CHINGUX 2014: sparks (1/1) for doyouseemeyet
Title: Sparks
Author: miook
Recipient: doyouseemeyet
Pairing/Focus: D.O centric (hinted at Baekhyun/Chanyeol)
Rating: PG
Warnings: use of tarot cards
Length: 6,518
Summary: There’s a new performer in town, and rumor has it he’s after Kyungsoo’s title.
“There’s going to be a new circus in town.”
Kyungsoo rolls his eyes, muttering whatever under his breath. He takes a seat across from Luhan at the study table. “It is too early in the morning and I haven’t had nearly enough coffee nor enough interest to discuss something as trivial as the circus being in town.”
Luhan, an aspiring reporter always on the lookout for interesting stories, clearly disagrees. If he hears the evident disinterest in Kyungsoo’s voice, he chooses to ignore it and continues speaking anyway.
“No, you don’t understand,” Luhan says, peering over his laptop. “It’s new, like, so new that they’re looking for fortune tellers, illusionists, fire eaters--you know, the whole deal.”
Kyungsoo resists the urge to roll his eyes again. It’s not that he doesn’t like the circus, he just prefers his own performances instead of the circus performers’ clever tricks. He keeps his own performances so seldom and spontaneous, there’s even a sense of mystery that now accompanies his chosen stage name, Dyo.
“Speaking of illusionist,” Kyungsoo says, trying to change the subject. “Mysterious Dyo has appeared again.” He clicks on an article titled “Mysterious Illusionist Dyo has Struck Again!”
It’s another update dedicated to his secret persona. There’s nothing written but praise and comments speculating on when and where he’s going to appear next. Kyungsoo can’t help but to grin; he performs when he wants to--it’s really just as simple as that.
“I heard he performed in France last week,” Luhan says, staring at him hopefully.
Kyungsoo’s attention strays as he thinks about the trip he made with his family to France last week during his break. He didn’t want to go at first, reasoning that he’d rather stay home and help his uncle at the animal clinic, but his mother had been able to convince him to go at the last minute.
He had thought it would be fun to perform in a foreign country, but what he hadn’t anticipated was the large crowd his performance would draw. He had been rather careless with his means of disguise that day, opting for a simple fedora and pair of his mother’s large dark sunglasses.
This is one reason he is now checking the online articles so thoroughly, but so far, his search has only resulted in blurred pictures or photos that are somewhat too obscure to make out any distinctive features. Still, he’s glad he hadn’t been too careless and hadn’t gone with his first idea, which was to make a grand appearance in front of, or even worse, inside the Eiffel Tower.
“Hello, I asked you a question,” Luhan says, snapping his fingers in front of Kyungsoo’s face. “Did you get to see Dyo perform?”
“I’m sorry,” Kyungsoo replies, as he snaps out of his train of thought. “And, no.”
Luhan is giving him ‘the look.’ Kyungsoo thinks Luhan almost looks as if he knows something he shouldn’t, but after a moment or so, he sees his friend’s shoulders sag in disappointment.
“That’s a pity. I was hoping to get a firsthand account on him, especially after the appearance of that new guy.”
Kyungsoo, who is used to ignoring Luhan outside the classroom and studies discussions, stops swiveling around in his chair and really looks at Luhan.
“What new guy?”
“There’s rumor of a new anonymous street performer--a tightrope walker or something. There really isn’t a lot of information about him. He only showed up a week ago.” Luhan runs one of his hands through his light blonde hair, and pushes it off his forehead. He’s pulled another all-nighter for the sake of his precious research, judging from the bags underneath his eyes.
“It’s not much, I’m going to keep my eye on it because I want to be the first to report it on him.” Luhan says, gently shutting his laptop before leaning back in his chair. A familiar gleam of excitement appears in his eyes, the one that suggests he knows a little more than he should.
As Kyungsoo studies Luhan’s expression, he can’t help but to wonder when his friend’s obsession for being first to get a new story will turn, and he’ll start going for mysterious identity exposure next.
“Just think of all the endless possibilities,” Luhan sits up suddenly, as if just remembering that Kyungsoo is in the room and levels him with an excited stare. “I would more than likely get that internship that I’ve been wanting, amongst other opportunities. You’re the first person I’ve told about this, so please don’t spread it okay? I trust you.”
He waits for Kyungsoo to respond before he goes off into his own little world, speaking out loud but more to himself than to Kyungsoo. “It would be interesting to see if the rumors are true. I can already see the headlines,” he says. Luhan grabs a pencil and uses it as a pretend mic and stares at Kyungsoo.
“Look out Mysterious Dyo,” He pauses for dramatic effect and then continues, “There’s someone here to steal your title.” He finishes, looking Kyungsoo directly in the eye.
Kyungsoo knows that he should just ignore Luhan (who is now laughing unattractively), but nevertheless, a small fragment of uneasiness settles in him. He opts for reaching over the table to punch Luhan in the arm instead. This does make him feel a little bit better, but the fragment of unease remains all the same.
/ / / / /
Kyungsoo wakes to the sound of his shrill alarm beeping in loud, relentless rhythmic segments that echo throughout the small apartment. He slowly lifts his head from the makeshift pillow of his arm. He’d fallen asleep on the couch again, he realizes as he sits up and rubs the back of his neck, trying to soothe away the soreness from sleeping in such an awkward position. Yawning, he rubs at his eyes with the palms of his hands and then stands up and stumbles sleepily to locate the shrill alarm that’s somewhere in his bedroom.
It’s 9:04.
Kyungsoo blinks, once, twice, before setting the alarm back on his bedside table. He turns stumbles sleepily into the kitchen. It seems that Joonmyun, with whom he shares the apartment, has already been up and left for school, judging by the coffee that’s still hot in the coffee pot and the note with “Don’t forget to eat breakfast before you go” written in Joonmyun’s tidy handwriting.
Kyungsoo suddenly remembers that he doesn’t exactly have much time left and hurries to get ready. Today is Tuesday, the day he volunteers at his uncle’s animal clinic, otherwise known as his busy day.
He leaves the apartment exactly 30 minutes later.
Kyungsoo mounts his bike and takes off. After he checks his watch, he begins to pedal a little faster since he’s running a little bit later than he’d like, but he’s certain his uncle won’t mind. Kyungsoo is fairly certain that there aren’t very many appointments for today.
