Life in Purgatory: epilogue

[saengiephile]

Title: Life in Purgatory
Chapter: epilogue
Rating: R
Pairing: KyuJong/YoungSaeng, HyunJoong/JongWoon, JungMin/Zhou Mi, Kevin/KiBum, HeeChul/SiWon
Crossover: Super Junior, DBSK
Genre: Angst, AU,
Summary: Society is crumbling; salvation walks the earth once more.



"They're going to be here any second, would you please stop cleaning?" HyunJoong sighed, pulling the rag out of JongWoon's hand and pulling him away from the coffee table. "You've already been over the place at least twice this morning, and I really doubt they'll be looking at whether or not I have a collection of dust bunnies under the sofa."

"Do you have dust bunnies under the sofa? I forgot to look there!"  JongWoon flailed and tried to reach past HyunJoong for the rag being kept out of his range.  "A badly-kept apartment might make them think there's mold in the walls or bugs or something else that makes them not want to buy."

"The apartment is spotless, both you and YoungSaeng have seen to that," HyunJoong said, keeping the dust rag out of reach. "If they don't buy, then someone else will come by to look. It's a nice place in a nice building for a pretty good price. Why are you more nervous than I am? This is my apartment we're selling here."

"Because the longer it goes unsold, the longer until we can finally move in together," JongWoon sulked.  Resigning himself to the fact HyunJoong had longer arms than he did, he kept himself draped over the younger man anyways.

"Technically, I already have moved in," HyunJoong said, kissing his nose. "Isn't that the point of me sleeping over every night and fitting all my clothes in your closet?"

"Yes, but once this place is sold it'll be official," JongWoon grinned at the kiss.  "Instead of just looking like I have a magic, clothes-multiplying closet.  Where are we gonna put the rest of your stuff?"

"Well I'm selling the place fully furnished, I don't think we need two beds," HyunJoong said with a smirk. "Anything else I'll either sell or put in storage, or try and squeeze in to your... I mean our place."

"Guess that spare room is gonna be a storage room more than an office," JongWoon chuckled, leaning up to kiss him, wrapping his arms around HyunJoong's neck.  "You excited?"

"Excited about what?" HyunJoong hummed into the kiss, an arm going around JongWoon's waist.

Whatever response JongWoon was going to give was interrupted by the sound of the door buzzer.

"Guess that's them, here, take care of this," HyunJoong said, handing the rag to him. "I'll get the door."

JongWoon fumbled with the rag for a moment before running to dump it in the hamper to be washed.  Nervous, he wiped his hands on his pants before hurrying to the door just as HyunJoong was unlocking and opening it.

HyunJoong glanced behind him to JongWoon, giving him a smile as he swung the door open. When he turned back around, he gave a slight jump in shock, his eyes going wide. "Uh..." he opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

The man and woman standing in the hall glanced at each other before looking back at HyunJoong. "Hi, we called about the apartment?" the man bowed. "My name is KiSeop, and this is my wife, GyuRi."

JongWoon was sure he had to be as slack-jawed as HyunJoong, because they were staring at the faces of two who used to be Michael and Raphael, or used to be their hosts anyways.  It took a moment for his brain to restart, and to remember that as surely as YunHo hadn't known them, these two wouldn't either.

"Uh, hi," he recovered with a smile, stepping past HyunJoong to shake the man's hand while bowing slightly.  "I'm JongWoon, and this is HyunJoong.  Come on in."  He pulled on the back of HyunJoong's shirt to get him out of the way.

"Right, yes, come on in," HyunJoong nodded dumbly, backing up and letting the two step in. "Uh... go ahead and look around, if you have any questions, we'll be here," he said, his hand latching onto JongWoon's arm and holding onto him tightly.

"Thank you," KiSeop said, moving into the kitchen first, GyuRi follow and looking around with interest.

JongWoon watched them go, closing the door after them as he leaned against HyunJoong.  It was strange, being reminded about that month of December so suddenly.  It was spring now, only a few months after, and yet December was so far from his mind for the most part.  There were other things to worry about, like managing the restaurant and what new recipes to try.

"Blast from the past," he murmured, looking up at the younger man.

"I'd say," HyunJoong nodded, not able to help himself and trying to crane his neck to look into the kitchen. "I still think it's weird that they don't remember anything at all."

"Yeah, but I'm glad they don't...being taken over by something, angel or otherwise, can't be a happy thing to remember."  JongWoon pursed his lips.  "I wonder if it's coincidence that we're running into them now."

