marvels again at the sight - while waiting for the drinks to arrive, Jisung completely understands why he keeps praising everything. "Jisung I suggest you cash out of the rusty apartment and find a place here."

"I agree." Mark and Jaemin chime in.

"Let's start with the basics." Jeno speaks up, leaning back in his seat, his aura unmatched as he looks relaxed and confident all at the same time. Now this is an area he feels mostly pleased with and at home with. "Where do you work and how much do you make?"

Jisung takes a look around, the store isn't that filled, while there's a section for actual items to buy, the mini bar had tables and stools scattered around the well lit space. Some people are seen with laptops typing away, while others casually enjoy a few mocktails and cocktails drinks - and the boys from the Dream Team and him are seated on a round table for 5 people. It's the first time Jisung has been in such a big table, feeling completely new to the idea of being in a big group. But he's not with a group of strangers but people he feels comfortable around - he can look into each one of their eyes and there's no such thing as fear because he created them and knows that parts of them are some traits from himself.

"He's zoned out again." Mark speaks and then looks to Jeno. "You see the similarities between the two of you right?"

"What do you mean by that?" Jeno piques. He then leans forward facing Jisung and angles his head highly. "Jisung, you need to stop speaking in your head and speak out loud. Say what you're thinking and stop living in silence."

"Ay," Jaemin smiles feeling touched by the words. "Nicely said."

Jisung comes back to his thoughts and focuses on the group of boys, actively wanting to participate and be in the moment. If this is just a dream, then he needs to enjoy it. "I work as an animator at Chiller Studios. I design the landscapes, and it pays well enough for rent and water bills alone. I had some part time jobs that would help me with savings and extra errands, however when I began making money from… animating the Dream Team series, I quit the part time jobs."

Jaemin jerks forward with his eyes open. "So you mean to tell me… you made money off of us? Does that mean you're famous? We're famous?"

"I mean, technically yes, in animation form of course," Jisung nods in half agreement. "Right now, you just look like really good cosplays."

"Next question," Jeno speaks again, being satisfied with the answer. "Since you enjoy animating, what other hobbies do you have?"

Jisung thinks for a bit, Mark, Renjun shotting back and forth ideas such as: "Maybe basketball since you're tall?"

"How about karate? You seem like you've got the perfect build for that."

As they give a run down list of hobbies - mainly physical and sporty, Jisung sinks slightly and looks at no one in particular. "Basically… all the sports I've ever wanted to try, I've only watched on youtube and allowed you guys each to specialize in them. I don't have enough time in my days to do those things. To answer you, each one of your hobbies are things I've wanted to try… or do."

Mark nods in understanding. Some things in his head were already clear, but he needed Jisung to confirm them. "Figured. It's why I said you and Jeno are alike. I can also guess that our personalities are some form of you, right? You want to be emotionally expressive, a bit of a trickster and playful with an energetic spirit like Renjun. You'd also want to be observant, logical just like me. You'd also like to be cheerful, and balance tension with ease like Jaemin. As for Jeno, you'd want to be attuned to other's feelings, thoughtful and like an emotional anchor."

"Wow." Jaemin hums out being impressed. "Is that true?" Jaemin catches Jisung's eyes, just as Renjun seems intrigued.

"So how can we 'fix' him now?" Renjun questions. "If we're what he wants to be, how can we inject that in him?"

"We won't." Jeno leans forward pressing his hands together, looking eager and determined to solve Jisung's problem as well as bring out the shy boy to step into his confidence. "We'll have to make a bucket list or something. A list of challenges or short term goals that Jisung has to overcome. It's the only way to push him out of his comfort zone and into the…" Jeno's voice drones out…

"Into the what?" Mark asks, really listening and wanting to help Jisung out.

"Into uh…" Jeno's sentence freezes mid-gesture, upon his eyes causally looking away from the boys for a second again, as you walk into the mini bar, catching his full attention. Time seems to slow, he's staring, completely starstruck, and forgetting everything he was about to say about the bucket list.

Renjun notices his stare and snorts. "What's wrong with him?"

Jaemin tilts his head, amused once he sees what Jeno is staring at. "Oh- did someone just cast a love spell? Creator was that you? Jeno's found a crush."

"It's not a crush…" Jeno clears his throat, cheeks heating up, trying to get back to his thoughts, but his eyes look at the door you just disappeared into. "She's just cute."

Meanwhile Jisung goes pale and immediately ducks his head on the table with his arms over his head, as if he'll magically disappear. "Crap! That's her- that's Y/n," he mutters, barely above a whisper. "What is she doing here? She only works nightshift…"

"Wait." Jeno's eyes widen even more. "That was Y/n? The one who broke your heart and made you cry?"

The group is stunned. If this were still their animation, they're jaws would be dropped dramatically and they're eyes wide- instead their all around the table with their mouths wide open and eyes glued open - looking completely ridiculous. "That babe broke your heart?" Jaemin scoffs.

Renjun leans in with a sly grin after hearing Jaemin, and he whispers in a hushed tone, matching Jisung's frightened posture - as he places his hands over his head trying to hide. "Jisung. She's looking way too perfect. Honestly this is your cue. To take revenge."

Jaemin nods eagerly, equally whispering loudly. "Yeah, a fine lady like that doesn't know what she's missing out on. You need to step up on this bucket list that Jeno spoke about- gym, charm, confidence. Make her see what she let go off."

Mark snaps back to the boys, rubbing his temples- talking normally instead of the two who resorted to whispers. "Are you guys insane? He can't do that. That's messed up."

Jeno with his eyebrows crossed agrees with Mark. "Guys, no revenge. That's not the point. This is about helping him, building confidence, not hurting anyone-"

"Screw that." Renjun rolls his eyes, with eyes focused on Jisung, who looks like he's listening attentively with his eyes on Renjun. "Pretty people shouldn't always be the one's to win. If they break underdog's hearts, they also deserve to be in pieces."

"Right." Jaemin nods, happy with vengeance in his eyes.

Jisung can't help his mind wandering to Renjun and Jaemin's words. Part of him starts considering the idea of flipping the pain back onto you…

"As my Creator," Renjun speaks a bit louder sensing he's got authority now. "Seeing you look so fragile, I know you did nothing wrong to her. And that she's the real problem… she's to blame. Of course we have to hurt her too."

Jisung swallows hard. "Yeah… that… that's a good idea," he mutters quietly, surprising even himself.

Before Mark and Jeno can further react to stop the nonsense that Jaemin and Renjun have brewed - you step closer, catching all their attention.

"Hi! Welcome to Paradis Mini Bar. I'm -Jisung?" you call in surprise as you see him- causing Jaemin, Renjun and Jisung to jerk and jolt out of their hunched scheming postures into straight and pretend friendly vibes. Jeno leans back, eyes wide with disappointment as well as disbelief at what Jisung was considering. "I'm sorry for the wait," You place the tray of drinks that you're holding specifically for the boys down at the table. "I'll be your waitress for the rest of your seating." You bow politely.

Renjun and Jaemin have smug faces, eager to crush you. They fold their arms, smiles of mischief on their faces. Mark disturbed and the only one who forces a smile trying to be as polite as you. Jeno is starstruck by your presence that he avoids eye contact with you, wondering what are the sudden feelings arising in him…

Jisung on the other hand looks at everything else, except for you. You're still standing by their table. You're stiff in movement and instead of going, you lean closer to Jisung. "Jisung, I'm sorry. I know you're occupied right now, but can we talk? just the two of us…" you quietly ask just for him to hear, your heart feeling so glad that you're finally seeing him after the chaos of last night.

However Jisung freezes, the composure he had collapsing. "I… I don't want to," he speaks. It's clear he's still hurt over what went down between you and him.

Jeno's hands clench, his gaze flicking between Jisung and you. For some reason, it's like he feels and knows what Jisung's thinking- that Jisung wants to hurt you for what you did to him. Which is dangerous.

"Can you go away?" Jisung questions, still not looking at you.

It's then, that you're actually surprised by Jisung's bold tone… you force a tiny nod and bow before moving back and away. Jeno watches you walk away as you scratch the back of your head.

"Guys let's not fill up Jisung's head with crap." Jeno whispers, but the boys are too caught up in their own scheming to notice.

Renjun rolls his eyes dramatically at Jeno before facing Jisung with a menacing smile. "You showed her. I've got all sorts of tactics to get back at her."

Jaemin mutters with a grin, "This is going to get messy… in the best way."

Jisung feels trapped, the weight of his heartbreak pressing into him. Breaking your heart… feels wrong but when Jisung thinks of what you put him through - he realizes that maybe you need to be taught a lesson as Renjun is suggesting. Maybe revenge isn't what he wants. But Renjun and Jaemin aren't about to let him off the hook so easily, and the chaos is only just beginning.

Mark shakes his head, not even focused on the drink- even though he was the most thirsty. "You guys are fools-"

"No Mark," Renjun folds his arms. "Maybe Jeno is wrong and we don't have to build his confidence but tear hers down. For hell's sake Jeno heard Jisung crying because of her, not because of his lack of confidence-"

"That's not true." Jeno chimes in but Renjun holds his hand up.

"That's not the point. The point is to break her heart. She's acting just like Bae." Renjun speaks.

"I second that." Jaemin takes a large taste of his drink coughing out. "Wow that's some pretty toxic stuff."

This time Jeno leans forward, some tension arising by the mention of his own love interest. "What does Bae have to do with this?"

Jaemin continues to speak instead of Renjun because he remembers something when reading the storyboard in Jisung's home. "Bae always plays hard to get, and she acts like she was too good for you- wait." Jaemin's eyes widen and then he turns to Jisung and snaps his fingers. "That's why Y/n looks so familiar. She has the same tattoo as Bae on her wrist." Jaemin recalls seeing your tattoo. "Jisung, is Bae actually Y/n in this world?"

"HA!" Renjun seems way too excited for this. "Finally some action-"

"Makes sense, makes sense." Jaemin snaps his fingers continuously- "You're right. Why should Jeno get the girl and Jisung our Creator be single? No ways."

"Guys-" Mark speaks out of disbelief. "Are you guys in your right minds? You realize this is wrong?"

"I don't feel like this is wrong." Renjun shrugs. "What do you think Jisung?"

Jaemin also turns to Jisung. "What do you think?"

Soon also Jeno faces Jisung with serious and stern eyes. "Don't tell me that you're actually buying into this scheme to hurt her? Jisung, this isn't right." Especially if Jeno has to think of you as Bae… he wouldn't want anyone to hurt Bae, much less a real human version of her….you.

Jisung, feeling overwhelmed by the boys presence and pressured to answer what he really feels - immediately gets up excusing himself and quickly walking away with his hand to his head.

"Jisung…" you call out- your voice softer this time as you hurry after him the moment you see him getting up from his table. The mini bar's door swings open, letting in the cool air that brushes against your skin. You see him walking fast, hands in his pockets, his black hoodie making him stand out in the street filled with bright colorful dressed people under the sun. "Jisung! Can we talk? Please-" you call again, desperate now. "Last night we weren't finished talking- You didn't get to hear what I had to say! You just ran off, and there wasn't any time- Jisung, please-"

He stops. For a second, you think he's about to turn around calmly. "Stop lying to me!" But when he does, his face is twisted in pain, and the crack in his voice slices through the air. "No!" he shouts, louder than you've ever heard him before. "I don't want to hear anymore words from you." He stresses out. "You're so selfish!"

You blink, taken aback, your lips parting.

"You think you can just walk in here, act like nothing happened, and talk to me like we're fine?" His voice trembles, his eyes glistening under the sun. "You rejected me like I was… disposable. Like I was something to pity!"

"Jisung, that's not what I meant or wanted. I-"

"You said you felt bad for me." He lets out a bitter laugh, cutting you off. "That's what you said. You felt bad for me. That's the kind of thing you say to a stray dog, not a person you actually care about!"

You step forward, shaking your head. "I do care about you. But that's not what I meant-"

"So why don't you want to go out with me?" Jisung's unraveling now, words tumbling out like he's been holding them back for hours. "You don't know what it's like," he says, voice low, breaking. "To spend every day wondering why people leave. Why no one ever stays. My parents didn't care about me. My boss doesn't even look at me like I'm human- just a tool, just a pencil. This world already treats me like trash, and then you—" He looks up, eyes red, wet with hurt. "You made me believe that maybe there was something worth holding on to. And then you threw it away like it was nothing."

You can see his hands shaking. His breathing's uneven, shallow. "Jisung… I…" Jisung waits for you to speak to say something, to say what you wanted to say, perhaps trying to tell him that you love him back. But you don't. "I don't love you like that- It's too fast and we-"

"You're selfish, Y/n." he says finally, voice cracking. "You didn't even give me a try. You just… decided for both of us."

You look away, eyes distant. "Jisung you don't even know me."

"But that's what I am after. Wanting to get to know you." Jisung shakes his head. For the first time in his life, he actually unwinded… took out his stress… well one of his stresses. "Maybe I deserve it. Maybe I was stupid for thinking someone like you could ever look at me the way I look at you."

The silence that follows is unbearable. The sound of cars and city noise fades behind the pounding of your heartbeat. You can't even look at him in the eye. Jisung's shoulders drop, the anger melting into exhaustion. "You deserve every bit of pain that's coming your way." he whispers, suddenly Renjun and Jaemin's revenge plot sounding so right. He turns back to the store. You take a few steps forward, wanting to follow, but your throat tightens and your feet stop moving.

That’s when you notice someone else step out of the bar's doorway. Once your eyes catch his, he steps forward. The same boy who was sitting with Jisung earlier with the group of boys. He stands awkwardly at first, rubbing the back of his neck before walking a little closer.

You quickly wipe at your eyes. "I—I'm sorry," you say softly. "You were with him, right? I didn't mean to cause a scene… or take him away from you guys."

Jeno shakes his head gently. "Don't apologize." His tone is calm, but his eyes still follow where Jisung disappeared indoors. "I just came out to check on him… but it looks like he needs some time."

You nod weakly, no energy to go back inside and work. You needed to compose yourself. So not even minding that you don't know the stranger beside you, you speak out. "I didn't mean to hurt him. I swear I didn't. I just… he doesn't know me." you wipe at your eye, the little tear trying to escape. "My life isn't as bubbly as I make it. I'm just sparing him from the drama in my life. He's a good guy and I feel bad that he's had to endure such a tough life. I know I said I feel pity for him, but I didn't mean it like that. I feel pity that he had to go through all of that alone," you finish, voice trembling.

Even without tears, Jeno can see the hurt in your eyes, you're basically crying without any tears.

You bite your lip, hugging yourself. "No one deserves that kind of pain. And I thought… maybe if I rejected him, he wouldn't have to carry my problems on top of his own." You take a shaky breath, staring at the pavement beneath your shoes. "He doesn't know the real me. All the terrible things I've done. I don't want him to. I don't want him to see how broken I am inside. I don't want to drag him down with me. He's got a really good future and someone like me… will only drag him down."

The quiet hum of passing cars fills the space between your words. Jeno listens silently, his eyes soft, understanding. "I get it," he says finally, his voice gentle but steady. You glance up at him, the stranger's kind expression disarming. "You thought you were protecting him. But sometimes," Jeno continues, his tone carrying a quiet conviction, "When you protect someone by pushing them away… you're really just protecting yourself from getting hurt… but still also hurting them."

Your throat tightens. His words hit too close.

Jeno looks at your face- his whole body feels different under your gaze. "I'm only just learning more about him, but he's been alone for a long time. You showed up and changed his world, inspired his success, gave him motivation and passion, you reminded him… or rather opened his eyes to something new and what it feels like to be seen. So… losing that…" Jeno exhales. "Is unbearable. Especially for him."

You frown softly. Being sad that you did that to Jisung… "You sound like you know him very well. I didn't even know that I did that to him…"

For a second, Jeno freezes, then offers a small smile, almost longing. "I guess… I just understand how he feels." There's something about the way he says it that makes your heart ache. You nod faintly, letting his words settle in. The afternoon air feels cooler now, and you feel… slightly better.

"I don't know what to do now… should I got back and apologize, or give him space? I don't know." you murmur. "I don’t want him to hate me. And I don't know what to tell him… If I'm vulnerable and he runs away from me with bad ideas about who I am, I'll lose him forever and I don't want that… I don't want him to hate me."

"He won't," Jeno assures gently. "He feels too much to ever hate you. Just… be honest with him, when the time comes. And don't let your fear do the talking."

You look at him properly now, noticing the light in his eyes, warm, genuine, almost glowing under the light. Something about him feels familiar and comforting, like you've known him longer than a few minutes. "Thank you," you whisper. "My name is Y/n,"

Jeno's lips curve into a soft smile. "I'm Jeno."

He glances down, shyly, before looking towards the door Jisung vanished into, his expression dimming slightly. "I'll go check on him," he says, stepping away. "He shouldn't be alone right now."

And as you watch him walk off into the bar, you can't help but feel that strange pull… toward him.

Meanwhile Jeno stops when Mark appears from behind one of the booths, arms crossed, eyes narrowing slightly. He moves Jeno away from the passage and towards the male public toilets. "Where did you go?"

Jeno blinks, caught off guard. "Outside. I went to-"

"To talk to her?" Mark finishes, tone sharp enough to make Jeno hesitate. Jeno exhales quietly. "Yeah. She followed Jisung out. He was upset."

Mark studies him for a long second, the weight of his stare pinning Jeno down. "I'm aware of that. But I know you. You can't do this."

"Do what?"

"This," Mark gestures vaguely, frustration flickering in his eyes. "Getting involved with her. She's not Bae. We're already in a mess, Jisung's heart is cracked open, Renjun and Jaemin are running wild, we need to get back to our world and the last thing we need is you catching feelings for his-"

"I'm not," Jeno interrupts quickly, the words too defensive to sound convincing. "I wasn't doing anything suspicious. I just wanted to talk to her. She was crying."

Mark's expression softens slightly, but only for a moment. "You're not supposed to feel like this, Jeno. You said we have to help him- not to get tangled up in his story." Mark pauses and shakes his head and straightens. "We need to find Jisung. Renjun and Jaemin are arguing near the bar counter about this revenge plot- they’re drawing attention. The sooner we get Jisung home, the better."

Jeno nods, "Alright."

As they start walking toward the exit, Mark throws one last look at him. "Jeno."

"Yeah?"

"Whatever it is that you're feeling," Mark says quietly, "Don't let it ruin what you came here to fix."

Jeno forces a small nod, but inside, his thoughts are already drifting back to your face. The words echo in his mind, but so does your voice… soft, trembling, full of something he doesn't understand yet.

Meanwhile Jisung steps out of one of the toilets watching Jeno and Mark walk away… what did he just hear? That his creation somehow under a whole minute likes you?

-

NIGHT TIME

In Jisung's small apartment, Jaemin is out cold on the couch, with Mark by his feet, Renjun on Jisung's bed and Jeno on the floor near the television. Few hours ago Mark and Jeno tried to allow Jisung to vent out what he was feeling and allowed him to draft out a few things he wants to improve in himself. Their hope, to get Jisung back on track. "It's not about revenge, it's about your journey and story. You have to grow from this."

Meanwhile Renjun and Jisung would make remarks every now and then to Jisung to work on his build, quit his job, become rich and show off his success. Their hope, to make you regret your decision. "She lost a good friend in you, so she must now see all that she's missing out on."

Eventually Jisung went along with Jeno and Mark, in writing out all he wants to achieve, but secretly he wanted Renjun and Jaemin to guide him through the process of getting his 'transformational' revenge. But without causing any secret alliances, he decided to test out something.

He scratches out the lates work in progress episode he had and… drew out the current situation from how the boys were playing basketball and then came out of the screen and actually interacted with the world… he even drew himself as a character in the manga.

So throughout the night, he spent his time drafting out a storyboard and all the possible scenarios and situations that would unfold. As much as this is happening in real time, Jisung plays 'animation god' again, with ideas of his own. One idea that he had actually came from Mark. Mark and Jeno had a private conversation whereby Mark called out Jeno and told Jeno that he knew Jeno and that Jeno shouldn't fall for you… It got Jisung thinking… What if… he doesn't have to have revenge the old fashioned way, but instead uses someone else to break your heart. Specifically Jeno. As soon as the idea popped in his head… he considered it, because you once said how Jeno was your favorite and the ideal perfect man.

To Jisung, it's a genius idea. So brilliant that he even tweaks Jeno's character to be willing to help Jisung.

Jisung doesn't know if it'll work or not, but while laying on the opposite side of the bed- far from Renjun, Jisung can only hope that it'll go well.

Jeno while sleeping, finds himself having a dream that crashes fast in his mind, almost like a speed run of his life. He dreams a dream so sweet of the real world instead of his animated world, a world whereby he interacts with you and gets you to fall in love with him- he hears you laugh, sees you smile and actually be happy - but horrifically it shutters fast and sees you crying, broken, heart and upset.

Jeno quickly jolts up from the ground! Breathing hard still in a daze. He looks left and right, the room is darkened and remembers their current situation. He sighs out, when realizing he had a dream - a really bad one. Everyone is still sleeping, looking peaceful. Exhaling out slowly, he turns to the tv that's off. His finger presses on the screen… it doesn't engulf his finger… which only worries him. Especially when thinking that he has to survive another day in the real world… he doesn't even know what Jisung will do, which is nerve-racking… it sucks because despite all that Jeno said to Mark… Jeno can't stop thinking about you and Bae… how similar you are.

Jeno lays back on the ground… if you're Bae in the real world… he shakes his head, not wanting to think any more, afraid that his mind might drift to the possibility of falling in love with you.

"Shit."

It's too late. You're stuck in his head.

Jeno doesn't know what the time is, but as he's up and unable to sleep again he just listens to sounds of his friends sleeping, while also thinking about you… and what it would be like to see you actually smile and look at him. Very slowly, the sun comes up, even though the curtains are closed, Jeno sees the room lighten a bit. He moves to the curtains and carefully gets underneath it, so that he can see the outside world. There isn't much to see anyway, causing Jeno to long for his own colorful world. Opening the window, he shuts his eyes in order to better feel the carefree wind on his skin.

Today is a new day. He wonders what it'll bring and if he'll be able to go home…

-

05H30

A phone rings - getting your ears to buzz out in discomfort. You sit up from the floor that you slept, your mind instantly awake. Looking around the room that's not yours, you get up quickly knowing the owner hated seeing your face in the morning. Ignoring the pain over you face and ribs, you scramble out of the room and also out the main door shutting the door quietly behind you.

Resting against the wall for a bit, you stretch and yawn, before slightly touching your face but wincing rapidly signaling you to stop. With irritation over your inner thighs, you wobble to stand straight and then force yourself out of the apartment and onto the street. You ignore the pain, walking down several stop signs until you're by a familiar looking house. You walk past the gate and up the little stairs, knocking on the door.

Routinely, the door opens up to a tired friend of yours; Lee Haechan. His eyes go from tired to shock and then routinely disappointment. He moves aside, arms already around you to help you in as he helps you in. Shutting the door with his foot, he takes the lead and allows you and your weakened state and body to lean on him. He takes you up the stairs and into his room, carefully placing you on the bed.

No words are shared up till this moment, as it's almost habitual for you to show up to your best friend's house early in the morning with bruises. He gets on the bed, and you close your eyes when he wraps the blanket around you. Feeling safe… you allow your body to drift off into sleep.

Your dreams are blank, just a quiet moment that you hardly get in the world when you're awake. You don't know how long you're asleep for, but you do sense everything around you. For example after a really long while, you feel when Haechan gets off the bed, he securely places a kiss over your cheek going about his normal day leaving you on the bed. Even though the room becomes silent again and your eyes are still shut in an empty dream - you're aware of the time going by.

You open your eyes when the sleep wears off your body. You don't sit up, just lay very still, eyes looking at the familiar warm room of your friend. Haechan's house always felt safe- safer then any other place you've ever known.

The bed sinks a little and you shift your head. "You awake?"

You nod, allowing a little smile to come upon your lips. Haechan sees that it's weak, but for him that's enough to assure him that you 'survived'. He helps you to sit up, drawing closer to you and places cream over your bruised cheek. You try not to flinch as Haechan does his daily task when you're in his house - aka take care of your injuries. When he's done with your face and places a large bandage over your cheek and smaller ones around your eyebrows, he carefully holds onto your shirt, and you instinctively raise your hands up. Haechan removes your shirt - the sight of purples and blues over your body not surprising him anymore. He gets on some more ointment over your ribs, careful not to mess up your bra. When he's done he gets on another plaster securing the ointment with some covering, before he dresses your shirt over your head.

"Feeling better?" You nod, a genuine smile over your face. Haechan's smile doesn't reach his eyes. You look away, not wanting his sympathy. Instead you get up.

"I'll be out of your hair before your girlfriend comes back,"

Haechan doesn't stop you, but he speaks. "Lara and I broke up. Something about me not being able to handle a 'bad bitch' like her." Haechan scoffs just as you chortle holding onto your side. You take a seat on the bed again.

"She was really good for you." you mummer.

Haechan chuckles. "Yeah, she'll come back. I'm not that worried." his smile fades when he looks at you. "Why'd you go back to him?" You hug yourself looking down, not wanting to speak, because you hate confrontations. That doesn't stop Haechan from speaking… "I'm afraid that one day, instead of you showing up to my place, I'll get a phone call hearing that you're dead."

"I won't die." you shake your head stating out with a weak voice. "I'm strong. I can take it."

Haechan shakes his head, every time he talks with you, it's like running in circles reaching no conclusions. "My door is always open. I don't mind you staying with me."

"I know." you say, understanding and being grateful for his sympathy. "But I need to learn to stand on my own two feet. Depending on men is what gets me hurt."

Haechan doesn't say anymore, and doesn't ask. He knows how your 'stubborn' mouth will answer, so he gets up and goes out of the room, returning with a tray of food. You're grateful and eat. "I know you hate me saying this, but just know I'll be ready whenever. Say the words and I'll definitely get him taken care off." Haechan watches you get uncomfortable. "He won't ever hurt you again."

"It wasn't his fault, I spoke and he-"

Haechan shakes his head, getting irritated by your defense again. "You don't owe this man anything. He's a scumbag-"

"He's nice to me-"

"Oh god. Y/n?" Haechan looks at you in disbelief. "This man beats you up and doesn't care about you. How do you not see that? You think that just because you have sex with him that he's going to make you a part of his life? Wake up-"

"That's enough Haechan. I don't want to talk about it." You quickly block him out, eating with anger now. Haechan would never get it. He had lots of relationships going for him and the only ones that came your way were 'blessings' in disguise.

Haechan rolls his eyes and rises from the bed, restraining himself from saying any more harsh words as he walks out. He pauses, then glances back at you, his dear friend, and a sister from the orphanage. You were never adopted, simply grew older and out of the system. While he had the privilege of getting into a stable family that loved him, secured his future with education and academically equipping him to create and be someone - Haechan always felt that it should've been you instead of him. You are the one who deserved a healthy home with parents who'd guide you all through your life -you didn't deserve to be abandoned by everything including the world. Which is why he helps you.

"I see you as too much of a sister for me to consider dating or marrying you," Haechan speaks, a sad smile gets on his face when you look up with disgust. "But Y/n, I can promise you safety from this crazy world, from your crazy world."

You shake your head. "I don't need safety. I can stand up on my own." You sigh when you finally swallow the soft food. You need love… but you're not going to say that out loud. Instead you thank him for the food, as you keep eating. After some time, you go to the washroom and wash your face gently. You open the cabinet filled with Haechan's stash he hid for you of makeup. You stand up and remove the bandage on your face, the swelling having gone down. You apply some makeup on your face covering the damage extremely well and then you go back in Haechan's room spraying some perfume before going down the stairs to wash the dishes.

Haechan is seated in his home studio on a high stool writing in his journal. He turns around to play a melody on the piano, however he sees you. "Hey," he smiles, as if the incident never happened. "Are you going out?"

You look down at the same clothes you were wearing… you simply made them look decent again, instead of like some rag doll who get tossed and played around with. "Yeah, I was hoping to do some job hunting before I go for my afternoon shift."

"Afternoon shift?" Haechan gets up while closing off his laptop and switching some things off in the studio. "I thought you worked night shift only?"

"No," you shake your head. "I swapped with someone."

"Why?" Haechan is finally done and walks towards you, as you give him space next to you. "Is Mr toxic lover forcing you to-"

"No not him." You shake your head, and then stiffly pucker your lips. "It's someone else. Remember that guy who made a webtoon for me?"

"Oh the webtoon guy," Haechan smiles and leans on the wall next to you. He was under the impression that you wanted to go out, reason why he shut his things off, wanting to drive you around, but now you're leaning on the wall. He follows your moves- maybe you want to talk. "Yeah what about him? You never really talk about him?"

You suck your dry lips, nodding in agreement. There's a reason you never spoke about Jisung. Because he had a future… and you didn't want to be a piece of bad luck in his path. "He… asked me out." you admit, and Haechan's eyes widen.

"Wait he asked you out?" Haechan marvels again. "Not you throwing yourself at him?" You shake your head. Haechan's eyes widen. "So… what did you say? Don't tell me you said no- I'll be really upset if you did." Haechan questions, and somehow after a long moment of silence he gets the answer and groans. "Why are you like this?"

"I'm bad luck-"

"Y/n please stop spouting all that bullshit." Haechan groans out.

But you don't mind him and speak out. "After he confessed… I wanted to avoid him, so I switched shifts. But he still came in the bar yesterday. He called me selfish… anyway. I went back to 'you know who' last night, because… he was right. No one will ever really stay if I don't let them see the real me. I… I can't drag anyone into my mess. Jisung deserves better than… whatever I am."

Haechan's expression softens, a mixture of frustration and concern across his face. "Y/n… stop. You can't keep punishing yourself like this. You're not a curse. You're just… scared."

You shrug, biting your lip. "Maybe. But it's safer this way. If I push people away before they get too close… at least they don't get hurt."

Haechan doesn't know what to say… he really tried to understand, but there's just a big gap when it comes to understand someone like you. "That's exactly what you did with him, isn't it? Jisung. You pushed him away because you're afraid of being vulnerable.”

You flinch slightly, when the words he says reminds you of Jisung's friend… Jeno. "I… I didn't want him to see me like this. Broken. Messed up. Like… like I'll ruin him."

Haechan's eyes flash with something between anger and exasperation. "Y/n, I don't even know the guy, but from what I know, of him making an anime for you, getting you a gift, giving his late afternoon and nights to spend with you at the mini bar, he's not fragile. He wanted you. Probably even all of you, since he asked you out. The good, the bad, everything. And you turned your back on him before he even had a chance."

Your chest tightens, guilt and sorrow mingling. You whisper, almost to yourself, "I didn't want him to hate me…"

Haechan reaches out, placing a hand firmly on your shoulder. "Why do you think that everyone hates you and wants to leave? Why do you always choose the toxic people and scare off the 'good' guys? Because that's what you did, you scared Jisung. You can't just keep running from life and people who genuinely make the effort to care for you."

You look down, voice trembling. "But what if… what if I hurt him anyway? I already did."

Haechan's jaw tightens, but his voice is gentle now, unwavering. "Then you say sorry. You don't make excuses. You don't disappear. You face it. That's what people who care about each other do. They communicate. And trust me… he's probably stronger than you think. Stronger than your fears of yourself."

You take a shaky breath, looking at him, and in that moment, Haechan's words hit deeper than any logic or reasoning ever could. You realize that no matter how scared you are of your own brokenness… running from Jisung or anyone who cares isn't protection. It's just another kind of hurt… just like what Jeno said. And for the first time, you consider that maybe… letting someone see the real you doesn't have to end in pain.

-

"I know you wanted to job seek, but a friend of mine - you probably know him, Chenle - he's got a basketball match against some newbies and wanted my support," Haechan says with an easy grin, taking a different road then the one you suggested.

You arch a brow. "Basketball?"

"Yeah, come on. Fresh air might help your brain stop punishing you for five minutes."

"But you know crowds aren't my scene," you mutter to which Haechan nods, but says nothing to it. "Fine, as long as you buy me drinks for being under the sun."

The drive isn’t long, and when Haechan parks near a park's open court where you're met with the sound of sneakers squeaking against the grey pavement and laughter bouncing through the air. The late morning light gleams off the hoop rims, the smell of warm asphalt and trimmed grass mingling. Haechan stretches his arms with a yawn, waving at someone across the court. "There's Chenle!" he says.

You step out, squinting under the sun… you hated the outside world. You preferred being in doors or working. Sometimes being out like this meant that you were slacking off and hindering yourself from achieving your full potential for the day. But since it's Haechan who brought you here, you try to be loose and enjoy yourself- trying not to see this moment as you wasting time, but… taking a little break… and that's when you see him.

Jeno.

He cuts through the court with precises speed, his focus unbroken - looking effortless. His sneakers slam against the ground once, twice and then he jumps. A twist midair, muscles flexing, the ball spinning from his hand before dropping clean through the net hoop. "Wow," you gasp.

The small crowd erupts in cheers. You find yourself clapping quietly before you even realize it, a tiny smile sneaking across your face.

"Sweet right?" Haechan says and begins to head off with you following behind him. You spot Chenle- an orange haired male on the other side, grinning wide, hyping his team. You also catch sight of Haechan - or maybe not Haechan, but the one who looks almost like him. Donghyuck. His twin brother, adopted into another family, but their resemblance is uncanny. He's mid-laugh, calling something out to Chenle as the ball bounces back into play.

"Here, sit. Watch and enjoy yourself, yeah?" Haechan guides you toward the bleachers before jogging off to greet his friends.

Y ou take a seat, brushing your hands against your jeans, when a soft voice speaks beside you. "You look out of place? Are you new?" You turn, blinking. A boy with a black snap back and yellow buttoned down shirt says with an easy smile. He leans forward, elbows on his knees. You recognize him as someone who was sitting with Jisung yesterday at the mini car. "I'm Renjun," he says, extending a hand. "Resident commentator and professional trash-talker."

You let out a light chuckle, shaking his hand… he eyes you with curiosity and you meekly smile. "I'm Y/n… I have no idea what's happening."

"Then you've sat at the right place." Renjun's grin widens. "Okay, so what's your buddy's name, seems like he's the help that Chenle kept talking about."

"His name is Haechan,"

"Let's hope he's good at basketball otherwise they'll eat him up." the guy Renjun states, eyes already glued to the court in pure zeal and happiness. "Jeno, Mark, and Jaemin are one team. Chenle, your buddy Haechan, and his twin Donghyuck are in another team. And so far…" he gestures at the scoreboard sketched on cardboard near the benches, "Team Jeno's been murdering them. They went from one on one, to pairs matches and now teams of three."

You follow the play, watching Jeno again as he passes the ball to Jaemin, who makes a quick feint before tossing it back. The coordination, the rhythm - it's like watching music. You're cautious, but feel slightly relaxed. You don't even notice the boy sitting across the court, a cap pulled low, eyes fixed not on the game… but on you.

Jisung's gaze is unreadable - sharp, heavy, laced with that quiet ache. He missed out on another day of work. With 4 men in his house, he's not even bothered by the slightest to think of work. While the Dream TEAM occupy his mind, it's also your presence. Last night he was scheming, wondering how he'd use Jeno to break your heart, and seeing you right here, only ignites his slow forming hatred. He just wants to hurt you, to not see you happy - how could you be smiling when he was crying inside. Pretending to watch the game every few seconds, his eyes flicker back to where you sit beside Renjun, laughing softly. It's when the final whistle blows, the crowd erupts again - Team Jeno wins by several points.

Jeno grins wide, exchanging high fives with his team of Mark and Jaemin, the three of them glowing with that easy, shared energy.

Chenle groans dramatically, tossing the ball aside. "Unbelievable! You're all banned from my team forever,” he declares to Donghyuck and Haechan who merely laugh.

All the guys in basketball shorts, smiles, sweats and just a good energy in the air makes you want this - and not just to be in it, but be a part of it and experience how it feels to be in this state all the time… not just some sort of moment in time that comes and goes, but stays forever.

"Dude, that was awesome," Donghyuck runs a hand over his hair, commenting aloud to Jeno and his friends. It's in this moment that you allow your eyes to go to the group of friends. "You guys were good," he shakes hands with the opponents. "47 over 25? Shit you guys are the real deal."

"Yeah, never played with anyone like you guys before," Haechan agrees, following his twin brother's lead and not minding his rich friend Chenle who folds his arms, not sharing a single smile. "Don't mind that sore loser."

You smile at their playful banter, feeling lighter for the first time in what feels like forever. And then you see Jisung. Your heart skips a beat as you stand up… He's standing now, arms crossed, that detached, unreadable expression still on his face. Your smile falters. His eyes meet yours for half a second - no warmth, no hostility, just… distance. Then he looks away, hands in his pockets, heading toward the parking lot. You stare after him, your throat tightening.

Before the heaviness can sink in too deep, Chenle claps his hands together, turning toward everyone. "Alright, losers and winners alike - as promised, let's make it up at my club. Drinks, food, all on me! A proper welcome gift."

A wave of cheers follows, the energy rising again. Haechan jogs over, towel draped around his shoulders. "You heard him," he grins, bumping your shoulder lightly. "You're coming too, screw job hunting, Chenle's rich and you can order however you like."

You hesitate for a moment, glancing once more toward the direction Jisung left in. But Haechan slides in your view again.

"And yes, Y/n, you are aloud to have fun." He assures you, and you give it a second of a thought, before agreeing.

Then, slowly, you nod. "Yeah… okay."

Jeno's laughter rings out nearby - you look over, and for just a moment, his eyes meet yours. He gives a small, friendly nod, the faintest trace of recognition sparking there… soft, but undeniable. "Who's that?" Haechan takes notice, a light smile playing on his lips. You look at him and then shake your head.

"One of Jisung's friends."

"Oh!" Haechan looks around… "Jisung's here? Where?" you're about to nudge your head in Jisung's direction - however Haechan's identical twin brother jumps in.

"Yho Sunshine, give me a lift," Donghyuck comments, heading towards the car with no permission needed. You've only seen Haechan's twin a few times, but it still was surreal for you at how identical they looked. While Haechan was flamboyant and radiant like the sun, his twin brother seemed a mood darker. Hair always flat, growing in length, smile only appearing for a second - but always permanent on his face was a flirtatious or all too knowing smirk that looked smug. "Oh, Y/n right? It's been a while,"

You smile while you take the passenger's seat as Haechan takes the drivers seat and his twin brother in the back.

