Unlock - Chapter Thirty-Five
Title: Unlock
Authors: renichifreak and yeonah
Chapter: 35/?
Fandom: SS501, cameos by KARA
Pairings: KyuSaeng, HyunMin (may be other pairings in the future)
Rating: PG-16
Warning: Angst, AU, Fluff
Summary: Not everything is as it seems, and for those who are as far from normal as you can get, life is a bleak existence. The only ones who can truly understand what these individuals go through are those...just like them.
A/N: YoungSaeng and HyunJoong are played by renichifreak and KyuJong and JungMin are played by me. Updates will be every Wednesday <3
The sound of movement in the hallways woke KyuJong the following morning, the time traveler shifting slightly in an attempt to escape from the sounds. Unwilling to open his eyes, he curled up a little more around the warm body pressed against his, listening to the sounds of his mother walking around and getting ready to make breakfast.
Feeling movement from the other body against him, YoungSaeng let out a quiet whine and buried himself even further into the warmth of both the blankets and KyuJong.
KyuJong slowly opened his eyes at the whine, blinking blearily at his boyfriend. Smiling tiredly, he nuzzled against the younger boy and closed his eyes again, not willing to wake up as he placed a light kiss on top of YoungSaeng's head. They didn't have to get up for a bit still.
"Sleep okay?" YoungSaeng asked, voice muffled by his lover's chest. If he didn't have to move, he wouldn't.
"Mhm," KyuJong hummed in confirmation, burying his face in YoungSaeng's hair and breathing in deeply. "You?" He wrapped his arms firmly around YoungSaeng's waist, keeping him close.
"As always," YoungSaeng purred as though he were a content kitten. "When do we have to get up, because I don't wanna."
"I don't plan on getting up until I hear HyunJoong smash into the door again," KyuJong chuckled, running his hand along YoungSaeng's bare back. "Sound like a plan?"
"I love that idea actually, but what makes you think that he'll crash into the door aga-” Hearing the loud thump, YoungSaeng sighed. "Nevermind. Forget I asked."
KyuJong laughed into YoungSaeng's hair. "That doesn't mean we have to get up though," he pouted, waking up enough to nuzzle against YoungSaeng and wrap his legs around the other boy's.
"Very true," YoungSaeng agreed, snuggling closer, loving the feel of their legs wrapped around each other.
Smiling, KyuJong settled down to rest for a while longer, hearing the rest of the house slowly waking up. It was early, but it needed to be for them to catch their bus.
Finally there was a light knocking at the door. "Time to get up," KyuJong's mother called.
Hearing the woman on the other side of the door, YoungSaeng pouted before obeying. He pushed himself up and into a seated position. "I'm gonna take a quick shower, okay?"
"Okay." KyuJong sat up as well, brushing his hair down a little. Leaning over, he kissed YoungSaeng lightly. "I'll get us both packed up."
"Thanks, KyuJongie yah," YoungSaeng said as he gathered clothes up and left the room for the bathroom. He decided against a long shower and was out a very short time later, just wanting to spend as much time with KyuJong's family as possible. Dressing in a pair of comfortable sweats and a fitted graphic tee, he put his still damp hair into a ponytail and padded out and back to KyuJong's room.
"I left your pajama pants in the hamper," YoungSaeng told him.
KyuJong had changed and was putting all their belongings back in their bags for school. Looking up at YoungSaeng, he smiled. "All right." Putting the bag aside, he stretched. "Should we go down for breakfast?"
"I'm starving," YoungSaeng replied with a smile, walking over to the door.
Grinning, KyuJong followed him to the door and opened it, blinking when JungMin ran by down the stairs. A second later HyungJoon was chasing after him, yelling. "I think we missed something," he laughed, taking YoungSaeng's hand.
YoungSaeng blinked and poked his head out, seeing HaRa and Nicole there as well. "What's going on?"
"Apparently, JungMin shoved HyungJoon out of bed to get him up and Joonie didn't like that idea much," Nicole explained, giggling to herself.
KyuJong chuckled. “Well, it got him up.” There was a loud shriek from downstairs. HyungJoon had caught up with the redhead. “Where’s HyunJoong?”
"Still asleep, I think," HaRa explained. "They were the only ones who left the room."
“So who was it who ran into the door then?” KyuJong asked, blinking.
“That was appa hitting his head on the doorframe because he forgot to duck,” EunAh said as she walked by, and KyuJong muffled a laugh in one hand.
Shaking his head in amusement, YoungSaeng tugged lightly on KyuJong's hand, the smells of the delicious food downstairs becoming too much to ignore.
Smiling widely, KyuJong followed the tugging on his hand down the stairs and into the dining room, where food was being laid out. HyungJoon and JungMin were picking on each other, the redhead grabbing the younger into a headlock when he got too close.
“HyunJoong isn’t joining us?” KyuJong’s mother asked.
“Still out cold,” JungMin said, letting HyungJoon go. “I’ll go wake him up.”
Rubbing his neck, HyungJoon scrambled to the other side of the table, dropping into the seat beside EunAh. "Stupid bullying redhead..." he muttered.
Sticking his tongue out at HyungJoon, JungMin grinned at YoungSaeng and bounced off upstairs.
Slipping into the room he’d just left a few minutes ago, JungMin’s gaze softened as he looked at HyunJoong still fast asleep. After a moment he padded over and leaned over him. “Hyun, come on, breakfast is ready,” he said, poking at HyunJoong’s side with one gloved hand.
Feeling the poke, HyunJoong slowly woke up and groaned softly as everything started spinning. Opening his eyes slowly, He blinked to see JungMin there. Feeling warm all of a sudden, though he didn't know if it was from the close proximity or otherwise, he smiled slightly. "Time to get up?"
“Uh-huh, it’s breakfast before we hit the road again,” JungMin chirped, crouching down next to the bed so he was on eye level with the older boy. “Not excited to get back to school, but oh well,” he said, making a face.
Chuckling, HyunJoong slowly pushed the blanket down and sat up. He had no idea why he ached so much. Maybe HyungJoon hit him in his sleep or he slept wrong even.
Bouncing back up as HyunJoong sat up, JungMin’s grin faded slightly. “Hey, you okay?” HyunJoong was flushed red.
"Not really, no," HyunJoong admitted. "I'll be fine, though, so no need to worry," he added, getting to his feet - and nearly falling back, hoping JungMin didn't notice.
The frown deepened. “Uh-huh.” JungMin hesitantly put one hand against HyunJoong’s back between his shoulder blades to steady him. “Remember, door opens in, not out,” he teased lightly.
HyunJoong choked out a laugh, thankful for the steadying hand on his back as well. "Thanks for the reminder..."
“Anytime. Though watching you smash into the door again would be fun too.” JungMin walked to the door with him, keeping beside the older boy. He couldn’t stop the slight worry, seeing HyunJoong was unsteady.
"Sadist," HyunJoong teased as they headed downstairs, HyunJoong clutching the banister on the way down. Walking into the dining room, he chuckled as he saw HyungJoon jump when JungMin reappeared. "What did I miss?" he asked, taking a seat beside KyuJong.
“HyungJoon chasing JungMin around for kicking him out of bed,” KyuJong said, amused. Once HyunJoong and JungMin were sitting, the ground started to eat.
“Do we have to go back to school?” Nicole pouted, clinging to EunAh who clung back.
"I'm with them," YoungSaeng replied. "I'd much rather stay here than go back there."