"I don't know, I think someone is having a good laugh at our expense though," HyunJoong said with a huff. His smile returned immediately, the couple moving out of the kitchen to go into the bedroom.

Trying not to watch them go by, JongWoon waited until they'd disappeared in the bedroom before chuckling quietly.  "I wonder if it's the angels.  Gabriel in particular seemed to have a...special sense of humor."

"Yes, but it was usually just targeted at Zhou Mi," HyunJoong said. "I'd like to see him one more time and give him a piece of my mind."

"Think you can remember that for about a thousand years?" JongWoon smiled, resting his head against HyunJoong's arm.  "Cause I think that's the next time we're going to see him."

"I'll write myself a note," HyunJoong muttered, leaning up against the wall to wait. "We'll have to tell Zhou Mi about this, he'll be tickled pink about it. Gabriel wasn't the only one with a funny sense of humor."

"Well, we're still seeing him tonight, we can tell him then," JongWoon nodded, absently watching the bedroom door as his brow furrowed.  "...I did wash the curtains, right?"

"...I doubt they're looking at the curtains," HyunJoong rolled his eyes. He knew he was lucky to have JongWoon there with him though, otherwise any prospective buyer would have run away screaming from his lack of housekeeping skills. Just another thing he appreciated about his boyfriend. "I wonder if Zhou Mi's having as much fun as we are right now."

"He's probably being a very bored teacher," JongWoon chuckled.  "We'll have to ask them all about it tonight."

"His own fault for being a teacher if you ask me," HyunJoong said, shaking his head.

As it was, Zhou Mi was anything but bored. Considering he was a staff member, he didn't necessarily have to show up for events that weren't in his department, but this was special. Special enough he had his camera ready and a big smile on his face.

"Kim HyungJoon."  Waiting at the edge of the stage and trying not to hyperventilate, trip, or both, HyungJoon climbed the steps to loud cheers.  He wanted to turn and see where his family was, but if he did then he'd step on the black gown and end up ass over teakettle and make a complete fool of himself.  So he made a beeline to the line of people he was supposed to shake hands with, completely on autopilot with a wide goofy grin stretched across his face.

He took his diploma with both hands and a bow before hurrying off stage as the next person was called up, giddy off nerves and excitement.

Zhou Mi was the second loudest cheer for HyungJoon. The loudest being KiBum, who was so proud of his brother for (finally) graduating. When HyungJoon was off the stage, the group sat back down, KiBum in between his mother and boyfriend, JungMin next to Kevin. Zhou Mi had to sit with the staff and look the part of a dignified teacher, which he failed miserably at.

"I wonder how much longer this is going to take," KiBum said, ignoring the rest of the people going up onstage and looking to Kevin.

"There's still a lot of people to go," Kevin chuckled, taking KiBum's hand and squeezing it lightly.  They'd flown in from the States to see HyungJoon graduate, lucky it was taking place well after their own exams.

For HyungJoon, who had thought time was going painfully slow before he was called, it was no time at all before the ceremony was done.  Scrambling out of the group of graduates trying to leave at the same time, he hurried for the exit.  There was no way in hell he'd be able to find any of them in that room, safer to wait for them outside.

Zhou Mi was the first one out since he was the closest to the door. It also meant he was the first one to spot HyungJoon and envelop him in a hug. "So, so, so proud of you!" he said in his best friend's ear. "I told you you could do this."

Yelping in surprise when he was suddenly crushed, HyungJoon grinned widely and hugged Zhou Mi back, burying his face in his best friends bony shoulder.  "Thank you," he laughed, still not down from the high.  "I still can't believe it, is this really happening or am I still in bed?"

"It's really happening, silly," Zhou Mi snorted, patting him lightly on the back. "And I see a couple more people who want to congratulate you," he said, pushing HyungJoon away and turning him around to see KiBum and their mom comings towards them through the crowd.

Blinking repeatedly, HyungJoon's grin got bigger if that was possible and he wrapped his arms around his mother who reached him first.  "Congratulations sweetie, you looked so grown up," she sniffled, patting down his hair and he chuckled, patting her on the back.  "Here, I'll take that before you get it all bent," she took his diploma from him so he could turn around and see his brother.

KiBum grinned at his brother, latching onto him in a hug. "I'm really kind of disappointed that I won't be able to make fun of you for having graduated before you," he teased.

"My apologies for ruining your fun," HyungJoon chuckled, knuckling his brother's head playfully after returning the tight hug.  "You have too much fun making fun at me as it is."

