Way of The Warrior Healer
Title: Way Of The Warrior Healer.
Author: ChevyPortia.
Genre: Romance.
Pairing: YooSu.
Length: One Shot.
Warning: Character Deaths.
Synopsis: A classic YooSu fairytale.
A/N: I have been mixing with kids lately and they are too energetic for my liking. I can never find time to write but this one. I wrote my very own fairytale and as simple as I can (I'm surrounded by kids, can't afford to have them bombard me with 'What's YooSu?'). Like a child's point of view / like a storybook....with a little pinch of YooSu, of course *hehe* Enjoy!
In a small village deep in the woods, there lived a young man named JunSu. He was the chief's youngest son and was well respected by his friends and the people of the village. Yet he wasn't a strong warrior like the other men and his twin brother was. He focused more on studying plants and healing. He was known to be one of the best healers in the land.
Despite not being a strong warrior, he was quite content with just being a healer and spending time alone in the forest. Yet his father kept pressuring him to find someone to marry, since many of the others have already found another and started families of their own. There were rumors that some warriors would get married in secret but that didn't bother the villagers for some reason and his father.
Still, JunSu had no desire to marry. He would rather enjoy his independence and not have children, but his father wouldn't allow it. His father would drag the boy to every village gathering to help him find someone suitable for a partner. But JunSu refused any advance from any man or woman. He found the woman to be insufferable and the men were too cocky. His father soon became furious and arranged a marriage for him with one of the woman in the village. JunSu was outraged and frightened; the woman was snobby and loud, who only wanted to marry someone of a higher status.
Two days before the wedding, his brother threw him a party to celebrate the upcoming union. In their hut, JunSu and JunHo, were talking about the wedding.
"JunSu, she is a good woman and you'll finally have a family. It's for the best"
JunSu looked at the ground and gave a sad sigh. "But, I don't want to marry. I don't want children, I just want freedom. Like we had when we were young"
"We are no longer children. It's time you grow up and start your life"
"Why does my life have to spent with some woman I don't love and having kids that I don't want?" JunSu said, with tears in his eyes.
He realised that he could no longer stay here. That night, when everyone was asleep, JunSu packed up a bag of food and things he would need. There was a large village by the sea to the east, people go there to become sailors and get jobs as fishermen. He knew that at least there, he could live on his own and be free.
JunSu slowly crept out of the hut and snuck out of the village. He looked back at the place that was once his home and then walked into the forest.
By daybreak, he was out of the forest and onto a large stretch of meadow with some trees scattered around. JunSu took a deep breath and smiled, he was far from the village and by the time they realised he was gone, he will be miles away from their reach.
JunSu walked through the meadow and at some points would pick some healing plants and place them in his basket. By mid-day he was tired and sat under a large tree to rest. He still had a few days travel until he would reach the fishing town but he had all the time in the world to get there. He was free of his father and that's all the counts.
After a few minutes, JunSu's eyes closed and he fell asleep.
He woke up to the sound of whispering and when he was able to open his eyes, he saw two large warriors kneeling next to him. JunSu shot his head up but one of the warriors grabbed him and the other tied his wrists together with rope.
"Please let me go" JunSu cried but the men ignored him and dragged him over to one of the horses that they had.
They got on, JunSu was placed on one of them and they rode off to the south. He almost had tears in his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. He wouldn't show weakness in front of these men. Yet he felt so crestfallen that now, once again, his freedom was taken from him. He had to find some way to escape.
They continued on for a while and soon JunSu saw a small village in the distance. They stopped in front of the biggest hut there and they dragged him into the hut.
Inside he saw few other warriors sitting around a fire. Sitting at the end was a muscular man with dark eyes that sent shivers down his spine. The man was in very essence, handsome and god-like. When the man looked up at him, JunSu began to shake in fear. The man stood up and walked over to him, every step made his heart pound.
The man lifted JunSu's chin and gave him a hard look. "Where did you find him?"
"North of here, not far from the forest, he seemed to be heading to the fishing village"
The man looked back down at him. "What's your name?"
"JunSu…I come from a village in the forest"
"Then why are you on the plains, which is not your territory. What is your purpose?" The man gave JunSu a sharp glare.
