My Dreamcather (3/3)
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Part 2
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Jongin was standing beside Kyungsoo who had his eyes on the floor. Jongin's brothers were all changing their clothes or taking a bath, especially Junmyeon who had blood all over his shirt and even face.
Kyungsoo saw how Junmyeon got his neck bandaged, almost falling into the ground if Jongin didn't catch him in time when his legs gave in. Minseok told Jongin to bring Kyungsoo away until Jongdae was finish with Junmyeon and Jongin obliged, pulling the smaller man to the upstairs. When his brothers called him on the balcony, Jongin brought Kyungsoo back to the downstairs, taking a glass of water for both of them.
"Hey."
Kyungsoo looked up to Jongin, the glass in front of him but untouched.
"Drink it." Jongin gave a look to Kyungsoo, leaning his hip on the dining table. His knuckles knocked once into it and Kyungsoo slowly grabbed the glass before drinking the water until it was empty. "Didn't happen like what you imagined, huh?"
Kyungsoo put down the glass, shaking his head before staring up at Jongin. "I'm afraid I won’t see my father again." he suddenly confessed. "I never thought his job is dangerous. I never thought one day he won't come back to me, lying down somewhere where I couldn't find him."
"Your father is great, right? He always came home to you so you don't have to worry. He's a grown up man, not like us. That's why we work in a group, because it's not easy. He never told about how he worked, right? Maybe he's working with a friend too." Jongin took a seat beside Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo still had this unfocused look, clearly thinking about his father just like he said.
"Can we go to my house again today?" Kyungsoo stared at Jongin with his big eyes, unconsciously looking like a puppy to Jongin who frowned at the additional image of a pair of puppy ears and a wagging tail.
"We need to ask my brother."
"Okay."
Jongin recalled the confident face that haunted him in his dream. Kyungsoo who was sitting beside him seemed like someone who was shy and worried about many things. He had been thinking that Kyungsoo was lying to him and his brother. D.O was a girl but that didn't mean she wasn't a man. It wasn't like they check if she's really a girl. It was easy for a boy to dress up like girl and it was possible that Kyungsoo was D.O.
Kyungsoo was really good at acting if he was really D.O.
But the man didn't show any sign of using magic or some sort of it. He looked normal, the way he's frozen and scared seeing the witch wasn't a lie. No one could fake that kind of reaction.
Then again, it's not like Jongin had always been good at judging people. He didn't meet many people on the first hand, only witches mostly that he saw once before he killed them.
When footsteps were heard, Kyungsoo and Jongin turned their heads to Minseok and Jongdae. Junmyeon was behind them, walking slowly, lifting his lips into a smile. "Kyungsoo, I think you have to cook for them. I don't want to open my wound."
Kyungsoo readily stood up, already on Junmyeon's side in seconds. "Anything." He gulped, eyes on Junmyeon's bandage around his neck.
"Did you see how the witch got killed?" asked Junmyeon, hand cupping Kyungsoo's cheek. The man's eyes were larger than usual and he wondered why.
"No. Jongin prevented me." Kyungsoo leaned into the touch, feeling a little bit relief.
"That's good. Why do you look like this, then?"
"I'm worried about my father. Can we go to my house today? Maybe he's back already." Kyungsoo searched for Minseok and met their eyes together. "I just want to check on him. Don't you want to meet him too?"
"Kyungsoo." Kyungsoo took a breath as his voice went smaller. Junmyeon brought his hand down to hold Kyungsoo's hand, the younger bit his lips.
"We will go to your house after dinner, okay?"
Kyungsoo whispered a thank you before pulling Junmyeon near the sink, asking him what he should made for the others.
"Are you sure he didn't see it?" Jongdae sat beside Jongin, leaning in as Jongin make a bored look.
"He's just worried. It's normal for someone who sees it for the first time, Hyung."
Jongdae hummed in agreement. He was scared the first time he killed a witch too. He even failed on that day when his father brought him to see the real witch and he had been too scared of it. He got used to it in the end and he knew Kyungsoo will too, only if he wanted it. It wasn't easy to be a witch hunter. "I hope he won't get a nightmare because of it."
"He won't." Jongin kept his eyes on the small back of Kyungsoo before continue talking to his brother about their event today.
Kyungsoo was bouncy as he guided the Kim siblings into his house. Jongin and Jongdae were the ones who hadn't gone there, only the latter feeling excited as Jongin was unwillingly being dragged by his brothers who dismissed his reason to take care of the house. They always left it when they went to hunt and Minseok's word was something that Jongin couldn't say no to.
"It seems like he hasn't come back." Kyungsoo said when they were near, they could see his small house. There's no light coming from the window and it's easy to tell that no one was inside. "I will bring some of clothes then. I don't know how long I will stay at your place." he turned to Junmyeon and smiled. "Since I'm your prisoner."
Junmyeon chuckled hearing the words and ruffled Kyungsoo's hair. He always did that to someone who's younger than him, anyone he met especially when they acted cute unknowingly.
"Would you like to come inside or wait here?" Kyungsoo asked when they're in front of his house.
"I'll come with you!" Jongdae raised his hand, grinning and draping an arm on Kyungsoo's shoulder, pulling them inside after Kyungsoo unlocked the door.
The other three stayed on the outside, looking around the house for other neighbor houses that was quite a far from Kyungsoo's. Kyungsoo's house was near the center of the city but was close to the forest too. It had small garden around it where there were some vegetable plants that currently were fruitless.
A light came from inside the house as Kyungsoo turned it on. Jongin and his brothers could see him and Jongdae talking to each other, laughing about something before Kyungsoo walked into a room.
"You went inside before, right, Hyung?" asked Jongin, eyes moving from Jongdae inside to Junmyeon who stood beside him.
"Yeah. Why are you asking?"
Minseok who was squatting down looked up to Jongin who shrugged.
"Wondering if you got any clues." Jongin glanced at the house once again before sighing. "I'm trying to be patient but it's hard. They have the same face, Hyung."
"Jongin. All we have to do is wait for his father and we will get the answer. You will find D.O and we will catch her, alright?"
Junmyeon patted Jongin's back, moving it upward to massage the younger's neck. Jongin looked down when he felt a hand holding his own, Minseok was smiling to him.
"We will catch her, Jongin."
The three heard the sound of steps coming and looked up, finding a man was walking into their direction. Minseok stood up and tilted his head, trying to see the man's face by the help of the small light coming from the house. The man seemed like he didn't notice the three and stopped when he saw them. He tilted his head a little before taking more steps, the light finally came to his eyes and the Kim siblings could see it perfectly now. Short dark jet hair, moustache along with beard and eyebags. His eyes were normal in size and his lips was a little bit thick, nothing was similar to Kyungsoo except that they both had fair skin.
"May I ask what you boys doing on my house?" the man squinted his eyes, a deep voice coming from him. He eyed the three young men before putting down a bag that he was carrying.
"We came for you, sir." Minseok answered. "We need something from you."
The man groaned out loud, running a hand thorough his short dark hair with his other hand on his hips. "I've not been taking any request for years."
"We are not here for that. We want to ask you about--"
"Dad!" Kyungsoo opened the door of his house, calling for the man who immediately smiled seeing him. He ran to the man and hugged him, laughing a little. "You're back! I'm so glad you're safe!!"
"What are you talking about, Soo? I'm always coming back for you." the man hugged Kyungsoo's back, patting Kyungsoo's cheek before moving his eyes to the guests he had. "Mind telling me who they are?"
"Ah!" Kyungsoo pulled himself away from his father, his hand on his father's back. "They are my...friends. I met them couple of days ago and they kind of need your help. They are witch hunters, just like you and they said that they saw a witch who looked like me." He smiled up to his father who widen his eyes.
Kyungsoo's father stared down to his son and blinked his eyes before turning to the four young men in front of him. "Let's go and talk inside."
"Let me introduce myself. My name is Kim Minseok and I'm the oldest between four. He's Junmyeon and Jongin and beside Jongin is Jongdae." Minseok smiled to Kyungsoo's father who was leaning on his chair, one hand on the table while the other was on the top of Kyungsoo's chair.
"Let's get to the point. You saw a girl who looked like my son and she's a witch?" Kyungsoo's father tilted his head, another sigh came out from his lips again. He turned to Kyungsoo who had a smile but a frown on his forehead. He smiled back but dropped it as soon as he faced the four.
"Yes, sir. We figure you might have a clue about her because unfortunately she ran from us after we captured her. We know we don't have to find her again but one of my brothers got a problem after that." Junmyeon explained.
"What problem?"
"A nightmare."
Kyungsoo's father blinked his eyes before he suddenly burst out in laugh.
