{infinite; ot7} redemption (o3/?)
Title: redemption (3/?)
Fandom: infinite + ukiss, block b, etc.
Pairing: various
Word count: ~5000
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Lee Howon has long accepted his life as a Beta, at the bottom of South Korea's social class. However, the government gives him and his family an opportunity to join the Alpha class, through the Omega Plan at Sanghwan Academy, but this chance isn't as wonderful as it seems.
A/N: OH MY GOD THIS FIC IS SO LONG, ITS SO LONG AND TIRING AND SWALLOWING UP MY TIME FOR OTHER THINGS!! though posting it at dashidorawa helped, thank you to all the new readers (but a special shoutout to desmursirotan for reading and taking 1st comment even though you arent a part of my tlist and i dont bother you to read whenever i post!! cough epikfailure cough). and, as always, all my love for iliaccrests ;;
basically, things dont get exciting for another couple of chapters bcos im still ~establishing~ but a certain fandom will be happy next chapter :^D????
ALSO CHECK OUT MY NEW HOYA USERPIC!! i picked it out specially for this fic c:
redemption
Much to everyone's horror, they learn that they will have weekly and monthly tests on their Alpha progress from their other teacher, Mithra. "If you guys call me Professor Jin or Professor Choi, I won't answer," he informs them. "Though Tablo answers to Professor Daniel sometimes, if you're the Minister." At that, Tablo rolls his eyes.
Testing varies from practicals, such as an interview-style or real-world conversation with the teachers or, to Howon's confusion, a formal meal, or written exams on concepts. The latter will be no problem, but Howon is already dreading the first kind. Monthly tests, they also find out, will be social events with Alphas outside of school.
"It'll be good seeing the others again," Tablo says with a laugh. "Except Heechul."
"Oh god, Kim Heechul," Mithra groans, but his tone holds no bite, only fondness.
They finally start lecturing, instructing them on the exact structure of the social classes and an Alpha's place in society; they are shockingly blunt, revealing the cutthroat competition and excessive waste of money without sugarcoating. Howon instinctively takes notes, cringing as he writes, and ignores Woohyun's scathing remark about tryhards. The lesson might not be his usual forte, but the instinct is ingrained into him too deeply.
It applies better in the afternoon, when Professor Seunggi starts the math textbook. Howon worried he would be behind, but it's Sungjong who finds the work the hardest. Even Myungsoo and Sunggyu, with their apparent Alpha education, aren't much ahead of Howon. To say the least, it's a relief.
The only odd moment of the day is when they're given worksheets to do as classwork and Professor Seunggi pauses behind Howon's seat, watching as Howon easily completes a problem. The professor smiles good-naturedly when Howon glances up, and whispers into Professor Boa's ear as he leaves the room as she enters; when Professor Boa notices him staring, she gives him a reassuring smile as well. Howon forgets it all when she hands out a classical novel and announces they'll be studying it for the next month or two. They read the first chapter, then Professor Seunggi returns for Science, then back to History with Professor Boa. It's not particularly difficult, with breaks in between subjects and interesting variety in lessons, but Sungjong looks as if he is about to keel over by the end of a lecture on Korea's medieval times.
"All this homework," he mopes at the dinner table, making Kevin laugh sympathetically and sling a slender arm over his shoulders. Some of the Level 2's decided to eat with Dongwoo, and he entertains them with stories of the day. Apparently, Tablo and Mithra always banter during Alpha Education, and Seunggi's nice disposition actually doesn't disappear at the end of the first week like Sungyeol has been fearing. Or, at least, that's what everyone thinks he's saying, seeing as he's too busy retorting at Woohyun's jabs at his intelligence. Their fighting doesn't seem to be ending any time soon either.
Dongwoo brings up the dance practice rooms to Eli, who laughs from his spot between Kevin and Myungsoo. "You found that?" he says, his eyes bright. "I love that place. They initially only had one of them, but after our lovely Level 1's over there," he nods at the direction of their table, whose occupants refuse to associate with the other Omegas, "refused to share, we had a new one built. The 1's in our year didn't like to dance much, so they needed more only when we came--though I'm sure they'll have another one for you guys if you ask nicely," he says confidently. The thought of specially building an entire room into the South Hallway just at a polite request has Howon skeptical, however.
"I wanted to dance today," Sungjong says sadly. "I even burned out a CD to dance to."
"What songs do you have?" Eli asks.
"4Minute's HuH, Bad Girl, Good Girl by Miss A, Genie and Gee by SNSD," Sungjong lists off, naming Alpha idol groups. "The popular ones, of course."
Eli groans while Kevin straightens in his seat. "You mean you're not another one of those hip hop fans? Finally!" he cheers.
While Kevin joyfully pulls Sungjong close for a hug of celebration, Eli shoots a pleading glance at Dongwoo and Howon on the other side of the table. At Dongwoo's nod and grin, Eli sighs in relief, launching into a discussion about American artists and songs with him. Howon notes a few to listen to later, while he does his homework; he's heard it helps while working, but his family couldn't afford the CD's and CD player, even at the merchant's most discounted price. Myungsoo has consented to show him how to play music on his new computer when they get back to their dorm, given that Woohyun doesn't drag him off to study or, even worse, crash in their room to work as he is considering. According to Myungsoo, Woohyun has plans to check out the cologne stand again, not to do his homework.
Everyone finishes eating and Howon reluctantly declines an offer to do homework with Dongwoo and Sungjong in their room. Myungsoo waits for him at the double doors, pretending to listen to Woohyun announcing his plans for the evening (which do not include studying of any kind), and they return to their dorm room together.
Myungsoo disappears to shower first, and Howon decides to before he sleeps, taking off his tie and changing his shirt. It's one of his many sleeveless ones, exposing the tan he chose over the sticky discomfort of sweaty fabric while working. The fields have given him strong biceps and a broader build than Dongwoo and Woohyun, who have gained theirs in an air-conditioned gym, but he's the one who's jealous. But he's always been stronger than Hojae: stronger and smarter and better; it's no mystery why Howon is closer with Hojun, the youngest who regards him with something akin to hero-worship. His acceptance to Sanghwan hasn't changed either of those relationships.
Howon thought he would waste water, but Myungsoo is done quickly, as if accustomed to a climbing water bill as well. His sloppily toweled hair sticks up haphazardly as he tugs on a shirt and boxers; if Howon is built, Myungsoo is not, lean and tall--not as lanky as Sungyeol, but a good, proportional height. Paired with his attractive looks and solemn air, he is easily an Alpha in appearance.