KyuJong and JungMin nodded, HyungJoon too busy eating to pay attention.
“You’re all welcome to come back,” KyuJong’s mother smiled at them. “Next holiday is Christmas, right?”
“Yeah,” KyuJong nodded. That was in another month though, after their end-of-semester exams.
"But that's too long," YoungSaeng whined quietly, pout well in place.
“It is, but it’ll be all the better when we are back,” KyuJong smiled at his boyfriend, squeezing his hand lightly.
HyunJoong laughed at the whine, glad that YoungSaeng seemed much closer to himself. Turning his attention back to the food, he found himself spending more time shifting the food around than eating it, appetite not quite there.
JungMin watched HyunJoong out of the corner of his eyes as he ate, frowning inwardly at the picking at his plate. He didn’t say anything though, just glancing at him every now and then as the others talked about anything and everything.
"So what time to we have to leave?" HyunJoong asked, running a hand through his hair. Perhaps a shower would help him feel better.
“In a little less than an hour,” HaRa said, looking at the clock. “So there’s no real rush.” KyuJong nodded, nibbling at a roll as he leaned a little against his boyfriend.
HyunJoong looked at the clock and nodded. "I think I'll go take a quick shower then," he said as he got to his feet with a smile. "I'll be right back," he added, heading upstairs.
JungMin watched him go, brown eyes holding poorly veiled concern. After a moment he returned to his own food, nibbling at it, his thoughts obviously elsewhere. HyunJoong hadn’t eaten much.
KyuJong finished his plate and pushed it away, looking at the others. He noticed JungMin’s distraction, the redhead not even paying attention to a conversation he usually jumped into. Blinking, he looked at YoungSaeng.
YoungSaeng noticed both JungMin's odd behavior as well as HyunJoong's, seeing the maybe half-eaten food. Meeting KyuJong's eyes, YoungSaeng shrugged, not knowing, either.
Wondering what was up, KyuJong rested his head on YoungSaeng’s shoulder as the others finished eating. Not surprisingly, JungMin stopped eating soon after, fiddling with the edges of his gloves instead.
“What do you want to do while we wait to leave?” KyuJong murmured in YoungSaeng’s ear.
YoungSaeng rested his head on KyuJong's, nuzzling the soft strands. "Stay like this. I don't get to feel like this often," he replied, smiling lightly. He felt as though he was actually part of a family, and it was a nice feeling.
Smiling, KyuJong nodded. “We can do that,” he whispered, enjoying the atmosphere as well. He knew he’d miss it once they went back to school. He settled in beside YoungSaeng with one arm around his boyfriend’s waist, just listening to the chatter.
*************************
Stepping out of the shower, HyunJoong sighed. While the hot shower had helped a bit with the overall aches, he still felt as though he had been trampled by a herd of rampaging bulls.
Sighing, resigning himself to the fact that he was probably feeling the affects of going out into the cold with little cover so much during the trip, he got dressed and tossed his hair into a half ponytail and left the bathroom to head downstairs.
By that time, the group had moved to the living room and was sitting in a circle with the couches and chairs. JungMin, curled up on the large chair he and HyunJoong had occupied while watching the movie, perked up and waved at the older boy when he came downstairs, scooting over so that HyunJoong could join him on the chair. "Please tell him a tomato is a vegetable, not a fruit," he demanded, pointing at HyungJoon.
"It's a fruit!" HyungJoon retorted, sticking out his tongue, an action JungMin repeated.
"I'm not even sure how that came up...” KyuJong mused, stroking YoungSaeng's hair. They had been talking about his mother's cooking, and somehow went to this.
Taking a seat beside JungMin on the chair, he chuckled. "Sorry, Min, but it's a fruit," HyunJoong stated, not at all surprised by the odd topic of conversation.
JungMin gave HyunJoong a look of betrayal. "It is a vegetable!" he insisted. "KyuJong's mom called it a vegetable because of how you can cook with it."
Said woman was just watching with much amusement.
"You can cook with fruits, too, Min," YoungSaeng supplied, head resting in KyuJong's lap.
"But you don't cook tomatos with apples or pears," JungMin snorted. "You have it in salads, with vegetables, and it's not sweet."
"Can't it be both?" Nicole asked, trying not to laugh.
"Doubtable," HaRa laughed. "For it to be both, they would both have to be right."
"And that will never happen in this lifetime," YoungSaeng added.
JungMin was giving HyunJoong his best puppy pout, trying to sway the older boy to his side with cute appeal.
"I don't think they're going to stop arguing about it the rest of the day," KyuJong chuckled.
Unable to resist the look the redhead had pinned him with, HyunJoong shook his head and reached up to pat JungMin on the head, barely noticing the static shock anymore, having received so many since meeting him. "Okay, Min ah, it's a vegetable," he said, looking at YoungSaeng and KyuJong with an amused look.
JungMin beamed happily. KyuJong tried not to laugh.
"I still think it's a fruit," HyungJoon grumbled, and JungMin threw one of the small pillows at him, earning a shriek. Sticking out his tongue, JungMin squirmed further down into the chair, happy beside HyunJoong even if there had to be a bit of space between them.
Smiling at JungMin's reaction, HyunJoong mouthed an 'it's a fruit' to HyungJoon and continued to play with the redhead's hair, a small squeak escaping every once in a while when the charges would get stronger. They were never very painful, just odd, so he found no reason to stop.
The reason for the increased charge was obvious with how JungMin's face turned a shade redder every few seconds as HyunJoong continued to play with his hair. He should probably pull away before he really zapped the poor guy, but being starved for contact was giving him very little choice in the matter as he leaned into the hand a little.
Watching them with amusement, KyuJong leaned down to place a kiss on YoungSaeng's cheek. "I think I missed something," he murmured to his boyfriend.
"Not really," YoungSaeng mused, smiling at how cute the two were, even if they were decently oblivious to the fact. Tilting his head, he kissed his lover quickly, while the girls' attentions were on something else other than them.
KyuJong returned the kiss, smiling as he straightened again, twining his fingers into YoungSaeng's hair.
They continued to talk about meaningless things, just enjoying each other's company. Finally KyuJong's mother looked at the clock. "You should probably head off to the bus stop now," she said with a sad smile.
EunAh whined and clung to the two other girls. "Take me with you!"
Clinging back, Nicole and HaRa cast huge puppy eyes at the girl's mother.
HyunJoong laughed at the two before getting up and shaking out his tingling hand, though not before grabbing hold of the back of the chair when he was hit with a dizzy spell. He righted himself almost immediately and acted as though nothing had happened since everyone's attention was on the three begging girls.
Their mother laughed, shaking her head. "She'll be going to your school next year, it'll have to wait until then."
EunAh pouted, still attached to HaRa and Nicole.
"We can't smuggle her in early?" HyungJoon asked, and she turned bright red again.
YoungSaeng laughed lightly, sitting up before standing to stretch. Turning back to the couch, he offered a hand to KyuJong.
Taking the offered hand with a smile, KyuJong stood up. "Let's get going then, before we're forgotten," he said, stretching. JungMin bounced up from the chair, going to get his jacket. He came back with his and HyunJoong's, holding out the older boy's to him.
Blinking as his jacket was suddenly thrust in front of him, HyunJoong looked up into a blinding smile. He took the jacket and returned the smile with one of his own. "Thanks, Min."
Grinning wider, JungMin pulled his own jacket on, not bothering with zipping it up. His electricity was back to full strength, and he didn't feel like roasting.