You allow yourself to relax and sort of be in the vibe - yet you feel like a sore thumb sticking out when Haechan and his brother talk causally to each other.

The only person you've felt comfortable to be yourself around has always been Haechan… so as he's occupied, you've got no choice but to just exist… however your eyes draw to the window when seeing Jeno…

You only met this guy yesterday, but there's this understanding vibe to him… something feels reassuring with him in a way that you've never felt with anybody before.

And while you strap yourself in the car with Haechan, Jisung catches you looking at Jeno again…

"We are going to break her heart Jisung." Renjun suddenly says besides Jisung, with Jaemin lingering close by and agreeing.

This morning as they woke up, Jaemin and Renjun where on fire in plotting ways to hurt you - and expose your true nature. While Mark and Jeno were strongly against hurting Y/n… stating to Jisung that he should deal with the real issue of his problem rather than taking it out on you. As it was a debate with Renjun and Jaemin vs Mark and Jeno - and since Jisung couldn't come up with a final decision of what he wanted to do, Jeno suggested to settle it through the only way they knew how - basketball.

And upon getting to the court (a beautiful court and not the one near Jisung's area), they met with another team - Chenle and Donghyuck. They partnered up and played friendly games - however they still wanted to play their own match to help Jisung decide on what he wanted to do. But now, not only have they lost track of time, but they're being welcomed by Chenle.

"Jisung the decison is up to you." Jaemin pats Jisung on the back. "Get revenge for what she did to you-"

"Seriously Jaemin," Mark grunts. "You think that's going to heal him- what do you think he'll do after hurting her? He'll be hurt himself-"

Renjun shakes his head. "But that's not important. What's important right now, is how he feels. We don't care about the aftermath. In life, it's always important to let out steam. And come on Mark, look at our creator's life, do you really think - healing and gaining self confidence is gonna fix him up? No. He needs to let out steam-"

"Jisung what do you say?" Jeno finally chimes in, having had enough of hearing the back and forth of two sides that both made sense in their own way.

Jisung sighs, and watches the car that Haechan was driving drive away. The truth is, Jisung is just as hurt as Renjun said, but he's also cautious of how that is a temporary solution and won't make him feel much better in the end. So he sighs. "Let's go to this club, and by the end o the day, I'll finally know what to do."

-

The club hums with low bass and warm golden lights that pulse with each beat. The scent of sweat, perfume, and whiskey mingles in the air, the kind of chaos that feels almost comforting. You sit with Haechan, Donghyuck and Chenle at one of the side booths, watching Jisung's friends of boys crowd around a table full of drinks. Jisung's seated at a far end of the bar, drink untouched, his fingers tapping against the glass. Mark's already half-laughing at something Jaemin said, Renjun's stirring his glass lazily, and Jeno's talking to the bartender, looking effortlessly at ease.

You normally don't go out, and when you do, it's with your toxic fling. So to be out, without any surveillance, you don't know how to act expect to sit close to Haechan and hope that no drama befalls you. But when Jisung's looking like he'll kill someone just with his eyes, you sigh out, as if being drawn to go and speak to him. "I'll be back." You end up telling Haechan, who's in a deep conversation with Donghyuck as well as Chenle.

They don't seem to pay you any mind, making it easier for you to up and move away from them, drawing closer to the isolated man…

"Hey…" you start softly, hands rubbing over your pants.

Jisung, looks up, eyes narrowing slightly, a faint, bitter frown tugging at his lips. He looks away and you hesitantly take a seat next to him on the high stool.

"I'm-"

"Why are you here?" Jisung asks coldly.

You shift awkwardly. Surprised to hear Jisung's voice, clear and full of… anger. "Well… that guy Chenle invited everyone. I just-"

"Right. Wouldn't want to miss the celebration." His tone cuts through your words, dry and dismissive. "Must be nice, huh? Showing up, laughing with everyone, pretending to be there, but really you don't care."

Your chest tightens. "Jisung, that's not fair-"

"What's not fair?" he interrupts, voice low but sharp, "I'll tell you what's not fair- pretending to care one day and dismissing my feelings the next." His eyes glint under the dim lights. "You're good at that, though. Making people believe you're the cure."

The words hit deep a little too deep. Before you can reply, Jeno's voice cuts in, calm but firm. "Alright, that's enough Jisung." He was enjoying himself listening to music, but when he saw you approaching Jisung he became cautious just in case. And then he saw Jisung's whole demeanor change… it's good that Jeno decided to step in when he did, because one look at you, he sees the tears brimming by your eyes.

"I don't understand why you're so angry." You bitterly let out through clinched teeth, and eyes threatening to spill tears. "You don't even know me."

Jisung turns slightly, jaw tense. "How can I know you when you didn't even give me a chance?"

The room feels smaller now, your chest tighter. You step away quietly, slipping out toward the balcony before anyone can stop you. The cool night air hits your face. You breathe in deeply, closing your eyes while also wiping on the tears that threatened to spill… but then a voice follows you out.

"Hey."

You open your eyes to find Jeno leaning against the doorway, hands in his pockets, his usual calm expression softened by concern.

"You okay?" he asks.

You try to smile but it comes out faint. "I think I made it onto his bad side."

Jeno shakes his head. "I've come to realize, he's angry at himself, not you. So don't take anything he says personal."

"How can I not?" You sadly chuckle, your heart breaking. "When he's right. I never gave him a chance - but not just him. Everyone. I never give anyone a chance because I'm afraid. And I thought he'd understand… but he's just like all of them. They create an idea of me in their heads, and expect me to live up to it. And when I don't- or when I can't be what they want… they take it out on me."

Jeno is silent, ears listening and hearing what you're saying.

You let out a quiet laugh, though it's more like a sigh. "I don't think he sees it that way. He probably sees me as the enemy."

"Give him time," Jeno says gently, after a beat of silence… and in that moment Jeno realizes something… the real reason why he's actually here. It explains why all of them are acting out… Jeno focuses back on you. "He's still figuring out how to deal with pain that doesn't punch back."

You glance at him… melting in his gaze. You feel it again… this ease and natural need to open up to him. He's not even trying, he's just talking. His not trying to sleep with you for connection, he's just trying to understand. He hasn't created and expectation of you in his head, he's just trying to get to know you. And that warms your heart.

Jeno's drawn to the look in your eyes, at how you look at him. At how you don't break the eye contact, but you trust his eyes to carry you through whatever you're feeling. Jeno can sense the attraction, the way nothing feels wrong when he looks into your eyes. It's like he can shoulder your pain and help you, you feel safe just from his eyes… drawn to him…

Then your phone buzzes. You glance down. "Oh crap, my shift."

"Shift?" Jeno questions. "Oh your work?"

You nod hurriedly. "Yeah, I'm gonna be late. I'll have to run-"

"Didn't you come here with Haechan?"

"I don't want to go back in there." You admit and look towards the balcony staircase… "I'll only cause more drama and I don't want that."

Jeno steps aside from the door, leaning over the balcony, pointing toward the street. "I can take you."

You follow his gaze and finger… and you freeze. "On… that?"

A sleek, black motorbike leans against the curb, faintly glinting under the streetlight. Jeno grins proudly. "Won it off Chenle. One-on-one basketball. He also bet his watch. Lost both."

Your eyes widen. You don't even know Chenle that well, but from the little you've heard from Haechan you know that Chenle doesn't lose easily to things - he fights for all his possessions. So for Jeno to claim that he won… and for you to have witnessed the final basketball game and recalling how Jeno played, you can only guess that Jeno… is different. "You're kidding."

"Would I lie about something that shiny?" he laughs. "Don’t worry, I actually know how to ride." You hesitate, but the way his grin meets his eyes makes it hard to say no. So you follow him to the motorcycle going down the fire escape stairs.

Jeno gets on it first, adjusting himself on it, before turning to you.

"Hop on."

You hesitantly do as you're told, carefully sitting behind him. Jeno takes off his long sleeved jersey, looping it around you once- causing you to be surprised. "You don't have to-"

"Don't worry." Jeno says, securing you against his back with one pull and then an easy knot over his waist as he ties his jersey. "Hold on tight."

"I don't think I can do this," you suddenly begin having second and third thoughts- being scared.

"Don't worry, this is safe. And plus, you don't have to do anything. Just feel the wind on your face," He chuckles. "I'll do everything else."

You feel secured… and thought for.

You giggle a little - scared, but Jeno's steady balance on the road, allows you to feel less nervous and you actually enjoy yourself. Little laughs, the sound bubbling out of you as the bike roars over the roads. The wind rushes against your skin as you swerve back - quickly making sure to hold Jeno on his shoulders for further support. You watch as he glides through the streets, your hands gripping his shoulders, the world blurring in streaks of gold and blue.

For the first time in a long time, you feel free.

It's not a bed or walls that you're used to - spaces that confide you or trap you - but it's safety without any strings attached. You don't make a sound other then giving Jeno directions to your workplace, at the same time you quietly enjoying the free ride finding it… relaxing. Not only do you feel safe, but also free and peaceful.

-

When Jeno comes back to the club after dropping you, he's stopped and confronted by all of them. Mark even though tipsy, wasn't that far gone to realize that Jeno was missing - and upon his disappearance set Renjun and Jaemin to act up again, claiming that Jeno is also in agreement with them

"Jeno what the hell are you doing?" Mark asks, pinning him against a booth with eyes wide open. "I told you not to-"

"I'm not doing anything with her," Jeno assures. Even though the music is blasting out loud, people are dancing all over - Chenle's secured and private booths allow for everyone to hear themselves. "I just… if Jisung wants to hurt her, then I want to protect her-"

Jisung's eyes narrow upon hearing that. Renjun laughs. "You're speaking my language. I told you Mark. He wants to uncover Y/n and help us expose her faster-"

"Renjun what's gotten into you?" Mark questions in a tipsy state, wondering if the real life is the reason why Renjun is acting up.

"I think Jisung has finally come up with a conclusion." Jaemin announces as there's instability on the table. And it's through that, that Jisung's able to come up with a decision. "And whatever he decides, we won't try to convince him otherwise."

"I want to…" Jisung pauses, not looking at anyone, but thinking of what he drew in his drafted manga this morning… If Jeno is really helping him to break your heart, then there's no harm in… "Break her heart."

The words break Mark and Jeno's composure, but it's Mark who feels it the most. He senses that something is wrong. And it's after Chenle finally pays for everything that everyone ordered and everyone heads home - that Mark sobers up.

His thoughts keeping him from falling asleep easily. Back at Jisung's apartment, everyone passes out in sleep. Jeno on the couch, Renjun sharing a bed with Jisung, Jaemin leaning over the table, and Mark standing with his hand on a drafted comic… trying to see if he can understand more about this world through Jisung's draw.

That's when he comes across Jisung's drawings… of Jeno getting closer to Y/n, and the more he gets closer, the easier it is for Renjun and Jaemin to fulfil some of their plans to embarrass you and make you feel what Jisung has always felt all his life.

To say that Mark is stunned is an understatement…

Wide shot- Jisung: You think she trusts you? Jeno: She's just trying to live her life, Jisung.

Close-up (Jisung's smirk): Jisung: Good. Then make her think she's safe… with you. Make her fall in love with you.

Mid shot: Jeno freezes, expression unreadable. Jeno: …What are you planning?

Extreme close-up (Jisung's eyes): Jisung: Let's see how she handles having her heartbroken.

Silent final panel: Jisung's inner thoughts: Jisung's masterplan to break Y/n's heart

Mark silently closes the draft book wondering if what Jisung drew - somehow programmed or reprogrammed Jeno's mind… in some way. As a way to test this, Mark picks up a pencil and draws something in the back of the book.

If it somehow comes true… then it means these manga panels and pages somehow coordinate and direct their thoughts. It would explain why Jaemin and Renjun seemed extra viscious. In the drafted manga, Jisung illustrated them as being hell bent on breaking Y/n's heart -

And seeing as though Jisung only focused on Jaemin, Renjun and Jeno, it would explain why he himself Mark didn't seem likely to follow on - it's almost as if he has his own thoughts and no one controlled him.

When Mark is done drawing something small, he wants to see if it'll manifest… or not.

20H00

Your shift ended some hours ago and you've been roaming the streets aimlessly trying to see where you'd sleep tonight. You sigh out… the thought of where you'll sleep tonight makes you weary, because you feel so tired. Even though Haechan offered his home, you know better than to make yourself too comfortable and over do your stay, so you take the familiar path you know - even though you don't want to, you head to the one place… where you're not always welcomed, but it's the only place that'll have you free of charge.

Sometimes you wonder, from the salary you make, you'd be able to afford an apartment… if it weren't for your materialistic mindset. To fix yourself on the outside, so that no one would have to worry about you. With your money, you always made sure to look the part; clean hair, tidy clothes, a little perfume that masks the stench of long shifts and city air. A polished version of yourself, the one that smiles, nods, and assures people, 'I'm fine.'

You'd rather go hungry than have anyone see the cracks.

Your shoes scrape against the pavement as you turn into a narrow street. It's quieter here, darker. You pull your jacket tighter, feeling the chill creep through the fabric. You slow down when you see the flickering porch light up ahead of an apartment. Same building, same door. Same peeling paint. Same sense of dread curling in your stomach.

You stop at the bottom of the steps. For a second, your body doesn't want to move… heart thudding, feet frozen. You could turn around. Walk to Haechan's. He'd open the door, no questions asked. But that's the problem, he always opens the door. And even if you've known him long enough, you don't want him to feel a burden for you. And this morning as his place - he made it clear just how much he hates your situation.

And you don't want to burden him anymore.

He always helps. Always sees you. And that terrifies you more than the man behind this door.

You take a deep breath and climb the steps anyway. You climb up the stairs - not wanting to use the elevator. And then you're right outside of the door. Dark green, faded gold number pleck; 38. You force yourself to produce three knocks, and then silence.

With paper thin walls, you hear the sound of heavy footsteps, a muttered curse, and then chains rattling against the door, before it creaks open. He fills the doorway, eyes half-lidded, shirtless, the smell of liquor heavy in the air.

"Didn't think I'd see you back so soon." His voice is low, thick with mock amusement. "What's wrong, baby? Your hero ran out of space on his couch?"

You don't answer. Just stare at the floor. All your things were in this house. When no one adopted you… he took you in. Not as a guardian… but as a false promised lover. Now you know better, that he's toxic, you'll never admit it out loud, but when you were down bad, he was there. He's always there. Even if you don't want him to be. "Can I stay tonight?"

He chuckles under his breath, leaning against the frame. "Depends. You gonna behave this time?"

Your throat tightens. "I just need to sleep."

For a moment, he watches you, weighing your worth like something on a scale. Then, with a lazy wave of his hand, he steps aside. "Fine. But don't make noise, I've got a client."

You step inside, careful not to touch him. The air feels thick, almost suffocating. Same couch. Same smell. Same memories you wish you could burn. You see some lingerie on the ground, and then a fake blonde appears - nude and high. She wraps her arms around him - giggling and slurring for him to come back to the room. His client… thank goodness it's not a male, otherwise there'd be bruises.

Meanwhile, you adjust yourself on the couch. At least he's not drunk - or taking advantage of you - or finding reasons to hit you. You curl up on the couch, hugging your knees to your chest. The springs creak beneath you - you hear him and his bimbo slut, but ignore their moans.

The city hums faintly outside, but here, it's too quiet. You stare at the ceiling, tracing the cracks with your eyes, until they start to blur. You whisper to no one: "Maybe tomorrow will be different."

You don’t believe it. But saying it out loud makes it hurt a little less… however in that moment, Jeno's face comes to mind. He seems so familiar… and while you wreck your brain trying to figure it out - you don't see the hand that grabs your wrist.

"Join us." You sit up, eyes turning blank as you get up heading to the room that smells like intercourse.

Your mind goes blank. You don't know if it's an hour or two, but you zone out and disassociate yourself from reality. Your mind only drifting to Jeno… and then Jisung… and then finally you realize why Jeno seems so familiar.

By the time you're tossed aside like a doll, legs bruised from the BDSM foreplay, you dress up and head back to the living room.

Jeno… is just like Jeno from the Dream TEAM series. And feeling the need to 'feel' something, you get up and walk to a section of the house which held all your things. You bring out the tablet that Jisung once gave you on new year's, and you put the volume down as you watch a random episode of the Dream TEAM.

But as you watch, you're surprised by the canny resemblance that the Dream TEAM has with Jeno and his friends. And even though it's weird, you think that perhaps they're cosplaying… but that doesn't stop you from thinking more about Jeno, and how he's literally the figure of your…

Dream man who can save you from this hellhole.

-

"Do you guys not bath?" Jisung questions in confusion while getting ready for work. In the morning, Jisung stated that he has to go to work - that he's missed enough days and can't afford to dwell on the situation with you any longer.

"I know we need to shower." Jaemin speaks from the living room. "I've got an idea of how to do it… but not once in my entire life have I done it. You've never drawn us to shower. And if we don't smell, it means we're good."

"Can I go with you to work? I won't disturb you, just want to look around and pass time." Jeno unexpectedly offers to go with Jisung to work, encouraging Jaemin and Renjun to also eagerly wanting to tag along. Meanwhile Mark drags a hand down his face, exhaustion settling into his bones, not from lack of sleep, but from everything he now knows. He keeps glancing at the back of the manga where he scribbled a small panel of his own. Nothing extreme. Nothing dangerous. Just: A simple sketch of Jeno awkwardly offering someone, anyone, a flower.

He wants to see if it happens organically… or if the universe snaps to the drawing like a command.

Behind him, Jaemin and Renjun are fighting over a single hoodie, Jeno is already tying his shoelaces with near-perfect mimicry of something he saw on TV last night, and Jisung is double-checking his phone, brows furrowed, emotions unreadable. "Fine," Jisung finally mutters. "If you guys come to work with me, no wandering. No talking to anyone. No… weird anime behavior."

Renjun lifts a brow. "Define weird."

"All of you are weird," Mark mutters.

But Jeno brightens, too bright. "I'll be good," he promises. "I just… want to see where you work."

Jisung tries not to react to that softness. He fails, his smile shows how much he feels to be noticed. He slips on his jacket. "Okay. Let's go."

-

You walk to work like you're made of smoke, passing by effortlessly with a smile on your face that concealed your true emotions. The episode of Dream TEAM from last night still lingers in your chest. Jeno's animated smile. His gentle voice. The way he protected the other characters. The way he always stepped between danger and the people he loved. And that just reminds you so much of the real Jeno. In a weird way, while he drove you to work on his motorcycle, you felt like you were in an anime with the anime Jeno. And you smile when thinking of his name… Jeno. What a weird coincidence. Unless of course, Jisung's characters were based off of real people - however you have to ask yourself, where did these people even come from.

Maybe it's delusion, or you're projecting, perhaps even you're desperate for something warm to hold onto in this freezing life you've been tossed into. But when you think about last night, the hands on you, the numbness, the way your body went quiet… you suddenly remember Jeno's voice from earlier that evening yesterday:

"Don't worry, this is safe. And plus, you don't have to do anything. Just feel the wind on your face," He chuckles. "I'll do everything else.'

No one has ever said something like that… a small statement of you not having to do anything… and that they'll do everything else. Even though he was talking about riding the motorcycle and you not being afraid, the way he said it, with precision, as if he really meant it for everything… had you feeling. Safe. He said it like you didn't have to pay him back, he said it like he wanted you to feel free and not owned. So now, as you clean tables and wipe down menus, you catch yourself wondering what it would feel like… to be held by someone who actually means it. How actually wants you to just relax, and they'll take care of everything. You've been alone in your emotions for so long that even the faintest of interactions with someone like Jeno… and Jisung, people so genuine has you feeling cared for.

-

Jisung works at a low budget anime studio as an animator - often drawing landscapes and buildings. The company even though minimal with two stories has neon lights, tiny cubicles, coffee machines that sound like dying animals. It's chaotic… not alive, but it is living. The moment they step in, Jisung tells them to stay by the gaming area - this area was mostly for visitors who wanted to pass time by and not just sit, this was almost like a waiting reception. Jaemin and Renjun gasp as if they've entered some futuristic realm. Mark shoots each of them a glare that says 'Don't ruin his job.'

Jeno, though is silent. They quickly learn that Jisung's boss isn't around today, and thus Jisung has a pile of work to catch up on. His cubic station doesn't have that many people around, as others mostly work from home. Jisung likes the office though, because of the wide view of the city. And it's with the reason that most of Jisung's co-workers are at home, that he allows for Jeno, Renjun, Mark and Jaemin to stay around him as he works. Jeno is silent, he's looking around with this soft, fascinated awe. He's never thought about cooperate work… so seeing Jisung kind of fitting in the blend cooperate work makes him realize why Jisung has animated the DREAM WORLD the way he has. He watches Jisung place his bag down, watches him sit and work. After a full hour of Jisung concentrated, Jaemin and Renjun downstairs playing, Mark somewhere… Jisung feels eyes on him and glances up. Jeno has been peering at him for such a long time.

"What?" he asks, defensive.

Jeno smiles a little. "You look… different here."

"Different how?"

"Bored. Like you don't really want to be here. Or you don't even belong here."

Jisung's ears tint red, though he clicks his tongue in annoyance. "Stop staring."

But Jeno keeps staring. And suddenly a coworker walks in holding a vase of office flowers. She walks past Jisung's desk, placing the flowers at a front desk. A single purple bloom falls out, landing near Jeno's shoe. "Mr Park please tell Heesung, when he comes in the office tomorrow that the floors are for the reception and not his office. Oh you can keep that sweety,He bends and picks it up. Mark who was standing by the view of the outside world, turns around and stiffens when watching Jeno stand with the flower. No way. Did the drawing already- really come to life?

Jeno stands there holding the flower like he doesn't understand why it's in his hand. However unlike what Mark expected, Jeno simply looks at the flower, holding it. Jeno turns on the spinning chair, now focused on the floors, leaving Jisung to work. Mark exhales sharply. Okay, so maybe the universe didn't follow the manga instantly. Maybe they still have some choices. But the fear stays, especially when Jeno doesn't let go of the flower.

Eventually when Jeno notices other people getting up for their break time, Jeno also follows them. "I'll just be outside." He informs Jisung who just nods.

Mark, following behind at a distance doesn't say anything and simply watches Jeno. Because fate is cruel, Mark never considered that your workplace to be around the area that Jisung works in. So when he sees Jeno casually walking to the alcohol store, he wonders what will happen next.

Meanwhile, you walk out of a nearby cafe heading back to work, rubbing your temples, tired, drained, when your eyes land on Jeno. Jeno brightens like you're sunlight. Mark watches closely and he recalls how he heard Renjun and Jaemin whispering predictions as if your life was a chaotic game.

You pause when seeing Jeno, a smile slowly raises on your face. "Hey," you whisper, trying to smile, trying not to let your reality crack through your expression.

"Hey," Jeno draws closer to you. "Are you okay?"

Your throat tightens. "Yeah. I'm fine." But you're trembling, and Jeno sees that.

From a distance away, Mark furrows his brows when he sees you begin to cry and then Jeno gets his arms around you. After a while, Mark begins following again behind you and Jeno as you head back to the place you work.

-

Jisung swallows hard by the sight in front of him. When Renjun and Jaemin convinced to take a little break from work, Jisung had noticed that Mark and Jeno weren't in the building anymore. So he took the advice of Jaemin and Renjun and lead them to the open bar- however his eyes caught something strange. He saw Jeno… calmly patting your back as you… cried.

That's a sight he's never seen before. A sight that's heartbreaking to even witness. They take seats toward the corners where Mark was lurking, trying not to be too visible, but still enough to watch you and Jeno. Jisung's heart breaks when seeing your tears run down your face even though you try to wipe them away. He can hear Jaemin and Renjun plotting, but… all the he can think is that… he didn't want to take revenge on you. Not when you're crying like that.

"Tell me what you see Jisung?" Mark asks Jisung. "Because since I've been here, I've only seen her sad. Now she's crying. I see someone who's already broken, trying to survive, unaware of your cruel plan, and you still wanna hurt her?"

Jisung's brows furrow, a shift in his soul that feels like guilt. His plan, the one where he wants to hurt you, his perfectly drawn revenge… suddenly feels like aiming a knife at someone already bleeding. You're crying so much, that Jisung would give up anything just to hear what your heart is aching about.

"She never looked at me like that… back then."

"Like what?" Mark asks.

Jisung's sluggishly shrugs. "Like she's… vulnerable. She always looked strong. I'm surprised seeing her like this."

And suddenly, revenge doesn't feel powerful anymore, it feels cowardly. Mark sees that and takes advantage of it. He speaks softly, the only advocate for your heart. "You don't have to hurt her you know, maybe you can talk to her. If anything, man, she doesn't seem like she wants to lose you…"

Renjun rolls his eyes, about to protest, but Jisung beats him to it. "But I want to hurt her," Jisung argues, but it's weaker. "At least so she can understand what I felt,"

Mark scoffs. "Seriously? You still want to do that? But she's already crying,"

"Yeah but it's not because of me, it looks personal." Jisung mutters, it sounds so selfish, but he's not too sure anymore, the truth in seeing you cry the way you did… makes him realize you probably hide your life so well, and only once in a while, you let it all out. He wishes he could be in Jeno's place…

Mark's eyes widen, when he watches Jeno take out the flower from his pocket and hand it to you… That means someway somehow - the universe followed Jisung's anime.

Meanwhile Renjun and Jaemin never drop their mission. They see how you look at Jeno, now softened edges, small smiles, the hesitant hope that wasn't there before. And to them, that means the plan is finally moving. They watch you from afar. Watch how easily Jeno gravitates toward you. Watch how much Jisung hesitates now, eyes filled not with revenge, but conflict. And that's what pushes them.

In the manga they've always been relentless, and they don't know how to be anything else. So now, in real life, it's just escalated because they have a chance.

"Mark's right," Jaemin speaks, nodding and then motioning with his hand. "Why don't you go and talk to her, find out why she was crying,"

Jisung listens to that. Mark is confused but thankful that Jaemin is somehow coming back to his senses. Renjun also nods, almost comforting. "Yeah, don't let Jeno take her away, she's yours. And the first step to mending anything is communication, right Mark?"

Mark smiles, he doesn't know how he got through to them, but hearing them on his side and not divided, makes Jisung feel the confidence to… let it go, forgive you and maybe even try again. Even though he was hurt, he has to hear you out. After all it's what you've been wanting to do.

So with boldness, Jisung gets up, briskly brushing his pants and walking towards you and Jeno. "Hi Y/n," he smiles softly, you look up- and Jisung swears his heart jumps out of his chest at the way you smile. His almost confused, but he tries not to show it. Adjusting his tie, Jeno visibly shifts allowing room for Jisung to sit down. "I… I'm sorry, I just saw you crying and…"

"Oh… I'm fine." You smile a little, looking down the empty soju bottles. During the afternoon there aren't that many customers, so you're thankful to see both Jisung and Jeno.

"She's lying." Jeno comments, still with a somber smile on his face. Jisung notes how even though he's here, you and Jeno still look like you're engaged with each other and not eager to let outsiders in. Meanwhile in your mind, you feel nervous with Jisung. You don't know if he's still mad with you, and tied with your personal drama, it's all overwhelming.

"Jeno…" You call out softly, Jeno looks up with stars for eyes, while Jisung mumbles incorehent words- in his head wondering if he should just leave. You clearly want to be left alone with Jeno, and he's being a third wheel. Mark, Jaemin and Renjun were just talking crap- Jisung should just focus on hurting you- "I want to talk to Jisung alone,"

Jisung's eyes widen- caught thinking bad thoughts, his face feels incredibly hot. "Me?" he points to himself. "I thought I was disturbing you-"

"No," You shake your head. "I've been wanting to talk to you for the longest of times,"

"Oh," Jisung is at a loss for words.

Jeno gets up, even though he's bummed, he respects it. The little he got to talk to you, and spend time with you, trying to ease your mind and talk about other things was peaceful for him. Even though you cried out of nowhere and mentioned how you just wanted the life Jeno was speaking about, a soft girl life, with no troubles… Jeno wanted to get into that chat, to find out what's been having you cry and look sad, other then Jisung… but then Jisung interrupted. Nonetheless, as he's about to leave the store, he spots the colourful gang.

He approaches his friends, and takes a seat, avoiding Mark's gaze. Yet Mark still speaks to him. "Renjun and Jaemin are finally on the right side again. They encouraged Jisung to communicate, and hear you out,"

"Really?" Jeno's eyes widen- while Mark explains, Jeno can't help but notice the mischievous grins behind Jaemin and Renjun's face. Mark is saying one thing but they're completely thinking other things. Jeno doesn't trust it one bit, neither does he comment on it. As long as everyone was thinking the same thing, of allowing Jisung to forgive and talk to you, then he would make sure that nothing interrupted it.

"I think maybe we should try to see if we can go back in the tv today," Mark comments, feeling hopeful when seeing you and Jisung speak.

Jisung is flustered when you get up from your seat, and draw closer to him, taking a seat next to him. "I wanted to apologize Jisung. These past few days, seeing you and how closed off you were being with me, made me realize just… how much of a friend I have in you. You're right, I was selfish and hurt you. And there's no justification for it-"

"No," Jisung shakes his head, calmly cutting you off. "I was not being fair… I didn't hear you out. And I'm sorry for that. I should've been less reactive and more…" Jisung tries to process his feelings. There's still hurt, but next to you, he still feels good. "I'm happy you still want to be with me. Even if it's not being my girlfriend."

"You know Jisung," You smile turning to him, also allowing his gaze to shift to you. "I… I like you a lot. And… I don't want to rush anything. I've been…" you want to open up, and you feel like you need to explain to Jisung why you rejected him, especially if he's giving you the chance to explain yourself. But you just don't want to sound like a victim.

"You don't have to force your if you don't-"

"No-" You quickly cut him, smiling a little, your eyes remain on his hands. "I want to. You deserve it… after everything I put you through. I know it must've been hard for you… So here goes," You inhale and then exhale. "I… have a boyfriend." you gulp, you don't want to see Jisung's face. "But… it's complicated…" You don't even know how to describe the nature of your relationship, but recalling what Haechan said, about communication and being open, you inhale and then exhale. "He… people would say he's abusive, but he's not abusive… it's just that…" You look down at the table, running your thumb over the rim of an empty soju glass. The silence is heavy, and you realize you have to say something, anything to fill the void. "It's complicated because… he doesn't see me like that… or rather he hasn't… made it official. Come to think of it, I don't think we've ever put a label over what we have… But when I had nowhere else to go, he let me stay. And he was there when everyone else walked away." You swallow hard, wishing you could disappear into the wood grain of the table. "He gives me a roof, even if… even if I feel like I have to pay for it later."

You look up at Jisung, your eyes pleading for understanding. Jisung nods slowly, processing your words. His expression softens, the last trace of his vengeful hurt dissolving into concern. You have a boyfriend, but's nothing like he thought. You're talking about abuse about being alone, and all Jisung can think about is how… when he was alone, Jeno and the DREAM TEAM came in his life. It's crazy to think that they've only been here for a couple of days, but Jisung has never felt more connected then the way he does now. But you sound… like you're alone, and looking for that connection…

"I know he's not good for me. I know I should leave. But I keep going back because he's the only one who has ever kept a place for me in his life. He loves me… but I'm so ungrateful. Even if that place is awful. I think… I think I'm scared that if I stand on my own, I'll fail… or if I let you in… then I'll drag you down… and then I'll truly be alone. And I don't want that."

By the sounds of it, it sounds as though… you've been alone your whole life. And this 'non-abusive' figure has been the only person to help you. That genuinely hurts Jisung. He opens his mouth. "Does he… hurt you?" Jisung wonders.

You flinch slightly, the words hitting too close to the truth. You shake your head, trying to steer the focus back to your self-blame. "No, it's not his fault," you insist quickly, your voice trembling a little, and Jisung's brows furrow. "It's my fault. I say the wrong things, or I leave when I shouldn't, or… I just don't know how to keep people happy. I feel like if I was better, if I was less complicated, maybe… he wouldn't be so hard on me." You continue, your words rushing out in a defensive stream: "He just has a temper. And he gets stressed, and I frustrate him. And honestly, it feels like I deserve it sometimes. Because I'm always running away and causing drama. He's just trying to control the situation, and I make it hard for him."

You stop abruptly, realizing you've revealed too much, but still avoiding the core truth of the violence. You look at Jisung, expecting anger or disgust, but he just looks sad.

"Y/n," Jisung says quietly, reaching a hand across the table, pausing, then withdrawing it to clench his fist. "You don't deserve any of that… And I'm an idiot." Jisung shakes his head, internally hitting himself. Because from how you're speaking, it's clear that he was being selfish, thinking of his heart and how you broke it. Meanwhile, all you've ever tried to do was live your life, the best way you know how to live it. You're selfless and will literally put up with crap just to survive. Jisung feels disgusted with himself for ignoring the cries of your voice. How could he only focus on himself or think of himself and not you… yes he was broken… but so where you.

Jisung looks to Jeno, and in that brief moment, his heart mends.

The power of creating something that comforts him even in dark days, is something you don't have.

"Do you remember… in the Dream Team, there's a character I introduced, her name was Bae,"

You look up, and hearing Jisung suddenly bring up the manga comic book, makes you smile a little. "Bae. Carefree, tough, always ready to fight, loved by all. The girl who has an easy presence, the girl who I envied. Even though she's just a comic, I envy her so much."

"I… based her off of you," Jisung admits, causing you to snap your eyes to him in surprise. "On the outside you always look so tough, strong, fearless, maybe I'm just being redundant, but I've always been inspired by you. You were… my muse. You… brought life in my dark world. I created the dream team after the first day I saw and spoke to you. I was in a bad, stagnated place, Y/n. I was struggling with my purpose and life, and I felt completely useless. I thought about quitting everything. But then you walked into the bar, you served me. You laughed at my bad jokes, you inspired me, and you just carried this incredible strength. I've never known that you were tired. You were my anchor, the proof that being tough and getting through life was possible. I poured all my hope for a better world into that webtoon, and all the strength into Bae. Every time I drew her, I was thinking of you."

He leans forward, his voice earnest and quiet.

"When you rejected me, I felt like you were rejecting that hope, rejecting my whole world. That's why I reacted so badly. But now… seeing you cry, hearing your truth, I realize I was horrible and wrong for not giving you a chance. I was selfish, and I hurt you by running away and refusing to listen to you. You didn't break my heart, Y/n. You were pushing me away, yes, but I understand now."

He looks towards the bar door, where Jeno is sitting with the others, before looking back at you with determination. "I don't care about the boyfriend. I don't care about complicated. I just want to be the person who gets to help you and I promise, I won't run away. I won't judge you. I just want to be… what Jeno is for Bae. You don't have to be alone anymore." He looks you straight in the eye, serious. "I know you said you don't want to rush things, but I want you to know: I am here. For real. If you want to talk about it, if you need help getting out, or if you just need a friend who doesn't judge you and doesn't hurt you… that's what I want to be."

You look at his sincere, open face, and the protective wall you built feels like it's crumbling faster than you can repair it. This is the kindness you ran from, the unconditional love that feels too dangerous to accept.

"I… I can't ask that of you, Jisung," you whisper, fear tightening your chest. "It's too much."

"It's not," he insists.

You look away, glancing toward the door, suddenly feeling the need to run. The honesty is too intense, the safety too terrifying. The idea of 'leaving the devil you know for the unknown' kind future is overwhelming.

"I need to go," you say, rising quickly and being thankful when a customer walks in. "I have to get back to work."

You start to walk away, and Jisung has nothing to call you back with.

-

Together in his apartment, Jisung sits on the floor, knees bent and eyes zoned out on a spot, trying to figure out how to help you. After the break, he went back to work and then finally took a ride home. He opened up about what you had said, it left them all surprised for a moment. Jeno has been looking out the window since they got back home, his mind on you. The desire to help burning in his heart now. Mark simply ponders how to help Jeno figure out what they can do for Jisung so that they can go back to the tv. Unlike everyone else being consumed in the real world, Mark had began to see a little change.

The clothes they wore today, when they got home, the clothes looked a bit faded. Something wasn't right, and the longer they stayed in the real world- the more they pushed into the unknown territory of the universe.

Meanwhile Jaemin and Renjun sat on the couch, watching the DREAM TEAM series that was projected from the laptop to the tv. They're minds still fresh on revenge, just a soft core type of revenge.

"Does that mean she needs a place to live?" Jisung asks quietly. All Jisung has been doing is asking questions that nobody answered to. Eventually after hours of sitting in silence, Jisung retreats to his room, hoping to get some sleep and then wake up with an open heart to help you out. Once Jisung goes to sleep, Mark finds a spot in the room and also sleeps. Jeno still by the window, carefully shuts his eyes, but he also drifts off to sleep.

Leaving Jaemin and Renjun. Something pushes them, fuels an idea in their minds. Maybe it's the episode that they watched, an episode whereby Bae once had a problem and then sought for help on social media. Renjun takes Jisung's laptop going onto his social media platform. Surprisingly after finding your account and that you follow Jisung, Renjun begins to write a lengthy post… about your situation. Entitled:

💔 Trauma Bonding Relationship? My Friend’s Messy Life 💔

(THREAD 1/5) This is a tough one, but we need advice for a friend who is making terrible choices. Let's call her 'Y/n' (she follows this account, so we're keeping it vague). Y/n is stuck in a toxic situation with a long-term 'situationship' (no labels, apparently). She's constantly bruised, crying, and clearly being emotionally controlled, yet she keeps going back. Classic trauma bond, right? She claims he's "not abusive," but she’s running away from his place late at night and sleeping rough.

(THREAD 2/5) Here’s the kicker: Y/n is also entertaining other people. She basically led my best friend on, rejecting him only to run straight back to her 'safe' toxic guy. She only came clean today, admitting she has this complicated attachment, but made it sound like she's the victim who's too damaged for a decent guy.

(THREAD 3/5) She says she's scared of being alone, so she chooses the "devil she knows." It's frustrating because she has actual, healthy options, guys who treat her like gold and friends who offer her a bed (but she thinks she's a "burden"). She keeps making excuses for the guy who "just has a temper." This is selfishness disguised as martyrdom.