He uses this reasoning as an excuse to slow down a bit, careful to pedal slowly through large puddles of rainwater leftover from last night’s storm. The streets are mostly empty and devoid of people due to the stormy grey clouds that threaten even more rain this morning. Kyungsoo likes when the weather is like this; the rain is always needed. He decides to do as Joonmyun suggested and stops to grab something to eat for breakfast.
“Did you hear about the new circus?”
Kyungsoo, busy thinking of where would be the quickest place to grab a bite to eat suddenly overhears two women chatting on the sidewalk. He realizes Luhan isn’t the only one who has heard the rumors about the so called new circus.
“A new circus, establishing itself here? That’s ridiculous.” The second woman responds, dismissing her friend.
Kyungsoo has to agree with her. The likelihood of a new circus gathering here is ridiculous. He continues riding through the streets in search of much needed food, putting the thought of the new circus into the back of his mind, forgetting about it for the time being.
He’s busy paying for a donut and a small bottle of milk when he hears a scream. Kyungsoo exchanges a puzzled look with the cashier before he grabs the bag of food and his bike and walks around the corner to see what is causing the fuss.
At first glance, everything seems fine, besides the small group of people standing around. Kyungsoo is about to ask the person nearest to him a question when he notices that everyone is staring upwards in horror. Kyungsoo looks up, too, and his eyes widen. He sees a boy about his age standing with his arms crossed in the middle of a clothesline strung between two apartment buildings, on what is at least 15 stories up.
It’s the boy’s clothes that surprise Kyungsoo. The boy is dressed casually, in plain skinny jeans and a printed band t-shirt; even his shoes are plain everyday Converse ™ sneakers. The only thing that truly stands out is the copious amount of eye liner around the boy’s eyes and the black jacket he wears, which has a series of tiny silver mirrors sewn in various places and more zippers than seems necessary.
The boy scans the crowd, almost as if looking for someone. He then bows his head as a polite gesture to his audience although this only causes everyone to hold their breath as the wire he’s balancing on begins to shake underneath his weight. The boy stands up straight and smiles down at them before he begins his performance.
The act, in Kyungsoo’s opinion, is very basic. It’s only the height that helps convey great interest, until towards the end, that is, when the boy does a handstand on the rope. Kyungsoo realizes with a slight jolt that this is the boy Luhan had been so adamant about. Although no one else can see it, Kyungsoo knows that this is no ordinary boy.
Just then, the boy slips. The crowd gasps and watches in horror as he falls. People all around him scream incoherent words that take Kyungsoo some time to recognize as, “Someone, catch him!” Kyungsoo stands rooted to the spot, unsure of what to do as he watches in equal horror. He doesn’t even realize that’s he’s shouted.
“No!” His own voice sounds foreign to his ears.
Never before has Kyungsoo used his gifts on people, but before he has time to think, the boy grabs a second, nearly invisible wire that is about 10 floors below the first one. He hoists himself up with practiced ease into a sitting position on the wire, and then he carefully stands. Again, he scans the crowd before repeating his earlier bow. This time, the bow is more of a polite nod of his head, and he waits until even those who had closed their eyes open them to stare up at him, clearly astonished.
“Thank you, ladies and gentlemen,” The boy says, though there is a slight wobble in his voice.
He says no more and does a real bow this time. At that moment, the sun comes out from behind the clouds. The various tiny mirrors sewn into the boy’s jacket reflect the sunrays and cause a strong gleam of light to flash. In the blink of an eye, the boy is gone. The crowd erupts with clapping and shouts of praise. Kyungsoo looks around him, still unsure of what to think. Only when his hands go numb does he release the strong grip he has on the handlebars of his bicycle.
Kyungsoo shakes his head and rides off, he’s beyond late now.
/ / / / /
When Kyungsoo stumbles through the apartment door later that night, he’s clutching his upper arm due to a misfortunate and rather nasty encounter with one of the animals earlier that day. Kyungsoo leans against the kitchen counter for support as he begins to slowly unwrap the bandage around his arm to reveal the damage. There’s a nasty bite wound, but it’s not too bad.
“How was the performance?”
Kyungsoo looks over his shoulder. Joonmyun, sitting at the small table in the kitchen, calmly sips from a steaming cup.
“I wish you wouldn’t appear like that,” Kyungsoo says. He turns back to the sink, turns the water on and cleans the wound. After he turns off the tap, he places a hand over the wound. He spends the next few minutes standing with his eyes closed and taking deep breaths. When he moves his hand, the wound is no longer there.
Kyungsoo stands with his eyes closed for a moment longer. When he opens them, he notices another shirt on the counter for him, but when he turns to thank Joonmyun, Joonmyun is no longer in the kitchen. He now sits cross legged on the living room couch instead. His attention is on a laptop he holds. When Kyungsoo enters the room, Joonmyun doesn’t look up, but there is a small smile on his lips.
“I didn’t hear or read anything on the news,” Joonmyun says, distractedly, as he begins to type. “Did something happen to Luhan?”
“Clearly, you’ve heard something; otherwise you wouldn’t be asking me about the performance,” Kyungsoo answers. He isn’t in the mood to think about Luhan at the moment, especially after it had taken most of his morning to shake off the questions and repeated sayings of “isn’t it amazing we both got to see it in person! I even recorded it!”
He also doesn’t want to think about of the boy either; much to his dismay, that small fragment of uneasiness inside has grown.
Kyungsoo sits in the loveseat on opposite side of the coffee table, choosing to ignore Joonmyun as he pulls books from his bag. A slightly oversized business card falls out. Kyungsoo picks it up and gazes at it with a curious expression.
“Kim Jongdae,” Kyungsoo reads aloud, staring at the large golden cursive handwriting on the back of the card. It is a direct contrast to the front of the card, on which the word Ringleader is embossed in a square-ish solid block font. There’s neither a number nor any other source of information on the card.
He flicks the card onto the coffee table.
“You haven’t answer my question.” Joonmyun says.
“I don’t intend to,” Kyungsoo replies, hoping that Joonmyun will let the subject drop. Joonmyun briefly looks up from his laptop and gives him a look that suggests he’s going to say something that Kyungsoo doesn’t want to hear.
“So, you’re not afraid that someone is, in fact, here to steal your title?”
Kyungsoo feels a tiny pang of uneasiness settle in his stomach, again, but he pushes away the feeling.
“You’re also worried about who this Ringleader Jongdae is and how you’ve got his interest, right?”