Pulling back, he grinned at Kevin and JungMin before looking around.  They were missing someone, someone important.  "...Where's SooHyun?"

KiBum bit his lip, exchanging a glance with Kevin. "He didn't make it... we saved a seat for him but he called and said he was running late, haven't seen him yet."

"I'm sorry Joon, I'm sure he'll get here soon," Zhou Mi said, touching HyungJoon's shoulder. "Maybe you should call him."

HyungJoon deflated visibly.  He'd hoped for his boyfriend to see him graduate, SooHyun a constant support during that last semester.

He pouted unhappily before trying to fish his phone out from beneath the long black gown, turning it on.  "Yeah, I'll call him."  HyungJoon pressed the speed dial for SooHyun's cell, holding the phone to his ear.

"Joon!" Zhou Mi blinked and looked up, craning his neck around people to see SooHyun waving his arms around as he made his way through the crowd. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," he said, panting a little when he got to HyungJoon, throwing his arms around his boyfriend. "I came in and the ceremony had started and I couldn't find KiBum or your mom, but I saw you, I was cheering for you!"

Nearly dropping his phone, HyungJoon's entire expression brightened and he hugged SooHyun back tightly, relieved beyond measure.  "I thought I heard you," he grinned goofily, burying his face in SooHyun's shoulder.  "Out of all days you decide to be late."

"I'm so sorry, I lost track of time," SooHyun said, leaning his head up against HyungJoon's. "You looked so good up there, and I'm so proud of you."

Holding him tighter, HyungJoon pulled back after a minute to kiss his boyfriend on the lips.  "I'm glad you made it.  I wouldn't have even been up there if it wasn't for you, and you Zhou Mi," he chuckled, smiling widely at his best friend.

"It was a team effort," Zhou Mi said with a laugh. "Though I will take credit for the first five years of his schooling, you only get the last semester," he said, waggling a finger at SooHyun.

"I think I had it pretty easy then," SooHyun said, giving HyungJoon another kiss. "Except when someone kept getting distracted."

"And turning off alarm clocks," HyungJoon chuckled.  "You don't seem to like those 5am workout sessions anymore."

"It's getting a little crowded, let's go outside," JungMin steered Zhou Mi towards the exit.

"Yes, well, someone kept me up till late hours of the night with studying," SooHyun said, his arm around HyungJoon's shoulder.

"I guess the question now Joon, is what are you going to do with yourself now that you're not in school?" Zhou Mi asked once they were out of the crowded hall and heading to the parking lot.

"Well, I suppose go find a job," HyungJoon blinked, looking back at Zhou Mi.  "You know that radio station I had to go interview for an assignment?  I think they're hiring people, not a bad place to start looking."

"You on the radio? Well, that may not be an entirely bad idea," Zhou Mi mused. "I've always said I think you have the face for radio."

SooHyun tried not to laugh at that, biting his lip and shaking his head. KiBum on the other hand, had no such qualms and cracked up.

HyungJoon blinked at Zhou Mi in confusion.  "But you can't see people's faces on the radio..."  That sent Kevin over the edge along with KiBum, before it finally clicked.  "....HEY, is that a crack about my face?!"

"Of course not Joon! Someone obviously thinks you're very handsome," Zhou Mi said, his eyes wide and a picture of innocence.

"..."  HyungJoon turned to SooHyun with a sulky pout.  "They're picking on me... You don't think I have a radio face, do you?"

"Yes, I think you do," SooHyun said with a grin. "They do webcam broadcasting of radio now right?"

"So...you mean radio face in a good way?" HyungJoon perked up hopefully.  "Unlike these horrible, horrible people?"

"Yes, because unlike these horrible, horrible people, I think your face is cute," SooHyun said, giving him another kiss.

"Anyway," KiBum rolled his eyes. "We heading to Babtol's now? I'm starving, and that was really boring."

"You all have a good time," HyungJoon's and KiBum's mother hugged both her sons, SooHyun and Kevin.  "So, so proud of you HyungJoonie."

"Bye mom," HyungJoon grinned, waving as she left.  "Uh, just let me change out of this thing, okay?"  He hurried off to get out of the graduation gown and cap after giving his diploma to SooHyun to hold.

"Um..."  Someone stepped up behind Zhou Mi, shuffling nervously.  "Zhou...  Zhou Mi seonsaengnim?"

"Yes?" Zhou Mi replied cheerfully, turning around and nearly falling back into JungMin in shock. "H...H... Henry?" he squeaked out.

