04. Counting Heartbeats
Title: Counting Heartbeats
For: parkbyun
Rating: PG-13
Other pairings: a little bit XingHunHan
Warnings: character death - part of the story
Summary: A cliché love story of yesterday, today and tomorrow. If only time permits.
Jongdae and Minseok coexist in matter and time. Not necessarily in that order.
♥
The rain has not stopped for hours and Jongdae is nowhere in getting to work in time. He peeps at his watch that shows 15 minutes before 9am. Instead of waiting for the next bus, he hastily decides to take a cab. He calls over the first available one that stops approximately few meters away from him. He hurries to open the back door when a cold hand touches the handle at the same time as him. He looks to his side and sees a boy in a suit with a thick scarf covering the lower part of his face, staring at him with soulless eyes.
"I hailed this cab." He can barely make it out but he was sure there’s irritation laced beneath the stranger’s voice.
He sneaks a quick glance at the street clock behind the other. He can't afford to be late for work. He just can’t.
"Would you mind sharing?" Jongdae looks at the man and hopes his eyes that plead will do enough convincing.
The man could only sigh, wavering for a moment, purposely not looking at Jongdae as he hesitatingly removes his hand from the handle of the back door.
"Get in." Said stranger is mumbling, climbing into the frontseat without saying another word.
Jongdae silently thanks the heavens as he smiles, getting in the passenger seat.
Jongdae notes the driver being a young man, probably in his mid-20's with a brown-dyed messy hair and eyes that glints playfully.
"You guys together?" The driver queries looking at Jongdae through the rear mirror.
"No." The man quickly said, wanting to end the conversation.
"Where are we off to, then?" He asks as he turns on the radio blasting a song from the 80's.
"Hongdae." The man says as he stares out the cab.
The driver smirks at Jongdae.
"Oh. Uhm. BDC Entertainment." The driver looks back at Jongdae with wide eyes and a parted mouth.
“Are you a trainee? Wait. No, you look really good so you're probably going to debut soon, right? Gosh, it’s so cool that I have future star in my cab. This is just so...” Jongdae then realizes his eyes wasn’t the only playful thing about the driver, his lips move with comical notions, speaking so animatedly, talking too fast that Jongdae doesn’t even know where to start and how to stop him to actually respond.
“Can we please go? And please keep your eyes in the road,” The man in the suit cuts off rather harshly, locking eyes with the driver, silently letting him know that time is being wasted. Jongdae isn’t sure if the lack of manners came from the reason Jongdae called in shotgun, but the attitude doesn’t dissipate, not even after Jongdae musters up a polite smile at the familiar stranger’s direction. The driver makes an irritated gesture to the man, nails scratching to his nape, before turning back to the stirring wheel. He makes a motion towards Jongdae to wear the safety belt.
Jongdae nods in response, following the instruction, and starts fiddling with his phone.
The driver may just be stubborn but after a minute of the awkward exchange of looks with the man beside him, he starts talking about himself. “Want to hear a funny story? I’ve always wanted to be a rapper, but no agency would take me in. I was always performing underground…” The driver continues on but Jongdae’s focus isn’t on him when his mind is filled of the man of his past and the man right before him.
The cab takes a sudden break making Jongdae jump a little. Good thing he was wearing the safety belt. The driver starts cursing at the ahjusshi who suddenly crossed the street. Jongdae could see that the cause of ruckus was making a motion of apologies to other cars as a series of honking begins behind them.
"Why can't people become more careful?" The man up front isn't particularly looking at the ahjusshi but rather on his watch.
"Maybe he is in a rush." Jongdae’s voice is slow, convicted as he talks down a reply, empathizing with the man. He knows what it's like to feel anxious and rushed.
"Not a good enough reason." The man says quietly as if what he said isn't mean to be heard and if Jongdae focused on the rearview mirror he would have spotted the latter shrugging.
Jongdae is so curious of this boy, he has the same sentiments with someone he knows but decides he doesn't want to push his luck.
He looks back at his phone trying to see if the company staff is starting to look for him. It’s very unusual for Jongdae to be late.
Two years ago, he quit his clerical job to become a vocal trainer under BDC Entertainment. He was originally a trainee under the same company but he quit to pursue college instead. He went back to try to see if he can go back to his passion. The company was more than glad to take him back. Since then, he often stays in the staff quarters; he rarely goes back to his so-called home.
When the cab takes a slight detour, Jongdae looks anxiously at the driver.
"You're the one who wanted to share." Jongdae couldn’t ignore it anymore. The man’s voice is so familiar. Achingly familiar.
He stares at Jongdae through the rear view mirror. Jongdae stares back in his eyes. He notices how the man's eyes are brown, almond-shaped and has mono lid, something you can rarely see in Korean men or any man to be precise. It feels so familiar yet so different at the same time. He has the same eyes -- it also holds so many words unspoken. Jongdae doesn’t like the pain but he knows deep down he is being hopeful. It's been a while since-- the man looks away when his phone starts ringing, snapping both of them back to reality.
"Just drop me off here." The man says while fishing out his bills.
The man steps out of the car not sparing Jongdae a glance.
Jongdae doesn't look back as well. He doesn't even notice that the man was no longer in sight as the cab drives away.
He looks at his watch, showing it’s 9:12. He can make it. He can see their building. He unbuckles the safety belt. He prepares his money. He’s ready to run to the staff room. He glances at the time. 9:13.
Then everything went black.
Jongdae died at 9:13am due to a car crash.
Minseok could hear the deafening siren loud and clear along with the different murmurs of people eavesdropping as the police investigate the scene.
He chuckles lightly as he thinks of how people are so curious of death.
"How many casualties?"
"The police said that it should only be one. But the passenger died as well."
"But the truck only hit the front part, right?"
"Yeah, they were hoping the passenger survived."
"He wasn't wearing the seatbelt."
"What a pity."
Minseok's smirk fades as he stares at the scene. The place is too crowded with busybodies that may or may not have a relationship with the lifeless victims. The driver and Jongdae's body has been moved to the hospital. He could see the shattered glass from the impact and probably Jongdae's blood dripping to the pavement.
He should have stalled more time.
He needs to do it again. Jongdae has to live.
♥
Jongdae pants from running as he approaches the bus stop, eyes scanning the schedule. He sighs when he realizes that he missed the bus by just a minute. The rain has not stopped for hours and Jongdae is nowhere to getting to work in time. He glimpses at his watch that shows it is 15 minutes before 9am. A guy in a hoodie and mask stands beside him and looks at the schedule as well.
"Missed by a minute and a half." He hears the boy mutter.
The rain continues to pour non-stop making both of them feel extremely cold.
Jongdae looks at the stranger’s side profile and he estimates that he's just a little taller.
Jongdae being the curious guy he is gives the guy a slight "Hey."
The guy looks at him. And Jongdae doesn't know when his confidence left him. He feels like he has met him before.
"What is it?" The guy says with a slight frustration.
"Uhm, well I'm heading in that direction." Jongdae slowly points, hoping the guy will get what he means without other words.
"Yeah. And so?" The guy raises his eyebrows.
