Rescue
Title: Rescue
Prompt: 02 - still alive, Minwoo/YoungMin
Pairing: Gen
Rating: G
Summary: Learning to live in a not-so-friendly world
Notes: I know, it's not really feasible, but bear with me. I'm doing my best here.
Disclaimer: Not mine, not true
See Table here!
It took everyone by surprise when the South Korean government fell, and not by any machinations from the North. The two remained at odds, with more antagonism coming from the South than previously, at least from the government. Anyone not natively born in Korea was summarily exported, and those working outside the country were given a window in which to return, or never return again.
Within the country, at least at first, things went on as usual, although some of the companies struggled for a while as they tried to replace the people they lost. The regular few resisted, only to be quickly and quietly shut down. It took a while, but eventually the country calmed down, turned their attention to staying alive and keeping quiet. The biggest step in that direction happened when the man in charge took over the schools, moving the children there into military camps to keep their parents under control. It cut down on any other resistance, due to the threat of losing a sibling, cousin, or other relative.
Rumors began to circulate, that the son of the man in charge had vanished, going underground to resist his father's policies. No matter how the leader tried to squash the rumor, it persisted, in part because he could never produce this son, and in part because the rumor started in so many different places, at different times, from men and women the people had learned to trust.
DongHyun had never listened much to the rumors. Or anything else. He spent most of his time trying to keep his small group together and fed. They'd taken over a small apartment building, one that had once housed most of the foreigners for one of the companies, and when they'd all left, no one else had moved in. The land lord kept the place because it was worth something, so far, and paid DongHyun to keep up the place as much as he could. He didn't care that DongHyun didn't actually live in the smallish apartment he gave him (but in another one in the building), didn't care that there was no record that he lived there or anywhere, and didn't know about the other four.
They spent a lot of their time out and about, doing small jobs around the neighborhood for money or food or anything anyone might have to give them. They generally came in through the basement door, or through a balcony on the second floor, or some other way besides the front door. DongHyun rarely went with them, and was able to make sure they didn't get caught in the many troop movements within the city. As a general rule, he could figure them out - mostly because of HyunSung, one of the small group he'd sort of adopted (even if HyunSung were old enough to go out on his own) - and he made sure to keep them in when that happened.
JungMin helped with the younger two, keeping them reined in when necessary. Those two, YoungMin and Minwoo, had the best relationship with the older women in the area, young enough still to be able to pull off cute, old enough to be able to help when the women needed it. They had become nearly inseparable when they met, and DongHyun didn't try to come between them. Everyone these days had unhealthy relationships. He didn't ask about their parents, either, or their families. He'd talk about his or listen if they brought the subject up, but no one did, and he didn't mind that, either. He trusted them, and they trusted him.
The sound of marching feet caught him completely off guard, and DongHyun swore under his breath. The soldiers hadn't ever come into this area before, had left them alone - at least en mass like this - for the most part, and he couldn't see any of his friends. He headed back to the apartment, fists clenched in stress, unable to figure out what he could possibly do to make sure these boys who'd become family to him didn't get caught. On the way back, he caught sight of JungMin and waved to him to get home; JungMin nodded and slipped off another way.
By the time DongHyun got there, he found a note from HyunSung and JungMin. They'd gone up to the roof with the binoculars, watching the troops to track their movements. DongHyun sat down next to them, keeping quiet as the two of them spoke together - probably not even aware that he'd joined them. It didn't bother him.
Minwoo and YoungMin's absence bothered him more, but he knew where they'd gone and knew that the people they worked with had protective streaks wide enough to hide the two of them if the soldiers came close. After a moment, HyunSung sighed. "I don't see why they're here," he said, looking at DongHyun. "I didn't see them take anyone, either, so but that doesn't really mean anything. It's just what I've noticed."
"I saw the guys just before, helping Mrs. Kim and her daughter get the small kids inside," JungMin offered. "They seemed okay, and I bet they're inside with her bunch, hiding until these idiots are gone."