The others turned around at that, staring in shock at the Chinese boy who was slowly turning the shade of a tomato.  "Uh...Hi, I'm in your Monday classes," he said nervously, speaking in Mandarin after giving up on Korean.  "I don't think we ever talked...but you gave me such high marks and praise I was wondering if you...if you would mind if I had you listed as a reference?"

"You... are in my class?" Zhou Mi blinked. He thought he would have noticed the former angel sitting in one of his seats, or handing in an assignment. Had he been that distracted these past few months? "Oh... right, Henry," he said, composing himself and smiling. "A reference? A reference for what?"

"Well...I'm here on an exchange from Canada, and I wanted to stay the summer, but I don't have a job here and don't know anyone who I can list as a reference while I get one," Henry chewed on his lower lip.  "So I thought I could ask one of my favorite teachers, if it isn't too much trouble..."

"Of course, it's not a problem at all," Zhou Mi said. "I can have a reference written up for you on Monday, just stop by my office during my hours. If you are really looking for a job though, I might know someone who is hiring. Should I put in a word for you?"

Henry perked up at that.  "That...would be fantastic if you could, thank you laoshi!  What kind of job?"  The others were looking confused by the conversation in Mandarin.

"I have a couple of friends who manage a restaurant not far from here, I'm sure they could use a waiter or busboy," Zhou Mi said, happy to be talking in his native tongue. "Do you have a number where I could reach you?"

"Yes," Henry grinned widely, fumbling to get out a piece of paper and write down his number.  "My...Korean isn't that good though, they won't mind?"  Writing his number down, he held the piece of paper out in both hands and bowing politely.

"You'll be fine," Zhou Mi assured him, taking the paper from him. "I don't understand a number of things that come out of JongWoon's mouth."

Smiling nervously, Henry bowed deeply.  "Thank you laoshi, have a good night!"  He turned and disappeared into the crowd.

"...Since when did you have Uriel in your class," JungMin blinked at Zhou Mi.  "And what were you talking about?"

"I had no idea he was in my class," Zhou Mi shook his head, looking to see where Henry had gone before looking back at JungMin. "Helping him get a job."

"Are you playing favorites now, seonsaengnim," JungMin chuckled, pulling his boyfriend close.

"Okay I'm back!"  HyungJoon stepped up beside SooHyun, blinking at their expressions.  "What did I miss?"

"Too bad you didn't have my class this semester Joon," Zhou Mi sighed wistfully. "You might have been sitting next to a former angel."

"I thought you were saying not to fail and have to redo your class again," HyungJoon pouted.  "Wait, what do you mean, former angel?"

Chuckling, Kevin followed beside KiBum as walked down the street.  "Henry stopped by to say hi.  Not that he knows he already met all of us before."

"Oh...cool," HyungJoon blinked.  "I was wondering where the others ended up.  Have you seen YunHo often, Zhou Mi?"

"Not often, no," Zhou Mi shook his head. "I don't have much reason to visit the library anymore, except to return books if I find them. I didn't realize just how many I had until I started unpacking."

"You had so many books, they could have filled a whole room," HyungJoon grinned.  "And most of them told us absolutely nothing."

"You fell asleep through half of them, how would you know," JungMin swiped at HyungJoon playfully and the younger man squawked and hid behind SooHyun.

"I found out a great deal from those books thank you," Zhou Mi sniffed. "It's just too bad we didn't run into you much earlier SooHyun, we could have used Diligence from the beginning."

"Maybe it's part of whoever's sense of humor that you didn't," SooHyun chuckled. "I think it all worked out in the end anyway, though I wouldn't have minded meeting HyungJoon earlier. I do feel kind of cheated that I didn't get to experience that feeling of being with my opposite for as long as some of the others did."

"I still miss it sometimes," Kevin pouted, holding on to KiBum's hand.  Out of all of them, they'd been the two together the longest, and had more time to get used to the feeling of the bond.  Having it gone so suddenly had been disorientating for them, but it hadn't changed anything in their relationship.

"I don't," JungMin chuckled, grinning at Zhou Mi.  "It's better like this."

"Agreed," Zhou Mi nodded, returning the smile. Meeting JungMin had been the best thing to ever happen to him, but he knew that he had not been acting like himself when around Wrath. He couldn't keep his thoughts in order and was so focused on how he wanted to tackle JungMin to the ground half the time that he was lucky he hadn't failed his own classes. A part of him would miss that "complete" feeling, but it didn't make his relationship any less because of it. And he still loved JungMin just as much.