Kyungsoo parted his lips, tugging his father's shirt and asking him to stop. The father shook his head, saying sorry because it was funny for him. On the other side of table Jongdae put a hand on Jongin's thigh, signalling him to calm himself.
"I'm really sorry. But the reason you're catching a witch just because of a nightmare is quite unique."
"The nightmares stopped when we met Kyungsoo." Minseok said.
"Hmm...then why you're still searching for her?"
"I want to kill her."
Silence came into the room, Kyungsoo gulped hard as his father stared to Jongin.
"Revenge never ends well. I think you should stop finding her. You can borrow my son whenever you want so you won't get the nightmare."
"It's not only because of that. The thing is we don't know if this witch is dangerous or not. We didn't know how she could ran away from us, we already bound her, sir." Jongdae raised his hand.
Kyungsoo's father sighed. "I can tell you about the witch but I'm not sure if you'll be able to catch her. She's hard to find, I'm even surprised hearing that you found her. Where did you find her again?"
"In the north forest." answered Jongdae.
"Do you really need to catch her and kill her? You don't find any evidence that's she's a witch, right? Your brother didn't get his nightmare anymore I think it's better for you all to forget D.O." Kyungsoo's father brought his hand to brush on Kyungsoo's hair.
"There's no way I can do that, sir. She's been haunting me for months. Could you do that if it's you?" Jongin frowned.
"If it's D.O. Then yes, I can."
"What do you mean by that?" Jongin asked.
"I've been doing it for these past years. I once kept searching for her and found her. She said she don't want to come back with me again, telling me to take care of Kyungsoo instead. She said she will come back when the time's right and I keep waiting and waiting. I'm sure you miss her too, right, Kyungsoo?"
Kyungsoo stated up to his father, "What are you talking about, dad?"
"I'm talking about your mother." Kyungsoo's father chuckled. "There's a reason why she looks like you." he looked up to four pairs of eyes that full of shocks. "And that's the reason why I want you to forget about it. I'm sure Kyungsoo doesn’t want his new friends to kill his mother, right, Soo?"
Kyungsoo parted his lips, eyes blinking couple of time to his father. "M-my mother?"
"Yeah, D.O. it's from your surname, you silly. It's not di-o, it's do. Do Hyemi, your mother, is a white witch. I met her when I was on hunt. I tried to attack her but she helped me in the end. It's kind of cliche but I fell for her. I still don't know why she left one day, saying that she wants to explore the world. She's kind of unique on her own way..."
Kyungsoo's father looked around him and licked his lips as no one said anything. "Uh, sons? Are you guys okay? Kyungsoo?"
"Why you never told me about her?" Kyungsoo stared at his father wide eyes. "All this time, I thought she's already dead. But a witch? That's..." He inhaled sharply, suddenly feeling suffocated.
Kyungsoo's father took notice how pale Kyungsoo became and he went worried. "Wait, Soo? Kyungsoo, look at me. Are you okay?" he cupped Kyungsoo's face, turning it up to him.
"I-I can't breath..." Kyungsoo gasped. "I-I need--" Kyungsoo squeaked when someone suddenly pulled him away from his father, heading into the front door and pushed him into the dark night. He turned his body to see Jongin closing the door.
Jongin leaned into the door, arms folding. "Breathe." He said.
Kyungsoo nodded, taking air into his lungs as much as he needed. His nose hurt a little caused by the cold wind.
After couple of audible inhalations, Kyungsoo sat on the ground, wide eyes stared up to Jongin. "W-will you kill my mother?"
"What?"
"You said you want to kill her. Will you?"
"I--"
"I stopped your nightmare, didn't I? Can you please not kill her? I never saw her face. My father never told me about her and I really, really want to see her. I want to know how it feels if I have a mother. Even when father said she left me alone with him, I still want to see her. Please, Jongin-ssi, don't kill my mother." Kyungsoo had tears on his cheeks. He looked so small sitting down like that, making Jongin come to him and hug him.
"Don't cry." Jongin whispered into Kyungsoo's hair. He rubbed Kyungsoo's back, sighing out loud. "I won't kill her, so don't cry."
Kyungsoo let out choked sobs, hands slowly hugging Jongin back. He felt warm. "Y-you promise? You promise not to kill her when you find her?"
"I promise."
"Write it down on the paper." Kyungsoo sobbed. "I don't believe you."
Jongin pulled himself, raising an eyebrow to Kyungsoo. "Seriously?"
"Yes. Write it down on a paper that you won't kill my mother. I want to make sure you do that. You, you're scary. You're dangerous. You can easily kill people so I don't trust you." Kyungsoo wiped his own tears. "But you're kind enough to not let me see the witch hurt Junmyeon Hyung so I want to try and believe in you."
Jongin chuckled suddenly, dropping his head down.
"What? Why are you laughing?" Kyungsoo asked.
"I think not only your look, but you got that uniqueness your father told us. You're so weird, you know that?" Jongin wiped Kyungsoo's cheek gently, seeing Kyungsoo's eyelashes flutter.
"That's why I don't have friends. They said I'm weird..." Kyungsoo whispered.
Jongin lifted the corner of his lips, making a smile and caused Kyungsoo to gasped. Kyungsoo put his hands on Jongin's cheeks. "You smile!"
"Excuse me?" Jongin frowned, the smile was gone in second.
"You actually can smile..." Kyungsoo grinned. "You look a whole lot better smiling, Jongin-ssi."
Jongin frowned seeing the happy smile on Kyungsoo's face. He didn't feel bother by the hands on his cheeks.
"Come on, then. Let's write down your promise!" Kyungsoo sniffed once, standing up and offering his hand to Jongin. Jongin rolled his eyes but took it anyway, letting Kyungsoo drag him back inside his house.
"Dad, I need paper and a pen." Kyungsoo said when he stepped inside with Jongin behind.
Kyungsoo's father turned to Kyungsoo, frowning at the sudden request. "Why do you need them, Soo?"
"Jongin promise not to kill Mother and I want him to write it down." Kyungsoo pulled Jongin, telling him to sit down beside his father. "You did say that, right, Jongin-ssi?"
Jongin had a bored look on his eyes but he nodded anyway.
"Really, Jongin-ah? You're willing to do it, just like that?" Junmyeon leaned forward, not believing in Jongin's decision.
"I don't have a choice, Hyung. She's a mother of someone and it's not like I can say no in front of the son and father." Jongin shrugged. He took the paper and pen Kyungsoo gave to him. Kyungsoo was waiting, standing beside him as Jongin wrote down the words.
Kyungsoo smiled as Jongin finished it with his signature, giving the paper to Kyungsoo. "Thank you."
"So your business with us is finished, right?" Kyungsoo's father asked. "Now that I told you about your mother, how about you follow me and search for her, Soo?"
Kyungsoo was staring at the paper on his hands, a smile on his lips. "Dad?"
"Yes, Soo?"
"I want to learn how to be a witch hunter."
Kyungsoo's father dropped the glass he was holding as he was about to drink the water. Thankfully the glass dropped into the table, not the floor and only made a thumping sound.
Jongin startled a little as Kyungsoo's father was sitting beside him.
"A witch hunter? But Kyungsoo--"
"Going with you means that I can be a witch hunter, right?" Kyungsoo looked up, meeting his father's eyes. "I want to find mother on my own, but I know I can't do it myself. Can I go and learn with Kim siblings here?"
"Kim--why? Why you don't want to go with me? Kyungsoo, I'm your father. You'll be safer with me, son." Kyungsoo's father stood up from his chair, went to Kyungsoo and put his hands on Kyungsoo's shoulders.
"Dad. I know nothing about hunting. If you bring me it will only slow you down. But with them, they have many members. They're around my age and I know I can learn more from them." Kyungsoo stared up to his father, determined.
"What if we say no, Kyungsoo?" Minseok raised an eyebrow as Kyungsoo stared to him. "Four is too much already. Adding another one will a burden for us."
Junmyeon whispered something to Minseok, eyes on Kyungsoo whose face turned into a disappointment.
"I-I'm sorry. I should have asked you first. It's very rude of me." Kyungsoo dropped his head down. He felt himself being pulled to his father's chest, his arms wrapping on his father's body, filling his lungs with his father's scent.
"He doesn't have to come with you on your hunt. You can just teach him." Kyungsoo's father glared at Minseok. He could hear the sniffs coming from his son.
"I apologize, but sir, you know that eventually Kyungsoo has to kill a witch. He will learn nothing if he doesn't come with us." Minseok shrugged, stating the truth.
"Are you going to bring him on your next hunt?"
Minseok hummed, sharing a look with Junmyeon and Jongdae. "What do you think?"
"As long as he's ready." Jongdae whispered.
"We can teach him first." Junmyeon nodded.
"Jongin?" Minseok raised an eyebrow to Jongin who sighed as all pairs of eyes were on him.