Jongdae's shoulder drops a little and he mutters in a soft voice "Would you like to share a cab? If we're going the same way." Jongdae huffs a little from the cold.
The man looks at Jongdae's umbrella hanging from his backpack. And the man scans the street, removing the earphones he had on his left ear that Jongdae didn't even notice.
"It will be hard to get a cab at a time like this from this point. Let's walk a little bit. There are more cabs at the intersection." The man says getting ready to walk in the rain.
Jongdae nods in agreement and takes out his umbrella.
They start walking under the rain and Jongdae can smell the guy’s scent. It has a hint of his favorite cologne, a little bit the smell of rain and lilac?
Jongdae removes the thought and awkwardly asks "So, where are you headed?"
"The convenience store near BDC Entertainment.” The guy says scanning the road once more.
"I work at BDC. This must be fate." Jongdae gives his usual silent laugh trying to cover the awkward air between them.
The man doesn't respond and keeps his straight face on.
Jongdae fishes his phone out of his pocket checking out the time. 8:56.
"I won't make it." Jongdae pleads a silent prayer.
"Will you lose your job, if you don’t make it?"
The guy asks with the same baritone.
"Not really, I just dislike being late." Jongdae feels a little bit calmer.
He knows deep down that it's not just because of that.
He can't be late. He just can't.
"You know you should take every day, one step at time." The guy looks slightly at Jongdae and his heart skips a little, as if those words contained more meaning than it appears to be. Somehow he feels reassured.
The guy turns his eyes back to the path while Jongdae stares at his shoes, thinking of what just happened.
The scent keeps distracting him though, he hasn't smelled the same scent for a few years now and what makes it more intriguing is that, he can smell a mixture of lilacs. It can’t be pure coincidence that it’s lilac - the one he brings--
"This is my stop." The guy moves away from under the umbrella to the tiny shed.
Jongdae scans the area and realizes that they have walked all the way. He really has no idea how they got here. He sees the building few meters away with some minutes to spare.
"Thank you for your company. Hope you make it in time." The guy bows slightly, slightly patting his heart and heads inside.
Jongdae doesn't even get the chance to get his name. He wonders if he can see him again. Maybe he'll depend on fate.
He crosses the street so that he can be at the side where his building is located. He isn't too familiar with the way since it's the opposite side from his usual routine. He glimpses at his phone. Smiling for the first time in a while feeling a little bit lighter. He checks the time. 9:13.
Then everything went numb.
Jongdae died at 9:13am near the construction site.
This time Minseok can hear more murmurs than the ambulance siren.
"Didn't the person see the danger sign?"
"That's just a cruel way to die."
"The management should have been more careful."
Minseok closes his eyes, he just can't bear witnessing the sight in front of him.
He can do nothing about the voices. He tries to overlaps their voices with Jongdae's voice. He imagines Jongdae's laughter despite everything surrounding him. But he feels empty.
Last chance.
♥
Minseok looks at his watch. 7:10. He and Jongdae had an agreement to have dinner by 7pm. Punctuality has been a common thing for both of them. They both hate being late but today was an exemption. Minseok wants to make sure that he got everything perfect.
He has been waiting for this day ever since he told Jongdae he loves him. They’ve been best friends since high school and became a couple during college. It took a great resistance for him not to go down on his knees and ask for Jongdae's hand ever since they shared their first kiss and every kiss right after. He badly wants to be with Jongdae for the rest of his life. He needs Jongdae to be officially his. He has the ring tucked in safely in a heart shaped box on the right front pocket of his jacket. He rapidly rides on his motorcycle to his and Jongdae's shared apartment.
He can see their building right in front and he can hear his heartbeat against his ear - causing him to overlook the incoming vehicle. The car swerves just in time missing Minseok but unluckily hitting the wall right in front. It’s in his nature for him to make sure everyone is safe, even if he was just in danger and this was his mistake. Minseok doesn’t see that there are other cars following the said vehicle and a figure has stepped out from the driver seat and into the dark alleyway. What Minseok does see is a gun pointed right at him and from the corner of his eyes -- Jongdae coming out of their apartment building.
And everything went dark and numb.
Pain. That's the only thing Minseok can think of when he miraculously gains consciousness. He can barely breathe when he feels a warm hand holding on to his. Somehow in the midst of pain, it soothes him. He tries to adjust his eyes and sees Jongdae looking at him with tears streaming down.
"Min, we're here. We're here. I love you. You’ll be okay."
Jongdae's mouth chants the same words over and over as though it will make everything okay. That if he says it with enough sincerity and an overflowing belief, it could stop the inevitable.
Minseok doesn't even want to know where they are, but he is starting to get back at his senses and hears that awfully loud siren. Right now, he just wants to be in their building apartment, holding Jongdae in his arms and celebrating their future together.
A sudden pain comes from the center of his body and even though he is weak, he is first and foremost stubborn. He tries to stand up when another pair of hands pushes his body down.
“Please stop moving.” It's more of an order than a request.
When Minseok glances back to his lover, he sees that Jongdae has stopped crying and is looking at him with full concentration -- as if taking every inch of detail of his face.
"Stop-- that. I--"
"This is what you get for being late" Jongdae has his playful voice back. The voice Minseok loves the most in the world. The voice that sings him to sleep when he gets nightmares. Jongdae means so much to him that even when he is already in pain; it still hurts him more to see the other crying. Minseok gives him a small smile in hope of assuring him that he is fine but the stinging feeling right in his chest is getting worse. Minseok is unable to stop the expression on his face and he can feel Jongdae stiffen.
The vehicle stops. The siren stops.
He closes his eyes, making a silent prayer for that damn pain to stop. But luck isn’t at his side. Not this time.
"Gunshot. Heavy bleeding."
"Take him straight to the ER."
More medical terms are being passed on but Minseok's hearing starts to fade and dissolve into a string of lucid unconsciousness. He can barely keep his eyes open. His hands are feeling number all the more. His breathing becomes unstable.
Everything is moving so fast, but the pain is eating him up slowly.
Minseok has only one thing in his mind. The ring, Jongdae needs to have the ring.
The last thing Minseok remembers is losing grasp of Jongdae’s hand and hearing the other’s sweet voice say, "Take your time, Min."
Minseok died at 9:13pm because of a gunshot right next to his heart.
♥Minseok is very much used to hearing complaints of humans - wishing for more time, for time to slow down, to fast forward time.
He is the Time Guardian. In their world, he is the right hand of Father Time. It’s his duty to make sure that every single human don’t do anything reckless that will defy the time they have been given. Their world is just one of the worlds of the afterlife.
Along with them are several other Time Correctors who goes to the human world to help anyone who may have made a decision that will cause them to change the course of their life. Unlike Minseok and Father Time, Time Correctors are humans from the past who have died and are chosen to be part of their world.
“Luhan-ah, can you please stop staring at that kid? You're starting to look like a creeper.” Minseok says as he looks at the doe-eyed boy that will almost fall off as he looks into Father Times' “Sacred Puddle”.