DongHyun hardly noticed the venom in JungMin's voice; they all had it in reference to the soldiers, although the soldiers were generally not really to blame. They probably had no more choice than the missing students did. "Keep an eye on the soldiers so we know when they're gone. And where," he added. "I'll go check inside, just in case."
When he walked into the small apartment, he thought he heard something and went still. He'd never had an intruder, but that didn't mean it couldn't happen, no matter how careful they were. He left the door open because they didn't have the keys to pass around, and he didn't want any of them caught outside, ever. He'd risk a thief. "Who's there?" he called.
"It's me," Minwoo said in a very small voice, and DongHyun breathed a little easier.
"Just you?"
"I don't know where YoungMin went," Minwoo said, his voice echoing slightly. "He always goes to watch the soldiers. Only this time he didn't come back. He always said he'd raise hell if they caught him, so… I hope they didn't. He told me to come back and wait."
DongHyun stared at him in utter disbelief. "He goes…." He shook his head, and patted Minwoo on the shoulder when he emerged from the kitchen. "It's fine," he said. "I'm glad you're safe. Did you get anything?"
"It's in the cupboard. Just some ramyeon, but that's all she can afford."
"Everything helps," DongHyun said. They had no cause to turn anything down. "Did she keep you for a while before letting you go?"
Minwoo shook his head. "She wanted to, but YoungMin had gone and I wanted to get back here, so I left once all the little ones were inside." He shuddered. "They're too quiet," he said softly. "They shouldn't be that quiet."
DongHyun hugged him. "I know," he said. "It has to get better. Somehow."
Minwoo nodded, joining him in what he knew was wishful thinking. They all knew it. DongHyun sent him off to relax as much as he could, and began to pace the front room. After a couple of rounds, he told Minwoo he was going out, and he went out to the front, taking his frustrations out on the weeds that sprang up everywhere. He had to wonder if the land lord would even notice if he started to plant vegetables, but figured it'd be totally obvious before long. Still. He liked the idea of a garden, even if he couldn't do well with it. Maybe he'd set something up on the roof. There had to be a book about it in the library. At least they still had access to those. Internet as he'd known it had disappeared with the closed borders.
YoungMin didn't return by the time night fell, and DongHyun could see his own despair reflected in the other's faces as they gathered around for dinner. No one ate much, and HyunSung packed it away to save for later. They'd eat it for breakfast, or lunch, or even dinner tomorrow.
"I'm staying up for a while," JungMin said in an aside to DongHyun. "I'm not sleepy."
DongHyun nodded. "Wake me when you get tired," he said.
JungMin smiled with no mirth in it, but agreed.
The next day dragged. DongHyun, at least, had work, so he couldn't dwell. Much. The others… he didn't know what they did, but he saw them all leave, walking purposefully away from the apartment building. He wished them luck and turned back to the faulty hose hook up.
They met up again at lunch, the sound of the soldier's feet echoing around the building again. "Closer," HyunSung muttered, crouched down on the roof. "They're coming closer."
"They had to check everywhere out sometime," DongHyun said, but didn't ask for the binoculars. He sat next to HyunSung. JungMin and Minwoo hadn't wanted to come up this time, and DongHyun didn't care to have anyone alone right now.
"I wish they'd get done here and go away again," HyunSung said. "But I still don't see anyone, anything, any reason they'd be here."
"I'm not sure they need a reason," DongHyun said. "Any sign of YoungMin?"
"No," HyunSung said. "Nothing." He looked at DongHyun. "How long until we stop looking?"
"I don't know." DongHyun sighed. "I don't know way too much, because I just can't… I mean. We have no idea of knowing anything, because they don't tell us anything."
HyunSung nodded and went back to watching the columns of soldiers. They didn't come any closer to their building, but they did come close enough to make both DongHyun and HyunSung nervous. They'd moved to the stairs to go back down by the time the footsteps began to fade as the soldiers moved away from them. They exchanged a glance, and went on downstairs anyway.