(THREAD 4/5) Beware of liars. We think she needs a massive wake-up call. She's strong enough to survive being kicked out, but not strong enough to accept kindness? This whole situation feels unfair to the good people she pushes away. She needs to stop blaming herself and start accepting the fact that she's using her trauma as an excuse to keep cheating emotionally.

(THREAD 5/5) Advice needed: How do we force her to see that she's dragging down everyone around her? Should we just cut ties until she commits to getting serious help? Or should we publicly expose her situation so her 'boyfriend' actually faces consequences? She needs to stop playing the victim while using good guys for emotional backup. #TraumaBonding #ToxicRelationships #WakeUpCall

Jaemin proof reads it, and nods. Renjun hits send, a cruel, satisfied smirk crossing his lips.

"That should do it," Jaemin murmurs, leaning back on the couch. "A little public pressure."

This is the revised scene rendered entirely in the present tense, maintaining the high-stakes action and sense of immediate dread and confusion.

"She needs to feel a fraction of the hurt she caused Jisung," Renjun states, placing the laptop back on the desk and putting on a Dream Team episode. However… something strange happens. The screen of the television, projecting the colorful, animated world of the Dream Team, swirls and distorts. The colors bleed slightly, and the image pulses, appearing less like light on a screen and more like a fluid membrane.

Jaemin, curious and still buzzing from the high of their digital revenge, gets up. He reaches out and presses a finger tentatively to the screen. Instead of the hard glass he expects, his finger sinks into the image. He gasps, thrilled by the impossible sensation, but before he can shout, a sudden, powerful pull yanks him forward. He vanishes, sucked instantly into the world of the webtoon he came from.

Renjun, who is sitting up, surprised by Jaemin's sudden, silent disappearance, hops off the couch. He moves cautiously toward the television, trying to understand the void where his friend had been. Before he can fully process it, the screen surges again, and he, too, is snatched violently into the digital vortex.

The abrupt noise…. a sort of muffled thwump followed by the screen snapping back to a normal, static image-causes Jeno to stir and eventually wake up. He blinks, peering groggily around the room. Seeing only the still-playing Dream Team episode and Mark asleep nearby, he assumes the noise is just the house settling. With a sigh, he reaches for the remote, turns off the television, and then closes his eyes, lying back on the couch.

Unaware of both the damage done and the disappearance of his two friends.

-

07h56

You wake up in the apartment of your 'boyfriend.' He is already gone, likely in the next room with another client, based on the muffled sounds you hear. Today you wake up with an unknown joy in your heart… Never mind, you know why you're happy. It's the thought of Jisung and his words, the words of hope which spread over you.

You know that you've heard them from Haechan thousands of times, but it hits differently from someone who just met you and wants to help you. It doesn't feel forced… but… neither does it feel earned, but it feels like… care. You reach for your phone, wanting to get ready for your shift. The screen lights up with notifications, hundreds of them. Your brows furrow. "Why do I have so many notifications?" Curious, you open the Twitter x app.

Your eyes widen into a horrified gasp as you read the bold, viral post from Jisung's account. Reading the threads is agonizing, you can hear your heart beating fast - just as your eyes water. You feel exposed. You feel heat. Your heartfelt confession that was spoken to Jisung yesterday - has been twisted…. "Trauma bond, selfish, cheating emotionally, using her trauma as an excuse to keep cheating." you mumble out loud as you read, your shaky hands nearly blocking your vision. You feel exposed and exploited, every private fear about yourself laid bare and magnified. The denial you clung to - that he was "not abusive" shatters under the weight of the accusations.

You scan the comments, and your eyes well with tears.

One reads: She's clearly trash. Why waste a good guy's time? Just leave the toxic guy and stop playing games. Another: This is what happens when people confuse dependence with love. Another: She deserves to be alone.

You feel the sting of public condemnation, the humiliation overwhelming.

You cannot stay a second longer. You scramble to gather your meager belongings, leaving the house and running through the streets until you reach the one place you know you are safe: Haechan's house. You pound on the door, and when he opens it, you collapse into his arms, crying out, feeling utterly stripped, alone, and betrayed.

Haechan calls on your name confused. "What? what? What's wrong?- why are you crying?"

-

Morning light filters through the blinds. Jisung wakes up to the incessant buzzing of his phone- NOT his alarm, but his phone. A relentless stream of alerts, pings, and messages about the post. He grabs it, groaning when he sees that he's woken up a few minutes before his work alarm. However another surprise awaits him when he sees his own account is the source of people's retweets and comments and hearts. His brows furrow… did he post something yesterday? He doesn't recall. So the pure shock on his face when he sees the chaos of his post. The post which is now trending.

"What is this?" Jisung yells, leaping out of bed and shaking Mark awake. "Mark! Jeno! Jaemin! Renjun! Who posted this? I didn't write this!"

Mark and Jeno jolt awake, confused by the sudden panic. They crowd around Jisung's phone, reading the venomous thread.

"You did… wait why would do that?" Mark argues, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"I was asleep! I did nothing!" Jisung counters, frantically refreshing the page.

Jeno can almost feel the emotions you're going through now. "Jisung. She opened up to you and you-"

"No! Wait Jeno," Mark interrupts, scanning the room. "Where are Jaemin and Renjun?"

Jisung and Jeno look at the empty couch and the vacant spot where the two friends had been sitting. Jeno's eyes widen, recalling the strange sound in the night. He immediately rushes to the television, grabbing the remote and powering on the screen.

The image flickers to life, showing the vibrant world of the Dream Team. And there, in the background of an animated street scene, are two characters in clothes that look subtly like their own, arguing with a cartoon vendor.

"They're… they're back in the show," Jeno whispers in disbelief.

Mark steps closer, his brow furrows as he considers the situation, finally connecting the dots between the fading clothes and the recent bizarre event… and then it clicks. "They completed their mission, didn't they? They wanted revenge, they got it by posting that thread, and now the universe… the universe pulls them back in."

"Pulls them back in?" Jisung asks in horror. "And it leaves me to deal with this mess? Y/n-"

"We need to find her." Jeno says, urgently patting Jisung telling him to shower and get ready. Meanwhile Mark looks to himself and then Jeno, what he was afraid of, is coming true.

"Dude… look at our clothes?" Mark begins, frantically pulling at the sleeve of his worn t-shirt. The once vibrant color is now a pale, threadbare gray. He glances wildly at the television screen where Jaemin and Renjun, miniaturized and slightly blurry, are hilariously trying to blend into the cartoon background. They look like bad pixel art. "I'm not sure if you’ve noticed, but we’ve been here for some days now…" Mark paces a tight circle on the rug, his voice rising in panic. "At first, I thought we needed to help Jisung gain his confidence back, but after this… after seeing Jaemin and Renjun get sucked back into the TV, I’m convinced we came out here with specific, predetermined missions."

Jisung stares blankly at the fading fabric of his own pants. "What do you mean by that, Mark? What kind of mission?"

"I don't think we're supposed to help Jisung gain his confidence back the slow way…"

"We're—" Jeno tries to interrupt, eyes wide with sudden realization, but Mark shakes his head left to right, his gaze intense.

"If we’re supposed to be here for some long, emotional recovery arc, that means we’d need to stay here for a long time," Mark continues, his hands gesturing wildly to the room. "However, I don't think we're allowed to remain on this earth. First of all, our clothes are literally dissolving. What do you think will happen next if we overdo our stay? I think Jaemin and Renjun went back because they completed their vengeful mission—the one Jisung wrote into the comic."

Mark darts to the desk, snatching the laptop and flipping through the digital pages of the Dream Team webtoon. He quickly finds the panels where Jisung wrote Renjun and Jaemin keen and adamant on breaking your heart. He flips pages again until he sees Jeno's name and his own. "Jisung wanted you, Jeno, to break her heart, and he wrote me in as your backup. But… I don't think after seeing Y/n yesterday that either of you are willing to do that now, are you? Which means… what is our mission now? If we deviate from the comic, do we just get stuck here forever? I don't want to be stuck here—I don't want to fade away into…" He trails off, genuinely terrified.

"Relax, Mark." Jeno strides forward and gently clamps his hands onto Mark's shoulders, holding him still. "Relax, dude. We'll figure this out. We came out here for Jisung, and right now, we’re caught in his emotional crisis. But if Jaemin and Renjun were able to go back… then it means we can too. We just have to create a new mission for ourselves. Help Jisung restore some balance, maybe in a way he didn't even know he needed, and then hopefully we can go back. Okay?"

Mark takes a ragged breath, the panic slowly receding under Jeno's steady grip. "Okay."

Normally, in their world, a brief cut scene or fast forward would happen, resolving this tense moment. However, the wait now stretches agonizingly long as they anxiously hover by the door, waiting for Jisung to get ready. Not a single thought of work crosses Jisung's mind; he has more pressing, real-world matters to attend to. He quickly orders a ride to the area you work, his anxiety thrumming with urgency. He grabs his jacket, his only hope and desire to see you and somehow fix the catastrophic public mess created by his friends.

The trio arrives at the bar, the location Jisung knows you frequent. however instead of going inside, this time they take a seat at a nearby, empty bench.

"Should we wait for her here, or go inside?" Jeno wonders, his gaze sweeping the street, his internal mission clock ticking loudly.

No one responds immediately. Jisung keeps his eyes glued to the bar entrance, a lump forming in his throat. With no movement from the bar, Jisung reaches in his pocket to contact you, dialing your number. It goes straight to voicemail. He's not surprised, but the rejection stings. He then calls onto someone else… a new friend he recently made, Chenle. He asks Chenle if he's got Haechan's number. Chenle, confused by the frantic request, instantly sends the number.

Jisung contacts Haechan, sending a quick, contrite message explaining he didn't post the thread and asking if you are okay. The immediate reply is scathing: "Don't. Contact. Me. Or her. You have done enough damage." Haechan cuts the call.

Just as Jisung gives up, defeated, a call from work comes in… urgent, demanding, ringing with the sharp tone of reality that often interrupts fragile emotional moments. He sighs, the sound heavy with resignation. "I have to go, they need me for an emergency edit," he explains, rising stiffly from the bench. "I'll be back as soon as I can. And maybe… maybe by the time I'm back, she'll be here too."

Jisung rushes off, his form quickly disappearing down the crowded sidewalk, leaving Mark and Jeno alone, the weight of their unspoken, extraordinary mission now pressing down like the midday heat.

"Dude… everything is happening so fast," Mark announces, his gaze distant, taking in the dull cityscape. He rubs his arms, feeling a strange, low-level thrumming beneath his skin. "Do you also feel it, or is it just me? Like the air is thinning, or the resolution of this world is dropping?"

Jeno turns his head slowly to Mark, who is sitting beside him on the weathered bench. They are supposed to look like two vibrant, animated characters, but Jeno notices the subtle lack of sharpness around Mark's edges. "I get you," Jeno acknowledges the distinct shift in the atmosphere. "I've been ignoring this… because I want to live here in this world, but you're right. Today things feel… out of perspective."

Mark doesn't say anything, simply sighing out.

After a moment, Jeno looks to the sky. Recalling the tear and cry that changed his entire world. Hearing Jisung cry… how time has flied is crazy. But Mark is right… if they continue to stay here, then… something bad might happen to them, so Jeno closes his eyes, speaking honestly. "And… I think I know what our mission really is. It's been our mission all along. We were probably supposed to go back to the TV on the second day… but we got too absorbed in this very human drama." Jeno smirks a little, opening his eyes. "Hey, I never got to thank you guys properly for following me… I mean the Dream Team is our world… and I thought for a second we could merge with the real world. But… I was wrong."

"What does that mean?" Mark asks, his voice barely above a whisper, recognizing the gravity in Jeno's tone.

"It means… we may have overstayed our welcome," Jeno says, looking at the spot where Jisung had been sitting. "We were just supposed to help him cope. Remember? We found him and he was… suicidal, broken, about to self-destruct. Now, he's repentant. He's made a friend… probably realized his got so much to live for, and so much to change… and it's all in arms reach. He's forgiven Y/n in his heart, and he wants to mend things. That's a massive shift in self-improvement, isn't it? I mean… I know there's months of therapy packed into genuine self-improvement, but our part- the catalyst part, is already done. Wouldn't you say?"

"You're right…" Mark thinks aloud, nodding slowly. "Not only have we helped him find his footing… but we've helped ourselves a lot, too, don't you think? Being here has been a wild ride… I've spent a lot of time worrying, but looking bachk… We found a connection and a meaning we didn't even know we were missing in the comic. Togetherness and helping each other overcome. What a blessing."

"Yeah," Jeno smiles lightly, a genuine, bittersweet warmth in his eyes. "But truth be told… I don't want to leave. I feel anchored here now. I…"

Mark offers a faint, knowing smile. "I could tell the moment you locked eyes with her, that you'd fall in love with her. She reminds you of Bae doesn't she?"

Jeno faintly smiles. "Not Bae… but… Y/n is unique. I feel… the need to help her. But I know… that's not our goal. We came here for Jisung. And even though I want to help Y/n, he's probably the one who'll help her. She needs that stability to know she's not alone in the real world."

"You're mostly made in the likeliness of Jisung's best qualities," Mark calmly adds with a smile. "And he obviously loves her, so I trust and now for sure that… after everything that's happened, he'll reach out his hand and help her. The same way you did to him. I mean after all, that is Jisung. He's not someone who wants to hurt people…"

"Hurting her was never my intention," Jeno murmurs, the regret palpable. "And when Jisung and Renjun and Jaemin wanted to do that… I just wanted to hear her out, see her pain, and be her safe place. You know."

"I get you. You're fulfilling your essential coding as… the Helper."

"Nice." Jeno smiles lightly. "But now… I think, we have to leave Jisung at his rightful place. To live his life on his own terms," Jeno concludes, his voice regaining its mission-driven firmness. "We've just… given him the push to express all his denial, anger, bargaining, depression… and now acceptance of his own emotional reality."

"Whether their relationship works out or not, shouldn't be our focus," Mark confirms, his gaze steady. "Our mission was simply to ensure his survival. As long as Jisung doesn't plan on taking his life, we've succeeded."

Jeno sighs, the sadness unavoidable. "I want it to work out. She's a great girl… I mean, if you ask me… I think she needs time to heal from that abuse. And so does Jisung, and when they're both 'healed,' they can come back to each other. I think coming out of the TV was a cosmic alarm clock…. a way for him to wake up to the potential of his life, you know."

"Yeah," Mark agrees softly.

"Come on," Jeno says, standing up and stretching the stiffness from his limbs. "Let's take a walk. Clear our heads before we talk our butts off."

The two begin walking down the street, their footsteps scraping against the pavement, as hours bleed into the quiet, fading afternoon. When they come back, and sit on the bench, now waiting for Jisung… they are about to leave, but when the door of the bar swings open… You step out, looking utterly devastated, your makeup slightly smudged, your posture defeated. You walk with a rigid, desperate quality, eyes fixed on the pavement.

"Y/n!" Jeno calls out instantly, rushing forward leaving Mark behind on the bench.

You flinch violently, snapping your head up. Seeing Jeno the raw betrayal from the viral post, combined with the earlier trauma, bubbles over. You shake your head, tears instantly streaming. "No. Go away." you choke out, your voice tight with pure anguish. But Jeno doesn't go away. He draws closer. Heart broken by the tears that stream down your face easily.

"I trusted him- I opened up…. and he just… he used it." You try to maintain yourself, shaking your head. "I… I knew this would happen. Every time I open my heart, every time I try to communicate and let some in… they betray me, the leave me, they hurt me… Everyone's just looking to leave me broken and not help me-"

"That's not true-"

But you push his arm away when he tries to hold onto your arms. "I'm broken. Just leave me alone!"

You start to back away, collapsing inward, hugging yourself tightly as if you are trying to keep your physical form from splintering.

"Stop it, Y/n," Yet Jeno doesn't take no for an answer. He holds onto your shoulders carefully, his hands firm but gentle. He tries to get you to focus on looking into his eyes, but you resist, shivering violently, refusing to open your tear-streaked eyes. He is heartbroken, the sound of your despair a shattering echo in his soul. He takes a sharp breath before pulling you into a deep, desperate hug. His arms lock around you, trying to anchor you to reality. Calling your name gently, he rubs your back. "You don't belong with broken people. You're not broken, Y/n. You're whole… you just need to see it to."

"How?" you sniff, finally looking into his eyes. However now it's Jeno's turn, for him to look beyond your eyes… there's a purple bruise underneath your eye. Your makeup that you've wiped away because of the tears reveal the scar beneath. Jeno doesn't know where it comes from… but his heart beats fast.

This will probably be his last time with you. This is it.

He leans down, tilting his head. "Y/n, you're strong and you're a fighter. You've pulled yourself through all this crap of life, and are still standing tall. I know you won't cramble down, because you've never known defeat." His finger gently brushes over your cheek.

Jeno leans in initiating the first kiss. His lips are gentle yet firm over yours, a promise of safety in the chaos. Jeno feels a powerful surge of energy, a dizzying sense of purpose… he feels more alive than all the time he's been in the human world combined. The kiss for you is just as passionate. Nothing rough like you've known with your 'boyfriend', but something new, something soft. Something that makes you feel… whole.

Leaning back a bit, he looks into your eyes, yours into his. So much is unsaid, but a mutual, fragile feeling is already forming, a recognition that transcends the real world.

But the shame and fear are too strong. The kiss is a spark, but the world is still burning. Your eyes widen in sudden, fresh panic. This new connection, this sudden, powerful feeling, is exactly what you fear. You push away, your body recoiling from the terrifying new vulnerability.

You turn and run, sprinting blindly down the street, disappearing into the city crowd before Jeno can say another word.

Jeno watches you go, his heart pounding, his mission clear. He turns back to Mark, both of their faces etched with grief and determination. They sit and wait for Jisung's return, but when he finally arrives hours later, breathless and apologetic, they don't tell him what happened.

"Did she come? Did you see her?" Jisung asks, frantic.

Mark and Jeno exchange a knowing look. "Jisung she needs you. Not us."

"You have to fix this, Jisung," Jeno says, his voice solemn. "She's waiting for you to be better. To be strong. Don't give up on her. Don't let your pain make you selfish. You have to mend things the right way, with honesty and kindness."

"We believe in you," Mark adds, placing a comforting hand on Jisung's shoulder. "Your story, your real story, isn't finished yet."

"Why are you guys talking like that?" Jisung asks, however just as the question comes out… Jeno feels a sickening wave of dizziness hit him.

"Guys, I don't feel so good," Jeno says suddenly, slumping slightly, his vibrant colors seeming to dim. Mark grabs his arm, holding him up. Jisung doesn't waste a second and frantically orders a ride back to his place, terror replacing his anxiety about you.

Once inside, Jisung gently helps the dizzy Jeno and Mark onto the couch. He rushes to the kitchen to prepare some hot water, his mind racing, wondering what bizarre illness has struck them. However, while he comes back to the living room, a sound like tearing fabric fills the room, followed by an audible static from the television switching on.

Jisung stands frozen in the doorway. The screen glows an aggressive, pulsating white, acting like a reverse magnet. Mark and Jeno are no longer on the couch; they are now mid-air, being pulled backward, their limbs stretching toward the blinding light. With a final, shared, regretful look toward Jisung, they are sucked into the screen with a loud, final thwump.

Jisung, standing alone in his silent living room, watches as Mark and Jeno's animated forms instantly snap back into place, reuniting with Jaemin and Renjun in a bustling scene from the Dream Team world. The television snaps off, leaving Jisung staring at his own reflection in the dead black screen.

-

A week passes, marked by an agonizing emptiness. Jisung feels hollow and desperately alone, missing the constant, vibrant presence of the Dream Team… of Jeno's empathy, Mark's realism, and even Jaemin and Renjun's chaotic banter. He hasn't seen you, and he feels like his world is brought back to the state of collapsing. The urge to fall back into his old depressive patterns is immense.

But he pulls himself together, remembering the solemn conviction in Jeno's eyes. They left his life back to him so that he could make the decision to pull himself up and out; they had already shone the beacon on his gift, his ability to connect and create.

With newfound, terrifying boldness, Jisung marched into work and quit his job that same day, deciding his true future lay with his art. He began house hunting for a better, brighter apartment, determined to follow Renjun and Mark's advice that his environment shapes him. Meanwhile, he's also been going to the area near your workplace every day, enduring the disappointment in hopes to see you.

But sadly, he hasn't seen you at all.

The next week, Jisung finds himself at a neighborhood park, one with genuinely green grass, which he found during his house hunt. He spots Chenle, the friend who gave Jeno his motorcycle (which now belongs to Jisung), the same friend who gave him Haechan's number…. He sees Chenle playing basketball with two others, the twins, Donghyuck and Haechan.

The greeting is a bit formal and awkward, but with Chenle, he smooths things over with a game of basketball. Teams of 2, Jisung and Donghyuck vs Chenle and Haechan. The game goes well- gaining some attention from passbyers, who cheer the winning team of Chenle.

During a half time, Jisung approaches Haechan nervously. "Haechan. Look, I know you hate me-"

Haechan immediately waves his hand. "You think? You posted the most viral thread of the month using your cartoon account to humiliate a girl who is literally sleeping on my couch because her situation is so bad."

"I know… and I regret that." Jisung takes accountability for Jaemin and Renjun's actions. Knowing that if it weren't for Jeno, that would've been the path he was going to take. To humilate you. "And I'm a huge jerk. But I… was not myself. And I know I took advantage of her opennes. But please… helpe me make amends with her?"

Haechan shakes his head. Not wanting to listen.

Jisung continues, knowing that this is what he needs to do. "I swear I have nothing but kindness and empathy left for her. Please, Haechan, I just need to see her. I need to apologize and let her know I'm not that monster that posted that crap."

Haechan studies Jisung's defeated posture and raw, honest eyes. He sees the genuine distress, not just for himself, but for you. He remembers how utterly broken you were when you arrived. If anything, it was also Haechan's first time seeing you open up about letting someone else in… Maybe Jisung is different. Haechan sighs, running a hand through his hair. "She's… She's back at… her place. She left two days ago. Said she couldn't keep burdening me, and she needed to face her reality, whatever that meant." He lowers his voice. "She also said she can't trust anyone after what happened."

Jisung flinches, the words sinking like lead. "But I have to talk to her. Please. You have to tell me where she is. I just need to see her, and show her that I never took advantage of the friendship she showed me."

Haechan considers the request. You need a way out, and Jisung, now a desperate lifeline, might be it. "Fine," Haechan relents. "But if you mess this up, you deal with me. The apartment is… in an old block near the rail yard. Building C-38."

-

The next day, Jisung goes straight to the address: Building C-38. He finds the building, instantly recognizable by its peeling paint and flickering porch light. He stands at the bottom of the steps, breathing in the cold city air. He isn't here for revenge or romance. He's here because the whole Dream Team came here to ensure his survival, and that mission depends on him doing the right thing, the hard thing, and proving he is worthy of the life he was saved for.

He climbs the steps and stands before the dark green door. He raises his fist, knocks three times, and then silently runs through the earnest script he had rehearsed, something about apologies, about the post, about wanting to mend things.

The door creaks open, revealing a man who fills the frame: broad-shouldered, unshaven, and heavy with the scent of cheap liquor. His eyes are hostile and bloodshot. Clearly drunk. Jisung doesn't know if this is the boyfriend you once mentioned. Little does he know that it's a client for your 'boyfriend' - and Jisung's just interrupted a 'show'.

"Yeah? What do you want?" the man slurs, leaning against the frame.

"I'm… here for… I mean I'm looking for someone called, Y/n," Jisung states, his rehearsed words instantly forgotten, replaced by a cold knot of dread.

"Who the hell are you?" the man asks, taking a threatening step forward.

Before Jisung can form an answer, his eyes snap past the brute to a sound from inside the apartment. His eyes behold upon a man who's shirtless, smirking and then- swings his hand back and slaps-

You across the face. The sickening, wet crack of flesh connecting with bone has Jisung's brows snapping together in pure, blinding fury. Without a thought for the man blocking the way, he shoves past the massive figure, stumbling into the suffocating living room.

The scene freezes in his vision: You are cowering near the couch, arms shielding your face and head, while the man raises his hand again- no doubt in Jisung's mind, that this is the boyfriend, the boyfriend who abuses you. The sight of your fear is the final, shattering blow to Jisung's fragile composure. In an instant, he pounces. He doesn't think about his own safety; he throws his smaller body between you and the abuser. The man roars, connecting a heavy fist to Jisung's side. Jisung drops onto the ground with a sickening thud. Jisung can smell the alcohol in the air- both men are drunk.

You scramble towards him, shock briefly overriding the pain. "What are you doing here, Jisung?"

The man laughs, a harsh, ugly sound. "So this is Jisung? Lol you actually came here for this dirty slut? Didn't you already tear her apart online?" the guys laughs and then grabs your hair. "Tsk, dirty slut bringing your pathetic admirers to my house."

Jisung doesn't even pay attention to the vile words being spouted. His eyes are locked on your face: the gold of your eyebrow piercing is wedged in an uncomfortable, bloody spot; a dark crimson streak trails from your nose; and the beginnings of a painful swell are already forming around one eye- and just the way your 'boyfriend' holds you - Jisung can only stare at the physical proof of your suffering, the reality hitting him like a physical shockwave. He turns around, every ounce of suppressed rage, self-pity, and fear of the last two weeks coalescing into a single, lethal intent.

"You did this to her?" His voice is low, vibrating with deadly calm.

Jisung takes a quick look at the man- three times his size, beefy, and smelling like a brewery. He chooses not to listen to any more insults as he slams his knuckles deeply into the guy's jaw. It is not the punch of a timid artist; it is the strike of a man who has decided to live. Although the punch surprises him - he recalls Jaemin and his encouragement to join boxing. Anger floods Jaemin's vision, a dark, consuming cloud, as he rapidly collides his knuckles against the guy's face. "You piece of shit! How dare you?"

Jisung feels the man hit him back, a blow that should incapacitate him, but the rage fueled by the memory of the Dream Team's depature and the sight of your bleeding face consumes him with an unknown, fierce power. He hits with everything he has, disregarding the disparity in size and height. He drives the man back with a relentless flurry, making him bleed until the brute finally stumbles and drops with a groan.

"If I ever, ever see you near her," Jisung states, his breath ragged, his voice laced with the cold steel of vengeance, "I will hurt you. You’re the disease in this world that needs to be extinguished."

Jisung turns immediately, helping you up from the ground, his arms gently going underneath your thighs as he lifts you bridal style, his focus solely on getting you out of that toxic apartment. The moment he steps out onto the street, the rage subsides, and the immediate, overwhelming horror of what you endure brings fresh, hot tears to his eyes.

"Jisung," you call out gently, your voice weak, your hand instinctively reaching to touch his bruised, dirt-streaked cheek.

"I'm an idiot," he chokes out. Once out of the immediate danger zone, he gently sets you down and sinks onto his knees on the pavement. "I am the idiot. I thought my pain over a rejection was the worst thing in the world. I let my friends try to hurt you when you were already drowning. I am so sorry, Y/n. I should have- I should have seen this." He cries out, the realization of your trauma finally shattering his self-absorption. "I should have been here sooner to save you-"

Your eyes also well up, the tears washing away the fear and the shame. You sink onto your knees, your arms gently going around his shoulders. You surrender all your remaining strength and trust, realizing with profound certainty that you are finally, truly safe with him. You hug him, letting go of everything else, every burden, every denial, every fear of being alone. "Thank you, Jisung," you whisper into his shoulder, the words thick with gratitude and pain. "But you've got it wrong… I'm an idiot for not saving myself out of his hell hole."

Jisung holds you tightly, a silent promise in the desperate embrace. This is why the Dream Team came. This moment, this salvation, this connection, this is what he was saved to do.

-

5 Years Later

Dream TEAM WORLD #100th EDITION! Watch anime | Read Manga Anime Loading… Scene 1:

How many years have passed? How many friends have been made along the way? How many lessons have Jeno and the Dream Team learnt to finally lead up to this moment?

A moment so precious that units friends and family together. Soft music fills the air. We see Jeno standing proudly in his formal suit, adjusting his tie with a rare, confident grin, beside him, the members of the Dream TEAM also stand proudly with teasing smiles. Renjun nudging Jaemin, Jaemin rolling his eyes affectionately, Mark wiping away a dramatic tear once an animated character Jisung walks down the isle.

"From chaos to harmony… from battles to celebrations… today marks a new chapter." Mark comments to Jeno.

"Finally, I never thought I'd see him again, look at him," Renjun quietly whispers with fresh joy oozing out of his voice.

As the wedding bells chime in the background, animated flower petals drift across the screen. A white title card appears, brush-stroked like the beginning of a classic anime:

The Dream Team

You had just finished high school with no intention of chasing degrees. Your heart had already chosen a path, one with the earth and nature, meditative arts. You built something beautiful from that passion: a sanctuary of calm where people could breathe, be still, and be themselves. You didn't just lead classes, you held safe spaces, you created peace. And somehow, you turned it into a living, into a purpose. Into your brand.

Chenle, on the other hand, had gone deep into the world of advanced science. His days were filled with data and theory, until the terrible car accident which left him with pain. The pain was physical, yes, but the emotional weight of it scared him more. He hated the idea of needing help. So he avoided therapy. But every morning from his window, he'd watch you. Leading your classes in the park. Moving with such grace, such ease. You didn't know it, but you were helping him long before he ever walked into your session.

He joined your class because you were cute. He stayed because you were healing.

And over time, slow mornings, shared drinks, silly jokes, deep talks under half-finished moons, you fell into each other. Maybe it was fast... maybe- but it didn't feel reckless. It felt like falling into the exact place you were meant to be. He proposed. You said yes. It was love. It was undeniable. You had a small ceremony with family.

You cherished each other. You laughed like it was sacred. You built a life. And then came your daughter, tiny, perfect, yours. You held her first, kissed her first, taught her her first hums and sighs. Everything was golden...

Until that one night. You went to sleep beside him. Peacefully. And you never woke up.

One would think that by the year 2027, a machine would've been invented to mimic a mother's love, her warmth, her intuition, her ability to soothe a crying child with nothing more than a heartbeat and a hum. There are smart cribs, voice-activated monitors, A.I toys that can detect and respond to emotion, but none of them hold a candle to the real thing. And right now, a 24 year old Chenle could really use that machine... or he'd rather have you back.

The crying won't stop.

Chenle gets up gently patting the back of the little infant wondering 'what could it be this time?'. Maybe she needs her milk. Or a new diaper- no he did that a minute ago.

"It's okay sweety, don't cry, don't cry," he mumbles hastily walking to some formulas that were mixed. Reading becomes a struggle as the words on the bottle don't make sense- "Where is the new one- shh- shhh - please Zozo just wait- please stop crying-" Chenle gets fidgety as the baby gets restless in his arms. Tiny arms getting stiff and legs flinging around.

His arms shake when he finally adjusts her in the correct feeding position while balancing the bottle in her mouth. But her lips don't suckle around the tip. Instead. In an annoying pitched wail. She continues to cry out. Her breathing is non existent at some point as she prepares for her next rounds of tantrums.

"Zozo please." Chenle begins to bob the baby girl up and down- still with the bottle in her mouth- as he sings and walks across the living room. "She won't stop crying. I don't know what to do- I don't-"

He finally caves and yells out. In that moment, Chenle knows, he's not cut out of this. Not by himself. He puts the baby down on the floor- where she can't hurt herself and storms to the kitchen.

The first tear lands in the empty sink.

His knuckles turn white, grip tight on the platform. He tries to control his breathing- the tears streaming silently down his face, the crying in the background becomes louder and his hands already ready to rip apart the entire house. The counting doesn't help anymore, it doesn't calm him down - only makes him angry. And before he can even stop himself- his voice is raised, rage spitting out and hatred in his eyes. "Shut the fuck up! What're crying for? Shut up Zhuó- just shut up!"

Now the baby hiccups. Her tiny face red. Coughing. But still crying.

"Zhuó! Zhuó! Shut up! Please!"

He can't even pick her up. His own tears pouring out - hand balled into tight fists gripping his hair, feet walking back and forth- thoughts all the same. Wanting to kill himself so that he doesn't have to deal with her. But in his heart, he knows he's being selfish. How can he think of killing himself when she needs him? When she needs him the most- especially after your death? Chenle shakes his head, the memory of you- the image of you- the thought of you rendering him weak. He falls to his knees, a cry escaping his throat. He shuts his puffy eyes, sniffing and holding back his strangled cries. Even though you were gone for three days, Chenle still saw it like it was yesterday.

Your figure beside him. Not moving. Not breathing. He brushed it off - because you looked so peaceful. Little did he know that you were literally... at peace... for good.

"You were right there..." Chenle fades in his own cry, wheezing and clutching his chest. "Peaceful... how could you- leave..."

Like a car crush- Chenle is up on his feet in a flash and speed runs to his wailing daughter on the floor. "I'm here Zozo, I'm here." He carefully picks her up, holding her close to his chest- not too close in order not to hurt her- but close enough to let her know that he's there. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Daddy is being a bitch. I know I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. "

Zhuó- having finally ran dry of tears, settles to a nap after Chenle walks around for nearly an hour. He doesn't put her down. His thoughts shut off, allowing himself only to feel the tender life in between his arms. He picks up his phone while Zhuó sleeps soundly in his arms. The silence feels heavier than her tiny weight. Thoughts resurface, sharp and unrelenting: How am I supposed to do this without you? You were a natural with Zhuó. She adored you. He adored you. But you weren’t here anymore. His thumb hovers over a familiar number. He hesitates, wondering if he should end the call before it even begins. But right now, this is the only thing that makes sense. He can't lose you—not really. And if what he’s about to do is unethical, he no longer cares. He'll do anything to bring you back.

"Hey, Jeno." The line finally connects. Chenle's voice cracks. "I need your help."

"Anything," comes the calm reply. Jeno, also known as Doctor Lee Jeno, is a leading scientist in advanced biology. Chenle had studied under him in university, even interned at his lab, where Jeno's groundbreaking research in cellular regeneration and cloning blurred the lines of possibility.

Chenle swallows hard. "Can I… present my wife, Y/N, as a subject?" His voice trembles. "The private doctor said she died in her sleep. Natural causes. But I can't—" his breath catches, a sob breaking through. "I can't accept it." His grip tightens around the phone. "I need you to make a clone of her. Please."

-

Past Present: 1637

"You are not like the others. Never show yourself."

Those were the words you carried through childhood like a second heartbeat. It wasn't a warning, but a command... softly spoken, yet sealed into you bones from the moment you first understood fear. From the moment you were born, you knew, something in you was different. You didn't need anyone to tell you, but you could just feel it. The ground beneath your feet pulsed when you walked. The wind shifted when you breathed. You were never alone, not really. The earth was always with you. Watching. Whispering. Teaching.

Nature didn’t just surround you; it knew you. Your mother gave you life. Your father gave you truth. But it was the world around you—root and leaf, water and sky—that raised you. Whispered to you. You could feel it in the soil, in the wind, in the way the trees leaned closer when you were near. At first, you thought it was a game, your own secret superpower.

You remember a day so clearly. The rain was relentless, soaking through your uniform as you ran home. Cold, tired, desperate to just be dry for once, you shouted, "Stop!" And it did. Not all around... just over you. The sky kept weeping, but not a single drop touched your skin. You looked up. Watched the rain bend and scatter around you like it knew you.

That was the first time you felt it—real power.

You told your father. Because you trusted him. Because some part of you wanted him to tell you it was normal. That you were safe. But instead, he smiled, like he had been waiting. "You're a witch."

He said it like a secret prayer. Like something sacred.

From then on, he trained you in quiet moments. Lessons hidden between laughter and routine. He masked them well, your mother and brothers, Jaehyun and Jungwoo, never questioned it. They thought he was teaching you old traditions. Odd games. But you knew better.

You weren't just learning. You were awakening.

And when your father wasn't teaching... nature was. The trees bent toward your voice. The rivers hummed when you were near. What your father didn't explain, the world around you did. You didn't need books. You just needed to listen. You didn't just draw from nature—you were one with it. Power lived beneath your skin. It was beautiful.

And it was a shame. Because you were born in a time where witches were forbidden.

You remember the stench of burning flesh. The way the witch’s screams rang out across the emperor’s courtyard. You were just a girl, hidden between your father and uncle, watching a woman who could have been you turned to ash. All for what she was. Your father didn't say much after that.

He falls into step beside you as you walk back. "Being a witch doesn’t give you the right to do whatever you want," he says, his tone firm but calm. "There's dark magic, and then there's pure magic— the kind we practice. I don't ever, ever... want to catch you using dark magic, drawing power from places you don't understand. Most witches who get caught... It's because they revealed themselves. And nature always deals with them. Promise me never to upset nature and the balance of things. Otherwise they'll only be pain in your future."

You nod, meeting his gaze. "I won't. Father."

And you listened. But now, as you grow, stronger, wiser, hungrier, you know something else, too: You weren't made to stay hidden forever. You have this magic for a reason...

The year is 1637, in the Ming Dynasty, home to the wealthy and hell to the lowly. People with differences unable to settle and live together in harmony, hence the slave hierarchy. The eldest daughter of lowly homes being put up for work in order to support her family with something to get by. Once you turned 18, you were auctioned amongst crowds of wealthy men and families from posh backgrounds.

The only reason you were on the auction list, was because your father never showed himself. He always told you, if you want to live a good life and not burn - keep your head down. But in you, you knew that your life was more than... being a slave for some posh wealthy person.

You stood for 3 days as your auctioneer rounded you, serving out your impressive traits. Your auctioneer, also known as your uncle, Uncle Suh, wondered why your charms and beauty failed to keep the men who watched interested and engaged. Time means nothing to you when you're a witch. Standing tall, eyes fixed on gazes that 'lust' and casting a spell with a whisper for 'interested' men to walk away.

You didn't want to be sold to some bum and clean for all your life. In your mind, you were higher then all of them. Nothing could make you settle for less...

Until him.

Zhong Chenle.

Twenty-three. Crowned by birth. Raised to be praised, worshiped... desired. The Emperor’s son.

Standing under the heat, sun pressing onto the bare of your back creating sun burn, your uncle roaming around speaking - not only about your traits but the other first borns of other lowly families in line with you. Your uncle had always been successful at selling of young people- because he was also like you; a male witch, a warlock, so he always made a fortune- there was never a day whereby he didn't sell ALL his subjects- until you of course.