“Can’t. Seok-ah, this kid is really cute. It will be a waste if we don’t totally guide him. Maybe I can ask Father Time to let me go to earth to you know look after him.” Luhan has always been fond of kids. He remembers once the said boy kept bugging him to bring a kid from Seoul named Sehun to their world when his time was up. And Minseok being a good guardian he is, decided to grant Luhan's simple wish. Luhan was eternally grateful, of course, the only problem was he just wouldn’t leave the poor kid alone and Father Time decided to send Sehun to even more tasks just to ensure Luhan doesn't keep other TC's distracted.
Minseok was also the one who decided to keep Luhan in their world. The younger had always helped out other children in his age, sometimes even older kids as well back on earth. He dreamed of becoming a soccer player, but sadly, his dream wasn’t meant to be attained when he died in an early age because of an earthquake. Minseok wanted so badly to give him another chance. He was a good kid. But not all good kids get their happy endings. As cruel as it seems, that's how it is.
Father Time appeared behind Luhan carefully dragging him away giving both of him and the guardian a frisky smile. “Luhan, you know that kid is not your priority. He is going to be okay until he is 59. Even if he does do something stupid, I’m pretty sure Minseok will tell you first before me.”
“Can you at least tell me his name?” Luhan is giving his infamous puppy eyes and at the sight Minseok rolls his eyes turning back to his own puddle showing a mother of two in a hospital bed. Minseok glances to her countdown beside him. 10 minutes. Minseok hears Father Time chuckle and say “Zhang Yixing” before he goes on about Luhan’s new mission.
Minseok puts his focus at the task in hand and looks at the people surrounding the mother. He hates this kind of deaths the most. Accidents happen in one swift motion, and then it’s over. Minseok doesn’t need to feel anything. But with these slow deaths, he can still hear the silent prayers of the people around. A lot of times, Minseok wants to give in and somehow extend their time even just by a minute but Father Time has always told him over and over.. People are given time to cherish. Nothing is being taken in vain.
The mother holds the hands of her son giving him a weak smile. But something is distracting Minseok from the bittersweet scene. He can hear the woman’s husband’s thoughts and he keeps wishing he doesn’t. How can a father wish for his wife’s life to end already? The mother looks at the husband saying “Take care of them, well.” The husband doesn’t even respond, making Minseok even more furious.
“Eomma, you should take care of yourself as well, okay? Don't worry too much when you're in heaven." The son gives her a smile that reaches his ear, showing a slight cheekbone. Minseok was stunned to hear those words coming from a child’s mouth. Acceptance. The kid has learned the hardest thing people needs most in the world - after love that is. The kid gives his mom a kiss in the cheek and whispers “See you soon.” Minseok looks at the countdown.
5
4
3
2
1
“Thank you for giving all the time she needed.”
♥
Minseok can’t take his eyes away from the kid as he cries himself to sleep. He knows he misses his mom so terribly. The kid has been having nightmares for weeks now due to the abuse of his father. Contrary to what he experiences at home, Jongdae - as Minseok learned the night the mom died - is always lifting up other people’s moods, always putting smiles on other’s faces, even including him.
Minseok looks at the father’s countdown to see he still has a few years left.
♥
Jongdae lost his whole family in between the age of 8 and 9. It's been eight years and it doesn't get any easier. If he fooled people in saying he is doing fine, that he is somehow coping up… he can't fool the new transferee.
Their meeting wasn’t done in the best way. To be completely honest, it was in the most cliché’ way yet. Jongdae was on his way to choir practice when he accidentally bumped against the new guy (but of course Jongdae doesn’t know that). The weather wasn’t in the finest of ways, the other is more than pissed and Jongdae is just as clueless and curious. The orphaned boy begins by apologizing while the soaked one just waves him off and heads in a different direction.
They meet again during a P.E. class when finally Jongdae manages to learn a thing or two about the boy who he had a weird encounter with the other day. He finally manages to take a good look at the pretty face - a young lad with thick eyebrows, almond shaped eyes, a thigh to die for and lips so plump that slightly drives Jongdae insane. He learns that the said guy is a transferee and his name is Minseok. Full name - Kim Minseok. The transferee has managed to piss off their teacher, making him scream the student’s full name unintentionally throughout the gym (maybe even the whole school since it’s really not that big).
They become friends during Math class. Jongdae really hates math. Now, maybe he just dislikes it. Especially, since The Kim Minseok became his new partner for the semester. But somehow the rumored frightening transferee softens whenever he sees Jongdae having trouble coping up with today’s lesson. Minseok isn't the best in the said subject but he does know what it feels like to be lost. They go over it again and again so that they can understand whatever topic it is together. Day by day, the curious kid was able to gather more and more information on how to pass the damned subject but also about his partner. Minseok never met his parents. Transferring is a punishment. And by the end of the term, Minseok smiles more often, eats lunch with the other, walks him to his dorm and when the transferee feels like it, he drops by the training building to bring Jongdae energy drinks. In between solving math problems, Jongdae has managed to solve the mystery of the other; shattering the illusion that he is cold-hearted when deep inside he’s just lonely. Minseok knows for a fact that they are on the same boat, because Jongdae will never be truly happy unless he wants to.
They spend the summer break between junior and senior year together. Mostly because Minseok’s godparents are in Hongkong, not really caring if the boy spends it productively or not. Jongdae is in his second year of being a trainee and he plans to put off college as soon as he graduates. Well, that was before Minseok came in the picture. Minseok doesn’t really have plans after graduation. No schools, no course, nothing at all. Minseok has always been very vague when they talk about his plans. Always mentioning that he has all the time in the world to decide later, but Jongdae doesn’t think so.
Few days before senior year begins, Jongdae is stuck in the training room until the wee hours of the morning, trying to perfect every note for the upcoming evaluation. He and Minseok originally had a plan to go for dinner the previous night but knowing that he won’t make it in time, Jongdae makes a sudden cancellation leaving Minseok alone for the night, getting stuck in his house. Jongdae feels bad so he packs his bag as soon as he is confident enough that he will ace in the evaluation and plans to head to his best friend’s home to make up for missing dinner. He tries to ring Minseok but the other isn’t picking up, probably in deep slumber, so the trainee decides to just surprise the other. The thing is, Jongdae isn’t that good with direction, not when he has only been to Minseok’s house once or twice unlike his best friend staying in Jongdae’s dorm every now and then. So by 4:30am, Jongdae is shivering from the cold, lost and facing three large and very drunk men. He rings his speed dial 1, hoping that the other line will pick up; slowly backing away not giving any attention to the strangers. Yet, that's not what the other party has on their mind. They start following Jongdae with a bottle in hand, shouting out profanities and other inhumane things. Jongdae doesn't even mind their words, he just want to get the away from this hell hole and into Minseok's house where they can just laugh out the experience. But the drunkards are getting closer and closer that he doesn't hear his phone ring as he tries to run away. It doesn't take long when the people he is trying to run away from get hold of him.
Jongdae closes his eyes in the hopes that this is just a terrible dream. That this is an illusion his mind is creating. After a few seconds of not feeling any pain to any part of his face does he realize that he has been dropped to the ground with the three others lying flat.
A hand pulls him up and fills him with a warm embrace slightly patting his head. "You're okay, I'm here," and only then does he realizes. It’s Minseok who saved him, his scent and voice gave it away. Jongdae wraps his arms around the other in hope that everything will be smooth sailing from then. One can dream, right?