"I…left my home…to go to find a new life in the fishing village to the east"
The man raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Let me guess, you're trying to prove yourself by becoming a fisherman or some third-rate sailor. Quite a desperate move"
The other men chuckled as well.
Despite his fear, JunSu was annoyed by the man. "No, my father was making me marry a woman that I do not desire. So I left to live my own life"
The man stopped chuckling and stared at JunSu again. "Still you're too weak to be a sailor; you could never survive on your own anyway. Just go home"
JunSu's cheeks became red, he had enough of this man's mockery. "I may not be some brute with a sword but I'm a healer and I have been practicing healing since I was a child, any meat-head can swing a sword around"
The man's eyes lit up, JunSu realised that he just basically insulted him.
Then the man smiled. "You have quite a mouth when you're angry. A healer huh…we can use someone of your expertise. Welcome to the village"
They grabbed JunSu again and took him to the hut. They threw him in and the sat outside to make sure he wouldn't leave. That night, JunSu tried to find a way to escape but the men stood guard all night.
With a heavy heart, he realised he was trapped…again.
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Dawn approached too slowly for JunSu that morning. He felt drained and the reality of what was happening to him hit him hard. He was once again trapped and no one would help him. It wasn't long until the man that he met in the hut was at his door waiting for him.
The man stared at him with cold, dark eyes. He grabbed JunSu by the collar and dragged him outside. There he saw his father and brother; their eyes were lit up with rage.
"You didn't tell me you were the chief's son" Snarled the man. JunSu's father smiled.
"I appreciate you returning him" He said.
"Don't act so sweet, you were threatening war if we didn't return him. I won't risk my village for some child"
JunSu was frozen, he would have to go back and get married. He felt as if the ground under his feet was crumbling away. JunSu gave a sad sigh and walked over to his father, like a lamb being sent to be slaughtered by a butcher.
Suddenly he heard shouting, 'We're being attacked take cover!'. Out of nowhere, arrows started to rain down from the sky. JunSu jumped back into his hut and managed to protect himself from the arrows. He grabbed his pack and got out once the arrows have stopped falling. The sounds of metal changing and the wining of horses were all around him. There were giant clouds of dust everywhere so it was difficult to see anything.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a man on a horse charging towards him. In a flash, JunSu was scooped up by the hooded man and carried away. He kicked and yelled for the man to let him go but the man had him in an iron grip. Soon they were out of the dust clouds and riding far to the west.
JunSu looked back and saw other hooded men on horses were following. He looked up at the man who held him tight to his chest. He couldn't see his face but he could tell that he had fair skin and dark-brown eyes. His chest was warm and his hands, even though they held him tight, were also gentle. He wasn't like anyone he had ever seen before.
The man looked down at him and smiled. "You're safe now. Those brutes over there would have killed you for sure. We saw you yesterday when you were taken by some of their men. We don't tolerate those types of men who prey on the young and weak"
"But…they said they needed a healer"
"You're weaker in strength compared to them. You would have been dead in only a few days. They aren't the friendly type. If you're weak, they see you as nothing"
JunSu was silent for a moment and then smiled. "Thank you so much for saving me"
They rode off far from the village and continued on for most of the day. JunSu fell asleep in the man's arms but before he did, JunSu asked one more question.
"Who are you?"
"YooChun"
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JunSu woke up on a warm bed under a soft blanket. He sighed and snuggled into the cozy bed. He looked around and noticed that the walls were made of wood and stone. He must be in a fort or some castle. There was a small stain glass window with pictures of dragons on it. The room itself was simple but compared to his small village hut, it was the nicest room he has ever been in. The wooden door with iron bolts and hinges opened and the man who saved him came in with a plate of salted pork and a mug of fresh water.
"You haven't eaten for over a day, you need to eat before you become ill" JunSu thanked him and ate the food.
Once he was finished JunSu put the plate and mug on the bedside table next to him. "YooChun…where are we?"
"This is my home. It's a large fort that was once a castle to a king. But the kingdom is gone now. We are a large clan of warriors and we are a sanctuary for those who have lost their homes. I have lived here all my life"
JunSu was silent, he was still wondering if he was going to be forced to stay.