The others were getting ready as well, KyuJong handing YoungSaeng his jacket before pulling his own on, slipping into his shoes.
"Ah, one moment." KyuJong's mother motioned to EunAh and went into the kitchen with her. Both of them returned after a moment with thermoses of hot chocolate. "This should keep you warm while you wait for the bus. There's lunch in your bags."
Smiling, YoungSaeng stepped away from KyuJong and, once she had her hands free, wrapped his arms around the woman. "Thank you for the other day...You have no idea how much that meant to me," he murmured.
She blinked then smiled warmly, wrapping her arms around him and hugging back gently. "You're my son too, sweetie," she whispered. "I'm always just a call away if you need someone to listen." She ran her hand gently through his long hair before letting him go.
Smiling, YoungSaeng pulled away and returned to KyuJong's side, feeling far better now that he'd been able to tell the woman thank you while free from the hold the depression had on him.
The group gathered at the door to leave. "Come back soon, okay?" EunAh smiled at them.
"We will," HaRa nodded brightly. "Thank you for your hospitality." She bowed to KyuJong's parents, his father having just appeared. The older man waved one hand with a smile.
YoungSaeng smiled at the man, finally feeling comfortable since he had protected him from his parents. Bowing at a full 90 degrees, he thanked the man.
HyunJoong found himself leaning a bit against JungMin before he bowed as well. "We'll definitely be back if you want us."
"In that case you better come back," KyuJong's father teased, smiling at YoungSaeng as he put one arm around his wife.
"Thank you umma, appa," KyuJong said, smiling widely as he opened the door. JungMin blinked at HyunJoong when he felt the leaning, hesitantly putting one hand against his shoulder blades to support him as they filed outside.
Shooting JungMin an appreciative smile, HyunJoong stepped off the porch and followed after the others, wrapping himself in his jacket and clutching the warm thermos to fight off the cold.
Turning a little red at the smile, JungMin poked HyunJoong's side lightly as they headed towards the bus stop. "You sure you're okay?" he murmured, certain this wasn't normal.
"Just a bit under the weather. I'll be fine," HyunJoong assured. "I don't usually stay sick very long. I think it was from all the times going in and out in the cold."
JungMin blinked at him. "Want my jacket too?" he asked. "I don't need it, living heater."
"Nah. We won't be waiting long. Plus, I have this to keep me warm," HyunJoong said, holding up the thermos before pausing. "Though, um, I wouldn't complain if you wanted to keep me company with your human heater-ness," he murmured, blush mixing with the slight flush to his cheeks.
Blinking owlishly at him, JungMin turned bright red. "Uh...Okay?" He was already threatening to shoot off sparks. "I-I would try using my electricity to warm you up. If I didn't think you'd have a problem with being crispy." He did wonder if he could help with his gloves on, looking at his hands.
After a moment he bit his lower lip and directed the electricity in his body towards the hand against HyunJoong's back, separated from his skin by the glove and HyunJoong's jacket. It was a ton easier to use the electricity than to get rid of it; it wanted to move.
HyunJoong was about to respond when he felt a sudden warmth run through him, Faltering slightly in surprise, he quickly righted himself, sighing as he felt much warmer. "…Feels good," he murmured.
JungMin grinned in relief when it worked. "Great. And this is much better than running around in circles for hours." He shuffled a little as he walked beside HyunJoong, rubbing his hand along the other boy's back to spread the warmth.
YoungSaeng watched the two, grinning when JungMin attempted to use his power to keep HyunJoong warm. He had noticed the unhealthy flush to HyunJoong's slightly pale face, signs that he was coming down with something.
Watching as well, KyuJong smiled and swung his and YoungSaeng's joined hands back and forth slightly. They followed behind the rest of the group. "Warm enough?" he asked his boyfriend, bag slung over his shoulders with thermos in his other hand.
"Perfectly, as a matter of fact," YoungSaeng explained. "Feel free to warm me up a bit more if you want, though," he added with smile and a wink, moving that much closer.
Laughing, KyuJong released YoungSaeng's hand to wrap his arm around his boyfriend's waist, holding him close but not so close they couldn't walk. "Warmer?" He leaned over to kiss YoungSaeng's cheek.
"Totally," YoungSaeng smiled, eyes fluttering lightly at the kiss. "How long are we waiting for?" he asked after a moment.
"For the bus? Not that long, maybe five minutes or so. No sense staying out in the cold any longer than we have to." KyuJong had noticed HyunJoong's state as well.
Taking a seat, HyunJoong dropped his bag at his feet and opened the thermos, taking a sip and sighing. "KyuJong, I think I've been ruined forever. No one can cook or make hot chocolate as well as your mom."
KyuJong laughed quietly, sitting down on the bench as well and yelping at the cold. He wrapped his arm more securely around YoungSaeng's waist and pulled him to sit down in his lap rather than the bench. "It would be a little hard for her to ship us food and drinks all the way from here though."
JungMin dropped down beside HyunJoong, sipping at his hot chocolate as well and squeaking when he drank too fast. "Hot!" While cold didn't bother him, heat felt a lot stronger to him since he was full of electricity.
Nearly dropping the thermos in his hands in shock when JungMin yelled, HyunJoong stared with wide eyes before laughing loudly. "Slow down, JungMin ah," he told him, greatly amused.
The redhead pouted at him. "I burnt my tongue...” He moped, cradling the thermos against his jacket.
"Well, it is hot...” HyungJoon hid behind Nicole at the glare JungMin sent him.
"That's what happens when you drink hot stuff so fast," HyunJoong pointed out, patting him on the head. "Go slower next time."
"Why are you hiding behind me?" Nicole asked. "I think it'd be funny if JungMin smacked you one."
HyungJoon quickly switched to hiding behind HaRa, who was too busy laughing.
"Here comes the bus," KyuJong noted, seeing it in the distance heading up the road.
Getting to his feet, HyunJoong gathered his things and walked over to the three, grabbing HyungJoon by his jacket hood and dragging him toward the bus that had just pulled up.
JungMin blinked owlishly and burst out laughing as HyungJoon shrieked.
"What did I do to you?!"
KyuJong chuckled, standing up once YoungSaeng was out of his lap and bringing his boyfriend to the bus as well, JungMin right after them.
"You're giving me a headache with all your girly squeals," HyunJoong told him, rolling his eyes as he dragged the younger onto the bus. He then let go and walked toward the back of the thankfully empty bus and shoved his bag into the overhead, sighing as he dropped into a seat. He wasn't kidding about the headache. He just hoped that it would be gone by the time they got back to school.
They all filed into the bus, KyuJong heading towards last seat as usual. JungMin fidgeted before dropping down beside HyunJoong with a grin. Once they were all sitting, the bus started to move again, and they were on their way back to school
Filing onto the bus, YoungSaeng paused once they reached the back before sitting down. Looking around and noticing that there were others boarding as well, he reached up to tug on KyuJong's sleeve, hoping he'd understand what he wanted. He was still a bit off from the episode and not comfortable with being in the aisle.
Looking back at YoungSaeng, KyuJong noticed the expression and smiled. "Here," he whispered, easing YoungSaeng up onto his lap so he could switch places with him, so that he was the one in the aisle seat instead.
Once they had switched spots, YoungSaeng smiled back, tension leaving him. "Thanks, Kyu..." he murmured, reaching out for his hand and twining their fingers together.