"I'll go with whatever you think the best." Jongin leaned on his chair. He faced Kyungsoo, "Are you sure you want to do this?"
Kyungsoo grinned. "Yes. I want to be like my father and I will search for my mother. I want to know why she never visits me." He let out a sigh but the smile was still there. "I know I can do this."
"How long will you stay this time, sir?" asked Minseok to Kyungsoo's father who's currently hugging Kyungsoo to his chest again.
"Around two weeks more or less. I already got two jobs offers but I miss my Kyungsoo." He kissed Kyungsoo's head, rubbing Kyungsoo's back and smiled when Kyungsoo hugged him back.
"I miss you too, dad."
"We will start the training next week then. We thank you for your help, sir. We will go back to our home now and wish you a good night." Minseok stood up, signalling his brothers to follow.
"Good night, Kyungsoo." Junmyeon smiled.
"Have fun catching up with your father! Let's go, Jongin." Jongdae chuckled, pulling Jongin with him who silently nodded to Kyungsoo and his father.
The second after the door was closed, Kyungsoo's father turned to his son, eyes narrowing. "Kyungsoo, what are you planning this time. I told you not to talk to people. Do you really think you can be a witch hunter?"
Kyungsoo parted his lips, "But dad! You already said yes! I'm bored being alone! I don't have any friend because you said not to find one, afraid how they will react knowing about your job. They have the same job as you so you don't have to worry. I'm tired dad, I don't want to keep working in the town, the salary is so small and I..." His lips started to tremble and his father took a deep breath. "You lied to me. How could you do that? I thought she's dead. I never know my mother is actually out there, having fun on her own while I--" Tears started to gather on his eyes and his father was hugging him again, shushing him.
"I want to see mom. I want to ask her many things, dad."
"Alright, Soo. Alright. If that's what you want. You're a big boy now and you can take care of yourself." his father wiped his tears, chuckling at the snot coming out from Kyungsoo's nose. "Take the lesson seriously, okay? I don't want you to got hurt or even got killed because of those witches."
"Yes." Kyungsoo sniffed, wiping his nose with the back of his hand. "I will be a good witch hunter just like you."
***
Three months had passed by and Kyungsoo was a different person now. He learned so many thing from the Kim siblings and just yesterday he was finally be able to hurt a witch, shooting her on point to her head and killing her.
The siblings celebrated Kyungsoo's first achievement and he felt so happy having them around. He used to be alone and he never imagined he would live with four different people that each had unique character.
He secretly already did his second achievement, which was getting closer to Jongin.
Kyungsoo knocked on the library door before he went in. He bit his lips seeing Jongin sitting on the couch next to the window. Jongin didn't lift his head so Kyungsoo went to take a seat beside him, taking some safe distance.
"Jongin-ah?"
"Hmm?"
"Are you going to the town again today?"
"Yeah."
"Can I come with you?"
Jongin looked up to Kyungsoo who had a nervous smile on his lips.
"Grocery?"
Kyungsoo shook his head, he couldn't contain his excitement so he grinned to Jongin. "Bookstore."
Jongin chuckled hearing that, eyes getting back to the book. "Yeah, okay."
"Great! I'll get ready and help Junmyeon-hyung while waiting downstairs." Kyungsoo stood up, turning his body and stopped when Jongin called his name.
"Will it be only the two of us?"
"Uh?" Kyungsoo blinked. "Isn’t Junmyeon-hyung coming along like usual?"
"Two people is enough. I think it's better for him to rest here."
"If that's what you want..." Kyungsoo trailed off, smiling in confusion.
Jongin lifted the corner of his lips just lightly and nodded, eyes once again back to his book, a sign for Kyungsoo to leave him alone.
Kyungsoo had his hand on Jongin's shirt, not wanting to get left behind as from past experience he once got left behind when he went to the town with the other brothers. His eyes always wandered around whenever they went to town. He loved town. He visit the town so many times before but ever since he started living with the Kim he rarely went there, only twice a month to buy groceries. Kyungsoo was someone who liked to see people even if they didn't recognize him. He liked to watch people and he always waited for the time they went to town.
"Do you want to buy a book?" Jongin asked as they went inside the bookstore. He flashed a small smile to the owner; Kyungsoo too bowed to the owner who waved his hand.
"Can I?"
"Yeah. You can choose one that you like."
"Is it really okay?" Kyungsoo asked once again, hand still on Jongin's shirt. He let go when Jongin stared at his hand, forgetting that they were already inside.
"Do you want me to take my offer back?" Jongin grazed his hand on the new books on the rack. His eyes shined seeing the books, itching to read every one of them.
"N-no! I will choose one then! I'll look around!" Kyungsoo replied, dashing off to the next rack, missing the chuckle that Jongin made.
Kyungsoo went to the children book aisle and smiled when he saw the beautiful art, it was so colorful and pretty that Kyungsoo touched it very carefully, afraid that he would tear the page. He remembered seeing couple of children books in Jongin’s room before, sitting on the desk, lined up neatly with other books.
He was curious and asked Jongin if he could see it one day. Surprisingly Jongin allowed him, telling Kyungsoo to read any book that he wanted except he had to tell him which book he took out of his room.
Books were what made Kyungsoo get closer to Jongin. Jongin loved reading books and they discussed the book at least once a week. Kyungsoo never had any interest in books. He never knew something written on a paper could bring so many things inside his head. The imagination, especially the feelings that he got when he read a new story was amazing. He never knew he could feel so many kinds of feelings just by reading other peoples’ stories.
And a fiction on top of that.
"You want that?"
Kyungsoo startled when Jongin was suddenly behind him. Jongin leaned down to see what book Kyungsoo was reading. Jongin was too close to Kyungsoo that Kyungsoo gulped, pushing the book to Jongin's hand.
"Y-yes!"
Jongin checked on the back of the book, "Okay then. Let's go."
Kyungsoo tilted her head, "Are you buying?"
"Yes. It's in the cashier."
Kyungsoo followed Jongin to the cashier and was stunned seeing how many books were there. No wonder they have a library, Jongin bought around ten books in one visit.
"Uh, will we able to bring that? We still have to buy groceries..." Kyungsoo said. Jongin put the book that he liked on top of his pile of books, nodding to Kyungsoo.
"You're the one who'll bring the groceries. The books are heavier so they're on me."
"Oh, okay..."
"I've been wondering, is he one of your family, Jongin?" the old man asked as he counted for the total of Jongin's purchase. He looked up to see Jongin had a small smile on his lips, something that he never saw.
"He's my student." Jongin answered simply.
"Student? Then he--"
"Yes. He doesn't look like one to be a hunter, right?" Jongin turned to Kyungsoo, staring at the big, innocent eyes of his.
"You don't look like one either." the old man put the books inside a bag and Jongin helped, making Kyungsoo want to help but put his hands down when Jongin told him not to.
"See you next time, boys."
Kyungsoo nodded to the old man, following Jongin with his short steps outside the bookstore.
"Want me to help you?" Kyungsoo asked seeing Jongin was hugging the bag on his chest. He pouted when Jongin refused. "You don't really like to receive people's help, do you?"
"What do you mean?" Jongin glanced back to Kyungsoo, the shorter had his hand tugging on his shirt back.
"You always refuse when I'm trying to help. Does it mean I'm not helping?"
"You help enough. My brothers always ask for your help."
"Yeah, but you don't. Why is that?"
"I just don't need it." Jongin shrugged.
"But I want to help..." Kyungsoo whispered to himself, loud enough for Jongin to hear with their distance.
"I'll ask for your help when I need it. I save it for later, don't worry."
Kyungsoo eyes sparkled hearing it, he walked beside Jongin, looking to him. "Can't wait for that day to come!"
Jongin blinked seeing Kyungsoo's happy face, inhaling deeply. "You're really weird, Kyungsoo."
***
"Have you finish the book?" Jongin asked. He glared when Kyungsoo dropped the mug on his hand. They were currently washing the dishes, it was their turn that night.
"Sorry. Yeah, I've finished."
"It's good?"
"Not bad."
Jongin paused his hand, staring at Kyungsoo who didn't realize Jongin had stopped. "When you say it's not bad it means that it's bad."
"What? No--just--" Kyungsoo sighed. "It's just okay. I've read many book that are better."
"You look upset." Jongin dried the bowl that Kyungsoo gave to him.
"I judged it by the cover. The cover is pretty but the writing it's not as pretty as its cover..."
"You can just buy more books until you find your favorite."
Kyungsoo closed the tap, turning to Jongin with the last bowl. "I've found my favorite book though?"
"You did?"
"Ng. The Little Prince."
It's Jongin turn to drop the bowl, it didn't go to the sink like Kyungsoo’s but dropped to the floor, making Kyungsoo shriek\ in shock.