That impression fades somewhat during the time Myungsoo explains their computers. He's still as handsome as ever, even more so when relaxed and talkative, but he feels closer too. When Howon compliments him on how well he uses technology, Myungsoo laughs modestly. "No, I'm even better with cameras," and happily explains his two precious cameras that he brought to Sanghwan with him. "I like photography," he says, cradling the larger of the two in his hands. "Photographs let you recall past memories. I want to remember everything like this, through pictures." Already, the memory card is filled with pictures of Sanghwan's best architecture and decor.
They shift to working on their homework easily, both smart enough to keep to themselves. Howon is glad to see the same kind of work he learned at home, and homework takes less time than he expects. He plays some of the hip hop music Dongwoo and Eli were talking about and writes a letter to send to home, and ends up falling asleep to the steady rhythm of foreign words.
☬
Unlike some of the others, Howon is happy for the education-filled schedule of his days at Sanghwan. He came to get an education and benefit his family, and that's exactly what this school is giving him. He sleeps and eats more at Sanghwan--the latter is especially helpful; lifting the burden of trying to earn enough to fill his stomach is more than he ever expected, and to be able to pick favorites for a meal is a luxury unlike the plush blankets on his bed and endless supply in the shops--but, despite his new friends, he is lonelier than he was and extremely homesick. He certainly likes Myungsoo and Dongwoo and Sungjong, but he misses his family, his friends. As much as he likes the luxury of the school, being able to eat whenever and whatever he likes, and his new company, he wants more than anything to see his mother and father and brothers. The thought of them is what keeps him going--they'll be so very proud of him, and live much better lives because of him.
The test at the end of the first week is a quick quiz on the present-day social class structure in Korea that Howon is almost sure he did well on. He notices with some confusion that Woohyun is the first one done, examining his fingers for hangnails coolly as he waits to be let out for lunch. They are still assigned homework for Alpha Education, to Sungjong and Sungyeol's vocal disappointment, but at least they have the whole weekend to do it.
"What do we do on weekends?" Sungjong asks Kevin eagerly at dinner.
"Homework," answer the Level 2 boys immediately, and Sungjong's face falls, almost comically. Everyone bursts into laughter, Kevin putting his hand over Sungjong's on the table.
"We usually hang out on the school grounds or our own spots around the school," he explains, taking pity on him. "For instance, you barely see Eli outside the dance practice rooms on Saturday and Sunday nights, and Hoon likes to paint. Kiseop and I sing for fun if we're in the mood. It really depends, you know?"
"I already know where I'll be," Dongwoo says with a grin, high-fiving Eli across the table. It takes Howon by surprise when Dongwoo looks straight at him, asking, "You'll be there too, right?"
"Y-Yeah," Howon answers hurriedly, painfully relieved Dongwoo hasn't treated him any differently after that first night in the dance practice rooms, which he has passed off as a weird moment and nothing more. There will be more than enough time to do homework later.
"Me too," Sungjong pouts. They decide to meet Saturday afternoon, the three of them and the usual Level 2's. That leaves Howon with a free morning, and he sleeps in for the first time for as long as he can remember, waking up with an unfamiliar sense of anticipation and possibility. Myungsoo leaves with Woohyun, apologizing to Howon on the way out; unsurprisingly, Woohyun is complaining again, this time about his roommate, Sungyeol. Despite his positive sentiments on the first day, Howon hasn't properly spoken to Sungyeol or Sunggyu. He has years to get to know them, though, and he turns his mind toward ways to spend his first weekend at Sanghwan. There is that toy store for Hojun, of course, and the libraries he passed looking too good to pass up. Soohyun mentioned athletic fields and equipment on campus as well, and Howon was looking forward to seeing better conditions than the dirt track and sparse yellow grass he grew up with. There are gardens and galleries, and plenty of private alcoves to discover and claim.
His plans, however, vanish when someone knocks persistently on the door. Howon drops the pants he was about to put on in surprise, calling, "Who is it?" as he fumbles to pick them up again.
"Dongwoo and Sungjong, of course!"
The amazement and uncertainty still haven't faded after a week of such treatment, and Howon almost trips over the pants as he struggles to put them on and get to the door at the same time. When he manages to tug the door open, the sight of his friends dressed in their casual clothes comes as a shock.
In contrast to the formal white, black, and accents of maroon of their uniform, Dongwoo is wearing an unzipped, neon green jacket, exposing his grey wifebeater and the black jeans that sit low on his hips. Just as colorful, Sungjong is dressed in a pastel pink sweater that too big for his slight frame, reaching down to his jean-clad thighs. His sneakers are extremely white, matching the smile he flashes at the sight of Howon. "Good morning!" he chirps, red hair slightly damp against Howon's chin when Sungjong hugs him hello.
"Good morning," Howon says self-consciously, looking down at his simple t-shirt and jeans.
"You need to go shopping," Sungjong proclaims, evidently noticing the same thing. "I bet everything you wear is dark-colored." He can't refuse that, so he nods in agreement, slightly wary of the prospect of clothes shopping. Everything he owns has been Hojae's once, and is well on the way to belonging to Hojun.
"We were thinking about a day outside," Dongwoo explains. "It's about lunch time now, so we could go to the cafeteria first."
"Kevin told me there was a cafe though," Sungjong interjects. The sleeves of his sweater are too long for him, slipping over his fingers as he clings to Dongwoo's arm.
They end up going to the cafe, just outside the main building and across a small plaza where a Beta tells them to sit wherever they like and politely asks for their orders. Sungjong insists on the table by the windows, massive panels that span the upper half of the wall and look out over the gorgeous campus, and Howon has to tear his eyes away from the ivy growing on what he guesses is the Level 2 dorms in order to look at the menu. All of the choices sound unfamiliar, and he's even less used to having a choice. In the end, he takes Dongwoo's recommendation and goes with a latte and sandwich, while Sungjong muses over two pastries until Dongwoo promises to help him finish if he gets both. It turns out he doesn't need to, and Howon wonders how Sungjong stays so skinny if he eats so well.