HyunJoong looked up to see JungMin in the seat beside him and had to smile. In the shape he was in at the moment, he didn't think he would have the patience to deal with anyone other than the redhead, or maybe YoungSaeng due to his quiet nature.
Smiling back at YoungSaeng, KyuJong squeezed his hand lightly and settled in for the ride, listening to the others chat.
******************************************
The rest of the day had passed in relative calm, the next day putting them back into their usual schedule whether they liked it or not. Classes were getting to be even more important this close to the end of semester, and it looked like any free time they had would soon be overrun.
So they'd decided to practice in KyuJong and YoungSaeng's room one last time before things became crazy.
HyunJoong left his last class feeling as though he'd been stabbed through the temple with a sharp object. Whatever he'd come down with had only gotten worse until he felt as though he'd pass out. He had to go to class, though, given that it was so close to exams. His headache, however, had finally grown into a full on migraine, making it nearly impossible to focus.
Finally, after taking a wrong turn, he'd reached KyuJong and YoungSaeng's room. Collecting himself, he tried not to look like death warmed over and knocked on the door.
The door was answered by JungMin, who had been all but bouncing around the room while they waited for HyunJoong to show up. The redhead brightened when he saw who it was. "Took you long enough." He pulled the older boy inside the room, closing the door behind him. KyuJong had already found a light bulb for him to practice with in one of the school closets.
"We're all set?" KyuJong smiled, sitting on one of the beds with YoungSaeng.
JungMin looked up at HyunJoong and frowned lightly. "You okay?" He looked ill for sure.
HyunJoong nearly tripped when JungMin pulled him into the room. He winced immediately, realizing belatedly that Nicole's power was a constantly activated one, never truly deactivated. He wasn't entirely sure showing up was a good idea.
"I'm fine, Min, just still a bit under," HyunJoong told the redhead, trying to smile reassuringly and hoping that it worked.
JungMin just stared at HyunJoong for a moment, before HyungJoon started chattering about something behind him and he was successfully distracted. He pulled HyunJoong along to the other free bed.
Noticing the sickly expression on HyunJoong's face, KyuJong blinked, looking to YoungSaeng before returning his gaze to the older boy, frowning lightly.
YoungSaeng, following KyuJong's line of sight, noticed as well and decided that unless HyunJoong spoke up, the most they would be able to do is watch him to make sure he didn't overdo it.
"We all set then?" Nicole asked, settled down to help HyungJoon with his predictions again. HaRa was curled up on KyuJong and YoungSaeng's bed at the other end. JungMin picked up the light bulb, rolling it between his gloved fingers.
Seeing the others nod, the redhead pulled off his glove and after shifting enough away from HyunJoong that he wouldn't be hurt if it exploded, he gripped the bottom of the light bulb lightly. It lit up instantly, JungMin pursing his lips as he watched it, trying to make the electricity leave his fingers.
KyuJong rested his head against YoungSaeng's, debating what he should do. He didn't want to knock himself out again.
'Okay, not good...' HyunJoong thought as power upon power was activated, adding even more pressure to his already nearly unbearable headache. He didn't know how much longer he'd be able to go without speaking up, but he felt that point rapidly approaching.
Deciding that it would be better not to activate his ability quite yet, wishing to give it just another day, YoungSaeng looked at KyuJong. "I have an idea, but I don't know if it would work." He pointed to the apple on the desk. "Can you maybe alter the time around that apple? It's small, so it might not cause as much stress, though I don't know your power very well..." YoungSaeng suggested.
KyuJong blinked, considering the suggestion as he looked at the apple. "Alter it, as in make the apple rot or something?" He pursed his lips, thinking. "I've never tried it before, but why not?" The desk was far enough away too in case the time bubble overflowed and he affected what was around the apple too.
Cradling YoungSaeng against his chest, KyuJong turned his full attention to the apple, brow furrowed slightly as he tried to activate his ability outside of his own body, pushing it out away from him. HyungJoon was trying to say what Nicole was thinking again, and failing utterly from her expression as she repeatedly hit him over the head with a pillow.
Nicole sighed loudly. "Seriously, HyungJoon, why in the world would I talk about the brunette in your science class? I've never even seen her!" She turned toward HaRa. "He's impossible..."
"Well, you never know. Maybe I'm seeing the future like I'm supposed to, did you ever think about that?"
HyunJoong had tuned everything out, breathing quickening slightly as he carefully leaned against JungMin, small sound of pain escaping as he buried his face in the redhead's shirt.
His attention on the light bulb, JungMin jumped a little when HyunJoong leaned against him, quickly holding the light bulb away from them both in case it exploded. Blinking, he frowned a little at the noise HyunJoong made. "Hyun...?" he murmured, hesitantly putting his still-covered hand against the older boy's back.
Ignoring them all, KyuJong quickly discovered it was harder than he'd thought it would be to push the effects of time away from his own body. He kept losing concentration somewhere halfway across the room. Brushing his bangs out of his eyes, he tried again, wondering if he should have started with something he was at least touching.
Gaze narrowing, he pushed harder, willing his gift to work with him for once. Something slid into place, and as he started counting faster in his head, the skin of the apple started to shrivel.
"...Guys...” JungMin started, looking from them to HyunJoong. "HyunJoong's...Maybe we should stop..."
HyunJoong found himself curling into JungMin, hands lifting to grip his hair. This wasn't a normal migraine. Something was wrong and it wasn't just him being sick.
"M-Min..." he murmured, bordering on a pained whimper.
JungMin's eyes widened slightly in alarm, beginning to panic now. The light bulb was dropped onto the bed, going out the second it left his fingertips. "Hyun, what's wrong?" Wanting to check his temperature, or something, JungMin's hand shook as he stopped himself from touching the older boy with his bare skin.
"We need to stop, now," he snapped, looking at the others. But KyuJong was all but gone, too focused on the apple, and HyungJoon's eyes had just hazed over as a vision finally hit. "Guys!"
YoungSaeng jumped at the sharp yell from JungMin, attention focused on making sure that KyuJong didn't overdo it again. Looking over and seeing what was going on, his eyes grew as he did everything he could to pull KyuJong back.
HaRa noticed as well and motioned to Nicole to make HyungJoon stop before getting to her feet and rushing over to the pair on the bed, carefully reaching out to brush her hand against HyunJoong's forehead, withdrawing quickly. He was far too hot. "What is it?" she asked, voice soothing.
"I-I d'nno..." HyunJoong forced out through clenched teeth, turning his head slightly, he opened his eyes, showing them oddly glazed over, similar to what happened with HyungJoon's. "God, it hurts..." he moaned.
Eyes wide as saucers, JungMin flailed for a moment on what to do. "Let's lie him down," HaRa said, glancing quickly at HyungJoon and KyuJong who were still gone despite Nicole and YoungSaeng's efforts. "Someone wake them up, quickly."
Nodding hard, JungMin scrambled up and moved to help lie HyunJoong down, grabbing the light bulb with his bare hand to pull it out of the way, the glass lighting up again.
As they eased HyunJoong back onto the mattress, HaRa scrambling to reduce the fever as much as she could, something shot through the room's occupants like each of them had gone into a free-fall before reaching a sudden, jarring stop.
HyungJoon's eyes snapped back into focus as he gasped. HaRa yelped as she found herself unable to push the healing past her fingertips. KyuJong fell over into YoungSaeng's lap from a sudden whiplash, dragged back to the present.