They met JungMin on his way up, eyes wide and surprised. "YoungMin's back," he said.
They all three raced down to the apartment, and found YoungMin hovering next to someone curled on his bed. "I'm sorry," he said as soon as DongHyun came in. "I couldn't…."
DongHyun shook his head. "Tell me later," he said. "You look exhausted."
YoungMin looked far beyond exhausted, as if a single cross word would make him burst into tears. He nodded, head staying ducked - probably that had done it - and curled next to the other boy he'd brought with him.
DongHyun left the room to find the others gathered around the rickety kitchen table. "I saw him in the alley in the back," Minwoo said as DongHyun sat down. "He was carrying the other guy, so I went to help him."
"I checked around the best I could, to make sure no one had followed him," JungMin said. "There wasn't anyone."
"Someone must have followed him at least a little," HyunSung said. "I doubt that the soldiers being here was a coincidence. It's too close."
"They tried to catch him with fear," DongHyun agreed. "I'm sure you're right." And if not, well, a little paranoia wouldn't hurt any of them.
JungMin nodded. "Do we know who he is?"
"He didn't tell me," DongHyun said. "He's sleeping now."
"Good." HyunSung leaned back. "Do we assume there will be soldiers around for awhile?"
"Might as well," DongHyun said. "They didn't find who they wanted, assuming - again - that they were looking for YoungMin." He grimaced. "For now we'll go with that, and then talk to YoungMin when he wakes up." He stood. "I think it's my turn for dinner," he added, and walked into the kitchen.
HyunSung followed behind him. "It's not," he said, leaning against the counter.
"YoungMin's in no shape to try, and Minwoo's even worse. JungMin's so distracted he'd burn it, and you cooked last night," DongHyun pointed out, "Therefore, it's my turn."
HyunSung smirked. "And you need to do something."
"Before I go even more insane than I am now," DongHyun agreed. "Keep an ear out, although I'd rather no one went up to the roof for the night."
"I will," HyunSung said, and left the room again.
They'd nearly finished dinner when DongHyun heard something in the bedroom, and he got up to check on it. He reached the door in time to hear YoungMin's stomach growl, and he smiled. "You sound like you could eat," he said.
YoungMin started, wavering as he nearly fell off the bed. "Yeah," he said.
DongHyun walked over to him, resting a hand on his shoulder to steady him. "Who'd you find?" he asked.
"My brother, KwangMin," YoungMin said, and then the other boy shifted, hair falling from his face.
DongHyun stared, then looked at YoungMin, who flushed. "Your twin," he said. "Why didn't you say something? We would have helped."
YoungMin shook his head. "It was my fault he was taken," he said. "I had to get him back."
DongHyun squeezed his shoulder. "Why don't you get something to eat…." The shoulder under his hand tensed. "I'll stay here and watch him," he added. "You need something so you don't get so thin the next 30 kph wind blows you away."
"It's not that bad," YoungMin protested, but he moved, standing up.
"It was almost that bad before you disappeared," DongHyun said. "It's worse now."
YoungMin rolled his eyes, but then bowed and took himself out of the room.
DongHyun sat down on the bed by his new adoptee. They would have to be VERY careful now, because the soldiers didn't like losing people, and they could be thorough in finding someone they'd had taken from them.
Which meant, who knew how long those soldiers would be about, and how long until they broke down into smaller units…. It could get ugly.
He looked down at the boy still sleeping and shook his head. He couldn't blame YoungMin at all for doing what he had. He couldn't even say he wouldn't have done the same thing. In fact, he probably would have.
As soon as YoungMin finished, they would have to have a talk about… a few things. Because he figured - didn't know, but they'd probably find out - that YoungMin wouldn't leave his brother until he'd gotten to trust them the way YoungMin did.