Once again it is almost as if Joonmyun can read his everything he’s thinking, although Kyungsoo has to admit he hasn’t exactly done a good job of hiding how he feels about this, via his sulky attitude. Kyungsoo knows he’s being coy, but he picks up the business card, holding it between his index finger and thumb. He frowns at the card, and it bursts into flames. Kyungsoo lets it drop onto the white marble of the table.
The card burns steadily until he waves a hand over it. The fire goes out with a hiss, and all traces of the card are gone except for a light scorch mark that’s left on the table.
“I’m going to bed,” Kyungsoo announces. He picks up his books and retreats to his room.
Joonmyun sighs, shaking his head and shutting his laptop. He puts it aside, taking out pen and paper. He writes a short note and tapes it to the refrigerator before he heads toward the door. He stops to pull on a pair of worn tennis shoes and leaves. The door clicks shut behind him.
/ / / / /
Over the next few days, no matter how or where Kyungsoo tries to dispose of the strange business card, it shows up again, in perfect condition, brand new, and stark white. He also can’t shake the feeling that he’s being watched.
Kyungsoo stands in the transit train, waiting for his stop. He pulls out the card to give it another look over.
“Busy today, isn’t it?”
Kyungsoo glances at the tall stranger standing next to him. He mumbles a quick “yeah” in response before returning his attention back to the card. Much to his surprise, it is changing. Kyungsoo watches as the word ringleader slowly changes into the phrase fire performer. Kyungsoo flips over the card. The name listed is no longer Kim Jongdae; it now reads Park Chanyeol. Kyungsoo looks at the stranger again. He is busy flipping through today’s newspaper. Now that Kyungsoo thinks about it, he seems oddly familiar.
“Not a thing about Baekhyun, yet?” The stranger asks. He sounds surprised, but says nothing else and continues to flip through the newspaper.
“Baekhyun?” Kyungsoo repeats, staring at the card.
“Mmm hmm,” murmurs the stranger whose name, Kyungsoo thinks, has been foretold by the card. Kyungsoo looks up when the stranger speaks again. “He’s the tightrope walker.”
The stranger turns another page in the newspaper before he shakes his head, refolds it, and tucks it underneath his arm. He then stares at Kyungsoo with a raised brow. Kyungsoo realizes where he remembers seeing this boy; he was in the crowd the day of the performance. His red hair is easy to recognize, not to mention his height.
“Are you an acquaintance of his?” Kyungsoo asks, making sure to keep his tone light.
“I guess you could say that,” The redhead tilts his head. “Well, no, it’s something more,” he pauses for a moment, thinking, and finishes with “stronger.” He glances around the busy transit and says, “Anyway, we can’t talk here. Come with me.”
The train comes to a stop, and they depart. For a few minutes, the two men walk in silence, seemingly in no particular direction. They’re in the middle of an empty street when the taller of the two, Chanyeol, stops suddenly and turns to Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo glances around, this seems like an odd place to talk but he doesn’t complain.
“Let’s cut to the chase, you know who I am-I saw that the card told you that-but you don’t know why I’m here,” Chanyeol says, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “I’m here to offer you a proposition.”
“Go on,” Kyungsoo says.
“I’m sure you’ve heard of the New Circus going around,” Chanyeol says and waits for Kyungsoo to nod before he continues. “Well, in truth, the performances were just a way to get your attention. Jongdae has known about you for quite some time.”
Kyungsoo frowns but says nothing as he nods once more.
“Would you like to join us?” Chanyeol asks. At this, Kyungsoo looks up at him in surprise.
“No,” he says and shakes his head. “I’m not interested.”
“I’m not surprised,” Chanyeol says. Crossing his arms over his chest, he gives Kyungsoo a searching look. “From what I’ve heard about you, I can tell you’re the type that needs convincing.”
“Convincing?” Kyungsoo repeats dryly. “Convincing about what?”
“Yes, convincing,” repeats Chanyeol. “You’re the type that needs convincing that the circus isn’t some freak show, or a place of, as you called it, ‘clever tricks.’ It’s not like that at all. It’s a place to call home.” Chanyeol glances up at the sky at the sound of distant thunder, noticing the flashing forks of lightning in the distance.
“What else have you heard about me?” Kyungsoo asks.
“Not much, actually,” Chanyeol says, looking up at the sky. “But, I do know that you’re afraid,” he continues. He stands still a few moments, watching the sky with his brow furrowing slightly.
“I hate the rain,” he mumbles and looks around nervously.
“I’m--” Kyungsoo stops himself. Chanyeol has just give name to the uneasy feeling he’s been having lately; it is fear.
“We’re all afraid of something,” Chanyeol says, a bit too cheerfully. “Tell me, Kyungsoo. Have you ever had days were you couldn’t get your powers to work? Or times where, when you’re angry, your powers become unstable? Kind of like the weather we’ve been having lately,” Chanyeol nods towards the sky. “It’s been pretty strange, don’t you think?”
Kyungsoo stares at him uncomprehending for a moment, and then his brain makes the connection. Chanyeol sees the change, and pats Kyungsoo on the shoulder.
“Well, to make a long story short, the New Circus will help you learn to control that and better your own abilities. Think about it, Kyungsoo,” Chanyeol says. He turns and walks toward a house that has a few lights on, but otherwise, looks unremarkable.
“You know where to find us if you do get interested,” Chanyeol chuckles at his own joke as he walks up to the open front door. He turns and gives Kyungsoo a small wave before walking inside and shutting the door behind him.
/ / / / /
Kyungsoo sits near the back of his favourite coffee shop next to a large window, studying. Despite the heavy rain outside, the shop has a comfortable atmosphere, and the gentle sounds of conversations and cups clinking on plates lure him into a sense of peace. It’s something he hasn’t felt in a few days. He still can’t shake the feeling that he is being watched, but he doesn’t let it bother him today. He takes in a deep breath of contentment and closes his eyes. When he opens them a second later, Joonmyun is sliding into the seat across from him.
Joonmyun carefully sets his steaming cup of coffee (black) on the table. He takes off his coat, but Kyungsoo doesn’t even have a chance to say hello before Joonmyun leans forward and stretches his hand toward the middle of the table. His fingertips grasp at nothing, yet when he turns over his hand, he’s holding a tarot card between his index and middle fingers.