However today is a new day, small crowds turned to large groups of people from different places. Decorations filling up the usually small canvas area with so much to dazzle the eye with. Your eyes shun away from anyone who looks at you, but the whole time your eyes are spent on with the emperor's son, the Prince, Zhong Chenle. Word has it, he's looking for a wife. But of course here, he's looking for a maid.

You see his servants, close by, giving him the space and distant to walk through the booths, as several give him the space to do so. He walks up to Uncle Suh's table booth. You're standing high with 4 other girls. The emperor's son tilts his head high, gleaming brown eyes catching the sunlight just right as he wonders from eye to eye- until yours.

No words are shared. You stare him down- unlike the others who looked away because of his title and position, he's the emperor's son. You can hear Uncle Suh giving special attention to the prince, "Ryujin, known for her strong arms can lift up to 7 tiny grown men-" trying to sell off the others because he knows there's no luck in your corner.

However your lip tilts upwards when you know the emperor's son is enticed by you.

"I'll have her,"

Any other day, the words would scorch a bitter taste in the pits of your stomach, yet today the words are like a crown of victory over your head. Uncle Suh is shocked, he glances over at you, eyes narrowing when he suddenly gets it.

"Ah, but you see," Uncle Suh motions to you. "She's already on... she's already been bought."

"I'll pay higher." Is all the Prince says, before he gives you one more look and then goes on his way.

You look down chuckling a little. Uncle Suh turns you around, removing the ropes from your wrists. "You're not ready for this." he mutters, but you could care less. "For 3 days you rejected potential, wealth and good men. And now, today you chose to bewitch the prince? It's not going to play out in your favour." he finally cuts the rope and you smile politely.

"Except I didn't use my magic Uncle Suh."

He scoffs. "Don't forget you're still a maid."

"I'll be sure to remember that from the Prince's palace." you turn around with a coy amused smile, a servant from the Prince helps you down and then places a silver bracelet over your wrist. You take one last look at Uncle Suh. Payments seem to have already been made, because by the look of the hefty sack in his hands, he's now smiling at you.

"Don't get caught." he mouths lowly, but you hear it, as the wind carries his voice to you.

This is it, your new life begins, as a maid servant to the Prince. Your family; mother, father and two older brothers, Jungwoo and Jaehyun will be very proud of you. You get in line behind 2 other ladies, following behind the Prince.

You can already picture it: palace robes, early duties, a quiet kind of order. You've cooked and cleaned your whole life — but never for fools who saw you as nothing. If the Prince were to devalue you, at least it would be from inside the palace. That, in itself, would mean you were worth choosing. He walks slowly, moving from booth to booth, studying faces, selecting carefully. It's obvious, though no one says it, he's not just looking for staff. He's preparing for a future wife. But first, he needs to prove he can care for a household, manage a team, play the part of a ruler.

When the choosing ends, you sit in the back of the wooden wagon with the other maids. You smile, polite and unreadable. Even the wagon is elegant. Four white horses lead it gently toward the palace. You don't care about becoming a princess. You just want a life beyond survival, one that finally feels like yours.

The palace is spotless, brick by brick, stone by stone. Towering and vast, it swallows you whole the moment you arrive. Prince Chenle says nothing. He steps from his private carriage and vanishes into the palace, leaving the rest of you in the hands of the emperor's personal first attendant. Tasks are assigned quickly. You're told this is a trial. One day to prove your worth. Fail, and you're sent back without a second glance.

"You," the attendant says when she reaches you. Her eyes sweep your frame, not kindly. You try not to persuade her with your magic. You simply wait to see if you like what she says. "You look like a specialty servant." You keep your face calm. Not eager. Not cold. Just ready. "You'll be assigned to Irene. Candle and lamp duty."

No time to question it. Another woman, younger, but sharper, appears at your side. "Follow," she says. You obey. She walks fast. Speaks faster. "You'll light and maintain the palace lamps, mostly at night. Specialty means high risk. You were chosen because of your face. That's your pass. But one mistake, one curtain set on fire or you decided to burn this whole place down. You will be sentenced to death for attempt at murder."

You believe her. Every word.

Still, you survive the day. Two girls are already gone by sundown. The next week is filled with training, laundry, tea service, etiquette drills. You're surprised when, before long, you're no longer with Irene at the emperor's wing.

You've been reassigned, promoted... moved to the Prince's personal palace. His own and new home... kingdom.

That's when you learn the truth: he isn't looking for a wife. He already has one, chosen by the emperor. This entire selection was about preparing his new household. A quiet kingdom-in-training, and you're part of it now.

Inside the Prince’s court, hierarchy is law. At the top: senior women trusted with dressing him, managing his meals, keeping his routine flawless. Personal maids handle the rest, baths, garments, daily details. You're somewhere between, backup to the tea maid by day, but your main role stays the same: keep the lamps burning. Specialty, they call it. But that word holds weight.

Around you, other women serve in silence. One handles incense, mixing rare woods and oils to scent the Prince's chambers. Another prepares tea with ceremonial grace. A third weaves fine embroidery into royal silks. Each of you has a purpose, and none of you can afford a single mistake.

You've come far, but you're still walking a razor's edge.

"Could you—"

Your ears perk at the husky whisper, barely audible beneath the rustling of your own footsteps. It's the middle of the night, and you'd only risen from bed to snuff out the last of the palace lights. But you pause, startled, when you catch the Prince himself slipping silently into the kitchen, the very one you just finished darkening moments before.

His movements are delicate, barefoot, almost ghost-like. You hadn't heard a single footfall on the stone floors. His black robe is loosely tied, hair slightly tousled, like he just woke up from bed without calling for assistance.

You bow quickly, heart pounding. Normally, when no one watched, you used magic to light the flame. But not now. Silently, you glide to the cabinet, kneel, and steady your hands. No magic, you remind yourself. Be fast. Don't make him wait. You retrieve the taper case, steady hands pulling free a single waxed strip. At the far wall, a lantern waits, recently snuffed. On your third try, a spark catches. You lean in, breathing gently watching the ember glowing bigger. You light the taper. Rising carefully, you open the glass lantern and touch flame to wick. It flickers, then blooms into steady light, casting a warm glow across the kitchen tiles.

Behind you, the Prince watches. His expression softens, just slightly. His eyes shift to the lantern, then to your soot-smudged fingers. "You always do this alone?" he asks, not unkindly. Just curious. His voice is low and rough with sleep, like a page not yet turned.

You hesitate. Most in your position don't speak unless spoken to and even then, with care. "Yes, My Prince. It's my duty to see the flames out before morning," you reply, lowering your eyes politely.

He hums, a small sound in his throat. Not disapproving. Not quite anything... You wonder if you should go and leave him here while you carry on to snuff out the other lights around the palace, or if you should stay... he didn't even dismiss you, so you don't want to test out what will happen if you walk away from him.

You bow your head lightly. "Allow me to prepare tea, My Prince." You end up saying, wondering why he came down by himself. He doesn't respond, not with words, but his silence as well as him taking a seat on the stool is permission enough. You move with purpose. A clay teapot from the shelf. A ladle of hot water from the covered kettle still warm on the hearthstone. The soft clink of porcelain as you place a single cup on the table.

Then, from the same cabinet, you pull the porcelain jar of honey, thick and amber-colored and set it beside the teacup. You open the lid and dip in a small spoon, offering it without meeting his gaze. "For the throat, if you're unwell," you murmur, quietly.

He steps forward, takes the jar then, brushing your fingers slightly, whether on purpose or not you can't tell. You swallow, unsure if the heat rising in your cheeks is from the lingering lantern-glow or something else entirely. You shouldn't feel anything. But the heat in your chest doesn't listen to rules. As he turns to pour a spoonful into the cup, he murmurs without looking at you: "Leave the lights, just for tonight."

A pause.

"It's too quiet in the dark." He doesn't sip right away, instead, he looks at you, the light playing across his face, softening the lines of his brow. "You always work so quietly," he says, you keep your eyes lowered, a soft warmth coating your cheeks. He's noticed you.

Your voice doesn’t falter. "It is my place to move without notice, My Prince."

He hums, deep in his throat, as he stirs the honey into the tea. Tonight, though, he doesn't dismiss you as he drinks his tea and the lantern still burns.

And for the first time, after spending months in the dynasty, where you thought you'd settle... this small interaction with the prince has your mind dreaming of something more. A favored glance, a small promotion, or even the impossible: to rise from servant to companion, and change the course of your life forever.

You don't pretend it could ever become real. You've tucked the 'wanting' into the quiet corners of your mind. It plays out only in fantasy, imagined conversations, the warmth of his hands brushing yours by accident or design... But lately, it's harder to keep it there.

Because you've started to notice… he looks at you.

It begins subtly. You're assisting the other maids with tea, delicate porcelain cups placed carefully on carved wooden trays, your hands steady as you kneel before the nobles and visiting dignitaries. Prince Chenle sits at the head of it all, back straight, robes and attire clean, his expression unreadable until your eyes flick upward and catch his gaze.

He's watching you.

Not idly. Not as a noble might look upon a servant, faceless and unremarkable. There's no smile on his lips. But there is warmth in his eyes. A quiet pull. A question not asked aloud. You bow your head, a shy smirk over your lips, return to your task, pretend not to notice the flicker in your chest. And then it happens again. And again.

At court halls gatherings, where performers twirl and jesters tumble for the Prince's amusement, you're meant to stay behind the curtain part of the palace's living background. But from where you stand, clearing the emptied wine cups or adjusting cushions for his guests, you feel it. That gaze. It finds you even when the hall is filled with color and noise.

And when you look back, he's still watching. He doesn’t look away first. Not even when the Princess is seated beside him.

It's no secret their union was arranged. A match from titles and royal parents who want to merge kingdoms. The Princess is graceful, perfectly poised, always smiling when spoken to, always polite in return. He treats her the same with formality, never cruelty, but never affection. The kind of distance that exists between two people who know their fate was decided by someone else's ink and seal.

They are a portrait. Beautiful. Unmoving.

But when his eyes find you, something shifts. Just slightly. A breath deeper than the last. A pause before speaking. A glance that lasts one heartbeat too long. It is never spoken aloud. There are no letters, no touches, no words that could be used as proof. But you know... and dare even say, there is something there. Shared. Private.

And still, you keep your head bowed. You serve the tea. You light the lanterns. You wash the silks and sweep the halls.

But every time your fingers brush the rim of a porcelain cup, or your shadow crosses the steps of his throne, you wonder if he’s watching. And when you dare to glance... just once, you always find the answer. He's looking, subtly, gently, eyes wanting to form words, but he can't. And you don't - because you know your position.

One evening the emperor goes out in battle to claim a fallen kingdom and the prince goes with him, to fight alongside his father. Sword at hip, fire in his blood ready to fight as his father's shadow and heir.

The palace doesn't sleep. From the highest tower to the deepest courtyard, lamps burn low and steady. The air is thick, as everyone waits, yet keeps busy. In some parts of the palace, shared breaths of silence between maids, guards and nobles are alike. But other parts hum with whispered prayers and restless pacing. You keep busy in the kitchen with the other maids, but your restless pacing leads you beside the guard Donghyuck, who's duty is simply to stand on guard in a hallway.

"Still have eyes for the Prince?" Donghyuck murmurs, low enough that no one else in the servants’ corridor hears. You shoot him a glare, sharp and silent. He stifles a chuckle behind his hand, unbothered. "Just asking," he says, smirking.

"I don't have eyes for the Prince," you say flatly. It's not a convincing lie, and you both know it. Among the other maids, you've always stood out. Not because of your voice, but because of the way you watch. Quiet, poised, graceful without meaning to be. Some of the younger maids treat you like a senior attendant, despite your protests. The older ones never disliked you, you weren't trouble, and that was enough.

But Donghyuck... he's the only one you keep close. Only because he once saw what no one else had. You stood in the middle of the hallway, and lit all the darkened lanterns with a speech from your mouth. A flicker of fire at your fingertip, hidden in the sleeve of your robe. Just a moment. A single mistake. He had just caught you being a witch.

In this dynasty, that mistake could mean death. You recently heard from the hand maids who follow the princess around that she had watched a couple of 'witches' being burnt. So you already know you're place, remembering your father's words to never show yourself. Your 'kind' is hunted, burned, forgotten and then buried. So when Donghyuck caught you, you expected the worst. But he never told. He promised to never tell, even if his reasons were selfish. He just wanted a friend in the palace. He doesn't talk to anyone else in the palace. He doesn't belong here. He's always been a shadow tucked into corners, slipping past unnoticed.

So he couldn't spread your secret even if he wanted to. So you let him stay close. Closer than anyone else. And in doing so, you once admitted your foolish 'fancy' for the Prince, and since then he's never let it go.

"You know, the more I look, the more I see. If you hadn't told me your undying love for the king to be-"

"Shhh-" you hush him hearing him chortle again.

"I wouldn't notice it if you hadn't told me. But..." Donghyuck says now, tone casual but eyes keen. "He looks at you. Like yesterday."

"He looks at a lot of people," you mutter.

"Not like that. And it's not like he just looked... almost like zoned out, captivated. For too long. He doesn't even look at Lady Yun like that? And she's his own wife,"

"She's not his wife."

"Yet."Donghyuck tilts his head. You don't reply. "You know it's dangerous, right?"

You glance at him. "I'm not doing anything."

"That's the thing," he says. "You don't have to. You just exist, and he keeps looking." A beat passes. Then, with something almost like sympathy, he adds, "Don't fall too hard. You already have one secret that could get you killed."

You meet his eyes. "I don't fall," you say, confidently.

But even as you say it, you feel the heat rising in your chest. Why does it have to be like this? Only when a flame's been lit in your heart.

Finally, after much wait, the palace gates finally open again. From inside the palace, you and Donghyuck stand behind the curtain of the window, the stone cold beneath your fingertips as you lean forward to watch. The Prince doesn't ride his horse.

Instead, he's laid carefully inside the royal carriage, though he insists on walking the last few steps when they arrive. Two guards stay close to him, not holding him, but near enough to catch him if he falters.

Your breath hitches in your throat when you notice his attire. The top half is torn down the back, blood soaking through silk. A gash runs deep across his shoulder blades, long... ugly and raw, packed with earth and crushed herbs by the healers who marched with the army. He doesn't flinch, but you can see it in his posture, the tension, the pain.

"Must've been one hell of a battle." you murmur under your breath.

Donghyuck doesn't answer right away. He's watching too, arms crossed, face unreadable. "He's lucky he came back at all," he finally says.

You glance at him, but he's still staring outside. There's no mockery in his voice this time, just a quiet bluntness. A truth too heavy for comfort. Everyone knows Prince Chenle is brave, to the point where it becomes a fault. Reckless, even. Hot-headed in the heat of battle, stubborn in council, too proud to show weakness even when blood stains his clothes. He carries the weight of the empire like it's a personal dare, not a birthright.

He never retreats. Never yields. Even now, with a wound that would have most men slumped over a stretcher, he walks like he's still wearing his crown.

And yet… You see the way his hand clenches near his side. The sharpness in his jaw. The way he doesn't meet anyone's eyes as they pass through the palace gates.

You don't know if it's pain or shame that keeps his head bowed.

"He shouldn't even be walking," you whisper. "That wound—"

"He's the Prince," Donghyuck cuts in, tone low. "He'll walk until his knees give out. Then he'll crawl."

You press your lips together, heart tight. "He should rest," you say.

Donghyuck turns his eyes on you, the corner of his mouth twitching just slightly. "Gee, wouldn't you want to be the one to make sure of that, hm?"

You look away. "I just don’t want him to bleed to death before he can even enter his chamber."

There's a pause, long enough for you to hear the distant steps as the guards escort the Prince deeper into the palace. Donghyuck's voice is softer when he finally speaks again. "Then you better stay away. You get too close, and they'll burn you long before they bury him."

"Now you're just being cynical." You mutter, causing Donghyuck to stand in position as you follow with the other attendants to the Prince's room. As instructed, you turn on the lanterns and candles around.

Soon after, the Prince is led in, not walking as proudly as usual, but still upright. Guards flank him, tense and alert, and the Emperor follows closely behind.

"My Prince-" the Princess rushes in behind them, her voice breaking, sobbing. "You're hurt-"

"I'm fine." His tone isn't cruel, but it cuts all the same, enough to make her halt mid-step. Even you flinch slightly. He exhales, jaw tight, eyes shut. "Stop crying. I said I'm fine."

The Princess bites her lip, glancing toward the emperor for reassurance. The older male, his father doesn't offer it. He watches the prince with an unreadable expression, a heavy gaze that sees past blood and bandages. Father, ruler, judge.

Inside the chamber, the healers get to work. Wraps are brought in. Roots are ground into paste. Hot water is poured into copper bowls, sending bitter steam into the air.

Chenle stands stiff and still, jaw locked, back bowed. He doesn't groan or cry out, even when the salves burn, even when the linen sticks to torn skin. He refuses assistance, waving away a physician's hand until—

"That's enough," the Emperor says, his voice firm, though dulled by exhaustion. "You will rest. That is a command."

Chenle looks at him for a long moment. The pain softens, not in his body, but behind his eyes. "Yes, Father," he says at last, but his voice is quiet. Like surrender. Then, without another word, he shrugs out of what remains of his robes. Bloodied silk falls to the floor, and he carefully lies down on his stomach, baring his injured back to the few still present. "Dismissed," Chenle says, tone clipped and final. His face is turned away.

A signal.

The emperor nods once to the remaining guards. "Only the healers stay."

With that, the Emperor turns and leaves, his guards trailing silently behind him, boots echoing down the corridor. You take a step to follow, but pause when a gentle hand touches your arm.

The Princess. She hasn't left yet. She lingers by the doorway, her fingers twisting the delicate silk of her sleeve. Her eyes remain on the Prince's still figure, though his back is turned to her. He doesn't look up. Doesn't speak.

"Rest well," she says, softly. Carefully. But there's no affection in it, just the bare civility expected of her. She starts to step away, then hesitates, glancing at you. Her voice lowers, just for your ears. "Once the healers finish, turn down the lights. Not all, just enough for him to sleep."

You bow your head. "Yes, My Princess."

She leaves without another word. You're about to turn and go as well, but one of the senior healers catches your sleeve. "Wait," she murmurs, gesturing toward the far wall. "That flame, dim it. Too much light will strain his eyes. And the one near the window as well. We'll be done soon."

You nod again, quietly moving to obey. As they continue tending the wound, applying fresh balm, adjusting the wrappings, you walk from lamp to lamp, gently reducing the flames to a low, golden flicker. The scent of herbs hangs thick in the air, mingling with the faint metallic tang of blood. Shadows grow longer. Softer.

You loiter near one of the lanterns, cloth in hand, pretending to polish the brass. Your eyes fall to the Prince's back... the ruined skin, the silent pain, the stillness he clings to like armor. He looks so… human.

And it twists something in you. After that you leave.

You remain in the kitchen, seated quietly beside the Princess after telling her the healers are still busy. The princess's own ladies whisper in hushed tones to her. One of them says he's in pain — she saw the way his hands trembled as he braced himself on the doorframe. Another heard the physician say the wound would scar terribly, that the herbs are barely holding back infection.

The Princess says nothing. The younger maids are dismissed to rest. Even the Princess retires, escorted quietly back to her own wing. But you linger in the kitchen until the healers are done. They retreat in the kitchen for some water and you listen as they speak softly of how pale the Prince looked, how his hands trembled when they helped him sit or turn.

Your legs then carry you up the eastern stairs, past dim lanterns. The hall to the princes private wing is silent until the guards stationed outside his chamber cross their spears before you.

"Stop," one says, voice firm. "No one enters without order."

You bow low. "The Princess sent me," your voice calm. "To shut out his lights."

The guards hesitate then nod once. One opens the door just wide enough for you to slip through. The chambers are quiet.

Golden lamplight spills across the floor, warm and flickering. The scent of herbs still lingers, sharp and bitter. He's lying on his stomach, robes pulled down to expose his back. The wound is packed with fresh mud, but his body trembles beneath it. No covers. No warmth.

His face is turned toward the wall, eyes closed, but not resting. Not really. His breathing is shallow, uneven, every inhale edged with pain. You move without sound. Not close enough to wake him up. You kneel beside the bed.

Your fingers hover above the wound. It's angry and red, swollen around the edges. The work of the healers is strong, but it won't be enough. You know this kind of injury. It festers easily.

You close your eyes... feeling connected to your magic after such a long time. It begins in your chest, a warmth that spreads through your ribs, into your shoulders, down your arms like the first glow of coals beneath ash. It hums beneath your skin, gentle but sure. Your hands lower, not quite touching him, but close enough that he'll feel the pull.

His body stills.

And you begin to whisper. It's not a grand chant, nothing sacred, nothing that would make the stones tremble or call wind to your fingertips. Just a quiet call, low and ancient, hidden deep within your breath. The words vibrate behind your ribs, and you feel it:

"Sana dorsum eius, Mater Natura, per aerem tuum. Audi vocem meam, corpus Principis, et pare verbis meis. Sanatus es." (heal his back, mother nature with your air. listen to my voice body of the prince and heed to my words. you're healed)

The warmth rushing through your arms, pulsing in your veins, reaching out through your fingertips. Your hands hover, then slowly lower. You press gently against the rim of the wound, not enough to wake him, but enough to let the magic seep in. His skin warms beneath your touch, and the fever shudder eases, just slightly. The tension in his shoulders softens. His breath deepens.

The magic flows, slow, controlled. You won't heal him fully. That would raise questions. But you guide the worst of the pain away, dulling the fever, closing the nerves just enough for rest to come easier. The tension in his shoulders begins to ease. His breath evens out.

You let the magic fade. You withdraw your hands carefully, feeling the last traces of warmth leave your palms.

He stirs. You freeze, heart pounding. But he doesn't wake. Not fully. Just a whisper from him, half-lost in sleep; "Don't close the lights."

You don’t answer.

You pull the blanket gently over his shoulders, tucking it just beneath his chin. Then you stand, quiet as the flickering lamp, and slip back through the door.

-

[Six months later]

You whimper, body trembling once you're thrown into the cell - you gasp when you hit the stone floor with a sickening thud, breath escaping from your suffocated lungs as the cell door slams behind you. Pain laces through your arms where you were poured with the holy water - which on your skin burned like fire. Your raw skin flaring each time you move. Pain blooms across your body as you drag yourself to the farthest corner of the cell.

"Dirty witch." The guard gives one last disgusted look before walking out banging of the door, locking you in the empty cell house. You hug yourself tightly, shivering and panting like a dog as you wipe frantically over your arms. You try to use your magic to ease up the burns and pains on your skin, but the power is low... lazy - weak from all the days of beatings and public shame. You're weak.

Hours of being dragged, beaten, drenched in holy water have left your flesh screaming. Every patch of skin feels scorched, no relief, only fire. The tears have dried on your face in long, salty streaks, stiff against your cheeks.

You force yourself to look around the cell that will keep you tonight: three stone walls, one iron gate. Cold, damp floors. A foul corner for waste. Nothing else. Only a sliver of night sky visible through the waist-high bars your single thread to the world outside. You stare at it until the ache in your chest swallows everything.

"I'm so sorry Chenle..." you weep in your arms, which burn every time a tear drop lands on your skin. Your lips tremble. "It was my fault... I shouldn't have..."

You pause when hearing a lowly chuckle. "They say sorcerers don't cry." a weak voice emerges through the silence. "But not all sorcerers are alike. Some are more... special. I wonder which kind you are."

You look up to the bricked ceiling, and then landing to the darken night sky outside the little carved out space used as a window... the bars are so high. The chuckle comes back.

"No dear. The skies don't speak. I'm here, on the other side of your cell."

Your stomach drops. You thought you were alone in this whole prison house. The witches' prison only holds you. Who else could be down here? And who would dare call you a sorcerer?

"I've piqued your interest." the voice sounds softer this time, still with a lingering chuckle or smile to it. "Now repeat these words after me. Schwebe, schwebe, ohne Furcht." (float float, without fear)

You're hesitant, and your mouth goes dry. But his voice returns gentler.

"Repeat it with me."

You push to your feet, trembling. The words spill from your chest, steady, already knowing the incantation.

"But my magic is weak..." you say lowly.

"Together, it won't be." the voice says again.

You gulp and then with dried and burning lips, you say the words with your chest, you don't fear as the weight at your feet loosens. You don't fear as you begin to float in the air, going higher and higher. Fear dissolving into something stranger until your eyes are clear past the bars.

And there, outside you see him. A man hangs in chains from a skeletal tree. The moonlight drapes over his face, he's a handsome fellow with almost perfect skin. But something about the sight makes your blood turn to ice. You wonder why he's handing and you glance down, causing your eyes to enlarge. Knives scattered like seeds, pin smeared all over the ground, and stains of dark red, a slick, sticky gleam of blood.

"You're a powerful sorcerer." he says, with a weak smile. "Now repeat these words after me."

His next words are in latin, in an incantation you're not too familiar with: "Devinctus es mihi, Na Jaemin. Nunc et in aeternum."

You've never heard that word before. It coils on your tongue like something foreign, wrong. Your father warned you: never speak what you do not understand. You part your lips to refuse, but then his eyes meet yours again. Calm. Too calm. Something shifts in your chest. Not trust. Not certainty. Just... surrender. You speak the chant. Slowly. Each syllable like a step on thin ice. And when you finish, he smiles—too quickly, too wide.

But that's not what captures your attention, you see your wrist light up as a symbol glows on it, all your blood cells working together to reveal it- before it disappears. Three skeleton heads flare and your eyes widen. "What is this? What did you do?"

"The symbol which proves you really are a witch." he says, smiling. "A witch of pure blood. Was it your father or mother?"

"My..." you've never ever spoken about this before, and your father warned you to always keep it a secret. the only person/people who knew where his side of the family, your uncle Johnny and your grandparents... yet they passed away. So you look behind you - to the empty cell-

"Don't worry, no one's here." he says, assuring you. "You can trust me."

And that's when your unease truly begins. But still your voice is barely a whisper. "It was my father."

The man smiles, and with a horse voice he continues. "Let me guess, he bore two sons who weren't warlocks, deeming him a failure, but his daughter, you, are a witch. Which restored his honour." Even though you're weak, your eyebrows still furrow, distrust written over your forehead, yet the man continues. "You... were bought by the prince. I see him... betrothed to another woman, yet... cherishing you. Loving you..."

Hearing that, disarms you. You look down, eyes being blurred by fresh tears.

"You killed him."

"I did not." you snap glaring at him. He's is unfazed.

"It's your love that got him killed. Same difference." he says without even blinking.

"Who are you?" You finally ask. "And how do you know all that?"

"Na Jaemin." he replies with a twisted smile. "I'm an immortal. However that's not important. Because I have a proposition for you. Tell me, what do you want most in this world? And I will give it to you."

You scoff, half bitter yet also half amused. You blink at him like he's insane. His lips tilt into a smirk, as if challenging your gaze. Your smile falters as you ponder over his words that he's an immortal. You wonder what could that mean... and if he's powerful enough. So you take your chance. "I want the impossible."

He offers a crooked smile, more habit than warmth. "Nothing is ever impossible."

You raise a brow, tears briming over your eyes that watch him with dare and anger. "I want the Prince Chenle to live again. Do you think you could do that?" You dare, seriously, even though a tear leaves your eye.

"You want me to bring back your lover?"

You nod, more tears threatening to spill at the thought of bringing him back is real... but you hold yourself together. "Can you do that?" you ask again.

"I can." Another smile, half amused and half contempt. "And if I bring the Prince back, would you do something for me?"

But it sounds too good to be true, so you shake your head. "Impossible. No one can bring back the dead."

"Not a witch. But an immortal like myself, I can do anything."

"No you're in chains and can't help yourself, so how can you help me." you fire back, heart rising, your voice becoming rigid.

"I know." he states, his eyes glint, words becoming softer. "But I can turn back time, only with help. You can help me. I can turn back time to the exact moment, when the Prince was still alive and then you would be able to prevent the tragedy." you shake your head, to deny but he continues. "How about, I turn it further back... say... the night you healed his... back wound."

Your eyes peak up, you stare at him. "How did you know that?"

"I'm an immortal-"

"That doesn't explain how you know that!" you get angry.

"It doesn't matter how I know it, because isn't that where things fell apart?" His eyebrow raising, and then a smile coats his lips again. "Would you want me to make it further back?"

"How?"

"You will learn the specifics, when you do something for me?"

"What?" you ask softly, lowering your gaurd. "What would you have me do?"

"Travel to the future." your lips part, as he says that. His eyes serious, and this time there's no hint of the smirk anywhere on his face.

You curse in your head. "The future? That's impossible and ridiculous."

"Complete one mission for me." He ends up saying. Your heartbeat, beats in your throat, by his offer... and how serious he's being. "You don't have to make a decision now. If you want to move through time, offer your spirit. Say the words, and I'll take your soul at the moment of fire."

"I'll do it." Without much thought you nod - agreeing to this. "If you're serious about all this, and I can bring back my Chenle, I'll do it."

And then a faint curve of his lips appears. "Good. Repeat this after me."

Accepting to do whatever it is, so that you can bring back Chenle back... you repeat after him. As you chant together, a necklace lifts from his neck, floats through the air, and slips into your cell. As it approaches you, you feel a bad shiver running down your spine - almost wheezing you to stop.

But you don't, because you know how real this is. You're floating back down, by the end of the incantation, as Jaemin briefs you through what you must do.

Which is why, the next morning, as you're dragged out of your cell at dawn with whips cutting red across your back - you remind yourself what's at stake. All you want is Chenle back...

The sun burns the soles of your feet as you are forced to walk barefoot on heated stone, an old punishment used to flush the blood from the body and the life from the spirit. They bind you to a wooden stake ringed with straw. You're so weak and can't even lift a finger.

You look out, seeing the crowd that had formed and followed behind you, as the priest and his guards continued to splash holy water on you - calling you names and shouting out publicly indicating another 'caught witch'.

And it's not just the crowd, you see the emperor, the princess, important dignitaries seated under a shade, glares in there eyes. Your eyes stare dead into the emperor's eyes. Your heart will never forgive him for what he did.

He took away your future... the memory fades in your mind, but you still remember...

The sweet embrace of love between you and... Chenle that night. A night making love in the quiet chambers of his room. No guards around to hear your whimper of love and desperation to have him in you. No other maid to turn down the light that caused the room to be steamy. Absolutely no one, to tell you that this would be the best night of your life.

He kisses your belly, looking up to your eyes. Even though you refrained from telling him that you could feel... something moving inside of you, another form of life being created - you could tell that Chenle was already so ready to leave everything behind to be with you.

"Meet me tomorrow," Chenle whispers, his fingertips tracing the curve of your spine, brushing over warm skin. "2 a.m. Before the world wakes up." He leans in, his breath soft against your ear. "We’ll run. Just the two of us. And we'll raise our child. Together."

"Our child?" You laugh gently, unable to hide the smile that tugs at your lips.

He grins, kissing your throat, where your laughter hums against his lips. "You didn't think this seed was just for decoration, did you?" Another laugh escapes you, softer this time. "Come on. Just us, living our lives,"

You lean close, kissing his lips, running your fingers through his wet hair which clings to his forehead. You embrace him in agreement to profess your love and your willingness to follow him. "I'll go with you." You press your forehead to his, whispering,

It's a sealed deal, a sweat promise, a future awaiting you... a fragile, glowing future waiting just beyond dawn.

The next morning, you don't pack anything as instructed. You simply perform your duties, with Chenle going about his day as normal, meeting with his father and 'leaving' to set sail for Japan. Little does anybody know, at 2 a.m. rendezvous time, he's back at the palace, behind some trees and bushes, looking out to the pond which floated around... waiting for you.

You see him before he sees you, as you walk down the little slope subtly admiring him from behind. He finally turns around, captured by your beauty, a charming smile forms over his lips. You love the way he's eyes smile at you. He admires you too as you walk closer to him, white dress over your ankles, allowing you to look like an angel, flower in your hair, and a gracious smile over your lips. Lantern in hand, moving closer to him. He welcomes you in his arms. You hug him tight as a greeting, and then peer up at him, lips locking as another greeting. You can't get enough of his lips, each peck has you giddy, excited and longing to be closer to him like never before - but he parts tapping your noes with a tender chuckle.

He kisses your forehead. As he takes the lantern from your hand, his fingers linger on yours. "You always show up right when I need you," he playfully starts joking.

You smile faintly. "I'm not magic, you know." you kid.

He tilts his head, playing along. "Aren't you though?"

You roll your eyes. "If I were magic, I'd disappear every time you get smug."

He laughs, then presses a kiss to your knuckles. "Then I'm lucky you're just almost magical." His nose having a whiff of the fragrance on your skin. "You smell different tonight. Still good. Lavender?"

"No," you smile, being happy he noticed your scent. "It's water lilies with honey,"

"Water lilies... For eternal love?"

"It's for real love," you answer him. "Which means... I'm ready. For forever. With you,"

His fingers tighten gently around yours, his voice low, but smile evident on his face. "Then let's begin our forever."

But before either of you can move, flames erupt in the dark—torches flaring to life, cutting through the quiet.

A voice shouts from the shadows. "Arrest her!"

"Don't let her escape!"

Guards charge out of the trees. Chenle instantly stands in front of you, hand at hip to draw out his sword- yet forgetting there's nothing ther. His face hardens as he sees the Princess emerge from the shadows. Her finger pointed at you like a dagger. "She's a witch My Prince."

Chenle is about to respond, however he looks passed her, to the man on a horse. "Father?"

"What did you do to my son?" The Emperor roars, eyes locked on you.

Chenle shakes his head. "Father- I can explain-"

"When did your spell start?" his voice thunders, boots striking the ground as he approaches. Chenle blocks his path unflinching. "Are you blind son? Have you forgotten that it's them who killed your mother! She's bewitched you-"

"I've never forced anyone to do what they don't want." you speak out as a guard grabs your arm- "Not even Chenle."

"Silence! Did she just call you by name-" the emperor spits. "What arrogance- what filth has she filled you with-"

Chenle pushes the guard off you, fury in his eyes. "Nobody touch her. That's an order. Anyone who defies me will be punished."

"Insolence!" The princess's hand flies out, slapping you across the face. "Arrogant witch-"

Chenle grabs her wrist, his glare enough to rattle her. "How dare you-"

"This is nonsense-" the emperor snaps. "Guards separate them!"

Hands drag you away from Chenle. In desperation you chant, "In dorsa ver hol se. In dorsa ver hol se." The pond ripples, and wet, snarling dogs crawl out of the water, their fur dripping, teeth bared. They lunge at the guards, snapping and tearing, driving them back.

The Emperor, the Princess, everyone recoils. The dogs edge toward the Princess but she only laughs shrilly. "She did that! She's a witch!"

"Son, she's bewitched you—"

"It's not true," Chenle says firmly, holding your hand tighter. You keep close to him- nerves high as you watch with both pure fear as well as power. You can feel how the ground slowly begins to shake by your anger- literally. Chenle turns to you, voice softening. He knows what happens when you become like this- one with nature. "Stop. Darling. Please. Don't do this. I'll protect you, I promise. We'll find another way."

"Emperor!" the Princess cries. "That damned maid bewitched your son with the Devil's help! Look at how he's not even afraid of her"

"That's a lie!" you shout, your heart beating so hard it hurts.

"She's not a witch, Father—" Chenle begins, but the Princess cuts him off, stamping her foot. "Silence! The servant Donghyuck confessed. He saw her using witchcraft to seduce you! You're blind to it but we are not. That devil possessed you!"

"I'm not the Devil—"

"Silence!" the Emperor snaps, striding forward. Chenle moves to shield you, but with a flick of the emperor's fingers the guards seize him. You twist to run but the Emperor's hand closes around your throat. "By the power vested in me," he says coldly, "I sentence you for witchcraft and heresy. You will burn at the stake."

"Father—if you burn her," Chenle says, his voice breaking with rage, "T-then we’ll both burn. I'll kill myself-"

"Chenle no…" you gasp, the Emperor's grip crushing your windpipe.

"My king, don't listen to him—" this time the princess intercedes.

"Arrest me! Punish me- but please stop hurting her!" But Chenle shouts out when seeing you in pain. "Let me die! I will not live without her. If this kingdom cannot accept our love, then I renounce my title!"

"Zhong Chenle! How dare you—" you're dropped to the ground as the Emperor draws his sword so fast and charges to Chenle.

"No—"

“No son of mine will ever belong to the Devil,” the Emperor snarls.

A sound rips from your throat — a scream of pure grief. The Princess’s cry joins yours as the blade drives into Chenle’s body. Chenle's mouth blurts out blood, and then his body goes limp.

"No- no- no! Chenle!" you cry out, your hands to your heart, heart breaking, chokes leaving your throat.

"You devil!" the Emperor roars, his voice shaking with fury. "Don't you dare utter his name—"

A kick to the face has you snapping back to the present as you glare daggers into the eyes of father who killed his own son.

The crowd gathers like vultures: neighbors, merchants, hollow-eyed children, faces peering under the shade. The Emperor sits in full regalia; the Princess glances down, eyes dry but hollow.

And then you see your family. Your father, eyes moist. Your mother harshly brawling with fresh tears. Your brothers Jaehyun and Jungwoo angered - protesting out to those cursing you. "She's not a witch!"

But weakly you look back to your father, and look down ashamed... you're reminded of what he once said... "I don't ever, ever... want to catch you using dark magic, drawing power from places you don't understand. Most witches who get caught? It's because they revealed themselves. Promise me you won't be one of them."

Your father reads your body language - just as the winds whisper to him something. His eyes enlarge when looking to your neck and seeing the necklace around you with a familiar jeweled ruby ornament and he shakes his head frantically - what have you done?

The priest steps up onto the wooden platform, robes bright against the dull morning sky as he blesses the crowd. "Peace be upon you all." he intones, voice flat and practiced. "Today we gather because the heavens, in their mercy, have exposed evil among us. The one you see here," He gestures to you, "Is a friend of the devil."

Gasps ripple through the crowd. Some call out your name, condemnation, pity, lies. Your uncle tries to speak in your defense, but his voice is swallowed by the rising tide of outrage.

"She has bewitched nature," The priest goes on, louder now, feeding off the crowd. "Animals. Even men. She used herbs and potions to enchant minds and poison hearts. She cast her charms upon our innocent Prince, seduced him, and led him to his death.”

More cries. Shock. Grief. Rage. Your head shakes slowly, in disbelief, but the priest presses forward.