Their brunch over, they leave the cafe, Dongwoo thanking the cashier with a smile that's oblivious to class. Wandering aimlessly, they walk through a beautifully cultivated orchard of apple trees, the leaves just beginning to turn a rich red and orange. Dongwoo separates from them to climb one of the largest trees, sitting on a thick branch and waving at them as Sungjong whines in protest, lacking the muscles to pull himself up. Howon's breath catches in his throat when Dongwoo jumps down without considering the danger, landing easily in the foliage over the roots.
Eventually, the trees open out to a field of cropped grass, and Dongwoo runs to a shed off to the side in delight, pulling the unlocked door open and sprinting back to Howon and Sungjong with a soccer ball clutched in his arms. "Let's play," he pleads.
Sungjong designates himself as cheerleader and sits on the line of white paint marking the field boundary on the grass, calling out encouragement for both Dongwoo and Howon and keeping score for every time the ball flies into a goal net. It's been a long time since Howon has played, especially against a good opponent and he's stiff and used to letting Hojun win. He still manages to keep up, however, only a point or two behind until Dongwoo tries to steal the ball from him but ends up tangling their legs and sending them to the ground in a confused heap. The sudden extra contact startles Howon, who struggles to pull himself free, but he only succeeds after Dongwoo rolls away from him, laughing breathlessly and sprawling out on the grass.
Howon sits up, aware that he's staring. Dongwoo has closed his eyes, letting his breathing return to a normal pace, and the sunlight hits him just right. It illuminates his profile with a soft glow, and Howon can see everything--Dongwoo's high cheekbones, the straight bridge of his nose, his eyelashes--and it takes his breath away.
He jumps at a gentle touch to his shoulder and looks up at Sungjong's small, knowing smile. "You have grass all over your back," Sungjong informs him cheerily, helping him brush it off. At the sound of Sungjong's voice, Dongwoo opens his eyes and sits up as well, his hair a disheveled mess. "That was fun."
"What time is it?" Howon says before he blurts something else.
"About 3:30 in the afternoon," Sungjong answers. "Almost time to meet Eli and Kevin."
Howon and Dongwoo pick themselves up off the grass, Sungjong attaching himself to Howon's side, and they start making their way back to the main buildings of the school. On the way to the South Hallway, they stop in the cafeteria for a quick snack, then browse the music and art rooms as they digest.
This time, when they peek into the room with the grand piano, the music stops and Sunggyu turns to look at them. "Hello," he says, still formal.
"Hi," Sungjong says with a sweet smile. "We're sorry for interrupting you."
Sunggyu shrugs, stroking his fingers over the white and black keys. "It's fine."
"Your piece sounded lovely," Howon says, hoping he sounds sincere and not too awkward. He's not too sure whether he succeeded or not when Sunggyu gives him a wan smile in thanks.
"We'll let you continue now," Dongwoo says, withdrawing his head and closing the door softly behind them. "I'm a huge fan," he confesses casually as they keep walking. "My grandmother loves his music so I've been listening to his songs since the beginning of his career."
This is the first time Howon has heard anything about someone else's family, and he listens more intently.
"Of course, it's good to keep up with the rising artists and musicians," Sungjong agrees, but they reach the dance practice rooms and Howon has no time to ask about the bitter twist to Sungjong's words.
"Hey, look who finally decided to show up," calls Eli from his seat on the floor by the stereo. Kevin springs up from next to him, running to greet Sungjong and talk about the new girl group song released that he's been dying to learn the dance to. There are two other boys that Howon remembers seeing only from a distance, and Eli gets up to introduce them, Jaeseop and Hoonmin. Both of them are good-looking and well built, Jaeseop more laid-back and snarky in contrast to Hoonmin's sweet, good-natured air. Like Eli, they have sweat beading on their faces and necks from dancing.
"Call me Hoon," Hoonmin tells Howon as Dongwoo happily joins Eli and Jaeseop on the dance floor, having had won the rock-paper-scissors against Kevin and Sungjong for the next song.
"Ah, are you the one who did the paintings in the art room?" Howon asks.
Hoon laughs, embarrassed. "That's me! I just do it for fun, though. You should see Pyo's though, one of the Level 1's, if he'll let you. They're phenomenal, and they got him into this school."
The buzz of a cell phone interrupts Howon's reply, and Hoon pulls a sleek smartphone out his pocket to read a text. "Soohyun and Dongho are coming," he says brightly.
"Finally! It's been a long time since Soohyun has danced," Jaeseop says, having had finished his routine and heard Hoon's words.
Eli rolls his eyes. "I keep telling him that dancing is just as good as working out in the gyms, but he refuses to listen."
"Good thing we have Dongho to persuade him, then," Jaeseop grins.
Soohyun and Dongho, who turns out to be the young boy Soohyun lectured the other day, arrive quickly, greeted with teases and jokes. Dongho immediately starts begging Eli to teach him "that really cool dance move" while Soohyun spots Howon and smiles, taking a seat next to him on the floor. He momentarily grasps the hand Hoon reaches out to him, then turns to Howon. "Did they pull you into this against your will too?"
"Come on, you love us," Hoon laughs, getting up and stretching for a dance. Kevin and Sungjong complain about losing the rock-paper-scissors again.
"I've never danced before--no time," Howon explains, uncertain. "So I'm just here to watch for now."
"Same," Soohyun says with that kind, warm smile. "I grew up with a pretty bad area, and before Sanghwan, all I ever knew was work, which only got worse after my father passed away. I only developed other interests when I came to this school."
"I--I'm sorry to hear that, about your father," Howon says clumsily.
Soohyun's smile does not dim, and Howon is grateful. "It's all right. We've moved on, and my mother never stops telling me how proud of me he would have been for getting into Sanghwan. It's incredibly different from home."
Howon draws comfort from someone who knows how he feels, someone who went through the same awe and shock and confusion of the difference between classes. "What do you like to do here?" he asks.
"I really like being active," Soohyun tells him. "It's nice to work out just to stay in shape instead of fighting to earn my next meal, you know? I spend time in the weights room and outside on the fields or the pool, and I let myself be dragged along to dance practice. Kevin and Kiseop are happy to sing with anyone, so I do that a lot, too."
Howon knows. He finds himself inevitably warming up to Soohyun, who feels like the older brother Hojae never was to him. Why would Hojae coddle a brother who constantly outshone him? Howon has long accepted his role of caring for Hojun, but he greatly appreciates Soohyun's kindness, especially in a strange place like this.