It wasn't a very long walk before they arrived at a familiar street, and a familiar restaurant.  Smiling widely, HyungJoon pulled the door open and stepped in.

"Congratulations!" He was nearly bowled over by an enthusiastic JongWoon, holding onto SooHyun's sleeve to avoid being taken to the floor.

"Uh, thanks," he laughed breathlessly, patting JongWoon's back.  "Where's your co-manager, HyunJoong please get your boyfriend off of me, I can't breathe."  The other patrons in the restaurant didn't so much as look up; the soon-to-be owner's antics were well-known.

"You know I have little control of him," HyunJoong said with a sigh from where he was finishing up getting their table set up. The back half of the restaurant had been cleared and a long table set up for the large group that would be coming in. It would be the first time they had all been together since December.

"Hi HyunJoong, the place looks nice," Zhou Mi grinned, ignoring HyungJoon's plight and pulling JungMin towards the back. "Where is everyone?"

"I think they'll be filtering in slowly, Kyu and Saeng called just a minute ago, they'll be here soon."

"So meeting as usual then," JungMin snorted.  "HeeChul will be last, or 'fashionably late' as he puts it."

"Unless SiWon drags him here early for once," JongWoon suggested, letting go of HyungJoon who took a dramatic gulp of air.  "What does everyone want to drink?" he asked with a wide grin, going back to the kitchen entrance.

"I think waters to start with should be fine," Zhou Mi said, pulling out a chair near the head of the table.

"How'd the ceremony go? Did you trip and fall or anything exciting?" HyunJoong asked HyungJoon with a grin.

"No I didn't, I walked across the stage like a normal person," HyungJoon whined, whacking HyunJoong's arm when he was close enough.  "Graduating is excitement enough, I thought I was going to pass out."  He dropped into a seat, pulling the one beside him out for SooHyun.  "How are things going here?"

"Busy," HyunJoong said, glancing behind him towards the kitchen to make sure JongWoon wasn't around. "He's being fussy and won't let anyone else cook."

"Really? That doesn't sound like him," Zhou Mi said, frowning slightly. "Wait, does he mean anyone else, or just you."

"... Not the point," HyunJoong said, passing out the menus. "He's doing too much is the point."

"He's always doing too much, that's nothing new," JungMin said, taking his menu.  "And I wouldn't let you in the kitchen either, if I was him."

"If you were him, we'd all have food poisoning," HyungJoon stuck his tongue out, and ducked away from the attempted smack.

"Hey guys," YoungSaeng called as he and KyuJong stepped in, the doorbell chiming.  "It's boiling hot out there, please tell me the air conditioning's working."

"If it wasn't, JongWoon would be complaining," HyunJoong said, nodding to the two. "How'd the day at the beach go?"

"Good, the kids seemed to really enjoy it," KyuJong said. "Maybe next time you and JongWoon can go with us."

"That would be fun!" JongWoon called out of the kitchen as he made their drinks.  "Haven't gone swimming in forever!"

"Are we invited too?" HyungJoon bounced in his seat.

"Maybe we should just pick a day for all of us to go together," KyuJong said, shaking his head.

"You all can go without me," HyunJoong said, wrinkling his nose at JongWoon. "There's sharks in the water."

"I don't think they would take a bunch of kids to a place with sharks," JongWoon blinked at HyunJoong as he came back out carrying a tray of drinks.

YoungSaeng snorted, grinning from ear to ear.  "He just doesn't want to say he's too chicken to swim."

"I am not chicken," HyunJoong sniffed. "There were reports of sharks off the coast of Jeju, who knows how far they'll get."

"Those weren't sharks, those were whales," KyuJong laughed. "Hey, I used to be scared of swimming too, you don't have to swim if you don't want to. You can just sit on the beach and make sandcastles with Joon."

"Why am I babysitting, I wanna go swimming too," HyungJoon pouted.

"I'll stay with him," JongWoon grinned, putting the tray down so he could drape his arms over HyunJoong's shoulders.

"Now comes the part where we figure out when we have time to go to the beach and figure out everyone's schedules," Zhou Mi said. "It's summer at least, so I'm done with classes. Would you be willing to shut down the restaurant for a day JongWoon?"

"We're closed on Sundays already, maybe we can go then?" JongWoon asked.

"Fine for me," YoungSaeng shrugged.

The doorbell chimed, ChangMin and JaeJoong stepping in.  "Hey guys," the younger man called.

"Hey, better get started on cooking JongWoon," HyunJoong said, nudging JongWoon a little.