The light bulb in JungMin's hand flickered and went out.
Authors: renichifreak and yeonah
Chapter: 35/?
Fandom: SS501, cameos by KARA
Pairings: KyuSaeng, HyunMin (may be other pairings in the future)
Rating: PG-16
Warning: Angst, AU, Fluff
Summary: Not everything is as it seems, and for those who are as far from normal as you can get, life is a bleak existence. The only ones who can truly understand what these individuals go through are those...just like them.
A/N: YoungSaeng and HyunJoong are played by renichifreak and KyuJong and JungMin are played by me. Updates will be every Wednesday <3
The sound of movement in the hallways woke KyuJong the following morning, the time traveler shifting slightly in an attempt to escape from the sounds. Unwilling to open his eyes, he curled up a little more around the warm body pressed against his, listening to the sounds of his mother walking around and getting ready to make breakfast.
Feeling movement from the other body against him, YoungSaeng let out a quiet whine and buried himself even further into the warmth of both the blankets and KyuJong.
KyuJong slowly opened his eyes at the whine, blinking blearily at his boyfriend. Smiling tiredly, he nuzzled against the younger boy and closed his eyes again, not willing to wake up as he placed a light kiss on top of YoungSaeng's head. They didn't have to get up for a bit still.
"Sleep okay?" YoungSaeng asked, voice muffled by his lover's chest. If he didn't have to move, he wouldn't.
"Mhm," KyuJong hummed in confirmation, burying his face in YoungSaeng's hair and breathing in deeply. "You?" He wrapped his arms firmly around YoungSaeng's waist, keeping him close.
"As always," YoungSaeng purred as though he were a content kitten. "When do we have to get up, because I don't wanna."
"I don't plan on getting up until I hear HyunJoong smash into the door again," KyuJong chuckled, running his hand along YoungSaeng's bare back. "Sound like a plan?"
"I love that idea actually, but what makes you think that he'll crash into the door aga-” Hearing the loud thump, YoungSaeng sighed. "Nevermind. Forget I asked."
KyuJong laughed into YoungSaeng's hair. "That doesn't mean we have to get up though," he pouted, waking up enough to nuzzle against YoungSaeng and wrap his legs around the other boy's.
"Very true," YoungSaeng agreed, snuggling closer, loving the feel of their legs wrapped around each other.
Smiling, KyuJong settled down to rest for a while longer, hearing the rest of the house slowly waking up. It was early, but it needed to be for them to catch their bus.
Finally there was a light knocking at the door. "Time to get up," KyuJong's mother called.
Hearing the woman on the other side of the door, YoungSaeng pouted before obeying. He pushed himself up and into a seated position. "I'm gonna take a quick shower, okay?"
"Okay." KyuJong sat up as well, brushing his hair down a little. Leaning over, he kissed YoungSaeng lightly. "I'll get us both packed up."
"Thanks, KyuJongie yah," YoungSaeng said as he gathered clothes up and left the room for the bathroom. He decided against a long shower and was out a very short time later, just wanting to spend as much time with KyuJong's family as possible. Dressing in a pair of comfortable sweats and a fitted graphic tee, he put his still damp hair into a ponytail and padded out and back to KyuJong's room.
"I left your pajama pants in the hamper," YoungSaeng told him.
KyuJong had changed and was putting all their belongings back in their bags for school. Looking up at YoungSaeng, he smiled. "All right." Putting the bag aside, he stretched. "Should we go down for breakfast?"
"I'm starving," YoungSaeng replied with a smile, walking over to the door.
Grinning, KyuJong followed him to the door and opened it, blinking when JungMin ran by down the stairs. A second later HyungJoon was chasing after him, yelling. "I think we missed something," he laughed, taking YoungSaeng's hand.
YoungSaeng blinked and poked his head out, seeing HaRa and Nicole there as well. "What's going on?"
"Apparently, JungMin shoved HyungJoon out of bed to get him up and Joonie didn't like that idea much," Nicole explained, giggling to herself.
KyuJong chuckled. “Well, it got him up.” There was a loud shriek from downstairs. HyungJoon had caught up with the redhead. “Where’s HyunJoong?”
"Still asleep, I think," HaRa explained. "They were the only ones who left the room."
“So who was it who ran into the door then?” KyuJong asked, blinking.
“That was appa hitting his head on the doorframe because he forgot to duck,” EunAh said as she walked by, and KyuJong muffled a laugh in one hand.
Shaking his head in amusement, YoungSaeng tugged lightly on KyuJong's hand, the smells of the delicious food downstairs becoming too much to ignore.
Smiling widely, KyuJong followed the tugging on his hand down the stairs and into the dining room, where food was being laid out. HyungJoon and JungMin were picking on each other, the redhead grabbing the younger into a headlock when he got too close.
“HyunJoong isn’t joining us?” KyuJong’s mother asked.
“Still out cold,” JungMin said, letting HyungJoon go. “I’ll go wake him up.”
Rubbing his neck, HyungJoon scrambled to the other side of the table, dropping into the seat beside EunAh. "Stupid bullying redhead..." he muttered.
Sticking his tongue out at HyungJoon, JungMin grinned at YoungSaeng and bounced off upstairs.
Slipping into the room he’d just left a few minutes ago, JungMin’s gaze softened as he looked at HyunJoong still fast asleep. After a moment he padded over and leaned over him. “Hyun, come on, breakfast is ready,” he said, poking at HyunJoong’s side with one gloved hand.
Feeling the poke, HyunJoong slowly woke up and groaned softly as everything started spinning. Opening his eyes slowly, He blinked to see JungMin there. Feeling warm all of a sudden, though he didn't know if it was from the close proximity or otherwise, he smiled slightly. "Time to get up?"
“Uh-huh, it’s breakfast before we hit the road again,” JungMin chirped, crouching down next to the bed so he was on eye level with the older boy. “Not excited to get back to school, but oh well,” he said, making a face.
Chuckling, HyunJoong slowly pushed the blanket down and sat up. He had no idea why he ached so much. Maybe HyungJoon hit him in his sleep or he slept wrong even.
Bouncing back up as HyunJoong sat up, JungMin’s grin faded slightly. “Hey, you okay?” HyunJoong was flushed red.
"Not really, no," HyunJoong admitted. "I'll be fine, though, so no need to worry," he added, getting to his feet - and nearly falling back, hoping JungMin didn't notice.
The frown deepened. “Uh-huh.” JungMin hesitantly put one hand against HyunJoong’s back between his shoulder blades to steady him. “Remember, door opens in, not out,” he teased lightly.
HyunJoong choked out a laugh, thankful for the steadying hand on his back as well. "Thanks for the reminder..."
“Anytime. Though watching you smash into the door again would be fun too.” JungMin walked to the door with him, keeping beside the older boy. He couldn’t stop the slight worry, seeing HyunJoong was unsteady.
"Sadist," HyunJoong teased as they headed downstairs, HyunJoong clutching the banister on the way down. Walking into the dining room, he chuckled as he saw HyungJoon jump when JungMin reappeared. "What did I miss?" he asked, taking a seat beside KyuJong.
“HyungJoon chasing JungMin around for kicking him out of bed,” KyuJong said, amused. Once HyunJoong and JungMin were sitting, the ground started to eat.
“Do we have to go back to school?” Nicole pouted, clinging to EunAh who clung back.
"I'm with them," YoungSaeng replied. "I'd much rather stay here than go back there."