"Jongin!! Are you okay? Oh my God, don't move!"
Jongin stared at his hands. He's trembling. He gulped when Kyungsoo knelt down, taking the broken bowl carefully. He stared at Kyungsoo's head, trying to calm himself before Kyungsoo could--
Kyungsoo looked up, his lips parted as he's about to say something but he blinked. "Jongin?"
"Y-yeah?" Jongin cursed inside as his voice came out weird.
"Are you okay? Don't move, I will clean this first." Kyungsoo dumped the big pieces to the trash bin before he cleaned up the remaining.
Jongin stared at Kyungsoo who once again checked his feet, making sure Jongin didn't hurt himself.
"Kyungsoo."
"Yes?"
"I want to tell you something."
"In here?"
"No, let's go to my room." Jongin pulled Kyungsoo by his hand, the shorter staring confusedly at Jongin's back.
Jongin told Kyungsoo to sit on his bed after they went inside his room, he took The Little Prince book and gave it to Kyungsoo. "Will you read it for me?"
"I already read it."
"No, I want you to read it for me. Read it out loud to me."
Kyungsoo noticed how stiff Jongin became. He nodded and waited for Jongin to sit beside him and he started reading the book.
"Jongin-ah, you--" Junmyeon just opened Jongin's door room, blinking his eyes of the sight before him.
Kyungsoo and Jongin were sleeping together on the latter's bed.
Junmyeon slowly took steps forward, he saw a book on Kyungsoo's chest and took it carefully from his hold. A smile formed on his lips when he saw what book it was.
"You found someone who can finish it, huh, Jongin-ah." Junmyeon whispered, putting down the book on the desk. He covered both his brother and Kyungsoo with a blanket and turned of the light before he went out of the room.
***
They went witch hunting again. Minseok got asked to go to the town next to the one they're currently living. They said someone saw a witch in the forest near the river so the five of them went to the said place.
Junmyeon and Minseok went first to the house like usual, leaving the other three behind. Junmyeon came out after couple of minutes, calling them to come inside with him.
"This is a normal house." Minseok stated.
Jongin, Jongdae, and Kyungsoo looked around, checking for the second time in case Junmyeon or Minseok missed anything.
"This is so weird. They said they saw a girl walking into the forest, they may have been mistaken but there were three others who saw the very same scene."
Jongin didn't feel good after hearing Minseok's words. He scanned the room once again, something was telling him to be careful.
Kyungsoo was looking through the kitchen and from the window he saw a person wearing a black hood walking to the house. He widened his eyes, "S-someone is coming!" He half scream and whispered.
Jongdae and Jongin pulled Kyungsoo away from the window while Minseok and Junmyeon went to the door. The three dived down, hiding behind the dining table and waited for any cue.
A singing sound came as the person unlock the door.
The voice belongs to a girl.
Junmyeon nodded to Minseok silently, waiting for the door to be opened as they're both ready with their weapons, pointing towards the door.
"Oh my God." The girl raised both hands, dropping the basket that she held to the ground, flowers and leaves coming out of the basket.
"Open your hood," Minseok ordered, moving himself in front of the girl, waiting for her to do as she was told to.
What greeted the hunters was a girl with big eyes, button nose and a pair of plump lips. She's smiling, moving her eyes from Minseok to Junmyeon, before it landed on the other three behind the dining table.
"I've been waiting for you," she said.
Kyungsoo gripped at Jongin's shirt, gulping hard.
"Can you put down your weapon first? I think we can all have a nice talk before you decide if you want to kill me or not. I'm sure that young man over there is curious of me," the girl said, tilting her head.
Minseok shared a look with Junmyeon. He nodded and put his gun down, Junmyeon followed.
"We need to cuff your hands," Junmyeon said.
"Oh, right, please do so. Make sure you do it right this time." The girl gave her hands to Junmyeon who glared at her with scrutinizing eyes.
Jongdae and Jongin stood up, eyes locked on the girl who they once saw. The girl they had been looking for, the witch who made Jongin have nightmares and the one who ran away from them.
Kyungsoo had been gnawing his lips for minutes now. No one had said anything. He was between Jongin and Minseok. Jongdae and Junmyeon were standing on the girl's sides. The girl had been staring and smiling gently at him but it didn't make him feel good.
It felt like he was having a nightmare.
"It's been a while, hasn’t it, Jongin?"
Jongin stiffened his jaw. "Do not call my name." As much as he knew who the girl was, he just couldn't help but snap like that.
The girl chuckled. She crossed her legs, tilting her head up. "Are we going to keep silent like this until night? That young man over there seems like he has so many questions to ask..."
Kyungsoo fidgeted on his seat, unconsciously leaning into Jongin's body, hand going to Jongin's hand. It surprised him when Jongin held his hand but he felt safe.
Jongin always took care of his back.
He promised to Kyungsoo that time and he hadn't broken his promise.
"What do you mean that you've been waiting for us?" Minseok asked.
"Oh, that. Well... You know what I am. My ability is to see the future so of course, I knew that you'll be coming today." the girl answered.
"The future?" Jongdae raised his eyebrows, couldn't believe what he heard.
"Yes, Jongdae. You didn't hear it wrong, the future. Are you curious of who will become your wife, Jongdae?"
Jongdae widened his eyes. He took a step back, "You know our names."
"I do."
"W-why..." Kyungsoo gulped when the girl shifted her eyes to him. "Why did you leave me?"
The girl sighed. The smile was gone and she suddenly look couple of ages older. She turned to Junmyeon, smiling weakly. "Can you please take the frame inside that drawer?" she pointed to a drawer.
Junmyeon frowned but did as he told, seeing a frame inside the very first drawer. He inhaled when he saw the photo there. He turned to Minseok with something on his eyes. He quickly went to the dining table, showing his brothers the frame.
A couple was smiling prettily on the photo. The girl on the photo was the witch who's currently sitting with them and the man beside her was familiar.
It's Kyungsoo's father.
He looked much younger but there's no mistake that it's him.
Kyungsoo reached out for the frame, taking it closer to him. His eyes fell on the small bump on the girl's stomach, his father's hand was on the said bump and the smile on his face was the one Kyungsoo never saw before.
"You're there too, Kyungsoo."
The Kim siblings were staying outside the house, believing that the son and the mother needed time to talk alone. Kyungsoo was suddenly angry and it's the first time the siblings saw Kyungsoo screaming to the top of his lungs.
“YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE ALIVE!”
"This is crazy." Jongdae shook his head.
"Jongin-ah?" Junmyeon was checking on Jongin who hadn't say a word. Jongin only stared at his brother. "Are you okay?"
"Of course, he's not. Jun, just leave him alone for now." Minseok scolded.
"But Hyung, I--"
"Help me." Jongin cut. Three pairs of eyes were on him and he never felt this happy of the fact that he had many brothers. He rarely asked for help so his brothers went to his side, asking him what he needed.
"What if... I get nightmares again?" Jongin asked.
"You have Kyungsoo, Jongin. He healed you before." Junmyeon said, patting Jongin's head.
"But this time she's back... Both she and Kyungsoo... There's a chance that I will get nightmare again and--"
"Jongin. Look at me." Minseok ordered. "She's a witch, we almost killed her. She's Kyungsoo's mother, Kyungsoo was the one who saved you. This is sounds so confusing but I know you won't get nightmare again. You've been seeing that face for months now, they're like a twins for god's sake! She looks so young, she's like Kyungsoo's sister or something..."
"Hyung, focus." reminded Jongdae.
Minseok blinked, "Ah, yeah. I'm sorry. I just never thought they would be related, son and mother on top of that."
"Hyung..." Jongin frowned.
"Believe me, nothing will happen."
Jongin sighed, turning to see Kyungsoo was talking with his mother from the window. Kyungsoo looked far better now and--
"Is he crying?" Jongin took one step closer.
"What?"
Jongin's brothers turned to the window where they could see that Kyungsoo was indeed crying. They didn't have a chance to stop Jongin from rushing inside, going to Kyungsoo's side and glaring at Kyungsoo's mother.
Minseok sighed, putting his hands on his waist. "He doesn't realize it, does he?"
Junmyeon chuckled, "Nope."
"It'll take time until they realize their feelings, huh? Should we help them or something?" Jongdae asked.
"No, let them take their time. It's fun to watch." Junmyeon smiled fondly when Kyungsoo grabbed on Jongin's arm, trying to calm him down.
***
Kyungsoo's mother woke up from her sleep and all she could see was darkness. She turn on the night lamp, turning to see baby Kyungsoo was sleeping with her husband next to him. She smiled sadly, knowing what will happen in the future as she kissed baby Kyungsoo's cheek.
'Mommy is sorry, Kyungie... We will meet again later. Mommy's very sorry that mommy has to leave you.'
