#shes so far away and all alone and yes south korea is a safe country to travel to
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My little sister is on her first solo trip and the first text i get from her is ‚flight went okay but i missed out on dinner so i fainted while queuing at the airport‘. 😳😳😳 girl you just put the fear of god into me
#shes so far away and all alone and yes south korea is a safe country to travel to#but im still super worried for her and this message didnt help hdkdjd#at least there were many people with her who gave her some sweets and sth to drink immediately
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{Regular Inspired!AU x NCT} Sicheng
tw: weapons mention, violence mention, n*fw elements, be warned. everything written here is a work of FICTION, it does not in anyway reflect reality, nor do i condone any of the extreme behavior.
♢ introduction ♢
pick mark instead | pick haechan instead | pick yuta instead | pick johnny instead | pick doyoung instead | pick taeil instead
♢ special route: pick ten
“don’t fall in love with sicheng, everyone always does it and everyone always ends up the same.”
“sicheng?”
“are you asking for him or are you confirming him as your pick?”
the way jaehyun phrases that questions makes something coil up in the pit of your stomach
should i not pick him? it’s just he said he’s going to beijing which means ..... ill be far from people who could possibly hurt me ...... right?
before you can formulate another thought, let alone even look up at jaehyun
you feel a soft hand turn your cheek the opposite away
sicheng’s beautiful features come into full view and you nearly topple backward off the desk
you swear you see him smirk a little at your fumble, but you can’t really be sure if he wasn’t just wearing it the entire time
“ill take care of them”
he puts emphasis on each word. a slight accent slips its way through and you swallow.
take care of me?
“well - are we done here then? they’re going to be packed up and shipped to china and we’ll NEVER see them again!”
haechan spews, crossing his arms over his chest and eliciting a glare from mark
“they’ll come back fine, sicheng i trust you know what you’re doing?”
jaehyun puts a hand on sicheng’s shoulder and out of everyone in the room, he looks most comfortable with the gesture
because doyoung’s eyes narrow and taeyong doesn’t look up from where he’s chipping away at his nails but stops the small action as soon as the temperature shifts
“poor thing, couldn’t you have picked me~ now you’re going to china and i haven’t even gotten a chance-”
johnny sings, swishing around the wine in his cup
you assume he’s just doing it to break the ice blanket that seems to have quilted the room
but then sicheng’s warm hand travels down from your cheek to your wrist
as he gently tugs you up and off the desk
“of course jaehyun, you and your father know how i am.”
sicheng says a string of words in mandarin and you can’t for the life of you even begin to guess what is being discussed
all you can focus on is his skin on yours - you aren’t used to being touched by strangers
well, it’s been much more than just touched hasn’t it?
you sigh to yourself and try just slightly to see if you can wiggle free-
you can’t. sicheng’s hold was soft at first but now it’s like you’re grounded beside him without much of a choice
“you are meticulous, i will give you that. when do you leave for beijing?”
sicheng’s gaze is on you now
he has brown eyes like everyone else in the room, but they don’t look human when they’re only mere centimeters away
they seem to be speckled with foils of gold, as if they’re reflecting light from an unknown source
the power almost leaves you unable to speak and you assume sicheng must be aware of this overwhelming effect he has on people
because once again, the small smirks blossoms and he answers easily
“whenever they’re ready.”
“m-me?”
you feel him squeeze your palm
“shall i drive you home so you can get your bag?”
your hands shake as you reach for your toothbrush - acutely aware of the presence that’s occupying your living room
sicheng had commented, after getting out of the car and opening your side of the door like a gentleman from a movie, that your quaint apartment building was “cute”
he had seemed almost amused by the fact that you still used keys to get in
“you don’t have a keypad?”
“the building is a bit old so ,,,,,,,, “
he had hummed - shadowing after you into your cramped living space
you had invited him to sit down, but he had taken right away to the window
realizing it now as you tried to pack without going into full-blown panic about the situation, that window looked right out onto the street he’d parked
meticulous,,,,,,,, that’s the word jaehyun used to describe him,,,,,,,,,i wonder if that’s a good thing?
your train of thought is cut off when you feel your phone vibrate in your pocket
you thank your past self for putting it on silence and pick it up, trying to mask your whispering with turning on the sink water
a friends voice crackles to life on the other end
“hey, are we still on for lunch tomorrow? i wanna hear all about your new job!”
you want to match their enthusiasm, but with everything that’s transpired - you can barely work it up
“ah- i can’t i -”
you rack your brain for a believable excuse as to why you can’t keep the date - oh my grandma’s sick, oh i have to do overtime even though it’s my second day, oh i accidentally stumbled into the inner business of an illegal ring of criminals who said my life is in danger now!
but another thought dawns on you
couldn’t i just tell my friend im in trouble? couldn’t she call the police for me and then this nightmare would be over?
your pause leaves your friend confused on the other end of the line
sicheng is in the other room, but you could take him on - couldn’t you?
you swallow - a nervous feeling like cold ice flows through your veins and you start
“hey, actually - “
you stop short
won’t she just laugh at me? whose going to believe me - a lowly intern - that the biggest family name in south korea are actually a bunch of criminals?
“actually, i got a little sick. i’ll text you when i can do lunch again, anyway - gotta go!”
you hang up before your friend can even protest. you stare as the screen ends the call and your background photo pops up instead
a knock on the bathroom door nearly makes you jump out of your skin
“all ready?”
“y-yes, im coming out.”
you turn your phone off and place it in your pocket again. you gather your toothbrush and some other necessities
you give sicheng a weak smile as you pass him, not sure if it’s because you’re terrified he might know about the call or if you’re trying to calm yourself too by putting on this act that you’re fine
that you’re not ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, scared
“that’s a light bag. do you have everything you’ll need?”
sicheng’s words come out slow and calculated as he looks at your duffel bag
you nod, slinging it over your shoulder
“we will be in bejing for some time.”
he looks you up and down and again those inhuman eyes seem to eat you up whole
he then says something in mandarin - leaving you staring at him stupified from lack of understanding
but he seems to think you don’t need to know what he’s said as he ushers you back into the car
you watch the cars pass you by on the way to the airport. you try to take in details because you’re worried you’ll never see this country again
who knows what will happen in bejing? but sicheng can keep me safe, right?
suddenly you feel a hand on your shoulder - you look back over and see sicheng is still watching the road ahead
but his large palm is resting on the material of your shirt
“you did a good job.”
“w-what?”
“you lied to your friend, that was the right decision.”
he pulls his hand back and onto the wheel
even though he’d been speaking to you - he hadn’t even bothered to initiate the eye contact
though you don’t know if you could stand it, feeling your face pale because how had he known? had he been listening in on your when you were in the bathroom?
the care turns the bend leading up to the doors of the gates, the switchboard lists numerous asian countries and the destination flights and terminal numbers
laos, thailand, india, indonesia - so many other places than china, than beijing
sicheng swiftly walks in the direction opposite the ticketing booth and you catch up to him only after you’ve noticed how many strides away he is
“shou-shouldn’t we check-in?”
he simply smiles over his shoulder and you don’t know what the feeling coiling up in your stomach means
you clutch the strap of your bag and follow him through the large, unfamiliar airport
don’t we look suspicious together? sicheng is so tall and walks with such refinement - and im carrying this duffel bag ive had since freshman year of highschool,,,,,,,,,,,isn’t someone bound to notice us?
but it doesn’t happen - instead, the security seem rather cordial even friendly toward sicheng
tipping their heads or smiling when he flutters by
is this the jung influence? or is sicheng something of a powerhouse himself?
you’re lost in your thoughts when suddenly a gust of air hits you - the automatic doors at the end of a long hallway you didn’t even notice you were passing through open
and sicheng saunters up to one of the many small, but sleek jets that are parked in a quartered off section of the airstrip
a pilot greets sicheng in mandarin, they begin discussing something as you stand with your eyes wide open
a private JET?
you run your eyes along the white body before reaching one of the wings. spanned over it are chinese characters you’re not familiar with.
“come, it will take maybe two hours.”
sicheng steps back as the ladder extend from the jet’s one entranceway
the pilot and he wait as you make your way up the stairs - legs barely holding you up from the utter shock
the jet is just like you imagine it to be - everything is so unnecessarily fancy
and you sit stiffly in the oversize chair - eyes wavering on the flatscreen tv that hangs above the partition to the pilots cabinet
sicheng follows after, patting your shoulder again
“relax”
he says - or commands - it’s all a blur and you close your eyes softly and to yourself begging that this is all a dream - it has to be ,,,,,,,,,, it just has to be
when you land in beijing it’s already early dawn - you’re exhausted to no end, even though you think you took a nap on the plane
either that or spent the whole time sweating about how this was really happening - really, really happening
from waking up this morning, going to your first day on the job, spotting mark and jungwoo, ending up in the basement of jung enterprises, packing your bag
and now here
with sicheng
in beijing
sicheng doesn’t seem phased at all, he looks like this is another day on the clock for him as he takes your duffel bag off your tired shoulders and heads off the jet with a nod toward the pilot
“it’s ok i can carry-”
“your eyes are tired. you need sleep.”
well,,,,,,he’s not wrong but -
“are we going to your house?”
it’s probably the most childish thing you could ask right about now, but sicheng doesn’t seem to mind
he simply shakes his head
your exhaustion makes it hard for you to be as scared and as nervous as you were before. the panic you’d felt had drained you
so even though your mind was blaring alarms, you followed behind him like a puppy
what else could you do? he was the only person you had in this new place
as you two walk out through the airport, you’re surprised to see the beijing is still bustling even though it’s so early
the clock on the switchboard glares that it’s about 5 in the morning, but business people and travelers are already making the rounds
sicheng glides through them with ease, but unlike before - he keeps his head down
sort of using your duffel bag to shield the view of his profile
you scamper to keep up with his long legs, and finally, you end outside again
sicheng brings his phone out and makes a call, and nearly a minute later a motorcycle pulls up before you two
sicheng drops the duffel bag back in your arms
“yukhei. take care of them.”
“why aren’t you speaking man- oh oh i see~”
the rider takes off the matte black helmet to reveal a handsome, young face underneath
“im yukhei!”
he introduces - but sicheng just pushes you gently forward and clicks his tongue at yukhei
“go. they are tired.”
yukhei huffs but beckons you closer. you turn to sicheng and open your mouth as if to say “are you insane? im not getting on the back of some random dude’s bike!”
but sicheng’s eyes swirl a little colder and you decide to keep your queries to yourself
plus,,,,,,,,,,,yukhei seems nice? he doesn’t have a,,,,,,taeyong or a jaehyun vibe,,,,,,,,,,
“you will see me again, don’t worry.”
“oh sicheng - look at you being all caring, wait till hendery hears about this!”
yukhei teases and you give an understanding nod as you back up toward yukhei
he grabs your duffel bag, slinging it over himself and confidently tells you to get on and cling to him as hard as you can
sicheng rolls his eyes before he’s gone back into the crowd of the airport
what’s going on? i thought he was going to “take care” of me?
you assume yukhei’s going to take you to his home - or to someones home - not to the ritzy hotel lobby you stop in front of
decorated in old decdeance and gold
“um -”
yukhei waves to the desk girls who all giggle into their palm and then tugs you up behind him
for some reason, even though you can’t understand it, their whispers smell like jealousy and your cheeks start to burn
he brings you up to the 9th floor and there’s a room with the same chinese characters that were on the jet
you take the moment to ask yukhei, “does this say jung enterprises?”
he laughs, “no - they say dong sicheng!”
you blink back confusion, but then he’s pulling you into the grandiose suite and pointing out that the bedroom is down that hall - that sicheng said you were tired and it’d do good to get some rest
“where did sicheng go?”
yukhei shrugs
“probably to deal with his parents, anyway ill be here! so you’ll be safe - that’s a wong man’s promise!”
you nod - turning on your heel to go toward the room but stopping to ask one more question
“is sicheng,,,,,,,, famous here?”
yukhei almost doubles over with laughter because he genuinely thinks you’re joking
but when the blank look on your face doesn’t change he straightens up
“well, yeah - he’s the only son of the dong family. they’re basically chinese royalty.”
you hit the hotel pillows and for a second you think your body is melting into the sheets
you had wanted to pry yukhei more about sicheng - but the weight of the world had pushed you right into bed
you curl up and try to remind yourself to ask later, later - after a little nap
you think it’s part of your dream, the insistent shaking and the screaming, you think it’s just a bad dream cultivated from the rollercoaster of emotions you’ve been on today
but then you wince - because the yell is loud and gruff and the hand on you is cold to the touch
with a gasp, you wake up and see yourself staring up at a man
he’s unfamiliar, with a gun pointed directly at you
he’s telling you to do something in mandarin but you have no idea what and you pull away, eyes big and frightened
you can tell he’s getting frustrated, he leans over to grab at your ankle and harshly pull you off the bed
when a hand wraps its way around his neck and turns it to the side with a loud and perfect crack
the gun that had been in his hand goes falling onto the sheets and you scream
sicheng is standing behind the crumpled over body and he reaches toward you
afraid you coil up, threatened and shaking, but he soothes in his slow voice
“i won’t hurt you, i need you to trust me.”
you want to scream again - trust him? trust him? everything is ruined because of him and whatever stupid fucking scheme you got caught up in
but you know you can’t - whatever is happening is wrong - and when you feel him pull you toward him, it’s like your instincts are telling you this is the safest place right now
beside sicheng
you hear his name being called from the next room, you think the voice is yukhei
there’s another voice - maybe two or three and as sicheng leads you back into the suite’s main hall you see that there are multiple of these masked men
all restrained on the ground with rope - or being held back by who you can only assume are sicheng’s accomplices
“kun - are there anymore?”
“no, this should be all of them.”
the exchanges are quick and in mandarin - you can’t understand and you desperately bunch up the fabric of sicheng’s shirt as your knuckles go white from clinging to him
his broad back keeps you nearly out of sight from everyone when you feel it -
something swats at you - in an upwards motion - it almost knicks you
but sicheng’s reaction is fast and he spins you both so that you end up in his position and he ends up in yours
the small pocket knife cuts the left side of his cheek and the blood streaks down onto his chin
not even taking note of it - sicheng reaches out - hand on the face of the assailant as he tugs him down by the hair and delivers a strong knee to their face
they tumble backward - and you realize it was another one of those men
they’d been aiming for your back with that knife and instead - sicheng had taken the blow
you look up and sicheng barks something out - but you aren’t even mentally in the room in anymore
instead you’re looking up at him, his beautiful skin is stained with the red from the gash
you want to ask first if he’s ok - if he needs a bandage, but that’s ridiculous the answer is: of course he needs one
but the second question stays with you for a long time - why? why are you protecting me? wouldn’t it be easier if i get hurt and then you and the jungs don’t have to worry about me anymore?
either way - when you come to - you see that those men are gone and instead
you’re sitting on the coach beside sicheng and yukhei and a group of other men
“sicheng - seriously, why would you volunteer to take them here? you’re already a target yourself - isn’t this just doubling the risk?”
“isn’t it obvious kun - look how cute they are!”
“oh my god hendery is THAT the only thing that ever crosses your mind?”
“im just saying, isn’t that the reason sicheng - huh? huh?”
you can’t catch what’s being said - but suddenly the eyes are all on you
sicheng’s cheek has been cleaned up and patched - he explains that you don’t understand mandarin all that well and the mood in the air shifts
“that’s fine! ill use english - im hendery, and the rest of these idiots are not important! soooooooooo tell us, how’d you woo sicheng?”
someone makes a sound of disdain and you look in the direction away from hendery, this person is sitting up straight - posture absolutely immaculate and glasses perched on the end of his nose
his arms are crossed and he looks defensive
“that’s kun! he absolutely suuuuuuuuuuuuucks!”
hendery sings and falls back against the shoulder of another boy who shoves him off
kun directs his eyes onto you and then narrows them
“so - you’re sichengs new plaything?”
“kun.”
sicheng starts and kun doesn’t glance his way
“what? am i wrong?”
the tone of voice is condescending and judgmental - he doesn’t even know you and yet he’s saying something so rude?
“who cares, sicheng - did you tell your parents your back? chances are they sent those goons after you.”
“hendery ,,,,,,,, why would his own parents try to have him murdered?”
the boy throws his hands up in exclaim
“i don’t know? for the drama! they’re entertainment moguls - imagine the press stories!”
you sit up a little at the new fact - so sicheng’s parents are in the entertainment business? what’s he doing working for the jungs?
“no, they don’t know. but right now, i need to ask you guys to help me.”
“is something wrong?”
your voice is shaking as you ask, but sicheng gives you a soothing smile - it’s not very much effective with that huge gash on his cheek though
“no. i just thought our entrance to beijing would be safer. kun and yukhei - will you keep them company while i clean up this mess?”
kun is about to say: absolutely not
but yukhei jumps up and winks
“of course - you just be careful ok sicheng!”
sicheng turns to you and tells you he’ll be back soon.
that’s a lie.
he vanishes for over a week and during that week you end up being moved into the almost dubiously normal apartment where kun lives
on the outside, it looks normal - middle class
it’s nice, but not fancy. the neighbors are all either hardworking youths or families
kun is known to them as a graduate student with an interest in tech
but the reality is, it’s a money-laundering den set up under the jungs
when you’re first dropped off there by yukhei - kun refuses to acknowledge your existence
he sits behind his computer - wiring checks through different banks and forging signatures
another side business you figure out from your hours of observing is money fraud
kun spends great time looking at foreign bills and reproducing them to perfection
one day you lean over and look at the sample bill he’s made
pointing out the serial number on the left
“you can’t keep it this way.”
you point out and kun tosses a look at you over his shoulder
“excuse me?”
“there would never be a chain of numbers starting with this - it’s a misplaced pattern and tellers will now it’s fake.”
“how do you-”
you shrug, “i went to poland when i was younger and i just remember this detail.”
you turn the bill around and then pass it back to kun
he stares at you - once disinterested and even angry expression turned rather intrigued
“are you usually interested in details?”
you sit down beside him and look at his screen, it’s in another language - polish you presume - so you don’t get any of it
but you nod
“details always make sense - people in my program back in university would say im a perfectionist, but i just don’t want to make-”
“mistakes?”
kun finishes your sentence, pushing his glasses back up by the frame and you nod
“yes. this is why all of this is so nerve-wracking. it’s too bizarre. the details don’t add up.”
kun snorts, “details usually aren’t supposed to add up in this business. otherwise, the wrong people will come looking for you.”
“you mean like the police”
kun gives you an almost sympathetic side glance - although he can’t blame you, you’re not used to this - sicheng made it worse by bringing you here as a part of some stupid deal with the jungs
and then sort of tossed you into the corners
“here, let’s see how detailed you are.”
kun shuffles through a pile of folders and places them in front of you
“they’re various fakes i’ve made before - it’s really wasting time but if you can find the problems it should keep you entertained for a while?”
you smile, taking the folder and for the first time there’s almost a little bit of warmth coming from kun
even when yukhei swings by with lunch - he seems peppy about the change in the “temperature” of the room
the days get a little better as you wait around for sicheng to come back
kun is actually quite,,,,,,, tolerable of you,,,,,,,,and he’s impressed that you didn’t lie
you pick out some of his fault bills and he seems to respect you a little more for the way you carefully handle the nonsense, but welcome tasks he gives you
one afternoon, yukhei is back with lunch - this time with hendery in tow
“hey if you’re bored you can come take a ride with me-”
he starts to ask, slurping up his noodles before receiving a whack on the head from kun
“taking them out would be dangerous yukhei, think before you speak.”