"You are welcome to leave if you wish" YooChun said.
JunSu was stunned, he was willingly letting him go. "I may not be strong but I'm a healer, perhaps I could stay for a while and help your wounded…until they are all healed of course"
The old castle was huge, there had to be at least a hundred rooms. The west wing was bedrooms and where YooChun's bed chamber was. The courtyard was where the men would train and practice all forms of combat, spears, swords and most importantly archery.
The horses were in the stables in the large courtyard. In the east wing was were the kitchen, sick room and where supplies was held and stored. YooChun brought JunSu to the sick room to find several sick and wounded men. The young boy immediately checked over their wounds and ailments.
"I'll need to collect some healing plants and herbs to make medicine for the sick. For the wounded, I'll need to clean rags and to make some ointments to help the pain"
YooChun nodded and led JunSu to the garden on the outskirts of the castle.
"This is perfect, every plant and herb I need is here" JunSu quickly made the remedies and gave them to the men.
Once they were all resting comfortable, YooChun brought him to the courtyard.
"Since your part of the clan…you need a horse" He brought him to the stables and took out a beautiful black horse. "This one will be alright"
JunSu lightly touched the horse's nose and it nuzzled his hand.
"He seems to be fond of you" YooChun said with a smirk.
JunSu smiled brightly. Maybe staying here wouldn't be so bad after all.
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It has been a month since JunSu was brought to the castle. Life there was peaceful and JunSu was able to make remedies and enjoy the garden whenever he pleased. He was calm in the garden and loved every minute of tending to the plants. Still he felt a tug on his heart, it was telling him to leave before his freedom was taken again. It wouldn't be long until YooChun would see that he could not leave, because of his expertise in healing, and would force him to stay. JunSu knew from past experience, freedom is usually temporary.
Yet, he felt another tug in his heart.
YooChun seemed to always stand by him and look out for him when he was in the gardens or out in the fields. At first he thought the man was simply looking out for his well being, but more recently, his eyes told a different story. They weren't cold or demanding like when he is ordering his men. When he was around JunSu, he was gentle, kind, and calm. He wasn't like the brutish men he had seen in his village or anywhere else. The tug he felt couldn't be explained, yet it made him want to stay rather than leaving.
One crisp morning, JunSu was in the garden again. The warriors were slowly getting healthier and able to move around more. Still he needed to give them the remedy every day. As he collected some more herbs he failed to notice YooChun walking towards him.
"How are my men doing?"
JunSu was startled and jumped up, but also at the same time tripping over a large root that was protruding out of the ground. YooChun managed to catch him just before he fell. JunSu looked up at him as YooChun held him in his arms. For a moment they were still and quiet. JunSu quickly scrambled to get back on his feet.
"Thank you…they are healing well and it won't be long until they fully recover from their ailments"
"Does that mean you'll leave soon?"
JunSu looked up at him and noticed a small glimmer of sadness in his eyes. "Well…I…um"
YooChun moved closer to him, he was towering over the younger. "Stay…please stay"
JunSu felt so small as YooChun moved closer. YooChun gently cupped his cheeks and his head moved down so his lips were just slightly touching his cheek. JunSu gasped and a small blush appeared on his cheeks. His heart thundered in his chest and it became harder to breath or focus. Just before YooChun moved to kiss lips, JunSu had a moment of clarity in his head and he jumped away. He didn't know what to think or say, but he was able to catch his breath and think clearly again.
"JunSu…I'm sorry if I overstepped my boundaries. I won't touch you again if you wish"
JunSu was still shaking and couldn't move until finally he spoke. "YooChun…I'm sorry…I uh…never shared a kiss with anyone before so…"
YooChun looked at him and smiled. "Not too used to it?"
JunSu nodded. "I'm sorry"
"You don't have to apologise"
JunSu looked up at him and felt his face become warm again, he hated that he blushed like a young child.
"Come, its getting dark. Dinner will be ready soon"
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JunSu was lying in bed trying to fall asleep, but his mind was reliving the moment he spent with YooChun in the garden. Why did he do that? Does he…care for him? Thoughts kept racing in his mind and it never stopped. Finally after some time had passed, he got up and went to the garden. He knew it was dangerous to be outside the walls at night but he wanted to find some peace of mind, so he just took a spare sword he got from YooChun and went into the garden.