"In her arrogance, she believed herself equal to her master. She fornicated with the Prince. And now, some say" his voice drops to a dramatic hush. "She carries the spawn of Satan within her."

You now look at the priest in his eyes, tears turned to rage. His eyes which hold wrath for witches, in his eyes, you were like a rat which infested a home. He needed to get you out, before you spread.

"Therefor by virtue of our law," he blesses his forehead, left and then right shoulder- prompting the crowd to do the same. before signaling the guards to light up their flames. "I condemn you, to burn here and in hell."

A guard leans over with a stake already burned and he lays it over the hay straws. Instantly fire catches and the flames rise. You close your eyes, fearing trying to overcome you, but you subside it, and with a weak voice you begin an incantation, calling out to Jaemin.

"Faciam. Jaemin, accipe spiritum meum in manus tuas. Faciam. Sanguinem meum in futurum accipe."

Your toes recoil with heat and you scream yelling out the incantations louder. The crowd that was once bustling with chaos settles for silence upon hearing your voice raise and foreign strange words fill the atmosphere.

"She really is a witch?" mummers begin floating around.

Your shocked mother, with streak line of tears down her face asks, "Honey what's going on?" She knows she never gave birth to a witch, so what is going on. Your brothers equally wondering why they're sister is burning, and they're doing nothing to stop it. With horror they listen to your cries which turn to angry chants of incantation that no one knows. People all wondering what you're saying, but...

Uncle Johnny... a few hidden witches and warlocks in the crowd, and your father, clearly hear what you're saying.

Your father shakes his head feeling the darkness in the atmosphere cloud you. "She's met the devil."

The words you keep repeating leave a bitter taste in his ears: 'I will do it. Jaemin take my spirit into your hands. I will do it. Take my blood into the future.'

Your mother covers her mouth, body trembling, watching your legs shrivel up as your feet begin getting scorched, burned, your body shivering uncontrollably as it's too much- too painful- you sound possessed.

The emperor immediately stands up when he makes out a portion of you words.

"Por Chenle. Por Chenle. Por Chenle."

"What is she saying?!" The emperor roars as your voice gets louder. "Stop her! Keep my son's name out of your bewitched mouth! Stop her!"

The priest begins saying prayers for the deceased son, asking God to protect and keep the soul of the dead. And in the midst of this chaos, your father gets on his knees, hands over his thighs as he pleads with nature, trying to speak to the balance to save his daughter. But it's Jaemin, outside of the prison cell who's hanging by the tree, laughing when feeling your magic, your power course through his veins, receiving your promise. He recites the chants he practiced with you over and over again, until his eyes shift, the color bleeding into a deep, electric purple — unnatural, arresting, like magic made visible, giving him access into the invisible world. Using his power, he breathes in your spirit thrusting your conscious and soul deep into the future.

And with one blink, he sets your destination in motion.

Future present: 2027

At first, there's nothing. And then- a sharp gasp tears from your throat as your eyes fly open- instantly stinging with salt and water. You're surrounded by darkness and your skin feels so cold. You're underwater- Panic seizes you. Limbs heavy, lungs screaming, hair whipping around like ink in the current. You’re drowning. You kick hard, clawing toward the shimmer above. Fingers break the surface— then your head.

You burst out, choking, gasping, air slicing into your chest like a blade. The world spins. Your soaked dress clings to your skin. Every breath is heavy and short. But you're alive. The water laps at your waist as you try to get a hold of yourself. Everything is wrong.

It's night. But the stars, you barely recognize them. Strange lights flash nearby- reds, blues, neon greens. Loud music pulses through the air, foreign and electrifying. People are laughing, shouting. You can't understand any of it. You stumble forward, dragging yourself out of the water, every step heavy and disoriented. The ground beneath your feet is soft, warm, sand. But it's not like any shore you've ever known.

Then someone rushes into view. A young man. Bare-chested, skin slick with water, wearing strange, short garments that cling to his thighs. His eyes widen the moment he sees you. He reaches out- but you're faster. You seize his arm and shove him back, your breath still unsteady, heart racing. "Touch me again and I'll cut off your hand."

"Hey- hey relax. You looked like you were drowning? Are you alright?" he asks, voice filled with concern. "Are you okay?"

You blink at him, confused, chest heaving, body swaying side to side, your feet feels like it's burning. "What… what year is it? What year is this?" you manage to ask.

He doesn't get the chance to answer as the world tips sideways, your vision narrowing, sound warping. You feel yourself falling- then nothing but darkness clogs out all your senses.

-

You feel like you're floating in a nothing but darkness. Somewhere deep in your unconscious mind, a voice echoes, calm and commanding. "Your mission is simple. Find Jeno. Place the ruby on him. And kill him. Repeat it back to me." It repeats. Over and over again, but this time you and the mysterious voice repeat the words together. "Find Jeno. Place the ruby. Kill him." The words wrap around your mind like a chant. A curse.

You jolt awake. Blinding white light floods your vision. The ceiling above you is stark, sterile, humming with an odd mechanical sound. You sit up fast, too fast, and panic floods your chest. Where are you?

"Easy! Easy!" Two figures rush to your sides, a man and a woman, both dressed in strange, crisp white clothing. The man presses a hand gently to your shoulder as the woman tries to speak calmly. "You're safe. You're okay. Just breathe... breathe."

But your heart won't slow. Your eyes scan the room, white walls, blinking machines, tubes and lights. You've never seen anything like this. The scent in the air is sharp and chemical. "Where… am I?" you rasp, voice hoarse and wild.

"You're in a hospital," the man says slowly, as if trying not to startle you. "You passed out on the beach."

Hospital? Beach? You don't know the word, but you understand the tone. You're somewhere meant for the sick or dying. They manage to calm you just enough to lie back down, but the fear hasn't left your eyes. The man, he must be some kind of healer, you think.

"Where did these wounds come from?"

You follow his gaze where his brows are furrowed deeply, and your breath catches. .The burns... The stake... The fire. You remember, and just like that, the memories come rushing in all at once, causing a sharp pain to poke at your head. You grunt- pinching your forehead, but at the same time the feeling of your body returns- and you're no longer on adrenaline but you feel the ache of your legs. But you say nothing. You can just use magic and you'll be alright... but you need to get out of here.

You clear your throat. "This is the future," you say mostly to yourself and try to get off the bed.

"Woah, woah not so fast." The man and woman try to hold you down again. You notice the wires connected to your chest and arms- you try to get them off you but both the prospects don't let you go. "You can't walk around with those burns. They're third degree and prune to infections. They're deep. They're serious. You need to rest." he says, exchanging a glance with the woman. "We'll treat them. We'll give you anesthesia—it'll help with the pain."

"No." Your voice is sharp. "Just bring me mud. And herbs. I'll be gone by morning."

They look at you like you're mad. "I promise," the man says gently, "Our methods work better than home remedies. We'll take good care of you."

You stare at him for a long moment, heart still pounding, but your strength is waning. You let your head sink back into the pillow, eyes fluttering closed again. But then it hits you. Your eyes snap open. "Where are my clothes? My necklace—"

"Hey—hey, it's alright!" the nurse says quickly, pointing to a small dresser beside the bed. "They're all there. Safe. We didn't throw anything out."

You exhale shakily, the tension in your body easing just enough for exhaustion to creep back in.

"You're safe. Trust us." Safe. You repeat the words in your head. You're safe for now, but you need to hurry and get on with your mission so that you can get out of this mysterious future and place. They tend to your fit, you wince in pain, but they give you some medication that numbs your feet as they put weird treatments on it and then wrap it in a bandage. The strange part is that you don't feel it.

You're wide awake now, sitting upright in the strange, too-soft bed. Your eyes are fixed on the flat screen mounted high on the wall—the one the nurse had turned on for you. At first, you couldn't believe it was real. The moving pictures, the voices coming from nowhere, the glowing colors. It's like a living painting, but alive without a soul. You're impressed, overwhelmed, even, by how everything in this room seems impossible. The lights burn without fire. The air smells... nothing smells like herbs or wood you recognize. Even the air blows on it's own from a press of a button. There are machines everywhere, humming softly like insects.

You can't stop asking questions. "What is this?" you ask, pointing to the screen beside your bed that elevates the rhythm of your heartbeat. "And this?" you gesture at a beeping door. "What does it do?" Everything fascinates you, but also unsettles you.

For the past hour you've been watching a series called 'House', a tale about a doctor who heals the sick with strange procedures instead of herbs or charms. You try to understand it, but the world it shows feels like a story told in a fever dream. Your eyes wander away from the glowing screen to the glass wall. Beyond it, you watch the rest of the hospital. There's a table reception and people of different colors wearing similar coats and uniform. The pants weird, shirts weird - fashion nothing like the time you're from. But aside from hat you make out a two men in a black uniform. They look rigid and alert. The male doctor who tended your wounds, Doctor Lee, is speaking to them, his face tense.

You sit up straighter.

You don't ask anything. Instead, you turn to the nurse seated quietly beside you, her hands folded in her lap. She notices your gaze flicking toward the doctor and the two strangers. "Doctor Lee called the police," she says softly, almost apologetic. "They're going to question you about what happened, what you remember. Don't worry you're safe."

Her words echo Jaemin's warning: 'Stay away from prying eyes and wandering questions.'

Your stomach tightens. Maybe you've already failed at listening to the warnings. But you're not going to let them speak to you. You clear your throat, sit up taller, and speak with the weight of command, your voice low but sharp: "Leave." You don't mean to command her against her will - as it's another thing your father taught you against. Not to force people against their will. But it's an emergency. Jaemin said you needed to be fast and return to the past after you completed your mission.

The incantation slides from your tongue like smoke. The nurse blinks, swaying slightly. Then she stands, slow and dazed. "I'll… go and get you some water," she murmurs, and walks out of the room.

Through the glass wall, you can see Doctor Lee now walking toward your room with the two men in black.

You think fast. Only your magic can save you now. But you don't know if there's any 'nature' in here. You're surrounded by machines and humans and don't know if there's still earth for you to control.

Your eyes lift to the bright ceiling lights and recite a spell for darkness to come. Maybe just maybe... and unlike you expected - a flicker and spark bursts throughout the room. Sparks bursts across, followed by a sharp explosion. And then darkness. But not just in your room. The hallway and the rest of the floors are covered in pitch black darkness.

You're already moving. Your hand closes around your necklace, clutching it as you swing your legs off the bed. Pain flares in your wounds, but you grit your teeth and run. You sprint out into the darkened corridor, your covered feet slapping against the cold floors. People shout in confusion. And then there's red lights above. You murmur a location spell under your breath, the words tasting strange as they leave your mouth. The magic feels different now, thicker and even heavier, as if it isn't yours anymore, but infused with someone's power.

Jaemin.

The thought slices through you. Can he see you? Does he know what you're doing? You shove it aside. You can't think about that now. You burst out of the hospital doors into the night. Neon lights smear your vision, cars roar and screech to a halt as you dart across the street. Their metal bodies shine like beasts, headlights blinding you. Horns blare. Someone shouts. "Get off the road!" What are these- animals? What are they?! You jolt but keep running, lungs on fire.

Ahead, something moves-something shaped like a man but not. It glints like the machines from the hospital, mechanical but walking, watching. You don't dare slow down even as it asks you if you're okay. You're confused at the fact that it just produced sound. The future really has you spiraling and missing nature. And then you see it. A parch of green grass. A park, trees, a bush- grass!

Nature!

You run to it as if to an old friend. When your fingers brush the leaves of the nearest bush, you nearly sob with relief. It's weak, thin, not the deep earth you're used to, but it's something.

You stumble to the largest tree and press your palms to its bark. The roughness grounds you, its faint life thrumming under your fingertips. You close your eyes, reaching out, drawing on it—not just its strength, but its knowledge, its memory of the world.

It's not enough. But it's a start.

-

Flashback:

"Now listen to me."

You press your back to the cold stone and try to make your head still. Your wrists ache where they’re bruised; your legs tremble. Jaemin's voice comes from the darkness beyond the bars — low, steady, threaded with amusement. Even though you don't trust him, for now he's your only source of hope. You've got questions of how long he's been there, yet you're not in the position to question as he's offering you some kind of bargain with time travelling.

"The timeline I'm sending you to, is not like this." he says. "It's the future, advanced and more technical. The year will be 2027-"

"Wait, what?" You question, as your eyes enlarge on the knowledge he shares. "What's technical? And what do you mean 2027- should I be memorizing all of this things?"

Jaemin hardly minds being interrupted as he understands how all of this can cloud your head. "Don't try to cram facts into your head. Just listen as best as you can." he clarifies, explaining slowly. "Once you're there in that timeline, find a tree. Any tree. And everything I've said will come back to you. Any time you're lost, call to the wind and it will answer you."

"Can I use magic there?" you ask, voice small. Your fingertips numb, the thought of reaching for power feels distant.

"Don't relay heavily on your magic. Use it sparingly." he answers. "The body you will borrow in the future is fragile."

"Will it be my body?"

"Yes," Jaemin says quietly. "When you will burn on the stake, I'll begin the transition as you say the incantation. In the future, I'll use any body in the water, and merge your cells DNA, and everything with yours, that way, your conscious, mind and body will be able to come through."

But to you it sounds like he's reserving some information about that. "How are you able to do that?"

Jaemin makes a sound that could be a laugh. "It's magic silly."

"So after I confirm the year and then find a tree, what exactly do I need to do?"

Jaemin's tone thins into business. "Blend in. Dress like them. Talk like them. Make no one suspicious. Jeno teaches at a university, Advanced Mechanics. By day you'll find him there. By night he's out in the field as an engineer. If you find him, you place the ruby on him, then kill him with a simple kill spell. Do that and you come straight back here. Do it and you'll be reunited with Chenle. That's the bargain.”

"Is there… a time limit?" you ask. "What if I don't find him?"

"There's no practical deadline," he says, "But time stretches. An hour there is a millisecond here. Don't worry. If you can't find him by nightfall, it's not the end of the world - but you must keep the mission in mind. Don't get attached, don’t draw attention. If someone asks too many questions, walk away."

Your chest tightens. "If I need help?"

"You can call the wind," he repeats. "If that's too risky, find a man named Jisung. He's a warlock - you'll recognize him by a gemstone he wears. Tell him I sent you. He'll guide you."

"As best I can," you murmur. Your arms pulse with dull pain. "And you promise that if I kill Jeno you'll bring Chenle back?"

"A hundred percent," he says, voice sudden and flat with confidence. Then, softer, "How confident are you in killing someone?"

You swallow. You have never killed anyone. The question lands like a stone. Jaemin makes a small, pitying noise. "If you can't—"

"I've never killed, but that doesn't mean I won't do it." you say, surprising yourself with how firm you sound. "For Chenle. I'll put the ruby on Jeno first, then use a spell to kill him. I'll use dark magic if I have to." You think of your father... but you ignore it.

Jaemin goes quiet for a moment. The cell feels designed to devour strength: beatings, cold, everything to make a witch lose focus. You wonder how his voice stays so strong.

"Tell me," you say, curiosity overriding the pain. "How are you doing this? I can barely feel my fingertips. Why can you speak like that?"

There is a brittle chuckle. "Here, my magic won't work when I'm alone. It only activates when someone chants with me. That's where you came in. You're powerful enough to have survived my chants. These dumb mere mortal, they meant to weaken you so you can't cast a spell, but it only weakens focus, not will. Pain is mostly in the mind. When you learn to chant and focus, it dulls, it's what I've been doing for years now."

You picture him then: wrists bound, shoulders likely broken from hanging on that tree and yet his voice is sharp, threaded with sarcasm as if he's annoyed rather than broken. You ask how long he’s been there, but he won’t say. The silence he gives is its own answer.

Jaemin adds after a beat. "If you do this for me, I'll grant your wish. And make you immortal.”

You aren't sure whether to trust him or not... Still, the promise feels like a law you'd die to trust.

"And one last warning," he says. "Watch for your doppelgänger."

"My what?" you frown, hand going to your forehead where a headache blooms.

"A doppelgänger. Another version of you in the future. If she sees you, or you see her, it can fracture things. Don't let your paths cross. Finish the job without interruptions. Remember: your world is here. Your time is here."

He falls silent again. Your thoughts circle: the tree, the ruby, Jeno at a university, Jisung with his gemstone, a fragile borrowed body, time that eats seconds, and a mirror of yourself waiting somewhere in that future.

You close your eyes against the cold and the ache and the promise. Pain pinches through you, but so does something else: a small, stubborn spark of hope for Chenle.

End of flashback

-

Leaning away from the tree, after absorbing some knowledge, you look around the night sky and realize that you haven't yet found out what year it is, but you think it is 2027, just because of the 'technical' stuff that you see around. Still in your hospital garment, you walk along a sidewalk that's supposedly made for people and you notice how they dress- sleek, modern but alien. You're sticking out like an odd thumb - with bandages over your pale legs and a patient clothes hanging loose. So you close your eyes and speak to the air. "Where can I find clothes? Is it safe to heal myself using magic?"

A light breeze sweeps past you, guiding you alongside a different path, and it's almost like you get the answer to sit on the bench and heal yourself. You turn left and right, but this part of the park is vacant. You remove the bandages, feeling the ache and burns of lost patches of skin. You can't heal this scars with normal magic... the disappointed look of your father disappears from your mind, as you tap into another source of power... dark magic. You watch your hands slowly glowing red....

Stretching your hands over your feet and ankles, you murmur an incantation. Before long the pain fades and the burns vanish, leaving your skin smooth, unmarked. Still, the clothes remain a problem. People glance at you as you pass, their eyes sharp, curious. You duck into a shadowed alley, touching your thin robe. Eyes shut, you summon the image of a simple dress. Another chant leaves your lips, as you shut your eyes and envision what you want to wear.

"You're using way too much magic."

Your spell falters, speech halts in your throat - eyes snapping open, you peer toward the alley's mouth where neon lights spill across wet pavement. A figure stands there... a silhouette at first. You don't move. He's the one to draw closer to you. Nervously you step back - unaware that your hands... your palms begin to glow an eerie red reflecting your sense to use a spell to hurt him.

"It's all right," the man says quickly, raising his hands. "I'm not a threat. I'm like you."

You say nothing, muttering under your breath. "Dur ma son ge hae." He hears it anyway.

One sharp clap and your body freezes. "I'm like you," he repeats, softly. "I'm not here to harm you. Sense me. You'll see."

Unable to move, you do as he says, studying him. And then you feel it, his aura, like your own. You've never been able to 'sense' anyone like you before... but the familiarity of your father's aura around him, gives you some form of... relief. From scanning him, you can tell that he's magic is a little weaker in comparison to yours... just like your father. Not only that... but you notice a gemstone over his wrist. And the wind whispers reassurance.

"I'm Park Jisung," he says at last, unclasping his hands. The spell melts away and you can move again. "You must be here on Jaemin's orders. It's been so long since he's sent anyone. What did he send you for? Am I involved?"

His name, and Jaemin's, disarm you. "I have to put this ruby on a man from a university called Jeno… and then kill him."

"Jeno…" Jisung murmurs, brows furrowing. "So Jaemin's finally going through with this?" He speaks more to himself than to you. "His immortality's been weak for long, his powers weak… unless he got the help from a witch... like you." Then he pauses, eyes flicking to your glowing palms. "What year are you from?"

"1637," you firmly state, trying not to show weaknesses. You may be from a year without technoloyg, but you surely have something that technology doesn't have, and that's magic... "Jaemin promised... if I complete this mission, I'll go back to my own time. Back to my lover."

"Then you must complete the ritual." Jisung says slowly, "It's the only way to go back," Jisung smiles with a proud smirk. "And Jaemin will finally be free."

"Ritual?" you echo, lost.

"Jeno's blood is the key. Spill it, and the ritual opens a path back in time. If Jaemin has chosen you as his powerful witch, I'll surely help."

"Listen here." you stop Jisung, who sounds like he's admiring Jaemin too much. "I'm not that well acquainted with Jaemin. I don't even know him, aside from the fact that he's an immortal who can help me. I don't care about his plans and him being free- I just want to quickly finish this and get back to my time, to be with my lover."

"And you will." Jisung nods, assuringly. "The fact that you were able to say an incantation with him, proves that you're worthy. You would've died on the spot. But you survived. You're the one who can end this. If this is real… Jaemin's freedom is within reach." His eyes flash with excitement- but you roll your eyes. He sounds so passionate.

You end up asking. "How did you even find me? You said I was using too much magic?"

"Yes." His expression darkens. "I can track witchcraft and how much is being used. When an imbalance tears through my timeline, I feel it. If it's a threat, I destroy it. If not, I keep watch. Your magic, was clouding the air with darkness. A power I've never seen before. That's how I found you. But not only me, people like Jeno and his men would also be able to sense you. And unlike me, they don't talk too much. They track you, tempt you. Refuse to cooperate with them, then you're nothing but ash."

Your eyes widen.

"But I won't let that happen." He steps closer, palms open. The magic you tried to weave into your clothing flickers. With a few silent gestures, he finishes it for you...a white floral dress, shoes conjured from the air. The dress reminds you of another life, another time... a dress you wore when Chenle... was... still alive. You push the memory away and fall into step beside him.

Jisung’s magic flows without words, seamless. Around you, the city glows strange and bright. People ride hovering boards. Others wear sleek black visors over their eyes, blind yet moving unerringly. The future feels unreal, every question you have swallowed by wonder.

"So tell me," you finally ask, being intrigued. "Do people here know what we are? That we're witches?"

Jisung smirks. "In this time, we don't call ourselves witches or warlocks. We're doctors. Scientists. Biologists. Etcetera. We camouflage ourselves, integrate ourselves in society so that no one can tell."

"So... we're... safe here?” A memory of flames piercing at your skin flashes before you. This time, you make a promise to yourself that you will kill Jeno, so that you can go back in time and be with Chenle - but also allowing yourself not to get caught again and get Chenle killed... never again.

"Not exactly 'safe'," Jisung says quietly. "Technology has made reality easy to forge. People believe what they're shown. That keeps us safe. But draw too much attention, and one of us will kill you. Some of us love this world too much to risk losing it."

Jisung leads you through winding streets lit by holograms and sky-glass, past buildings that stretch endlessly upward like blades of obsidian. The city buzzes with quiet energy, drones hum overhead, people, cars and machine move fast, focused. But no one looks too closely.

Eventually, he stops in front of an old building nestled between two towering structures... a posh structure, half hidden in shadow, with ivy greens creeping up the sides. You pause.

Something about this building catches in your chest. The stone archway. The tall windows. It reminds you... almost painfully... of Chenle’s palace. That same elegance, like time touched it but never broke it.

Jisung notices your hesitation. "It's not some 'brothel' or whatever," he says, chuckling under his breath. "I rent a room here month to month, most of the building is student housing or residency. University kids. Science majors. People trying to outrun rent and responsibility."

"It's..." you enter, and feel so much familiarity. "Beautiful." Obviously a lot has changed... but you wonder if this building could've once upon a time been a castle, a palace to an emperor's son...

Jisung pushes the door open. "No one really notices me. Which is the point."

You follow him inside, the scent of lavender and old wood enveloping you, and for just a breath, you could almost believe you've stepped back into the past. The ceilings are high, the doorways rounded, and the stone tiles under your feet are cracked with age... just like the palace halls you remember from 1637.

But instead of lanterns, soft lights run along the walls, glowing gently and humming like a kind of magic you don't understand. In a nearby room, a screen flashes with images, casting shadows that move like ghosts. The whole place feels familiar… but also filled with something strange and new.

Inside, it smells of lavender and something older... candle smoke maybe, or memory. You follow him up a narrow staircase, your footsteps muffled by an orange carpet.

"I stay here," Jisung says, pushing the door open with a wave of his hand to a normal room. "It's not much, but it's protected. The owner owes me a few favors."

His room is small but warm. A single bed, a desk cluttered with a laptop and book, and a window that frames the neon-lit sky.

"You can take the bed," he says, tossing you a key. "Lock the door from inside. I still have some errands to run and also make sure that no one's picked up your trail." He hesitates, glancing at you. "Get some rest. I'll help you find Jeno in the morning."

You nod, grateful in a quiet, guarded way. As he steps into the hallway, you watch as he disappears in plain sight. He's gone.

You stand there for a moment, letting the silence settle around you. You sit on the bed, the mattress dipping under your weight. As your head meets the pillow and your eyes drift closed, the city fades...

And the past rushes in.

-

1637 – Flashback/Dream

The night is cool. Lanterns flicker behind the palace windows, their light stretching long across the marble floors. Your slippers make no sound as you walk.

The guards stationed outside the Prince's chambers nod at your approach. You bow low, as before, and whisper the same words. "The Princess requested I dim the lights."

They step aside without questions, because it's the same thing over and over again. You've come here almost every night.

The door closes behind you with a soft click. The room is lit with a gentle glow. Chenle lies on his stomach, half covered by a silk sheet. The wrappings on his back are gone, likely tossed aside in discomfort. What's left of the wound is exposed... raw, pink, but better than it was. You can see the edges are beginning to knit together.

He's asleep, but lightly. The kind of rest that illness brings uneasy, shallow, disturbed sleeps. But you're here again to prevent any illness. You've been doing this for almost a week now. Slowly healing preserving his health. You cross the room quietly and kneel beside his bed.

You don't know what it is that draws you to this moment. Pity? Compassion? Something deeper? Something terrifying? You only know that you have to touch him again.

So you do. Not boldly. Just barely. Your fingers hover near the wound, then lower with practiced care. The magic hums in your blood again, gentle, alive. You whisper the same ancient words, softer this time. Just enough to ease him.

"Sana dorsum eius, Mater Natura, per aerem tuum..."

The energy flows from your fingertips into him, not enough to draw suspicion, but enough to soothe the ache beneath his skin. His breath slows. His body relaxes.

But then-

"Fein." Your ears latch onto the words -and rapidly before you can pull away, his hand snaps up- he grabs your wrist. Your mouth shuts closed and you jerk up. Your heart stutters. You look up and find his eyes open, glinting gold in the low light.

But there's no anger in them.

Just… wonder. You gulp and try not to say anything - hoping you can recite a spell out loud that will make him sleep.

"You..." he says softly, his voice still rough with sleep. "You're the one who came to me last night... and the night before. Now I know I wasn't dreaming."

You try to pull away- heart beating fast and you're so nervous. This is it. You've been caught- and now you're going to die! Your uncle warned you- your father warned you. Why weren't you careful? And on top of that you were caught by the prince! "Forgive me, my Prince. I only meant to—"

"You were healing me." He doesn't let go. His grip isn't harsh, but steady. His eyes search yours. "With magic."

Your breath catches. He should be furious. He should be calling for the guards, while you throw yourself at his mercy, begging to be spared for what you are. A fein- an evil spawn- A maid who knows forbidden things...

But he just watches you... for a long time. Then, finally, he releases your wrist. You're tempted to run, but stay in place by his voice... "I should be afraid of you," his voice comes out quietly. "Especially since I'm injured..." he says. "But I'm not scared. Weird isn't."

You blink, you being afraid.

"What are you?" His gaze drifts over your appearance and then back on your eyes. "Answer me." he whispers.

You hesitate. Then speak the truth you've never spoken aloud. "A witch."

The word hangs between you like a confession. He looks back at you. "So, you're not just a maid, but... a witch?"

"I am a maid... but also a witch."

His lips curl, just faintly, into something resembling a smile, but you're trembling boxed heart feels like it'll finally pop. "I thought I was hallucinating the first time... Seeing you.... Hearing your voice in the dark. The way the pain dulled like it was being drawn out of me..." His eyes close for a moment, then reopen. "Why help me? You could've gotten in a lot of trouble, should the guards or someone noticed what you were doing."

You don't answer right away. You don't have the words for it. But you watch him...

"In my lifetime... I've seen witches in the battlefield. They tear men apart with a whisper. I've seen them turn water to fire, blood to dust. Casted spells and bewitching people to get there ways. You could literally do the same thing to me in a blink of an eye."

"I'm not like them." Your eyes drop- trying to assure you, but you're still nervous to speak out of turn. "I don't... I would never cast a spell on anymore. Or make them do what they don't want... I don't use my magic to get what I want... I promise you I'm not like them My Prince."

There's a silence that follows, not awkward, but full of unsaid things. Full of questions neither of you dares ask. He shifts with a quiet grunt, trying to sit up. You're quick to lean forward, hand pressing gently against his arm. You instinctively reach to steady him, and he doesn't stop you. "Indeed, you're not."

When you do, he looks at you again. Your breath hitches as your cheeks strike up a color.

"Don't move," you whisper, "You'll open the wound."

"I don't care," he murmurs, voice strained but low. "I've been lying down too long…"

He tries again, but winces. Without thinking, you move closer, sliding an arm behind his back. His breath hitches as your hand brushes bare skin, warm and scarred. "Let me help," you whisper.

You feel the muscles in his back tense beneath your touch as you carefully ease him upright. His hair brushes your cheek. Your breath catches. He exhales slowly, now sitting up against the pillows you rearranged.

"Thank you," he says, voice barely above a breath. "For healing my back."

You nod, afraid to speak, afraid to let your voice out.

"Why didn't you heal me completely?" he asks, looking in between both your eyes. "Are you not strong enough?"

You look up to him once, and then back to your trembling hands. "Didn't want to draw suspicion My Prince,"

He chuckles a little. "I'm not asking this as your prince, nor as a soldier... but as a man lying bare before someone he shouldn't trust but somehow does." he speaks... causing your trembling hands to slowly remain calm. You gulp, looking away from his eyes, catching him trying to get you to look at him. "Will you stay-" but upon his question, you become hesitant again. He adds gently. "Until morning?”

Your heart swells, but you say nothing. Instead, you fold your hands in your lap and nod. And for the first time that night, Prince Chenle closes his eyes, not from pain, but peace. But... you're surprised when he opens his eyes again.

"Tell me about yourself," he says, voice low and steady, eyes still on you.

You freeze. Your lips part, but nothing comes out. You're not used to being asked that, not by anyone, let alone a prince. Let alone him. You lower your eyes, fidgeting with the edge of your sleeve.

"There's nothing to tell, my Prince,” you murmur. "I'm just a maid." The silence that follows isn't awkward. It stretches as you sit there, fingers still in your lap, stealing glances every few moments, until finally, he speaks again.

"Don't lie," he says gently, a light smile over yours. "Not after tonight." His gaze softens further. "And don’t call me that."

You glance up, startled. "But... you're the Prince. I can't address you with anything else but that,"

"I don't want you to bow to me," he says, voice quiet. "Not tonight. Not here at least."

You look up at him, startled. "But—"

"Right now, I'm just a man with a bad wound and a strange girl beside him, who somehow made it stop hurting." His lips twitch into something between a smile and a sigh.

You glance at him, then away again. "I don't know why I did," you whisper. "Maybe I'm foolish."

"No," he says. "You're brave."

The words settle deep in your chest like something warm, something fragile. You look down at your hands and whisper, "I wasn't supposed to speak to you. Let alone... sit beside you."

He shifts, slowly, resting more comfortably on the pillow. "Well, I wasn't supposed to be fascinated by a maid who can do impossible things, but here we are."

Your breath catches. "You're teasing me."

"I'm just a man with a bad wound. So speak to me like I'm him. Just him. Not Prince. Just me... Chenle.”

It takes you a long moment to gather the courage. But eventually, you whisper, "Chenle." His name feels strange on your tongue, both foreign and forbidden... but he smiles at the sound of it.

"There," he says. "That wasn't so hard. What's your name?"

You sit beside the bed with your hands in your lap, unsure about... this.

But he waits. Patient, curious. So you tell him your name. And slowly the night unfolds. Hesitant at first, voice small, telling him little things; where you grew up, how your mother taught you to braid herbs into cloth to cure fevers, how your father warned you to never let anyone know what you were. How you wanted to end up at the palace, how your magic had always been quiet... until him.

"So... you used magic on me?" he smiles lowly, but you shake your head.

"No." you lean back a little. "I used my magic to make all the potential buyers look away from me. But when you came, I didn't do anything. You looked my way, and I wanted to see what you thought at first glance."

"Ah," he smiles. "So I... chose you,"

"By your own free will," you chuckle a little.

He listens closely, every word. Not with the politeness of someone humoring a servant, but with the attentiveness of someone who wants to know you... really know you.

Sometimes he laughs, and you find yourself smiling more than you should. You're making the Prince laugh... Other times he asks you questions, simple ones, but they make your heart skip, like when he asks what your favorite flower is, or what kind of dreams you have when you're not afraid. You forget to be scared because there's no room for fear, even though he's royalty, right now you see him for who he is, and not his title.

And when you laugh, actually laugh, bright and unguarded, his eyes widen slightly, like he wasn't expecting it, like he wants to hear it again.

You talk until your voice grows soft from use. And somewhere in between your stories, he begins to share his own stories of childhood mischief, of sneaking out past curfew, of his father’s harsh expectations, and the weight of a crown he never asked to wear. He speaks like he's never had someone to talk to... really talk to... and you listen like you've never been trusted before. He tells you about the night before his first battle. How scared he was, but he just wanted to make his father proud. How cold the wind felt against his armor. How he doesn’t want to be remembered as a warrior, but as someone who protected something worth loving.

That catches you off guard. You look at him differently... not as a prince, not even as a man, but as someone who feels lonely in the same way you do.

By the time the candle burns low, you've helped him lay back down on the bed, while your legs are tucked beneath you, closer to him now than when you started. His arm rests over the side of the bed, hand just inches from yours. Neither of you moves.

"It's the first time in a long time I feel like... I'm not carrying the world."

You glance over at him. "It's the first time in a long time I feel like I'm not hiding from it."

The silence that follows isn't empty. It's full of warmth. Full of something soft and unspoken. His fingers brush yours, just barely. You pull away and quickly remember your place...

And when the first traces of dawn begin to paint the sky through the palace window, you're still there, sitting beside him, smiling quietly to yourself, feeling something bloom in your chest that feels dangerously close to hope.

He closes his eyes again, just before the light fully comes, and whispers your name like it's something precious. "Thank you for staying the night."

-End of flashback

You hear birds tweeting, humming softly, and your eyes flutter open to the unfamiliar ceiling. You look around you, wondering where Chenle is- your heart tugs in confusion, and then it sinks... as you remember that he was killed because of loving you... and you remember that you're no longer in 1637, but 2027 and have a mission to complete.

You’re supposed to be focused. You sit up slowly, cold air brushing your skin. The bed isn't yours. Jisung's room. But he's not here. He left sometime last night, and the silence feels heavier without him. You get to your feet, getting your shoes on, and after using the strange bathroom.

... You end up leaving his room - when you heart the sounds of something so beautiful and melodic...

It's like following a alluring scent, only except it's music that's so beautiful. You've never heard anything like it. You go down a hallway - moving like you're being led to a hotspot. Eventually you make it to an area that's spacious in size, it's filled with couches on different side, mini tables and chairs around, it serves as a resting area and even study center, but amongst that, at the far end, you see one person, and a weird large looking table.

Seated on a stool and seemingly creating that sound, is a guy. The melody and vibrant out through the room has you going closer until you're beside the guy. On the weird looking table there's black and white little rectangles... whenever he presses on it with his fingers a sound comes out.

He doesn't stop playing, even when you're beside him admiring it up close and hearing and seeing how fast his fingers move over the notes. Until you see that he's eyes are closed, but it's not only that... your heart drops completely when seeing the familiar features on the man's face.

Your breath stutters... you know that profile. Those... lips... that jawline... Him-

Your eyebrows twist, your lips part and you can literally feel your heart elevating wanting to pop out of your chest. "Chenle?" You breath out-

Yet that's enough for the guy to jolt- snapping his eyes open and peering towards you. He's equally as confused - but then holds his chest and breathes out. "Ah, you scared me." his eyes widen and then a little smile grows. "Hey, you're awake." he looks at you up and down, his face with such content, almost mirroring his gaze. "Wow, you're... really here."

He stands up with such a wide smile over his features. You could cry from how... alive and handsome he is. His eyes go between yours, there's so much happiness and a hint of longing. He looks just like your Chenle- smiles just like him... and then you remember Jaemin's words... doppelgänger... Could this guy be Chenle's lookalike? There's no time to even weigh the options, because you're so full of happiness that you reach your hands out to his chest and then your eyes brim with tears before you embrace him in a deep longing hug. A choked cry leaves your throat, and as though you never mourned Chenle, you cry and hold him tight. Even if he's not your Chenle- and a doppelgänger, you feel so connected to him, even more since he wraps his arms around, securely, tightly and like your Chenle did- safely.

Meanwhile, Chenle's smile is a bit confused by how you're embracing as well as crying - he should be the one crying. His heart aches a bit when hearing your cry. "It's alright baby, I'm here. And you're back... Oh my goodness... you're so warm. I love you baby,"

"I love you too Chenle, with all my heart. So much," You chuckle a little and look up to him. "Who's a baby?" your hands gently and carefully going up to his face as you caress him. "You're really alive?"

He holds your hand in his and kiss the inside of your palm, his eyes shine with tears, but he's strong not to release it, but instead caress you hand over his face. "I've missed you. You have no idea..." This is already the best feeling being reunited with Chenle, however when he holds your face gently in his hands, and leans in connecting your lips with his, your heart explodes with joy. He's not just like your Chenle, but he could pass off as him. You kiss him softly, with your hands running up his neck and in between his hair- your heart shattering at being connected with him again.

When you break apart, you rest your heads against his each other. You can think of nothing else but this moment, this reunion, you don't even want to think of whether this is real or not. "Chenle," you can only whimper his name in happiness.

"I'm here," he smiles and also runs his hands over your head. "My beautiful, precious..." he kisses your forehead and then holds your hands.

"You played so beautifully?" you acknowledge, once you've stopped your tears.

"It brought you to literal tears. Did I wake you?" he holds onto your hand and spins you into his hug before directing you to some place. That's when you realize that in this future... since he recognized you, that you and him are together. It's a beautiful revelation. "But I have to head to the doctors orders. You should be resting... how do you feel?"

"I feel... good. Happy, really happy." your eyes over his features again only cause you such love that you lean into his hold and hug him tighter. "You're alive," you whisper.

Chenle holds you closer to him, "I miss you so much," your embrace being something he's missed. "Don't worry I've got it," he says as he opens the room door. "I'll get you some water and meds, you can just get back on the bed,"

You smile faintly, doing as he says, feet quiet as you step into the room. But the moment your eyes land on the bed— You freeze.