“OW! I BURNED MY TONGUE KUN!”
you look down into the broth and sigh
“is kun being super mean to you still?”
hendery whispers when he hears you - but you shake your head
“i just wonder,,,,,,where is sicheng anyway?”
hendery sits back up and shrugs
“if you wanna see him so bad - we can make it happen. hey kun, can i turn on the tv?”
your eyebrows furrow
“why? did something happen - was it on the news?”
you get up, almost spilling your noodles - your look of alarm only humors the two boys as they reassure that’s not it
when hendery fishes the control out from one of the bookshelves he clicks through the static and the channels before settling on one
you stare at the screen - it looks like a movie? or maybe a drama?
the setting reminds you of your university, the library, the students and then -
“s-sicheng?!”
you lean forward and your jaw nearly drops because sicheng pops up on the screen
his lines are all in mandarin and he’s being pulled around by what is probably his love interest in the drama
but that’s not why you’re in disbelief
not only does he work for the jungs - he’s ,,,,,,,,,,,, he’s an actor?!?!
“he’s super popular here too - his face is on like every brand of ice-cream.”
hendery chimes in and you want to ask something when kun marches back in - shutting the tv off
“they didn’t have to know that”
he hisses and yukhei rolls his eyes, “if they’re going to be here for six months - they’re bound to find out!”
hendery nods in agreement
“the dong family are all famous actors, but they also own a number of the big fine arts theaters in mainland china. sicheng acts, but he’s probably going to take over one of the departments soon.”
“h-how if he works for the jungs?”
yukhei taps his chin and hendery shifts sort of uncomfortably like there’s some kind of truth that everyone knows except you
you want to call it out, but suddenly the door clicks open and sicheng comes in
he’s wearing all black, hair stylishly done up and he slips the mask off his face as he greets you with a gleaming smile
“see, i said i would be back.”
you don’t have to ask him where he’s been or what he’s doing anymore - you’ve sort of pieced it all together
he comes closer and closer until he’s putting a hand on your head and giving it a little pat
“sicheng you can’t just pet someone like they’re a -”
kun starts, but you don’t hear the rest
is this what jaehyun meant - meticulous? organized? so well - that he could live a double life as a beloved actor in china and a criminal in south korea?
the stars in your eyes are apparent to everyone in the room, kun tenses up, but sicheng is used to it
he turns after “greeting” you and asks kun how the transfers are coming along
hendery and yukhei snicker and venture into the kitchen
you’re not sure how embarrassed you’re supposed to feel - but you are sure that something on your skin feels a little hot
sicheng sticks around, he even moves you back out of kun’s apartment front and into a nearby hotel
less fancy than the other one and this time, he requests that the back entrance be available for him to come and go
one evening you’re sitting beside him as he finishes a call with jaehyun and you ask the itching question on your mind
“why did you join the jungs if you’re so successful here in china?”
his mouth twitches up a little
“ah - so you found out?”
“that you’re the son of famous actors and are on every makeup brand ad in beijing? yes - i found out.”
he laughs
“you’re being sarcastic - right?”
you blush, you don’t know why, and look down at your feet
“well - i don’t know. i joined because i was bored?”
“b-bored?”
he leans back against the sofa and looks up at the ceiling
the angle highlights the strength of his jaw and glistening of his skin, the scar on his cheek is healing and even it can’t take away from his beauty
“yes. being famous isn’t all it’s cut out to be.”
he grins
“don’t i sound selfish?”
you shift
“were those men who broke into the hotel, were they after you - or after,,,,,me?”
“oh, they were after me. i havent been in beijing for over a year. my parents put out a reward if i was found.”
“a year? then that drama hendery showed me -”
he tilts his head your way and his gaze alone makes you feel a shiver in your spine
“was it where i played a university student?”
“yes”
“ah - it was a rerun. i shot it two or three years back.”
“and it’s still on air?!”
he humbles himself with a shoulder shrug, “maybe it’s that popular?”
part of the way he talks so languidly about all of this irritates you - but the other part of you can’t help but be mesmerized
what kind of person finds boredom in a life born into stardom? what kind of person doesn’t pick up a hobby to help it - like video games or crocheting
instead choosing to be the overseas link for a gigantic company like jung enterprises
so many questions fill your head, more than when you were basically forced to come here in fear of your life
sicheng grins and says something carefully - as if he’s cautious about the right words
“i can hear it. the gears in your head turning. you are curious, right?”
you try to shake your head, but it has to be obvious - sicheng’s read you like an open book since you made eye contact back in the basement of the jungs
“it’s just ,,,,,,,, a lot.”
he suddenly leans in close - pretty face mere inches from yours
“i know what can take your mind off of it.”
the thoughts that had clouded your brain seize - everything in your body seems to come to a screeching halt
he’d always had this power of overwhelming you, but now he was - he was tipping over that border
“sich-”
you can’t even say his name, not when he’s looking at you like that and talking to you in that voice
what does he mean? what does he have in mind? is it what im thinking-
the moment where he’d saved you from the attacker in the hotel room seeps back into you
the feel of you pressed into his back - the fact that it didn’t make sense for him to protect you like he did, to take the pain for you
he’d known you for less than 48 hours and he’d done that - what were his motives? it didn’t make sense
and on top of that, he was china’s it boy - he really - he would never put the moves on,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,you?
sicheng laughs because it looks like steam might come out of your ears
he takes your hand in yours and goes
“i was suggesting i take you out to see beijing, so you can stop having all these questions and see the beauty of the city.”
something inside you pops with relief, but another part - deeper away - deflates
exactly. he’s an it boy, a dream boy, so you need to stop thinking that stupid little act of kindness meant anything. especially not in the grand scheme of things.
you chuckle, as a way to push past your nervousness and nod
“s-sure”
you inch a little bit away from him and sicheng thinks it’s amusing
“but - are you sure you can just gon on the street? won’t you be,,,,,,, mobbed?”
sicheng fishes a black facemask from his pocket - “hiding in plain sight?”
you don’t know why your stomach does a little flip like you’re on some first date back home, but it does
as sicheng tugs you through the busy streets and you can tell that no one really looks twice at him - not with the mask and the baseball cap
and you’re inconspicuous in general, blending in among the talkative tourists and rushing native trying to get to and from all the places sicheng wishes he could show you
you can’t see all of beijing in two hours - and sicheng is definitely trying to play it safe - so he takes you wangfujing, buying up snacks and pointing out the crafts and decorations the hang between the malls
you spot his face on advertisements left and right - kind of thrilled by the act that no one even knows that their favorite actor is pulling you behind them right under their noses
sicheng explains that his parents own a theater nearby, that if he could he’d love to show you some of the productions they put on
and you ask in the busy, loud street if sicheng likes acting on stage or on the screen the most
he astonishes you once again when he picks neither
he takes your hand and twirls you around, much to the utter annoyance of some older women
and pulls you in close
“i like dancing the most.”
the whole experience feels like a fever dream of some sort - from the moment you two sneak out the back door of the hotel
to when you’re back and standing in front of the bed holding a panda sicheng had bartered to buy you
it says beijing loves you in bold letters on the tshirt it’s wearing and you don’t know why but you hold it close to your chest
beijing doesn’t love you - it doesn’t even want you to be here - and you wish you were home, feeling the lack of familiarity starting to grow
but something warm lingers, from where sichengs hands passed the bear onto you
and your tears dry up on your cheeks and you think - it’s fine, it’s only six months
sicheng explains the next day that he needs to be gone for a bit, just to do some small parts in order to please his parents and keep off the radar of anyone looking for the jungs here in china
he leaves you in kun’s care - and after time has gone by, you can tell kun has warmed up to you
actually letting you do tasks that would help him - and even offering to cook you lunch one afternoon
the only thing that seems to irk him as much as when you two first met is the mention of sicheng
but it’s not like you can help it - there’s so much you don’t know
you set the pile of highlighted documents down near kun
“you’re done?”
“yep, i checked them over twice - you don’t have to ask.”
you laugh and kun even seems to give you a twinkle of a smile in return
you shift a little, looking around the room
“do you know if sicheng is shooting another drama?”
kun’s fingers stop typing and he looks at you for a second
the coldness is back in the dark brown of his eyes and he clears his throat
“you need to be careful.”
“what?”
kun looks back at this screen and then at you, taking the time to slip his glasses down on the file you’ve put before him
“don’t fall in love with sicheng, everyone always does it and everyone always ends up the same.”
“the same?”
kun clenches his teeth
“do i have to spell it out for you? they end up heartbroken and feeling like an idiot.”
you don’t understand the spite, aren’t he and sicheng friends?
“i -”
“there are other men in the world. men that don’t live double lives, running around eating up the spotlight. don’t get me wrong, i respect sicheng. he works hard to make everyone happy. but he isn’t - “
kun searches for the word as you stand there feeling more and more pathetic by the second
“but he isn’t reliable. you should know that, with the way he comes and goes.”
you think, well you know, kun is right.
to be honest - you don’t think you’re in love with sicheng - how could you be? you’ve only known him for a bit over a month.
although you think it’s strange, that the moment he saved you replays in your mind more than the moment when you woke up in the jung’s basement
more than when you met all of sicheng’s friends
or even more then when you got to run around beijing with him for a little while
you go to sleep now, every night thinking back to it, thinking back to the image of him standing between you and danger
blood dripping down his cheek - not a seconds of hesitation when it came to protecting you
with kun’s logic, he’s right - sicheng probably did it because of some impulse or even worse - because he wanted to be a hero
he’s an actor after all, the limelight is a specialty, but you can’t help but buck against the ideas
it had felt like sicheng did it because he didn’t want you to be the one hurt
was it because jaehyun would get on his case? but why - having you gone eliminates the problem
was it because he’d look cool in front of his friends? his friends didn’t even know you, and kun didn’t even seem to want to know you back then
so why? why? why?
you don’t look at kun - you just sort of nod and ask if there’s anything else you can do
kun waves you off, but an hour or so seems to feel slightly bad for blowing up on you
offering that you two go out and buy some groceries for a nicer dinner than instant ramen or fastfood that yukhei could bring back on his bike
you agree, mostly because you don’t want to revert back to the awkward and hateful atmosphere that you’d first had to stew in when you met each other
and to your relief, neither does kun
you guys talk naturally - even confusing the cashier who kun shyly explains to you called you his significant other on accident
you laugh it off and are too busy rummaging through the bags to see the way kun’s eyes linger on you
as you’re walking back to the apartment - kun stops under on of the streetlights
you turn back and ask what’s wrong
“i want to ask you again, well i didn’t ask the first time - i just made the assumption, but are you in love with sicheng?”
you feel your hands sort of twitch in response - you thought that conversation had been buried away
“i-”
you start, wanting to explain to kun where you are right now - what you’re thinking
hendery, xiaojun, yukhei - they were always kind to you. but kun had spent the most time with you and you were getting to a point where you thought you could see him as a sort of confident about all this
you obviously didn’t want to worry sicheng with your doubts (or your emotions)
so telling kun might actually make it better
“kun, i just i think i-”
the sound of tires reveing against the street cuts your sentence off
you both turn to see yukhei’s familiar motorcycle and he waves as he pulls up onto the curb
tugging off the helmet he greets you two with his usually goofy smile and points to the grocery bags
“is mama kun making something good tonight? can i join?”
you giggle and kun rolls his eyes, but invites him anyway
the weird moment and the weird question kun had asked melt away, at least they do for you
as you listen to yukhei excitedly explain one of the new upgrades on his bike
kun slinks a little behind. he wonders what you were going to say.
for a while everything seems to be “normal”
normal meaning no one attacks you in the hotel room or comes raiding kun’s apartment
you think surviving this isn’t going to be that hard - not the horrible nightmare you had thought it was when you were getting on the jet to fly over here
when sicheng is around, he’s always got a way of keeping your attention. you usually don’t focus on anything but the work kun gives you
but when sicheng is there - you kind of feel like another fan watching one of his dramas - he’s just ,,,,,, he’s like living artwork
and you know he knows you peek - because sometimes he’ll look back at you and wink
the mindless flirting sort of makes you feel sprinkles of joy, but you try to level it out with what kun had said
maybe you are another “plaything” - something sicheng thought he could keep around for when he’s bored
but he’s otherwise,,,,, respectful,,,,he never crosses a boundary or does something that might make you feel like a toy - or like less of a person
if anything, he’s done more to keep you safe and happy
when he isn’t around though - you help kun out with small tasks which you say aren’t really criminal right?
most of the money, according to kun and sicheng, is just from “sales” the jungs makes
you don’t ask - they don’t tell and plus you’d rather do these tasks than sit around being useless
you’re scared that’ll make kun hate you again
hendery will sometimes come over and make you laugh, yukhei keeps pestering about that ride on his bike that kun refues him from giving you and xiaojun - though reserved - tries to make you feel comfortable too
you think it’s crazy, such sweet boys work for the jungs - but for some unknown reason they don’t mention it
and they never help kun or sicheng with this work? actually you’re not sure - do they also work for the jungs? do they work for sicheng’s parents?
still many questions - but it somehow feels like you’ve fallen into an ok groove
one call from jaehyun ruins all of that
sicheng had been around, making you feel giddy and safe for the past few days
you, him, and kun had been working on printing money for an upcoming trip doyoung was going to take under the guise of a “marketing meeting”
when the phone had wrung and the color had seemed to drain out of sicheng’s face
you didn’t know why, but you gut said it had something to do with you - and you were right
immediately after hanging up, sicheng had called out your name
“get up, we have to leave. now.”
instead of scrambling to your feet first - kun beat you, grabbing sicheng by the arm
“what’s happening? where are you taking them?”
sicheng shrugs him off
“don’t be concerned. make sure yukhei knows im taking his bike.”
panic starts to make your mind go fuzzy, the room spins as sicheng starts collecting your things
“the hotel has my -”
“no time, let’s go. i need to get you to safety. it’s part of the deal.”
the deal?
you follow after him, as confused and scared as the first time he’d lead you into this unknown place
but this time kun takes a hold of your wrist and tugs you back toward him
sicheng turns on his heel at the sound of your back hitting kun’s chest
“tell me where you’re taking them sicheng, im not joking.”
“kun let them go.”
“tell me.”
the hold tightens and you stare up at kun - something is different about him, he could be cold and unagreeable but this was just downright,,,,,,,,,,, frightening
“im sick of it, what was the point of bringing them here in the first place? did you get tired of playing around with the stars - wanted to ruin someone innocent?”
sicheng’s eyes overcast
“kun - what are you accusing me of?”
“they’re a person, sicheng. a person whose life you put in danger by getting them involved with you - with us - with the fucking psychopath jungs. don’t you remember what they’re doing to ten and yangyang?
two names you’ve never heard of pop up and you want to ask what the hell is going on
but then the two of them switch into fast paced mandarin and you’re stuck in an absolute limbo
“of course i remember, that’s why i started this. i thought it would help ten and yangyang.”
“and what about now? what about taking them out and frolicking about the city like you aren’t famous? like your parents wouldn’t blow a lid on you and this whole thing if they found you out on a date with someone they’ve never met before?”
“kun, it’s my life. i can do wh-”
“it’s THEIR life too sicheng - people are not toys! stop treating them like they are!”
sicheng’s hand suddenly wraps around your other wrist
“they aren’t a toy to me. you wouldn’t understand.”
“tell me sicheng, sicheng who was born with a goddamn gold spoon in his mouth - what wouldn’t i understand? the way you take people and use them up?”
sicheng jerks you, and out of fear of hurting you, kun lets you go
you fall back against sicheng’s side
“they’re just like me kun. they ended up in a situation they didn’t want to be in. they were scared and couldn’t tell anyone. it’s simple, i saw myself in them and want to keep them safe.”
“you? keep someone safe - sicheng you’re more selfish -”
sicheng leans forward, you look up into his eyes and he ignores kun as he presses his lips tenderly to yours
he pulls away - your body frozen over as he locks eyes with kun again
“i can be selfish, just like you’ll always think i am, and that’s why im taking them right now. somewhere safe.”
he turns and you barely follow behind - knees shaking
kun commands sicheng to turn around and explain, but sicheng shakes his head
“you can’t think straight right now, it’s the jealousy talking - you won’t hear me out.”
you are still trying to process what the hell happened as sicheng throws a leg over yukhei’s motorcycle
he beckons you over and before he slips the helmet over your head - you ask him, words barely audible
“wh-why did you kiss me?”
he gives you a small smile - but it’s not the one you’re so used to seeing
so used to being struck by
it’s almost,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,sad
“because i might not get the chance to ever again.”
he turns on the engine and motions for you to hop on
you do, because you trust him, wrapping your arms tight around his waist
sicheng speeds off into the streets at a pace even yukhei hasn’t gone at
you suddenly wish he’d have worn the helmet instead - but you somehow know he wouldn’t have allowed that
you think you might be suffocating sicheng with how hard you’re clinging onto him - just like that time in the hotel ambush
you don’t know where he’s taking you or what’s going on - you don’t know anything and yet what scares you the most is what he’d said
why won’t i ever see you again? is it because you’ll die? or because i’ll die? is there trouble? i just want you to tell me you’ll keep me safe again,,,,
to motorcycle pulls up to the gates of a large open field - in the field you see the jet that brought you to beijing
in front of it is the pilot - who doesn’t waste time getting the stairs down from the opening of the jet
sicheng gets off the bike first, helping you right after and slipping the helmet off your head
gently he fixes the strands of your hair that have gotten all messy and you talk a mile a minute
“sicheng what’s going on? why was kun so angry? and why do i have to lea-”
“one question.”
he goes
“ask me one question, and then you must leave.”
you swallow - your throat is dry and you stare into his beautiful eyes - those golden specks rotate hypnotizingly around his pupil
why did you kiss me?
why were you and kun fighting?
where am i going?
what happened?
“why,,,,,,,,did you save me on my first day in beijing - wouldn’t it have been easier for me to,,,,,,,to have just been hurt?”
he smiles, tilting his head a little as he keeps his eyes locked on yours
“because i said i would keep you safe. that’s a silly question.”
“but you didn’t have to - you didn’t have to - no one is forcing you to keep that stupid promise to jaehyun,,,,,,”
he runs a hand down your cheek
“it’s complicated. but ill tell you something. even if it really didn’t matter, even if i had just met you. i still would have protected you.”
he leans in and once again you think he’s going to kiss your lips - leave you frozen and unable to think for yourself
but he doesn’t kiss your lips - he kisses your forehead and mutters
“because we’re the same.”
the words are cryptic - you can’t ask what he means because the pilot is gently pulling you toward him instead - toward the jet
when you get on - you rush to open the window and see as sicheng gets back on the bike
he looks over his shoulder and it makes your heart stop for a second in your chest
before he’s gone
the plane flys you back to korea, where mark and johnny pick you up from the airport
you ask them what’s the issue and mark explains that a criminal rival of the jungs in china had been suspicious of sicheng for a while
that one of his informants had caught a glance of you and sicheng on the street - confirming the suspicion that he’d been working for the jungs
“technically we asked sicheng to come back with you - so we could protect him too, but looks like he said he’d take care of it himself.”