"Sunday should work for me as well, what about you Min?" Zhou Mi said. "You'll be working late at the club Saturday night?"

"Yeah, but I can get them to let me off early the night before so I can get some sleep," JungMin shrugged.  "I'm not missing going to the beach."

"What beach?" ChangMin asked, missing the crack as he and JaeJoong stopped by the table.  JongWoon scurried into the kitchen.

"Muui-Dong, on Yongyu island near Incheon," KyuJong said. "It's really nice, and the weather has been so perfect lately, good time to go."

"Sounds like fun, count us in," JaeJoong nodded.

"Oh god, swimming?" HeeChul and SiWon were coming in the door, the former's nose wrinkled. "On a beach? No, sand gets everywhere."

"Someone else who can't swim I take it," KyuJong murmured to YoungSaeng.

"What's the matter HeeChul, scared sun will mess up your complexion?" YoungSaeng asked innocently.

"I think it would be fun," SiWon blinked, looking down at HeeChul.

"And you think fun is going to church on Sundays," HeeChul rolled his eyes. "Or running marathons. Were you a titan in your former life or something?"

"No, I think I was a virtue," SiWon raised an eyebrow.

"Have you managed to bring him to church yet, SiWon?" HyungJoon chuckled.

"I'm working on it," SiWon gave a long-suffering sigh, going to sit down.

"And he'll keep working on it, but like I told him, I'm atheist," HeeChul said, pulling out his chair and sitting down. "Which means, I don't go to church."

"But hyung, I broke some of my religious vows for you," SiWon's lips pursed.  "Maybe I should go back to abstaining until marriage from now on."  Kevin choked on his water, coughing.

"... Do I have to wear a tie?" HeeChul said, sulking a little in his chair.

"Maybe cutting him off would be for his own good," HyunJoong snorted at the look he got from HeeChul.

"It seems like HeeChul is the only one of us who really hasn't changed," KyuJong said.

"No tie," SiWon smiled, draping his arm over HeeChul's shoulders.  "And we're making progress."

"Oh, everyone's here?" JongWoon beamed, coming out with their banchan.  "Everyone's having their usual I guess?"

"Yes please," Zhou Mi grinned.

"I'm going to go help, ChangMin's alone is going to have him swamped," KyuJong said, giving YoungSaeng a kiss before he got to his feet.

"I'll get the champagne," HyunJoong said, patting HyungJoon's shoulder. "Still need to give you a proper congratulations."

HyungJoon perked up.  "You didn't have to, but I won't say no."

"I'm not that bad anymore," ChangMin blinked, looking at JaeJoong beside him.

"No, but you still eat more than the rest of us," JaeJoong said softly, patting ChangMin's hand.

HyunJoong came back with a couple of bottles of champagne, and with Zhou Mi's help, served everyone a glass. JongWoon and KyuJong were pulled out of the kitchen just long enough so Zhou Mi could make his toast.

"To my dearest, closest friend, HyungJoon," Zhou Mi started, holding up his glass. "This is a long time coming, and I'm proud to say I stuck with you all this time to see you finally graduating. I'm so proud of you, and I know you'll go on to do great things."

Grinning from ear to ear and trying not to get emotional, HyungJoon flushed as the others around the table lifted their glasses too.

"To HyungJoon," YoungSaeng said, the others echoing him loudly and drinking.  HyungJoon put his glass down after a sip so he could give Zhou Mi a warm hug.

Zhou Mi returned the hug as tightly as his spindly arms allowed him, blinking back tears. He hadn't even been this happy when he had graduated himself. Maybe it was because their school life had revolved around the sins and virtues. There was no more studying or books. No more late night cram sessions that Zhou Mi had to help with while doing his own research on who they were. It felt like that part of their life was finally coming to an end, even all these months later. It was time to move on.

When Zhou Mi released HyungJoon, the graduate was immediately enveloped in another tight hug, this time from his boyfriend. "I'll give you my congratulations speech later when we're alone," SooHyun murmured into his ear.

Grin widening, HyungJoon hugged SooHyun back tightly.  "Looking forward to it," he whispered, closing his eyes for a moment.  Just a few months ago, his life had been so different.  No boyfriend, barely keeping up in school, no real future.  Now he had all that, even his brother had come back home to see him, and he knew he wouldn't forget today for a long time.

Pulling back slightly, he kissed SooHyun before stepping back.  "Cheers," he chuckled, clinking their glasses together.