Kevin and Sungjong finally win a round, and they put their CD into the stereo, brimming with excitement at the bright, bubblegum song playing from the speakers. Unsurprisingly, they perform the flashy choreography flawlessly, and Eli claps indulgingly when they finish before promptly winning the next round and blaring deep bass, fierce rap.
"To be honest, I don't really like this music," Soohyun says.
"What do you like?" asks Howon. He doesn't dislike any of it, even Kevin and Sungjong's songs, but he's curious what else the others listen to.
"Ballads," Soohyun answers. "Slow, beautiful songs that you let flood through your body as you sing. Those are the best." Soohyun promises to sing for him sometime.
By the time Howon remembers to check the clock, most of the guys are flopped on the floor in a happy, tired stupor, and the time is almost 1 o'clock in the morning. He's amazed he talked to Soohyun, and later Hoon, for so long without feeling awkward or doubtful of himself. It's a feeling he could get used to.
He spends the next entire day, a beautiful Sunday of clear skies and sunlight, doing homework with Myungsoo and reading in one of the vast libraries. Back at home, he's read every book at the meager school library multiple times from cover to cover, and the excitement of reading a novel for the first time is rekindled at the sight of shelves upon shelves of books. He finds Sunggyu in one of the more obscure sections, and the quiet boy allows him to read beside him. It's a relaxing day, perfect for winding down after yesterday's excitement. Tomorrow, it will be back to work.
☬
The first thing Tablo does when they walk into Alpha Education on Monday morning is hand back their quizzes from Friday. Howon breathes a sigh of relief at the PASS scribbled at the top of the page and sees his expression mirrored on everyone else's faces. Out of the 20 problems, he only got two wrong.
"You can thank Sunggyu over here for no curve," Tablo says, walking back to the front of the room. "Since it's your first month and we're just covering the basics, we'll take it easy on you for the weekly tests. That way you can prepare for the exam at the end of this month, on the 30th."
"What will we be doing?" Sungjong asks.
"Having a party," Tablo says flippantly, and refuses to give them more details.
That night, Sungjong successfully persuades Howon to study with them to their room after dinner, stopping at his own for his books and computer. While Howon crawls under his desk to retrieve his computer charger, cursing the inconveniences of technology, Sungjong flops onto his bed, making himself at home, and Dongwoo remains standing, examining Howon's belongings curiously. "Your room looks just like ours, but your things are so different," he comments, gently touching the picture frame on Howon's dresser. It's the only one he has of his entire family, together in one spot forever (Howon understands what Myungsoo meant, how pictures preserve cherished memories and feelings), and he uses it to motivate himself when Sanghwan is too much. They help him remember why he's here.
"How so?" Howon asks, looking up from the charger cord in his hands.
"Much less, to start with, but...so simple, too. You don't have any extraneous things, like beauty products and electronics, or even accessories. Not even a wallet." Dongwoo glances at the surface of Howon's desk, empty save for his school things. "Now that you're here, there's nothing stopping you from getting things like that."
"What use would I have for a wallet?" replies Howon with a shrug. "My family doesn't have the money to send to me from home, and the shops use credits. My life revolved so little around appearance before, I can't make myself waste on facials and lotions and creams. I don't even know how to use a cell phone."
"You've never even played a video game?" Dongwoo asks, horrified.
"No," Howon says with uncertainty.
Sungjong grasps the concept of being that poor surprisingly easily, as if he's already had the time to adjust to the idea. "You still need to go shopping," he says, hugging Howon's pillow to his chest.
"If we have time of the weekend, we can go," Howon says, and picks up his bag.
"It's only Monday!"
Howon laughs, pulling at his arm; Sungjong consents to let go of the pillow so Howon can grasp his hand, but refuses to get up. "And we still have homework to do, come on."
With whining and pitiful stares, Sungjong rolls off the bed and trails unhappily behind Howon, replacing the pillow with Howon's left arm. When Howon steps outside the room, Sungjong connected to him like another limb, he looks back to see Dongwoo still dwelling over the photograph, his trademark grin replaced with a pensive frown. He looks up when Howon calls his name, "Dongwoo?" and Howon realizes he's never said it out loud before.
"Yeah, I'm coming," Dongwoo says absently, grabbing his jacket on the way out.
Dongwoo and Sungjong's room is next door, on the same side of the hallway, and across from Sunggyu's. Howon hesitates in the doorway, while the occupants of the suite shift into something more comfortable, more relaxed, when they cross the threshold. Dongwoo drapes the stiff jacket of his uniform on the back of his chair, flopping face-down onto the bed, and Sungjong disappears into the bathroom to change his clothes. Belatedly, Howon realizes he should have as well, but makes do with taking off the jacket and hanging it up on the peg by the door, and unbuttoning his shirt, grateful for the white wifebeater he vaguely remembers putting on in the morning.
"What are you doing all the way over there?" Dongwoo asks with a smile, beckoning him further into the dorm room. It's laid out just like his and Myungsoo's room, one room made like a sitting room with the long counter-top, couches around a circular table, and the other with their desks and beds, dresser tucked in the corner and window opening out on the far side of the second room. With so much fancy furniture, the rooms should be, by all means, extremely crowded, but the spacious area contrasts so much against his cramped house in Gangjeong that it's a constant reminder of class difference. Both Dongwoo and Sungjong seem entirely at ease in such space.
Howon shoves his hands deep into his pockets and obeys, sitting uneasily on one of the plush sofas and opening his bag. He has his computer open and is watching it start up when Dongwoo drops down beside him, and Howon startles, glancing up at that sculpted profile before hurriedly dropping his eyes to his keyboard.
"Hey, Howon--" Dongwoo starts, putting a hand on Howon's knee. He never finishes the sentence, because Sungjong steps out in a purple and grey cardigan and bounds over to them, slamming his books onto the table. "Let's get this started!" he says, so serious and determined it's funny.
Reflexively, Dongwoo pulls back from Howon, gathering his things and moving over to the empty couch around the glass table. Sungjong frowns at him disappointedly, a small downturn of his lips, but spreads out his things happily with long, slender fingers, selecting his literature homework first with a pout. For Howon, all homework must be done in the end, so he selects the notebook on the top of his pile; Sungjong prefers to start out easy while Dongwoo tackles his hardest assignment (history, which he lacks the patience to research for; science is obviously his favorite), but Howon doesn't have a preference. Homework is one of the easier things in life.