♥
They share their first 143’s and sweet kisses in their shared apartment when Minseok just got fired from screwing up in his part time job, he's failing his tests and just has too much in his mind that he nearly explodes in frustration. Jongdae just got in after practicing for the upcoming school festival. The younger boy finds Minseok in the room crying with his fists bleeding red. He skips towards his best friend in a rush with worrines written all over his face. Minseok tries to push him away but Jongdae holds his stance and tries to wrap the other in his arm. Minseok’s strength is failing when Jongdae starts humming a piece. A piece Minseok slightly heard before, something that the younger have written after he saved him from getting into an accident. Minseok starts to calm down while Jongdae continues on trying to ensure that Minseok’s heart had been stable enough. When Jongdae stops humming and stares at Minseok right in the eyes, he knows that what they have is not just friendship. And when their lips meet after Jongdae makes a move and Minseok answering right back, they both know they want to be together for a long time. Because when two lonely people find their other half, what more can you ask?
♥
Minseok shouldn't be wandering around the dark alleyways of Seoul at 2 in the morning. He can’t think properly when the only thoughts invading his mind is erasing the person that is hurting Jongdae the most. Oh, how sweet Jongdae’s smile will be when he finds out that he will no longer be abused. That he won’t be having nightmares no more. And all Minseok needs to do is change the direction of the way of the abusive father. Minseok never makes mistakes, but not today - because instead of losing only one life, he ends up with two unidentifiable bodies.
♥
The first thing Minseok feels is arms wrapped around his body. His senses slowly coming back.
"Jongdae..." he mutters hoping that it's the younger's arms holding him so close.
"Close... but not quite. Welcome back, Minseok" he sees a doe-eyed boy staring right across his face.
"Luhan" he says in wide-eyes.
"Bingo! Oh minseok, I miss you so much!" and the boy is crushing him once again. Minseok wants to protest, he was hoping it was a different guy hugging him.
Minseok stops in his tracks, wandering where the missing boy is. He slightly shifts from the hold and takes in his surroundings. He's back in their cave, he sees his puddle back but it shows a different person.
He is back. And Jongdae is now more distant than ever.
Father Time finally steps in and clears his throat to catch the attention of the two friends. Upon seeing the elder, Luhan lets go of Minseok and hurriedly go out of the way while murmuring on about having to teach the new TC's - Jongin and Zitao the "Luhan Tactic".
Father Time and his right hand go into a staring contest, no sound being made, not even the sound of breathing. Minseok have so many questions, so many words but none comes out. Father Time on the other hand, doesn’t want to prolong the pain his trustee right hand is feeling so he concedes defeat and sighs while sitting down beside him.
“The punishment felt too short.” Minseok says with a shaky voice.
“People only get what they can, remember? Same applies with you.” the older man says with a slight smile. “I know you learned many things. Until now, what you did is still wrong, but I forgive you because I know you have learned how love works and how time is precious for every single one.” He holds Minseok’s hand trying to assure him that everything will pass.
“I’m really sorry for what I did...” Minseok is looking straight at his puddle with an unfamiliar man in view. He has spent so many years on earth, that it will take some time to familiarize himself back to his world. His feelings for Jongdae where truly genuine, but he knows he can’t go back and be his lover anymore. Maybe not in this lifetime.
“It’s all in the past, Minseok-ah. I know you’re not the same guardian I had as before, but you’re still you. And I’m just happy to know you’ve learned how to be human. It will help you more with guarding, you know?” Father Time stands up and heads out to another part of the cave leaving Minseok alone with his thoughts. It will take time to heal, but he has all the time in the world to forgive himself. And mostly to forgive himself for hurting Jongdae not once but twice.
♥
Jongdae wakes up in his and Minseok’s shared apartment. The rain has not stopped for hours and Jongdae is nowhere to getting to work in time. He glimpses at his watch that shows 15 minutes before 9am.
Overslept again.
It’s been two years since Minseok died, but Jongdae never had the courage to love another. He knows that even if he does end up in another relationship, he’ll never love anyone else as much as he did to Minseok.
Jongdae looks at his side table expecting to see the framed picture of their last picture together. A picture they took at a convenience store because Minseok wanted to buy a band-aid. Jongdae got a bruise and his lover was being deadly cheesy on how he doesn’t want a scratch on the other. Not even a little booboo. Jongdae smiles at the thought because really, he never had a scar after the other left the world. (Not really including the scarred heart he still carries till this day) What he sees is a black box with a letter in replace of the picture frame.
He carefully opens the letter with heavy anticipation. He can smell the faint smell of lilac and his favorite cologne. Something he missed for two years now. He knows who this is from with one glance. The familiar handwriting gave it away and this can only come from the most clichéd person in the world.
I love you so much Jongdae.
It’s unfair for me to leave you so soon. But you know we only get what we can right? But you deserve only more. I can’t promise to always make you laugh, to always hold your hand, to always kiss you until you’re breathless. We didn’t work out in this life, but let’s meet in our next one - this is the only promise I can make. Live your life to the fullest. Take your time. I’ll see you soon.
Your other half,
Minseok
Jongdae opens to see the ring that was supposed to be his 2 years ago. Engraved in it is Minseok’s promise - Lifetime.
Jongdae doesn’t cry. He can only smile as he realizes he’s late for work.
[EPILOGUE]EPILOGUE
Father Time alerts Luhan that Jongdae has made the wrong decision and needs protecting when Minseok passes by and overhears. Minseok knows he can't go back, not again after what he did. It was a hard earned lesson and he knows he won't be able to do it without emotions, But Father Time has a big heart and he knows that Jongdae will be safe when it's Minseok because no one loves the other as Minseok did. Their love overcomes two worlds and Father Time will not be in the way of that said love. So he gives Minseok conditions: 1. He can't give himself away on who he is. 2. And he only gets three chances to try and save the younger. He has to correct whatever was wrong, protect Jongdae and give him the happiness he deserves in disguise of more time.
♥
Minseok looks anxiously at the puddle.
“Stop doing that, you’re being a creeper.” Luhan wants to pull back Minseok but he knows he can’t. The zone where Minseok is standing is forbidden to be stepped on until the rightful owner arrives.
“Go bother your playmates, I'm sure Yixing and Sehun misses you already.” Minseok doesn’t even bother giving Luhan a glimpse; he knows that his magical word will work no matter what.
He hears Luhan’s footsteps go farther and farther. He sighs in relief; he shouldn’t really be paying attention to other stuffs at the moment.
5
4
3
2
1
“Is it time for our lifetime, Minseok-ah?”
A/N:
** Time Correctors - they go to earth in form of a human, an object, an animal to help people change their course of actions. If they don’t succeed on the first try, the Time Guardian will turn back time with approval from Father Time.
** Time Guardian - he can make time faster/turn back time. But he can’t interfere with the human’s decisions. Nor can he endanger humans beyond their given time.