Drat. What a mess.
Prompt: 02 - still alive, Minwoo/YoungMin
Pairing: Gen
Rating: G
Summary: Learning to live in a not-so-friendly world
Notes: I know, it's not really feasible, but bear with me. I'm doing my best here.
Disclaimer: Not mine, not true
See Table here!
It took everyone by surprise when the South Korean government fell, and not by any machinations from the North. The two remained at odds, with more antagonism coming from the South than previously, at least from the government. Anyone not natively born in Korea was summarily exported, and those working outside the country were given a window in which to return, or never return again.
Within the country, at least at first, things went on as usual, although some of the companies struggled for a while as they tried to replace the people they lost. The regular few resisted, only to be quickly and quietly shut down. It took a while, but eventually the country calmed down, turned their attention to staying alive and keeping quiet. The biggest step in that direction happened when the man in charge took over the schools, moving the children there into military camps to keep their parents under control. It cut down on any other resistance, due to the threat of losing a sibling, cousin, or other relative.
Rumors began to circulate, that the son of the man in charge had vanished, going underground to resist his father's policies. No matter how the leader tried to squash the rumor, it persisted, in part because he could never produce this son, and in part because the rumor started in so many different places, at different times, from men and women the people had learned to trust.
DongHyun had never listened much to the rumors. Or anything else. He spent most of his time trying to keep his small group together and fed. They'd taken over a small apartment building, one that had once housed most of the foreigners for one of the companies, and when they'd all left, no one else had moved in. The land lord kept the place because it was worth something, so far, and paid DongHyun to keep up the place as much as he could. He didn't care that DongHyun didn't actually live in the smallish apartment he gave him (but in another one in the building), didn't care that there was no record that he lived there or anywhere, and didn't know about the other four.
They spent a lot of their time out and about, doing small jobs around the neighborhood for money or food or anything anyone might have to give them. They generally came in through the basement door, or through a balcony on the second floor, or some other way besides the front door. DongHyun rarely went with them, and was able to make sure they didn't get caught in the many troop movements within the city. As a general rule, he could figure them out - mostly because of HyunSung, one of the small group he'd sort of adopted (even if HyunSung were old enough to go out on his own) - and he made sure to keep them in when that happened.
JungMin helped with the younger two, keeping them reined in when necessary. Those two, YoungMin and Minwoo, had the best relationship with the older women in the area, young enough still to be able to pull off cute, old enough to be able to help when the women needed it. They had become nearly inseparable when they met, and DongHyun didn't try to come between them. Everyone these days had unhealthy relationships. He didn't ask about their parents, either, or their families. He'd talk about his or listen if they brought the subject up, but no one did, and he didn't mind that, either. He trusted them, and they trusted him.
The sound of marching feet caught him completely off guard, and DongHyun swore under his breath. The soldiers hadn't ever come into this area before, had left them alone - at least en mass like this - for the most part, and he couldn't see any of his friends. He headed back to the apartment, fists clenched in stress, unable to figure out what he could possibly do to make sure these boys who'd become family to him didn't get caught. On the way back, he caught sight of JungMin and waved to him to get home; JungMin nodded and slipped off another way.
By the time DongHyun got there, he found a note from HyunSung and JungMin. They'd gone up to the roof with the binoculars, watching the troops to track their movements. DongHyun sat down next to them, keeping quiet as the two of them spoke together - probably not even aware that he'd joined them. It didn't bother him.
Minwoo and YoungMin's absence bothered him more, but he knew where they'd gone and knew that the people they worked with had protective streaks wide enough to hide the two of them if the soldiers came close. After a moment, HyunSung sighed. "I don't see why they're here," he said, looking at DongHyun. "I didn't see them take anyone, either, so but that doesn't really mean anything. It's just what I've noticed."
"I saw the guys just before, helping Mrs. Kim and her daughter get the small kids inside," JungMin offered. "They seemed okay, and I bet they're inside with her bunch, hiding until these idiots are gone."