KyuJong and JungMin nodded, HyungJoon too busy eating to pay attention.
“You’re all welcome to come back,” KyuJong’s mother smiled at them. “Next holiday is Christmas, right?”
“Yeah,” KyuJong nodded. That was in another month though, after their end-of-semester exams.
"But that's too long," YoungSaeng whined quietly, pout well in place.
“It is, but it’ll be all the better when we are back,” KyuJong smiled at his boyfriend, squeezing his hand lightly.
HyunJoong laughed at the whine, glad that YoungSaeng seemed much closer to himself. Turning his attention back to the food, he found himself spending more time shifting the food around than eating it, appetite not quite there.
JungMin watched HyunJoong out of the corner of his eyes as he ate, frowning inwardly at the picking at his plate. He didn’t say anything though, just glancing at him every now and then as the others talked about anything and everything.
"So what time to we have to leave?" HyunJoong asked, running a hand through his hair. Perhaps a shower would help him feel better.
“In a little less than an hour,” HaRa said, looking at the clock. “So there’s no real rush.” KyuJong nodded, nibbling at a roll as he leaned a little against his boyfriend.
HyunJoong looked at the clock and nodded. "I think I'll go take a quick shower then," he said as he got to his feet with a smile. "I'll be right back," he added, heading upstairs.
JungMin watched him go, brown eyes holding poorly veiled concern. After a moment he returned to his own food, nibbling at it, his thoughts obviously elsewhere. HyunJoong hadn’t eaten much.
KyuJong finished his plate and pushed it away, looking at the others. He noticed JungMin’s distraction, the redhead not even paying attention to a conversation he usually jumped into. Blinking, he looked at YoungSaeng.
YoungSaeng noticed both JungMin's odd behavior as well as HyunJoong's, seeing the maybe half-eaten food. Meeting KyuJong's eyes, YoungSaeng shrugged, not knowing, either.
Wondering what was up, KyuJong rested his head on YoungSaeng’s shoulder as the others finished eating. Not surprisingly, JungMin stopped eating soon after, fiddling with the edges of his gloves instead.
“What do you want to do while we wait to leave?” KyuJong murmured in YoungSaeng’s ear.
YoungSaeng rested his head on KyuJong's, nuzzling the soft strands. "Stay like this. I don't get to feel like this often," he replied, smiling lightly. He felt as though he was actually part of a family, and it was a nice feeling.
Smiling, KyuJong nodded. “We can do that,” he whispered, enjoying the atmosphere as well. He knew he’d miss it once they went back to school. He settled in beside YoungSaeng with one arm around his boyfriend’s waist, just listening to the chatter.
*************************
Stepping out of the shower, HyunJoong sighed. While the hot shower had helped a bit with the overall aches, he still felt as though he had been trampled by a herd of rampaging bulls.
Sighing, resigning himself to the fact that he was probably feeling the affects of going out into the cold with little cover so much during the trip, he got dressed and tossed his hair into a half ponytail and left the bathroom to head downstairs.
By that time, the group had moved to the living room and was sitting in a circle with the couches and chairs. JungMin, curled up on the large chair he and HyunJoong had occupied while watching the movie, perked up and waved at the older boy when he came downstairs, scooting over so that HyunJoong could join him on the chair. "Please tell him a tomato is a vegetable, not a fruit," he demanded, pointing at HyungJoon.
"It's a fruit!" HyungJoon retorted, sticking out his tongue, an action JungMin repeated.
"I'm not even sure how that came up...” KyuJong mused, stroking YoungSaeng's hair. They had been talking about his mother's cooking, and somehow went to this.
Taking a seat beside JungMin on the chair, he chuckled. "Sorry, Min, but it's a fruit," HyunJoong stated, not at all surprised by the odd topic of conversation.
JungMin gave HyunJoong a look of betrayal. "It is a vegetable!" he insisted. "KyuJong's mom called it a vegetable because of how you can cook with it."
Said woman was just watching with much amusement.
"You can cook with fruits, too, Min," YoungSaeng supplied, head resting in KyuJong's lap.
"But you don't cook tomatos with apples or pears," JungMin snorted. "You have it in salads, with vegetables, and it's not sweet."
"Can't it be both?" Nicole asked, trying not to laugh.
"Doubtable," HaRa laughed. "For it to be both, they would both have to be right."
"And that will never happen in this lifetime," YoungSaeng added.
JungMin was giving HyunJoong his best puppy pout, trying to sway the older boy to his side with cute appeal.
"I don't think they're going to stop arguing about it the rest of the day," KyuJong chuckled.
Unable to resist the look the redhead had pinned him with, HyunJoong shook his head and reached up to pat JungMin on the head, barely noticing the static shock anymore, having received so many since meeting him. "Okay, Min ah, it's a vegetable," he said, looking at YoungSaeng and KyuJong with an amused look.
JungMin beamed happily. KyuJong tried not to laugh.
"I still think it's a fruit," HyungJoon grumbled, and JungMin threw one of the small pillows at him, earning a shriek. Sticking out his tongue, JungMin squirmed further down into the chair, happy beside HyunJoong even if there had to be a bit of space between them.
Smiling at JungMin's reaction, HyunJoong mouthed an 'it's a fruit' to HyungJoon and continued to play with the redhead's hair, a small squeak escaping every once in a while when the charges would get stronger. They were never very painful, just odd, so he found no reason to stop.
The reason for the increased charge was obvious with how JungMin's face turned a shade redder every few seconds as HyunJoong continued to play with his hair. He should probably pull away before he really zapped the poor guy, but being starved for contact was giving him very little choice in the matter as he leaned into the hand a little.
Watching them with amusement, KyuJong leaned down to place a kiss on YoungSaeng's cheek. "I think I missed something," he murmured to his boyfriend.
"Not really," YoungSaeng mused, smiling at how cute the two were, even if they were decently oblivious to the fact. Tilting his head, he kissed his lover quickly, while the girls' attentions were on something else other than them.
KyuJong returned the kiss, smiling as he straightened again, twining his fingers into YoungSaeng's hair.
They continued to talk about meaningless things, just enjoying each other's company. Finally KyuJong's mother looked at the clock. "You should probably head off to the bus stop now," she said with a sad smile.
EunAh whined and clung to the two other girls. "Take me with you!"
Clinging back, Nicole and HaRa cast huge puppy eyes at the girl's mother.
HyunJoong laughed at the two before getting up and shaking out his tingling hand, though not before grabbing hold of the back of the chair when he was hit with a dizzy spell. He righted himself almost immediately and acted as though nothing had happened since everyone's attention was on the three begging girls.
Their mother laughed, shaking her head. "She'll be going to your school next year, it'll have to wait until then."
EunAh pouted, still attached to HaRa and Nicole.
"We can't smuggle her in early?" HyungJoon asked, and she turned bright red again.
YoungSaeng laughed lightly, sitting up before standing to stretch. Turning back to the couch, he offered a hand to KyuJong.
Taking the offered hand with a smile, KyuJong stood up. "Let's get going then, before we're forgotten," he said, stretching. JungMin bounced up from the chair, going to get his jacket. He came back with his and HyunJoong's, holding out the older boy's to him.
Blinking as his jacket was suddenly thrust in front of him, HyunJoong looked up into a blinding smile. He took the jacket and returned the smile with one of his own. "Thanks, Min."
Grinning wider, JungMin pulled his own jacket on, not bothering with zipping it up. His electricity was back to full strength, and he didn't feel like roasting.