“so,,,,,,,,so it’s my fault,,,,,,”
you whisper and johnny tries to play it off - “of course not! it’s not your fault - plus jaehyun trusts sicheng can handle himself! now c’mon, how can we turn that frown upside down?”
you look out of the window of the car - lost in thoughts, and mark taps johnny on the shoulder - motioning to leave you alone for right now
a couple of days pass and you’re allowed back in your apartment - of course a member of jaehyun’s team is always there to keep an eye on you
you don’t really know what to do but wait and see if someone - anyone - will give you an update
did that person see me and sicheng when we went out together? was it when we landed? if i had never chosen him and went to beijing then he wouldn’t have gotten in this trouble!
it’s when the door opens and instead of haechan or jungwoo, yukhei comes in and mark springs up in confusion
he pulls his gun - “who are you?!”
“yukhei!”
mark turns to you, “we said not to tell your friends-”
“hey hey, what’s the problem little dude - im with sicheng!”
mark blinks “you’re with sicheng?”
from behind yukhei steps out just the man of the hour
you notice a cast wrapped around his arm, but other than that he’s relatively unharmed
you rush toward him - nearly tackling him
“are you ok? im so sorry - if it wasn’t for you having to take me with you back to beijinig-”
sicheng puts the other hand on your cheek and gives it a little squish
“shh. im fine. aren’t you happy to see me?”
mark look between the two of you, bewildered and yukhei elbows him in the side as if they’ve been friends for years
you bury your head in sicheng’s chest and he laughs, gently running the fingers from your cheek into your hair
“let’s go dude - they need their space!”
yukhei exclaims, pulling mark after him and through the small door to your apartment
mark protests, but yukhei overpowers him easily and suddenly it’s just you and sicheng
you think you’re going to start crying - from the happiness and the confusion
“why didn’t you just come back with me? why did you stay?”
sicheng waves the cast around
“i wanted to personally deal with the problem.”
“why?”
“because that bastard threatened to kill you and sicheng actually went crazy on him.”
you look back at the door - where kun is leaning against the frame
“kun! you’re ok!”
you jump to your feet and kun kind of half smirks at the sound of worry in your voice
you don’t see sicheng roll his eyes behind your back, but kun doesn’t step closer
he looks at sicheng and on purpose tells him in mandarin
“i believe you for now, but if you end up tossing them to the side like everyone else - just know ill be waiting. and i won’t forgive you.”
“thanks, but that’s not in the plan.”
you huff
“can you guys please speak so i can understand - you two were in dire danger and the last time you did this you almost killed each other so please, im begging, don’t spike my anxiety through the roof.”
kun lets out a sound, sort of grumbling as he turns to follow after yukhei and mark
you look and see sicheng has stood up
“i now have time to answer any other questions.”
he laces his fingers with yours and you think - where should i start?
“why did you kiss me?”
“wanted to.”
“why did you kiss me in front of kun?”
sicheng grins, “to teach him a little lesson”
“why?”
sicheng shrugs, “just so he knows, that i like you.”
“why do you like me?”
“why - do you not like me?”
you scrunch up your nose and sicheng laughs again -
“fine, it’s because of what i said - you are a lot like me. we’re the same.”
“how?”
you don’t understand - you’re a uni student with an otherwise boring as hell life
how could you and dong sicheng - an actor, a boy born into richness with this starvation for adventure - be even remotely similar
“because even when you were thrown into all this. even when you were scared - you did it.”
“but - how does that make us the same?”
he leans in and suddenly his forehead is pressed to yours
“because i got thrown into this too.”
“i-i- i thought you joined because you were bored!”
he shakes his head, “there are other reasons. one day we’ll talk about them. for now, do you want to go back to beijing with me?”
your stomach twists
“it won’t be safe for you-”
“it will be. it will be safer there than here. plus, kun told me you are quite good with details.......the word jaehyun uses-”
“meticulous?”
“yes. meticulous. what do you think?”
you would agree - you think you are pretty meticulous yourself, but instead of saying anything or asking any of the million questions you still have you hug him again
because sicheng had said before that he’d be afraid he’d only get one chance to kiss you again
and you just are scared of thinking that that could have been the reality of this situation
“ah, xiaojun brought this back by the way.”
sicheng pulls the panda he bought you at the beijing markets and drops it in your hands - you stare at it
the shirt on the panda had said ‘beijing loves you’ before - but, in what you presume is xiaojun’s handwirting, there’s a post it over beijing it says ‘sicheng’
you giggle - but then look up at him
he tkaes the post it off and taps the panda’s head
“so - do you want to come back with me? or do you want to switch and pick someone else?’
“that’s a silly question.”
you copy him and tip toe up to press your lips to his own
he grins against your lips and then goes, “we’re going to have to convince jaehyun though - he was a bit mad about this situation.”
“that’s fine - doesn’t he trust you.”
sicheng nods, looking deep into your eyes
“he does. but i hope he knows that if anything, just say the word and ill always pick you over my allegiance to him.”
you can’t believe what he’s said - you just look at him and see something in those words
“sicheng?”
“yes”
“i don’t know what jaehyun has over you - or how he forced you to work for him - but let’s get it back and let’s make sure you never have to see the jungs again.”
something sparkles in his eyes and he nods, slow and quiet
when you guys rejoin everyone outside, mark is too distracted with yukhei to notice the change in your expression
hendery and xiaojun who are also waiting realize it, yukhei does too when he looks over his shoulder. kun smirks to himself. finally
with your help
they’re all going to get back at the jungs.
spoiler: to know why sicheng joined the jungs - read ten’s special route!
#ok .............ok ................i want feedback on this please i expanded so much energy on it please tell me i cried writing it#i love sicheng so much#also it interlocks with ten's story so please read to understand the ending#regular au#blood/#violence/#sicheng scenarios#winwin scenarios#nct scenarios#wayv scenarios#member: winwin#passes out#winwin#sicheng
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Bruised | 01 (JB x OC)
Genre: Smut, Romance, Friends to Lovers, Slice of Life
Pairing: Jaebeom x photographer!OC
Warnings: Allusions to domestic violence, self-harm and depression, inferiority complex, low self-esteem
Summary: After years of not speaking to him, Alistaire is surprised when her childhood friend, Jaebeom, contacts her about the rumour of her returning to Korea. The rumour proves to be true and for a moment everything feels like the good old days.
Yet something has changed in the both of them, but mostly in him. He is not the kid Ali once knew, but someone completely new and with a past. What has happened in the years she was away? What made him turn out like this?
But most of all, can they survive the toxicity unconsciously influencing them both?
Author’s Note: This was originally a Taehyung fic, but I thought I would rewrite and prep it for actual publishing while simultaneously replacing Tae with JB. This is because, otherwise, I will have no connection to (essentially) his character in the tale. Lastly, it is also a splendid opportunity to share the second draft of the novel with you.
Masterlist
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Chapter 1 Alistair
April 7th Year 1
Every face in the extensive swallowing crowd is a blur, nothing distinguishing one person from the next. Meaningless chatter fills the buzzing air lightly scented by the aroma of the sea despite the actual destination being a few miles from the airport where the plane has just landed in a country formerly called ''home''. Truth be told, it has always been called so regardless of the many years spent away from it.
And in that time nothing has remained as it once was, that much is already clear from merely standing here at border control among hundreds of suitcases like the one held firmly on the right side, fingers wrapped around the British travel documents that have formed an escape from a place which is gladly left behind. Happily, a piece of Hell is traded for a slice of the past that is inherently different from what can be remembered, even though this is logical since this city is alien territory.
Nevertheless, there is one thing from the past that has apparently been continuous: him, the childhood friend that has unsuspectedly been found in a place of old.
One step further towards passing customs, towards getting the Visa checked and that stamp of allowance in the brand new passport containing a name that has been greatly discussed in the news in Korea and in the social circles of Britain, though it shall soon mean as much as the next one.
More waiting, thoughts wandering off to the Siheung mochi shop boy with the slight overbite when smiling and who had been the sole friend during the youth spent carelessly, free of the burdens that would come upon the return to the land of origin.
To the roots of a hellish life.
I wonder if he is still the same or would that be an idle wish?
Years have gone by and in all honesty, it is not to be expected for the lad with caramel skin to be the same because how can he be when both of us have grown up? The answer to the question would not be unknown if only the probably biggest regret in the entire twenty-one years of living did not exist, if only contact was maintained after the move to the United Kingdom.
The one digital conversation that surprisingly happened did not give any clues to go on to use in creating an image of the contemporary version of the companion unwillingly abandoned, so there is next to nothing known about how time and life has treated a best friend turned stranger. How the silent period apart has shaped character and shall influence the reunion on the horizon.
Another advance temporarily breaks the reverie to step in the direction of the birch counter behind which sits a stern-looking customs authority, blank yet overtly bored expression unwavering while checking the presented papers and finally putting a stamp in the little booklet, parting our ways with a stern nod.
The reminiscence begins again on the way to the hall of arrivals where a familiar comrade is supposedly waiting among the many shops and eateries. The thought that has been gnawing away at common sense continues to feed the sense of guilt which has grown immense due to the days spent apart without any indication as to well-being. Not that it was necessary to talk about since the personal problems would only be a burden to the other party and there was no solution to them until this opportunity arose.
Even a simple greeting was apparently too great a grace.
Mayhaps, if contact had been maintained, disgraced sneakers would not have committed the mistakes they have.
Have been safe from harm.
From lonely pain.
The effects of which were unconsciously pressed upon an absent supporting pillar.
Why did I leave you alone?
A couple of days ago, an extraordinary contact was established by the adult version of a forgotten childish soul by email. The moment weary eyes wandered to the newly arrived message after having answered a few job-related ones, a sharp intake of breath accompanied by a sudden giddiness guided the fingers rapidly sliding over the keyboard to the mousepad to click on the notification, having to make sure it was truly him and confirming it. It was astonishing to learn that the five years older chap still had the personal email address turned into a professional point of contact after all this time.
It meant he still had not forgotten about the one who was forced to go.
The rapid exchange, replying a few moments after one another and hence keeping the conversation flowing, consisted mostly of small talk and a little bit of catching up. The topics were pretty haphazard thanks to the attempt to try and cover as many subjects as possible within what felt like little time. Notwithstanding, it felt as if the childhood friend from Siheung was beating around the bush.
The text in the correspondence from his side contained hints to something bigger, continuously referring to it by words concealing the true intention without ever explicitly saying what wanted to be said. At a certain point, though it could also have been due to the throbbing of the right cheek and the echo of fighting parents downstairs in the salon of the country mansion, impatience overpowered a formerly ecstatic yet calm attitude and the confrontation was met head-on. ‘Beom, is there something you want to say?’
‘Huh? What do you mean?’ Even though the lad’s presence was only felt in the bedroom through the screen, the wondering look that would have appeared on a tanned face could almost be seen. Well, sight perceived the mental picture of Jaebeom as the kid that could look so questioning, so puzzled yet astonished by the world.
When not looking like a big grumpy cat.
It looked like some things still needed to be spelled out, although that tends to happen when it comes to men because some evidently need clarity. Withal, this does not mean that more explicit explanations always lead to positive outcomes. 'It’s just a hunch, but it feels like you have something to say.'
For a solid ten minutes, there was no answer. Henceforth, defeated by the radio hush likely signifying a chance of reconnecting was already lost, the bedchamber also functioning as an office was left in favour of acquiring a warm cup of coffee. Sneakily, to avoid the unworthy bastards roaming the lower floors. Luckily, the mission leading to the kitchen was successful, going back and forth without bumping into anybody.
A moment devoid of unjustified harm.
The relief felt at the fact of having avoided additional damage and the sensation of warmed fingers clamping a steaming mug of caffeine, returning to the room unscathed to a response from halfway across the globe, knows no likeness. It was the smallest yet sole piece of positivity gained in a long while.
Sighing with a hint of delight, a seat on the grey desk chair was once again taken, nipping at the hot drink before reading the received answer. An answer that made the liquid gold almost spill all over the keyboard. 'I heard this rumour about you coming back, so I thought I would pick up contact again. After all, how could I not if my friend will return to Korea? I mean, if it's true of course.'
That word, ''friend'', gave a sliver of hope when regarding it among the rest of the text. After the extended period of not hearing anything from the wrongful side, Jaebeom still considered the friendship established in the mochi shop and strengthened on the streets a long time ago as having survived the often destructive influence of being separated. Even though there was every right to be mad because contact was cut off after the departure.
To leave a worthless girl behind as she had him.
Notwithstanding, that was then and this was the present.
We were still partners in crime, weird as it might have sounded when pondering this thought later on the plane. 'Yes, I am.'
Over the course of the past few months leading to the email, enough money was gathered to be able to afford an own place overseas in South-Korea, in the country where the tale of two estranged saviours began, far from this disgusting house carrying the title of ''home''. Too much hurt had been had here and no more could be tolerated because, if it had not known an end, perchance the razor would have been pulled over the tender skin of the wrists a long time ago. Nonetheless, each day formed a new battle to fight, a new test to see whether the miserable faith in something better waiting in the future was true.
And it was, the long-awaited chance of escape presenting itself after hard work, pulling all-nighters editing photos and long hours contacting people in relation to jobs.
'Going back to Siheung?' Memories of the days our parents would go to the city together and take us with them to walk along the harbour and have a picnic in the Siheung Lotus Theme Park resurfaced, sight obscured by the phantom of lush blooming flowers and genuine laughter filling ears that had heard nothing but spite once the apartment next to Beom's was left behind.
A plausible assumption were it not for the fact it was not the planned destination of return because of the need for new experiences. Besides, a drastic change of life would perhaps keep the demons at bay long enough to figure it all out and find a definitive flight from them. 'No, I’m actually moving to Busan. The sea might do me some good.'
Despite living on a big island, never had the pleasure of living by the sea or any kind of water been experienced. Furthermore, due to the love of the child for the ocean forming part of today's persona, it was rather quickly decided to move to the harbour city of South-Korea.
'Really? I do so happen to live there too.' It was an odd thing to read and had to be reread word by word twice before the meaning of it became clear.
A reunion.
We could see each other again.
The anticipation accompanying the realization made the corners of the mouth curl up into an uncharacteristic delighted smile, the most sincere grin that had been formed in a long time. For all that was known, the boy with skin like honey still lived in the town that held shared memories yet now we had the chance of creating novel ones together as we would begin anew in a foreign place.
We would try again.
Together.
A fresh start with you will hopefully make me forget this hell. You always managed to take the pain away.
'You moved?' Eagerly, the rest of the story behind this sudden revelation was awaited, sipping on the caffeinated beverage of the gods that, naturally, had the opposite effect of the intended goal of bringing calmness to the enthusiastic composure.
'After grandmother passed away we moved to Busan because the south is cheaper. Dad found work there after he was fired.' The tranquillity nullifying the excitement set in, albeit it not thanks to the drink but by means of the curious absent sign of news about the city boy's mother, which struck as rather odd since the cheery lad used to talk about the lovely, according to the brightly told stories, woman all the time. The same went for the grandmother who basically raised Jaebeom, so seeing such a short notice about the dear old lady who always brought handmade mochis to us and made extra ones while we ran around town felt weird as well.
Putting the half-empty ceramic cup aside and with a sense of oppressing hollowness, the part that felt alive ignited the ideas of being to blame for not being there when a friend was obviously needed to help deal with the sorrow. Digits hovered above the keys, doubtful of what to write in response since nothing could be deemed sufficient in conveying the sincere apologetic feelings.
Eventually, they settled on typing out the idea that seemed to be the best of them all in that regard. 'I know it is too late, but I'm sorry for your loss. How is your mother?'
'I don't want to talk about it. I can pick you up from Gimhae if you want. You don't want to get lost, do you?' A dark thought occurred and directly it was understood why there was no elaboration on the situation concerning the two women.
They abandoned him as well.
Forced by Death.
A grim repeat of the goodbye nine years ago.
I should have been there for you and I wasn’t. Jaebeom, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. But maybe I can make it up to you. I have to.
Maybe over time, there will come a moment to open up to willingly talk about it, but until then there will be no questions for they also have the potential of ruining the chances of righting the unintentional wrongs of the past.
The heavy topic was disregarded in favour of something positive. Skimming over it felt selfish in spite of silently agreeing to do so, especially because of the urge to stay afloat a bit longer. Swim a bit longer in an amiable reality before sinking down the dark spiral again come morn after a night of , hopefully a few hours of nightmare-filled sleep. 'That is much appreciated. Maybe you can show me around the city a bit?'
'I am already looking forward to it. I have to go now, but I'll certainly talk to you later.'
In the days after that digital re-encounter despite the abyss of separating miles, we almost spoke on a daily basis to talk the details of the future journey through, Jaebeom inquiring by mail multiple times like Mother Goose if all the essentials had been packed and at least double checked. Still as caring as always beneath the tough exterior, so it would seem. It felt just like the good old days, as if nothing had changed aside from having grown older.
That was at least already one thing that made it feel like the right decision had been made and gave cause for hoping that many of those tender moments would come to pass.
A correct assumption.
Partially.
Now that work has been taken up as a photographer, there is the freedom of going wherever is desirable. It is unlimited, empowering. And, as it would seem, the road that preluded a return to the only place in the world that could truly be called ''home'', in spite of being the daughter of a British-Irish couple.
Father is an ambassador for the Crown who was stationed in Siheung, where he and his wife bought an apartment in a quiet street filled with independent shops among which was a little rice cake shop run by an old lady. The place where Mother gave birth to a daughter.
It so happened to be close to where Beom lived with his parents and grandmother. Next door, in fact. The tall tough-looking boy with the goofy smile and slight overbite obviously showing when aggravated was the first friend ever made and most likely the only one. Nobody across the seas has ever been deemed worthy to be called thus nor has stayed long enough to even pass the unconscious assessment.
Just before high school would start, Father was called back to England and since his daughter was done with primary school, it was insisted upon a return to the island nation was made. The days in anticipation of the change of scenery were filled with protest, none of them to any avail, because what could a little girl truly accomplish alone? Henceforth, the United Kingdom was travelled back to and ordained the vicious punishment of having to spend the rest of a life that would soon turn miserable there. All the while dreaming of going back someday and escaping the aristocratic hell.
Thanks to an education at home and the embassy, where a private teacher was hired to provide lessons, it was possible to skip a year in high school since the mind was ahead of everyone else’s. Because of this, a bachelor in English could be achieved early at London University, completely according to the wishes of the gruesome puppeteers.
Such was the plan in any case, until the passion for photography was found and it was decided to pursue a career in that, spiting all the expectations of a future that had never been created at one's own hand.
Finding a good and trustworthy agency to work under proved somewhat difficult, but after putting multiple hours fuelled by coffee into online research one that was looking for freelancers was found and applied to. After sending in a barely existent résumé and visiting the agency for a second interview, it lead to being hired so that now the job of a freelance lensman is proudly added to a fairly short curriculum vitae.