Part 2
__________
Jongin was standing beside Kyungsoo who had his eyes on the floor. Jongin's brothers were all changing their clothes or taking a bath, especially Junmyeon who had blood all over his shirt and even face.
Kyungsoo saw how Junmyeon got his neck bandaged, almost falling into the ground if Jongin didn't catch him in time when his legs gave in. Minseok told Jongin to bring Kyungsoo away until Jongdae was finish with Junmyeon and Jongin obliged, pulling the smaller man to the upstairs. When his brothers called him on the balcony, Jongin brought Kyungsoo back to the downstairs, taking a glass of water for both of them.
"Hey."
Kyungsoo looked up to Jongin, the glass in front of him but untouched.
"Drink it." Jongin gave a look to Kyungsoo, leaning his hip on the dining table. His knuckles knocked once into it and Kyungsoo slowly grabbed the glass before drinking the water until it was empty. "Didn't happen like what you imagined, huh?"
Kyungsoo put down the glass, shaking his head before staring up at Jongin. "I'm afraid I won’t see my father again." he suddenly confessed. "I never thought his job is dangerous. I never thought one day he won't come back to me, lying down somewhere where I couldn't find him."
"Your father is great, right? He always came home to you so you don't have to worry. He's a grown up man, not like us. That's why we work in a group, because it's not easy. He never told about how he worked, right? Maybe he's working with a friend too." Jongin took a seat beside Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo still had this unfocused look, clearly thinking about his father just like he said.
"Can we go to my house again today?" Kyungsoo stared at Jongin with his big eyes, unconsciously looking like a puppy to Jongin who frowned at the additional image of a pair of puppy ears and a wagging tail.
"We need to ask my brother."
"Okay."
Jongin recalled the confident face that haunted him in his dream. Kyungsoo who was sitting beside him seemed like someone who was shy and worried about many things. He had been thinking that Kyungsoo was lying to him and his brother. D.O was a girl but that didn't mean she wasn't a man. It wasn't like they check if she's really a girl. It was easy for a boy to dress up like girl and it was possible that Kyungsoo was D.O.
Kyungsoo was really good at acting if he was really D.O.
But the man didn't show any sign of using magic or some sort of it. He looked normal, the way he's frozen and scared seeing the witch wasn't a lie. No one could fake that kind of reaction.
Then again, it's not like Jongin had always been good at judging people. He didn't meet many people on the first hand, only witches mostly that he saw once before he killed them.
When footsteps were heard, Kyungsoo and Jongin turned their heads to Minseok and Jongdae. Junmyeon was behind them, walking slowly, lifting his lips into a smile. "Kyungsoo, I think you have to cook for them. I don't want to open my wound."
Kyungsoo readily stood up, already on Junmyeon's side in seconds. "Anything." He gulped, eyes on Junmyeon's bandage around his neck.
"Did you see how the witch got killed?" asked Junmyeon, hand cupping Kyungsoo's cheek. The man's eyes were larger than usual and he wondered why.
"No. Jongin prevented me." Kyungsoo leaned into the touch, feeling a little bit relief.
"That's good. Why do you look like this, then?"
"I'm worried about my father. Can we go to my house today? Maybe he's back already." Kyungsoo searched for Minseok and met their eyes together. "I just want to check on him. Don't you want to meet him too?"
"Kyungsoo." Kyungsoo took a breath as his voice went smaller. Junmyeon brought his hand down to hold Kyungsoo's hand, the younger bit his lips.
"We will go to your house after dinner, okay?"
Kyungsoo whispered a thank you before pulling Junmyeon near the sink, asking him what he should made for the others.
"Are you sure he didn't see it?" Jongdae sat beside Jongin, leaning in as Jongin make a bored look.
"He's just worried. It's normal for someone who sees it for the first time, Hyung."
Jongdae hummed in agreement. He was scared the first time he killed a witch too. He even failed on that day when his father brought him to see the real witch and he had been too scared of it. He got used to it in the end and he knew Kyungsoo will too, only if he wanted it. It wasn't easy to be a witch hunter. "I hope he won't get a nightmare because of it."
"He won't." Jongin kept his eyes on the small back of Kyungsoo before continue talking to his brother about their event today.
Kyungsoo was bouncy as he guided the Kim siblings into his house. Jongin and Jongdae were the ones who hadn't gone there, only the latter feeling excited as Jongin was unwillingly being dragged by his brothers who dismissed his reason to take care of the house. They always left it when they went to hunt and Minseok's word was something that Jongin couldn't say no to.
"It seems like he hasn't come back." Kyungsoo said when they were near, they could see his small house. There's no light coming from the window and it's easy to tell that no one was inside. "I will bring some of clothes then. I don't know how long I will stay at your place." he turned to Junmyeon and smiled. "Since I'm your prisoner."
Junmyeon chuckled hearing the words and ruffled Kyungsoo's hair. He always did that to someone who's younger than him, anyone he met especially when they acted cute unknowingly.
"Would you like to come inside or wait here?" Kyungsoo asked when they're in front of his house.
"I'll come with you!" Jongdae raised his hand, grinning and draping an arm on Kyungsoo's shoulder, pulling them inside after Kyungsoo unlocked the door.
The other three stayed on the outside, looking around the house for other neighbor houses that was quite a far from Kyungsoo's. Kyungsoo's house was near the center of the city but was close to the forest too. It had small garden around it where there were some vegetable plants that currently were fruitless.
A light came from inside the house as Kyungsoo turned it on. Jongin and his brothers could see him and Jongdae talking to each other, laughing about something before Kyungsoo walked into a room.
"You went inside before, right, Hyung?" asked Jongin, eyes moving from Jongdae inside to Junmyeon who stood beside him.
"Yeah. Why are you asking?"
Minseok who was squatting down looked up to Jongin who shrugged.
"Wondering if you got any clues." Jongin glanced at the house once again before sighing. "I'm trying to be patient but it's hard. They have the same face, Hyung."
"Jongin. All we have to do is wait for his father and we will get the answer. You will find D.O and we will catch her, alright?"
Junmyeon patted Jongin's back, moving it upward to massage the younger's neck. Jongin looked down when he felt a hand holding his own, Minseok was smiling to him.
"We will catch her, Jongin."
The three heard the sound of steps coming and looked up, finding a man was walking into their direction. Minseok stood up and tilted his head, trying to see the man's face by the help of the small light coming from the house. The man seemed like he didn't notice the three and stopped when he saw them. He tilted his head a little before taking more steps, the light finally came to his eyes and the Kim siblings could see it perfectly now. Short dark jet hair, moustache along with beard and eyebags. His eyes were normal in size and his lips was a little bit thick, nothing was similar to Kyungsoo except that they both had fair skin.
"May I ask what you boys doing on my house?" the man squinted his eyes, a deep voice coming from him. He eyed the three young men before putting down a bag that he was carrying.
"We came for you, sir." Minseok answered. "We need something from you."
The man groaned out loud, running a hand thorough his short dark hair with his other hand on his hips. "I've not been taking any request for years."
"We are not here for that. We want to ask you about--"
"Dad!" Kyungsoo opened the door of his house, calling for the man who immediately smiled seeing him. He ran to the man and hugged him, laughing a little. "You're back! I'm so glad you're safe!!"
"What are you talking about, Soo? I'm always coming back for you." the man hugged Kyungsoo's back, patting Kyungsoo's cheek before moving his eyes to the guests he had. "Mind telling me who they are?"
"Ah!" Kyungsoo pulled himself away from his father, his hand on his father's back. "They are my...friends. I met them couple of days ago and they kind of need your help. They are witch hunters, just like you and they said that they saw a witch who looked like me." He smiled up to his father who widen his eyes.
Kyungsoo's father stared down to his son and blinked his eyes before turning to the four young men in front of him. "Let's go and talk inside."
"Let me introduce myself. My name is Kim Minseok and I'm the oldest between four. He's Junmyeon and Jongin and beside Jongin is Jongdae." Minseok smiled to Kyungsoo's father who was leaning on his chair, one hand on the table while the other was on the top of Kyungsoo's chair.
"Let's get to the point. You saw a girl who looked like my son and she's a witch?" Kyungsoo's father tilted his head, another sigh came out from his lips again. He turned to Kyungsoo who had a smile but a frown on his forehead. He smiled back but dropped it as soon as he faced the four.
"Yes, sir. We figure you might have a clue about her because unfortunately she ran from us after we captured her. We know we don't have to find her again but one of my brothers got a problem after that." Junmyeon explained.
"What problem?"
"A nightmare."
Kyungsoo's father blinked his eyes before he suddenly burst out in laugh.
Kyungsoo parted his lips, tugging his father's shirt and asking him to stop. The father shook his head, saying sorry because it was funny for him. On the other side of table Jongdae put a hand on Jongin's thigh, signalling him to calm himself.