The others were getting ready as well, KyuJong handing YoungSaeng his jacket before pulling his own on, slipping into his shoes.
"Ah, one moment." KyuJong's mother motioned to EunAh and went into the kitchen with her. Both of them returned after a moment with thermoses of hot chocolate. "This should keep you warm while you wait for the bus. There's lunch in your bags."
Smiling, YoungSaeng stepped away from KyuJong and, once she had her hands free, wrapped his arms around the woman. "Thank you for the other day...You have no idea how much that meant to me," he murmured.
She blinked then smiled warmly, wrapping her arms around him and hugging back gently. "You're my son too, sweetie," she whispered. "I'm always just a call away if you need someone to listen." She ran her hand gently through his long hair before letting him go.
Smiling, YoungSaeng pulled away and returned to KyuJong's side, feeling far better now that he'd been able to tell the woman thank you while free from the hold the depression had on him.
The group gathered at the door to leave. "Come back soon, okay?" EunAh smiled at them.
"We will," HaRa nodded brightly. "Thank you for your hospitality." She bowed to KyuJong's parents, his father having just appeared. The older man waved one hand with a smile.
YoungSaeng smiled at the man, finally feeling comfortable since he had protected him from his parents. Bowing at a full 90 degrees, he thanked the man.
HyunJoong found himself leaning a bit against JungMin before he bowed as well. "We'll definitely be back if you want us."
"In that case you better come back," KyuJong's father teased, smiling at YoungSaeng as he put one arm around his wife.
"Thank you umma, appa," KyuJong said, smiling widely as he opened the door. JungMin blinked at HyunJoong when he felt the leaning, hesitantly putting one hand against his shoulder blades to support him as they filed outside.
Shooting JungMin an appreciative smile, HyunJoong stepped off the porch and followed after the others, wrapping himself in his jacket and clutching the warm thermos to fight off the cold.
Turning a little red at the smile, JungMin poked HyunJoong's side lightly as they headed towards the bus stop. "You sure you're okay?" he murmured, certain this wasn't normal.
"Just a bit under the weather. I'll be fine," HyunJoong assured. "I don't usually stay sick very long. I think it was from all the times going in and out in the cold."
JungMin blinked at him. "Want my jacket too?" he asked. "I don't need it, living heater."
"Nah. We won't be waiting long. Plus, I have this to keep me warm," HyunJoong said, holding up the thermos before pausing. "Though, um, I wouldn't complain if you wanted to keep me company with your human heater-ness," he murmured, blush mixing with the slight flush to his cheeks.
Blinking owlishly at him, JungMin turned bright red. "Uh...Okay?" He was already threatening to shoot off sparks. "I-I would try using my electricity to warm you up. If I didn't think you'd have a problem with being crispy." He did wonder if he could help with his gloves on, looking at his hands.
After a moment he bit his lower lip and directed the electricity in his body towards the hand against HyunJoong's back, separated from his skin by the glove and HyunJoong's jacket. It was a ton easier to use the electricity than to get rid of it; it wanted to move.
HyunJoong was about to respond when he felt a sudden warmth run through him, Faltering slightly in surprise, he quickly righted himself, sighing as he felt much warmer. "…Feels good," he murmured.
JungMin grinned in relief when it worked. "Great. And this is much better than running around in circles for hours." He shuffled a little as he walked beside HyunJoong, rubbing his hand along the other boy's back to spread the warmth.
YoungSaeng watched the two, grinning when JungMin attempted to use his power to keep HyunJoong warm. He had noticed the unhealthy flush to HyunJoong's slightly pale face, signs that he was coming down with something.
Watching as well, KyuJong smiled and swung his and YoungSaeng's joined hands back and forth slightly. They followed behind the rest of the group. "Warm enough?" he asked his boyfriend, bag slung over his shoulders with thermos in his other hand.
"Perfectly, as a matter of fact," YoungSaeng explained. "Feel free to warm me up a bit more if you want, though," he added with smile and a wink, moving that much closer.
Laughing, KyuJong released YoungSaeng's hand to wrap his arm around his boyfriend's waist, holding him close but not so close they couldn't walk. "Warmer?" He leaned over to kiss YoungSaeng's cheek.
"Totally," YoungSaeng smiled, eyes fluttering lightly at the kiss. "How long are we waiting for?" he asked after a moment.
"For the bus? Not that long, maybe five minutes or so. No sense staying out in the cold any longer than we have to." KyuJong had noticed HyunJoong's state as well.
Taking a seat, HyunJoong dropped his bag at his feet and opened the thermos, taking a sip and sighing. "KyuJong, I think I've been ruined forever. No one can cook or make hot chocolate as well as your mom."
KyuJong laughed quietly, sitting down on the bench as well and yelping at the cold. He wrapped his arm more securely around YoungSaeng's waist and pulled him to sit down in his lap rather than the bench. "It would be a little hard for her to ship us food and drinks all the way from here though."
JungMin dropped down beside HyunJoong, sipping at his hot chocolate as well and squeaking when he drank too fast. "Hot!" While cold didn't bother him, heat felt a lot stronger to him since he was full of electricity.
Nearly dropping the thermos in his hands in shock when JungMin yelled, HyunJoong stared with wide eyes before laughing loudly. "Slow down, JungMin ah," he told him, greatly amused.
The redhead pouted at him. "I burnt my tongue...” He moped, cradling the thermos against his jacket.
"Well, it is hot...” HyungJoon hid behind Nicole at the glare JungMin sent him.
"That's what happens when you drink hot stuff so fast," HyunJoong pointed out, patting him on the head. "Go slower next time."
"Why are you hiding behind me?" Nicole asked. "I think it'd be funny if JungMin smacked you one."
HyungJoon quickly switched to hiding behind HaRa, who was too busy laughing.
"Here comes the bus," KyuJong noted, seeing it in the distance heading up the road.
Getting to his feet, HyunJoong gathered his things and walked over to the three, grabbing HyungJoon by his jacket hood and dragging him toward the bus that had just pulled up.
JungMin blinked owlishly and burst out laughing as HyungJoon shrieked.
"What did I do to you?!"
KyuJong chuckled, standing up once YoungSaeng was out of his lap and bringing his boyfriend to the bus as well, JungMin right after them.
"You're giving me a headache with all your girly squeals," HyunJoong told him, rolling his eyes as he dragged the younger onto the bus. He then let go and walked toward the back of the thankfully empty bus and shoved his bag into the overhead, sighing as he dropped into a seat. He wasn't kidding about the headache. He just hoped that it would be gone by the time they got back to school.
They all filed into the bus, KyuJong heading towards last seat as usual. JungMin fidgeted before dropping down beside HyunJoong with a grin. Once they were all sitting, the bus started to move again, and they were on their way back to school
Filing onto the bus, YoungSaeng paused once they reached the back before sitting down. Looking around and noticing that there were others boarding as well, he reached up to tug on KyuJong's sleeve, hoping he'd understand what he wanted. He was still a bit off from the episode and not comfortable with being in the aisle.
Looking back at YoungSaeng, KyuJong noticed the expression and smiled. "Here," he whispered, easing YoungSaeng up onto his lap so he could switch places with him, so that he was the one in the aisle seat instead.
Once they had switched spots, YoungSaeng smiled back, tension leaving him. "Thanks, Kyu..." he murmured, reaching out for his hand and twining their fingers together.