Nevertheless, thanks to some well-paid assignments, and a little bit of help from the man and woman who once served as legal guardians, it was possible to leave the native country and depart for the second home in the world.
The only shelter from the ever-lasting storm of reality.
At long last, it was finally possible to return to the grumpy though sweet-hearted Siheung boy.
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HERO’S SOUP: Chapter 15
Old Friends
The grass scrunched from their footsteps, coming back up as they walked on. Encountering the red haired pyrokinetic somehow made the situation worse than it was.
Jeongin looks up to Kazuo, gazing at him while they walk side by side. He was much taller than him, his red hair continued to amaze him and at some point, he wanted to ask if it was his natural hair color. "It's not. I just color it. Pyrokinesis. Red hair. You know the gist." the man glanced at him through the corner of his eyes.
"Can you read minds?"
Kazuo chuckles, running his hand through his hair. "I can read faces."
Chan pulls Jeongin to his side, giving Kazuo a stink eye.
"And it's still very much creepy that you can, Sofia." the redhead laughs out loud. He can’t actually read faces as an ability. He’s just very observant, which later on gave him a lot of benefits. "It's been decades and I still can't figure out why you hate me so much."
He looked at Chan, his face was calm and neutral. He was the only person he couldn't figure out. It didn't annoy him at all. It's just.. he was curious.
How much has this person been through all these years? He never knew why Chan never opened up to him, although they spent decades together at the Sofia's mansion. He opened up easily to the others. But he does know that the vampire doesn't hate him. The perfect word might be 'resent'.
"Shut up."
"Aw, come on. We go way back!"
"...thank you."
Kazuo stares at the vampire's back as he walks past him. He smiles.
Chan doesn't resent him either.
He speeds up, pacing himself with the vampire. "For what?" He saw how Chan’s tense demeanor slowly relaxes. "For saving my family."
-
"When we escaped the building, Changbin gained consciousness but he was losing a lot of blood. His wound was healing way slower than normal. I remember Chan saying that if ever something really dangerous appears or we have gotten into a really tight situation, we were to go to any Neutral zone that's nearby. And the closest was this place."
Seungmin pulls Jeongin before he gets run over by a coach harnessed to 2 horses. They had walked for what felt like an hour until they reached a town in the center of the neutral zone while Jisung was explaining what had happened.
The place looked like you're in the beautiful streets of Rome.
The narrow streets are paved with small, square, black bricks. They walked past maybe a dozen bakeries, the smell of fresh bread made Jeongin's mouth water. Most of the buildings that line the streets have so much character, they are worn looking and earthy colored. Seungmin swore every building they pass by has a fancy rustic balcony.
There were no cars or anything that emits hazardous smoke. Instead, bikes and coaches were the modes of transport within the town. But what littered the streets the most were people, different beings to be exact.
The crowd is a river of them, the only difference is that it flows in different directions. You will see different faces only to be forgotten once they pass by. Some were enjoying their alone time while others moved in groups staying together with fingers entwined or shoulders close to each other.
All of these people are supernatural beings that try hard to fit in the human world. Most of them might be centuries old, used to adjusting themselves with different people. The burden for the young ones is big, but the prize of being able to move freely outside neutral zones is worth it.
None of them were mad about the fact that it was they who needed to adjust. None of them ever regretted doing good outside for minimizing the risk of being caught. They were grateful. Plus, human beings are way scarier than any being out there. The capacity of their minds and actions were far more superior, leading to a lot of negative effects outside.
"How did you manage to sneak Jeongin in? He's human." Jisung glanced at Seungmin for a second before fixing his coat.
"Oh, that. The old lady let us in. She stared at Jeongin for a while before letting us through." he shivered, recollecting the scene from earlier. "She's one scary gatekeeper alright." Changbin couldn't agree more.
He was half-aware of what was going on but he could still feel the immense amount of power being contained by a frail and wrinkled old lady.
"Says the one who got recognized by that old lady." Jisung shrugged. Seungmin, on the other hand, wondered what Chan meant by that. Recognized? As in, she knows Jisung personally before or what?
"But as soon as we entered the area, Changbin collapsed. He was pretty much gone." Seungmin and Chan both looked worryingly at the said wolf. His state now was so much better than earlier.
The wolf laughed softly. "I was seeing double even before we got in. I just had to hold it in before we got into the safe zone. I had to protect Jeongin and Jisung. But, I was weak."
Jeongin steps up and gives Changbin's shoulder a squeeze, making the wolf look back at him.
"You aren't weak. You're the strongest.''
Those words were cliche but it made him feel a whole lot better. He continued. "What pulled me back into consciousness was Woojin's howl. He was miles away but I still shivered as if he was just right beside me. It was almost as if he was crying. Calling out for me. Telling me to keep it together. Help is on the way."
Jisung put a hand around Changbin's shoulder. "I heard it too, so I knew I had to stay strong for these two." he said, giving a glance linked with a smile at Jeongin in which the boy returned back.
Help was on the way? So that means, Kazuo knew about Changbin getting hurt and them entering the neutral zone? Seungmin looked at Kazuo, did he expect them to arrive at the right moment because Woojin told him?
“Did Woojin tell you?"
Kazuo smiles. Ushering them inside a huge tavern with a sign outside that says 'Forest and Fauna Inn'. The question hung in the air unanswered as they entered a ramshackle, weather-worn wooden building situated in the northwest part of town.
Upon entering the place, it looks quite more pleasant than the outside. The smell of smoke and stale ale welcomed the bunch. Surprisingly, it was much quieter than the usual 'bar' or 'inn' you see in movies or read in books. People huddled around wooden tables, the tinkle of glass on glass wipes the awkward atmosphere for unacquainted people. Quiet murmurs and occasional cheering made the place... quite lively enough.
This tavern draws in people of all sorts. Witches, wizards, orcs, wolves, spirits and rare ones like high elves, multi-headed creatures, human-born beings, goblins, and vampires.
Each race or being has their own system or we can call them "agencies" that manage each and every type of being. They provide order and laws to be followed promptly by everyone. Surprisingly, there are humans who work within those agencies. Of course, they're bound by a pact that won't allow them to talk outside about what sort of work they do and who their superiors are. Such offices are located everywhere and are often camouflaged as normal offices.
The vampire population is quite huge as well. Most of them are populated in Europe and on glacial places like Alaska, Mongolia, Finland, Greenland, Russia, and even the inhabitable Antarctica. There are also a few of them in South Korea and neighboring countries like China and Japan.
That's how Seungmin was assigned to Chan to make sure he doesn't cause any harm or drink blood from a human being, which is far from happening at all. He was in it for the money at first, but somewhere along the way, he enjoyed nagging the vampire and sometimes caring for him.
"Well, I be damned. Someone give me a neck to offer. Looks like we got ourselves a vampire." a distant voice cheered from behind a crowd pooling near their table.
A mysterious man leered down on Chan as soon as they sat down at a table near the bar.
Oily voice, greased back hair, hunched back, piercing black eyes, and a false smile.
The atmosphere was suffocating. Seungmin peers from the opposite side of the table, as his view was blocked by Changbin who sat in front of him. It surprised him to see all eyes were on them.
The buzzing sound of talking and loud cheers vanished as everyone's attention was on them. He angled his head more to see the barkeeper wiping the counter, not minding the situation at all, was he used to rumbles in here?
In the middle of all the tension, his eyes caught a redhead coming up to the counter. Is that? Kazuo? Getting a drink?! Is he not concerned about what was happening?
"Woah woah woah."
The rest of them panic, when Chan stands up and turns to face the man. Jeongin was clinging to his right arm, almost begging him to not start a fight.
He caresses the boy’s hand, as if cue, Jeongin lets go. Chan was not planning on making a scene at all and he got the message clear. Seungmin, on the other hand, grew way more anxious.
“You’re a sight for sore eyes.” Alas, the heavy atmosphere was broken by the two men hugging each other, the contrast between their bodies was unimaginable, it was like Hercules hugging a dwarf.
“Long time no see, Uiane.” Uiane patted Chan's back before removing himself from the vampire. His yellow teeth are on full display as he laughs out loud.
“Ye fuken bellend, ye ne’er came back!” His weird accent was a mixture of what seemed to be either old English and Scottish? And his name? Was it Um-ya? U-ya?
Chan chuckles, shaking his head in defeat. Uaine moves away from him, letting the rest of the people behind him greet an old friend.
“Okay, what is going on?”
Their confused faces looked at Chan laughing and hugging the men who looked much like pirates, before landing on Kazuo who got back from the bar.
“Oi, wait. Chan? Wha-where are yo-and there he goes!” Seungmin threw his hands in the air, the rest of them felt sympathetic towards the witch. They were all confused as much as the next person.
Seungmin was now lost.
Everyone was shaken up by what happened earlier, someone got injured badly, they lost track of them, and now they’re sitting inside a tavern owned by the Sofia’s! That’s not the worst part of it! The old lady still gave all of them the creeps.
The redhead snuggled beside Jeongin. Way too close for personal space. And when did they get all chummy? How on earth did they become all buddy-buddy with each other that fast?
Knowing Jeongin, he was the least likely person to be comfortable meeting an unfamiliar face for the first time, given the circumstances that had happened before. Seungmin's anxiety shot through the roof.
He scoots over to Jeongin a bit more, circling his arm around his waist. “Care to explain, Sofia?”
Fiery red hair shifted as he took a sip from a tall glass of beer. He wished Seungmin would be more subtle in protecting the boy from him. The rest waited for him to respond. He sent the thought to the back of his head and something flashed beneath the surface of his calm expression, it was as if he was reminiscing good memories.
He rested his elbows on the table, clasping his hands as a faint, transient, wistful smile lit his face. “As all of you guys know. Me and Chan go way back. Centuries back.” Jeongin looked at Seungmin, his face questioning if he really heard what Kazuo said correctly, centuries? Plural? More than a hundred years?
Seungmin leans in to tell him it was true before they both turned their attention back to Kazuo. “He wasn’t really the type to join a group or be involved in a system, I thought he hated being lower than someone. Turns out he’s just a loner.” He chuckled. “It was hard to approach him. He was…” his voice trailed off, he was thinking of the correct word to say. “Intimidating.” He shifted his gaze and met Jeongin's eyes. He smiled at the innocence behind them. “Yeah. He was intimidating. Back then he was way more guarded than he is now. Not gonna lie, huge difference.” all of them agreed with that one.
“To put it briefly. He joined our clan. He joined Sofia.” heavy oppression seemed to brood upon the air as soon as he finished his sentence. He knew it was a secret and Chan would probably kill him but there was no other way to explain the situation.
His fingers played with the, now empty, glass. Picking his words carefully. “I did try to stop him. Believe it or not, we were friends even before he joined the clan, well... As far as I know, that is.” Kazuo’s eyes found Chan amidst the crowd hovering about his location. “He never really verbally acknowledged me but hey, it’s Chan we’re talking about. A man of few words.”
“He was trained by my grandfather. The head of the clan. He would have private sessions with him at the family dojo guarded by the strongest men. No one would lay a foot at that wing, not because of the guards but because it had this ominous feeling of fear and death itself."
"How can you measure death?" Jisung asked with a matter-of-fact tone in his voice.
Kazuo fell into thought, striving to find the correct way to estimate the feeling. "AH!" he snapped his fingers.
"Remember that old lady at the entrance?” they all nodded. Kazuo thinned his lips. “Multiply her presence by 100.” Jisung's breath hitched. Changbin clinged to him. He too was very much shaken by what Kazuo said.
He shouldn't have asked that now it's gonna be giving him nightmares for the next few weeks, which means Hyunjin's gonna have a roommate for the next few weeks as well. “Your grandfather must be really strong.”
Kazuo wished that was the case in Changbin's question.
However, as he held his breath in admiring silence, his eyes never left Chan. His gaze was full of wondering interest meddled with pain and fear. No one at their table noticed it, thank god. “I guess you could say that.” The tone of his voice was vague. Seungmin thought.
It wasn’t the right answer to the question. He would’ve accepted it if Kazuo responded with silence. “Chan wasn’t that cold-hearted bitch you assume he is. He was just aloof, always had a hard time socializing because he doesn’t know how to act. He stayed with us for decades and I can tell you that Chan is more than a blood-sucking vampire who has a knack for vintage stuff.”
His smile was linked with a sigh. “I can’t believe the day will come that I would tell you guys this but, Chan is the nicest, most loyal and resilient person I have ever met. Everyone in the mansion acknowledged him as the strongest, but he remained rooted. He was humble. Never used his power for something stupid or would hurt the people around him.”
“He’s something else alright. Accepting not 1 but 4 ancient wolves into his life was like hitting death in the face hard. A cursed one too. You've been through a lot, I can tell.” Changbin forced a smile, the thoughts of his past prickling on his heart and mind.
"Yeah, it's been... hard." worry washes over Jeongin. He hadn't quite paid attention to the wolves as well. But, he didn't want to seem nosy and ask about their past if it hurts them like this. He sat upright when Changbin glanced at him, a sad smile and sad eyes. Jisung leans on his shoulders and he looks away from Jeongin. He clears his throat.
“Felix told me he was afraid of Chan at first. Minho also. But all of their doubts and misconceptions of him vanished as soon as they made eye contact with that idiot. Chan is… he’s great.” Seungmin knew Changbin had more to say. But he felt like the wolf couldn’t find, no, the words he thought of were not even enough to describe how he felt about the vampire.
“That’s why everyone in the clan admired him. They admired the way he would pass the halls to lowkey watch over the rookies. We always caught him red-handed but he had an excuse without fail, denying that he was just passing by. We let him be because it's how he shows that he cares. He was caring in his own way and my boys felt that.” What he meant by ‘my boys’ were the people recruited under the Sofia’s family.
“What really surprised us was when he was 3 months in the clan and the most unexpected thing happened.” He leaned back, he was so immersed with the story.
“He has his own stash of blood containers in his room, staff would deliver fresh batches every Sunday. However, one day he silently popped up in the mess hall. I still remember the exact same words he said when everyone looked at him standing in the entrance ‘What the hell are you dumbasses looking at? Never seen a vampire before?’ before plopping down next to Uaine.” That sounded like Chan alright. He was really hard to read. And sometimes you might come up with misconceptions about him in certain situations but in the end, you get the total opposite of all of it. Oh and they finally got the pronunciation of the name: Oon-ya.
He chuckles deeply, staring at the empty glass in front of him.
“Who told you you could go around and blab about my past, Kazuo?” all eyes were on him as he settled down beside Jeongin.
“Looks like someone’s in a good mood.” Chan rolls his eyes at Changbin, making the latter and Jisung giggle.
"So, you boys probably already know about my angsty past. Thank you by the way.” no way in hell Chan wasn’t being sarcastic with that thank you directed to Kazuo.
“Now, I’m the one asking questions.”
“We haven’t even heard the full story yet!”
“Jisung, sweetie. Would you do me a favor and shut up?”
Jisung pouted. “But, thank you." The wolf's pout was soon replaced by a gummy smile.
The vampire couldn't help but snort. "Thank you for thinking fast. I wouldn’t even have thought of this place given the situation earlier. You did great.” Chan felt proud. He compliments all the members quite equally but this time he wanted to thank Jisung with all of his immortal life. If it wasn’t for the wolf, Changbin would’ve been in grave danger.
“And, you.” Before the boys could go all mushy and cringy, he directed his index finger at the redhead. “You’re an idiot and I hate you so much but I'm saying this again. Thank you again. For saving my family.”
To all the misconceptions and harsh words given to Chan. Seungmin wants all of you to know that you can go suck his fluffy ass because the vampire is nothing like that.
“Fucking hell man.”
“Yikes, I know. I didn’t have a choice!”
“That shit disgusting. You’re disgusting.”
"I've become like this because of these stupid wolves, fox, cat, witch and awkward college kid."
The two of them shivered in horror of what Chan just proclaimed. They were the only ones feeling that way because even Seungmin's heart grew warm as he saw and felt the way the vampire thanked Kazuo. Minus the insult to everyone in the mansion though.
It was like they were looking right into Chan's past with the Sofia's.
“Moving on, Changbin's wounds didn’t look like they would close up anytime soon during the encounter earlier. How did he heal so fast? Did you take him to the doctor?” Jisung explained to Chan how they managed to drag Changbin to the healer. Seungmin double checked Changbin's body for any hint of pain or injury but he was as good as new.
Jeongin was partly listening because another thing bothered him. He tugged Seungmin’s sleeve as soon as the witch finished checking the wolf. “There are doctors here too?”
“Yes. They’re more or less like the doctors outside, but a bit more advanced. Their knowledge is extensive because of the variety of beings here. Herbal Witches are the strong ones.” Jeongin nodded. Seungmin, on the other hand, felt like he had boasted about his entire life's work. And he did. He was proud to be a herbal witch as well.
Jeongin thought he had to write a book about this. It would sell loads for sure. By the time he directed his attention to the conversation, they were already discussing what had happened this afternoon.
“It gave me the creeps as soon as I stepped out of the room. It looked like an old guy but the power emitting from it was almost nauseating.” Changbin recalled the scene from earlier. Jisung started worrying about Chan who has not come back from the restroom for quite a while, although he’s probably the scariest being on earth, they couldn’t help but to go out and check on him.
“What even is that thing?”
“Wasn’t that the guard of your building, Changbin?”
“Wait, you guys have seen it before!? And what guard?” Jisung panicked.
“You guys haven’t?” After seeing the puzzled reactions on their faces from Jeongin's follow up question.
Seungmin concluded the worst. “No, Jeongin. I don’t think they did,"
The boy looked at him curiously.
"Because there was no guard in the first place.'' Jeongin connected all the puzzle pieces. The guard was fake.
They argued endlessly.
However, Kazuo sat there completely still. Upon hearing the exchange of information in front of him, he may have a clue on what was going on and who the attacker was. “Chan.” the vampire put up a silencing hand, sensing there's some sort of important information about to be revealed.
“There’s news about a weirdly shaped being attacking people and other supernatural beings. And what I mean by attacking is killing. It killed even the strongest who have ever existed. According to the ghosts, it may be able to wipe out humanity within days.”
Chan closed his eyes shut along with his lips. He took a long deep breath, roughly caressing his face with his palms. To think that she would go to this extent just for him. This is getting out of hand. Way out of hand. “Is it after you?” here he goes again with his face-reading. “Y-”
“No.”
“Seungmin, don’t butt in. And what do you mean no? You were there.” Chan glared at him tirelessly. Seungmin's face was stern, but his eyes jumped around the room. He wasn't quite sure if he's supposed to say this. But it's now or never.
“You said it, I was there when you’re being gobbled up. It wasn’t after you Chan.”
“It was after Jeongin.” Chan stood up from his seat, his eyes burned in anger. The inn grew dark and cold in just a second.
“Chantopher, sit down.” his breath continued to mingle with the smell of alcohol and smoke. The cracking sounds of his fingers echoed around the spacious tavern now that it grew quiet.
“Chan, sit down or else you’re gonna end up wiping out another neutral zone again.”
“Fine.” he sat down begrudgingly but the air was far more suffocating than earlier.