"I'm really sorry. But the reason you're catching a witch just because of a nightmare is quite unique."
"The nightmares stopped when we met Kyungsoo." Minseok said.
"Hmm...then why you're still searching for her?"
"I want to kill her."
Silence came into the room, Kyungsoo gulped hard as his father stared to Jongin.
"Revenge never ends well. I think you should stop finding her. You can borrow my son whenever you want so you won't get the nightmare."
"It's not only because of that. The thing is we don't know if this witch is dangerous or not. We didn't know how she could ran away from us, we already bound her, sir." Jongdae raised his hand.
Kyungsoo's father sighed. "I can tell you about the witch but I'm not sure if you'll be able to catch her. She's hard to find, I'm even surprised hearing that you found her. Where did you find her again?"
"In the north forest." answered Jongdae.
"Do you really need to catch her and kill her? You don't find any evidence that's she's a witch, right? Your brother didn't get his nightmare anymore I think it's better for you all to forget D.O." Kyungsoo's father brought his hand to brush on Kyungsoo's hair.
"There's no way I can do that, sir. She's been haunting me for months. Could you do that if it's you?" Jongin frowned.
"If it's D.O. Then yes, I can."
"What do you mean by that?" Jongin asked.
"I've been doing it for these past years. I once kept searching for her and found her. She said she don't want to come back with me again, telling me to take care of Kyungsoo instead. She said she will come back when the time's right and I keep waiting and waiting. I'm sure you miss her too, right, Kyungsoo?"
Kyungsoo stated up to his father, "What are you talking about, dad?"
"I'm talking about your mother." Kyungsoo's father chuckled. "There's a reason why she looks like you." he looked up to four pairs of eyes that full of shocks. "And that's the reason why I want you to forget about it. I'm sure Kyungsoo doesn’t want his new friends to kill his mother, right, Soo?"
Kyungsoo parted his lips, eyes blinking couple of time to his father. "M-my mother?"
"Yeah, D.O. it's from your surname, you silly. It's not di-o, it's do. Do Hyemi, your mother, is a white witch. I met her when I was on hunt. I tried to attack her but she helped me in the end. It's kind of cliche but I fell for her. I still don't know why she left one day, saying that she wants to explore the world. She's kind of unique on her own way..."
Kyungsoo's father looked around him and licked his lips as no one said anything. "Uh, sons? Are you guys okay? Kyungsoo?"
"Why you never told me about her?" Kyungsoo stared at his father wide eyes. "All this time, I thought she's already dead. But a witch? That's..." He inhaled sharply, suddenly feeling suffocated.
Kyungsoo's father took notice how pale Kyungsoo became and he went worried. "Wait, Soo? Kyungsoo, look at me. Are you okay?" he cupped Kyungsoo's face, turning it up to him.
"I-I can't breath..." Kyungsoo gasped. "I-I need--" Kyungsoo squeaked when someone suddenly pulled him away from his father, heading into the front door and pushed him into the dark night. He turned his body to see Jongin closing the door.
Jongin leaned into the door, arms folding. "Breathe." He said.
Kyungsoo nodded, taking air into his lungs as much as he needed. His nose hurt a little caused by the cold wind.
After couple of audible inhalations, Kyungsoo sat on the ground, wide eyes stared up to Jongin. "W-will you kill my mother?"
"What?"
"You said you want to kill her. Will you?"
"I--"
"I stopped your nightmare, didn't I? Can you please not kill her? I never saw her face. My father never told me about her and I really, really want to see her. I want to know how it feels if I have a mother. Even when father said she left me alone with him, I still want to see her. Please, Jongin-ssi, don't kill my mother." Kyungsoo had tears on his cheeks. He looked so small sitting down like that, making Jongin come to him and hug him.
"Don't cry." Jongin whispered into Kyungsoo's hair. He rubbed Kyungsoo's back, sighing out loud. "I won't kill her, so don't cry."
Kyungsoo let out choked sobs, hands slowly hugging Jongin back. He felt warm. "Y-you promise? You promise not to kill her when you find her?"
"I promise."
"Write it down on the paper." Kyungsoo sobbed. "I don't believe you."
Jongin pulled himself, raising an eyebrow to Kyungsoo. "Seriously?"
"Yes. Write it down on a paper that you won't kill my mother. I want to make sure you do that. You, you're scary. You're dangerous. You can easily kill people so I don't trust you." Kyungsoo wiped his own tears. "But you're kind enough to not let me see the witch hurt Junmyeon Hyung so I want to try and believe in you."
Jongin chuckled suddenly, dropping his head down.
"What? Why are you laughing?" Kyungsoo asked.
"I think not only your look, but you got that uniqueness your father told us. You're so weird, you know that?" Jongin wiped Kyungsoo's cheek gently, seeing Kyungsoo's eyelashes flutter.
"That's why I don't have friends. They said I'm weird..." Kyungsoo whispered.
Jongin lifted the corner of his lips, making a smile and caused Kyungsoo to gasped. Kyungsoo put his hands on Jongin's cheeks. "You smile!"
"Excuse me?" Jongin frowned, the smile was gone in second.
"You actually can smile..." Kyungsoo grinned. "You look a whole lot better smiling, Jongin-ssi."
Jongin frowned seeing the happy smile on Kyungsoo's face. He didn't feel bother by the hands on his cheeks.
"Come on, then. Let's write down your promise!" Kyungsoo sniffed once, standing up and offering his hand to Jongin. Jongin rolled his eyes but took it anyway, letting Kyungsoo drag him back inside his house.
"Dad, I need paper and a pen." Kyungsoo said when he stepped inside with Jongin behind.
Kyungsoo's father turned to Kyungsoo, frowning at the sudden request. "Why do you need them, Soo?"
"Jongin promise not to kill Mother and I want him to write it down." Kyungsoo pulled Jongin, telling him to sit down beside his father. "You did say that, right, Jongin-ssi?"
Jongin had a bored look on his eyes but he nodded anyway.
"Really, Jongin-ah? You're willing to do it, just like that?" Junmyeon leaned forward, not believing in Jongin's decision.
"I don't have a choice, Hyung. She's a mother of someone and it's not like I can say no in front of the son and father." Jongin shrugged. He took the paper and pen Kyungsoo gave to him. Kyungsoo was waiting, standing beside him as Jongin wrote down the words.
Kyungsoo smiled as Jongin finished it with his signature, giving the paper to Kyungsoo. "Thank you."
"So your business with us is finished, right?" Kyungsoo's father asked. "Now that I told you about your mother, how about you follow me and search for her, Soo?"
Kyungsoo was staring at the paper on his hands, a smile on his lips. "Dad?"
"Yes, Soo?"
"I want to learn how to be a witch hunter."
Kyungsoo's father dropped the glass he was holding as he was about to drink the water. Thankfully the glass dropped into the table, not the floor and only made a thumping sound.
Jongin startled a little as Kyungsoo's father was sitting beside him.
"A witch hunter? But Kyungsoo--"
"Going with you means that I can be a witch hunter, right?" Kyungsoo looked up, meeting his father's eyes. "I want to find mother on my own, but I know I can't do it myself. Can I go and learn with Kim siblings here?"
"Kim--why? Why you don't want to go with me? Kyungsoo, I'm your father. You'll be safer with me, son." Kyungsoo's father stood up from his chair, went to Kyungsoo and put his hands on Kyungsoo's shoulders.
"Dad. I know nothing about hunting. If you bring me it will only slow you down. But with them, they have many members. They're around my age and I know I can learn more from them." Kyungsoo stared up to his father, determined.
"What if we say no, Kyungsoo?" Minseok raised an eyebrow as Kyungsoo stared to him. "Four is too much already. Adding another one will a burden for us."
Junmyeon whispered something to Minseok, eyes on Kyungsoo whose face turned into a disappointment.
"I-I'm sorry. I should have asked you first. It's very rude of me." Kyungsoo dropped his head down. He felt himself being pulled to his father's chest, his arms wrapping on his father's body, filling his lungs with his father's scent.
"He doesn't have to come with you on your hunt. You can just teach him." Kyungsoo's father glared at Minseok. He could hear the sniffs coming from his son.
"I apologize, but sir, you know that eventually Kyungsoo has to kill a witch. He will learn nothing if he doesn't come with us." Minseok shrugged, stating the truth.
"Are you going to bring him on your next hunt?"
Minseok hummed, sharing a look with Junmyeon and Jongdae. "What do you think?"
"As long as he's ready." Jongdae whispered.
"We can teach him first." Junmyeon nodded.
"Jongin?" Minseok raised an eyebrow to Jongin who sighed as all pairs of eyes were on him.