I hope I did justice to this amazing prompt :D Thank you to the admins of chenceforxiu, you guys rock! And to my lovely and awesome beta R_Y, I couldn’t have done this without you. You helped me a lot and thank you for staying with me ♥ XOXO ♥
For: parkbyun
Rating: PG-13
Other pairings: a little bit XingHunHan
Warnings: character death - part of the story
Summary: A cliché love story of yesterday, today and tomorrow. If only time permits.
Jongdae and Minseok coexist in matter and time. Not necessarily in that order.
♥
The rain has not stopped for hours and Jongdae is nowhere in getting to work in time. He peeps at his watch that shows 15 minutes before 9am. Instead of waiting for the next bus, he hastily decides to take a cab. He calls over the first available one that stops approximately few meters away from him. He hurries to open the back door when a cold hand touches the handle at the same time as him. He looks to his side and sees a boy in a suit with a thick scarf covering the lower part of his face, staring at him with soulless eyes.
"I hailed this cab." He can barely make it out but he was sure there’s irritation laced beneath the stranger’s voice.
He sneaks a quick glance at the street clock behind the other. He can't afford to be late for work. He just can’t.
"Would you mind sharing?" Jongdae looks at the man and hopes his eyes that plead will do enough convincing.
The man could only sigh, wavering for a moment, purposely not looking at Jongdae as he hesitatingly removes his hand from the handle of the back door.
"Get in." Said stranger is mumbling, climbing into the frontseat without saying another word.
Jongdae silently thanks the heavens as he smiles, getting in the passenger seat.
Jongdae notes the driver being a young man, probably in his mid-20's with a brown-dyed messy hair and eyes that glints playfully.
"You guys together?" The driver queries looking at Jongdae through the rear mirror.
"No." The man quickly said, wanting to end the conversation.
"Where are we off to, then?" He asks as he turns on the radio blasting a song from the 80's.
"Hongdae." The man says as he stares out the cab.
The driver smirks at Jongdae.
"Oh. Uhm. BDC Entertainment." The driver looks back at Jongdae with wide eyes and a parted mouth.
“Are you a trainee? Wait. No, you look really good so you're probably going to debut soon, right? Gosh, it’s so cool that I have future star in my cab. This is just so...” Jongdae then realizes his eyes wasn’t the only playful thing about the driver, his lips move with comical notions, speaking so animatedly, talking too fast that Jongdae doesn’t even know where to start and how to stop him to actually respond.
“Can we please go? And please keep your eyes in the road,” The man in the suit cuts off rather harshly, locking eyes with the driver, silently letting him know that time is being wasted. Jongdae isn’t sure if the lack of manners came from the reason Jongdae called in shotgun, but the attitude doesn’t dissipate, not even after Jongdae musters up a polite smile at the familiar stranger’s direction. The driver makes an irritated gesture to the man, nails scratching to his nape, before turning back to the stirring wheel. He makes a motion towards Jongdae to wear the safety belt.
Jongdae nods in response, following the instruction, and starts fiddling with his phone.
The driver may just be stubborn but after a minute of the awkward exchange of looks with the man beside him, he starts talking about himself. “Want to hear a funny story? I’ve always wanted to be a rapper, but no agency would take me in. I was always performing underground…” The driver continues on but Jongdae’s focus isn’t on him when his mind is filled of the man of his past and the man right before him.
The cab takes a sudden break making Jongdae jump a little. Good thing he was wearing the safety belt. The driver starts cursing at the ahjusshi who suddenly crossed the street. Jongdae could see that the cause of ruckus was making a motion of apologies to other cars as a series of honking begins behind them.
"Why can't people become more careful?" The man up front isn't particularly looking at the ahjusshi but rather on his watch.
"Maybe he is in a rush." Jongdae’s voice is slow, convicted as he talks down a reply, empathizing with the man. He knows what it's like to feel anxious and rushed.
"Not a good enough reason." The man says quietly as if what he said isn't mean to be heard and if Jongdae focused on the rearview mirror he would have spotted the latter shrugging.
Jongdae is so curious of this boy, he has the same sentiments with someone he knows but decides he doesn't want to push his luck.
He looks back at his phone trying to see if the company staff is starting to look for him. It’s very unusual for Jongdae to be late.
Two years ago, he quit his clerical job to become a vocal trainer under BDC Entertainment. He was originally a trainee under the same company but he quit to pursue college instead. He went back to try to see if he can go back to his passion. The company was more than glad to take him back. Since then, he often stays in the staff quarters; he rarely goes back to his so-called home.
When the cab takes a slight detour, Jongdae looks anxiously at the driver.
"You're the one who wanted to share." Jongdae couldn’t ignore it anymore. The man’s voice is so familiar. Achingly familiar.
He stares at Jongdae through the rear view mirror. Jongdae stares back in his eyes. He notices how the man's eyes are brown, almond-shaped and has mono lid, something you can rarely see in Korean men or any man to be precise. It feels so familiar yet so different at the same time. He has the same eyes -- it also holds so many words unspoken. Jongdae doesn’t like the pain but he knows deep down he is being hopeful. It's been a while since-- the man looks away when his phone starts ringing, snapping both of them back to reality.
"Just drop me off here." The man says while fishing out his bills.
The man steps out of the car not sparing Jongdae a glance.
Jongdae doesn't look back as well. He doesn't even notice that the man was no longer in sight as the cab drives away.
He looks at his watch, showing it’s 9:12. He can make it. He can see their building. He unbuckles the safety belt. He prepares his money. He’s ready to run to the staff room. He glances at the time. 9:13.
Then everything went black.
Jongdae died at 9:13am due to a car crash.
Minseok could hear the deafening siren loud and clear along with the different murmurs of people eavesdropping as the police investigate the scene.
He chuckles lightly as he thinks of how people are so curious of death.
"How many casualties?"
"The police said that it should only be one. But the passenger died as well."
"But the truck only hit the front part, right?"
"Yeah, they were hoping the passenger survived."
"He wasn't wearing the seatbelt."
"What a pity."
Minseok's smirk fades as he stares at the scene. The place is too crowded with busybodies that may or may not have a relationship with the lifeless victims. The driver and Jongdae's body has been moved to the hospital. He could see the shattered glass from the impact and probably Jongdae's blood dripping to the pavement.
He should have stalled more time.
He needs to do it again. Jongdae has to live.
♥
Jongdae pants from running as he approaches the bus stop, eyes scanning the schedule. He sighs when he realizes that he missed the bus by just a minute. The rain has not stopped for hours and Jongdae is nowhere to getting to work in time. He glimpses at his watch that shows it is 15 minutes before 9am. A guy in a hoodie and mask stands beside him and looks at the schedule as well.
"Missed by a minute and a half." He hears the boy mutter.
The rain continues to pour non-stop making both of them feel extremely cold.
Jongdae looks at the stranger’s side profile and he estimates that he's just a little taller.
Jongdae being the curious guy he is gives the guy a slight "Hey."
The guy looks at him. And Jongdae doesn't know when his confidence left him. He feels like he has met him before.
"What is it?" The guy says with a slight frustration.
"Uhm, well I'm heading in that direction." Jongdae slowly points, hoping the guy will get what he means without other words.
"Yeah. And so?" The guy raises his eyebrows.
Jongdae's shoulder drops a little and he mutters in a soft voice "Would you like to share a cab? If we're going the same way." Jongdae huffs a little from the cold.