'Another neutral zone' Jeongin never doubted Chan's power. He remembered the mental notes he made from before ‘Never make Chan mad’, he meant that in a way that he should never get the vampire mad because he might end up being tickled or cussed to death. Not to the extent that Chan can be a killing machine when he’s enraged.
“Look, all I know is that it was after Jeongin. Because when Jisung moved out of the way to pick up Changbin and escape, IT had a great view of Jeongin who was hiding. That’s why you had the chance to attack it. It was distracted. You killed it for now but it seems like it will be coming back for more.” Seungmin's mouth grew dry even though he drank almost 1 liter of water from the bar. The group’s words ceased. The agitation was slowly building up.
"Killed it for now? You mean it's difficult to get rid of?" Kazuo's question was given dirt so that means he was correct on his assumptions.
He leans back on the wall and sighs deeply. It was great information, useful indeed. But he seriously regrets asking about it. This wasn't some low scale issue. This might threaten the 11 families. He has got to tell his old man about this. "Chan." he looked at the vampire hopefully. "Tomorrow. Let the kids rest, for now, please. I'll be there." The vampire knew it was inevitable to stay away from the Sofia's lane. He had no choice but to swallow the pill.
“Has anyone contacted Minho and Felix?” Chan redirected the topic.
“Yeah, they sent Eric home in a flash and are on their way here too.”
“Updates on Woojin and Hyunjin?”
“They said they’re near. I’m gonna go pick them up at the entrance.” Changbin stood up from his seat. “Are you sure you’re alright?”
He smiled and flexed his muscles. “Hah! You underestimate the power of these bad boys." the rest of them cringe as Changbin kisses both his biceps.
"For the love of satan, just let him go!" Jisung pleaded, moving his eyes away from the horrific scene.
"Vote on 'we should've let him die'. Agreed?"
"Agreed."
Changbin gasped in betrayal. "Fucking sons of bitches."
The mood somehow grew brighter. Kazuo thanked the heavens for Chan calming down. He saw Uaine at the corner of his eyes earlier, ready to strike.
His big figure shook not in determination to kill but in fear. He and the rest of the crew had no choice but to defend the Boss (Kazuo) no matter where they are, who they are facing and how many lives will be taken. It's part of the fucked up rules made by Kazuo's ancestors. Really, why can't they stray away from tradition just once?
"Let Jeongin go with you."
"Chan, are you hearing yourself?"
"Jisung, I can hear the ants walking in the counter over there so I guess that's a dead giveaway."
Jeongin stood up and fixed his shirt.
"Chan, are you really really sure?"
The vampire shrugged, chugging down his drink. "Yeah, no harm in letting him into some adventure. Besides, this is called a safe zone for that reason."
"But... it's Jeongin we're talking about. Your baby boy. Are you a hundred percent sure about this? What made you think this is the right choice?" Seungmin's voice trailed off.
"He's with Changbin." the wolf swore he could cry right at that moment.
"Wait." Jisung stood up, placing his hand on Chan's obviously cold forehead. "You don't have the vampire chills, do you? Are you okay? Where does it hurt?" he swatted Jisung's hand away.
Gosh, he was so embarrassed by them making a big deal about this. "Changbin just please go and take Jeongin.'' The wolf wanted to join in with the fun but Woojin and Hyunjin might be waiting outside. Plus, Hyunjin's a scaredy-cat so he might've peed himself upon seeing the old lady at the entrance. And so they made their way out of the inn, chuckling underneath their breaths as they did so.
Seungmin scoots closer to Chan, looking straight at his eyes. "Are we sure you're Chan? That bitch wouldn't have let Jeongin go out without him? Who are you? What did you do to our idiot vampire leader!!!" shamefaced, Chan let Seungmin poke his face a dozen times and shake his body harshly.
"You should've just left me to die earlier as well. This is humiliating."
#hero's soup#stray kids#stray kids au#stray kids angst#stray kids fluff#kpop au#vampire au#wolves au#witch au#bangchan#minho#woojin#leeknow#changbin#hyunjin#felix#jisung#han jisung#seungmin#jeongin#i.n
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ASK GAME
65 Questions You Aren't Used To
1. Do you ever doubt the existence of others than you? - sometimes i wonder if the people i like from afar are just a figment of my imagination since i have never met them in real life.
2. On a scale of 1-5, how afraid of the dark are you? - i’d say about 2 since i’m only scared occasionally if i have watched something creepy and my mind is running wild.
3. The person you would never want to meet? - does hitler count? aside from him and all the dictators that have ruined the world i’d say all the people i knew in high school and about everyone in my old town.
4. What is your favorite word? - i used to say it’s “bitch” just for the laughs of it but it’s actually “patootie” because it sounds cute and idiotic at the same time and i remember reading it in a shakespeare poem once and laughing like crazy.
5. If you were a type of tree, what would you be? - i guess i’d be a baobab tree because it’s sturdy and it sounds like my nickname “baba”.
6. When you looked in the mirror this morning what was the first thing you thought? - “seriously why are the bags under my eyes so dark and big?”
7. What shirt are you wearing? - a simple black shirt.
8. What do you label yourself as? - if it’s in regards to sexuality i’m a bisexual and if it’s everything else i’m a curious idiot.
9. Bright room or dark room? - dark room.
10. What were you doing at midnight last night? - sitting on my laptop watching “100 days my prince”.
11. Favorite age you’ve been so far? - i don’t think i’ve reached my favourite age yet but if i have to pick one i’d say about 19 because i went to live with my best friend and started a new life away from everyone else so in a way i became independent.
12. Who told you they loved you last? - i guess my mom although i don’t remember when.
13. Your worst enemy? - my laziness and lack of will.
14. What is your current desktop picture? - monsta x’s minhyuk <3
15. Do you like someone? - in real life i have no romantic interest.
16. The last song you listened to? - dreamcatcher - wonderland
17. You can press a button that will make any one person explode. Who would you blow up? - myself so i can see how it feels.
18. Who would you really like to just punch in the face? - sometimes my family members drive me up the wall to a point where i’d think about punching them in the face.
19. If anyone could be your slave for a day, who would it be and what would they have to do? - bill gates and he’d have to buy me whatever i want.
20. What is your best physical attribute? (showing said attribute is optional) - if i have to pick something it would be my eyes because they’re the most distinctive feature i have.
21. If you were the opposite sex for one day, what would you look like and what would you do? - i’d be a huge buff macho man just to see how it feels and i’d probably just ogle myself in the mirror and walk around to see how people react to me.
22. Do you have a secret talent? If yes, what is it? - i can make my fingers look like claws and move them in a weird snappish way.
23. What is one unique thing you’re afraid of? - bacteria.
24. You can only have one kind of sandwich. Every sandwich ingredient known to humankind is at your disposal. - butter on french toast.
25. You just found $100! How are you going to spend it? - on monsta x merchandise and food ^^
26. You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere in the world, but you have to leave immediately. Where are you going to go? - seoul, south korea.
27. An angel appears out of Heaven and offers you a lifetime supply of the alcoholic beverage of your choice. “Be brand-specific” it says. Man! What are you gonna say about that? Even if you don’t drink booze there’s something you can figure out… so what’s it gonna be? - bailey’s is the only alcoholic drink i actually enjoy and would buy myself.
28. You discover a beautiful island upon which you may build your own society. You make the rules. What is the first rule you put into place? - everyone is created equal so there shall be no discrimination regarding race, religion, gender or sexuality.
29. What is your favorite expletive? - motherfucker.
30. Your house is on fire, holy shit! You have just enough time to run in there and grab ONE inanimate object. Don’t worry, your loved ones and pets have already made it out safely. So what’s the one thing you’re going to save from that blazing inferno? - my stuffed animals.......
31. You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be? - watching my pet getting sick knowing she’d eventually die and being unable to help.
32. You got kicked out of the country for being a time-traveling heathen who sleeps with celebrities and has super-powers. But check out this cool shit… you can move to anywhere else in the world! - kanazawa, japan.
33. The Celestial Gates Of Beyond have opened, much to your surprise because you didn’t think such a thing existed. Death appears. As it turns out, Death is actually a pretty cool entity, and happens to be in a fantastic mood. Death offers to return the friend/family-member/person/etc. of your choice to the living world. Who will you bring back? - my grandfather.
34. What was your last dream about? - falling down a flight of stairs.
35. Are you a good dancer? - i’d say decent but i could be better with practice.
36. Have you ever been admitted to the hospital? - thankfully no.
37. Have you ever built a snowman? - many times but never in the design i wanted to.
38. What is the color of your socks? - orange.
39. What type of music do you like? - i like all music but usually i would always gravitate towards rhythm and blues, jazz or classical.
40. Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets? -sunsets.
41. What is your favorite milkshake flavor? - i don’t drink milkshakes but i’d probably enjoy strawberry ones.
42. What football team do you support? (I will answer in terms of American football as well as soccer) - liverpool football club and i’m suffering every day for it.
43. Do you have any scars? - a big one on my knee from when i fell as a child and nearly busted my kneecap.
44. What do you want to be when you graduate? - a boss....kidding :D a writer or researcher.
45. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? - the way i look and my attitude towards people demeaning and disrespecting me.
46. Are you reliable? - i really wish i could say i was but i’d have to say no.
47. If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be? - do we still live with the mentality of a 15 year-old or have we grown?
48. Do you hold grudges? - most of the time no but on special occasions i can grow to be vengeful towards someone i dislike.
49. If you could breed two animals together to defy the laws of nature, what new animal would you create? - a penguin with a bird so it will be able to fly.
50. What is the most unusual conversation you’ve ever had? - every conversation i have with my grandmother and all the “advice” she gives me.
51. Are you a good liar? - yes.
52. How long could you go without talking? - i think i’d be able to go about a week if i really put myself to it but i enjoy talking to myself so it might be more difficult than anticipated.
53. What has been you worst haircut/style? - a waffle one where they burnt my hair from the roots just so i could look like a member of a 90s girl group.
54. Have you ever baked your own cake? - the only time i have baked a cake was when my best friend got sick and i wanted to give her something special to cheer her up.
55. Can you do any accents other than your own? - i’m pretty good at an american and a british one. i could even do a bit of scottish and irish if i prictice.
56. What do you like on your toast? - butter.
57. What is the last thing you drew a picture of? - the sun and it looked like a puddle with some rays coming out of it.
58. What would be you dream car? - a smart or a mini cooper.
59. Do you sing in the shower? Or do anything unusual in the shower? Explain. - i do sing in the shower and sometimes i start contemplating my life.
60. Do you believe in aliens? - i believe we can’t be alone in the whole universe but i don’t believe in the made up ufo sightings nor the green little men.
61. Do you often read your horoscope? - i don’t believe in the horoscope nor the zodiac except when i’m looking for a laugh.
62. What is your favorite letter of the alphabet? - my own letter which in english would be B.
63. Which is cooler: dinosaurs or dragons? - dragons are the coolest <3
64. What do you think about babies? - i love and adore babies <3 they are perfect little stupid angels and should be protected at all costs.
65. Who's your favourite classical composer? - beethoven and mozart are untouchable and immortal but if i have to give a less cliche answer besides them i would say claude debussy, rachmaninoff, chopin and johann strauss II. i could go on but i will get boring.
66. A bonus question from me because I'm curious - If you could teleport to one place on this planet right at this moment which would it be and why? - northern canada so i can see the aurora borealis which is at its peak during october, november and december.
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Hey, all. I might have told some of you that I had the opportunity to interview a North Korean refugee who I knew back while I was living in South Korea. She told me her story and I had been hoping to publish it in a series of articles to one or more newspapers. However, after submitting it several times, multiple publications have flat-out told me that due to the fake news scare, most newspapers these days are extremely apprehensive about taking anonymous sources from people that they don't already know and trust (ie: people that aren't accredited reporters). So, I've come to the realization that this once in a lifetime interview I had with her will maybe never get officially published. I felt that it would be too much of a shame for it to not get told though, so I'm going to be posting it on Facebook. Feel free to share (and in fact, I hope you do) so that as many people can hear it as possible. I will continue to try to get this published in some format, though it may have to undergo some serious revisions. In the meantime, I hope this will suffice.
The woman I interviewed did request to remain anonymous (for reasons which I hope are obvious). I will be referring to her as "Ms. Kim." She's not 100% fluent in English, so I've edited some of her words for clarity or grammar - but I made sure to keep with the main idea of what she was saying and had her proofread to make sure that I wasn't changing anything. I've also removed certain content that could potentially be identified back to her.
Brett: Can you describe your hometown?
Kim: My hometown was located close to China. I could see a small Chinese village across the river whenever I rode my bicycle. Sometimes we yelled at the Chinese people who were across the river. They were always partying and dancing or drinking by the river. We’d say “Hello!” to them. I couldn’t understand their responses, but they would yell back to us.
When the sun set, my village was so dark. Sometimes we had electricity, but not always. That’s because the government had to save energy so they cut down on our electricity. Rich people in my town could buy generators, so their homes were always bright. Farmers and poor people always had dark houses at night. On the other hand, in the Chinese village there was always light.
Brett: What were some of your favorite hobbies when you lived in North Korea?
Kim: My big hobby was riding my bicycle. In North Korea there isn’t enough public transportation. We could only use our bikes to visit our neighbors or go around the city. We only used public transportation to visit relatives or go to Pyeongyang, which was really far from my town. So everybody in North Korea was really good at riding bikes!
Brett: How often did you go to Pyeongyang?
Kim: I would have liked to visit Pyeongyang many times each year, but it was difficult to go there. Tickets to Pyeongyang are expensive and you have to buy them on the government schedule. The first time we bought our tickets that way we had to wait six months. Sometimes people would sell their tickets illegally. If you bought them that way, you could leave the next day.
Brett: You mentioned that your village was close to China. Did you have any contact with them?
Kim: Yes. We had many tourists from China. They visited us every day and brought a lot of things, like snacks or clothes to sell. We were able to buy products made in China or Pyeongyang, but people preferred to use Chinese products or even ones from South Korea. The South Korean products always had the labels removed because it was dangerous to keep them on. Even without the labels, people knew ‘Oh, that’s from South Korea.’
My hometown was actually very rich compared to other places, because the Chinese merchants would regularly trade with us. North Korean people would also go across the river at night while it was dark. They’d do business and then come back to North Korea. It was illegal, but they made a lot of money that way.
Brett: What made you decide to leave North Korea?
Kim: When I was in high school, I had a lot of friends. But as I got older, all of my friends had gone to South Korea or China or the USA. Some had died.
I knew a man who would smuggle people across the Chinese border. He once told me ‘South Korea is very rich and many North Korean refugees are living there.’ Using a trafficker like this could be dangerous, because the bad ones might end up selling you. One day, I told this man I would like to follow him to China. At first, he was shocked, because he wasn’t sure that he could keep me safe. But I really wanted to go to South Korea. Finally, I convinced him to take me. I left without telling my mom.
Brett: How did you come from North Korea to South Korea?
Kim: After we crossed the river, I got into a car. The driver took me across the country and into the center of China. I stayed at a house with ten other refugees for a few days. We had to run away because some Chinese soldiers found us and shot at us. We fled to Mongolia and came to South Korea after that. It was so scary, but now I am happy to have experienced it.
Brett: What were the biggest surprises for you when you moved to South Korea?
Kim: I was surprised when I saw the night view, because the scenery was so fantastic. Everything was surrounded by light. There were so many beautiful lights, drunk people wearing shorts, and women with crazy yellow hairstyles. People were dancing in the streets!
Also, I never saw beggars in my country, but in South Korea there are many beggars on the street. It was also shocking to see people on the subway that were saying ‘Bless God, believe in God. Would you like to come to church?’ That was very strange for me.
Another big thing: I could see so many foreigners in Seoul. It was the first time I got to see a Westerner face-to-face. In my hometown in North Korea, meeting or even seeing a Westerner would have been like seeing an alien. Yet in South Korea it is very common. Now I can meet them anytime.
Brett: How have South Koreans treated and viewed you since moving there?
Kim: Only some South Korean people know that I am a refugee. When they hear about it for the first time, they are always shocked. They want to know if I really am a refugee and how I came to be here. They want to know what my life was like before. I don’t tell many people.
Once we become familiar with each other, my friends will ask me political questions like “What do you think about Kim Jong Un?” When I lived in North Korea, I didn’t realize that our government was strange, but now I realize that it was very different from most places.
Brett: How are South Korean and North Korean culture different? How are they similar?
Kim: One thing that is different is in people's communication. South Koreans don't always tell the truth and they only mean to pay lip service. They will say "See you soon" or "I'll pay for the next meal," but then they never do. South Koreans also beat around the bush. If they don't like something you are doing, they won't say it directly. They say things behind your back. North Koreans are more direct and honest. If we say we will meet someone, we always keep our promise. And if I have a problem with a coworker, I will always say "I don't like your behavior."
I think we are similar in that we are both humans and we are both Korean. We eat the same food and have the same customs.
Brett: Have you ever felt bad about leaving your home?
Kim: At first, I regretted coming here, because I was alone and my family was still in North Korea. I missed my mom and wanted to go back, but I knew that it wasn’t possible. Some refugees go back to North Korea [to visit their families], but I didn’t want to risk it.
I haven’t seen my family since leaving, but I can still talk to my mom over the phone. North Korean people can illegally buy Chinese phones and use those to communicate with people outside the country. But it's an old phone, not a smart phone, so I can never see my mom's face - only hear her voice.
However, I don’t regret it anymore. If the USA and North Korea keep trying to communicate with each other, I think North Korea’s economy will improve. I remember when I was there two young women in the house next door starved to death. I can still remember their faces. But I think that the US can help North Korea’s economy and this kind of problem can stop.
Brett: What do you think about the recent news with North and South Korea engaging in peace talks?
Kim: It’s a big event in North Korea’s history. This is the first time this kind of meeting has happened. Before, Kim Jong Un’s father and grandfather never met with an American president. They only met with the Chinese president to communicate on behalf of them. But now Kim Jong Un I think will try to be better compared to his father or grandfather.
B: What do you think will be the result in one year?
K: Maybe after one year, North Korea’s economy will be better and more developed than now. Before they needed a lot of money to make nuclear weapons, but they are getting rid of the nuclear factories, so they won’t need more money for that [and can use it for other things]… Because Kim Jong Un realized he had to help his citizens’ lives instead of making nuclear weapons. So I think that after one year, North Korean life will be better than now.
B: What is one thing you would like to say to the people of the United States?
K: I would ask American citizens what kind of opinion they have about Korea reuniting. We – both South Korea and North Korea – really wish to reunite our country.
I would also say we should stop fighting. So I would say to Trump and American citizens that we shouldn’t fight anymore and we should be peaceful together in the future. Help us to be one country.
Brett Meyer
DISCLAIMER this is not my interview but as mentioned above he wants to share this interview
If you would like to contact him I will privately give his Facebook (original posting) URL.
I would ask that you share this interview, but do not make any profit or take credit.
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hold me now (m)
pairing: junhao
genre: angst, prostitute!au
warnings: underage prostitution, underage!minghao kidnapping, implied non-con, sex trafficking, sexual abuse
a/n: please read this with care. it’s the grittier, more triggering, version of a prostitute au and i f*cking hate viper, i hope you come to hate him too
prompt: #31 prostitute/client au
words: 1700
summary: tonight feels different somehow. it's not something having to do with junhui though...
it's all minghao right now. minghao is different than usual.