Joonmyun lays the card face up on the table and leans back. He picks up his cup, rests his elbows on the table, and takes a careful sip of his coffee while watching Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo looks at the card.
The Inverted Man. Kyungsoo knows that this card can be interpreted in different ways although, admittedly, he’s never been good at reading tarot cards. This card, however, is distinctive in his memory because from what he can remember, it represents neither a good nor a bad omen, but is important nevertheless.
Kyungsoo bites back the question of whether the card had been revealed in its inverted state. He decides he would rather not know, and spends the next couple of minutes trying to decipher the card’s meaning in relation to his current situation. Inverted, what position it would have in a full spread of cards, there’s really a lot to consider. Joonmyun waits patiently.
“Is this what you’ve been doing the past few days?” Kyungsoo asks, finally breaking the silence.
“Partially,” Joonmyun replies. “I was also busy with other things.”
Kyungsoo raises a brow. Joonmyun doesn’t specify, so Kyungsoo doesn’t pry. He looks out at the steadily falling rain as it thumps rhythmically against the glass.
“I was offered a proposition yesterday afternoon,” Kyungsoo admits. “Involving the new circus. I said I wasn’t interested, but they’re giving me time to reconsider.” Joonmyun considers his words for a moment before speaking.
“What’s the real reason you've stopped performing?” When Kyungsoo doesn’t respond, Joonmyun asks, “Is it because your powers have been wavering as of late?”
Kyungsoo dislikes how their small chat is starting to echo the conversation he had had with Chanyeol.
“I can figure out my problem on my own, and besides I’m doing well in my studies,” Kyungsoo says. “And can you imagine me in stage make up?” He adds as an afterthought. “I’d look ridiculous.”
“You and I both know that's a pretty weak excuse,” Joonmyun looks at him with an amused expression and then continues, “I’m going to tell you from experience: being stubborn isn’t going to help you solve your little under the weather problem.”
Joonmyun picks up his cup and takes a sip, but discovers the coffee has gone cold. He makes a face and gives the cup a gently shake. Steam instantly begins to rise from the cup. He takes another sip and smiles as he continues talking.
“The world hasn't seen nor heard from the Mysterious Dyo in almost 5 months now, and the world is starting to get a little bit...” Joonmyun’s eyes wander towards the front of the cafe to where Luhan is standing and busy chatting with the barrister. “Curious,” Joonmyun finishes. He puts down his empty cup, still eyeing Luhan.
“It won’t be long until people will begin to pry,” Joonmyun warns. He starts to put on his coat. Luhan sees the movement from the corner of his eye, and looks over to where Kyungsoo and Joonmyun are sitting and waves at them enthusiastically. Neither wave back, although Joonmyun gives him a tight smile.
“You need to really think seriously about your decision,” Joonmyun says softly. He stands up, as Luhan reaches their table. “I’ll see you later,” he says and leaves. Luhan quickly slides into the seat Joonmyun has just left and shakes rainwater from his hair.
“Weird weather we’re having,” Luhan says. Kyungsoo really wishes everyone would stop talking about the damn weather. It’s not that unusual, he thinks.
“Yeah,” Kyungsoo says instead, and returns his attention to his books. He notices Luhan has that look again, the one that suggests he knows a little more than he should.
“I got my story,” Luhan says.
“Really, how did the video go?” Kyungsoo replies, giving up on his books for the moment.
“The video didn’t really work out,” Luhan says slumping in his chair.
“Why not?” Kyungsoo can’t help but to ask.
Luhan pulls a laptop from his bag and sits it carefully on the table. He opens it and after a few moments, he turns the computer toward Kyungsoo and scoots his chair around to Kyungsoo’s side of the table.
“It’s easier to show it to you,” Luhan says. He taps the keyboard, and the video starts to play.
Kyungsoo watches a crowd of people stare upwards at the tightrope walker. After a few seconds, Kyungsoo sees one person standing not too far from the camera turn his head and look directly at the camera for a few seconds before returning his attention to Baekhyun. The video goes statically and then black soon after.
Kyungsoo hits the rewind button, the moment when the person looks at the camera is so brief that he almost misses it, but he manages to pause it just in time. There’s no mistaking it, the person staring at the camera is Chanyeol.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what has happened to Luhan’s video. Luhan, however, still looks disappointed as Kyungsoo closes the laptop. Luhan takes it and puts back into his bag.
“I still got my wish, though,” Luhan says cheerfully. “I am the first to write a story about it, but I still don’t have any picture-proof aside from the beginning, and you can barely see him.” Luhan sighs. “Oh well, I guess a person can’t have everything.”
/ / / / /
When Kyungsoo finally makes up his mind and arrives at the house, he’s specifically looking for Chanyeol. He wants to ask him a few more questions.
Kyungsoo looks up at the large midnight blue door and like he’s done a few times before, he considers turning back and spending the following days pretending that he didn’t almost give into temptation. He also notices that it hasn’t rained today, though dark grey clouds are still present. He shakes his head; it’s not like he’s actually here to join. He just has a few questions and he raises his hand and knocks on the door again. This time, the door opens slightly. Baekhyun sticks his head out and looks at him.
“Oh, you came back sooner than I thought you would.”
Kyungsoo thinks that this is an odd choice of words considering the articles that are now spreading across the internet about the new nameless rival to Mysterious Dyo (he has Luhan to thank for that) and considering this is their first official meeting. Judging by the wide-eyed way Baekhyun is staring at him, though, Kyungsoo figures Baekhyun either hasn’t read the articles or he doesn’t care that Kyungsoo’s his ‘rival’. Kyungsoo prefers to think that it’s not the latter.
Baekhyun opens the door wider and gestures for Kyungsoo to come in.
“You came just in time; I want to show you something,” Baekhyun says, pushing Kyungsoo into the kitchen of the house and then out another door that leads to an extremely large backyard.
The two stand on the porch, and Baekhyun points toward Chanyeol who is standing directly in the middle of the yard. There is a small ring of fire around him. The fire begins to grow steadily, and slowly turns from red to white flames.
Kyungsoo feels that this is a somewhat private moment meant to be between Baekhyun and Chanyeol, but he can't bring himself to look away. He is mesmerized by the flames that are now taking the form of what he assumes is a dragon of some sort.
Chanyeol slowly raises his hands and the fire dragon begins to rise from the ground. Chanyeol’s hands begin to shake and the dragon’s wings stretch too quickly sending a shower of sparks flying in every direction. Kyungsoo takes a step back, but Baekhyun watches without flinching, despite several of the flames landing near his feet.