Fandom: infinite + ukiss, block b, etc.
Pairing: various
Word count: ~5000
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Lee Howon has long accepted his life as a Beta, at the bottom of South Korea's social class. However, the government gives him and his family an opportunity to join the Alpha class, through the Omega Plan at Sanghwan Academy, but this chance isn't as wonderful as it seems.
A/N: OH MY GOD THIS FIC IS SO LONG, ITS SO LONG AND TIRING AND SWALLOWING UP MY TIME FOR OTHER THINGS!! though posting it at dashidorawa helped, thank you to all the new readers (but a special shoutout to desmursirotan for reading and taking 1st comment even though you arent a part of my tlist and i dont bother you to read whenever i post!! cough epikfailure cough). and, as always, all my love for iliaccrests ;;
basically, things dont get exciting for another couple of chapters bcos im still ~establishing~ but a certain fandom will be happy next chapter :^D????
ALSO CHECK OUT MY NEW HOYA USERPIC!! i picked it out specially for this fic c:
redemption
Much to everyone's horror, they learn that they will have weekly and monthly tests on their Alpha progress from their other teacher, Mithra. "If you guys call me Professor Jin or Professor Choi, I won't answer," he informs them. "Though Tablo answers to Professor Daniel sometimes, if you're the Minister." At that, Tablo rolls his eyes.
Testing varies from practicals, such as an interview-style or real-world conversation with the teachers or, to Howon's confusion, a formal meal, or written exams on concepts. The latter will be no problem, but Howon is already dreading the first kind. Monthly tests, they also find out, will be social events with Alphas outside of school.
"It'll be good seeing the others again," Tablo says with a laugh. "Except Heechul."
"Oh god, Kim Heechul," Mithra groans, but his tone holds no bite, only fondness.
They finally start lecturing, instructing them on the exact structure of the social classes and an Alpha's place in society; they are shockingly blunt, revealing the cutthroat competition and excessive waste of money without sugarcoating. Howon instinctively takes notes, cringing as he writes, and ignores Woohyun's scathing remark about tryhards. The lesson might not be his usual forte, but the instinct is ingrained into him too deeply.
It applies better in the afternoon, when Professor Seunggi starts the math textbook. Howon worried he would be behind, but it's Sungjong who finds the work the hardest. Even Myungsoo and Sunggyu, with their apparent Alpha education, aren't much ahead of Howon. To say the least, it's a relief.
The only odd moment of the day is when they're given worksheets to do as classwork and Professor Seunggi pauses behind Howon's seat, watching as Howon easily completes a problem. The professor smiles good-naturedly when Howon glances up, and whispers into Professor Boa's ear as he leaves the room as she enters; when Professor Boa notices him staring, she gives him a reassuring smile as well. Howon forgets it all when she hands out a classical novel and announces they'll be studying it for the next month or two. They read the first chapter, then Professor Seunggi returns for Science, then back to History with Professor Boa. It's not particularly difficult, with breaks in between subjects and interesting variety in lessons, but Sungjong looks as if he is about to keel over by the end of a lecture on Korea's medieval times.
"All this homework," he mopes at the dinner table, making Kevin laugh sympathetically and sling a slender arm over his shoulders. Some of the Level 2's decided to eat with Dongwoo, and he entertains them with stories of the day. Apparently, Tablo and Mithra always banter during Alpha Education, and Seunggi's nice disposition actually doesn't disappear at the end of the first week like Sungyeol has been fearing. Or, at least, that's what everyone thinks he's saying, seeing as he's too busy retorting at Woohyun's jabs at his intelligence. Their fighting doesn't seem to be ending any time soon either.
Dongwoo brings up the dance practice rooms to Eli, who laughs from his spot between Kevin and Myungsoo. "You found that?" he says, his eyes bright. "I love that place. They initially only had one of them, but after our lovely Level 1's over there," he nods at the direction of their table, whose occupants refuse to associate with the other Omegas, "refused to share, we had a new one built. The 1's in our year didn't like to dance much, so they needed more only when we came--though I'm sure they'll have another one for you guys if you ask nicely," he says confidently. The thought of specially building an entire room into the South Hallway just at a polite request has Howon skeptical, however.
"I wanted to dance today," Sungjong says sadly. "I even burned out a CD to dance to."
"What songs do you have?" Eli asks.
"4Minute's HuH, Bad Girl, Good Girl by Miss A, Genie and Gee by SNSD," Sungjong lists off, naming Alpha idol groups. "The popular ones, of course."
Eli groans while Kevin straightens in his seat. "You mean you're not another one of those hip hop fans? Finally!" he cheers.
While Kevin joyfully pulls Sungjong close for a hug of celebration, Eli shoots a pleading glance at Dongwoo and Howon on the other side of the table. At Dongwoo's nod and grin, Eli sighs in relief, launching into a discussion about American artists and songs with him. Howon notes a few to listen to later, while he does his homework; he's heard it helps while working, but his family couldn't afford the CD's and CD player, even at the merchant's most discounted price. Myungsoo has consented to show him how to play music on his new computer when they get back to their dorm, given that Woohyun doesn't drag him off to study or, even worse, crash in their room to work as he is considering. According to Myungsoo, Woohyun has plans to check out the cologne stand again, not to do his homework.
Everyone finishes eating and Howon reluctantly declines an offer to do homework with Dongwoo and Sungjong in their room. Myungsoo waits for him at the double doors, pretending to listen to Woohyun announcing his plans for the evening (which do not include studying of any kind), and they return to their dorm room together.
Myungsoo disappears to shower first, and Howon decides to before he sleeps, taking off his tie and changing his shirt. It's one of his many sleeveless ones, exposing the tan he chose over the sticky discomfort of sweaty fabric while working. The fields have given him strong biceps and a broader build than Dongwoo and Woohyun, who have gained theirs in an air-conditioned gym, but he's the one who's jealous. But he's always been stronger than Hojae: stronger and smarter and better; it's no mystery why Howon is closer with Hojun, the youngest who regards him with something akin to hero-worship. His acceptance to Sanghwan hasn't changed either of those relationships.
Howon thought he would waste water, but Myungsoo is done quickly, as if accustomed to a climbing water bill as well. His sloppily toweled hair sticks up haphazardly as he tugs on a shirt and boxers; if Howon is built, Myungsoo is not, lean and tall--not as lanky as Sungyeol, but a good, proportional height. Paired with his attractive looks and solemn air, he is easily an Alpha in appearance.