DongHyun hardly noticed the venom in JungMin's voice; they all had it in reference to the soldiers, although the soldiers were generally not really to blame. They probably had no more choice than the missing students did. "Keep an eye on the soldiers so we know when they're gone. And where," he added. "I'll go check inside, just in case."
When he walked into the small apartment, he thought he heard something and went still. He'd never had an intruder, but that didn't mean it couldn't happen, no matter how careful they were. He left the door open because they didn't have the keys to pass around, and he didn't want any of them caught outside, ever. He'd risk a thief. "Who's there?" he called.
"It's me," Minwoo said in a very small voice, and DongHyun breathed a little easier.
"Just you?"
"I don't know where YoungMin went," Minwoo said, his voice echoing slightly. "He always goes to watch the soldiers. Only this time he didn't come back. He always said he'd raise hell if they caught him, so… I hope they didn't. He told me to come back and wait."
DongHyun stared at him in utter disbelief. "He goes…." He shook his head, and patted Minwoo on the shoulder when he emerged from the kitchen. "It's fine," he said. "I'm glad you're safe. Did you get anything?"
"It's in the cupboard. Just some ramyeon, but that's all she can afford."
"Everything helps," DongHyun said. They had no cause to turn anything down. "Did she keep you for a while before letting you go?"
Minwoo shook his head. "She wanted to, but YoungMin had gone and I wanted to get back here, so I left once all the little ones were inside." He shuddered. "They're too quiet," he said softly. "They shouldn't be that quiet."
DongHyun hugged him. "I know," he said. "It has to get better. Somehow."
Minwoo nodded, joining him in what he knew was wishful thinking. They all knew it. DongHyun sent him off to relax as much as he could, and began to pace the front room. After a couple of rounds, he told Minwoo he was going out, and he went out to the front, taking his frustrations out on the weeds that sprang up everywhere. He had to wonder if the land lord would even notice if he started to plant vegetables, but figured it'd be totally obvious before long. Still. He liked the idea of a garden, even if he couldn't do well with it. Maybe he'd set something up on the roof. There had to be a book about it in the library. At least they still had access to those. Internet as he'd known it had disappeared with the closed borders.
YoungMin didn't return by the time night fell, and DongHyun could see his own despair reflected in the other's faces as they gathered around for dinner. No one ate much, and HyunSung packed it away to save for later. They'd eat it for breakfast, or lunch, or even dinner tomorrow.
"I'm staying up for a while," JungMin said in an aside to DongHyun. "I'm not sleepy."
DongHyun nodded. "Wake me when you get tired," he said.
JungMin smiled with no mirth in it, but agreed.
The next day dragged. DongHyun, at least, had work, so he couldn't dwell. Much. The others… he didn't know what they did, but he saw them all leave, walking purposefully away from the apartment building. He wished them luck and turned back to the faulty hose hook up.
They met up again at lunch, the sound of the soldier's feet echoing around the building again. "Closer," HyunSung muttered, crouched down on the roof. "They're coming closer."
"They had to check everywhere out sometime," DongHyun said, but didn't ask for the binoculars. He sat next to HyunSung. JungMin and Minwoo hadn't wanted to come up this time, and DongHyun didn't care to have anyone alone right now.
"I wish they'd get done here and go away again," HyunSung said. "But I still don't see anyone, anything, any reason they'd be here."
"I'm not sure they need a reason," DongHyun said. "Any sign of YoungMin?"
"No," HyunSung said. "Nothing." He looked at DongHyun. "How long until we stop looking?"
"I don't know." DongHyun sighed. "I don't know way too much, because I just can't… I mean. We have no idea of knowing anything, because they don't tell us anything."
HyunSung nodded and went back to watching the columns of soldiers. They didn't come any closer to their building, but they did come close enough to make both DongHyun and HyunSung nervous. They'd moved to the stairs to go back down by the time the footsteps began to fade as the soldiers moved away from them. They exchanged a glance, and went on downstairs anyway.