"Minghao, you look fucking terrible."
Minghao laughs humorlessly in response, wincing through it when his spread lips make his busted lip split open again. Junhui tsks at him and grabs more gauze, pressing it firmly against the wound on Minghao's bottom lip.
"Do you want to tell me what happened?" Junhui asks, his tone gentle and reassuring and Minghao really wishes he had it in him to hate him.
But he doesn't and that's exactly his problem.
Instead, Minghao's actually pretty sure he's in love with the rich bastard. Which only makes his life that much harder because Junhui doesn't want him.
To be very blunt, Minghao is a prostitute. Not by choice, but by force. He was taken from his home in China and smuggled into South Korea where he was smacked around by Viper for only being able to speak Chinese, therefore not responding properly to his questions and being "disrespectful". He'd been tricked into meeting up with a boy his age for a movie and the last he'd seen of Anshan was what he could glimpse from the back of the van they'd dragged him into before he blacked out. When he woke up, Viper had been standing before him and his hands were tied.
He'd cried the first week there, but the others ー God, the others ー they huddled into him and centered their too thin bodies around him until he was completely cocooned by their reassuring murmurs and furious whispers of keeping his cries down before he came in to check on them. And Minghao really only understood that much because anyone would be able to understand what "Sh!" means in practically any language. Still, the others. There are kids younger than him with Viper, older, even a few around his age, but with the drugs Viper forced onto them, Minghao can't really pinpoint a certain age for any one of them. Their bodies are mere skeletons now and their eyes are lifeless, barely with the will to live.
Minghao has tried, tried so hard to leave ー to get back home ー but he can't. He can't and it's breaking him apart. He's hooked on the drugs just like the others and if Minghao were to leave the country right now, he'd only get caught again because of the withdrawal symptoms he'd be sure to undergo. Viper could very well kill him if he left as well, but Minghao honestly prefers death over this life he's being forced to live. He's only seventeen and yet Minghao feels old beyond his years.
The only good thing that has come out of this is Junhui.
In Viper's eyes, Junhui is a client, but Minghao knows better.
He and Junhui have never had sex. Yes, Junhui does pay the full-night fee each and every time he "picks up" Minghao, but they have never once had sex with each other. Junhui rents out a hotel room each and every time they're together, then lets Minghao do whatever he wants.
He lets Minghao shower, lets him dress in comfy clothes that aren't littered with week-old stains, and lets him sleep for their entire time together if Minghao so desires. But each and every time, Junhui makes a point of cleaning his wounds, of dressing them and bandaging them properly. Junhui is a nurse from a rich family and his medical knowledge has helped Minghao prevent a number of certain infections. Sometimes, Junhui will even have an STD kit with him to test Minghao and make sure he hasn't caught anything from his clients and Viper alike. So far, Minghao has managed to remain clean thanks to the ever constant condoms Junhui always supplies him with.
Since Junhui's entrance into his life, the others haven't been as welcoming as they once were, but Minghao knows it's only because they want rich clients as well so that Viper will leave them alone more often. Minghao doesn't blame them for being jealous, this is survival after all and only the most resourceful will be able to win.
There are some nights though when Junhui will talk with Minghao.
Now even after being in Korea for a year, Minghao still can't speak the language very well. But Junhui is Chinese himself and only came here to work because the hospital is owned by his family. So Minghao takes comfort in the familiar language that he craves to be surrounded by again.
But they talk. A lot, sometimes and other times, not enough. Minghao doesn't know what to make of Junhui most of the time, but he knows that without a doubt, Junhui would never want him like that. Junhui is much too absorbed with the fact that Minghao was brought here against his will and his body is now being sold off against his wishes as well. He's hooked on drugs that Minghao would never have voluntarily taken in the first place and it makes Junhui sick to his stomach that a child, a child is being used like this. Minghao knows this, he knows all of this, but that doesn't stop him from falling for the elder, doesn't stop him from wishing that maybe one night Junhui will want to have sex with him because Minghao definitely wants to have sex with Junhui.
Tonight feels different somehow. It's not something having to do with Junhui though, this is their usual routine after all, Junhui treating his wounds, cleaning him up, giving Minghao some comfort and human affection to latch onto and save for other nights ー for the bad nights ー and just being there for Minghao in general. Junhui is the same kind man as ever and it's all Minghao right now. Minghao is different than usual. He misses China, not that he ever really stopped missing it, to begin with, but tonight it's like an ache in his chest. He misses Anshan and he misses his mother and grandmother, his misses his friends, and his heart aches for the pain he must have caused them all when he was taken away.
Minghao has been clean enough this week that he's not too worried about having withdrawal symptoms, but he isn't too sure either. Because he's still on drugs, just not as high of a dosage as usual. Viper thought it'd been a good idea to cut back ever since another client told him Minghao was too doped out to do anything. So he's cleaner than usual, but maybe not as clean as he should be if he decides to finally take Junhui's offer tonight.
He wants to go home and hug his mom again, wants her to smooth his hair back and kiss his forehead before holding him tight in her embrace again. Wants his grandmother to make his favorite soup for him as she pats him on the back and coos at him for eating it so well. He wants to go home to his tidy room and spread out on a bed that's all his own, not a hotel bed Junhui got for him or that air mattress he shares with three others.
Minghao wants to go home. He wants to leave and never look back again.
"I want to go home."
Junhui doesn't freeze up, doesn't pretend like he didn't hear Minghao. He merely nods and continues to clean and dress Minghao's wounds. It's only when he's done that he finally acknowledges what Minghao said.
"You're ready to go?" Junhui asks with his warm brown eyes on Minghao.
Minghao nods, tears springing to his eyes as he thinks of his mother and grandmother again. "I want to go home," he repeats.
Junhui opens his arms and Minghao falls into his embrace, muffling his sobs into Junhui's chest. He cries like he did that first week, but this time, there's relief mixed into the whirlwind of his emotions. There's relief and a sense of safety as Junhui holds him close, with his sturdy arms wrapped tight around Minghao's too skinny frame and Minghao's own skeleton arms curled around Junhui's torso. And Minghao cries and cries and cries until there's nothing left for him to cry over and Junhui still holds him tight.
"Once you're back home, I'm pulling the plug on Viper," Junhui murmurs. "I should've done it when I first found you, but I couldn't risk you getting hurt in the struggle. I needed you safe and, preferably, out of the country before I did."
Minghao nods, his eyelids tear-swollen and cheeks flushed. "And the others?"
"I'm getting them out. I'm getting them all out." Junhui's voice does not shake when he says this and Minghao believes him. He trusts Junhui to save the others as well.
"And you?"
Junhui smiles and pushes Minghao's hair away from his face. "I'll meet up with you when it's all said and done. Think you can get rid of me that easily?"
Minghao laughs, pressing his face into Junhui's neck. "I wouldn't dream of it."
Junhui's laugh rings like bells in Minghao's ears.
Eventually, they find themselves sitting on the edge of the bed, side-by-side while Junhui holds his cellphone out to Minghao. Minghao eyes it and takes it cautiously, not sure about what Junhui is trying to tell him. Junhui only smiles at him, nodding at him to go ahead.
"I have international calling on my plan. If you still remember her number, try calling your mom," Junhui clarifies, smiling again when Minghao's fingers fly across the screen in a panic to call his mother as quickly as he can.
The line rings and Minghao waits with a baited breath, his nerves on edge. It's been a year since he's heard his mother's voice. Will she know it's him? Will she think it's some kind of prank? What if she gave up on looking for Minghao months ago? Does she even want him back?
"Hello?"
Minghao freezes, his breath caught in his throat as his mother's voice rises from Junhui's phone. Tears prick his eyes but Minghao blinks them back, dragging in a deep breath before he speaks, already imagining how tight his mother will hold him once he's back in Anshan. Once he's home.
"Mom. It's me."
a/n: i never expected to write something like this actually and i didn’t go with the typical fic you’d expect with this au because that’s not really my kind of style.
i tried to handle all that went on as delicately as possible, but if there’s something else you think i should warn for, please let me know!!!!
junhui is in like his early twenties in this fic btw, i couldn’t pick an actual age so i just didn’t mention it. and i also didn’t know whether to use sti or std instead bc growing up, i was taught that it’s std and then college came and kicked that out the window with sti instead v.v
i hope this wasn’t really horrible. thank you for reading!! please give minghao lots and lots of love!
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Chapter 1
So here is one of the new stories I had swimming in my head the past couple of days. This is my first time writing for bigbang so please be gentle with your views lol but don't hold back. Big thanks to @jijagi for beta reading this one for me! Please if you like it share and as always leave me some feeback even if its via anon.
l’amnte dei serpenti
The daughter of one of the largest mafias out of the US sent over to South Korea to monitor her father’s operations there. You were sure this was going to be boring and wished you didn’t have to leave your home and friends, little did you know this new adventure would be anything but boring.
Word count: 4876
Theme: Mafia a/u
Rating: Mature, SMUT
Pairing: Choi Seunghyun x Sofia (original character)
Chapter 1
Sofia
Thank god it’s not too hot out.
I thought to myself as I walked down the street with my friends. It was my second day here and I was happy my father at least allowed my friends to come help get me settled in. I was still pretty upset with my father for making me come to this country and leave behind everything I worked so hard for. I was my father’s only child or so he would like to say, I knew he had a couple of bastards running around but he was smart enough to keep them a secret and out of my mother’s sight. I had finished medical school 3 years ago and was doing house calls to my father’s trusted friends and assisted the injured men whenever something would go squirrely on an operation. When I wasn’t closing stab wounds or fishing out bullets from the men in my dad’s service I was sitting right next to my father learning the business. I was set to inherit my father’s business when he was ready to step down and this whole time I was thinking he would give me my own little piece to run. It turned out I would get my own little share to manage but it just happened to be far away from my family. When I was told of this decision I fought my father tooth and nail to stay home and run something from there. He told me it would be a good learning experience for me and would teach me how to not depend on him as he wouldn’t always be here for me. I still hated the idea but I eventually agreed because he had a point. I often depended on him too much and would second guess myself, I needed to learn to be on my own two feet. I guess I would finally put all those years of learning Korean to good use.
“Sofia, look at this dress?”
My friend pulled on my arm to go look at a dress that was hanging from a rack right outside of a store. I let her pull me to the rack where she lifted the dress up and put it up to my body to look at.
“You have to get this, it’s stunning on you!”
I took the dress from her and looked it over, it wasn’t anything flashy and would be nice for a warm day spent at the beach. I smiled and nodded to my friend just as a sales lady walked out asking if we needed anything. I asked her how much for the dress and when she told me the price I took my backpack off, setting it on the ground and bending down to fish out my wallet. Just as I had grabbed my wallet and was set to zip the backpack up someone came by and snatched it from my hand. The man took off running and I took chase not wanting him to get away with my identification. My father had yet to inform his Korean partners that he was sending someone to oversee the new partnership. He wanted me to get use to the country and keep a watch on the Kwons to see how they worked.
I was running after the man as fast as I possibly could go and often had to dodge other people coming out of the stores. The man looked back and saw me running and tried to run faster running right towards an intersection. He was looking back at me as he was approaching a street that had a no walk symbol flashing. A honking car and squealing tires caught his attention too late as his body came into contact with the vehicle and sent him tumbling over the hood of the vehicle and into the windshield of the car. His body eventually rolled off the hood of the car and landed on the ground with a loud thump. The driver of the vehicle jumped out and ran to him just as I was running up to the man. A crowd was starting to form around the vehicle and the man and I bent down to check to see if he was breathing, which thankfully he was. I looked up and shouted for someone to call an ambulance before turning my attention back to the man. He was conscious and moving his body which was a good sign.
I grabbed my wallet and turned toward the man, “Sir, please stay still and ambulance is on its way.”
The man coughed up and the edge of his lips were instantly stained red, “fucking bitch shouldn’t have followed me.”
I pushed him back to lay flat on his back while I lifted his shirt to see red and purple color forming near his rib cage.
“Well if you hadn’t tried to take my wallet I wouldn’t have needed to chase you. Now keep your ass still, you have some internal bleeding.”
The police came along with an ambulance to take the man away and to get my statement. After I gave the police all the information they needed I went back to the store to collect my friends. I didn’t like this one bit as now my name will be floating around the police department database. It wouldn’t be a big deal but as I was a foreign woman here to open my own medical practice, I was sure this would raise many red flags. My friends and I went back to the hotel to relax prior to going to get dinner, which gave me a chance to phone my father him and inform him of the current situation.
“Sofia what’s wrong? Why are you calling at this hour?”
“I apologize for calling you so late father but we might have a problem.”
I could hear my father get up from his bed and my mother ask if everything was ok before he shushed her prior to a door closing, he was probably in his office.
“What is the problem.”
“Someone tried to steal my wallet and while I was chasing him down to retrieve it he was hit by a vehicle. The police came and took my information before they allowed me to leave, they have my name in their system now. I wanted to call you and make sure you knew what was going on. I expect the Kwons will know of my presence here in Korea shortly.”
“Where are you right now? I have some of the men from here on their way to Korea right now. I wish you had waited until they were ready to leave as well.”
“Do not worry father I have everything under control. We have a hotel room booked under my name where we are seen going about our business. We leave later in the night via an employee exit where I have a car stashed to take me to my condo. In the event that a move is made against me they will hit the hotel room where we won’t be, I have a man who is staying here and there is video surveillance of the room where I can monitor it from my phone. If they hit the room I will know and my friends will be on the first plane out of this country before anything can happen. I will be safe, I won’t allow them to get over on us.”
“Are you carrying?”
“Yes, I have my breast strap with a small firearm that I can equip. I was just coming back to change clothes and put it on before we went to dinner.”
“Make sure you check in with Philip when you turn in for the night. I want you to check in three times a day with him, once in the morning, afternoon, and in the evening. I need you to keep him updated with anything else that happens. Make sure you stay safe Sofia, if anything happens to you I doubt I will make it out alive as I am sure your mother will have my head for sending you there.”
I laughed into the phone because my father was right, my mother might be small woman who looks sweet and innocent but she was actually viscous woman, she would have no problem with taking my father’s life if anything were to happen to me. “Don’t worry father I will be fine. Give my love to mother please.”
I disconnected the call before I went back to grab my spare outfit and breast strap. Thankfully the rest of the night was not so eventful and we were able to make it back to my condo and turn in for the night.
The next day we spent the majority of the morning doing some more sightseeing with taking a tour of the palace and trying on the hanboks. When we were just sitting down to eat lunch my phone rang, I looked at the phone and didn’t recognize number but did notice it was a Korean number.
“Hello?”
“Miss Rossi?”
“Yes, this is Miss Rossi.”
“Good afternoon Miss Rossi this is Mr. Kwon’s secretary and I was calling to see if you would be free to join Mr. Kwon for dinner tonight.”
I knew it was only a matter of time before they found out but I wasn’t expecting it to be this quickly. “I don’t think I can as I have prior engagements.” I lied wanting to see how they would take my refusal.
“My apologies Miss Rossi, this isn’t something you can refuse. Mr. Kwon will send a car to pick you up at 5pm, please be ready in the hotel lobby.”
“Alright then.”
The secretary hung up and I rolled my eyes before I dialed the man who I had at my hotel.
“Mr. Soo I need you to go to my condo and grab my black suit along with my black bag with the handcuff key chain on it.”
I called my Philip to inform him of the current situation and was advised that the men whom my father had sent were set to land in a couple of hours and would be waiting at my condo for me. It made me feel a little more comfortable to know I would have trusted men here and that I wouldn’t be fully alone. I put my phone back in my purse and went back to my lunch. The rest of the afternoon was spent shopping and picking up things I wanted to send back to my mother. I picked her up some brooches and handbags and also purchased some shoes for my father along with some pocket watches. When we arrived back the hotel I informed the girls of what was going to happen.
“Ladies I feel terrible that our trip might be cut short.”
“It’s ok Sofia we knew this was always a possibility.”
The rest of the girls nodded their head in agreement. I was so lucky to have such close friends who weren’t afraid of what my family was. I stayed back at the hotel to get ready while I sent the girls back to the condo with our purchases. Mr. Soo had my black suit laid out on my bed next to my black bag. I made sure to put my breast strap on which was a strap that went on before my bra to conceal my small gun. Unless you were patted down firmly you would not be able to notice that I was carrying a gun as the gun was hidden on the inside of the bra. It was not comfortable at all but I had gotten use to the awkward rubbing of the material and the feel of a gun being pushed into my breast. I opened my black bag to make sure I had everything in it, I had some extra cash, an extra gun, a small first aid kit, a burner phone, and other small girl things you would find in a purse. I also had a small knife with a snake head on the hilt which I slid inside my boot. Most people when they first meet me would assume I was just a normal stupid girl and the fact that I carried a gun in my purse would hopefully feed into that assumption. I grabbed my bag and jacket before walking out of my room and heading to the lobby to find a driver holding a sign with my name on it.
The car ride to where I was having dinner wasn’t too long and we pulled up to a gated house. The driver opened the door of the car and walked me up to the gate where I was met by a woman who escorted me through the gate and up to a house that I assumed belong to the Kwons. When we entered the house she took me to a room where there was a man dressed in all black. He asked me to hand over my bag and any weapons I might have. I smiled at him and handed him my bag to which he searched and found my gun which I just shrugged as he put it in a box.
“Miss Rossi if you could please lift your arms so I can pat you down.”
I did as I was told I lifted my arms for him. The man was tall and his suit fit him like a glove showing off his rather large arms and legs. He was cute and I couldn’t help myself when he approached me and was ready to start his pat down I spun around on him surprising him when I put my hands on his chest.
“Why don’t we ditch this boring dinner and you can show me all that Korea has to offer a girl.”
I made sure to trail my nails down his chest towards his pants and watched his pupils dilate and him swallow harshly. I needed to distract him as much as possible so that he wouldn’t get a chance to frisk my upper body.
“Please Miss Rossi turn back around.”
I pouted but turned back around and lifted my arms for him. He started off my legs and patted them down and when he was about to check my boots I made sure to push my ass back into his face as he had to bend down to check them.
“Oops.”
I heard him cough before he just briefly felt my boots before he went back up my legs and got close to my crotch. I moaned out loud trying to sound as sexy as possible while I was starting to panic on the inside.
“If you keep touching a girl like that you better be able to handle her needs.”
I heard him take in a sharp breath before his hands went to check the side pockets of my pants and the back pockets. When he didn’t find anything there his hands started move up first checking the pockets of my jacket before they went to my torso slowly making their way to my breast. Just as I felt his hands put pressure on my side I turned around again and threw my hands around the guys neck and leaned into him to whisper in his ear.
“Are you sure you don’t want to sneak off some place? I have an empty hotel room just needing to be broken in. Let’s just run off before someone notices, I am sure everything will be fine.” I made sure to bite down on his ear a bit which earned me a moan and I knew I had him right where I needed him.
“Park what is taking you so long?”
I pulled back from the man who I figured was Park and looked at a man in a designer suit and small Mohawk standing in the doorway with his arms crossed.
“Youngbae hyung I am sorry..”
“I don’t want to hear it, did you pat her down?” park pulled away and stood next to me looking at the man in the door.