Under that moonlight, he walked and sat under an oak tree that was in the center of the garden. He finally felt himself calming down and sighed happily. However he didn't notice that a pair of green eyes was walking behind him. As JunSu got up to go back into the castle, the figure with green eyes got out from the shadows of the trees nearby and followed him into the courtyard of the castle. He was so well cloaked from the guards that they didn't notice him.
JunSu got into his room and locked the door behind him. He went into his bed and sighed as he sank into the soft bed. The assassin managed to unlock the door without making any noise. He crept quietly to JunSu's bed and took out a vial of sleeping potion and removed the cork.
YooChun was still awake and was studying some maps of the area around his castle. Making notes of things that needed to be repaired around the castle and areas where they can build extensions were on the paper as well. The assassin managed to quietly crept by his room but he heard him. YooChun took his knife and quietly followed the man. When he noticed that he was following JunSu into his room, his heart skipped a beat. He quickly ran in and held the knife to his throat.
JunSu woke up and screamed when he saw what was happening. The assassin managed to knock the knife of YooChun's hand. They started to struggle while kicking at each other.
JunSu jumped out of the bed, grabbed his sword and passed it over to YooChun and in one swipe, the assassin was dead.
The dead man fell to the floor with a thud. Some of the guards, who heard the commotions, ran into the room to find the intruder dead.
"It's safe now, go back to your posts" YooChun ordered.
The men ran out while two of them dragged the body out of the room.
JunSu was still recovering from the shock. YooChun went over to him and wrapped his arms around him.
"Are you alright?" He asked, resulting JunSu to blush.
"Yes…thank you"
"I seem to be saving you a lot lately"
JunSu chuckled but still he a small twinge of worry was in his mind. Who sent this man to find him…was it his father? The boy realised that simply running away from his father and village, wouldn't guarantee his freedom. They would look for him and wouldn't stop until he is found.
The thought was enough to make him shiver with fear.
Since that night, YooChun has ordered some of his guards to stand outside of his room. JunSu didn't like having all the attention but the older insisted on it for his own safety. Despite all of that, JunSu continued to care on as usual, working in the garden and caring for the sick warriors.
But the fear from that night, was still lingering in the back of JunSu's mind. He couldn't help but think his father was the one who hired the assassin but he just couldn't believe that his own father would try to kill him. It was truly heartbreaking for him to think his family would betray him, but only made him see more of their true colours; they cared nothing for his dreams or desires but their own. It made his blood boil.
His mind then wandered to think about YooChun. How could one person make his heart do back flips in his chest was beyond him.
He was walking toward the kitched when he saw YooChun in the courtyard at the archery range. JunSu breath stopped short in his throat when he saw the shirtless man. His muscles flexing graceful as he shot arrow after arrow. Hitting the mark, time and time again. His eyes and expression show absolute concentration, like a hunter waiting for the moment to strike his prey with accuracy and stealth. JunSu felt his face heat up again as he watched him. Everything about YooChun was pure warrior and...
JunSu snapped out of his thoughts and noticed he was partially drooling. He felt so embarrassed and rushed back into the kitchen. Little did he know, that YooChun saw JunSu watching him and that made him smile when he saw the boy leave with a deep blush on his face.
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JunSu was in the kitchen and was once again eating salted pork. In fact that what was all there was in the whole castle. Pork and ale, it sickened him.
"YooChun, we need to go to the market or something. You can't expect you and your men to just eat pork all the time"
YooChun looked at him for a moment and chuckled. "Alright…there's a town not far from here. They have a market place in the town square with plenty of food"
JunSu smiled. "That sounds like a good idea, thank you"
"Of course, I can't bring myself to deny you anything"
JunSu blushed and looked down at his feet. YooChun chuckled at the cuteness.
The ride was fairly short. YooChun said he had some quick business to take care of at the tavern, so JunSu went to buy some vegetables and fruit.
In the tavern, YooChun saw some friends of his and started to chat when a woman in a dress that showed a little too much of her chest, sauntered up to him with a smile that could make any man melt into a puddle of goo. She leaned in and looked at YooChun with eyes that made the other men at the table suck in a breath, but not YooChun.