That impression fades somewhat during the time Myungsoo explains their computers. He's still as handsome as ever, even more so when relaxed and talkative, but he feels closer too. When Howon compliments him on how well he uses technology, Myungsoo laughs modestly. "No, I'm even better with cameras," and happily explains his two precious cameras that he brought to Sanghwan with him. "I like photography," he says, cradling the larger of the two in his hands. "Photographs let you recall past memories. I want to remember everything like this, through pictures." Already, the memory card is filled with pictures of Sanghwan's best architecture and decor.
They shift to working on their homework easily, both smart enough to keep to themselves. Howon is glad to see the same kind of work he learned at home, and homework takes less time than he expects. He plays some of the hip hop music Dongwoo and Eli were talking about and writes a letter to send to home, and ends up falling asleep to the steady rhythm of foreign words.
☬
Unlike some of the others, Howon is happy for the education-filled schedule of his days at Sanghwan. He came to get an education and benefit his family, and that's exactly what this school is giving him. He sleeps and eats more at Sanghwan--the latter is especially helpful; lifting the burden of trying to earn enough to fill his stomach is more than he ever expected, and to be able to pick favorites for a meal is a luxury unlike the plush blankets on his bed and endless supply in the shops--but, despite his new friends, he is lonelier than he was and extremely homesick. He certainly likes Myungsoo and Dongwoo and Sungjong, but he misses his family, his friends. As much as he likes the luxury of the school, being able to eat whenever and whatever he likes, and his new company, he wants more than anything to see his mother and father and brothers. The thought of them is what keeps him going--they'll be so very proud of him, and live much better lives because of him.
The test at the end of the first week is a quick quiz on the present-day social class structure in Korea that Howon is almost sure he did well on. He notices with some confusion that Woohyun is the first one done, examining his fingers for hangnails coolly as he waits to be let out for lunch. They are still assigned homework for Alpha Education, to Sungjong and Sungyeol's vocal disappointment, but at least they have the whole weekend to do it.
"What do we do on weekends?" Sungjong asks Kevin eagerly at dinner.
"Homework," answer the Level 2 boys immediately, and Sungjong's face falls, almost comically. Everyone bursts into laughter, Kevin putting his hand over Sungjong's on the table.
"We usually hang out on the school grounds or our own spots around the school," he explains, taking pity on him. "For instance, you barely see Eli outside the dance practice rooms on Saturday and Sunday nights, and Hoon likes to paint. Kiseop and I sing for fun if we're in the mood. It really depends, you know?"
"I already know where I'll be," Dongwoo says with a grin, high-fiving Eli across the table. It takes Howon by surprise when Dongwoo looks straight at him, asking, "You'll be there too, right?"
"Y-Yeah," Howon answers hurriedly, painfully relieved Dongwoo hasn't treated him any differently after that first night in the dance practice rooms, which he has passed off as a weird moment and nothing more. There will be more than enough time to do homework later.
"Me too," Sungjong pouts. They decide to meet Saturday afternoon, the three of them and the usual Level 2's. That leaves Howon with a free morning, and he sleeps in for the first time for as long as he can remember, waking up with an unfamiliar sense of anticipation and possibility. Myungsoo leaves with Woohyun, apologizing to Howon on the way out; unsurprisingly, Woohyun is complaining again, this time about his roommate, Sungyeol. Despite his positive sentiments on the first day, Howon hasn't properly spoken to Sungyeol or Sunggyu. He has years to get to know them, though, and he turns his mind toward ways to spend his first weekend at Sanghwan. There is that toy store for Hojun, of course, and the libraries he passed looking too good to pass up. Soohyun mentioned athletic fields and equipment on campus as well, and Howon was looking forward to seeing better conditions than the dirt track and sparse yellow grass he grew up with. There are gardens and galleries, and plenty of private alcoves to discover and claim.
His plans, however, vanish when someone knocks persistently on the door. Howon drops the pants he was about to put on in surprise, calling, "Who is it?" as he fumbles to pick them up again.
"Dongwoo and Sungjong, of course!"
The amazement and uncertainty still haven't faded after a week of such treatment, and Howon almost trips over the pants as he struggles to put them on and get to the door at the same time. When he manages to tug the door open, the sight of his friends dressed in their casual clothes comes as a shock.
In contrast to the formal white, black, and accents of maroon of their uniform, Dongwoo is wearing an unzipped, neon green jacket, exposing his grey wifebeater and the black jeans that sit low on his hips. Just as colorful, Sungjong is dressed in a pastel pink sweater that too big for his slight frame, reaching down to his jean-clad thighs. His sneakers are extremely white, matching the smile he flashes at the sight of Howon. "Good morning!" he chirps, red hair slightly damp against Howon's chin when Sungjong hugs him hello.
"Good morning," Howon says self-consciously, looking down at his simple t-shirt and jeans.
"You need to go shopping," Sungjong proclaims, evidently noticing the same thing. "I bet everything you wear is dark-colored." He can't refuse that, so he nods in agreement, slightly wary of the prospect of clothes shopping. Everything he owns has been Hojae's once, and is well on the way to belonging to Hojun.
"We were thinking about a day outside," Dongwoo explains. "It's about lunch time now, so we could go to the cafeteria first."
"Kevin told me there was a cafe though," Sungjong interjects. The sleeves of his sweater are too long for him, slipping over his fingers as he clings to Dongwoo's arm.
They end up going to the cafe, just outside the main building and across a small plaza where a Beta tells them to sit wherever they like and politely asks for their orders. Sungjong insists on the table by the windows, massive panels that span the upper half of the wall and look out over the gorgeous campus, and Howon has to tear his eyes away from the ivy growing on what he guesses is the Level 2 dorms in order to look at the menu. All of the choices sound unfamiliar, and he's even less used to having a choice. In the end, he takes Dongwoo's recommendation and goes with a latte and sandwich, while Sungjong muses over two pastries until Dongwoo promises to help him finish if he gets both. It turns out he doesn't need to, and Howon wonders how Sungjong stays so skinny if he eats so well.