The dragon turns its head in their direction, but before anything can really catch fire, sprinklers in the yard turn on and they all watch as the dragon hisses as it fades away to smoke and glowing embers in the dirt.
“Too much energy.” Baekhyun says.
Chanyeol, who still has his hands outstretched, is currently getting soaked by the sprinklers. After a few moments, he drops his hands to his side, fists clenched, and takes a deep breath. The air around them feels heavy and humid.
“This must be what it feels like to be on the inside of an oven,” Baekhyun says, flipping the switch to the sprinklers so they shut off.
“I just can't seem to get it right,” Chanyeol says as he pushes his wet hair off his forehead with his other hand. He turns toward Baekhyun. “Why can't I control it? It shouldn’t--” He stops talking when he notices Kyungsoo standing there and blinks in surprise.
“When did you get here?” Chanyeol asks. Clearly, he hadn’t expected Kyungsoo to return so soon either.
“He's been here the whole time,” Baekhyun says.
Chanyeol gives Baekhyun a look before he pushes past him. Kyungsoo over hears him mutter to Baekhyun that they’ll talk later, and he goes inside the house.
“Sorry,” Baekhyun says. “He always gets like this when he--”
“I was under the impression that all of you knew what you were doing,” Kyungsoo interrupts.
Baekhyun shrugs.
“We know our limits, but it doesn't mean we don't try to push the boundaries of what we can do,” he says. “That’s the reason I wanted you to see Chanyeol. To show you we’re not here to be perfect.” At that moment, Kyungsoo realizes that Baekhyun is idly playing with a tarot card as he flips it effortlessly between his fingers.
Kyungsoo pats his pockets. They’re empty. His suspicion is true: that’s his card, the one that Joonmyun had given him.
“How did you get that?” Kyungsoo demands.
“You see,” Baekhyun balances the card on the tip of his finger, and it begins to spin in circles. As it spins, it also begins to glow brightly, and then it disappears completely. “The New Circus isn’t just a place for fun and games. It’s a place to grow and learn in a safe environment.”
Baekhyun pulls out a deck of cards with backs that are identical to the one on Kyungsoo’s card and shuffles them. He pulls out ten cards and hands them to Kyungsoo.
Kyungsoo holds the cards so that neither he nor Baekhyun can see the faces of the cards as he holds them spread out for Baekhyun.
Baekhyun picks a card and holds it up for Kyungsoo to see.
“Is this your card?” he asks, and Kyungsoo nods.
“Still The Inverted Man, huh?” Baekhyun nods, knowingly. “Well,” he continues, “this just means the choice is still yours to make.”
Kyungsoo thinks about Baekhyun’s words before he reaches out his hand and takes back his card.
“Oh look, the clouds are starting to clear up,” Baekhyun observes. Kyungsoo looks up, and sure enough, there’s is a hint of sun as the clouds slowly start to part.
Baekhyun shows him around the house; there’s really not much to see besides a few pieces of furniture and tons of boxes. Much to his surprise, he learns that Chanyeol and Baekhyun are also attending college, his college to be exact.
“We’re a New Circus, Kyungsoo.” Baekhyun says as he leads him to a room that Kyungsoo assumes is Jongdae’s office. “We haven’t even gotten our main office set up yet.”
Chanyeol stands beside a large dark oak wood desk and glances at them before he returns his attention to the large pile of papers on the desk. He is searching through them.
“Your limbs are still attached,” Chanyeol comments to Baekhyun. He picks up a paper and lays it on top of a black briefcase and then continues sorting through the other papers. “So I take it your talk went well?”
Baekhyun picks his way around the boxes and stops near the desk. He looks down and scans the paper resting on the briefcase.
“Yeah, it went alright,” he says. “And, you misspelled a word.”
“What word?” Chanyeol pauses to look.
“This one,” Baekhyun pulls a red pen from the air and circles a word. Chanyeol exclaims as Baekhyun points out another mistake.
Kyungsoo leaves them to it and explores the rest of the room. He stops to look at a bookshelf that has a few pictures on the shelves and a couple of trinkets. A small Polaroid picture catches Kyungsoo’s attention and he picks it up to get a closer look.
“So when do I get to meet Jongdae?” Kyungsoo asks, slipping the photo into his pocket.
“Whenever he decides to meet you,” Chanyeol answers without looking up from his paper. “He’s been out of town on business. He should be back later tonight, though.”
Kyungsoo nods and changes the subject. He asks Chanyeol about the fire dragon, but he can’t dismiss the feeling that he’s being watched so easily.
/ / / / /
Tonight there aren’t very many people on the bus. Kyungsoo’s just about to dose off when someone speaks beside him.
“Have you made up your mind yet?”
Kyungsoo’s eyes fly open and Jongdae (he recognizes him from the pictures in the office) sits down next to him. He looks younger in person, Kyungsoo thinks, but says nothing.
Jongdae seems to agree that silence, in this case, is the better option, and the two ride without speaking. The bus pulls to a stop, and Kyungsoo turns to look at Jongdae.
“I’ve decided to accept your offer.”
Jongdae smiles, and they both get off the bus. Joonmyun is on his bike, waiting at the bus stop. Baekhyun and Chanyeol are standing beside him. Kyungsoo remembers the Polaroid in Jongdae’s office, and he turns to Joonmyun.
“You’ve known all along who Jongdae is; why didn’t you say anything?” he asks.
“You didn’t ask, and I didn’t want to influence your decision,” Joonmyun replies.
“So this means you’re also a part of the New Circus?” Kyungsoo asks, and Joonmyun shrugs.
“Not as a performer,” he says. “I’m perfectly ok with where I’m at in terms of my magic, thanks.” Jongdae nods.
“I’ve been trying to get him to do more with his gifts besides making it rain at will for years, but he’s even more stubborn than you are.” Jongdae crosses his arms over his chest and grins widely.
“Make it rain?” Kyungsoo mutters, and something in his brain clicks into place. He looks at Joonmyun. “What was that about not wanting to influence my deci--“
“We decided to celebrate your official joining of the New Circus!” Baekhyun interrupts. He slings his arm over Kyungsoo’s shoulders. Chanyeol rolls his eyes, but he laughs as Kyungsoo tries to shrug him off. But Baekhyun is persistent. Kyungsoo resorts to elbowing him in the stomach instead, and Baekhyun releases him.