"You look like a warrior of many…talents"
YooChun didn't make a sound but turned away from the woman and snorted. But that didn't stop her.
"A man of your magnitude should be with a good woman"
YooChun snorted. "You're not exactly what one would call a 'good woman', your dress and eyes show you have been a good woman to many of these men here"
She stepped back while some of the other men snickered. She snarled and walked away in a huff.
At that moment, JunSu walked in with a basket of food with a grin on his face. "YooChun…I found a man selling lamb and chicken. We can make stew for the others"
YooChun smiled and got up, bided his friends farewell and walked out with JunSu.
A man who was watching them saw them leave the tavern and got up to follow them.
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"JunSu…why did you run away from your village?"
"My father wants me to marry a woman who I do not love. I don't want to be married or have children. I want freedom and to be a healer, that's what I was born to do"
"Just because you don't want to marry doesn't mean you shouldn't love someone"
"But wouldn't that person want to get married?"
"Not necessarily, but marriage doesn't always mean your striped of your freedom, it means that your bonded with that person and that the connection you share is stronger than any other"
"Well my father doesn't see it that way. He expects me to throw my heart away to marry who he wants"
"Then…give your heart to someone you love. Can you give your heart to me?"
JunSu was speechless; YooChun wrapped his arms around him and held him close to his chest. His body was on fire and his cheeks were beet red. He desperately wanted to say yes, but something was holding him back. His mind was telling him to not let himself become tied down but his heart and body told him to give in. But his mind became blank when YooChun placed his lips onto his.
The kiss was slow yet unbelievably amazing. The lips were so soft yet dominating, as much as his mind protested, JunSu felt himself being swept away. It was too good and he was too greedy to stop it. He wanted more.
JunSu wrapped his arms around YooChun and ran his hands over his muscular back. Despite being fully clothed, JunSu could feel every muscle and it drove him wild. He found himself deepening the kiss and YooChun pulled him closer. YooChun pulled away from the kiss and gently kissed and nibbled JunSu's neck. He sighed deeply and couldn't help but moan as YooChun start to remove his shirt.
YooChun kissed every bit of skin on JunSu's shoulder and down his arm up to his fingertips. JunSu shivered and moaned again at the passionate attention he was getting. YooChun stopped and nuzzled JunSu neck causing him to giggle at bit.
In the corner of his eyes, YooChun could sense an arrow aiming for JunSu and pushed him down, but in doing so, YooChun was hit by the arrow in his side.
"YooChun!!!"
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"Will he be alright" asked one of YooChun's men.
JunSu nodded, "Yes…the wound was shallow but he will need some time to recover"
They nodded and left the room, leaving JunSu and a sleeping YooChun alone. JunSu was nearly in tears as he looked at YooChun. When they told him that the person who shot the arrow was another assassin, JunSu felt the guilt consuming him. It was because of him that YooChun was hurt, JunSu thought. If he stayed, YooChun would not be so lucky the next time.
It made JunSu sick to think what could have happened if the arrow was just a bit deeper. Yet JunSu couldn't leave now, he had to care for YooChun and help him heal. After that he made a vow that he would leave. It was for the best, it would keep YooChun from getting hurt again.
JunSu heard YooChun groan as he opened his eyes. JunSu was immediately at his side and had a healing tonic in his hand. "...JunSu..."
JunSu helped YooChun sit up slightly and placed the mug to his lips.
"Drink this, it will help the pain" YooChun drank the liquid and JunSu put the mug on the bedside table. He eased YooChun back into the bed and placed a damp cloth on his head. "You were hit by the arrow, but the wound wasn't deep enough to cause serious damage. Still you will need to take it easy until the stitches and wounds heal properly"
YooChun nodded but placed his hand on JunSu's cheek. "Are you alright, is what I'm really worried about"
JunSu blushed and nodded. YooChun smiled and fell back asleep.
JunSu sighed and left the room to get some sleep himself. 'How can I leave him?' JunSu thought. He walked out of the room and tried to ignore the small tears that were flowing down his cheeks.