"I'll go with whatever you think the best." Jongin leaned on his chair. He faced Kyungsoo, "Are you sure you want to do this?"
Kyungsoo grinned. "Yes. I want to be like my father and I will search for my mother. I want to know why she never visits me." He let out a sigh but the smile was still there. "I know I can do this."
"How long will you stay this time, sir?" asked Minseok to Kyungsoo's father who's currently hugging Kyungsoo to his chest again.
"Around two weeks more or less. I already got two jobs offers but I miss my Kyungsoo." He kissed Kyungsoo's head, rubbing Kyungsoo's back and smiled when Kyungsoo hugged him back.
"I miss you too, dad."
"We will start the training next week then. We thank you for your help, sir. We will go back to our home now and wish you a good night." Minseok stood up, signalling his brothers to follow.
"Good night, Kyungsoo." Junmyeon smiled.
"Have fun catching up with your father! Let's go, Jongin." Jongdae chuckled, pulling Jongin with him who silently nodded to Kyungsoo and his father.
The second after the door was closed, Kyungsoo's father turned to his son, eyes narrowing. "Kyungsoo, what are you planning this time. I told you not to talk to people. Do you really think you can be a witch hunter?"
Kyungsoo parted his lips, "But dad! You already said yes! I'm bored being alone! I don't have any friend because you said not to find one, afraid how they will react knowing about your job. They have the same job as you so you don't have to worry. I'm tired dad, I don't want to keep working in the town, the salary is so small and I..." His lips started to tremble and his father took a deep breath. "You lied to me. How could you do that? I thought she's dead. I never know my mother is actually out there, having fun on her own while I--" Tears started to gather on his eyes and his father was hugging him again, shushing him.
"I want to see mom. I want to ask her many things, dad."
"Alright, Soo. Alright. If that's what you want. You're a big boy now and you can take care of yourself." his father wiped his tears, chuckling at the snot coming out from Kyungsoo's nose. "Take the lesson seriously, okay? I don't want you to got hurt or even got killed because of those witches."
"Yes." Kyungsoo sniffed, wiping his nose with the back of his hand. "I will be a good witch hunter just like you."
***
Three months had passed by and Kyungsoo was a different person now. He learned so many thing from the Kim siblings and just yesterday he was finally be able to hurt a witch, shooting her on point to her head and killing her.
The siblings celebrated Kyungsoo's first achievement and he felt so happy having them around. He used to be alone and he never imagined he would live with four different people that each had unique character.
He secretly already did his second achievement, which was getting closer to Jongin.
Kyungsoo knocked on the library door before he went in. He bit his lips seeing Jongin sitting on the couch next to the window. Jongin didn't lift his head so Kyungsoo went to take a seat beside him, taking some safe distance.
"Jongin-ah?"
"Hmm?"
"Are you going to the town again today?"
"Yeah."
"Can I come with you?"
Jongin looked up to Kyungsoo who had a nervous smile on his lips.
"Grocery?"
Kyungsoo shook his head, he couldn't contain his excitement so he grinned to Jongin. "Bookstore."
Jongin chuckled hearing that, eyes getting back to the book. "Yeah, okay."
"Great! I'll get ready and help Junmyeon-hyung while waiting downstairs." Kyungsoo stood up, turning his body and stopped when Jongin called his name.
"Will it be only the two of us?"
"Uh?" Kyungsoo blinked. "Isn’t Junmyeon-hyung coming along like usual?"
"Two people is enough. I think it's better for him to rest here."
"If that's what you want..." Kyungsoo trailed off, smiling in confusion.
Jongin lifted the corner of his lips just lightly and nodded, eyes once again back to his book, a sign for Kyungsoo to leave him alone.
Kyungsoo had his hand on Jongin's shirt, not wanting to get left behind as from past experience he once got left behind when he went to the town with the other brothers. His eyes always wandered around whenever they went to town. He loved town. He visit the town so many times before but ever since he started living with the Kim he rarely went there, only twice a month to buy groceries. Kyungsoo was someone who liked to see people even if they didn't recognize him. He liked to watch people and he always waited for the time they went to town.
"Do you want to buy a book?" Jongin asked as they went inside the bookstore. He flashed a small smile to the owner; Kyungsoo too bowed to the owner who waved his hand.
"Can I?"
"Yeah. You can choose one that you like."
"Is it really okay?" Kyungsoo asked once again, hand still on Jongin's shirt. He let go when Jongin stared at his hand, forgetting that they were already inside.
"Do you want me to take my offer back?" Jongin grazed his hand on the new books on the rack. His eyes shined seeing the books, itching to read every one of them.
"N-no! I will choose one then! I'll look around!" Kyungsoo replied, dashing off to the next rack, missing the chuckle that Jongin made.
Kyungsoo went to the children book aisle and smiled when he saw the beautiful art, it was so colorful and pretty that Kyungsoo touched it very carefully, afraid that he would tear the page. He remembered seeing couple of children books in Jongin’s room before, sitting on the desk, lined up neatly with other books.
He was curious and asked Jongin if he could see it one day. Surprisingly Jongin allowed him, telling Kyungsoo to read any book that he wanted except he had to tell him which book he took out of his room.
Books were what made Kyungsoo get closer to Jongin. Jongin loved reading books and they discussed the book at least once a week. Kyungsoo never had any interest in books. He never knew something written on a paper could bring so many things inside his head. The imagination, especially the feelings that he got when he read a new story was amazing. He never knew he could feel so many kinds of feelings just by reading other peoples’ stories.
And a fiction on top of that.
"You want that?"
Kyungsoo startled when Jongin was suddenly behind him. Jongin leaned down to see what book Kyungsoo was reading. Jongin was too close to Kyungsoo that Kyungsoo gulped, pushing the book to Jongin's hand.
"Y-yes!"
Jongin checked on the back of the book, "Okay then. Let's go."
Kyungsoo tilted her head, "Are you buying?"
"Yes. It's in the cashier."
Kyungsoo followed Jongin to the cashier and was stunned seeing how many books were there. No wonder they have a library, Jongin bought around ten books in one visit.
"Uh, will we able to bring that? We still have to buy groceries..." Kyungsoo said. Jongin put the book that he liked on top of his pile of books, nodding to Kyungsoo.
"You're the one who'll bring the groceries. The books are heavier so they're on me."
"Oh, okay..."
"I've been wondering, is he one of your family, Jongin?" the old man asked as he counted for the total of Jongin's purchase. He looked up to see Jongin had a small smile on his lips, something that he never saw.
"He's my student." Jongin answered simply.
"Student? Then he--"
"Yes. He doesn't look like one to be a hunter, right?" Jongin turned to Kyungsoo, staring at the big, innocent eyes of his.
"You don't look like one either." the old man put the books inside a bag and Jongin helped, making Kyungsoo want to help but put his hands down when Jongin told him not to.
"See you next time, boys."
Kyungsoo nodded to the old man, following Jongin with his short steps outside the bookstore.
"Want me to help you?" Kyungsoo asked seeing Jongin was hugging the bag on his chest. He pouted when Jongin refused. "You don't really like to receive people's help, do you?"
"What do you mean?" Jongin glanced back to Kyungsoo, the shorter had his hand tugging on his shirt back.
"You always refuse when I'm trying to help. Does it mean I'm not helping?"
"You help enough. My brothers always ask for your help."
"Yeah, but you don't. Why is that?"
"I just don't need it." Jongin shrugged.
"But I want to help..." Kyungsoo whispered to himself, loud enough for Jongin to hear with their distance.
"I'll ask for your help when I need it. I save it for later, don't worry."
Kyungsoo eyes sparkled hearing it, he walked beside Jongin, looking to him. "Can't wait for that day to come!"
Jongin blinked seeing Kyungsoo's happy face, inhaling deeply. "You're really weird, Kyungsoo."
***
"Have you finish the book?" Jongin asked. He glared when Kyungsoo dropped the mug on his hand. They were currently washing the dishes, it was their turn that night.
"Sorry. Yeah, I've finished."
"It's good?"
"Not bad."
Jongin paused his hand, staring at Kyungsoo who didn't realize Jongin had stopped. "When you say it's not bad it means that it's bad."
"What? No--just--" Kyungsoo sighed. "It's just okay. I've read many book that are better."
"You look upset." Jongin dried the bowl that Kyungsoo gave to him.
"I judged it by the cover. The cover is pretty but the writing it's not as pretty as its cover..."
"You can just buy more books until you find your favorite."
Kyungsoo closed the tap, turning to Jongin with the last bowl. "I've found my favorite book though?"
"You did?"
"Ng. The Little Prince."
It's Jongin turn to drop the bowl, it didn't go to the sink like Kyungsoo’s but dropped to the floor, making Kyungsoo shriek\ in shock.