Dinner went on for far too many hours, well after the doors had been closed and locked. There was laughter, good food, good friends, and HeeChul. Stories that had been retold countless times were told again, reliving the days when they had the power to save the world. It was the most fun any of them had had in months, and it was all what they needed.

As with all good things though, it had to come to an end as people tired and went home, each with a pleasant memory.

Two days after HyungJoon's graduation ceremony, it was time for KiBum and Kevin to head back to the States, though they had both promised to visit once more before the summer was over.

"We're going to miss our flight, Hyung, let go," KiBum said, patting his brother's back who wouldn't let go.

"But I don't want to let go," HyungJoon sniffed, clinging to his brother tighter.  "You're not even gone and I miss you already, you better come back for longer next visit, you hear me?"  Kevin stood to the side with SooHyun, holding onto their luggage so the brothers could say goodbye.

"I make no promises, but I'll try," KiBum said, rolling his eyes in Kevin's direction. "You know you could always come and visit us in the States."

"But then you'll just make fun of me for my english," HyungJoon pouted, pulling back slightly to look at KiBum.  "And I'll just get lost and you'll complain about deciding to go to the States in the first place."  He sighed, stepping back.  "Have a safe flight, don't forget to keep in touch."

"I won't, and that goes for you too you know," KiBum said, grinning at his brother. "You don't have any excuses not to call me now!"

"And I have been calling you!" HyungJoon stuck his tongue out.  "Stay safe, make sure he stays safe," he looked at Kevin while pointing at KiBum.

"Of course hyung," Kevin grinned, taking KiBum's hand.  "We'll see you again soon."

"Same goes for you, make sure he doesn't do anything to get himself killed," KiBum said, pointing at SooHyun who just shrugged.

"If he's determined enough, there isn't much I can do."

"I'm not getting myself killed," HyungJoon huffed.  "Go, go, you're going to miss your flight."

"That we are," Kevin chuckled, stepping back.  He yelped in surprise when he bumped into someone, turning around and seeing the other person had dropped their ticket.  "I'm sorry, let me get that," he bent to pick it up.  Straightening, he held it out before freezing.

"Thank you," Daniel smiled lightly as he took his ticket, blinking at Kevin's shocked face.  "Weren't you in one of my classes?"

"U-uh...yes, sir!" Kevin switched back to English, bowing politely.  "In my first year, your class is still one of my favorites."

KiBum couldn't help the fact that he'd just turned a shade of pale at seeing Death, and it was only from pure shock that he didn't manage to scream.

'Death' looked much different than he did months ago, less drawn and sickly looking. The smile was genuine, and his eyes were kind. It was really like looking at a completely different person. KiBum inclined his head to the man. "Kevin always talks about your class, I was... considering for next semester, signing up."

"I'll look forward to seeing you in my class then," Daniel chuckled, nodding in return.  "I took a short break from teaching, but I'll be back for the next semester.  You must be heading back to the States as well?"

"Yes sir...I believe we have the same flight," Kevin said.

"Don't want to take too long then, or it'll leave without you," the teacher chuckled.  With a farewell he headed towards the line to go through security, his luggage already checked in.

"...Well, that was..." SooHyun said quietly, turning back to HyungJoon slowly. "That was him right? Not just someone that looks like him."

"Yeah, that was him," KiBum nodded. "This is going to be an awkward eighteen hour flight."

"Could be worse, we could be stuck on the flight with Death himself," Kevin sighed, smiling back at them.  "I'm glad he looks better though.  Well, we should go."

"Safe flight back, call when you get back in the States," HyungJoon said, pouting unhappily at his brother leaving.

"We will, bye Hyung," KiBum said, waving a little as he took Kevin's hand and started towards the counter to check in.

"Ready to get going?" SooHyun said when they had walked away, smiling at HyungJoon.

"Yeah," HyungJoon sighed, watching them go before taking SooHyun's hand and turning away.  "I miss him already," he pouted.  Even if the brothers got on each other's nerves a lot, he still enjoyed having KiBum around, and hadn't been looking forward to saying goodbye again.

"I know, but think of it like this," SooHyun said, squeezing HyungJoon's hand. "We now have an apartment to ourselves again, and I do know you like that."

"I do," HyungJoon chuckled, lifting his head to smile at his boyfriend.  "So do you.  What else were we doing today, anyways?"

"I thought we would go and have a nice dinner," SooHyun said. "How does that sound to you?"

"Sounds good to me," HyungJoon grinned, slinging his arm around SooHyun's waist.  "Our usual place?  Then we can go hide in the apartment for the rest of the night?"