HyunJoong looked up to see JungMin in the seat beside him and had to smile. In the shape he was in at the moment, he didn't think he would have the patience to deal with anyone other than the redhead, or maybe YoungSaeng due to his quiet nature.
Smiling back at YoungSaeng, KyuJong squeezed his hand lightly and settled in for the ride, listening to the others chat.
******************************************
The rest of the day had passed in relative calm, the next day putting them back into their usual schedule whether they liked it or not. Classes were getting to be even more important this close to the end of semester, and it looked like any free time they had would soon be overrun.
So they'd decided to practice in KyuJong and YoungSaeng's room one last time before things became crazy.
HyunJoong left his last class feeling as though he'd been stabbed through the temple with a sharp object. Whatever he'd come down with had only gotten worse until he felt as though he'd pass out. He had to go to class, though, given that it was so close to exams. His headache, however, had finally grown into a full on migraine, making it nearly impossible to focus.
Finally, after taking a wrong turn, he'd reached KyuJong and YoungSaeng's room. Collecting himself, he tried not to look like death warmed over and knocked on the door.
The door was answered by JungMin, who had been all but bouncing around the room while they waited for HyunJoong to show up. The redhead brightened when he saw who it was. "Took you long enough." He pulled the older boy inside the room, closing the door behind him. KyuJong had already found a light bulb for him to practice with in one of the school closets.
"We're all set?" KyuJong smiled, sitting on one of the beds with YoungSaeng.
JungMin looked up at HyunJoong and frowned lightly. "You okay?" He looked ill for sure.
HyunJoong nearly tripped when JungMin pulled him into the room. He winced immediately, realizing belatedly that Nicole's power was a constantly activated one, never truly deactivated. He wasn't entirely sure showing up was a good idea.
"I'm fine, Min, just still a bit under," HyunJoong told the redhead, trying to smile reassuringly and hoping that it worked.
JungMin just stared at HyunJoong for a moment, before HyungJoon started chattering about something behind him and he was successfully distracted. He pulled HyunJoong along to the other free bed.
Noticing the sickly expression on HyunJoong's face, KyuJong blinked, looking to YoungSaeng before returning his gaze to the older boy, frowning lightly.
YoungSaeng, following KyuJong's line of sight, noticed as well and decided that unless HyunJoong spoke up, the most they would be able to do is watch him to make sure he didn't overdo it.
"We all set then?" Nicole asked, settled down to help HyungJoon with his predictions again. HaRa was curled up on KyuJong and YoungSaeng's bed at the other end. JungMin picked up the light bulb, rolling it between his gloved fingers.
Seeing the others nod, the redhead pulled off his glove and after shifting enough away from HyunJoong that he wouldn't be hurt if it exploded, he gripped the bottom of the light bulb lightly. It lit up instantly, JungMin pursing his lips as he watched it, trying to make the electricity leave his fingers.
KyuJong rested his head against YoungSaeng's, debating what he should do. He didn't want to knock himself out again.
'Okay, not good...' HyunJoong thought as power upon power was activated, adding even more pressure to his already nearly unbearable headache. He didn't know how much longer he'd be able to go without speaking up, but he felt that point rapidly approaching.
Deciding that it would be better not to activate his ability quite yet, wishing to give it just another day, YoungSaeng looked at KyuJong. "I have an idea, but I don't know if it would work." He pointed to the apple on the desk. "Can you maybe alter the time around that apple? It's small, so it might not cause as much stress, though I don't know your power very well..." YoungSaeng suggested.
KyuJong blinked, considering the suggestion as he looked at the apple. "Alter it, as in make the apple rot or something?" He pursed his lips, thinking. "I've never tried it before, but why not?" The desk was far enough away too in case the time bubble overflowed and he affected what was around the apple too.
Cradling YoungSaeng against his chest, KyuJong turned his full attention to the apple, brow furrowed slightly as he tried to activate his ability outside of his own body, pushing it out away from him. HyungJoon was trying to say what Nicole was thinking again, and failing utterly from her expression as she repeatedly hit him over the head with a pillow.
Nicole sighed loudly. "Seriously, HyungJoon, why in the world would I talk about the brunette in your science class? I've never even seen her!" She turned toward HaRa. "He's impossible..."
"Well, you never know. Maybe I'm seeing the future like I'm supposed to, did you ever think about that?"
HyunJoong had tuned everything out, breathing quickening slightly as he carefully leaned against JungMin, small sound of pain escaping as he buried his face in the redhead's shirt.
His attention on the light bulb, JungMin jumped a little when HyunJoong leaned against him, quickly holding the light bulb away from them both in case it exploded. Blinking, he frowned a little at the noise HyunJoong made. "Hyun...?" he murmured, hesitantly putting his still-covered hand against the older boy's back.
Ignoring them all, KyuJong quickly discovered it was harder than he'd thought it would be to push the effects of time away from his own body. He kept losing concentration somewhere halfway across the room. Brushing his bangs out of his eyes, he tried again, wondering if he should have started with something he was at least touching.
Gaze narrowing, he pushed harder, willing his gift to work with him for once. Something slid into place, and as he started counting faster in his head, the skin of the apple started to shrivel.
"...Guys...” JungMin started, looking from them to HyunJoong. "HyunJoong's...Maybe we should stop..."
HyunJoong found himself curling into JungMin, hands lifting to grip his hair. This wasn't a normal migraine. Something was wrong and it wasn't just him being sick.
"M-Min..." he murmured, bordering on a pained whimper.
JungMin's eyes widened slightly in alarm, beginning to panic now. The light bulb was dropped onto the bed, going out the second it left his fingertips. "Hyun, what's wrong?" Wanting to check his temperature, or something, JungMin's hand shook as he stopped himself from touching the older boy with his bare skin.
"We need to stop, now," he snapped, looking at the others. But KyuJong was all but gone, too focused on the apple, and HyungJoon's eyes had just hazed over as a vision finally hit. "Guys!"
YoungSaeng jumped at the sharp yell from JungMin, attention focused on making sure that KyuJong didn't overdo it again. Looking over and seeing what was going on, his eyes grew as he did everything he could to pull KyuJong back.
HaRa noticed as well and motioned to Nicole to make HyungJoon stop before getting to her feet and rushing over to the pair on the bed, carefully reaching out to brush her hand against HyunJoong's forehead, withdrawing quickly. He was far too hot. "What is it?" she asked, voice soothing.
"I-I d'nno..." HyunJoong forced out through clenched teeth, turning his head slightly, he opened his eyes, showing them oddly glazed over, similar to what happened with HyungJoon's. "God, it hurts..." he moaned.
Eyes wide as saucers, JungMin flailed for a moment on what to do. "Let's lie him down," HaRa said, glancing quickly at HyungJoon and KyuJong who were still gone despite Nicole and YoungSaeng's efforts. "Someone wake them up, quickly."
Nodding hard, JungMin scrambled up and moved to help lie HyunJoong down, grabbing the light bulb with his bare hand to pull it out of the way, the glass lighting up again.
As they eased HyunJoong back onto the mattress, HaRa scrambling to reduce the fever as much as she could, something shot through the room's occupants like each of them had gone into a free-fall before reaching a sudden, jarring stop.
HyungJoon's eyes snapped back into focus as he gasped. HaRa yelped as she found herself unable to push the healing past her fingertips. KyuJong fell over into YoungSaeng's lap from a sudden whiplash, dragged back to the present.
The light bulb in JungMin's hand flickered and went out.