Someone is already lying there.

Your breath catches in your throat. It's not just anyone. It's... YOU. Your knees nearly buckle as you inch closer. Your body. Your face. Asleep, peaceful, untouched, almost unreal. Like time itself had split in two. Your pulse thunders in your ears. You blink hard, half-expecting the vision to vanish. But it doesn't. "What do I do?" you whisper. The words tumble out, barely formed, over and over again. "What do I do, what do I do..."

You stand beside the bed for a long moment, the silence unbearable, until your hands move on their own. Gently, carefully, you pull the blanket higher, tucking it around the sleeping version of yourself until even your face is hidden from view. You place your palms together, hover them above the covered figure, and begin to murmur the incantation. Each syllable trembles from your lips, heavy with meaning. With farewell.

Then, quietly, you step out of the room. The door clicks shut behind you. And then your head snaps around when hearing a baby's cry. Your brows furrow...

Your ears triggered by the sounds and where it's coming from, toward an open door. Heart already racing for another reason entirely. You follow the soft cries down the short hallway to the source. Chenle is standing there. His arms cradle a small bundle, his hand gently patting the baby's back. His expression is tired but soft—tender, even.

"Sorry," he says quietly, glancing at you with a small, almost shy smile. "She just woke up."

You move toward him, drawn in like gravity, eyes wide with something between awe and confusion. Before you can even ask- before your voice can catch up with your thoughts—Chenle turns the now-calmed baby in his arms, speaking to her in a gentle coo.

"Look, sweetheart," he murmurs. "Mummy's here."

Your breath stops.

Your eyes flood with warmth, lips parting in disbelief. You raise a hand slowly to cover your mouth as you stare down at the baby... your baby. "M-mummy?" A quiet sound escapes your throat. The kind of sound that's made when love rushes in all at once. Because there, in Chenle's arms, with her sleepy lashes and soft cheeks and the faintest pout that almost matches his— Is the life you never dared to hope was real. And she's looking right at you.

"My baby?" you look at Chenle, and the grin over his face is joyful. "Can I..."

"Of course, Zhuo's seriously... missed you the most. He gestures for you to sit, motioning toward a cushioned white chair. "Just in case you feel dizzy," he adds, already cradling the baby with both arms.

Once you're seated, he gently passes her into your embrace. The moment she's in your arms, everything in you softens. Your breath is from the depths of your soul... you were literally put on a stake, unable to have your baby and at the same time you lost the man you loved... but now here... they're all here.

"We made this baby?" you breathe, eyes wide with wonder.

Chenle crouches beside you, hand sliding to your back, the other resting over yours. "Mummy and daddy's baby," he smiles. "She's the calmest she's ever been."

You can barely speak. The emotions are overwhelming—Chenle is alive, this baby is real, you're still in love, and somehow... this is your life. "Chenle," you whisper, voice tight with emotion. You look down at your daughter. "Hi, baby... hi."

She nestles closer to your touch, soft and trusting. You swallow the lump in your throat.

“My two beautiful girls,” Chenle murmurs. His gaze lingers on you, eyes glassy with affection. "I could watch you forever..." Chenle leans his head over your arm, eyes locked on you, cherishing you. "But I have to go to work." he sighs and then stands up. "Why don't you rest?"

"What about the baby?" You hold the baby a little tighter.

Chenle nods toward the hallway. "I'll ask Mrs. Jung to check in, but you can rest, okay?"

You shake your head gently. "No it's okay, I've got it," you say. "Let me... let me keep her. I want to feel this. I want to remember every second..."

He leans down and kisses your lips. It's soft and full of understanding. Then he ruffles your hair affectionately before heading out of the nursery. Your eyes follow him—making sure the illusionment spell over the sleeping body still holds. When he enters the bedroom, he won’t see anything unusual. Just a made bed. Just a peaceful morning. A minute later, he returns, dressed sharply: black slacks, crisp black shirt, and a white coat. He grabs his bag from the table and turns to you, smiling like a man who has everything.

"I'll finish early today, and come straight home." he promises. "I love you,"

"I love you too,"

You rise to meet him, and your lips find his. It starts as a gentle kiss—but then lingers, his mouth pressing a little deeper into yours. Your heart flutters. He doesn't stop either, until you chuckle when feeling how he gets closer- almost pinching the baby between you both. "You're going to be late,"

"Then stop kissing me," he teases—though he’s the one still kissing you.

You both chuckle, noses brushing, until finally you pull away for real. Chenle gives a playful grunt of protest, then kisses the baby's head and your lips once more before heading to the door.

"See you soon," he says, waving. And then he's gone,leaving you and your daughter wrapped in the warmth of something you never thought you’d have: A real future.

Once Chenle is on the other side of the door, he leans against the wall, his eyes moist with tears at the thought of you being back... alive and with him. After composing himself and his emotions, he begins to head out the building and towards the parking. He enters his car - but before he can even turn the ignition he just remembers your smile, and the purity and love in your eyes, and he's undone again. He shuts his eyes, wondering how he'll make it throughout the day with the thoughts of you being at home and he can come home and you'll still be there. There's a moment of complete stillness in the car, as he wonders if he should just come out and call in sick and get an off day.... however when remembering why else he's going today, he starts the engine.

Before work, he makes a stop at the University of Excellence, where Professor Lee, a renowned biologist and one of his most trusted friends, works. Walking down the familiar halls, he spots the man stepping out of the staff room, coffee in hand.

"Professor Lee!" Chenle calls out.

"Ah, Chenle," the older man greets him warmly, falling into step beside him. "Just the man I was hoping to see. But first—how are you?"

"I'm... ecstatic," Chenle says with a grin, the thought of you filling him up again. As they step into an empty lecture hall, Chenle closes the door behind them. "And come on, we can drop the formalities—Jeno. I've got incredible news."

But Jeno's expression shifts. "And I've got a serious concern."

Chenle's brow furrows. "What happened?"

Jeno, then sits on his desk as Chenle puts his hands in his pockets. "Want to explain why your wife was wandering around last night—barefoot, confused, with scorched feet—outside the hospital?" Chenle's head tilts to the side, confused. But Jeno continues. "I thought I told you that once she's woken up you call me, or even tell me,"

"Uh," Chenle blinks, stunned. "That wasn’t her. She was asleep with me the whole afternoon and night. She only woke up this morning—that's the news I came to share.”

Jeno pauses, eyes narrowing. "You're sure?"

"One hundred percent. And besides, didn't you say she'd wake up in about a week?"

"I did." Jeno says, rubbing the back of his neck. Something feels off. "I clearly remember treating burns on her feet myself. She was disoriented. Almost dissociative. She ran away before I could even speak to her."

"Couldn't have been her," Chenle shakes his head, clearly having strong memory. "She was perfectly fine when she woke up. No burns, no confusion—well, except she didn't recognize Zhou at first. Is that normal? Amnesia?”

"No. I programmed the clone with all her memories, as if nothing happened." Jeno goes quiet. "You said... it's like she knows she died?"

Chenle nods. "She looked at me like... like she remembered losing everything. It wasn’t just affection. It was deep. Like grief turned to relief. And trust me, I know how I look at her. But today... she looked at me the same way."

Jeno stares at him, thoughtful. "Bring her in tonight. Six o'clock. At my place, not the lab. I want to run some checks."

"Of course," Chenle agrees. "She seemed completely fine, but... yeah. I'll bring her."

They part ways. Jeno watches Chenle leave, mind buzzing with unanswered questions. Something isn’t adding up. Meanwhile, Chenle walks out feeling nothing but awe. You’re alive. You're in his arms again. After weeks of drowning in grief—you're home. He remembers when he first lost you. One night, you were there. The next, you were gone. He never even told your parents. Couldn’t.

You always said, if I die, give my body to science. He did. And when Jeno proposed his cloning trial—using your DNA, your brainwave data, your essence—Chenle hesitated. It was risky. Unethical. But after a week of aching without you, he gave in. He couldn’t live in a world where you didn’t exist.

And now here you are.

"God, she looked beautiful today," he thinks aloud, smiling to himself. That white dress, your hair, your laugh. This time, he's not going to waste a second. You're back. He's in love. And he's never letting go again.

Meanwhile, inside the house, you pace back and forth, gently patting the baby's back until she finally drifts off. Once she's asleep, you lay her down with care, then retreat to the bedroom... eyes flicking toward the still form on the bed. Jaemin told you to avoid your doppelgänger. Stay away, he said. But you've ignored that rule. You can't help it. You're envious of the life she... that you have in this timelines.

A dark thought whispers: You could kill her. Hide the body. Take her place.

But then you remember why you're here. This mission. Jaemin's promise to give you back Chenle.... And yet… this Chenle isn't a prince weighed down by duty. He isn't guarded, distant, or living behind palace walls. He has a job. A modest home. He laughs. He's free. You're torn between the past and this strange present as you stand over the sleeping body on the bed. Finally, you pull the blanket back. Something feels wrong.

You shake her, but she doesn't wake. Her skin budges under your touch, but her eyes stay shut. Frowning, you open the window, let the wind swirl in, and murmur an incantation to stir her. Slowly, the body's eyes flicker open... but they're unfocused, like a pigeon's. They don't look at you and they're on either side.

"Hello?" you whisper... you thought that maybe if you touched her head, you could absorb who she is here with Chenle so that you could... fake being her for some time.

But there's no response. A shiver crawls down your spine. You press your palms to her temples, closing your eyes. The way you did with the tree's wisdom, you try with her, reaching inward, seeking something, anything. However... all you find is emptiness. A blank slate. When you open your eyes again, her eyes are still wide open, staring at nothing. She isn't a person. She's… a vessel.

"What are you?" You demand, not understanding whether she's a person or machine. "What happened to you?"

At that, her eyes come back to focus on you. "I am Y/n 0.1." You're stunned to hear that... flat, mechanical, without warmth.

"0.1? What does that mean?"

"I'm the first prototype to imitate and live as Y/n."

Your eyebrows furrow. "Why?"

"To serve as a companion to Zhong Chenle and Zhong Zhou." you recognize what she's saying, but it sounds like she's disattached. Prototype? You're so confused - and then you're confusion flutters when hearing a knock on the door. You speak and the spell lifts up, letting the body rest back on the bed as though it's always been sleeping peacefully.

You intend to ignore it the knocking on the door, already feeling the energy of the person behind the door. Yet the knocking doesn't seize - until even Zhou, your baby whimpers a little tired cry. You quickly walk over to her crib picking her up, before you move to the door and pull it open.

Jisung. He's looking at you with wide eyes of horror. "There you are!" he stresses out and enters with panic. "I was so- what are you doing here? You've got a mission and you just disppeared from my room."

"I can't leave." You simply say. "I've got a baby to look after."

It's when Jisung notices the baby you're carrying. "Let me guess, you've met your doppelgänger?" his voice rises. "Do you have any idea how dangerous this is? Did Jaemin not tell you the rules?"

"He did." you say, not wanting to think of that. "But I don't care."

"You don’t understand," Jisung snaps. "This isn't your world. This isn't your timeline. You can't—"

You walk past him, placing the baby back in her crib. Whispering a protection spell over her, you close the door and turn back to him.

"I know you mean well," you say softly, but there's steel under it. And Jisung feels he energy subtly changing. "But feel for me. In the past, I lost my lover. Jaemin promised to bring him back if I succeeded. But here…" Your voice wavers. "Here my lover is alive. Here I'm a mother. My doppelgänger is practically brain-dead. Do you know how lucky she is? In my time I'm burning at the stake. What if I fail my mission? What if I die again? Here I have a chance. Just for today— let me have it."

Jisung looks at you like you’re insane. "Do you even know who Jaemin really is?"

"I don't care what he is," you snap. "He's trapped. He told me I can take my time. So I am."

"It won't work," Jisung warns. He raises his hand- and you get shocked. You see it coming, the silent casting of a spell, and throw out your own hands, speaking your incantation aloud. Jisung staggers, clutching his chest. You step closer, voice steady, power thrumming in your bones.

"I had time to think, about what you meant when you said I'm a powerful witch. I don't know about powerful, but I do know that I'm from 1637. The difference between me and you, is that I'm a pure blood, nature decent. I don't cheat, and say spells in my head- I'm one with nature. I am nature."

You say another incantation and Jisung wheezes choking on his own. And you literally feel all that power over your bones.

"I am nature. Every word I chant carries the weight of earth and air and fire. Nature is strong. That makes me strong."

Your palms glow red. The mark on your wrist, three tiny skulls, flares like embers. With one clap, you know, you could kill him. You don't intend on doing dark magic, but it already seems infused... Jaemin's power is... dark magic.

The glow fades. Your voice softens. "I'll need your help to find Jeno. But for now, let me have this moment. Please." Jisung pants, trembling, but he doesn't argue. You nod to the door. "Leave. You're ruining my view."

When he's gone, you return to the nursery. You watch over Zhou, whispering to the winds, tasting this life you were never meant to have. When you need Jisung, you’ll find him. For now, she’s yours. And so is Chenle.

You're reminded of a time in the past with your Chenle. After he had healed up completely and was ready to be off bedridden duty- he personally made it a mission to seek you.

Flashback.

"My Prince!" you whisper yell, when he sneaks up behind you in one of the hallways while you were turning off the lanterns. He smiles and laughs quietly, boyish sound muffled by the stone corridor walls.

"Shhh, you'll wake the whole palace," he whispers, stepping closer. There's a playfulness in his voice, but also something softer beneath it- like he's just happy to be near you again.

You press a hand over your chest. "You scared me."

"I know." He grins, his eyes bright under the low flame of the last lantern. "But you should've seen your face."

You roll your eyes and try to keep moving down the corridor, but he follows. He always does. Ever since he recovered, he's been appearing everywhere you are; quiet gardens, corridors, the kitchens, even the library where you once went just to avoid him. You’d think a prince would have better things to do.

But you don't mind. Not really. "Shouldn't you be resting?" you ask over your shoulder.

"I rested for weeks. I'm going mad just sitting and being served all day." He slows beside you, matching your steps. "I'd rather be here."

"With me?" you tease, glancing up at him.

"With you." He says it like it's the most obvious truth in the world. And maybe it is. "You're very interesting."

The corridor grows quieter as you move further into the empty wing, your footsteps the only sound. The soft glow of lantern light paints golden shadows across his face— his sharp cheekbones, the gentle curve of his mouth, his eyes, always watching you too closely. Too sincerely.

"Why?" you finally ask, stopping at the next lantern. "Why are you always looking for me?"

He watches your fingers as you snuff out the flame, then leans back against the stone wall. "I wanted to thank you," he says after a long moment. "You stayed with me when I was sick. After the first night... you didn't have to. But you did."

You shrug lightly. "You were kind to me... and not exposing my secret. And… I wanted to." You think back to how you kept visiting him night after night.

He doesn't say anything at first, just studies your face. And then, gently: "That night, when I was feverish… I thought I saw you cry."

You chuckle, and so does he. "I didn't cry. I thought you were dying."

"I was," he says. "According to the healers, I'm not supposed to heal so fast. And I was supposed to be dead. But look at me now. I heard you whispering to the earth and now I'm hooked. Like you casted a spell on me."

"I didn't." you smile looking into his eyes. If there's one thing you would want him to know, is that you never made him feel things for you... and if he is... it makes you feel warm. Because... it's not one sided.

His words are too close, too intimate. You keep your gaze on the wall, but you feel the warmth of him next to you.

"I know you didn't," he continues quietly, "But when I look at you, I feel like I've known you before. Even before I ever did."

You turn to him with a cheeky smile. "You sound like you're reciting poetry."

"Would that be so bad?" he asks.

"No... just unexpected."

He chuckles under his breath, then grows serious again. "You make this place feel less like a prison."

You blink. For a moment, he’s not the prince. Not the one who carries power, or wears titles like armor. He's just Chenle. The man who almost died. The man who hasn't exposed you. The boy who keeps finding you in hallways. "If I'm caught... this will be a prison."

Your hand brushes his as you reach for the final lantern. He doesn't move away. "May I?" he asks softly, not even saying what he means—but you feel like you know.... "I don't care what you are. I've never felt like this before."

Your heart races. You nod, just once.

His hand lifts to your face, thumb grazing your cheek as he leans in slowly, slowly- like he's asking with every inch. Your breath hitches as your eyes flutter closed.

And when his lips touch yours, it's not grand or forceful. It's gentle. Careful. When he pulls away, his forehead rests against yours. You can feel his smile before you see it.

"I think I want to court you," he murmurs.

Your eyes open, wide. "Court me?"

He shrugs, teasing but shy. "Formally. If that’s allowed. Or if you'll let me."

You gulp. "What about the princess?"

"What about her?" Chenle shrugs his shoulders. "I've never even kissed her. And you're the one who makes me feel human.” He looks at you, truly looks at you.

You can't help a little chuckle. "You are human."

He rolls his eyes playfully. "I'm happy you've stopped seeing me as royalty. It makes me feel even more humanier... Say yes. I want to court you."

You lean up just slightly, your lips brushing his again. “Yes.”

End of flashback.

-

"I'm back."

Chenle's voice echoes gently through the apartment as he closes the door behind him, setting his keys on the table. He toes off his shoes with a soft sigh, already loosening the collar of his white coat as he walks further inside. The scent of something warm and rich greets him first — not the usual faint perfume of candles or baby powder, but... food?

He pauses at the threshold of the kitchen, surprised.

You're there, standing over the stove, stirring a small pot with a quiet focus. The table has already been set, and soft instrumental music hums from the speaker in the corner.

Chenle blinks, genuinely taken aback. "You cooked?" His tone is both touched and teasing. He's surprised because... you've always hated the kitchen. "I bought takeout thinking you'd still hate the kitchen."

You glance over your shoulder, stunned for a moment. Okay... so the you in the future hates cooking. Noted. "I.. uhm. I still do, just wanted to try."

He chuckles, crossing the room with that same gentle stride you've come to recognize. "I must've stepped into an alternate universe," he murmurs, setting the takeout in the fridge and then coming over to you on the counter before wrapping his arms around your waist from behind. He presses a kiss to the side of your head, warm breath brushing your cheek. "Thank you. You've worked hard."

You hum, relaxing into him for a moment before reaching up to turn off the stove. "How was your day?"

As you both settle down at the table, the takeout forgotten for now, Chenle leans in, resting his elbow on the wood, chin in hand, his eyes soft on you. "It was good," he says with a smile that touches his whole face. "Stressful, but good. Jeno and I are making progress with the other modelled prototype — real progress. It might actually work this time. The simulations didn't crash."

Your eyes tune in more when he mentions the prototype as well as Jeno.... but you let it slide. You listen, genuinely listening... the way he remembers you always used to. Your eyes don't drift. You nod, ask thoughtful questions. Encourage him.

"You're going to do so well," you tell him, reaching across to squeeze his hand. "I believe in you."

And something about the way you say it, the confidence, the quiet affection, makes Chenle stop for a moment. He just looks at you. His throat works around a quiet breath.

"I don't know what I did to deserve this version of you," he says quietly, just being content that you're alive again and that he feels so much. "But I'm... completely in love with you all over again."

You blink, surprised by the sudden weight of emotion in his voice. How is it that he's in love with this timeline version of you who's brain dead? You hid her in Jisung's apartment, but you just wonder how lucky she is.

Then, without waiting, Chenle leans in and kisses you, slow, with a kind of reverence that speaks to how long he's missed you, how much he's craved this exact moment.

"We probably shouldn't go on, Zhou will wake up-" When he pulls back, you smile against his lips, brushing your thumb across his cheek.

"Zhou's still sleeping," you whisper, and that brings a small laugh out of him, a soft, fond sound.

"Really?" he grins. While you were gone... he couldn't get her to nap longer than forty minutes. You both share a laugh, the kind that lingers. A small pocket of peace.

Later, after dinner is cleared, you ask, "What do you want to do for the rest of the evening?"

Chenle taps his fingers on the table. "Actually... Jeno invited us over."

Your smile falters ever so slightly. There it is again. "Jeno?"

Not missing your expression, Chenle smiles gently. "Doctor Lee. You remember him, right?"

Your eyes widen. You gasp out in shock... "I know him?"

Chenle mistakes your silence for confusion. "He's not weird or anything," he assures you with a chuckle. "He helped a lot after... everything."

"Do you want to come with?" Chenle asks, brushing your hand with his. "If you're too tired, I'll just go—"

"No," you say quickly. If you go with him now, then you'll get to finally meet this Jeno person. And hopefully when the time is right, you'll kill him. "I'll come."

That this quiet, perfect moment in the warmth of your home... might not last forever. But you ignore it for now. You have Chenle. You have Zhuo. You have this life.

-

The fact that you're sitting inside a moving mechanical carriage doesn’t surprise you. Cars aren't strange anymore. What surprises you is the way Chenle drives it, calm, precise, like he’s guiding a horse-drawn carriage instead of a machine. His fingers rest loose on the steering wheel, his eyes soft but alert.

You're still staring out the window when you ask, "So… why does Jeno want us to come over?"

"Some tests. Checkups." Chenle's voice drops a little. "He said something crazy yesterday… claimed he saw you wandering at the beach. Burned feet."

Your eyebrows furrow again. Your mind is trying to think of everyone who saw you... but all you can remember is the doctors... and then a face of a man comes to your mind. "Wait… his name is also Doctor Lee?"

Chenle nods. That means, you've already met Jeno before. You sink back in the seat, your hand covering your mouth. So many questions erupt from your mind about Jeno and also about why Chenle is so close to him... but your questions don't form any words.

"Hey," Chenle’s voice softens. "You okay?"

"Never better," you say quickly, forcing a small smile. "Why?"

He looks at you for a long second. Chenle knows his wife, but at the same time... he's not expecting this clone to be 100% you. He just..... "Nevermind it,"

You reach over, laying your hand on his where it rests on the wheel. "I'm okay," you repeat.

And the rest of the car ride is silent. Your thoughts try to remain calm but before you know it, your hand starts to tremble... you don't want to kill Jeno. Killing Jeno would mean that you'd go back... and although you want to go back. You don't want... to lose Chenle. What if Jaemin can't hold his own end of the bargain? Or what if you go back but Chenle and you can't be together? He was planning to run away- but how sure are you that the plan would even be successful?

Beside you, Chenle glances at you from time to time. You’re shivering slightly, staring out the window with a faraway look. He’s asked already if you’re comfortable, if you even want to go. Each time, you’ve said yes.

Meanwhile besides you, Chenle takes notice of how you're shivering and looking out the window in deep thought. He senses something is wrong but doesn't know what to ask. He's already asked if you're okay, comfortable and even if you want to go- you answered positively to all those questions. So when he finally stops, at the foot of Jeno's mansion, he turns to you-

"Babe, what's wron—"

You cut him off, pressing your hands to his temples. "I'm sorry. But I have to do this." The incantation slips from your lips before you can stop yourself. The red glow indicating dark magic as well as Jaemin's power leaves your hands and slides into him. Chenle's pupils dilate, his breath stills. He stares at you, waiting.

You've never controlled anyone before, never forced them to speak against there will. Yet, here you are, forcing Chenle to be under your control. You try to justify yourself that it's for a short while... but the guilt of forcing the love of your life is eating you.

You sniff and gather control over yourself. "Okay, just breath," you tell yourself and then face him. "Tell me..." you don't even know what to ask. You just went on a limp and now you're nervous. "Who is Jeno? Is he a witch or something?" if you can find out why you need to kill Jeno, maybe you'll...

Chenle answers flatly, honestly. "No. He's a scientist."

You bite your lip... maybe that's true to Chenle, but you're not too sure, especially considering what Jisung said about Jeno. "Then what did you mean by checkups? I'm fine. Well... she's brain dead..." You remember your doppelgänger on the bed.

“I told him you woke up today,” Chenle says. "He said you weren't supposed to. He swore he saw you yesterday—”

"Yeah, but checkups for what? Was I in an accident or what?"

You watch him stiffen before his lips move. "You died."

The words hit you like a blade. Your eyes pausing between both his eyes... "I... died?"

"I couldn't live without you," Chenle continues. "So I… asked Jeno to clone you. And he did. You're still supposed to be in hibernation, but you're awake too early. That's what the check ups are for."

Tears blur your vision. "I died?" Your voice cracks.

Your heart splinters all over again — not just for you, but for him. In your world, you lost him. Here, he lost you.

"So you cloned me. That's why she was so braindead. How did he bring me back to life?"

"Not back to life," Chenle corrects softly. "He uploaded your consciousness into the clone. You're still a prototype. We have to understand how your mind works… why you're remembering so fast. And I also want to know why you're like her... you're not supposed to be."

You choke on a laugh, staring out the window. "Machines. Clones. Is that even legal?"

"I don't care," Chenle says simply. "I just want to be with you." The love he has in his eyes right now, even though he's under your trance, only has your heart beating slower... in pain. You can literally feel and understand the pain he's in.

Your head snaps up when catching movement. A man has stepped out of the house — tall, calm, moving toward the car. Jeno.

You quickly wipe your tears and press your hands to Chenle's head once more, speaking another incantation. The memory slides away from him like water off glass. When you back up, you watch life return to his eyes. You watch the control and literal life come back to him. he shuts his eyes and then hold the steering wheel, before looking to you.

Chenle tries to remember what's going on, and then sees Jeno, he shakes his head. "Feels like I fell asleep for a moment," he smiles, and then holds your hand, remembering that you were nervous. "Don't worry. There's no need to be nervous."

You nod, forcing composure as he gets out and comes around to open your door.

Jeno smiles as you step out, his presence perfectly polite, perfectly normal — but the moment your senses brush against him, you feel it. A dark current under the surface.

"It's good to see you, Y/n," Jeno says warmly. "How are you feeling?"

You match his smile, voice steady even as your heart races. "I'm good." But deep down, you're anything but.

"Welcome, then. Shall we go in?" Jeno gestures to the door, his hand hovering just long enough to make you feel like you’re walking into something you can’t walk back out of.

Inside, the house is warm, quiet... too quiet. It smells faintly of coffee and antiseptic, an unsettling mix of home and hospital... but you're surprised when you smell nature's elements. Earth. Water. Fire... and even air. As if the home is alive with nature.

Jeno leads you both into a sitting area with low leather chairs and a small table already set with tea. He pours three cups with steady hands. "Drink," he says lightly, offering you and Chenle each a cup. "You must be tired."

You take the cup, fingers trembling just enough to make the tea ripple. Chenle places his hand gently on your thigh, assuring you with a comforting smile. "Don't worry, Jeno's not so scary when he's in the hospital."

You smile and nod.

"So," Jeno begins as he sits across from you. "Where were you yesterday?"

Your heart skips. Remembering what Chenle said in the car — the beach, the burns — you freeze. You can't let Jeno know that.. especially since you healed the burns from your feet. "I… don't remember. I think I was sleeping."

Jeno's smile doesn’t falter. He leans back slightly, eyes on yours. "And what's the last thing you remember before waking up today?"

Your mouth opens, but nothing comes out. There's nothing you can safely say. Instead, you glance at Chenle. He's smiling at you, soft and encouraging, as if his presence could steady you. "I remember Chenle," you say finally, voice small.

Jeno tilts his head, considering that answer, and for a moment his expression flickers, something sharper, unreadable, before the polite mask slides back into place. "How about Zhuo, did you remember her?" he says quietly.

Your eyes widen slightly. Your daughter. "Of course."

Jeno merely holds a tight smile. "Then let's run a few checks."

Before you can ask what that means, Jeno rises and gestures for you to follow. He leads you down a narrow hallway and through a door into a room that doesn't feel like a home at all... despite the stainless steel counters, machines with blinking lights, a hospital bed at the center of the room... this is where you smell nature the most, even though there's not a hint of a leaf in the room.

"Lay down, please," Jeno says, his tone gentle but leaving no room for refusal.

You glance at Chenle, but he just squeezes your hand. "It's okay," he murmurs. "He just wants to check your vitals."

You climb onto the bed, the paper sheet crackling under you.

"I'll take over from here," Jeno says to Chenle, his back already turned. "It's a simple procedure. I'll call you when I need you."

Chenle hesitates. "You're sure—"

"Yes," Jeno says smoothly, looking at him now. "She'll be fine."

Chenle's fingers brush yours once more, when you squeeze his hand tighter... wanting to will him to stay. But you don't know what will happen if you had to use that magic on him. "I'll be right outside." he kisses the top of your forehead and then he’s gone.

The door clicks shut.

Jeno turns back to you, gloved hands moving with mechanical precision. He opens a laptop and then places some wires to your head and then over your chest. He draws out a syringe — large, glinting under the overhead light, and fits a small bottle of clear liquid to the top.

"This will help you relax," he says. "It'll put you under for a short time so I can access your neural network safely."

You don't move, because you don't even know what that means... You don't even flinch as the needle slides into your arm. The liquid burns coolly for a heartbeat, then nothing. In your head... you call out to the wind that you feel so strongly in the room and ask what you should do- Jeno's eyes snap to you. And you can sense so much energy from him. Did he read your mind? Or hear what you said... in your head? This proves it. He's not human. He's not even a witch. You don't' know what he is. And then you close your eyes. Pretending to sleep. If you can sense him... does it mean he can sense you too?

The room goes quiet except for the soft hum of the machines. You hear Jeno moving, feel the slight adjustment and tug of wires being attached to your temples, your wrists. Then you hear him mutter something under his breath. Not words meant to be heard.... "Devinctus es mihi, Lee Jeno. Nunc et in aeternum." You stay still, eyes closed, heartbeat hammering as you realize... this is exactly the words that Jaemin said. The one's you couldn't understand...

This encounter solidifies it. Jeno is not a human. This is the first time you’re been alone with him. But you don't want to act unprepared. It's in this moment that you don't have the necklace with you or even a strategy. You don't know what you're dealing with...

Something shifts in the ear. Your ears sharpen - hearing bat like sounds flying all over- your heart beat elevates knowing something is terribly wrong. A strange ripple passes through the room—subtle but unnatural. And only in a second when your eyes snap open - you see a sharp weapon rapidly aiming to your heart!

"Desine!" You hold your hand out - willing the foreign object to stop

Across the room, Jeno straightens, lips curled into a smirk. His eyes, once warm, are now pitch black. Unblinking. "I knew you were awake," he says calmly, as if pleased. Before you can move again, his lips part and something ancient spills out- words you don't recognize, but your body does. A pull clamps around your throat - like a rough hand- You stumble back, hands rising as you force out a spell through the pressure, voice raw-

"Absolvo!" (Block)

The invisible grip that was over your neck lifts just enough allowing you to leap from the bed, grounding yourself on the far side of the room, heart hammering in your chest. Your palms glow red-hot, and something burns beneath your skin- your mark, glowing. He lifts his hand again, this time, faster. Another blast hurtles your way, darker than before. The air rips open around it. Your voice is firm. "Desine!" The spell shatters, sparks raining across the lab floor. He circles slightly, eyes never leaving you.

Another strike. You block. Again. Again. Each time, the energy crackles between your hands and his, your defenses glowing brighter with each incantation. You're not just reacting now- you're holding your ground. But something disrupts the peace- The door bursts open with Chenle worried and yells out your name. He looks stunned when he steps into the room - and immediately a streak of violet light whips towards him - but you hold your hands out blocking it from touching Chenle- "Chenle, get out!" you shout.

But before you can reach him, Jeno flicks a single finger. Invisible force slams into Chenle's throat. He's lifted clean off the ground, choking, his legs kicking as the air drains from his lungs.

"No!" Your breath shatters into a sob. "Please! Let him go!"

Jeno chuckles faintly, disbelief. "You think you can sneak into my timeline and play games with me?"

"Stop it!" you scream, your palms flaring red, the mark on your wrist blazing like a brand. You can barely think through the rush of panic. You don't know Jeno or what he might do. For all you know, he could kill Chenle and you don't want that. Not again. Chenle is gasping for life. "Please stop..."

Jeno's smirk grows, but his tone shifts to something colder. "Begging doesn't suit you, little witch. Show me what you're really made of so that we can settle this.”

You hyperventilate, tears running down your face as your arms shake under the weight of the spell you're holding... you want to kill Jeno- but the way he's holding Chenle is scary. If you attack him, he could kill Chenle, just like that. You can't allow that to happen... Chenle's life is on the balance.... but then again... you can just kill Jeno and return back to the past and allow Jaemin to hold up his end of the bargain.

"Please," you whisper, your voice still breaking at the thought of allowing Chenle to die here. "Please don't hurt him... and I won't hurt you."

Chenle's feet barely touch the ground now, his face turning red as Jeno's unseen grip tightens. His hands claw at the air, eyes wide and desperate. Jeno's blackened eyes flick to you. But instead of rage, there's calmness. "From the moment I saw those burnt feet, I knew you were from the past. Let me guess, you met my brother, and he made you a deal. Kill me and... get your love interest back. Right? Otherwise why else would you be worried about Chenle's life here?" he asks, voice low and sharp. "You don't belong here."

"Jaemin's you're brot- Please!" you scream, your voice breaking when Chenle chokes again by the pressure from Jeno. "Please let him go!"

"I can't do that because you've meddled in family affairs. The moment you got yourself involved with Jaemin you brought this upon yourself." Jeno shrugs his shoulders. "And knowing you're from the past, you might be one of those strong witches from nature. Meaning I can't kill you. That if we fight now, I'll be the one to end up dead. And that's what Jaemin wants." Jeno states coldly ignoring your pleas. "And I'm not going to let that happen. So I'll kill Chenle here, that way even when you do kill me and go to the past - he'll still die there."

Your lips tremble. "I don't know what you're talking about— Please don't do that-" His grip on Chenle tightens; purple light sparks at his fingertips. Chenle gasps, a broken sound. "Please... let Chenle go- I'll do anything! I'll do anything just stop! Please-"

"You're a fool for trusting in Jaemin." Jeno's voice drops lower, darker. "And people all associated with him, deserve the same karma. Eternity of pain." Jeno rolls his eyes and then chuckles. "You mean to tell me you saw him hanging from a tree and you didn't wonder why? You went ahead and made a deal with him because of what? Your love for Chenle?" Jeno shakes his head. "That's why he has to die here and now-"

"If you kill him-" You shout- your eyes are bloodshot red just as your palms turn an eerie glow - and instead of crimson red, they turn black. "Then I'll kill you-"

"That's the point."

You don't think- you don't blink - you yell and charge to kill.

"You're even dumber." Jeno sidesteps, weaving through your strikes like wind through grass. He finally lets Chenle go. "You think you can use magic to heal someone from death and nature won't do anything about it?"

You stand in front of Chenle's body on the ground, eyes glaring holes at Jeno who simply dusts his hands- equally looking charged to fight.

"Just so you know. I'm also an immortal, and unlike my brother who can see into the past, I can see into the future." Jeno informs, but you charge right after placing protection spell on Chenle. You don't know what Jeno is yapping about- but all you want to do is kill him. So you speak all sorts of vile incantations thrusting your hands forward blowing tons of wind while sparks leap out from your palms and blows meet air. "And I can tell you, that after what you just did now, there's no future with you and Chenle. Not in this timeline, not in the old timeline. Not ever."

"Shut up." You let all the panic and fury coalesce into motion and surge forward - a blade of intent aimed at his heart.

"Chenle was supposed to die that night after the battle with his father. But you healed him back to life. Breaking the balance, creating a forbidden love. And with forbidden love comes consequences, that nature has to restore. That's why after you brought him back to life, he still died."

Jeno gives insight while also dodging all your attacks - attacks which you strike with pure rage trying to kill him. You chant with each strike - your intentions to kill. The black glow on your hands begin to spread like mist around you. You can't see it- but Jeno watches how your eyes boil into a pitch black darkness. This might be his last time to live - so he makes sure to let you know what deal you made with Jaemin.

"Nature took Chenle back - but then you idiot- stupid and idiot came to the future. Just so that you can complete a mission and bring him back again." Jeno chuckles. "It's so pitiful I could die."

"Shut up." You move on instinct and your blow sends him off balance; he falls back and slides down the wall, dazed. You stand over him, chest heaving, palms shaking. He wipes the blood at his lip, gives a crooked smile, and even from the floor his voice is steady

"But what you don't know-" Jeno's eyes returning back to human form, just as blood sips from his nose. You got him real good- but he doesn't stop talking. "Is that Jaemin is a backstabber. And he'll backstab you." you pause, a tiny hesitation before carrying on drawing a knife from your power to finally kill him. "Go ahead and kill me. You'll free him- but you'll never get Chenle back. So do it. Kill me. You'll have enough time to go home and get the stone to complete the ritual. You'll finally go home. But you'll never get Chenle back."

Your heart stutters and you pause once again midair with the knife - contemplating.

Taking advantage that you stopped, Jeno holds onto his side, feeling the bleeding coming from inside. He's dying. But he's not going to stop it... not until you do. "I've never hated you. In this timeline, I mourned your death alongside my friend Chenle. In this timeline you died in your sleep. Not because of natural causes, but because of that pasts actions. You've changed your future by coming here. You don't know this, but travling in time kills you. So in all timelines you'll be dead. And the man you want to save- he'll always be dead, because nature can't trust you anymore. You made a deal with Jaemin, who sold you a lie."

You shake your head. "He told me he can go back in time... to when Chenle was alive."

"One way or another he'll always die." This time, Jeno says it with a somber smile, eyes glistening in pain. "Even if you finish me here and steal your past, you won’t bring him back. Nature doesn’t forgive bargains that tear at its seams. The hole you make will only swallow more. Jaemin knew that — he always knew. He sent you because he wanted a surrogate to do the dirty work."

He sucks in a breath, pain flaring across his face, then leans forward and fixes you with a look that is almost pity.

"If you really want to save Chenle... go back to the past and die."

Tears blur your vision. "I don't even know what you're talking about. I just want to be with Chenle."

Jeno tilts his head. "Look at your wrist." You glance down. Your arms coated in complete darkness until your elbows. "You have nature's innocent blood spilled all over your hands. Nature will never be on your side ever again."

Your knees buckle. "I just wanted to save Chenle…"

"I've always wondered why he's alive in this timeline. But then you came and it all made sense." Jeno says, almost gently now. "Chenle is pure and you're not. Nature wants him to have another chance. Your life for his life." His gaze flicks to Chenle's fading face. Jeno's gaze softens, but it's not pity. It's resignation. Chenle is still breathing... probably still knocked out.