"I think I'd like that," SooHyun nodded. They took a cab from the airport back to the city, and it wasn't long before they were pulling up in front of the restaurant. Climbing out after he paid the fare, he glanced inside to see it wasn't very busy inside. "Looks like they'll be grateful for some business. It really slows down for them once school's out."

"Yeah, well most of their customers are students.  At least they have the summer kids," HyungJoon said.  He pushed the door open, looking around for JongWoon, HyunJoong or KyuJong.  "Hey, anyone in here?" he called.

"Be right there!" KyuJong popped his head out of the kitchen, waving at them. "Go ahead and have a seat, I'll be right out okay?"

"Okay, no hurry," SooHyun said, pulling HyungJoon over to an empty table.

Dropping down onto the bench, HyungJoon pulled SooHyun down with him, both of them facing away from the door.  "What are you doing now that school's out?" he asked, resting his cheek on SooHyun's shoulder.  "Working?" He'd sent out his resume to the radio station, and was nervously waiting for a reply.

"I have an internship set up with the school," SooHyun said. "I'll be helping one of the leading theorists crunch numbers on a... really difficult math problem."

"Sounds like fun," HyungJoon chuckled.  "For you, anyways.  Does that mean you're gonna be credited on some sort of mathematical breakthrough?"

"Of course not," SooHyun laughed. "I'll do all the work but get none of the credit. It's how the science community works. All I get out of it is a reference, something to add to my resume, and lots of coffee."

"Well, that's no fair," HyungJoon pouted, making a kissy face at him.  "Tell you what, if I get to host any sort of radio station, even if it's for fifteen minutes, I'll mention you and give you credit instead."

"...Why?" SooHyun blinked at him curiously. "What would I need credit for on your radio show?"

"On your math problem of course," HyungJoon wrinkled his nose.  "I'll boast about how you worked on it and stayed up all hours and were talking numbers in your sleep."

"That could get me in trouble," SooHyun said, frowning. "How about you just leave me out of your radio show, I don't need acclaim or anything, besides, I get enough of that on my own with my own research."

"Oh fine," HyungJoon pouted.  "Do I get to boast about you when your own research hits the front pages, then?"

"Of course, but I don't know why anyone but you would care," SooHyun said, leaning over to give HyungJoon a light kiss. "And that's all I need."

"They will care," HyungJoon returned the kiss, grinning cheerily.  "And I'll always care whether they do or not.  You're my genius boyfriend."

"I'm not a genius," SooHyun chuckled. "Especially since I have had to ask Zhou Mi questions on math a few times. He's much better at math than I am, he could have a real career as a mathematician."

"I don't think that suits him," HyungJoon smiled.  "And just cause someone's better than you doesn't mean you're not a genius, I wouldn't be able to do a quarter of what you can."  He wrapped his arms around SooHyun's waist, cuddling against the younger man.

"Doesn't make me a genius," SooHyun said, kissing HyungJoon's forehead. He closed his eyes, happily sitting with his boyfriend was all he really needed. Not even numbers and laws of physics held his interest as much as they used to. Not when he was with HyungJoon anyway.

The door chime went off, but he didn't open his eyes, not caring who it was. KyuJong on the other hand, sighed a little to himself and put down the plate he was eating off of. "I'll be right back and see who that is, if it's more of them I'm coming back to finish so don't throw that away," he said, pointing at his plate.

"Yes sir," JongWoon grinned from where he was restocking their banchan dishes.  "Don't take too long or it'll get cold.  Can you at least grab their orders on your way back, give me something to do?"

"Yeah yeah," KyuJong waved him off, grabbing his notepad and heading out to the dining room. Too busy flicking through the pages, he didn't look up until he was at the table of the newly arrived customers. "Hi there, what can I-- oh my god," KyuJong had looked up in the middle of his sentence, eyes coming up to meet two soft brown ones he had seen before. The eyes of War. Throwing his note pad in the air, he took off back towards the kitchen, leaving two very confused customers.

KyuHyun looked to RyeoWook, eyes wide. "What'd I do?"

"No idea," RyeoWook shook his head. "Maybe he knows you by reputation," he said with a smirk.

"If anyone would have a reputation here it would be you, Mr. Food Critic," KyuHyun grumbled, slouching in his chair and looking at his menu.

"Maybe, but at least I'm nice," RyeoWook teased, glancing towards the kitchen where the waiter had disappeared to. "He seemed... familiar though."