I linked my arm with him and smiled at him when he looked down at me as he gulped again before nodding his head.
“And is she cleared?” Youngbae asked in an irritated tone obviously annoyed by the lower ranking man’s inability to do what he was tasked to in a timely manner.
“Yes, sir.”
“Good, Miss Rossi if you would please follow me.”
I let go of Park and followed him out of the room and too a larger room that had a long table set up in it with food already. Youngbae pulled out my chair and I sat down, I was the only one in the room sitting at the table and I took the chance to observe my surroundings. There were only two other place settings in front of me. There were three exits from the room, the one I came through and one that was being used by staff members who brought out more food. I wasn’t sure where the other exit lead to but it was nice to know that I would be able to see handle anything that happens as there wasn’t room for many people to flood in here. My thoughts were interrupted when the third mystery door opened and out came an older man who I assumed was old man Kwon and a younger man who looked to be his double.
“Ah Miss Rossi thank you for joining us for dinner tonight. Please allow me to introduce my son Jiyong.”
I stood from my spot and gave a small bow before smiling at the two. “It is a pleasure Mr. Kwon.”
Old man Kwon sat as he said, “Please have a seat Miss Rossi.”
I sat down and placed a napkin in my lap and waited for the older man to speak.
“So Miss Rossi what brings you here to Korea, we weren’t expecting anyone from the states.”
“A little bit of business and pleasure.”
“I see, I wish your father had informed me and I would have made sure you were well taken care of. I was rather disturbed to hear about your attempted mugging. I hope you are ok, the streets can be scary from time to time especially for a pretty young foreign girl. I hear you have some friends here as well, are they ok?”
“Yes they are fine, they are relaxing at the hotel right now.”
I watched Jiyong reach into his pocket and pull out his phone and type something in it before putting it on the table. Old man Kwon asked me how my trip has been and I explained everything that I have done up until now.
“It’s a beautiful country here, I really hope to get outside of city and see the country-side or maybe visit Juju.”
“I can set up a guide for you if you would like or maybe Jiyong here could take you.”
Jiyong looked up at his father surprised by his suggestion but at that moment his phone vibrated and brought his attention along with his fathers to the object on the table.
“Son it is rude to be talking on your phone while we have company.”
“I didn’t mean to be rude, I had some business I needed to keep an eye on.” Jiyong lifted his phone and read whatever the message was just as my phone vibrated in my pocket as well. I looked at my phone to see a message from one of the men from home.
Alex: Sofia the hotel has been hit, the girls are being escorted to the airport. A plane heading to Japan is set to take off in an hour. I have also informed Philip of this and we are awaiting your reply. If no reply is received within 10 minutes I will take that as you have been compromised and we will set out to retrieve you.
Sofia: Thank you for getting them out safely. I am fine for now, I still have my gun and knife. If I don’t text you in 30 minutes send people to my current location.
I put my phone on the table and crossed my leg allowing me easy access to the knife I had stashed and crossed my arms as well allowing me to reach in and grab my gun if needed. I watched Jiyong’s face as it went from confusion to anger within seconds as he slammed his phone down with a growl.
“Something wrong Jiyong?” I asked with a smile on my face.
“Son what is going on?’
“It seems we have a smart girl on our hands here father.”
I smiled at the compliment as Jiyong waved his hand towards Youngbae who walked out of the room and came back with more men.
“Son what is this meaning of this?”
“Father I had sent some men to retrieve Miss Rossi’s friends and hold them until we could get a real answer as to why she was here, but as it turns out her hotel was a front. When my men arrived, they were only met with a single man occupying the hotel and other then his belongings there was nothing else to show that there were other women staying there.”
“Miss Rossi is this true?”
“Yes that is true, we were never staying at a hotel.”
Jiyong nodded towards a man who came up to me and put a hand on my shoulder.
“Miss Rossi why are you here?” Old man kwon asked now with his own arms crossed against his chest.
“Business and pleasure.”
“What business Miss Rossi.”
“Family business.”
“Take her.” Jiyong shouted to the man holding my shoulder.
Before anyone could move with one hand I grabbed my knife from my boot and the other hand grabbed the man’s hand slamming it down on the table before I plunged my knife into it causing him to scream out in pain and Jiyong to shoot up from his chair and drawing a gun out aiming it at me.
“It’s rude to aim your gun at a guest Jiyong or is that not a common courtesy here?”
I sat back down and crossed my leg before I reached into my breast and drew my own gun and held it in my hand and stared down the younger man.
“Jiyong lower your gun and sit down. Please excuse my son Miss Rossi as he young and doesn’t know any better.”
“I can understand you wanting to know why I am here but to send men to capture my friends and hold them hostage until you got as much info out of me is bad form. My hotel room is monitored and information has already been relayed to my father.”
My phone started to ring and picked it up to see my father showing up on the caller ID, I answered it and put it on speaker before setting it back down on the table so that everyone would be able to hear.
“Sofia what is the status of the current situation?”
“Hostile at best father, it seems our Korean partners don’t trust us or me. My friends have been evacuated and currently I am sitting at a dinner table with a gun drawn on me.”
The man with the knife in his hand cried out again as he tried to move the knife.
“What was that? Who was that?”
“Ah yes, unfortunately a man currently is being held to the table by my knife. Probably shouldn’t have tried to overtake me.”
My father chuckled over the speaker, “Mr. Kwon it looks like you need to train your men better, if my daughter was able to sneak in her knife then it’s safe to assume she also has her gun drawn as well?”
“That would be an accurate assumption Mr. Rossi, but I assure you this is all a misunderstanding. If your daughter would please put her gun away then we can settle down and get to the bottom of this.”
“My Sofia will put hers away once she knows she is safe and there is no need for it.”
Old man Kwon nodded to the men in the room to leave and one of them came to collect the currently injured man. He pulled the knife out leaving it on the table and helped him from the room. I watched Jiyong holster his gun and I did the same to mine and then took my napkin and cleaned off my knife before slipping it back into my boot.
“Mr. Rossi I am very sorry for my stupid son’s actions, I am sure he had the best intentions but he doesn’t think things through fully. We were just asking Miss Rossi here why she was currently here, could you possibly explain this?”
“Yes, I was actually going to call you tomorrow about this. My daughter will be the one representing me in our partnership there. She will be a permanent fixture there making sure our best interest is being taken into account. Anything you need you only need to go through her, I trust my daughter to make the best choices possible. I sent Sofia there early so that she could get herself set up with a residence and to get information on having a small practice set up there as that is her background.”
I smiled at the surprised look on both of the male Kwon’s faces, clearly, they didn’t think my father would send a woman to handle our side of the operations.
“I see, I assumed you were sending someone else.”
“I trust Sofia fully, she has been trained to take over the business once I step down, this is a good experience for her. Don’t let her appearance fool you Mr. Kwon, she takes after her mother in both looks and ruthlessness, she only takes after me in the business sense. Sofia is no stranger to violence or bloodshed, my daughter will take a life as easily as making a choice of wine to drink.”
I could hear the pride in my father’s voice as he spoke of me, it only made me smile wider.
“Duly noted Mr. Rossi, why don’t you call my phone and we can talk about where we should go from here.”
My father hung up his call to me before I heard Mr. Kwon’s phone ring. He answered it and stood to walk out of the room leaving me with Jiyong. We both sat there staring each other down. He broke the silence first.
“Would you like a drink?”
“Sure.”
We both stood and I followed him out of the room and down some stairs to another large room with some couches and tv.
“Have a seat, what would you like? I have brandy, whisky, bourbon, wine, sake, and of course some soju.”
“I will take a glass of red wine please.”
Jiyong joined me at the couch handing me a glass of wine before he sat down opposite of me.
“So it seems I will be seeing more of you.”
“Yes you will.”
“Smart move with the hotel.”
“Thank you, I had to be careful to make sure my true residence wasn’t found out. Plus I had to keep my friends safe as well.”
“How did you get your weapons past our guard?”
“I am a woman after all, I only needed to use my body to distract your guard. He didn’t have a chance to fully pat down my boots or my chest.”
Jiyong rubbed his chin as he swished the amber liquid in his glass around and looked at me from head to toe.
“I will have to have a long talk with him. You are a very attractive woman Miss Rossi.”
I interrupted him, “Please, call me Sofia.”
“Very well Sofia, as I was saying you are a very attractive woman so I could see how you could distract him. The men aren’t use to having to check women for weapons as closely as they do for other males.”
I shrugged my shoulders, “They should always suspect anyone is carrying, whether they are male or female.”
“I suppose you are right. Well since we have the reason you are here out in the open would you like me to show you around? I can introduce you to my men and if you aren’t busy we can take some time to check out Juju.”
I smiled, “I would like that very much.”
The rest of the night was spent swapping stories from our past endeavors and my stories from medical school. I didn’t stay too long and eventually called Alex to come collect me and take me back home. I promised to meet Jiyong at an art club his friend ran the next day and bid him farewell. I sat in the back seat of the car watching the buildings go by as I thought back on the events of the night and smiled at how cocky Jiyong was with thinking he could pull one over on me. I laughed a little before speaking softly, “silly boy.”
NEXT CHAPTER
#bigbang scenarios#jiyong scenarios#seunghyun scenarios#fanfic#daesung scenarios#seungri scenarios#youngbae scenarios
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The beautiful Snow white man.
(Min Yoon-gi/ Suga)
Plot: Audition for kpop group.
Meets the man of her dreams.
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its 6am and i have arrived at the airport.
My whole life I’ve been waiting for this day.
I have Finally arrived safely in Seoul South Korea.
I was so happy i couldn’t stop smiling, i walked around for about an hour in the airport just staring at everyone and everything that i completely forgot i have a driver waiting for me at the entrance.
I ran so fast that my feet couldn’t hold my balance and right at the entrance i tripped and fell flat down on my face.
-OOOOH SHIT.
I heard a mans voice in shocked.
- Are you ok? The man ask touching my arm to help me up.
- O no my fucking classsss……..
i froze and stopped my sentence and realised my language.
i looked up, I saw a tall beautiful skinny Korean man.
- Mam are you ok?
I stared at the man and couldn’t get a word out.
- Mam ?
- Yes, …Ah yes I’m Alright.
While trying to fix my broken glasses the man touched my arm.
- Mam are you perhaps Y/N .?
I froze again starring at the man.
- Yes……. Ooh you must be my driver right?
The man gave me a tiny smile and nodded.
- Please let me take your bags.
He took my bags.
I wanted to get into the front seat and then all of a sudden the man stopped me giving a soft giggle.
I felt so confused.
- Mam!
He opened the back door and pointed with his hand to the back seat.
I’m standing there feeling like a complete twat….
- Oh yeah pfft of course i knew that.
I didn’t know how to act or how to speak.
Should i be more formal?
It was the first time for me being in a different country, it felt so strange and i felt lost and so far from home but i knew this is what i wanted to do.
My friend was in a kpop group so she arrange everything for me so i guess i didn’t feel that paranoid.
We arrived at my friends house and the man smiled and help me with my bags, taking me to the front door.
My friend welcomed me with such big smile and huged me, i felt right at home.
I spend the night.
The next day we moved my things to my new apartment, Finally i was settled but i had to get some rest because i know i have an audition at U.Entertainment.
Next morning i woke early so i walked the streets of Seoul.
I was so amazed, everyone was so beautiful the air smelled different the people acted different, it was like i was on a different planet or a dream.
I arrived at the place and there were so many people, i was sooo nervous.
I walked into the room.
I could see there was 4 people siting there and i knew all 4 of them were producers but i couldn’t see their faces
I didn’t have my glasses on because i didn’t want to make a bad impression with broken glasses on my face.
I wasn’t quite sure how they work with the audition.
~ Will they tell me straight up?
~ Or will they phone me?
But i did the audition and when i was done they just kept quiet.
- Thank you, you can leave.
- Next.
I was so confused i didn’t know whats happening but i left anyway.
2 Days went past, i was sitting on my balcony, day dreaming.
My phone rang.
- Hello?
- Hi is this Y/N?
- Yes it is.
- This is one of the producer at U.Entertainments.
(I almost fell off my chair of excitement)
- Oh yes Hello.
- We just want to let you know you passed the first audition. We would like you to start training from tomorrow. Once done, the trainees will have a second audition for the final group decision, is that alright with you?
- Yes of course I’ll be there first thing in the morning. Thank you so much.
I was so excited i couldn’t sleep.
The next morning i arrived early but i was so tired because i didn’t get any sleep because i was bursting of excitement.
I finished my training
I went through my final audition.
One Week has passed … Nothing..
I finally gave up hope.
Then my friend phoned me telling me to urgently come see her at the studio.
- Fiiiiiiiinally, You made it.
- Yes, (trying to catch my breath)
My friend gave me a smirk, 3 other people was sitting next to her.
Still i can’t see for shit.
She started to scream..
My heart dropped 6 feet under.
- You made it Y/N!!!!
Finally i made it, i got in.
This was the best day ever.
My first day of being a rookie.
still i haven’t fixed my glasses but i figured i had to wear them seeing that i can’t see.
So after my first day was done i had an eye appointment.
So i rushed out…
But again, i ran so fast my feet couldn’t hold my balance and i was diving for the floor.
But as i fell face first someone catches me.
His body was so tiny but so soft as i realised im holding his arms i let go quickly and stood up.
i didn’t make eye contact i looked straight down.
I heard the man speak.
- Are you ok? Aren’t you one of the new rookies, Y/N?
I just nodded, i was to scared to look at him because I was to embarrassed.
- Why aren’t you looking at me?
The mans voice goes calm and a bit deeper.
I felt like an idiot.
He touched my chin to lift my head up.
As i looked up i took my glasses off directly.
He just laughed and put his hand on my head patting it like i was a puppy.
- Next time be more careful Little Y/N.
And he left.
I couldn’t see his face.
This is driving me crazy..
My heart was beating so fast when that man touched me.
His smell .. OMG he smell so good, and his skin was so soft.
I could see he was abit taller than me but skinny.
It couldn’t be the same man from the airport right? No, i felt different with this man.
I have to find out who he is.
Next day i got to the studio yawning my way into the entrance.
I was so tired i couldn’t get this man out of my head, I’ve never felt like this before.
~Ok well im just going to focus.
On the bright side i can see now.
As i walked, a smell caught my attention.
It was the same smell that man had of yesterday.
As i turned around a man was standing right there looking me right in the eyes, smiling at me i could actually see his face.
He was literally shining of beauty.
He’s face was so clean.
i noticed my mouth was open as i stared at him.
He had a pale skin with longish black hair with pitch black eyes almost like the Male version of snow white.
He was so beautiful i couldn’t take my eyes off him and his smile..
- Good morning Y/N.
The man gave me a big smile ..
I almost fainted.
The man gave me a cute giggle.
- Are you ok? Did you sleep well?
you didn’t go around falling into other mens arms?
- No.
I couldn’t get anything out.
- Are you going to say something?
Is it my face?
~What is he talking about ? does this man know how beautiful he is?
Well i guess.. i should say something now.
- Oh yeah righ haha. im alright thank you for asking and no it was only yours i fell into yesterday.
~ Omg i shouldn’t have said that. whats wrong with you woman.
He launched and gave me a cute smile.
So i just turned around and start running.
And i hear the man yell
- Don’t run little Y/ N.
so i started walking.
Days go by where i see him every morning and every morning he smiles and wave.
Obviously my heart flatters more everytime he smiles.
I am going crazy..
i haven’t dated anyone for so long i haven’t had sex for almost a year and now this Beautiful man will make my heart flatter.
What am i going to do? i cant even focus.
I walked into one of the practice rooms and it was empty so i went to the piano.
I just sat there and stared at it like its going to start playing by itself.
i was just sitting there for about a minute with my eyes closed.
Luckily the practice rooms has no windows.
and no was rehearsing so i was alone.
All of a sudden i hear the piano starts playing.
i got such a big fright i fell backwards but a hand stopped me.
I was so scared to open my eyes.
But as i opened them i was looking into this beautiful mans eyes.
- You’re really clumsy you should be careful.
I didn’t say a word, i only looked at him with my eyes wide open.
He smiled.
- Do you play? o by the way my Name is Min Yoon-gi.
he reach out his hand and i took his hand while i was still staring at him.
He gave me that cute smile and he smelled so good again.
- Do you play?
- No, No i can’t play.
- Really? you want me to teach you?
i just nodded.
He started playing and he just start shining again.
i couldn’t stop looking at this man.
Why is he making me feel like this?
He took my hand so softly, even his hands were so soft i wanted to loose it.
He started to take my hands and direct my fingers over the keys.
but i was looking at him, i didn’t even look at the keys.
He let go of my hands and looked at me and smiled.
- am i making you uncomfortable?
- Noooo No not at all, please continue.
He laughed, i couldn’t understand why.
But then he whispered.
- You’re really cute.
I was shocked.
He looked at me again and noticed my chest tattoo peeking out under my neck.
I usually wear t-shirt or scarf to hide my tattoos.
- Oh do you have a tattoo?
i quickly grabbed my shirt..
- No..
- come on i saw it, will you show me?
i just stared at him.
He took my hand away and pulled my t-shirt abit down gently.
- Wow thats a big tattoo, i would love to see it. Do you have more?
- Yes.
- can i see them?
- uhm im shy, they’re hidden.
- Dont be shy i wont tell anyone about your tattoos i promise!
~ ok this man is really fucking driving me crazy. ok ok…
- Yes I’ll show you.
I started showing him the small ones.
then i stopped.
- And now?
- Well my other tattoos are kind of on my back, chest and thighs, its going to be abit hard to show you.
He smiled at me again.
- Well there’s only one way to see them then.
I was confused.
He looked at me dead in the eye.
He softly put his hand on the side of my neck and Pulled my lips closer to his
and started kissing me so softly.
I felt like I’m exploding on the inside.
He then start kissing down from my lips to my neck.
it felt so good i didn’t even try to stop him.
i gave a soft whining sound.
He then took my Tshirt off.
i didn’t even care.
He looked at me and smiled
- can I see the ones on your back ?
I turned around, lifted my shirt up and he took it off and he kept quiet.
I just felt his soft hands touching my back.
Then i felt his warm breath leading with a kiss on the spot where my tattoos are.
He unclipped my bra softly.
he start kissing my neck.
he stood up and hold his hand out.
i looked at him at took his hand.
He was still shining.
- Come with me.
- Wait im half naked?
- Don’t worry we’re just going to the that couch.
my heart was so overwhelmed i didn’t even hesitate, i just followed him.
i could feel myself blushing with a small smile on my face.
He sat down and made me stand between his legs, i could feel my whole body got hot.
he holds my hips while looking up at me.
- Come here.
He pulled me closer so i can sit over his lap.
He started touching my hips and started kissing my chest.
- You really have a beautiful tattoo.
I started to relaxed and took my hands and start grabbing his hair softly.
He took my bra off and i took his shirt off.
He grabbed my ass so tight it turned me on so badly.
He then noticed i have nipples rings.
He grabbed both my boobs and start sucking on my nipples.
it felt like he was trying to eat me.
But it felt so good. i couldn’t help but to whine.
He picked me up and threw me down on the couch with him on top of me.
i felt his body heat, he was so warm.