Jeno looks at you.

"You have to go back to the past," Jeno says. "Not to fix it. To finish it." His words only slice through you.

You shake your head, heart breaking again. "Back… to 1637? And die?"

Jeno nods solemnly. "Back to the fire. Back to the stake. Back to the moment you made your deal. You'd break the cycle of misery you've brought upon all your timelines. And who knows, maybe in the next timeline you and Chenle can be happy. So go back, and seal the fate you were supposed to have. Nature will trust you again."

Tears fall silently. "But… I'll die. I don't want to die."

You glance at Chenle, who's barely breathing. Every cell in your body screams no. But somewhere deeper… you already knew this was the end.

"Why?" you ask, voice cracked. "Why was this our fate?"

Jeno looks toward the window. "Because your child was never meant to be born. The bloodline of balance… dies with you. That's how nature rights itself."

He turns to you again. "Unless… you choose immortality like Jaemin. Join him. Live forever. Forget love. Forget pain. And you bring suffering upon this earth. But if you chose balance, know that life and death is certain."

You close your eyes. "I don’t care... I just wanted Chenle."

"Too bad nature won't let you have him." Jeno shuts his eyes painfully. But you panic.

"Please don't die." You shake your head. "I didn't mean it."

"Give up on your dream to save him, and accept your death. Then I won't die. I'll heal and help Chenle." Finally looking into your eyes again, which have turned normal and your glowing black hands have becoming normal again, Jeno knows you've made your decision. "Say goodbye to him. At least this time, you'll have the chance to."

You sniff, wiping your face with the back of your hand, and force yourself to stand. Your legs shake beneath you, each step to his side heavier than the last. When you finally reach him, you fall to your knees beside Chenle's still body. Gently, you gather him into your arms - cradling him like something fragile and sacred. His head rests against your shoulder, and for a moment, the room fades. There's only the weight of him, the warmth still lingering in his skin, and the ache cracking open inside your chest.

Tears slip down your cheeks, quiet and endless.

"I'm sorry," you whisper, your voice trembling. "I thought I could fix this. I really believed… if I tried hard enough, we could have more time." Your hand brushes the side of his face softly. "But I guess we were never meant to last forever. Maybe just long enough to matter."

You press your forehead against his. "Thank you for loving me the way you did. For making this life, even the broken parts, feel beautiful. I'll carry that with me… always.”

A sob catches in your throat, and you pull him tighter for a second, as if you could hold time still. As if the world might give him back, just for one breath longer.

"I love you, Chenle. In every version of time. And even if nature won't allow us to end together… I'm so glad we began." You let your eyes close, pressing one last kiss to his hair. You hold Chenle for a long time, breathing in the scent of his hair as though it could anchor you here. When at last you lay him gently down, your palms linger on his chest, fingers brushing over his shirt as if you're tracing memories instead of fabric.

Slowly, you rise. Your knees wobble, but you make yourself stand, wiping your tears with the back of your hand. The room feels hollow now, quieter than it should be.

You turn to Jeno. His smile is gone. In its place is something heavier, unreadable, but not unkind. He stands painfully and then leans against the edge of the table, one hand pressed to his side, his dark eyes softer than you’ve ever seen them.

"I'm ready," you whisper, voice hoarse. "I want to go back. I don't know if you can help me with that."

Jeno studies you for a long moment before he speaks. "It's not easy," he says quietly. "You can’t walk back through a door that isn't yours. You’ve tied yourself to Jaemin's bargain, and the only way to untie it is to reject it completely." He straightens a little, wincing at the movement. "That means going back the way you came. The place where time opened for you... the beach. If you want to return to your timeline… you'll have to drown."

You blink at him, stunned, but weakily let out. "Drown?"

"Not die," he says softly, shaking his head. "Not really. You're not ending your life, you're surrendering the false one Jaemin gave you. By drowning, you show nature that you refuse his deal. It will take you back to where you began."

Your throat tightens. "And Chenle?"

Jeno's gaze drifts to the boy’s still form, then back to you. "I'll take care of him," he says, voice low but steady. "In this side of the timeline, I'll make sure his story ends gently. That's all I can promise you. If it's good news, I see your daughter living on, creating a beautiful impact."

You sniff, shutting your eyes and any tears that want to escape. He lifts his free hand and traces a slow circle in the air. A dark shimmer blooms, rippling like oil on water, then splits into a wide, glowing oval. Through it, you can see the familiar beach: pale sand, restless waves, a horizon painted in grey and blue. The wind of that place brushes your face, salt and cold and wild.

"It's the best I can do," Jeno murmurs. "Go."

You step closer to the portal. For a heartbeat you look back at Chenle, at Jeno. Your tears return but softer now, like a tide receding. "Thank you," you whisper.

Jeno inclines his head once. It's not the first time Jaemin has sent someone through - Jeno has never been able to get to them... hence why he always killed them. But this time... seeing you give in, he can only hope that nature will be kind to you. Then you step through.

The beach explodes around you with the sound of wind and waves. Sand shifts under your feet. The sky is pale, the water restless and dark, and the horizon stretches like a wound.

You stand there for a long moment, tasting salt on your lips, the ocean’s roar in your ears. You wipe your tears with shaking hands. Then, slowly, you walk toward the surface. The cold water bites at your ankles, your knees, your waist. You keep going. At the edge where the waves crash over your chest, you close your eyes, draw one last breath of the wind... and sink beneath the surface.

The ocean swallows you whole. Everything goes quiet, cool, weightless. And just before darkness takes you, you feel the pull... not of drowning, but of being drawn back. Back to the past. Back to where it all began.

And when you're gone, there's a switch in the air, knowing that time is reversing back to the day that you're on the stake dying. Even Jisung feels it, that the events that he had with you are disappearing from his mind and he's going back....

Jeno simply closes his eyes, allowing time and nature to do what they must. It's when he opens his eyes does he get a call from Chenle...

"Hey, Jeno." The line finally connects. Chenle's voice cracks. "I need your help."

"Anything," comes the calm reply from Jeno, remembering everything.

Chenle swallows hard. "Can I… present my wife, Y/N, as a subject?" His voice trembles. "The private doctor said she died in her sleep. Natural causes. But I can't—" his breath catches, a sob breaking through. "I can't accept it." His grip tightens around the phone. "I need you to make a clone of her. Please."

"I need you to understand that a clone will never be her. It'll serve as a temporal figure, but it'll still be a robot with no emotions. Are you sure you want to go through with it?" Chenle pauses. Allowing Jeno to go on. "Instead of cloning your wife, how about preserving what you had — the memories, the legacy? Let me help you create something that honors her, not imitates her. A construct can mimic her face, but it can’t carry her soul. And you deserve more than a ghost pretending to love you."

-

Present Past: 1637

You gasp after you blink your eyes open... your heart hammering in your chest. There's a bright sun that's blasting heat all over your body which aches and you realize where you are, when you see people all around and you're tied on the stake. You look around weakly to all the faces in the crowd until you spot your father...

His eyes feel that there's been a shift in the air... that whatever you were planning on doing, you've stopped. And although it's painful to see the sight of his daughter about to burn... he looks up into your eyes and gives you an encouraging smile, to show he's not upset at you.

Seeing your fathers smile, eases your heart a bit for the terrible fate you're about to have. Your ears zone out all that the priest says, as you inhale and shut your eyes with your head down.

"Therefor by virtue of our law," he blesses his forehead, left and then right shoulder- prompting the crowd to do the same. before signaling the guards to light up their flames. "I condemn you, to burn here and in hell."

A guard leans over with a stake already burned and he lays it over the hay straws. Instantly fire catches and the flames rise.

Your toes recoil with heat and you avoid screaming, taking in the pain.

Meanwhile, locked in his cell, Jaemin stares into nothing, silent, seething. His brother had won. Again. And now, as the flames rise, the incantation that once bound you to him pulls tight - forcing him to feel every lick of fire burning through you. He gasps, doubling over, the pain shared, helpless to stop it.

It's hard to think of anything else but the fire burning your body. But with pure will, you shut your eyes to it all and think of Chenle. The fire crackles beneath your feet, smoke curling into the sky, but your heart is still. There is no fear left in you now. No regret.

Only love. You're happy you went to the future only for a while and got to spend time with him and say goodbye to him. The heat surrounds you, and your final thought is not of magic, or sacrifice, or revenge, but of Chenle.

The sound of his laugh. The way he said your name. The feeling of his arms around you, holding you like you were his whole world.

And just before everything fades, you smile. Because for a moment, you were his, and he was yours.

And that was enough.

-

fin

-

He was the untouchable student-teacher back in high school. Brilliant, cool, older. You signed up for an advanced electronics module just to watch him from the back of the room. He never noticed you. But when you heard he was continuing his research at N.C.T., your path became clear.

He was now a fourth-year. You were a freshman. But you approached him.

And that's when the illusion broke. Your fathers words more clear…

This wasn't the polished Jeno from the classroom. At university, he was freer, louder, effortlessly popular and surrounded by geniuses who somehow made brilliance look cool. When you tried to join that world, you didn't just fail and not fit in… you became a joke. Your fathers words more clear…

Still, you couldn’t walk away. You wanted to be noticed. So, you changed. You dimmed your light. Bit your tongue. Dumbed yourself down. The world didn't want another 'clever girl'.

Six months in, and you were unraveling. Your once-perfect grades were slipping. Your life revolved around keeping up this version of yourself, the one built for admiration, not achievement.

The girl in the mirror wore thick eyeliner, overdrawn lips, and clothes that barely covered anything; short skirts, crop tops, anything that screamed confidence. You worked for the body, starved just enough to keep it. And for the first time, you had something real: friends. Chaerong and Eunjung — pretty, popular, and perfectly pastel and aesthetic. They taught you how to belong. Or at least, how to perform belonging. But beneath the surface, the cracks were growing… and the insecurity kept showing…

But… you still had to push. Jeno… would be in arms reach if you kept pushing.

At 13h23, you're sitting by the diner window, legs crossed just right, hair curled to perfection, you watched your reflection in the glass more than the world outside. You look cool and untouchable… the things you had to do to get to this post is all worth it, if it leads you to Jeno.

But for now, none of it mattered because he still hasn't noticed you.

"What do I have to do next for Lee Jeno to finally look my way and want me?" You frown, breaking your gaze from the reflection in the window and turning back to your friends at the table.

Chaerong bounces excitedly in her seat. Chaerong is a girls girl- always pumped in supporting or helping out in anyway that she can. "You could sign up for the cheering team. Basketball season’s coming up. If you make the team, you’ll have access to him all the time!"

Eunjung taps her chin thoughtfully before her eyes brighten. Eunjung loves the color blue - her style is always draped in it- so as she speaks, you wonder how she made blue light lipstick work. "How about we go to that party Mark’s hosting. When we find Jeno, we'll get you alone with him, and then you can fuck him and make him pussy drunk so hard that he simps on you.”

"Could work," Chaerong nods and then looks at you. "His party is this Friday. How's your body after being with Jaemin?"

You slump back in your seat, trying not to roll your eyes at their strategies. "Does everything have to be like, about sex? Jaemin was so rough, I don't think I can do another guy any time soon."

"Come on, you're a grown adult," Eunjung adds with a smirk. "If you can't handle Jaemin, how will you handle Jeno? I heard his huge."

"But I want him to like me without me having to get in his pants. Besides, that plan of going to Mark's party and getting Jeno alone with me, is already tough because I can't even get Jeno alone with me for more than 5 minutes. This isn't some high school drama where things just happen and he falls into my lap. Jeno is so hard to get." You grunt, leaning forward and poking at your olive and tomato salad.

Eunjung folds her arms, unimpressed. "If you know this isn't high school, then why are you chasing after him? Like, hello, he isn't the only hot senior here."

Chaerong's face lights up. "Yeah, and don't forget the first years are pretty hot too. Did you see that guy? What's his name—wait—" She snaps her fingers and closes her eyes, thinking hard. "Ah—Jisung!”

"Ew," you say with a frown, causing them both to laugh.

"Oh come on," Eunjung chimes in, sipping her milkshake. "He's on the basketball team. Have you seen Haechan? Jaehyun? Now those guys are lookers."

"Are you serious?" You stare at them in disbelief. "I pour out my broken soul and you're talking about other guys? You don't get it. I don't want those other soggy sweatpants guys who only think about basketball, parties, and drugs. I want him because he's hot and smart. He's Lee Jeno. The man who can do everything."

Chaerong pops a piece of bubble gum into her mouth and twirls a strand of her dark hair. "Babes, you just have to accept that he's untouchable."

"Plus, he's older than you. A lot older. Practically in his sixties." Eunjung rolls her eyes.

You scowl, shutting down as you quietly munch on your salad, feeling disheartened. "You guys just, like… suck. Hardcore."

Chaerong and Eunjung exchange concerned looks. Chaerong places a comforting hand over yours. "Okay, how about this? Change your hair color to blonde. It's hot in America right now, I heard. Give yourself that Sabrina Carpenter vibe. Blue contact lenses, guys are into that. And you should take charge- come on, I have some wigs in my car."

Before you can say anything else, they're already getting up, skirts swishing, crop tops tight, leaving the diner without even finishing their food. You quickly get up following behind them. "Hold up-" Maybe this time, it'll work. You're so close to Jeno.

Across the room, Renjun rubs his temple in frustration as Chenle gets up from his seat opposite him and walks over to the empty table that was occupied by the girls. He picks something up, then returns with a sly grin. "They're so dumb. They didn't even notice the mic." Taking a seat across from Renjun, he removes his earpiece prompting Renjun to do the same handing it back to him. An earpiece which forced Renjun to eavesdrop on those girls. "What did you think? Better yet, how did it make you feel?"

"I should've been on a fucking island by now, sipping on dry martinis and peeling off bikinis, not listening to hopes and dreams of prostitutes." Renjun sarcastically lets out, wondering how on earth he was convinced to give up his 30-minute free time for this. "To be honest, I'm listing off ways to kill you Zhong Chenle."

Chenle is in instant chuckles causing Renjun to glare. They're complete polar opposites, with Chenle being a ray of sunshine, and Renjun's whole vibe being descended form hell. Chenle always laughing and smiling, Renjun frowning and sarcastic in everyway. "You didn't find that conversation interesting?" Chenle poses, zipping up his miniature microphone and earpiece back in his case. "What did you think?" he asks again.

"We were supposed to be reporting on wild storms in Japan." Renjun blankly answers, composing himself not to get violent with every chuckle that leaves Chenle's lips. "Did it not occur to you, that I don't want to document on people."

Chenle's lips stretch to his usual eminent smile as he motions for Renjun to calm down. "First of all this is a 'pairs project', lecturer said to make decisions 'together'. You chose that on your own. I at least involved you in the idea I have."

Renjun continues to rub his temple shutting his eyes, face panned downwards. If he could, he would hurt Chenle badly. But he can't, overwise he'd fail and that would suck.

"By the way, loved how you cut your hair short-"

"Shut up, let me think." Renjun barely raises his voice, still the words pierce into Chenle's ears. Intimidating, yet for Chenle, he always found the angry boy comical. Meanwhile Renjun 'meditates' on things that are pure, admirable and angelic- things that will get his mind off from thinking about killing Chenle. When he finally opens his eyes to the jubilant young man Chenle, the feelings of punching his face return. But he digresses. "I have questions." Renjun starts, already feeling hot and loathsome again. "Why on earth would you make us give up hail storms in Japan for these girls? Was there nothing else that you could've chosen for us to do? Do I look like I'm in the mood to eavesdrop on shit like this?"

"Wow-" Chenle holds in his fits of laughter. Renjun rolls his eyes getting up from his seat and heading out. "Where are you going?"

"My class is about to start, and I want to clear my head." Renjun exits the mini diner, pulling out his cigarette pack, immediately thrusting a single bud in between his lips grunting by the heat of the sun.

"You're one ironic bastard." Chenle follows beside him. "Talk about the safety of wildlife and you're out here pontificating it."

Renjun ignores Chenle, lighting up the tip of his bud covering it, protecting the wind that blows. Once it catches fire, Renjun's quick to inhale and exhale through his nose- the itching calming down, the irritations fades for a bit. "My afternoon dose of nicotine doesn't pollute the earth. Now tell me, why I should agree to this stupid project? Hailstorm in Japan had no people involved and was highly favorable by me. And what the hell where those girls even talking about?"

"Need I remind you this is a capstone collaborations class." Chenle states matter-of-factly. "You as the engineering student are required to take it to improve your communication. I on the other hand I'm a strong writer and a people's person and can help you achieve that. Which is why we should be reporting on these girls. See it like this, we are in a prestigious university specializing in media, society and technology. We've got standards to uphold. Now once in a while, the school surprises us with students like Y/n. I heard she graduated top of her class- but here, her grades are on life support. She's clearly dumb, thinking she's the shit, but what interests me is her pursuit of Jeno. In a communications class, we're always pressed to make headlines - so my suggestion is that we take the negative approach. It'll still make headlines and give us our marks even though it's dirty."

Despite the smirk on Chenle's face, Renjun is dumbfounded. Can the world get anymore darker? "You've picked your target- what's her name?"

Chenle says your name, and Renjun sighs. "Poor girl is the focus on this sick project. If I say I don't want to be a part of this, and you're free to do whatever you want, will you still allow me to put my name when you're submitting?"

Chenle grins proudly. "Of course, you needn't worry about dirty work. What I want you to do is get statistics about body counts of f-"

"What exactly are you up to?" Renjun exhales sharply, turning toward him. "From their conversation, I picked up they're first years. What business do you have with them? Seriously. I need to know—I’m not about to have my name tied to a criminal."

Chenle just shrugs, that usual playful grin tugging at his lips. "Nothing bad-"

Renjun rolls his eyes. "Whatever. You’ve got my email. Just send me my part of the work—I’ll finish it."

The truth is, Renjun hasn’t dropped Chenle as a partner because, despite his annoying attitude, he’s actually brilliant. He’s made headlines both inside and outside the university. Partnering with a golden student like him? That’s a guaranteed perfect score, and that's what Renjun likes to collect - especially for a class he was forced to join against his will.

"Injun! What’s up?" Renjun’s shoulder jerk slightly as someone bumps into him mid-walk. He doesn’t even have to look, he already knows. Lee Jeno.

Unlike Renjun, who’s almost always dressed in black and carries the energy of someone permanently irritated, Jeno is his complete opposite, bright, effortlessly charismatic, and annoyingly easy to like. He's popular not just for his sharp mind, but also for his physique and presence on the university basketball team. The guy’s a walking triple threat.

And unfortunately, he’s also Renjun’s best friend.

"You look pissed. What happened? I left you for two minutes and you were totally chill."

"Jeno, does it ever occur to you that the sun irritates my skin, and when I'm dressed in leather jackets - your arm should be kept away from me. I'm freaking burning—"

"The fuck, that's not my problem." Jeno laughs. "Yho listen, I've got training after classes. Basketball season has come forth. Coach might kill me, haven't worked out all this semester."

As they head to engineering theory, students greet Jeno left and right. He replies effortlessly, all charm and ease. No one greets Renjun. They just look away, or make room like he carries some contagious plague. That’s fine. He prefers it that way. The fewer interactions, the better.

Then he sees you… you're a literal bombshell. Eye candy… Blonde. Fake blonde. A dumb, desperate attempt to get Jeno’s attention. Rejun hears Jeno sigh. "Sucks to be cool." Renjun mutters.

"It doesn’t," Jeno replies. "Some people… suck. Hate this girl, she's so desperate-"

You stop Jeno in the hallway, blocking his path. "Hey, Jeno."

"Hi Y/n." Jeno against his will stops and greets you. Tiredly.

"I sent you a text, and you didn't text back. Why?" You ask, your tone flirtatious. He gives the usual excuse, practice, homework. He's still trying to be polite, but distant. You don't take the hint. "Couldn't you text that back? You left me on read."

Jeno rolls his head around his neck, trying to pass you. "You're not my girlfriend. I don't owe you that. Look, I've got class. See you later." Renjun watches as Jeno brushes past, annoyed. Jeno catches up with Renjun and furrows his brows. "I'm surprised you didn't leave," Jeno says.

"It was entertaining," Renjun replies, already removing his bag and handing it to Jeno. "Save me a seat. I'll be back."

"Liar. You just want to finish your cigarette." Jeno laughs and jogs off. Renjun then remembers he's still holding onto his cigarette. Renjun checks the time, yeah, they’re late, but his bud was still fresh and he needed to finish it, not to waste it. He turns back just in time to see you entering the co-ed bathroom.

He follows.

You don't notice him. When you step out of the stall, eyes red, wig clutched in your hand, he's already at the sink. You wash your hands, stuffing the wig into your bag like it might erase what just happened.

Renjun takes it out again.

"Hey-" you protest in shock of the sudden hand that reaches in your personal space. "Give that back-"

He holds it high, unimpressed. You look weak… pathetic. It's so pitiful that he tosses the wig back into your bag. "You weren’t always like this," he mutters.

You furrow your brows by his words. "You don’t know me. Go away." But then you stop. You blink, tears still drying. Your voice softens. "You're Jeno’s friend, right?"

Renjun lifts a brow.

"Maybe you could help me," you say. "Help him notice me. Please?"

He doesn't answer directly. "You are an idiot." With that, he turns and walks out. He remembers you…

Back in high school, he was a senior when you joined as a junior. Immediately recognized as a brilliant student. He never paid you much attention, just knew you as the quiet, nerdy type who always ended up sitting in his usual smoking spot. Alone.

Now here you are again. And somehow, he’s paired with Chenle to write a report about you. How unlucky.

So unlucky that he actually has a nightmare… Renjun’s nightmare… begins that night when he goes to bed as himself.

But in the morning he wakes up to a pink ceiling. He wakes up as you.

And it's so unlucky, because… it's not a nightmare. It's real.

8:49 AM - Tuesday

What the hell is going on?

You groan, twisting uncomfortably on a bed that doesn’t feel like yours. Your throat is parched, and your ears are bleeding from being blasted with rock music. You rip off the headphones…. headphones? And sit up slowly, dazed. The blanket wrapped around you is huge, grey, and smells like cigarettes. Gross. You try to stand, but the weight of the blanket trips you and you collapse to the floor. Then it hits you- grey carpet?

You glance around in confusion. Did you sleep with someone last night? The walls are dull, the curtains shut tight, and the air smells like stale smoke. This isn't your room. It doesn't even feel like your house. You stagger over to the curtains and yank them open. As light floods in, your eyes catch something that makes your blood freeze- a mirror. You step closer, slowly. Your reflection stares back at you- but it isn't yours. You blink. You squint. You touch your face.

What. The. Hell?

That's not your face. That's a guy's face. You stumble back, then rush toward the mirror again, heart pounding. "Am I a… man?"

No. Wait. This can't be real. You are a man.

Your chest rises and falls quickly as panic sinks in. You blink hard, slap yourself across the cheek. Still there. Still him. You cough from the dry air, waving a hand in front of your face as your eyes drift down to your body. And then you feel it. A shift. A twitch. A sudden, heavy presence in your pants. You freeze.

"No way," you whisper. You close your eyes, hesitate, then slowly slide a hand down your waistband. You cringe. Hair. Skin. Something thick and soft… Oh no. It's real. It’s yours. It's attached. It’s… twitching?

You rip your hand out like it burned you. "Where the hell is my vagina…" you mutter miserably, staring in horror at the mirror. No tears come out, even though you're about to collapse. You try screaming, but the voice that comes out is deep. Hoarse. Not yours. It terrifies you more than anything else. You cough hard, gripping the edge of the bed. This can't be real. You press your hands to your face, then look back at the mirror. You pull your- his short hair back.

Short. Black. Masculine.

You gasp. "Oh my god. I'm him. I'M HIM!"

You bolt to the door, fling it open, and run out into a bright hallway. The air smells fresh out here. It makes no sense, his room was a smoke-filled oven.

"Hello?" you call, voice echoing. "Is anybody here?"

You wander aimlessly, taking turns at random, trying to make sense of where you are. The house is big. Bigger than your dorm room. Definitely not a dorm. You're about to round a corner when someone nearly walks into you, a short woman with dark hair. You freeze. So does she.

"I-Is there a problem?" she asks, clearly startled.

Your brain stutters. "Uhm… good morning."

She blinks, then smiles faintly. "Oh. Good morning, my son. Are you okay? I heard you screaming and thought it might be another… well, never mind. I'm talking too much. You probably want me to leave.”

Son? This woman is his mom? She looks like she's trying not to upset you. Why does she seem afraid? But you don’t have time to unpack that now. "Ma'am… I mean mum… mother?" you blurt out, but by her confused face you stick to; mum. "Mum- I need you to tell me something."

She tilts her head, concerned.

"What's my name?" you ask breathlessly. "Like… my real, birth name?"

She looks confused but eventually answers, hesitantly. "Renjun. Huang Renjun?"

You blink. "I knew it." You turn to leave, but quickly spin back around. "Mum?"

She looks more confused than ever, a little unsure. "Y-Yes?"

"Could you, like… drop me off at school?" you ask, trying to soften your voice, though your throat still sounds dry and raspy. You cough- loud and rough. Ugh. Why does this body feel like it hasn't had water in days?

Her eyes widen. "You want me to drop you off at school?"

You nod, but she stares in disbelief. "My son… are you feeling okay? Did I do something wrong? Do you want to humiliate me again?"

Again? Oh no. That's right. You're in the body of Renjun- Jeno's friend but also known around campus as; number one misanthrope, full-time cynic, part-time emotional terrorist. Great.

You clutch your chest a little and lean down to hug the petite woman in front of you. She flinches at first, clearly not used to affection. If you had a mum like this, you'd be doing everything to make her proud. But your own mum's been gone for as long as you can remember… replaced by your father's idea of a half-naked new wife, who somehow counts as your stepmother. Not the best influence, but… you still want to be like her, so that your father can… acknowledge you.

"R-Renjun, dear?"

This woman is so gentle. You tighten the hug a little.

"Yes, Mum," you reply, though your voice still sounds like it needs a lung transplant. You cough out-

When you pull back, her eyes are misty. "You really want me to drop you off?"

"I'd love that," you smile, an actual, warm smile. It lights up her entire face as she wraps you in another hug, it's hesitant but she gives into it.

"I hope I’m not dreaming," she whispers with a chuckle. "Alright, my son. Go change. I'll make some tea. Do you… want some?"

"Yeah, def— I mean, definitely," you nod, mentally scolding yourself for slipping into slang. This dude's voice can't pull off 'def.' Back in Renjun’s room, you open the drawers and sigh. Black. More black. Grey. Dark grey. Is this a fashion statement or a mental breakdown? You pull out a pair of black shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. Basic. Boring. "Wow, this guy really said ‘depression, but make it wearable.’"

Still, it'll do. You need a shower. Wandering through the hallways, you finally find the bathroom. You take a deep breath. If you don't shower, you'll stink. If you do, well… you'll have to deal with everything… but it's not like you've never seen a penis before…

"Still could be a dream,” you mumble when feeling the cold floors of the bathroom. "Once I open the tap, I'll wake up." You turn the water on. Hot. Steamy. Real. You sigh. Clothes come off and you feel… naked. You step in. Nope. Still not dreaming. You force yourself to bathe. You've got this. A moment later you giggle swinging your hips side to side, liking the flap and smacking sounds it makes. You even attempt a helicopter. "Wow."

A while later, you're dressed and freshly showered. You step outside where Renjun's mum is waiting. You sit in the front seat, avoiding to speak as she plays music… proudly to avoid conversation as she still seems hesitant and nervous.

"Thanks, Mum," you say, stepping into the sunlight and out the car. "Have a good day."

"Oh- uh. Y-you too," she replies, looking genuinely happy.

You close the door behind you and head toward the school building, surrounded by other students. The courtyard is already buzzing with life. Your mind drifts.

If you're here and in his body… then he's in your body. Which means one SIMPLE YET HUGE PROBLEM — you swapped bodies….

"Why the hell are you so late? I've missed out on 2 classes waiting here for you!" You hear someone yell- clearly at you. So you spin around.

And there 'you' are. Short. Furious. Wearing the most tragic outfit in the history of first impressions: bright blue skinny jeans and an orange t-shirt. Your hair is pulled back in a limp, awkward ponytail. No makeup. No accessories. No effort. It's like looking at a mirror of yourself in highschool!

You gasp in horror. "What are you wearing?!"

She- he- Renjun -in-your-body glares daggers at you. You can only stare at your face… that's being controlled by Renjun. "Why are you so angry? You didn't even put on makeup?!" you try to yell, but the cough shows your weaknesses.

Before you can answer, he (in your short petite feminin body) punches you in the stomach.

You groan. "Ow!" Despite having a manly body, the impact is still so severe.

"Get a grip of yourself, you fool!" Then, with a death grip you know too well— because it's your own nails… well now on him… he grabs your arm and drags you behind him. Everyone’s watching. Oh god, everyone is watching you… well him in your body drag you like a scene straight out of a movie.

[A/n: Renjun in your body will still be referred to as 'he', and you in Renjun's body will be referred to as 'you'.]

He nearly slams open the door to the one building you've never entered in before. Engineering Theory. But today is no ordinary day- so you can only hope that all of this is a nightmare. The lecturer barely spares you a glance before shifting his eyes down to the furious girl stomping in, dragging you to the back of the class. The lecturer says nothing and resumes teaching, while the petite girl- Renjun in your body- throws a death glare at you.

"Bag. Now," he hisses, voice low and sharp. Making you wonder how on earth your tiny cute voice could ever sound like that. But since he's piloting your body- he's making you see yourself… in a new freaky way. You toss his bag at the table. While he yanks it open with such brute force causing a few students look back.

"Yho, Renjun, what's happening?"

You jump when someone nudges your shoulder. You turn and nearly melt in your seat when you see Jeno smiling at you… This really has to be a dream! Will you finally wake up if you hug him? Without thinking, you throw your arms around him, wanting to wake up! But at the same time you're truly hoping to never wake up from this dream. Especially if it means Lee Jeno is smiling at you. Well not you but Renjun- but who cares!

You're hugging Lee Jeno.

But it doesn't last. The grip on your shoulder is suddenly ripped away by an angry, very small, very scary girl—Renjun is actually making your body look so scary…. You stare at his own furious face now twisted into an expression you've never even seen in the mirror. Okay, your nails are deadly… But the face… Deadlier.

"Where. Are. My. Books." he growls, each word slicing through you like a blade.

You gulp and try to gently touch his shoulder, but he slams his hand onto the desk—hard. "Where are they?!"

"They were heavy!" You whisper yell, trying to calm him in your body down- your throat feeling so raspy and sore. "My back was sore—"

"Renjun and company." The lecturer finally voices out. "You're interrupting my class."

"Don't speak," Renjun in your body hisses out, barely containing himself. “Don't speak. Don't think. Don't touch anyone again. Listen. Learn. And don't even breathe."

You slump back in your chair, scared. You turn towards Jeno again, trying to recover. But Jeno leans away. "You're being odd."

You're frozen in your seat, not even paying attention to what is being taught, and you can bet that Renjun is also not paying attention, because he's rubbing his forehead. And after what feels like forever the class ends-

"I think I'll catch you later, bro… You're acting strange and hanging out with the weirdo. Later."

No! You panic. This is like a silver platter. Your one chance to hang out with Jeno. You attempt to follow him - "Ya! Y/n!" but Renjun calls you back. "If you use my mouth to say another dumb thing," Renjun whispers coldly, "I will break this body so badly, you'll need a wheelchair."

He gets up and walks ahead to the front, approaching the lecturer. You trail behind, shoulders sagging. Your throat still burns. You want to cry, but for some reason, this body won’t let you. It's like the muscles are too stubborn for tears.

"Mr. Huang," the lecturer sighs, "Care to explain why this girl is 'begging' for more time on your behalf?"

You freeze… because the thought of being in Renjun's body is still so bizarre and crazy. "Uh…"

Renjun however in your body, groans and facepalms, then steps in. "Because, Byung, 'Renjun' is an idiot who couldn't get out of bed this morning with his brain. But all pride aside, he tried to submit it yesterday, but you said no. So do us a favor and—"

Before Renjun can finish, you cup a hand over his mouth. Which is a mistake, because he immediately tries to claw at you, but thankfully in this body you're stronger.

"Sir," you begin, forcing your best polite tone, "I thought letting her speak would help, but clearly it's not. Look, it was an honest mistake. I think we both know I’m your top student. I take your work seriously."

Renjun stomps on your foot, but you shift to block it, still smiling. The lecturer looking at you confused. "Did you just call me 'sir'?

"Please… just one more day." You end up saying.

The lecturer eyes you suspiciously. "You have officially traumatized me Huang Renjun. Fine. Email it by tonight and hand in print copy tomorrow, or I'm giving your spot to someone else."

You let Renjun in your body go, and you breathe out. He's furious and stomps your foot. "Don't you dare ever 'manhandle' me again," he grunts from your body, voice low and sharp.

"Please leave my class." The lecturer says, obviously not in the mood to deal with the both of you any longer.

-

"Are you angry with me?" you cough out, looking his way. He doesn't answer, just bounces his foot rapidly on the ground, his expression tight.

You cough again, glancing down at your shorts, still adjusting to being in this unfamiliar body.

"I'm sorr—"

"Shut up." he groans out.

You're sitting behind the building facility on campus grounds, watching students stroll across the open field, some eating, some studying, others heading into the building. You've never been to this side of campus before. It feels completely foreign… but oddly, Renjun's brain seems to know exactly where everything is. Like there's a quiet GPS guiding you.

You try to keep your cough quiet- but it keeps coming out, causing you so much irritation.

"For crying out loud." Then suddenly, Renjun calls out; "Hey Mark. I need a lighter and cigarette."

You blink, startled, as one of the more popular guys, Mark, makes his way over, ditching two friends coming closer.

"Sup girly." Mark looks at Renjun up and down confused, and then turns to you. "Sup Renjun. This your girlfriend-"

"I will kill you if you touch me," Renjun growls stopping Mark from getting his hands around him, and it's so threatening you instinctively flinch where you sit. His tone in your voice comes out with terrifying sharpness. "Do you have a cigarette and lighter? Yes or no."

Mark laughs awkwardly but pulls out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter that looks like a pen. He glances at you, confused. You quickly look away. But Mark comes to sit over next to you. "Yho, Renjun, you with this girl?" he whispers.

You glance over at your own body—Renjun, who looks visibly annoyed and pissed off, probably stunned at being ignored. You try to hold it together.

"Just give her what she wants," you mutter, your tone in Renjun's voice makes him sound whiney- to which Mark leans back and just stares. Oh no, even Renjun has his mouth wide open. "Before 'she' bites my head off. Please give it to him- I mean her."

Mark gives both of you a look, then hands over the pack. Renjun, takes one cigarette, lights it, and waves him away.

"Beat it."

"You've got a bad mouth, girly. See you, Renjun," Mark mutters, stuffing the pack and pen back into his pocket when Renjun gives him back his stuff. Mark walks off, not forgetting to throw one more strange look at the both of you. "Weird."

"Cool pen, by the way," you call after him. He smirks at you. "I like how it’s both a lighter and a pen."

"Yeah?" Mark starts walking back toward you, but Renjun immediately rises and steps in front of you, blocking his path.

"I said. Beat. It." He glowers. You feel like shrinking into the ground. He's embarrassing you so badly, it's not even funny.

"Dang, girl. You need to chill." Mark huffs and finally walks away for good.

Then Renjun turns to you, holding the cigarette out. "Here. Take it before the fire burns it all out."

You hesitate. "No, sorry, I don't smoke-"

"But I do. And right about now, I bet your lungs are burning. This'll stop the itching and coughs." Renjun narrows his eyes and adds, with the kind of venom only he's are capable of, "Take it or I'll force it down your throat." You hurriedly take the thin, scorching bud from him. "Inhale. Breathe it in. Exhale. Let it out."

You do as told, but immediately double over coughing as it's your first time smoking. The smoke scraping down your throat on all the wrong pipes. You feel like you're dying- actual tears begin to form- But that look he gives you… is worse than death, so you try again. This time, carefully sending the smoke down the right pipe, you inhale deeper. The heat stings all the way into your lungs. You exhale slowly, coughing only a little… bit it feels better.

"That was better," Renjun says calmly, now sitting beside you with his legs wide open. Come to think of it, you're sitting with your legs closed by habit. "Now let's get down to business."

You lean back, cigarette dangling from your fingers. "How long do I have to smoke this-"

"Shut up and focus. I sat up all morning trying to figure this out. I searched Google, AI for anything about body switches but came up empty."

You blink. "No wonder you look like crap in my body. I hate that you actually walked out the house like that- do you know embarrassing you look right now-" you add under your breath.

"For fuck sakes, I said shut up." He snaps his head toward you. "Listen. I'm not in mood." But the way he says it makes you nearly laugh.

"You think this is funny?"

"No," you reply, chuckling and then stopping instantly. "I just… I didn't know I could look so threatening, you know? I'm actually scared to sit next to myself right now."

Renjun sighs through. "Can you fucking focus? Why are we like this?"

"You know how they say words have power?" you offer. "Could be one of those things. I’ve seen this kind of stuff in movies. It usually starts with someone saying something they didn’t mean. Maybe you said you wanted to be me—"

"In what word would I want to be you? There's no way in hell those words left my mouth," he snaps. "A whole me being female? There's no such. And you of all people-"

"Harsh—"

"Harsh but true."

You exhale a plume of smoke, getting used to the rhythm. It's like your very own inhaler. "This has to be a dream."

Renjun rolls his eyes. "Clearly this isn't a dream," he mutters. "So maybe try using my brain to think for once."

You fold your arms and nod. But it's so hard to think of anything… especially since this is still so unbelievable. "I've got nothing. I just can't believe that this happened to me… This has to be a dream."

"Well you have to think of something before I lose my mind." he stresses.

You frown. "Why me? Why don't we join our brains together?"

Renjun snorts a sarcastic laugh. "Unfortunately we can't do that, because you don't have a brain. And I can prove that's true because I'm in your literal stupid body. You're dumb. Unable to think about anything else but 'Jeno'." Renjun says flatly.

"You don't have to be mean all the time. I didn't ask to be you either. I don't know why this is happening. And I don't like how you're acting like it's my fault." you timidly state, slowly being annoyed at how he's discarding you, your thoughts and body.