"Jongin!! Are you okay? Oh my God, don't move!"
Jongin stared at his hands. He's trembling. He gulped when Kyungsoo knelt down, taking the broken bowl carefully. He stared at Kyungsoo's head, trying to calm himself before Kyungsoo could--
Kyungsoo looked up, his lips parted as he's about to say something but he blinked. "Jongin?"
"Y-yeah?" Jongin cursed inside as his voice came out weird.
"Are you okay? Don't move, I will clean this first." Kyungsoo dumped the big pieces to the trash bin before he cleaned up the remaining.
Jongin stared at Kyungsoo who once again checked his feet, making sure Jongin didn't hurt himself.
"Kyungsoo."
"Yes?"
"I want to tell you something."
"In here?"
"No, let's go to my room." Jongin pulled Kyungsoo by his hand, the shorter staring confusedly at Jongin's back.
Jongin told Kyungsoo to sit on his bed after they went inside his room, he took The Little Prince book and gave it to Kyungsoo. "Will you read it for me?"
"I already read it."
"No, I want you to read it for me. Read it out loud to me."
Kyungsoo noticed how stiff Jongin became. He nodded and waited for Jongin to sit beside him and he started reading the book.
"Jongin-ah, you--" Junmyeon just opened Jongin's door room, blinking his eyes of the sight before him.
Kyungsoo and Jongin were sleeping together on the latter's bed.
Junmyeon slowly took steps forward, he saw a book on Kyungsoo's chest and took it carefully from his hold. A smile formed on his lips when he saw what book it was.
"You found someone who can finish it, huh, Jongin-ah." Junmyeon whispered, putting down the book on the desk. He covered both his brother and Kyungsoo with a blanket and turned of the light before he went out of the room.
***
They went witch hunting again. Minseok got asked to go to the town next to the one they're currently living. They said someone saw a witch in the forest near the river so the five of them went to the said place.
Junmyeon and Minseok went first to the house like usual, leaving the other three behind. Junmyeon came out after couple of minutes, calling them to come inside with him.
"This is a normal house." Minseok stated.
Jongin, Jongdae, and Kyungsoo looked around, checking for the second time in case Junmyeon or Minseok missed anything.
"This is so weird. They said they saw a girl walking into the forest, they may have been mistaken but there were three others who saw the very same scene."
Jongin didn't feel good after hearing Minseok's words. He scanned the room once again, something was telling him to be careful.
Kyungsoo was looking through the kitchen and from the window he saw a person wearing a black hood walking to the house. He widened his eyes, "S-someone is coming!" He half scream and whispered.
Jongdae and Jongin pulled Kyungsoo away from the window while Minseok and Junmyeon went to the door. The three dived down, hiding behind the dining table and waited for any cue.
A singing sound came as the person unlock the door.
The voice belongs to a girl.
Junmyeon nodded to Minseok silently, waiting for the door to be opened as they're both ready with their weapons, pointing towards the door.
"Oh my God." The girl raised both hands, dropping the basket that she held to the ground, flowers and leaves coming out of the basket.
"Open your hood," Minseok ordered, moving himself in front of the girl, waiting for her to do as she was told to.
What greeted the hunters was a girl with big eyes, button nose and a pair of plump lips. She's smiling, moving her eyes from Minseok to Junmyeon, before it landed on the other three behind the dining table.
"I've been waiting for you," she said.
Kyungsoo gripped at Jongin's shirt, gulping hard.
"Can you put down your weapon first? I think we can all have a nice talk before you decide if you want to kill me or not. I'm sure that young man over there is curious of me," the girl said, tilting her head.
Minseok shared a look with Junmyeon. He nodded and put his gun down, Junmyeon followed.
"We need to cuff your hands," Junmyeon said.
"Oh, right, please do so. Make sure you do it right this time." The girl gave her hands to Junmyeon who glared at her with scrutinizing eyes.
Jongdae and Jongin stood up, eyes locked on the girl who they once saw. The girl they had been looking for, the witch who made Jongin have nightmares and the one who ran away from them.
Kyungsoo had been gnawing his lips for minutes now. No one had said anything. He was between Jongin and Minseok. Jongdae and Junmyeon were standing on the girl's sides. The girl had been staring and smiling gently at him but it didn't make him feel good.
It felt like he was having a nightmare.
"It's been a while, hasn’t it, Jongin?"
Jongin stiffened his jaw. "Do not call my name." As much as he knew who the girl was, he just couldn't help but snap like that.
The girl chuckled. She crossed her legs, tilting her head up. "Are we going to keep silent like this until night? That young man over there seems like he has so many questions to ask..."
Kyungsoo fidgeted on his seat, unconsciously leaning into Jongin's body, hand going to Jongin's hand. It surprised him when Jongin held his hand but he felt safe.
Jongin always took care of his back.
He promised to Kyungsoo that time and he hadn't broken his promise.
"What do you mean that you've been waiting for us?" Minseok asked.
"Oh, that. Well... You know what I am. My ability is to see the future so of course, I knew that you'll be coming today." the girl answered.
"The future?" Jongdae raised his eyebrows, couldn't believe what he heard.
"Yes, Jongdae. You didn't hear it wrong, the future. Are you curious of who will become your wife, Jongdae?"
Jongdae widened his eyes. He took a step back, "You know our names."
"I do."
"W-why..." Kyungsoo gulped when the girl shifted her eyes to him. "Why did you leave me?"
The girl sighed. The smile was gone and she suddenly look couple of ages older. She turned to Junmyeon, smiling weakly. "Can you please take the frame inside that drawer?" she pointed to a drawer.
Junmyeon frowned but did as he told, seeing a frame inside the very first drawer. He inhaled when he saw the photo there. He turned to Minseok with something on his eyes. He quickly went to the dining table, showing his brothers the frame.
A couple was smiling prettily on the photo. The girl on the photo was the witch who's currently sitting with them and the man beside her was familiar.
It's Kyungsoo's father.
He looked much younger but there's no mistake that it's him.
Kyungsoo reached out for the frame, taking it closer to him. His eyes fell on the small bump on the girl's stomach, his father's hand was on the said bump and the smile on his face was the one Kyungsoo never saw before.
"You're there too, Kyungsoo."
The Kim siblings were staying outside the house, believing that the son and the mother needed time to talk alone. Kyungsoo was suddenly angry and it's the first time the siblings saw Kyungsoo screaming to the top of his lungs.
“YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE ALIVE!”
"This is crazy." Jongdae shook his head.
"Jongin-ah?" Junmyeon was checking on Jongin who hadn't say a word. Jongin only stared at his brother. "Are you okay?"
"Of course, he's not. Jun, just leave him alone for now." Minseok scolded.
"But Hyung, I--"
"Help me." Jongin cut. Three pairs of eyes were on him and he never felt this happy of the fact that he had many brothers. He rarely asked for help so his brothers went to his side, asking him what he needed.
"What if... I get nightmares again?" Jongin asked.
"You have Kyungsoo, Jongin. He healed you before." Junmyeon said, patting Jongin's head.
"But this time she's back... Both she and Kyungsoo... There's a chance that I will get nightmare again and--"
"Jongin. Look at me." Minseok ordered. "She's a witch, we almost killed her. She's Kyungsoo's mother, Kyungsoo was the one who saved you. This is sounds so confusing but I know you won't get nightmare again. You've been seeing that face for months now, they're like a twins for god's sake! She looks so young, she's like Kyungsoo's sister or something..."
"Hyung, focus." reminded Jongdae.
Minseok blinked, "Ah, yeah. I'm sorry. I just never thought they would be related, son and mother on top of that."
"Hyung..." Jongin frowned.
"Believe me, nothing will happen."
Jongin sighed, turning to see Kyungsoo was talking with his mother from the window. Kyungsoo looked far better now and--
"Is he crying?" Jongin took one step closer.
"What?"
Jongin's brothers turned to the window where they could see that Kyungsoo was indeed crying. They didn't have a chance to stop Jongin from rushing inside, going to Kyungsoo's side and glaring at Kyungsoo's mother.
Minseok sighed, putting his hands on his waist. "He doesn't realize it, does he?"
Junmyeon chuckled, "Nope."
"It'll take time until they realize their feelings, huh? Should we help them or something?" Jongdae asked.
"No, let them take their time. It's fun to watch." Junmyeon smiled fondly when Kyungsoo grabbed on Jongin's arm, trying to calm him down.
***
Kyungsoo's mother woke up from her sleep and all she could see was darkness. She turn on the night lamp, turning to see baby Kyungsoo was sleeping with her husband next to him. She smiled sadly, knowing what will happen in the future as she kissed baby Kyungsoo's cheek.
'Mommy is sorry, Kyungie... We will meet again later. Mommy's very sorry that mommy has to leave you.'