/ / / / /
Kyungsoo, Chanyeol, Joonmyun, Baekhyun, and Jongdae are at a restaurant. They are seated and have their food brought to them fairly quickly. Kyungsoo looks around the table. The others are laughing at some joke that Chanyeol has just told. Baekhyun sits beside him and keeps stealing pieces of food off his and Chanyeol’s plates. Although it’s a little annoying, Kyungsoo finds he doesn’t mind very much.
Kyungsoo briefly wonders what Luhan’s would report if he saw the Mysterious Dyo hanging out with his rival, the one who has been out to steal his title. He also wonders what he is going to do when Luhan learns that he is now a part of the New Circus.
“Kyungsoo which do you prefer?” Baekhyun says turning towards him, “Flashy clothing or simple for performances?” Kyungsoo makes a face at the terrifying image of him in a poufy shirt and god forbid tights.
“I prefer simple but I am telling you all now.” Kyungsoo points his chopsticks at the group. “There’s no way in hell I’m putting on a pair of tights,” he says with a challenging look in his eye.
Joonmyun laughs from where he’s sitting beside Jongdae, and Chanyeol looks at Jongdae. Judging from the expression on his face, this was something that had obviously never crossed his mind.
“We won’t really have to wear tights, right?” Chanyeol asks, a little too loudly, and Jongdae grins at him mysteriously. Chanyeol begins to shake his head, “No. I’m not doing it either. There is absolutely no way.”
Baekhyun begins to whine loudly that being the tightrope walker of the group, this form of punishment would most like fall onto him since Chanyeol is a fire performer and Kyungsoo is an illusionist. Kyungsoo can’t help but to laugh as Baekhyun begins to demand that they change his title and Chanyeol begins to ask questions about what’s considered proper circus attire, anyway.
They really do have a long, long way to go; but Kyungsoo feels the small fragment that was once fear turn into excitement. He can’t wait to see how it all plays out.
Author: miook
Recipient: doyouseemeyet
Pairing/Focus: D.O centric (hinted at Baekhyun/Chanyeol)
Rating: PG
Warnings: use of tarot cards
Length: 6,518
Summary: There’s a new performer in town, and rumor has it he’s after Kyungsoo’s title.
“There’s going to be a new circus in town.”
Kyungsoo rolls his eyes, muttering whatever under his breath. He takes a seat across from Luhan at the study table. “It is too early in the morning and I haven’t had nearly enough coffee nor enough interest to discuss something as trivial as the circus being in town.”
Luhan, an aspiring reporter always on the lookout for interesting stories, clearly disagrees. If he hears the evident disinterest in Kyungsoo’s voice, he chooses to ignore it and continues speaking anyway.
“No, you don’t understand,” Luhan says, peering over his laptop. “It’s new, like, so new that they’re looking for fortune tellers, illusionists, fire eaters--you know, the whole deal.”
Kyungsoo resists the urge to roll his eyes again. It’s not that he doesn’t like the circus, he just prefers his own performances instead of the circus performers’ clever tricks. He keeps his own performances so seldom and spontaneous, there’s even a sense of mystery that now accompanies his chosen stage name, Dyo.
“Speaking of illusionist,” Kyungsoo says, trying to change the subject. “Mysterious Dyo has appeared again.” He clicks on an article titled “Mysterious Illusionist Dyo has Struck Again!”
It’s another update dedicated to his secret persona. There’s nothing written but praise and comments speculating on when and where he’s going to appear next. Kyungsoo can’t help but to grin; he performs when he wants to--it’s really just as simple as that.
“I heard he performed in France last week,” Luhan says, staring at him hopefully.
Kyungsoo’s attention strays as he thinks about the trip he made with his family to France last week during his break. He didn’t want to go at first, reasoning that he’d rather stay home and help his uncle at the animal clinic, but his mother had been able to convince him to go at the last minute.
He had thought it would be fun to perform in a foreign country, but what he hadn’t anticipated was the large crowd his performance would draw. He had been rather careless with his means of disguise that day, opting for a simple fedora and pair of his mother’s large dark sunglasses.
This is one reason he is now checking the online articles so thoroughly, but so far, his search has only resulted in blurred pictures or photos that are somewhat too obscure to make out any distinctive features. Still, he’s glad he hadn’t been too careless and hadn’t gone with his first idea, which was to make a grand appearance in front of, or even worse, inside the Eiffel Tower.
“Hello, I asked you a question,” Luhan says, snapping his fingers in front of Kyungsoo’s face. “Did you get to see Dyo perform?”
“I’m sorry,” Kyungsoo replies, as he snaps out of his train of thought. “And, no.”
Luhan is giving him ‘the look.’ Kyungsoo thinks Luhan almost looks as if he knows something he shouldn’t, but after a moment or so, he sees his friend’s shoulders sag in disappointment.
“That’s a pity. I was hoping to get a firsthand account on him, especially after the appearance of that new guy.”
Kyungsoo, who is used to ignoring Luhan outside the classroom and studies discussions, stops swiveling around in his chair and really looks at Luhan.
“What new guy?”
“There’s rumor of a new anonymous street performer--a tightrope walker or something. There really isn’t a lot of information about him. He only showed up a week ago.” Luhan runs one of his hands through his light blonde hair, and pushes it off his forehead. He’s pulled another all-nighter for the sake of his precious research, judging from the bags underneath his eyes.
“It’s not much, I’m going to keep my eye on it because I want to be the first to report it on him.” Luhan says, gently shutting his laptop before leaning back in his chair. A familiar gleam of excitement appears in his eyes, the one that suggests he knows a little more than he should.
As Kyungsoo studies Luhan’s expression, he can’t help but to wonder when his friend’s obsession for being first to get a new story will turn, and he’ll start going for mysterious identity exposure next.
“Just think of all the endless possibilities,” Luhan sits up suddenly, as if just remembering that Kyungsoo is in the room and levels him with an excited stare. “I would more than likely get that internship that I’ve been wanting, amongst other opportunities. You’re the first person I’ve told about this, so please don’t spread it okay? I trust you.”
He waits for Kyungsoo to respond before he goes off into his own little world, speaking out loud but more to himself than to Kyungsoo. “It would be interesting to see if the rumors are true. I can already see the headlines,” he says. Luhan grabs a pencil and uses it as a pretend mic and stares at Kyungsoo.