"Ugh, just shut up if you don't have anything 'intelligent' to say."

And that hurts. "Fine." You huff in his body and get up.

"And where the hell do you think you're going?"

"You're so toxic and mean and I don't appreciate it. I need space."

Renjun can only watch as his body—occupied by you—walks away. He's furious, tempted to pick up a stone and hurl it at you. But instead, he forces himself to calm down. "Hell this can't be happening," he mutters. "If she doesn't want to figure it out, I have to." Grabbing the bag he packed, Renjun heads to the student center, hoping to find some peace and quiet to think things through.

Meanwhile, you wander over to the mini diner you've always loved. Thankfully, your girls are already there.

"Hi, girls." You sadly greet. "I'm having the worst day ever," you say with a dramatic sigh.

Chaerong and Eunjung stare as 'Renjun' plops down in the seat you always sit in.

"Uhm… hi," Chaerong says, feeling the awkward silence that follows. "Can we help you?"

You exhale sharply, suddenly remembering, again, that you're in Renjun's body. You rub your face in frustration. "This can't be happening. He's so mean and rude. He thinks I only think of Jeno? He's out there ruining my image- he doesn't know how hard I work or pour out myself just to be the way I am. This has to be a dream." you slump forward… but the girls can only see Renjun and how he's moping around.

"Are you like… high or something?" Eunjung asks before she points with her perfectly long blue manicured nails to the reception area where's there's a mini bar. "The bar is that side,"

You sit up, and dry your tearless eyes. Renjun's body surely doesn't know how to cry. "Okay I'm sorry. You guys are like, probably confused, but I'm Y/n. I woke up in this body." They stare at you with eyes of bewilderment, before they look at each other.

Eunjung looks at you up and down, with a forced smirk. "Is this some joke? Again, the bar is there."

"No." You shake your head, sighing out. "I know this voice and appearance is confusing, but it really is me."

"You're being sarcastic right." This time Chaerong asks. "Is this some hidden camera prank? Or something? Why are you here?"

"I'm not even like, bluffing." You lean over the table. You just need the support of your friends- especially when you're in this body where the lungs are dry, tears refuse to manifest and worst of all you've got a groin that's itching and won't stay in one place. "I'll prove it."

"Hey this isn't funny, you're getting too comfortable. Please, disappear." You lock eyes with Eunjung, who's starting to look more uneasy by the second. "Evaporate or something,"

"It really is me, Y/n. I'm your best friend, remember?"

She rolls her eyes. "Please go away."

But you persist- something in you feels so nervous. You can hear your heart beating so fast, but you ignore it and try to get your friends attention. "Please just listen, it'll make sense if you listen. I know everything about you, like how your favourite colour is blue and how you dress light blue when you're happy and dark blue when you're upset. I know every single secret, like how you lied about being sick to skip that important test and went to the mall instead. I know every guy you slept just in the beginning of this year— not just the ones you brag about, but the ones you begged me to forget. Or-" You don’t stop, especially when she leans back in distraught and folds her arms with a suspicious brow. "I know about the time you spread rumors about the new girl just because you were jealous she got the lecturers attention. I know that you even had sex with him in his classroom when no one was around. I know you cheated on that last group project and got your parents to help you bribe the lecturer to forge your marks. You got hacked last semester causing all your nudes to be exposed-"

Something in you tells you to stop- but like word vomit, the words keeping coming out, because you just want for them to believe you. You’re panicking, feeling overwhelmed that the secrets keep pouring out against your will.

"And you once told me that you're jealous of me, and how all the guys want me, but I turn then down because I like Jeno and I respect our friendship, and you're grateful for that. Chicks before dicks remember? I know you tried to turn Chaerong against everyone else, stirring up drama just to keep people distracted from her big boobs- you even slept with her boyfriend-"

Eunjung’s eyes flash, disbelief turning to anger. Without warning, she grabs the glass beside her and hurls it toward you, water splashing everywhere. You jolt shielding yourself even though it's too late. You look down, your pants now being moist by the cold water… the lemon water. Eunjung glares, chest heaving. Her voice is low, venomous.

"Fuck you." she grumbles, voice low and bitter. "Did Y/n tell you all of that? What a fucking bitch-"

You quickly stand up and shake your head. "No- no- it's not like that- I'm Y/n-"

"You're sick!" She yells and steps closer, eyes locked onto yours, blazing with fury. "I don't know why she'd want to tear our friendship apart but since she put all my secrets on blast- tell her I understand why her father turned his back on her. Because she a conniving snitch." Her words hit like bricks. "She's a phony. A greedy motherfucker. A slut. A snake. A liar. A bitch. I don’t know what game you're playing- with her or with me, but you crossed the wrong one. This prank wasn't funny. She's so desperate for attention she even came to you? Oh fuck her."

The silence that follows is troubling, her words hanging in the air like smoke after a fire.

"It’s… not true, right?" Chaerong’s voice trembles, cracking through the tension. Eunjung scoffs, her chair screeches against the floor. She storms off and slams the door on her way out, hard enough to startle even the waiter, who turns toward your table with a glare.

"Sorry," Chaerong mumbles, shrinking under the weight of the moment. You glance at her, she’s biting her lip, trying not to look too hurt, but it shows. She lets out a sad, breathy chuckle. "I always knew Eunjung was a bitch. I just never understood why Y/N liked her so much." She looks at you. "Hey… did Y/n really say all that? Is it true?"

"I'm…" You're still stunned… still trying to process the fact that you were just humiliated, publicly drenched, and called every vile name under the sun. "Did she really say… that my father turned his back on me because I'm a liar and a snitch?"

Chaerong glances around, then back at you. She cautiously clears her throat. "Uhm. I think she meant for you to pass that on… to Y/n. So what's the deal? Why’d Y/n tell you that?"

You can only shake your head, dread pooling in your stomach. "I'm Y/n…" And you watch how Chaerong's gaze tries to look sympathetic but you can tell she's judging. You hate this body. You hate living like this. "I have to go-"

"No, stay." Chaerong reaches out and grabs your hand, her touch gentle. She slides into the seat beside you and picks up a napkin, carefully wiping the water from your face. "Okay fine… you're Y/n. I believe you."

"Really?" You ask sadly, even though you know she's just saying that, probably to find out what secrets 'Y/n told Renjun about her.' You're not a fool.

"Yeah," she nods, buying into her own lie, her arms nervously on her lap. "Now, I don't know what's going on, but please… tell me what Y/n… I mean what you… think about me…"

"I can't," you whisper, defeated. They don’t believe you- not really. They don’t see you as Y/n. Just Renjun, a guy who's now somehow wrecked your own reputation and you might just ruin his own too. "Chaerong… can you just tell her I was lying?" Your voice cracks… but in Renjun's tone, it just sounds like his throat his dry. You need a cigarette to stop this anxious nervous ticks you're suddenly getting. Is this what all smokers go through? "That I just… guessed those things. It's not true."

"You know my name?" She studies you for a long moment, searching your face. "Well, tell Y/n that was a low blow." Her voice hardens. "And that… she must've forget that we were always there for her. We never judged her for wanting to fit in with us. For her to go around telling our secrets to you… I don’t know what kind of game this is, but it’s not funny. It's like rude of her, disrespectful. Even if it's for a project." She shakes her head. "It just proves that she’s so desperate for attention that she'll do anything. Nobody actually likes her when she's like that. It's… giving serious daddy issues, lack of affection."

With nothing but shame left in you, you get up with your bag and head out the mini diner. You don't know where to go, but you try to keep your head down and look for some shade.

On the other side of the building, Renjun in your body sits slouched and typing rapidly, eyes glued to the computer screen in front of him. He's doing his assignment for his Engineering Theology class, because he fears that the worst is yet to come if he and you don't figure out how to swap back. He doesn't want to be trapped in your body.

Despite Renjun knowing you just as Jeno's obsessive stalker - you also have your own reputation around campus. You're pretty popular to get in bed with, and most guys on campus know you as the 'Tip Girl'. Apparently, anyone could tip you on information they had about Jeno and in return you'd do them a 'favour'.

So the shock on Renjun's face, when some random guy came up to him and told him that Jeno needs a tutor for a certain subject and after that, they guy expected Renjun… or your body to kiss him… Which was horrendous; "I will shove a knife down your throat if you ever touch me again." Renjun made it clear that today 'your body' would not be touched by anyone at all.

That was enough for the guy to call Renjun in your body a bitch and walk away.

While it was annoying being short, female, and 'well-known', he liked the perks of being aggressive and nobody would hit him because he's a girl. He groans lowly when suddenly the chair across from him is being pulled open, and someone greets him. He hears your name and sighs. However his eyebrows furrow for a bit when seeing the person. "Chenle?"

"So you remember my name today?" Chenle smirks, before licking his lips and giving you an interested up and down look. "You look… different today. May I take a seat?"

"No you may not, I'm busy. Go away." Renjun instantly shoots the offer down. He looks back to the computer, typing out a new paragraph hoping to gain back his focus. But it's too late, because Renjun doesn't intend to leave.

"What's with the attitude?" Chenle smirks. "I thought you want me."

"You?" Renjun scoffs and deadpans. "I want Jeno." he even feels so wrong saying that. "No homo."

"What?" Chenle squints his eyes, but Renjun shakes his head.

"Can you please go, you're disturbing my focus."

"But I've got news about Jeno-"

"Listen, if I tell you to leave one more time and you don't get off your behind and walk away, I will jump across this table and stab you with this keyboard, or strangle you with this wire mouse. So piss off." Renjun is so firm in his words, that loitering students peek at the altercation. Chenle surely isn't expecting that, as he snickers in annoyance before getting up.

"Bitch." Chenle mummers.

Yet, Renjun snaps his fingers and leans on the table, remembering something. "On second thought, sit, I want to ask you something."

"Are you on your periods-"

"Shut up and listen." Renjun rubs his temple before running his hand through his hair- however upon remembering that he's in your body and that your hair is long - his fingers get stuck in the ponytail, he untangles it. But then begins running his hand through your hair… loving it's texture. For a moment he gets sidetracked- but when seeing Chenle squint his eyes, Renjun gets back on track. "I heard you're writing a project about me."

Chenle is stunned for a split second, but composes himself. "As if."

"Don't lie to me." Renjun folds his arms, using your face to his own advantage to mimic a serious expression. "Renjun told me. He said you're obsessed with me. Aren't you a senior?"

Chenle is baffled and confused, he can only wonder what the hell is wrong with you today? "Y/n are you okay? What do you mean Renjun told you? Do you even know who Renjun is?"

"Yes. Today he's in my body and I'm in his body. So everything I'm saying is Renjun speaking through me." Renjun says it in the most sarcastic and unbelievable way, but still saying the truth, hoping to get Chenle's insight. "You want to humiliate me, but Renjun told me everything and that I should watch my back. So I'm going to be careful around you. Whatever relationship we had in the past, is over."

Chenle scoffs, getting up. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you smoked or slept with him. I'm leaving. You're weird today. See you later- when 'Renjun's not in your body'."

"But he is." Renjun goes on. "What would you make of that?"

"That you're high? Or bisexual, I don't know. You're having weird fantasies today."

"Just give me your input on that. Conscious swapping, or body swapping." Renjun pleads in a desperate tone, also playing with your vocal chords. You could be really whiny, and although it annoyed Renjun, he loved using your vocal chords. It was like a new superpower.

But to Chenle, he's just staring at 'you'… like you grew a third head. "Okay… what's in it for me, if I entertain your weird behaviour today?"

Renjun isn't so keen to find out what 'relationship' you have with him… especially since you're a 'tip girl'… but he does want an outsiders opinion. "I'll tell you what Renjun really said about you."

Chenle gives it a thought, before taking a seat again and folding his arms. "You'll tell me that and give me a kiss."

Renjun twists his face, but fakes a smile. The longer he stays in your body, the more he begins to feel uncomfortable at how… guys feel that they… can own you. "Okay." Renjun says tightly. Chenle taps 'your' chin - Renjun smacks his hand away. "Cheating."

"Fine. Swapping bodies and conscious… assuming this is for a project, did Renjun put you up to this? Did he tell you to 'act' and imitate him and his behavior and get responses of people from campus? Because now that we're on the topic, you're doing a pretty good job. Jeno said you stormed in his class earlier, and Renjun was also being… odd. Did you and Rejun speak about some project of your own to fool the campus or what? Wait maybe he's trying to come up with a better proposal then the one I offered to him."

Renjun sighs and rubs his head, imitating how he's heard you talk to your friends and Jeno. "Like, I asked you, a question. But you're like, not answering? What's up with that?" even though it's how Y/n talks, Chenle snickers when realizing it sounds forced.

Chenle pulls the chair back again, interested, he slouches into it, arms crossed, expression sharpening like he’s about to give a TED Talk. "This is interesting. I'll talk to him later. But fine. Conscious swapping…" he begins, slowly, thoughtfully. "I'd say it's like body hijacking."

Renjun furrows his brows. "Body… hijack?"

"Like mind transplant. Have you watched 'Freaky Friday' or like… 'Back to the future'? Those movies share similar concepts.” Chenle says with a small grin. "I'm actually impressed you got him in on the project- is this his project or yours? And what did you promise to give him afterwards? Some booty? Because heaven knows, that guy needs to get laid. I can't think of any reason why he'd willingly come to ask you a favour. It must be really good, otherwise you wouldn't be this committed to acting like him."

Renjun bites his lip in anger, fidgeting with his chin. While he's angry, Chenle is impressed at 'your' performance. Of course he's not going to buy the story that Renjun is in your body- he just thinks you're awfully good at mimicking the guy who's constantly stoned.

"So what what's the story you guys are selling?"

Renjun sighs. "You have deviated from the topic. What similar concepts do 'Back to the future' and 'Freaky Friday' have?"

"Oh, in 'Freaky Friday' the mother and daughter literally switch bodies, forcing them to live each other's lives. This creates some deep sense of empathy, they understand each other’s struggles, flaws, and pressures." Chenle explains the movie. "And in 'Back to the Future' Marty goes back in time and sees his parents as teenagers, giving him insight into their choices and personalities. He realizes his actions impact their future, and he begins to understand them as people, not just 'parents.'"

"I'm aware of the plot, you didn't have to explain it." Renjun grunts and adds sarcastically. "But gee since you did, why not make a whole video essay."

Chenle shakes his head, suddenly feeling oddly familiar. Your impressions of Renjun are spot on- is what he thinks. "All right, I'll play along. The shared concept is that understanding others requires walking in their shoes, literally or figuratively." Chenle says. "So while you're 'acting' like Renjun, what you should acually be doing is that Renjun in your body should actually be trying to understand you."

"That makes no fucking sense. Why would I want to under her? How about going back to my body?"

"Hey," Chenle shrugs with his arms up. "Makes sense to me. Renjun has to get in your mind, see you and how you actually are, not what people see. And hopefully you 'might' go back to your body. Hey, that's actually our project." Chenle snaps his fingers in though. "It's not the same angle but Renjun and I, aren't trying to trick you okay. I don't know what he told you, but I just want to understand why you're so hooked on Jeno. So, cut the acting, how did Renjun approach you?"

Renjun thinks back… "To be frank with you. I saw her having a breakdown in the bathroom about Jeno. I just watched her… And then I went my separate way, and then the next morning, today—bam. New body."

Chenle raises an eyebrow. "So what? You think it was a mix of emotional overload? That's oddly specific and completely vague," he says flatly, though something shifts behind his eyes. Curiosity? Recognition?

Renjun notices. "What?"

Chenle shrugs, but doesn’t meet his gaze. "Nothing. Just… thinking. Do you think if I go to Renjun he might…" Chenle snickers a little. "Talk like Y/n? That would be a sight to see."

"He will." Renjun stares. "Would I fake being in a girl’s body and walk around campus threatening people with keyboards for fun?"

Chenle sits back. "Renjun would. And if he's told you to do it to make it believable, I must say you're doing a good job. The whole no makeup, crazy fit is on point if Renjun was in your body. Plus he doesn't like being social. If this is a prank, it's the most elaborate one ever.”

Renjun watches him for a beat. "So you do believe me?"

Chenle holds up a finger. "Didn't say that. But I believe something messed up is going on. Especially if you tagged with Renjun. I'm curious as to what he told you?" He glances around and lowers his voice. "I'll go look for him? What time are you finishing class today, 4? 5?"

"Don't care. I'll go with you." Renjun saves his work in a file and sends it to his own account. He'll carry on later.

The first spot that Renjun and Chenle go to look for 'you' is at the diner that you're always at with your friends. However only one of your friends is there. She's seated quietly, spaced out, until Renjun takes initiative and walks over to her. "Hey."

Chaerong looks up in confusion and then shock. "Y/n?" Renjun rolls his eyes, remembering he's in your bodies. "Why do you look like that?"

Renjun sighs, not in the mood to socialize or even explain. "Have you seen Renjun?" He ignores your question.

"Yes actually." she folds her arms and stands up, literally being Renjun's height… and he remembers that you're short and he hates that. "He came in here, trying to pretend that he was you and spilled a whole of bunch of secrets. Are you sleeping with him?"

Chenle chuckles. "How big is this scale?"

Renjun sighs and thinks for a second. "So where did he go?"

"I don't know, but you should actually be worried about Eun-"

"Oh wait, I'll call myself." Renjun takes out your phone and sighs when remembering why he couldn't use your phone. He didn't know the password. "Chenle give me your phone." Once Chenle gives the phone, Renjun dials his number and puts it to his ear.

Thankfully after a few rings it connects. "Thank goodness. Hey, where are you? It's urgent."

"I'm not going to tell you where I am, I just want to wake up from this stupid dream."

Renjun is so surprised to hear his own voice… crying and sniffing out. "The fuck are you crying about? Meet me right now at that stupid diner you and your friends always at." and with that, he cuts the call and hands it back to Chenle. "And now we wait."

Chaerong is so confused, while Chenle is entertained. He thought his project was interesting, but this is another scale. "Did you actually boss Renjun here and he caved? How big is this scale?"

"Yeah, she's here." Renjun suddenly looks to Chaerong as she gets off the phone. "Eunjung is coming. She's really pissed off about what you told Renjun."

Renjun rolls his eyes and then massages his forehead. The hell are you doing in his body? "Do me a favour and just shut up."

Chaerong is surprised and Chenle laughs, being truly entertained.

-

You dust your pants from sitting on the ground against a tree, and then dry your eyes. You just want to wake up, this 'dream' is going on for too long, and you don't like how everyone has a conscious of they're on and you're swapped with Renjun. What could've even lead to this?

As you walk to the diner, your head begins thinking. Perhaps you and Renjun swapped because of some important lesson… You don't know what to learn from Renjun, you don't even know who he is. You've never met this guy or crossed paths with him before… wait. You remember him… you were in the same high school. He was a senior and you were a junior. Just like now. He was always with the stoner kids who smoked and got high, but sometimes he got high on his own. He liked going to the abandoned building, behind the school to smoke… and that's where you'd meet him. Never really interacted. He'd walk past you and to his own corner smoking while you did your work. Going down memory lane, you get saddened when thinking of yourself and how 'clever' you were. Renjun literally came to school today in your body looking like the 'high school' version of yourself and you hated that sight.

You can just hope that he isn't doing any more embarrassing things with your body-

Your eyes enlarge when walking on the campus grounds, and from a distance you see Renjun fighting with Eunjung! and a circle forming around them. The whole scene is chaotic- you watch Eunjung claw and grab hair- and Renjun in your body is fiercely balling his fists and punching Eunjung on the chest- kicking her stomach- it's horrendous. You see phones swiping out and recording- and all you can think about is how Renjun is ruining your image!

A while ago, in the diner, Eunjung entered all heated and annoyed. Renjun in your body, Chenle flirting with Chaerong all looked up- knowing that same type of drama was going to be unleashed. Chenle wasn't really interested, but when he saw how 'you' didn't look like you cared - he wondered really, how far you would go on to acting like Renjun.

"What the hell was that about? Spilling all my secrets to Renjun? Do I look like some type of project?" Eunjung grabbed Renjun by the hair- but neither was Renjun having it. He hated being touched. He hated it so much with a passion that he snaped and pulled his hair back and then planting the first slap.

"Don't touch me." he hissed.

Chaerong tried to stop it, seeing that something was not right with 'you' today. You actually slapped Eunjung. "Y/n that wasn't cool." But before it could escalate a waiter from the diner finally kicked all of you out. Renjun walked out first, but as stepped out the door Eunjung didn't hesitate to pull Renjun back by his long hair. Renjun fell on the ground- cursed your tiny body for being so fragile- but was already enraged from being touched that he lunged at Eunjung. His eyes widened and he didn't hold back either- normally this would be wrong. A guy hitting a girl- but right now, being in your body was advantageous. Two girls fighting and nobody stopping it.

Not even Chenle, who got out his phone and recorded with a laugh.

That's how the circle was formed- in your mind as you're running to the scene, you can only guess that Eunjung started the fight because of what you in Renjun's body said to her. So you're quick to separate her from Renjun- but Renjun only uses that as an opportunity to punch her in the gut.

"I dare you to hit me again!" he yells.

However that makes you mad, and you turn around rapidly giving Renjun a backhand slap in the face. "Stop hitting my friend! Stop being mean! You're ruining my reputation!"

With the amount of strength you used to hit Renjun, Renjun falls down. The cheers around stop only for a second before the crowd hypes up again. To you, you're just utilizing his own strength against him- but to the watchers around… they just witnessed a guy slapping a girl so hard that she fell.

Renjun is about to give you a piece of his mind- but he pauses when seeing Chaerong rush up to you and then give you such a hard slap. "How dare you touch my friend!? You stupid fuck!" Not just her, but Eunjung and even Chenle step in front of you… in Renjun's body. Not only them, a bunch of guys step forward pushing you back.

"Ya Renjun- you think you're cool hitting a girl?" They're now pushing you back- calling you names. You're surprised and feel so anxious- claustrophobic heart beating so fast. You recognize some of the guys as people you've slept with, but how they're looking at you now is terrifying- like they're going to beat you. "You don't hit women."

Renjun on the ground, can only watch in complete stun. Eunjung comes to him and helps him up- and that's when it hits him- that he's in your body and you slapped him, so everyone is thinking that a guy hit you publicly. "Are you okay? He's a jerk. Whatever he made you do, we'll get him back. Are you okay?"

But he removes his arm from her and walks through the crowd pushing until he sees you- his face is so pitiful and pathetic that he curses and grunts, grabbing your hand and pulling you away. "Piss off! He didn't really mean it." Renjun in your body ends up saying and drags you behind him away from the crowd that was so heavy and tension filled. While he's trying to get away - he doesn't notice that you're literally struggling to breathe. Even though you're following - forcing your legs to move- you're heart beat is literally over the roof.

Walking a bit faster and with you not resisting, Renjun is able to get away from the crowd and campus grounds, disappearing into an Engineering building and then to the co-ed bathroom.

Finally you guys are alone.

He turns around and sees you- himself struggling to breath. Automatically he searches his pockets for cigarettes - but remembers he's in your body and has nothing. He tries to look in your pockets and grunts that you didn't pack his pack. He sighs seeing you have some sort of panic attack and you're struggling to breath- being a crying mess. You burst into tears- and it shocks Renjun to see such a sight.

"Hey, hey, hey," he leans down beside you, as you're clutching your chest and wheezing out- he's so nervous watching you panic like that in his body. He can only guess the types of emotions surfacing and then holds onto your shoulders and looks at you in the eyes. "Calm down, and breath okay-"

But you're whaling, in his body and it's making him hesitant and agitated. "No! You're ruining my life and everyone is against me- and everyone hates me- I hate this dream! I hate myself! I hate myself so much- why can't I do things right! Why is this only happening to me? Why can't I even not be a laughing stock-"

"Hey," Renjun holds your head trying to look into your eyes… but it's painful when he's looking at himself like this. "No one hates you, just calm down and breath-" You try to resist him but he firmly speaks and holds your head and massages your hair. "Y/n look at me, look at me." his voice tries- he really tries to be tender and soft and sweet "Y/n it's okay-" but you don't want to listen.

You push his hands away trying to get up on your feet- with a weak form, shivering and trembling-you try to leave the bathroom - only to stop half way when seeing Jeno. Now you're hyperventilating. You step back- nearly falling down- But Jeno holds onto you.

Jeno watched the fight happen, but when he saw Renjun slap you, he couldn't help but try to catch up and try to speak to his friend who was acting unusual today. He lost track of you guys, but then headed in the co-ed bathroom, knowing it's the bathroom that people avoided because it's co-ed. That's probably where Renjun was. So to enter the bathroom and see 'Renjun' his best friend literally being swamped and drenched in tears, crying with you standing there in the back is really nerve wrecking and unyielding.

"Hey man, hey," Jeno pats his back. "What's going on? Renjun talk to me."

"She's having… I mean he's having a panic attack or something?" Renjun tries to provide insight on the little he gathered. Jeno then glares at you- but doesn't know that Renjun in your body is just as confused.

"What the fuck did you do?"

"Nothing." Renjun responds, but then remembers that Y/n likes Jeno. "Just hug her- I mean him. He's freaking out. Do something Jeno-"

Jeno, does as told. He doesn't even need to be told twice- his best friend looks like a mess right now. As he lays his arms around Renjun in a bro hug, trying to calm him down, he's surprised to feel 'Renjun' hug him back tighter and weeping out like his life depends on it. Something's really wrong. "Breathe man, breathe." He remembers how he once saw Renjun like this, a long time ago.

But when Jeno makes eye contact with 'you' - he scowls and then pats 'Renjun's' back. "Let's get out of here."

Renjun watches as Jeno drags you out of the bathroom. He didn't know he was holding in such a long breath until he's alone in. His fingers are still balled in a fist from the heavy tension of everything falling out of place. It's really hitting him in the face now that he actually swapped bodies with you. After you've calmed down, he needs to talk to you. Maybe Chenle's hypothesis was right. Swapping conscious literally means walking in the person's shoes. But Renjun… doesn't know if he's ready to do that.

By now he'd have the urge or desire to smoke, but being in a healthy body… he doesn't feel that urge. He's just hungry… he didn't even eat today. He begins walking out, head down, hands in his pocket- mind empty and blank. Until-

"Hey,"

He looks up. Two girls. Your friends. Eunjung and Chaerong. He wants to ignore and walk past, yet they speak. "Sorry about earlier…" the girl, Eunjung in blue clothes says. Her hands are fidgeting against each other and then she looks to Chaerong. "Chae said that today you weren't in a mood and you might have gotten yourself in some trouble with Renjun that's why you were so iffy and moody. I shouldn't have hit you. I'm so sorry."

Renjun looks down. The image of the fight, feels so far away from him now. He's about to apologize, yet he's surprised when the two girls go on either side of him, Chaerong on he left and Eunjung on the right. Chaerong now speaks. "Do you want to talk about it?"

He's tempted to swing his arms away… but when remembering you- and how you yelled that he ruined his reputation, he reconsiders and sighs. Eunjung then speaks. "If you don't want, it's okay. We can go to the mall, get some clothes, food, anything. Just talk to us, we can handle it. We're friends remember?"

"Yeah, and friends fight and make up." Chaerong adds. "I hate seeing you guys fight. Just as much as I hated seeing that fucker Renjun slap you. Who the hell does he think he is?"

"He's such a douche."

Renjun hears the insults and for once, he's not even irritated by it, so he simply follows along as these girls take him towards a car. This morning after waking up in your body- he was so enraged and put on whatever he found and rushed to school on foot- because you live in the dorms. It didn't really hit him hard that he was in you- all he knew was that he was late for his classes. This reality is actually dark… he was angry because all he wanted to do was get back inside his body. But now, after seeing how guys treat him in your body, how he's literally got your 2 friends supporting him… he can't help but actually dwell in how… 'comforting' it feels.

He takes a seat in the front seat and wonders how you're doing. Because that was truly a scary experience. "Don't you guys have class?"

Eunjung snorts a laugh. "Uhm, we finished at 12 today, I thought you wanted to try out of cheer practice?"

"Oh." Renjun mumbles and looks out the window just letting the music play and the two girls trying to brighten 'your' mood.

"Cheer up babes, 'cause we're gonna go-" Eunjung states with a smile and then both her and Chaerong yell out; "SHOPPING!"

He can only jolt and hold a forced smile. Great. He's got the whole afternoon with them.

-

Elsewhere in the schools around 14h00 pm, heavy running footsteps echo around the in-door gymnasium as you're seated on the bleachers in the far back, having full view of the basketball boys in their sweatpants and shorts running around and bouncing the ball around. The experience is so surreal. Having the basketball team boys be nice to you because you're in Renjun's body feels heavenly. Before practice Mark and Jeno get you some cigerrates and energizing drinks, and during practice the couch asks you what you think of the 'form of the boys' and you honestly don't know how Renjun would answer this, so you try to keep it subtle. After all, boys who shunned you, were now checking in on you.

Word around the basketball team is that Jeno's stalker aka you pushed Renjun to a limit. And because of that, your reputation around them has literally struck rock bottom. It's devastating but, you can hardly care about that (at least for now) because they're literally trying to make sure Renjun doesn't feel like shit. And what makes this moment more magical is that Jeno is the one who's making sure that you're well being is safe.

So you're happy when they finally have another 10 minute break and Jeno, Mark and Jaemin come up the benches and relax themselves around you. You're literally inside, and you feel happy… but you don't want to blow your cover or make Renjun look weirder… instead you just… allow yourself to be your… old self. Natural and smart. And the smart move right now is to act like Renjun. Jaemin and Jeno talk basket ball about how their couch is crazy for making them run crazy laps around the gym, and Mark is eating some chips while texting on his phone.

"Party at my house this Friday, 21h00 pm, are you guys in?" Mark asks.

"I'm down," Jeno says, finally taking his seat next to you. Jeno with a towel around his neck as well as water bottle in hand was standing on the bleachers looking down at you… observing how you were. And seeing you relaxed, he settles besides you.

"Heard you beat up that Y/n girl," Mark says when Jaemin states he'll be coming. "This morning you should've seen them, all cozy in the smokers area. She was throwing demands at him and threatened to stab me. Such a bitch, so what happened?"

All their attention is on you. You look around, and then your eyes land on Jeno. The way he looks at you… no, at Renjun like a friend who's literally dear to him, give you goosebumps. You look away and clear your throat. "Nothing."

"It wasn't nothing," Jeno shakes his head, he looks equally as upset. "You don't slap anyone without a reason. What did she do? I promise next time I see her, I'll give her a piece of my mind,"

"No please don't." You say, and then sigh out… you have to remember not to look desperate like yourself… you have to be Renjun. So you try to think of a fast excuse. "She just… triggered something in me. I didn't mean to slap her… I guess I was overwhelmed today." The excuse turns out to be half of the truth… and they believe it.

Jaemin asks a follow up question. "I noticed this morning you came with your mum. I take it that's where the trouble started?"

Renjun's mum was so nice… and you don't know the story of why Renjun's mean to his mum, so you just shrug. This time Mark bumps a fist on your knee. "Chill man. She's on thin ice now, we'll keep a watch on her. Yho, do you guys want some fries or something, I'm starving."

Jaemin gets up with a chortle. "When are you not, let's go get something before couch calls us back. Jeno, you want anything? Renjy?"

You shake your head and Jeno throws a thumbs up. "We're good,"

You're literally alone with Jeno, a moment you've truly always waited for… yet it's being blocked by the weighing fact that a second ago they literally ostracized you… again. "Can I ask you something?"

"Go for it."

"Why don't you like her?" the question comes out timid from your mouth. You can't even look at him. You just want to run, but you're feeling warm and just want to hear his answer.

"You know why. The fact that she made you act out, is another reason to add to my list." Jeno mumbles and then leans back on the bleacher, he then looks to you. The eye contact has you blushing and you quickly look away. "Are you good though?"

"I'm better." You mutter and clear your throat. "So, remind me again why you don't like her?"

Jeno doesn't say anything, wondering where this question is leading to, so he answers.

"She's… fake."

Jeno forces himself to think of you, which causes him to grunt.

"I hate when people wear masks. It's why I like you so much," Jeno motions to you… Renjun. "Your - neck slice cut throat- honesty makes me know that you'll never lie to me. Someone like her… who's slept with nearly all the basketball team members- speaking of which Jaemin told me he slept with her. Can you believe it?" Jeno shakes his head, disappointment over his face, and your shoulders sink in shame. "I feel like she's trying to leach onto me for my status and popularity, but I'm not gonna let that happen. I've got a future I want to maintain. I've got an internship offering me permanent placement and I can't let myself be distracted in her bs. I don't need that kind of drama from a crazy stalker bitch, I already have Kisum on my ass asking me why I'm not asking her to be my girlfriend. These girls just don't understand that I didn't come here to play, I came here to learn and study. I don't even know how she got in the school, but she's just bad news. And what she did to you, proves it. I'm not about to let myself be involved with that thing. Plastic and fake."

The embarrassment is overwhelming, you want to run and hide. You want to fold yourself in a ball and cry out because Jeno is… cruel. But honest. He doesn't even like you. It doesn't even sound like he respects you one bit. He called you a 'thing', 'plastic' and 'fake' who sleeps around… It's embarrassing. To be seen… but then not really be seen. He doesn't understand that you only did all that for him- because you thought it's what he wants. But… after hearing him. You're embarrassed.

Trying to bounce back and redeem yourself, you clear your throat and speak. "You know… she's actually smart."

Jeno snorts out a chuckle. "Okay and what?"

It's a jab to your heart. He's just like your father. Your father who said: 'So what? You're clever? A million other people are clever, have personality, achieve their bucket lists. What do you have? What have you done? Nothing.'

You can only gulp down and remain silent. No words to add. You don't want to hear what else he thinks of you. "And since when do you ask about her? Didn't she just piss you off?"

"Yeah she did. She pisses me off everyday. How she tries to please everyone but people take advantage of her. You won't even believe half the things she did. It's just been six months but she's changed herself completely and still, what does she have to show for it? Nothing. Sleeping around is even the tip of the ice-burg. Literally offering herself is desperate and pathetic, but she starves herself trying to fit in to society." You mumble… now talking about yourself. Venting out uncontrollably. Word vomit. Feeling nervous.

"No one's asking her to do that though," Jeno adds in, cutting in with distaste. "That's what I hate about girls sometimes. She's literally in the world's most prestigeous university, and she still choses to whore around wanting to fit in. This isn't high school anymore." Jeno shakes his head, using his towel to rub his hair.

And unintentionally you ask; "Do you think you'd give her a chance if she… become clever?"

Jeno's thoughts pause for a second. You hesitantly look at him, catching him in thought. Your heart drops when he shakes his head. "With everything you've just said, sounds like she's imature. I want stability right now. I'm not looking to build a relationship with someone who's still searching for themselves. That's not my forte. Sounds like a stressful relationship." Jeno shrugs her shoulders. "It actually sounds sad. Poor thing."

You're slumped in your seat, quiet. The space between you and Jeno is so close, but you know his heart is far away from you. He'll never feel the same way… and you don't know if you can make him change or feel for you the same way. Even though it feels like a slap to your face, the same way your father dismisses you… Jeno's still… kind. Lovable. Being in Renjun, has allowed you that privilege to know what's in Jeno's head. "You're actually… not so bad." you mutter shyly.

Jeno chuckles lowly and turns to you- you're surprised when he pinches your cheeks shaking it. "What's up with you today? Now I'm really curious at what she said to you to have you all soft and sentimental."

You nervously chuckle and blush. "What? You want me to threaten to stab you?"

"For once, I actually miss you saying that."

"Oh shut up." you say, you've heard Renjun say that so many times and you playfully flung Jeno's hands away from your face- even though it was soft. You're surprised to see him, actually have fun with you… he deeply cares for Renjun as a brother. "So tell me… I mean remind me. How'd we become friends?"

Jeno's brows furrow for a second, a longing smile comes on his face. "Throwing me down memory lane?"

"I mean… aren't you tired of me?" you ask, wondering how Renjun gets to be so lucky. "I'm mean, all the time."

"But you're real." Jeno smiles. "That's all I ask for. But to be honest, you're my best friend dude. We've known each other since the day your dad left. I mean, I don't say it much but you're like my brother."

Renjun's father left? You simply hum and look away, taking a deep breath and focusing on the court. "Thanks Jeno,"

"You're so soft today," you hear Jeno mumble before he gets up. "Didn't know how much I missed you being… human." he smiles and then jogs down the steps. "Are you gonna wait for me?"

"Uh…" you don't know what to do next, you don't know where to go. "I'll see."

"Ayt, cool."

-

These girls aren't Jeno, they're not the basketball team, and they're definitely not Chenle. They're just girls. Doing literal girl things. Renjun thought that coming here would help him clear his head, as well as 'restore' your image. But now, standing here at the mall in the middle of a clothes store, he hates every second of it. His legs ache from all the walking, and his ears are ringing from the endless chattering and giggling conversations that he'd rip his eardrums out than keep listening to. He can't even remember the last time he spent this much time around a girl. He's always been the type to dismiss anyone who tried to shoot their shot. But he's doing this. All of it. Just to 'fix' your image with your friends.

He’s never said this out loud, maybe not even to himself, but there’s a part of him he buried a long time ago. Shut it out. Forced himself to never cry, never feel. He was so sure he’d hardened himself enough to never break, to be numb. But seeing those tears spill out… from you… piloting his body… The memory of watching himself cry- really cry- is still sitting heavy in his mind. And it hurt.

It shook him. That’s when he realized something serious: he never really healed. He just closed the door and pretended the room wasn't there. And now, he's scared. Scared that the longer you stay in his body, the more you'll tear down walls he's spent years building. And he doesn't want that.

"I hate my ass," Eunjung looks at the mirror after trying on a skirt. To Renjun it looks fine, but he's not about to voice his comment and cause discord amongst the girls who're trying to cheer him up… trying to cheer you up. He plays your role and stays quiet, folding his arms. Other times one of the two gets him something, saying it'll look cute. And just to keep the peace, Renjun tries it on. They comment, and he removes it and 'Ka-ching'- it's bought. They go from store to store doing the same things. It's never ending.

So to keep himself from losing his mind, he clears his throat. "How long… are we going to… like keep this up?" he hopes it comes off in a gentle tone, but judging from how they look at him, he knows he probably offended their 'lust to shop'. "Sorry." he ends up saying. "Forget I said anything."