The man looks at Jongdae's umbrella hanging from his backpack. And the man scans the street, removing the earphones he had on his left ear that Jongdae didn't even notice.
"It will be hard to get a cab at a time like this from this point. Let's walk a little bit. There are more cabs at the intersection." The man says getting ready to walk in the rain.
Jongdae nods in agreement and takes out his umbrella.
They start walking under the rain and Jongdae can smell the guy’s scent. It has a hint of his favorite cologne, a little bit the smell of rain and lilac?
Jongdae removes the thought and awkwardly asks "So, where are you headed?"
"The convenience store near BDC Entertainment.” The guy says scanning the road once more.
"I work at BDC. This must be fate." Jongdae gives his usual silent laugh trying to cover the awkward air between them.
The man doesn't respond and keeps his straight face on.
Jongdae fishes his phone out of his pocket checking out the time. 8:56.
"I won't make it." Jongdae pleads a silent prayer.
"Will you lose your job, if you don’t make it?"
The guy asks with the same baritone.
"Not really, I just dislike being late." Jongdae feels a little bit calmer.
He knows deep down that it's not just because of that.
He can't be late. He just can't.
"You know you should take every day, one step at time." The guy looks slightly at Jongdae and his heart skips a little, as if those words contained more meaning than it appears to be. Somehow he feels reassured.
The guy turns his eyes back to the path while Jongdae stares at his shoes, thinking of what just happened.
The scent keeps distracting him though, he hasn't smelled the same scent for a few years now and what makes it more intriguing is that, he can smell a mixture of lilacs. It can’t be pure coincidence that it’s lilac - the one he brings--
"This is my stop." The guy moves away from under the umbrella to the tiny shed.
Jongdae scans the area and realizes that they have walked all the way. He really has no idea how they got here. He sees the building few meters away with some minutes to spare.
"Thank you for your company. Hope you make it in time." The guy bows slightly, slightly patting his heart and heads inside.
Jongdae doesn't even get the chance to get his name. He wonders if he can see him again. Maybe he'll depend on fate.
He crosses the street so that he can be at the side where his building is located. He isn't too familiar with the way since it's the opposite side from his usual routine. He glimpses at his phone. Smiling for the first time in a while feeling a little bit lighter. He checks the time. 9:13.
Then everything went numb.
Jongdae died at 9:13am near the construction site.
This time Minseok can hear more murmurs than the ambulance siren.
"Didn't the person see the danger sign?"
"That's just a cruel way to die."
"The management should have been more careful."
Minseok closes his eyes, he just can't bear witnessing the sight in front of him.
He can do nothing about the voices. He tries to overlaps their voices with Jongdae's voice. He imagines Jongdae's laughter despite everything surrounding him. But he feels empty.
Last chance.
♥
Minseok looks at his watch. 7:10. He and Jongdae had an agreement to have dinner by 7pm. Punctuality has been a common thing for both of them. They both hate being late but today was an exemption. Minseok wants to make sure that he got everything perfect.
He has been waiting for this day ever since he told Jongdae he loves him. They’ve been best friends since high school and became a couple during college. It took a great resistance for him not to go down on his knees and ask for Jongdae's hand ever since they shared their first kiss and every kiss right after. He badly wants to be with Jongdae for the rest of his life. He needs Jongdae to be officially his. He has the ring tucked in safely in a heart shaped box on the right front pocket of his jacket. He rapidly rides on his motorcycle to his and Jongdae's shared apartment.
He can see their building right in front and he can hear his heartbeat against his ear - causing him to overlook the incoming vehicle. The car swerves just in time missing Minseok but unluckily hitting the wall right in front. It’s in his nature for him to make sure everyone is safe, even if he was just in danger and this was his mistake. Minseok doesn’t see that there are other cars following the said vehicle and a figure has stepped out from the driver seat and into the dark alleyway. What Minseok does see is a gun pointed right at him and from the corner of his eyes -- Jongdae coming out of their apartment building.
And everything went dark and numb.
Pain. That's the only thing Minseok can think of when he miraculously gains consciousness. He can barely breathe when he feels a warm hand holding on to his. Somehow in the midst of pain, it soothes him. He tries to adjust his eyes and sees Jongdae looking at him with tears streaming down.
"Min, we're here. We're here. I love you. You’ll be okay."
Jongdae's mouth chants the same words over and over as though it will make everything okay. That if he says it with enough sincerity and an overflowing belief, it could stop the inevitable.
Minseok doesn't even want to know where they are, but he is starting to get back at his senses and hears that awfully loud siren. Right now, he just wants to be in their building apartment, holding Jongdae in his arms and celebrating their future together.
A sudden pain comes from the center of his body and even though he is weak, he is first and foremost stubborn. He tries to stand up when another pair of hands pushes his body down.
“Please stop moving.” It's more of an order than a request.
When Minseok glances back to his lover, he sees that Jongdae has stopped crying and is looking at him with full concentration -- as if taking every inch of detail of his face.
"Stop-- that. I--"
"This is what you get for being late" Jongdae has his playful voice back. The voice Minseok loves the most in the world. The voice that sings him to sleep when he gets nightmares. Jongdae means so much to him that even when he is already in pain; it still hurts him more to see the other crying. Minseok gives him a small smile in hope of assuring him that he is fine but the stinging feeling right in his chest is getting worse. Minseok is unable to stop the expression on his face and he can feel Jongdae stiffen.
The vehicle stops. The siren stops.
He closes his eyes, making a silent prayer for that damn pain to stop. But luck isn’t at his side. Not this time.
"Gunshot. Heavy bleeding."
"Take him straight to the ER."
More medical terms are being passed on but Minseok's hearing starts to fade and dissolve into a string of lucid unconsciousness. He can barely keep his eyes open. His hands are feeling number all the more. His breathing becomes unstable.
Everything is moving so fast, but the pain is eating him up slowly.
Minseok has only one thing in his mind. The ring, Jongdae needs to have the ring.
The last thing Minseok remembers is losing grasp of Jongdae’s hand and hearing the other’s sweet voice say, "Take your time, Min."
Minseok died at 9:13pm because of a gunshot right next to his heart.
♥Minseok is very much used to hearing complaints of humans - wishing for more time, for time to slow down, to fast forward time.
He is the Time Guardian. In their world, he is the right hand of Father Time. It’s his duty to make sure that every single human don’t do anything reckless that will defy the time they have been given. Their world is just one of the worlds of the afterlife.
Along with them are several other Time Correctors who goes to the human world to help anyone who may have made a decision that will cause them to change the course of their life. Unlike Minseok and Father Time, Time Correctors are humans from the past who have died and are chosen to be part of their world.
“Luhan-ah, can you please stop staring at that kid? You're starting to look like a creeper.” Minseok says as he looks at the doe-eyed boy that will almost fall off as he looks into Father Times' “Sacred Puddle”.