“Look out Mysterious Dyo,” He pauses for dramatic effect and then continues, “There’s someone here to steal your title.” He finishes, looking Kyungsoo directly in the eye.
Kyungsoo knows that he should just ignore Luhan (who is now laughing unattractively), but nevertheless, a small fragment of uneasiness settles in him. He opts for reaching over the table to punch Luhan in the arm instead. This does make him feel a little bit better, but the fragment of unease remains all the same.
/ / / / /
Kyungsoo wakes to the sound of his shrill alarm beeping in loud, relentless rhythmic segments that echo throughout the small apartment. He slowly lifts his head from the makeshift pillow of his arm. He’d fallen asleep on the couch again, he realizes as he sits up and rubs the back of his neck, trying to soothe away the soreness from sleeping in such an awkward position. Yawning, he rubs at his eyes with the palms of his hands and then stands up and stumbles sleepily to locate the shrill alarm that’s somewhere in his bedroom.
It’s 9:04.
Kyungsoo blinks, once, twice, before setting the alarm back on his bedside table. He turns stumbles sleepily into the kitchen. It seems that Joonmyun, with whom he shares the apartment, has already been up and left for school, judging by the coffee that’s still hot in the coffee pot and the note with “Don’t forget to eat breakfast before you go” written in Joonmyun’s tidy handwriting.
Kyungsoo suddenly remembers that he doesn’t exactly have much time left and hurries to get ready. Today is Tuesday, the day he volunteers at his uncle’s animal clinic, otherwise known as his busy day.
He leaves the apartment exactly 30 minutes later.
Kyungsoo mounts his bike and takes off. After he checks his watch, he begins to pedal a little faster since he’s running a little bit later than he’d like, but he’s certain his uncle won’t mind. Kyungsoo is fairly certain that there aren’t very many appointments for today.
He uses this reasoning as an excuse to slow down a bit, careful to pedal slowly through large puddles of rainwater leftover from last night’s storm. The streets are mostly empty and devoid of people due to the stormy grey clouds that threaten even more rain this morning. Kyungsoo likes when the weather is like this; the rain is always needed. He decides to do as Joonmyun suggested and stops to grab something to eat for breakfast.
“Did you hear about the new circus?”
Kyungsoo, busy thinking of where would be the quickest place to grab a bite to eat suddenly overhears two women chatting on the sidewalk. He realizes Luhan isn’t the only one who has heard the rumors about the so called new circus.
“A new circus, establishing itself here? That’s ridiculous.” The second woman responds, dismissing her friend.
Kyungsoo has to agree with her. The likelihood of a new circus gathering here is ridiculous. He continues riding through the streets in search of much needed food, putting the thought of the new circus into the back of his mind, forgetting about it for the time being.
He’s busy paying for a donut and a small bottle of milk when he hears a scream. Kyungsoo exchanges a puzzled look with the cashier before he grabs the bag of food and his bike and walks around the corner to see what is causing the fuss.
At first glance, everything seems fine, besides the small group of people standing around. Kyungsoo is about to ask the person nearest to him a question when he notices that everyone is staring upwards in horror. Kyungsoo looks up, too, and his eyes widen. He sees a boy about his age standing with his arms crossed in the middle of a clothesline strung between two apartment buildings, on what is at least 15 stories up.
It’s the boy’s clothes that surprise Kyungsoo. The boy is dressed casually, in plain skinny jeans and a printed band t-shirt; even his shoes are plain everyday Converse ™ sneakers. The only thing that truly stands out is the copious amount of eye liner around the boy’s eyes and the black jacket he wears, which has a series of tiny silver mirrors sewn in various places and more zippers than seems necessary.
The boy scans the crowd, almost as if looking for someone. He then bows his head as a polite gesture to his audience although this only causes everyone to hold their breath as the wire he’s balancing on begins to shake underneath his weight. The boy stands up straight and smiles down at them before he begins his performance.
The act, in Kyungsoo’s opinion, is very basic. It’s only the height that helps convey great interest, until towards the end, that is, when the boy does a handstand on the rope. Kyungsoo realizes with a slight jolt that this is the boy Luhan had been so adamant about. Although no one else can see it, Kyungsoo knows that this is no ordinary boy.
Just then, the boy slips. The crowd gasps and watches in horror as he falls. People all around him scream incoherent words that take Kyungsoo some time to recognize as, “Someone, catch him!” Kyungsoo stands rooted to the spot, unsure of what to do as he watches in equal horror. He doesn’t even realize that’s he’s shouted.
“No!” His own voice sounds foreign to his ears.
Never before has Kyungsoo used his gifts on people, but before he has time to think, the boy grabs a second, nearly invisible wire that is about 10 floors below the first one. He hoists himself up with practiced ease into a sitting position on the wire, and then he carefully stands. Again, he scans the crowd before repeating his earlier bow. This time, the bow is more of a polite nod of his head, and he waits until even those who had closed their eyes open them to stare up at him, clearly astonished.
“Thank you, ladies and gentlemen,” The boy says, though there is a slight wobble in his voice.
He says no more and does a real bow this time. At that moment, the sun comes out from behind the clouds. The various tiny mirrors sewn into the boy’s jacket reflect the sunrays and cause a strong gleam of light to flash. In the blink of an eye, the boy is gone. The crowd erupts with clapping and shouts of praise. Kyungsoo looks around him, still unsure of what to think. Only when his hands go numb does he release the strong grip he has on the handlebars of his bicycle.
Kyungsoo shakes his head and rides off, he’s beyond late now.
/ / / / /
When Kyungsoo stumbles through the apartment door later that night, he’s clutching his upper arm due to a misfortunate and rather nasty encounter with one of the animals earlier that day. Kyungsoo leans against the kitchen counter for support as he begins to slowly unwrap the bandage around his arm to reveal the damage. There’s a nasty bite wound, but it’s not too bad.
“How was the performance?”
Kyungsoo looks over his shoulder. Joonmyun, sitting at the small table in the kitchen, calmly sips from a steaming cup.
“I wish you wouldn’t appear like that,” Kyungsoo says. He turns back to the sink, turns the water on and cleans the wound. After he turns off the tap, he places a hand over the wound. He spends the next few minutes standing with his eyes closed and taking deep breaths. When he moves his hand, the wound is no longer there.