He started kissing me from my neck down my chest, sucking my nipples again.
he went down my stomach and licking me all over.
- Y/N do you know how beautiful you are?
My heart went so happy hearing him say that and my body felt so good.
He took my pants off and i had a black pair of hot pants on.
He started kissing me again while his hand was on my Hotpants rubbing my pussy.
I wanted him so badly it was driving me fucking insane.
He went down and pulled my Hotpants off.
He pulled my legs further apart.
He started touching me.
I felt his fingers go in and he started fingering me with 2 fingers.
He played with my boobs with the other hand.
My head was flipped back of how good it was while biting my lips he fingers me faster.
He added 2 more fingers.
I was whining so loud, he took his other hand hand put his fingers in my mouth grabbing my gaw softly.
- Fuck you are so wet.
He went down while fingering me he starting licking me.
I couldn’t.
- Yoon-gi can you please fuck me..
- Call me Suga. and yes beautiful as you wish.
I helped him to take his past off.
I was so surprised with how huge he was for such a tiny body.
I started sucking him.
He was also, so wet i could taste it.
even his precum tasted good.
He pulled my head away.
Picked me up and put me on him.
I sat on him and took his dick and pushed it in slowly, he was so big it hurts but it felt good.
As my pussy opened up for him taking his shape i started fucking him.
he grabbed my boobs playing with them while i fuck him.
He picked me up while he was still inside me and lay me down he pulled my legs so far apart and start fucking me really fast.
He pulled out and took the tip of his dick and rubbed it agains my pussy.
Teasing me with his cock.
He push it back in so hard my whole body moved with his dick.
he started fucking me again.
He was fucking me so hard it literally felt like my soul was leaving my body.
His hair also smelled so good.
I dug my nails so deep into his back of how good its was.
- Are you enjoying it beautiful?
- Oh Yes my Suga, Please fuck me harder im gonna cum.
He then fuck me even harder i couldn’t help to grab his skin.
his back look like he was attacked by a wild animal.
but i couldn’t help it, i felt how his dick got bigger inside.
Hitting my Gspot so good.
- Im gonna cum
He went faster until i came.
He pulled out
- Suck me beautiful.
I started sucking him grabbing his tinny ass.
i licked his balls up till the tip again
he grabbed my hair and i started sucking him until i felt the warm liquid coming from inside him.
i felt how his dick moved while he filled my mouth with his cum.
i swallowed.
He picked me up and gave me a kiss on my forehead while holding my face and then looked at me and kisses me.
- You’re really beautiful i hope we get to see each other like this more often.
He gave me a cute smile and huged me.
This was the best thing that could’ve happen to me…
The beautiful Snow white man.
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Hint of West: chapter 1
The early sunlight peeked through the curtains illuminating the room. A phone alarm went off and was quickly turned off with sudden movement. Lara stared at the ceiling, she hadn’t slept that night. She got up dragging her feet towards the bathroom, her reflection was what she had expected to be. Her hair was messy, there were dark circles under her eyes and a new pimple was now visible (because puberty was not yet ready to leave her). She tried to make herself look presentable, when she was done she left the room going downstairs towards the kitchen.
Lara’s mother was already up making breakfast along with the house maid. A good smell stormed into her nose. The round glass kitchen table was luxuriously set and there seem to be a banquet being prepared.
- Mom, I told there was no need for this -she weakly protested, knowing there was nothing she could do now.
- Of course there is, you’re going back to Korea! And we have no idea when you’re coming back.
- I told you I’d be back soon - she whined.
- Last time you said that you ended up living there for 3 years - her mother shot her a resentful look. She left out a weak laugh.
When Lara finished high school in Brazil her parents decided to sent her on exchange until classes in her university started. It was supposed to be only a year, but she fell in love with Korea and enrolled a korean university.
- Already up? - Lara’s father asked while entering the kitchen looking surprised.
- Couldn’t sleep - she said with a soft smile.
- Your brother and your sister are coming, they should be here soon - he said taking a seat beside her.
-
When they were all together having a pleasant conversation about something not related to Lara’s departure her brother decided to take the subject back to the spotlight.
- When is the opening again?
- In two weeks - she simply responded hoping they would leave the subject.
- Is your brazilian partner going too? - her sister’s husband asked.
- Yes, he is actually, but he’s going next week.
- Why couldn’t you go next week? - her mother asked and she could sense the feeling of betrayal in those words.
- As I said before, I still have somethings to get settled.
There was a brief silence while everyone continued to eat, and Lara could sense that her mother was thinking about asking something and she knew just what it was about. This made her feeling uneasy and silently praying that her mother would come to her senses and not say anything. By the time she was already feeling safe her mother dropped:
- What about that boy? Are you still seeing him? - the girl froze on her seat and hoped no one was paying attention. Instead, everyone on the table was eagerly staring at her.
- No, there is no boy - she responded coldly trying to hide her annoyance.
- I thought you were all over each other, you looked so…
- Mom…- she said sharply interrupting the other woman - there is no one. - she stated squeezing the glass cup she had in hand so tight she feared it would break. Her mother nodded in agreement.
Now the room was awkwardly silent, taking a few minutes before everyone started chatting again, but this time Lara joined in none of the conversations, just nodding her head once in a while to someone’s question. Her head was now filled with flashbacks of the past that had haunted her for long. Just now, when she thought was finally healing someone decides to take the rug where she swept under all the dirt from the past and shake it up again. As she did so often she shoved the thoughts and feelings away, unwilling to get them settled into place as they should’ve been long before.
Time passed like a slow torture to Lara and she was glad when it was finally over. She said goodbye to her brother and sister along with their wife and husband. She had missed them a lot, but these past years they had been focusing on settling their own lives and so had she, so distance was something she had to accept. Her parents drove her to the airport, her departure was hurting them and she was able to perceive it. Used to having three kids at home they were now feeling lonely. Besides the fact that they never quite accepted that she chose South Korea over her own country.
They never accepted her going to Korea in the first place. Lara remembered when they first told her the exchange idea, they were so excited to provide this opportunity even if it meant being a whole year away from them. They wanted to send her to the United States or France, or some other western country. But unlike her parents she was craving for something different, something new and exciting, something that would completely change her perspective and that would be out of her comfort zone. And she could not resist when the travel agency employee told her a there was a spot in Korea, he parents were quick to politely decline but she told she was interested. She took two full weeks to make them agree with that decision. And all the time she was asked “Why so far away?”, “Why not practice your english?”. But she decided Korea and so it was. And just like then, now she was choosing Korea again.
- Take care, okay? - the older man said with teary eyes just before she took off to the boarding hall.
- I will, dad - she responded hugging him.
- Give us a heads up, alright? - her mother was already crying.
- Yes, ma'am - as she went to hug her.
-
Lara sat on the boarding hall waiting. She was immersed in thoughts when she felt her phone buzz. It was a message from her best friend in Korea.
“r u at the airport already?”
woosokie, 12:07
“yeah just waiting for my plane, try not miss me too much, be right there in no time”
you, 12:08
“actually i was expecting u would not come at all”
woosokie, 12:14
“i not even in korea and u r already hurting my feelings damn!!! ungrateful child”
you, 12:15
“kiddin u know i love ya, have a nice flight”
woosokie, 12:19
“i know, thanks text u when i get there”
you, 12:19
“u know i’d pick you up, but ill be stuck in cube”
woosokie, 12:23
“its fine i know, imma a big girl i can do it myself, shouldn’t u be asleep?? its late!”
you, 12:25
“i should haha imma get going now, safe trip! bye”
woosokie, 12:26
“good night, bye!”
you, 12:27
Wooseok was one of Lara’s best friends for three years now, since when she first got to Korea. She remembered the day they met as clear as day. The young girl had just gotten to Seoul, she wasn’t as confident as she was before and wondered if she would regret her choice. Everything was so different and new. She knew exactly four phrases in korean and they for sure were not enough to help her. As she entered the senior class in 2016 she spotted a seat next to this giant (almost scaring looking) guy. The nervous girl sat quietly until people approached her, they were all over her in a matter of minutes.
It was an understatement to say she was different. Her hair was straight bright ginger falling down to her lower back, her accentuated features, sharp nose, strong jaw line and hazel eyes contrasted among the soft and pleasing features of asians.
The students were very welcoming, offering her warm smiles and even communicating to her in english. Her anxiety was relieved. But when the bell rang and it was break time her lack of confidence came striking once more. Where would she go? What would she eat? Would she be alone? She never spent break alone. She was about to have a meltdown when she felt someone poking her shoulder. The brazilian found the giant guy stand next to her (he seemed even taller), it scared her at first, which resulted in him being worried and repeatedly saying the same words that at the time she didn’t understand (later she found out he was apologizing).
When he realized she wasn’t understanding a word he said, the boy tried his best to talk to her in english. They ended up having lunch together that day with his friends and it had sealed the deal between them. She would always seat close to him and try her best not to push it (or at least look like she wasn’t trying), but Wooseok seemed more than happy to allow her in his life.
She never wondered it would’ve made it this far, but his friendship proved everyday he was the one supposed to be friends with her. They were so attached during that year that people would even question if it was just friendship.
Wooseok many times shared his dreams of being in a kpop group and being a rapper, he would tell her about being a trainee and explained how it all worked since she was clearly clueless. The young girl gladly listened to all of it. Even when he tried to hide his excitement she could feel how much passion he had and she supported him every step of the way. Whilst Lara would tell him how she was lost in life, wondering if she was doing the right thing all the time, she had no clue what path to follow and was just going with the flow. As her bestfriend he advised the best he could, but being younger didn’t quite help, even so she appreciated it nonetheless.
That year in Korea opened her eyes, she felt more mature, confident, wiser. But she wasn’t ready to go back to Brazil just yet. So she secretly applied to a korean university, she didn’t put much hope into it, she had definitely been a top student in Brazil, but would it be enough? She didn’t tell anyone, if she wasn’t accepted no one’s feelings would be hurt, if she was she would just have to convince her parents.
During that same time Wooseok was getting serious at Cube and he (along with two other members) went to her school. She finally got to meet the some of the people he was with all the time (and that she had been secretly jealous for stealing his time). She always wondered why he never introduced then to her, she even thought he was embarrassed of her, he would only tell her why several months later.
—
author’s note: oh hey! so this is the first chapter, i hope you liked it (if you did message me or like this post idk). its long i know (do you guys enjoy long chapters? let me know). just to clear somethings out: this is a future fic (2 years in the future to be exact) so the first few chapters will be longer so i can explain the past yada yada. anyways, feed me back!
#howchapter1#pentagon scenarios#pentagon fanfic#pentagon fanfiction#pentagon#pentagon imagines#yeo one scenarios#yeo one fanfic#yeo one imagines#yeo one
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Wuhan coronavirus: Asian people seeing more racism amid outbreak fears
A man’s temperature being taken.
Stringer/Getty Images
As fears over the deadly coronavirus from China grow, so are racist and xenophobic incidents against Asian communities in the US, Canada, and Europe.
People of Asian descent have described to Business Insider and other outlets being discriminated at work, Costco, and a university campus.
In larger-scale incidents, customers from mainland China were banned from businesses in Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam, and more than 126,000 people in Singapore called for Chinese nationals to be banned from the country.
“We tend to exist in social silos where we’re surrounded by people who look like us, think like us, and act like us, and we are innately suspicious of folk that we don’t have contact with and we don’t understand,” Robert Fullilove, a professor of sociomedical sciences told Business Insider.
He also said it’s “almost impossible to contain stories” of misinformation and xenophobia when news moves so quickly in the media.
Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
The novel coronavirus from Wuhan, China, has killed more than 304 people in less than two months after its first case.
Authorities in China have quarantined more than ten cities, and the US, UK, and several other countries are quarantining all travelers who have recently visited China.
Yet some of the virus’ unexpected victims are those who have never even been anywhere near Wuhan.
Members of the Asian diaspora living in the US, Canada, Britain, and Italy have in recent days described, to Business Insider and other outlets, multiple incidents of being racially discriminated and isolated at school, work, and other public places.
Feature China/Barcroft Media via Getty Images
Here’s a roundup of apparently racist and xenophobic incidents, inflicted on Asian residents in foreign countries, in the past two weeks alone:
An eight-year-old boy — whose mother is Korean-American, and father is a mix of ethnic backgrounds including Filipino, Mexican, Chinese, Native American, and white — wearing a face mask was told by a Costco sample-stand worker to “get away because he may be ‘from China.'” Business Insider’s Sara Al-Arshani has the full story.
Students of east Asian descent at Arizona State University told Business Insider’s Bryan Pietsch their peers have started moving away from them and staring at them “a second longer” whenever they cough or sneeze.
Peter Akman, a reporter at Canada’s CTV broadcaster, tweeted an image of his Asian barber and said: “Hopefully ALL I got today was a haircut.” He has since deleted the post, apologized, and been fired.
The director of Rome’s prestigious Santa Cecilia music conservatory, Roberto Giuliani, suspended the lessons of all “oriental students (Chinese, Korean, Japanese etc.)” due to the epidemic, La Repubblica reported. Most of these students are second-generation Italian immigrants who have no relationship to the countries of origin, the newspaper said.
Le Courrier Picard, a daily regional newspaper in northern France, described the coronavirus as a “yellow alert” in a front-page headline last Sunday. It has since apologized, and French Asians have protested on social media under the hashtag #JeNeSuisPasUnVirus (“I am not a virus”).
Sam Phan, a British-Chinese Masters student at the University of Manchester, described in The Guardian overhearing people fearing going to London’s Chinatown, and seeing people physically move away from them in public areas.
A woman of Cambodian origin told Le Monde that her manager at a Paris bag store told her, “laughing: ‘I hope that your family hasn’t brought the virus back.'”
Frank Ye, a Chinese-Canadian student at the University of Toronto, told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation his Asian Canadian friends had been told to move away or cover their mouths. “[It’s] this idea of ‘yellow peril,’ of this Chinese horde coming to destroy Western civilization,” he said.
Instagram users commented on a photo of a Chinese restaurant in Toronto, saying things like “No eating bats please!! That’s how coronavirus started in China!!” and “I ain’t tryna catch no virus.”
In more large-scale incidents, businesses in Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam have posted signs banning customers from mainland China; the hashtag #ChineseDon’tComeToJapan trended in Japan; and more than 126,000 people have signed a Singaporean petition calling for Chinese nationals to be banned from their country.
A woman walks on an empty road on January 27, 2020 in Wuhan, China.
Getty
Some of the conspiracy theories and misinformation circulating about the coronavirus also have tinges of racism and xenophobia.
A video appearing to show a young Chinese woman eating a raw bat with chopsticks has gone viral in recent weeks, with thousands of social media users — and some media outlets — claiming that the footage was taken in Wuhan, and suggesting that this is part of the normal Chinese diet.
(The video was actually taken in Palau, the Pacific Island country, in 2016 and was part of an online travel show about eating unusual local delicacies. Earlier this week she apologized for eating the food, saying she had “no idea during filming that there was such a virus.”)
The bat has since spurred multiple memes mocking what users think are Chinese eating habits, like “bats and bamboo and rats and s—,” and linking them to the disease.
Other misinformation surrounding the virus include theories that it can be cured with toxic bleach or oregano oil, or that it stems from a leak from China’s bioweapons program or 5G network.
—Rossalyn Warren (@RossalynWarren) January 30, 2020
—werner herzHog (@post_hog) January 23, 2020
The Wuhan coronavirus is spread from human to human, and has now spread to more than 20 countries. It is believed to have jumped from bats to snakes to humans.
The virus doesn’t seem to be as deadly as the SARS coronavirus — which, at current comparison levels, had a higher mortality rate — with experts telling Business Insider’s Holly Secon that global panic over the Wuhan virus is unproductive and unwarranted.
Blaming ‘the other’
Many people of Asian descent faced racist and xenophobic comments during the SARS epidemic too. SARS, like the Wuhan coronavirus, also originated from China.
Robert Fullilove, a professor of sociomedical sciences at the Columbia University Medical Center, told Business Insider the xenophobic fear surrounding coronarvirus is similar to the reaction toward HIV/AIDS in the 1980s, when there were no clear answers as to what caused the virus.
He said at the time, people blamed anyone but themselves — or “the other” — for AIDS, which was becoming rapidly deadly in communities of Haitians, intravenous drug users, and gay men.
This sort of reaction isn’t new, either. It dates as far back as Bubonic Plague in the 1300s, when there were false notions that Jewish people were poisoning peoples’ water to spread the infection, Fullilove said. The accusations led to the destruction of Jewish communities, and in parts of France and Switzerland, some Jews were banned from consuming food and drinks meant for Christians, while others were burned alive.
“We tend to exist in social silos where we’re surrounded by people who look like us, think like us, and act like us, and we are innately suspicious of folk that we don’t have contact with and we don’t understand,” he said of why xenophobic views spread in times of panic, adding that people use others as scapegoats.
Taxi drivers in protective suits are seen in front of a residential area, following an outbreak of the new coronavirus and the city’s lockdown, in Wuhan
Reuters
Fullilove said the best way to stop misinformation, especially when it comes to blaming a specific person or race, can be to make sure people have a clear idea of what’s happening with the virus.
Because of how quickly news spreads today on the internet, it becomes “almost impossible to contain stories” of misinformation and xenophobia, Fullilove said.
“Xenophobia works at its worst if people decide that the only thing they have to do is stay away from folk who are from China,” he said.
“There will come a point when it’s much more diverse in terms of who’s impacted, and if we’re unable to get people a clear message about what they have to do to protect themselves, not only will we not do the things that will help us stay reasonably safe, we’ll also create a lot of social damage that it will be very difficult to clean up.”
Women and children walk past personnel in protective clothing after arriving on US State Department-chartered aircraft to evacuate Americans back home from Wuhan.
Reuters
John C. Yang, president of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice civil-rights group, told NBC News that when people play off stereotypes to come to conclusions about the virus, they are “going for a simplistic and completely misinformed and frankly, ignorant answer.”
With the coronavirus, people have focused on stereotypes about Chinese people when coming to conclusions about the virus, he said.
“Unfortunately, there are definitely those people that still believe that somehow, Chinese culture generally, it’s backwards and foods are considered ‘exotic,'” Yang told NBC News. “That certainly leads to misperception and, even worse, misinformation or disinformation about what actually happens and what is the source of the coronavirus.”
The stigma appears to have become so prevalent that the medical officer of Toronto Public Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, had to warn in a Wednesday statement: “Inaccurate information continues to spread and this is creating unnecessary stigma against members of our community … Discrimination is not acceptable.”
Read more:
A Costco sample stand worker turned away a kid wearing a face mask because she thought he was ‘from China’ and could give her coronavirus
People are spreading memes and fake news online as the deadly coronavirus spreads across the globe
UC Berkeley is getting called out for saying anti-Chinese xenophobia is a ‘normal reaction’ to the coronavirus
China just completed work on the emergency hospital it set up to tackle the Wuhan coronavirus, and it took just 8 days to do it
More:
Wuhan Virus
China
Xenophobia
Racism
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from Job Search Tips https://jobsearchtips.net/wuhan-coronavirus-asian-people-seeing-more-racism-amid-outbreak-fears/
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