“Can’t. Seok-ah, this kid is really cute. It will be a waste if we don’t totally guide him. Maybe I can ask Father Time to let me go to earth to you know look after him.” Luhan has always been fond of kids. He remembers once the said boy kept bugging him to bring a kid from Seoul named Sehun to their world when his time was up. And Minseok being a good guardian he is, decided to grant Luhan's simple wish. Luhan was eternally grateful, of course, the only problem was he just wouldn’t leave the poor kid alone and Father Time decided to send Sehun to even more tasks just to ensure Luhan doesn't keep other TC's distracted.
Minseok was also the one who decided to keep Luhan in their world. The younger had always helped out other children in his age, sometimes even older kids as well back on earth. He dreamed of becoming a soccer player, but sadly, his dream wasn’t meant to be attained when he died in an early age because of an earthquake. Minseok wanted so badly to give him another chance. He was a good kid. But not all good kids get their happy endings. As cruel as it seems, that's how it is.
Father Time appeared behind Luhan carefully dragging him away giving both of him and the guardian a frisky smile. “Luhan, you know that kid is not your priority. He is going to be okay until he is 59. Even if he does do something stupid, I’m pretty sure Minseok will tell you first before me.”
“Can you at least tell me his name?” Luhan is giving his infamous puppy eyes and at the sight Minseok rolls his eyes turning back to his own puddle showing a mother of two in a hospital bed. Minseok glances to her countdown beside him. 10 minutes. Minseok hears Father Time chuckle and say “Zhang Yixing” before he goes on about Luhan’s new mission.
Minseok puts his focus at the task in hand and looks at the people surrounding the mother. He hates this kind of deaths the most. Accidents happen in one swift motion, and then it’s over. Minseok doesn’t need to feel anything. But with these slow deaths, he can still hear the silent prayers of the people around. A lot of times, Minseok wants to give in and somehow extend their time even just by a minute but Father Time has always told him over and over.. People are given time to cherish. Nothing is being taken in vain.
The mother holds the hands of her son giving him a weak smile. But something is distracting Minseok from the bittersweet scene. He can hear the woman’s husband’s thoughts and he keeps wishing he doesn’t. How can a father wish for his wife’s life to end already? The mother looks at the husband saying “Take care of them, well.” The husband doesn’t even respond, making Minseok even more furious.
“Eomma, you should take care of yourself as well, okay? Don't worry too much when you're in heaven." The son gives her a smile that reaches his ear, showing a slight cheekbone. Minseok was stunned to hear those words coming from a child’s mouth. Acceptance. The kid has learned the hardest thing people needs most in the world - after love that is. The kid gives his mom a kiss in the cheek and whispers “See you soon.” Minseok looks at the countdown.
5
4
3
2
1
“Thank you for giving all the time she needed.”
♥
Minseok can’t take his eyes away from the kid as he cries himself to sleep. He knows he misses his mom so terribly. The kid has been having nightmares for weeks now due to the abuse of his father. Contrary to what he experiences at home, Jongdae - as Minseok learned the night the mom died - is always lifting up other people’s moods, always putting smiles on other’s faces, even including him.
Minseok looks at the father’s countdown to see he still has a few years left.
♥
Jongdae lost his whole family in between the age of 8 and 9. It's been eight years and it doesn't get any easier. If he fooled people in saying he is doing fine, that he is somehow coping up… he can't fool the new transferee.
Their meeting wasn’t done in the best way. To be completely honest, it was in the most cliché’ way yet. Jongdae was on his way to choir practice when he accidentally bumped against the new guy (but of course Jongdae doesn’t know that). The weather wasn’t in the finest of ways, the other is more than pissed and Jongdae is just as clueless and curious. The orphaned boy begins by apologizing while the soaked one just waves him off and heads in a different direction.
They meet again during a P.E. class when finally Jongdae manages to learn a thing or two about the boy who he had a weird encounter with the other day. He finally manages to take a good look at the pretty face - a young lad with thick eyebrows, almond shaped eyes, a thigh to die for and lips so plump that slightly drives Jongdae insane. He learns that the said guy is a transferee and his name is Minseok. Full name - Kim Minseok. The transferee has managed to piss off their teacher, making him scream the student’s full name unintentionally throughout the gym (maybe even the whole school since it’s really not that big).
They become friends during Math class. Jongdae really hates math. Now, maybe he just dislikes it. Especially, since The Kim Minseok became his new partner for the semester. But somehow the rumored frightening transferee softens whenever he sees Jongdae having trouble coping up with today’s lesson. Minseok isn't the best in the said subject but he does know what it feels like to be lost. They go over it again and again so that they can understand whatever topic it is together. Day by day, the curious kid was able to gather more and more information on how to pass the damned subject but also about his partner. Minseok never met his parents. Transferring is a punishment. And by the end of the term, Minseok smiles more often, eats lunch with the other, walks him to his dorm and when the transferee feels like it, he drops by the training building to bring Jongdae energy drinks. In between solving math problems, Jongdae has managed to solve the mystery of the other; shattering the illusion that he is cold-hearted when deep inside he’s just lonely. Minseok knows for a fact that they are on the same boat, because Jongdae will never be truly happy unless he wants to.
They spend the summer break between junior and senior year together. Mostly because Minseok’s godparents are in Hongkong, not really caring if the boy spends it productively or not. Jongdae is in his second year of being a trainee and he plans to put off college as soon as he graduates. Well, that was before Minseok came in the picture. Minseok doesn’t really have plans after graduation. No schools, no course, nothing at all. Minseok has always been very vague when they talk about his plans. Always mentioning that he has all the time in the world to decide later, but Jongdae doesn’t think so.
Few days before senior year begins, Jongdae is stuck in the training room until the wee hours of the morning, trying to perfect every note for the upcoming evaluation. He and Minseok originally had a plan to go for dinner the previous night but knowing that he won’t make it in time, Jongdae makes a sudden cancellation leaving Minseok alone for the night, getting stuck in his house. Jongdae feels bad so he packs his bag as soon as he is confident enough that he will ace in the evaluation and plans to head to his best friend’s home to make up for missing dinner. He tries to ring Minseok but the other isn’t picking up, probably in deep slumber, so the trainee decides to just surprise the other. The thing is, Jongdae isn’t that good with direction, not when he has only been to Minseok’s house once or twice unlike his best friend staying in Jongdae’s dorm every now and then. So by 4:30am, Jongdae is shivering from the cold, lost and facing three large and very drunk men. He rings his speed dial 1, hoping that the other line will pick up; slowly backing away not giving any attention to the strangers. Yet, that's not what the other party has on their mind. They start following Jongdae with a bottle in hand, shouting out profanities and other inhumane things. Jongdae doesn't even mind their words, he just want to get the away from this hell hole and into Minseok's house where they can just laugh out the experience. But the drunkards are getting closer and closer that he doesn't hear his phone ring as he tries to run away. It doesn't take long when the people he is trying to run away from get hold of him.
Jongdae closes his eyes in the hopes that this is just a terrible dream. That this is an illusion his mind is creating. After a few seconds of not feeling any pain to any part of his face does he realize that he has been dropped to the ground with the three others lying flat.
A hand pulls him up and fills him with a warm embrace slightly patting his head. "You're okay, I'm here," and only then does he realizes. It’s Minseok who saved him, his scent and voice gave it away. Jongdae wraps his arms around the other in hope that everything will be smooth sailing from then. One can dream, right?