Their brunch over, they leave the cafe, Dongwoo thanking the cashier with a smile that's oblivious to class. Wandering aimlessly, they walk through a beautifully cultivated orchard of apple trees, the leaves just beginning to turn a rich red and orange. Dongwoo separates from them to climb one of the largest trees, sitting on a thick branch and waving at them as Sungjong whines in protest, lacking the muscles to pull himself up. Howon's breath catches in his throat when Dongwoo jumps down without considering the danger, landing easily in the foliage over the roots.
Eventually, the trees open out to a field of cropped grass, and Dongwoo runs to a shed off to the side in delight, pulling the unlocked door open and sprinting back to Howon and Sungjong with a soccer ball clutched in his arms. "Let's play," he pleads.
Sungjong designates himself as cheerleader and sits on the line of white paint marking the field boundary on the grass, calling out encouragement for both Dongwoo and Howon and keeping score for every time the ball flies into a goal net. It's been a long time since Howon has played, especially against a good opponent and he's stiff and used to letting Hojun win. He still manages to keep up, however, only a point or two behind until Dongwoo tries to steal the ball from him but ends up tangling their legs and sending them to the ground in a confused heap. The sudden extra contact startles Howon, who struggles to pull himself free, but he only succeeds after Dongwoo rolls away from him, laughing breathlessly and sprawling out on the grass.
Howon sits up, aware that he's staring. Dongwoo has closed his eyes, letting his breathing return to a normal pace, and the sunlight hits him just right. It illuminates his profile with a soft glow, and Howon can see everything--Dongwoo's high cheekbones, the straight bridge of his nose, his eyelashes--and it takes his breath away.
He jumps at a gentle touch to his shoulder and looks up at Sungjong's small, knowing smile. "You have grass all over your back," Sungjong informs him cheerily, helping him brush it off. At the sound of Sungjong's voice, Dongwoo opens his eyes and sits up as well, his hair a disheveled mess. "That was fun."
"What time is it?" Howon says before he blurts something else.
"About 3:30 in the afternoon," Sungjong answers. "Almost time to meet Eli and Kevin."
Howon and Dongwoo pick themselves up off the grass, Sungjong attaching himself to Howon's side, and they start making their way back to the main buildings of the school. On the way to the South Hallway, they stop in the cafeteria for a quick snack, then browse the music and art rooms as they digest.
This time, when they peek into the room with the grand piano, the music stops and Sunggyu turns to look at them. "Hello," he says, still formal.
"Hi," Sungjong says with a sweet smile. "We're sorry for interrupting you."
Sunggyu shrugs, stroking his fingers over the white and black keys. "It's fine."
"Your piece sounded lovely," Howon says, hoping he sounds sincere and not too awkward. He's not too sure whether he succeeded or not when Sunggyu gives him a wan smile in thanks.
"We'll let you continue now," Dongwoo says, withdrawing his head and closing the door softly behind them. "I'm a huge fan," he confesses casually as they keep walking. "My grandmother loves his music so I've been listening to his songs since the beginning of his career."
This is the first time Howon has heard anything about someone else's family, and he listens more intently.
"Of course, it's good to keep up with the rising artists and musicians," Sungjong agrees, but they reach the dance practice rooms and Howon has no time to ask about the bitter twist to Sungjong's words.
"Hey, look who finally decided to show up," calls Eli from his seat on the floor by the stereo. Kevin springs up from next to him, running to greet Sungjong and talk about the new girl group song released that he's been dying to learn the dance to. There are two other boys that Howon remembers seeing only from a distance, and Eli gets up to introduce them, Jaeseop and Hoonmin. Both of them are good-looking and well built, Jaeseop more laid-back and snarky in contrast to Hoonmin's sweet, good-natured air. Like Eli, they have sweat beading on their faces and necks from dancing.
"Call me Hoon," Hoonmin tells Howon as Dongwoo happily joins Eli and Jaeseop on the dance floor, having had won the rock-paper-scissors against Kevin and Sungjong for the next song.
"Ah, are you the one who did the paintings in the art room?" Howon asks.
Hoon laughs, embarrassed. "That's me! I just do it for fun, though. You should see Pyo's though, one of the Level 1's, if he'll let you. They're phenomenal, and they got him into this school."
The buzz of a cell phone interrupts Howon's reply, and Hoon pulls a sleek smartphone out his pocket to read a text. "Soohyun and Dongho are coming," he says brightly.
"Finally! It's been a long time since Soohyun has danced," Jaeseop says, having had finished his routine and heard Hoon's words.
Eli rolls his eyes. "I keep telling him that dancing is just as good as working out in the gyms, but he refuses to listen."
"Good thing we have Dongho to persuade him, then," Jaeseop grins.
Soohyun and Dongho, who turns out to be the young boy Soohyun lectured the other day, arrive quickly, greeted with teases and jokes. Dongho immediately starts begging Eli to teach him "that really cool dance move" while Soohyun spots Howon and smiles, taking a seat next to him on the floor. He momentarily grasps the hand Hoon reaches out to him, then turns to Howon. "Did they pull you into this against your will too?"
"Come on, you love us," Hoon laughs, getting up and stretching for a dance. Kevin and Sungjong complain about losing the rock-paper-scissors again.
"I've never danced before--no time," Howon explains, uncertain. "So I'm just here to watch for now."
"Same," Soohyun says with that kind, warm smile. "I grew up with a pretty bad area, and before Sanghwan, all I ever knew was work, which only got worse after my father passed away. I only developed other interests when I came to this school."
"I--I'm sorry to hear that, about your father," Howon says clumsily.
Soohyun's smile does not dim, and Howon is grateful. "It's all right. We've moved on, and my mother never stops telling me how proud of me he would have been for getting into Sanghwan. It's incredibly different from home."
Howon draws comfort from someone who knows how he feels, someone who went through the same awe and shock and confusion of the difference between classes. "What do you like to do here?" he asks.
"I really like being active," Soohyun tells him. "It's nice to work out just to stay in shape instead of fighting to earn my next meal, you know? I spend time in the weights room and outside on the fields or the pool, and I let myself be dragged along to dance practice. Kevin and Kiseop are happy to sing with anyone, so I do that a lot, too."
Howon knows. He finds himself inevitably warming up to Soohyun, who feels like the older brother Hojae never was to him. Why would Hojae coddle a brother who constantly outshone him? Howon has long accepted his role of caring for Hojun, but he greatly appreciates Soohyun's kindness, especially in a strange place like this.