They met JungMin on his way up, eyes wide and surprised. "YoungMin's back," he said.
They all three raced down to the apartment, and found YoungMin hovering next to someone curled on his bed. "I'm sorry," he said as soon as DongHyun came in. "I couldn't…."
DongHyun shook his head. "Tell me later," he said. "You look exhausted."
YoungMin looked far beyond exhausted, as if a single cross word would make him burst into tears. He nodded, head staying ducked - probably that had done it - and curled next to the other boy he'd brought with him.
DongHyun left the room to find the others gathered around the rickety kitchen table. "I saw him in the alley in the back," Minwoo said as DongHyun sat down. "He was carrying the other guy, so I went to help him."
"I checked around the best I could, to make sure no one had followed him," JungMin said. "There wasn't anyone."
"Someone must have followed him at least a little," HyunSung said. "I doubt that the soldiers being here was a coincidence. It's too close."
"They tried to catch him with fear," DongHyun agreed. "I'm sure you're right." And if not, well, a little paranoia wouldn't hurt any of them.
JungMin nodded. "Do we know who he is?"
"He didn't tell me," DongHyun said. "He's sleeping now."
"Good." HyunSung leaned back. "Do we assume there will be soldiers around for awhile?"
"Might as well," DongHyun said. "They didn't find who they wanted, assuming - again - that they were looking for YoungMin." He grimaced. "For now we'll go with that, and then talk to YoungMin when he wakes up." He stood. "I think it's my turn for dinner," he added, and walked into the kitchen.
HyunSung followed behind him. "It's not," he said, leaning against the counter.
"YoungMin's in no shape to try, and Minwoo's even worse. JungMin's so distracted he'd burn it, and you cooked last night," DongHyun pointed out, "Therefore, it's my turn."
HyunSung smirked. "And you need to do something."
"Before I go even more insane than I am now," DongHyun agreed. "Keep an ear out, although I'd rather no one went up to the roof for the night."
"I will," HyunSung said, and left the room again.
They'd nearly finished dinner when DongHyun heard something in the bedroom, and he got up to check on it. He reached the door in time to hear YoungMin's stomach growl, and he smiled. "You sound like you could eat," he said.
YoungMin started, wavering as he nearly fell off the bed. "Yeah," he said.
DongHyun walked over to him, resting a hand on his shoulder to steady him. "Who'd you find?" he asked.
"My brother, KwangMin," YoungMin said, and then the other boy shifted, hair falling from his face.
DongHyun stared, then looked at YoungMin, who flushed. "Your twin," he said. "Why didn't you say something? We would have helped."
YoungMin shook his head. "It was my fault he was taken," he said. "I had to get him back."
DongHyun squeezed his shoulder. "Why don't you get something to eat…." The shoulder under his hand tensed. "I'll stay here and watch him," he added. "You need something so you don't get so thin the next 30 kph wind blows you away."
"It's not that bad," YoungMin protested, but he moved, standing up.
"It was almost that bad before you disappeared," DongHyun said. "It's worse now."
YoungMin rolled his eyes, but then bowed and took himself out of the room.
DongHyun sat down on the bed by his new adoptee. They would have to be VERY careful now, because the soldiers didn't like losing people, and they could be thorough in finding someone they'd had taken from them.
Which meant, who knew how long those soldiers would be about, and how long until they broke down into smaller units…. It could get ugly.
He looked down at the boy still sleeping and shook his head. He couldn't blame YoungMin at all for doing what he had. He couldn't even say he wouldn't have done the same thing. In fact, he probably would have.
As soon as YoungMin finished, they would have to have a talk about… a few things. Because he figured - didn't know, but they'd probably find out - that YoungMin wouldn't leave his brother until he'd gotten to trust them the way YoungMin did.
Drat. What a mess.