♥
They share their first 143’s and sweet kisses in their shared apartment when Minseok just got fired from screwing up in his part time job, he's failing his tests and just has too much in his mind that he nearly explodes in frustration. Jongdae just got in after practicing for the upcoming school festival. The younger boy finds Minseok in the room crying with his fists bleeding red. He skips towards his best friend in a rush with worrines written all over his face. Minseok tries to push him away but Jongdae holds his stance and tries to wrap the other in his arm. Minseok’s strength is failing when Jongdae starts humming a piece. A piece Minseok slightly heard before, something that the younger have written after he saved him from getting into an accident. Minseok starts to calm down while Jongdae continues on trying to ensure that Minseok’s heart had been stable enough. When Jongdae stops humming and stares at Minseok right in the eyes, he knows that what they have is not just friendship. And when their lips meet after Jongdae makes a move and Minseok answering right back, they both know they want to be together for a long time. Because when two lonely people find their other half, what more can you ask?
♥
Minseok shouldn't be wandering around the dark alleyways of Seoul at 2 in the morning. He can’t think properly when the only thoughts invading his mind is erasing the person that is hurting Jongdae the most. Oh, how sweet Jongdae’s smile will be when he finds out that he will no longer be abused. That he won’t be having nightmares no more. And all Minseok needs to do is change the direction of the way of the abusive father. Minseok never makes mistakes, but not today - because instead of losing only one life, he ends up with two unidentifiable bodies.
♥
The first thing Minseok feels is arms wrapped around his body. His senses slowly coming back.
"Jongdae..." he mutters hoping that it's the younger's arms holding him so close.
"Close... but not quite. Welcome back, Minseok" he sees a doe-eyed boy staring right across his face.
"Luhan" he says in wide-eyes.
"Bingo! Oh minseok, I miss you so much!" and the boy is crushing him once again. Minseok wants to protest, he was hoping it was a different guy hugging him.
Minseok stops in his tracks, wandering where the missing boy is. He slightly shifts from the hold and takes in his surroundings. He's back in their cave, he sees his puddle back but it shows a different person.
He is back. And Jongdae is now more distant than ever.
Father Time finally steps in and clears his throat to catch the attention of the two friends. Upon seeing the elder, Luhan lets go of Minseok and hurriedly go out of the way while murmuring on about having to teach the new TC's - Jongin and Zitao the "Luhan Tactic".
Father Time and his right hand go into a staring contest, no sound being made, not even the sound of breathing. Minseok have so many questions, so many words but none comes out. Father Time on the other hand, doesn’t want to prolong the pain his trustee right hand is feeling so he concedes defeat and sighs while sitting down beside him.
“The punishment felt too short.” Minseok says with a shaky voice.
“People only get what they can, remember? Same applies with you.” the older man says with a slight smile. “I know you learned many things. Until now, what you did is still wrong, but I forgive you because I know you have learned how love works and how time is precious for every single one.” He holds Minseok’s hand trying to assure him that everything will pass.
“I’m really sorry for what I did...” Minseok is looking straight at his puddle with an unfamiliar man in view. He has spent so many years on earth, that it will take some time to familiarize himself back to his world. His feelings for Jongdae where truly genuine, but he knows he can’t go back and be his lover anymore. Maybe not in this lifetime.
“It’s all in the past, Minseok-ah. I know you’re not the same guardian I had as before, but you’re still you. And I’m just happy to know you’ve learned how to be human. It will help you more with guarding, you know?” Father Time stands up and heads out to another part of the cave leaving Minseok alone with his thoughts. It will take time to heal, but he has all the time in the world to forgive himself. And mostly to forgive himself for hurting Jongdae not once but twice.
♥
Jongdae wakes up in his and Minseok’s shared apartment. The rain has not stopped for hours and Jongdae is nowhere to getting to work in time. He glimpses at his watch that shows 15 minutes before 9am.
Overslept again.
It’s been two years since Minseok died, but Jongdae never had the courage to love another. He knows that even if he does end up in another relationship, he’ll never love anyone else as much as he did to Minseok.
Jongdae looks at his side table expecting to see the framed picture of their last picture together. A picture they took at a convenience store because Minseok wanted to buy a band-aid. Jongdae got a bruise and his lover was being deadly cheesy on how he doesn’t want a scratch on the other. Not even a little booboo. Jongdae smiles at the thought because really, he never had a scar after the other left the world. (Not really including the scarred heart he still carries till this day) What he sees is a black box with a letter in replace of the picture frame.
He carefully opens the letter with heavy anticipation. He can smell the faint smell of lilac and his favorite cologne. Something he missed for two years now. He knows who this is from with one glance. The familiar handwriting gave it away and this can only come from the most clichéd person in the world.
I love you so much Jongdae.
It’s unfair for me to leave you so soon. But you know we only get what we can right? But you deserve only more. I can’t promise to always make you laugh, to always hold your hand, to always kiss you until you’re breathless. We didn’t work out in this life, but let’s meet in our next one - this is the only promise I can make. Live your life to the fullest. Take your time. I’ll see you soon.
Your other half,
Minseok
Jongdae opens to see the ring that was supposed to be his 2 years ago. Engraved in it is Minseok’s promise - Lifetime.
Jongdae doesn’t cry. He can only smile as he realizes he’s late for work.
[EPILOGUE]EPILOGUE
Father Time alerts Luhan that Jongdae has made the wrong decision and needs protecting when Minseok passes by and overhears. Minseok knows he can't go back, not again after what he did. It was a hard earned lesson and he knows he won't be able to do it without emotions, But Father Time has a big heart and he knows that Jongdae will be safe when it's Minseok because no one loves the other as Minseok did. Their love overcomes two worlds and Father Time will not be in the way of that said love. So he gives Minseok conditions: 1. He can't give himself away on who he is. 2. And he only gets three chances to try and save the younger. He has to correct whatever was wrong, protect Jongdae and give him the happiness he deserves in disguise of more time.
♥
Minseok looks anxiously at the puddle.
“Stop doing that, you’re being a creeper.” Luhan wants to pull back Minseok but he knows he can’t. The zone where Minseok is standing is forbidden to be stepped on until the rightful owner arrives.
“Go bother your playmates, I'm sure Yixing and Sehun misses you already.” Minseok doesn’t even bother giving Luhan a glimpse; he knows that his magical word will work no matter what.
He hears Luhan’s footsteps go farther and farther. He sighs in relief; he shouldn’t really be paying attention to other stuffs at the moment.
5
4
3
2
1
“Is it time for our lifetime, Minseok-ah?”
A/N:
** Time Correctors - they go to earth in form of a human, an object, an animal to help people change their course of actions. If they don’t succeed on the first try, the Time Guardian will turn back time with approval from Father Time.
** Time Guardian - he can make time faster/turn back time. But he can’t interfere with the human’s decisions. Nor can he endanger humans beyond their given time.
I hope I did justice to this amazing prompt :D Thank you to the admins of chenceforxiu, you guys rock! And to my lovely and awesome beta R_Y, I couldn’t have done this without you. You helped me a lot and thank you for staying with me ♥ XOXO ♥