Kevin and Sungjong finally win a round, and they put their CD into the stereo, brimming with excitement at the bright, bubblegum song playing from the speakers. Unsurprisingly, they perform the flashy choreography flawlessly, and Eli claps indulgingly when they finish before promptly winning the next round and blaring deep bass, fierce rap.
"To be honest, I don't really like this music," Soohyun says.
"What do you like?" asks Howon. He doesn't dislike any of it, even Kevin and Sungjong's songs, but he's curious what else the others listen to.
"Ballads," Soohyun answers. "Slow, beautiful songs that you let flood through your body as you sing. Those are the best." Soohyun promises to sing for him sometime.
By the time Howon remembers to check the clock, most of the guys are flopped on the floor in a happy, tired stupor, and the time is almost 1 o'clock in the morning. He's amazed he talked to Soohyun, and later Hoon, for so long without feeling awkward or doubtful of himself. It's a feeling he could get used to.
He spends the next entire day, a beautiful Sunday of clear skies and sunlight, doing homework with Myungsoo and reading in one of the vast libraries. Back at home, he's read every book at the meager school library multiple times from cover to cover, and the excitement of reading a novel for the first time is rekindled at the sight of shelves upon shelves of books. He finds Sunggyu in one of the more obscure sections, and the quiet boy allows him to read beside him. It's a relaxing day, perfect for winding down after yesterday's excitement. Tomorrow, it will be back to work.
☬
The first thing Tablo does when they walk into Alpha Education on Monday morning is hand back their quizzes from Friday. Howon breathes a sigh of relief at the PASS scribbled at the top of the page and sees his expression mirrored on everyone else's faces. Out of the 20 problems, he only got two wrong.
"You can thank Sunggyu over here for no curve," Tablo says, walking back to the front of the room. "Since it's your first month and we're just covering the basics, we'll take it easy on you for the weekly tests. That way you can prepare for the exam at the end of this month, on the 30th."
"What will we be doing?" Sungjong asks.
"Having a party," Tablo says flippantly, and refuses to give them more details.
That night, Sungjong successfully persuades Howon to study with them to their room after dinner, stopping at his own for his books and computer. While Howon crawls under his desk to retrieve his computer charger, cursing the inconveniences of technology, Sungjong flops onto his bed, making himself at home, and Dongwoo remains standing, examining Howon's belongings curiously. "Your room looks just like ours, but your things are so different," he comments, gently touching the picture frame on Howon's dresser. It's the only one he has of his entire family, together in one spot forever (Howon understands what Myungsoo meant, how pictures preserve cherished memories and feelings), and he uses it to motivate himself when Sanghwan is too much. They help him remember why he's here.
"How so?" Howon asks, looking up from the charger cord in his hands.
"Much less, to start with, but...so simple, too. You don't have any extraneous things, like beauty products and electronics, or even accessories. Not even a wallet." Dongwoo glances at the surface of Howon's desk, empty save for his school things. "Now that you're here, there's nothing stopping you from getting things like that."
"What use would I have for a wallet?" replies Howon with a shrug. "My family doesn't have the money to send to me from home, and the shops use credits. My life revolved so little around appearance before, I can't make myself waste on facials and lotions and creams. I don't even know how to use a cell phone."
"You've never even played a video game?" Dongwoo asks, horrified.
"No," Howon says with uncertainty.
Sungjong grasps the concept of being that poor surprisingly easily, as if he's already had the time to adjust to the idea. "You still need to go shopping," he says, hugging Howon's pillow to his chest.
"If we have time of the weekend, we can go," Howon says, and picks up his bag.
"It's only Monday!"
Howon laughs, pulling at his arm; Sungjong consents to let go of the pillow so Howon can grasp his hand, but refuses to get up. "And we still have homework to do, come on."
With whining and pitiful stares, Sungjong rolls off the bed and trails unhappily behind Howon, replacing the pillow with Howon's left arm. When Howon steps outside the room, Sungjong connected to him like another limb, he looks back to see Dongwoo still dwelling over the photograph, his trademark grin replaced with a pensive frown. He looks up when Howon calls his name, "Dongwoo?" and Howon realizes he's never said it out loud before.
"Yeah, I'm coming," Dongwoo says absently, grabbing his jacket on the way out.
Dongwoo and Sungjong's room is next door, on the same side of the hallway, and across from Sunggyu's. Howon hesitates in the doorway, while the occupants of the suite shift into something more comfortable, more relaxed, when they cross the threshold. Dongwoo drapes the stiff jacket of his uniform on the back of his chair, flopping face-down onto the bed, and Sungjong disappears into the bathroom to change his clothes. Belatedly, Howon realizes he should have as well, but makes do with taking off the jacket and hanging it up on the peg by the door, and unbuttoning his shirt, grateful for the white wifebeater he vaguely remembers putting on in the morning.
"What are you doing all the way over there?" Dongwoo asks with a smile, beckoning him further into the dorm room. It's laid out just like his and Myungsoo's room, one room made like a sitting room with the long counter-top, couches around a circular table, and the other with their desks and beds, dresser tucked in the corner and window opening out on the far side of the second room. With so much fancy furniture, the rooms should be, by all means, extremely crowded, but the spacious area contrasts so much against his cramped house in Gangjeong that it's a constant reminder of class difference. Both Dongwoo and Sungjong seem entirely at ease in such space.
Howon shoves his hands deep into his pockets and obeys, sitting uneasily on one of the plush sofas and opening his bag. He has his computer open and is watching it start up when Dongwoo drops down beside him, and Howon startles, glancing up at that sculpted profile before hurriedly dropping his eyes to his keyboard.
"Hey, Howon--" Dongwoo starts, putting a hand on Howon's knee. He never finishes the sentence, because Sungjong steps out in a purple and grey cardigan and bounds over to them, slamming his books onto the table. "Let's get this started!" he says, so serious and determined it's funny.
Reflexively, Dongwoo pulls back from Howon, gathering his things and moving over to the empty couch around the glass table. Sungjong frowns at him disappointedly, a small downturn of his lips, but spreads out his things happily with long, slender fingers, selecting his literature homework first with a pout. For Howon, all homework must be done in the end, so he selects the notebook on the top of his pile; Sungjong prefers to start out easy while Dongwoo tackles his hardest assignment (history, which he lacks the patience to research for; science is obviously his favorite), but Howon doesn't have a preference. Homework is one of the easier things in life.