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YooChun was healing well and slowly regaining his strength day by day. JunSu had to travel regularly with one of the warriors, who ordered to guard him, so JunSu could buy healthier food for him. Often YooChun would complain about eating the 'green goo' JunSu would make for him. But that only induced his wrath and a few whacks to the head with a wooden spoon. Still it made YooChun laugh and JunSu sigh.
JunSu brought the soup up to YooChun's room. When he opened the door, YooChun sat up and smiled at JunSu. "Some more goo for dinner?"
JunSu smiled slightly but nodded. He gave YooChun the food and a mug of water. JunSu sat next to him and checked the bandages and wounds. "Your healing nicely, you'll be able to get out of bed for good in a few more days"
YooChun smiled and placed his hand on JunSu's cheek. "It all because of you"
JunSu leaned into the touch and closed his eyes.
YooChun looked down at JunSu and placed his hand under his chin to move his head up. They stared into each other's eyes and the kissed slowly yet deeply. They moved closer together and let their hands travel around each other's bodies. JunSu moved his head back and gasped.
"How can just kissing you make my heart sing in pleasure and joy?"
YooChun smiled. "That's what happens when you're in love. When you hold and kiss me, my heart does the same"
JunSu couldn't believe what he just heard. His mind begged him to resist and think about what had to give up to be with YooChun.His freedom and his dream for a life of his own. He wanted YooChun and to love him for the rest of his life.
JunSu moved away from YooChun and slowly removed his shirt. YooChun's eyes grew wide.
"Are you sure JunSu?"
He threw his shirt away and gave YooChun a smoldering look. "Yes"
"I like your confidence, but just so we're clear" He pushed JunSu down onto the bed and JunSu squeaked in surprise. "I'm not one to play fair and I'm always the man in this relationship"
JunSu giggled and then helped YooChun remove his shirt as well.
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The morning came and JunSu woke to the sound of birds. His eyes fluttered as the light hit his eyes. He opened them to see YooChun lying next to him, his arms around his waist and his chin on his forehead. JunSu snuggled closer to him and felt his heart beat through his chest. He was glowing with love and happiness that he never felt before. His cheeks stained with a hint of rose and his body warm from sleeping close to YooChun.
The night they shared together was like nothing he ever experienced, as if he was sent to heaven and back. Warm…loving…passionate, it was absolute bliss. YooChun began to stir and he opened his eyes. He smiled down at JunSu and kissed his forehead and then his lips.
"Good morning" YooChun said in a low voice that made JunSu giggle.
"Morning YooChun"
They got up and dressed to have breakfast. The whole time they were smiling and slightly touching each other's hands. After breakfast they went out to the garden, but they were stopped by one of YooChun's men.
"There are warriors coming this way, our scout reported that they belong to a clan from a forest not far from the plains"
JunSu gasped. His father must have found him.
YooChun's eyes narrowed. "Be ready to fight if necessary, me and a couple of others will go to see what they want"
JunSu grabbed his arm. "No YooChun, I think it's my father's clan, he might kill you"
YooChun placed his hand on his cheek. "Don't worry JunSu it will be alright, I'll be back in a while"
It wasn't long until YooChun and a few other warriors rode off to greet the clan. JunSu climbed to the top of the fort, which was an old tower to see what's happening. YooChun stopped in front of the man who was leading the brigade. JunSu now knew it was his father. At first they were talking for a few minutes, but then what JunSu saw made him scream in terror and agony.
The moment YooChun turned away to go back on his horse, JunSu's father decapitated him with his sword. The warriors fought back but his father's men killed them on the spot. They soon started to attack the fort.
JunSu sat on the floor of the tower, tears fell from his eyes and his felt nothing but absolute misery. The love of his life is…dead. How could he live without YooChun, the only person who ever showed him true and pure love?
He didn't notice when the door to his small room to the tower was opened and his father waked in along with several other warriors. JunSu looked up at his father and frowned.
His father sneered. "JunSu, I had enough of this, come home and be what you're supposed to be. That man you loved is gone."
JunSu didn't respond, instead he got up and jumped out the window. His father gasped and tried to stop him but it was too late.
Before JunSu hit the ground, he thought....
"I'm finally…free"
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