Kyungsoo stands with his eyes closed for a moment longer. When he opens them, he notices another shirt on the counter for him, but when he turns to thank Joonmyun, Joonmyun is no longer in the kitchen. He now sits cross legged on the living room couch instead. His attention is on a laptop he holds. When Kyungsoo enters the room, Joonmyun doesn’t look up, but there is a small smile on his lips.
“I didn’t hear or read anything on the news,” Joonmyun says, distractedly, as he begins to type. “Did something happen to Luhan?”
“Clearly, you’ve heard something; otherwise you wouldn’t be asking me about the performance,” Kyungsoo answers. He isn’t in the mood to think about Luhan at the moment, especially after it had taken most of his morning to shake off the questions and repeated sayings of “isn’t it amazing we both got to see it in person! I even recorded it!”
He also doesn’t want to think about of the boy either; much to his dismay, that small fragment of uneasiness inside has grown.
Kyungsoo sits in the loveseat on opposite side of the coffee table, choosing to ignore Joonmyun as he pulls books from his bag. A slightly oversized business card falls out. Kyungsoo picks it up and gazes at it with a curious expression.
“Kim Jongdae,” Kyungsoo reads aloud, staring at the large golden cursive handwriting on the back of the card. It is a direct contrast to the front of the card, on which the word Ringleader is embossed in a square-ish solid block font. There’s neither a number nor any other source of information on the card.
He flicks the card onto the coffee table.
“You haven’t answer my question.” Joonmyun says.
“I don’t intend to,” Kyungsoo replies, hoping that Joonmyun will let the subject drop. Joonmyun briefly looks up from his laptop and gives him a look that suggests he’s going to say something that Kyungsoo doesn’t want to hear.
“So, you’re not afraid that someone is, in fact, here to steal your title?”
Kyungsoo feels a tiny pang of uneasiness settle in his stomach, again, but he pushes away the feeling.
“You’re also worried about who this Ringleader Jongdae is and how you’ve got his interest, right?”
Once again it is almost as if Joonmyun can read his everything he’s thinking, although Kyungsoo has to admit he hasn’t exactly done a good job of hiding how he feels about this, via his sulky attitude. Kyungsoo knows he’s being coy, but he picks up the business card, holding it between his index finger and thumb. He frowns at the card, and it bursts into flames. Kyungsoo lets it drop onto the white marble of the table.
The card burns steadily until he waves a hand over it. The fire goes out with a hiss, and all traces of the card are gone except for a light scorch mark that’s left on the table.
“I’m going to bed,” Kyungsoo announces. He picks up his books and retreats to his room.
Joonmyun sighs, shaking his head and shutting his laptop. He puts it aside, taking out pen and paper. He writes a short note and tapes it to the refrigerator before he heads toward the door. He stops to pull on a pair of worn tennis shoes and leaves. The door clicks shut behind him.
/ / / / /
Over the next few days, no matter how or where Kyungsoo tries to dispose of the strange business card, it shows up again, in perfect condition, brand new, and stark white. He also can’t shake the feeling that he’s being watched.
Kyungsoo stands in the transit train, waiting for his stop. He pulls out the card to give it another look over.
“Busy today, isn’t it?”
Kyungsoo glances at the tall stranger standing next to him. He mumbles a quick “yeah” in response before returning his attention back to the card. Much to his surprise, it is changing. Kyungsoo watches as the word ringleader slowly changes into the phrase fire performer. Kyungsoo flips over the card. The name listed is no longer Kim Jongdae; it now reads Park Chanyeol. Kyungsoo looks at the stranger again. He is busy flipping through today’s newspaper. Now that Kyungsoo thinks about it, he seems oddly familiar.
“Not a thing about Baekhyun, yet?” The stranger asks. He sounds surprised, but says nothing else and continues to flip through the newspaper.
“Baekhyun?” Kyungsoo repeats, staring at the card.
“Mmm hmm,” murmurs the stranger whose name, Kyungsoo thinks, has been foretold by the card. Kyungsoo looks up when the stranger speaks again. “He’s the tightrope walker.”
The stranger turns another page in the newspaper before he shakes his head, refolds it, and tucks it underneath his arm. He then stares at Kyungsoo with a raised brow. Kyungsoo realizes where he remembers seeing this boy; he was in the crowd the day of the performance. His red hair is easy to recognize, not to mention his height.
“Are you an acquaintance of his?” Kyungsoo asks, making sure to keep his tone light.
“I guess you could say that,” The redhead tilts his head. “Well, no, it’s something more,” he pauses for a moment, thinking, and finishes with “stronger.” He glances around the busy transit and says, “Anyway, we can’t talk here. Come with me.”
The train comes to a stop, and they depart. For a few minutes, the two men walk in silence, seemingly in no particular direction. They’re in the middle of an empty street when the taller of the two, Chanyeol, stops suddenly and turns to Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo glances around, this seems like an odd place to talk but he doesn’t complain.
“Let’s cut to the chase, you know who I am-I saw that the card told you that-but you don’t know why I’m here,” Chanyeol says, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “I’m here to offer you a proposition.”
“Go on,” Kyungsoo says.
“I’m sure you’ve heard of the New Circus going around,” Chanyeol says and waits for Kyungsoo to nod before he continues. “Well, in truth, the performances were just a way to get your attention. Jongdae has known about you for quite some time.”
Kyungsoo frowns but says nothing as he nods once more.
“Would you like to join us?” Chanyeol asks. At this, Kyungsoo looks up at him in surprise.
“No,” he says and shakes his head. “I’m not interested.”
“I’m not surprised,” Chanyeol says. Crossing his arms over his chest, he gives Kyungsoo a searching look. “From what I’ve heard about you, I can tell you’re the type that needs convincing.”
“Convincing?” Kyungsoo repeats dryly. “Convincing about what?”
“Yes, convincing,” repeats Chanyeol. “You’re the type that needs convincing that the circus isn’t some freak show, or a place of, as you called it, ‘clever tricks.’ It’s not like that at all. It’s a place to call home.” Chanyeol glances up at the sky at the sound of distant thunder, noticing the flashing forks of lightning in the distance.
“What else have you heard about me?” Kyungsoo asks.
“Not much, actually,” Chanyeol says, looking up at the sky. “But, I do know that you’re afraid,” he continues. He stands still a few moments, watching the sky with his brow furrowing slightly.
“I hate the rain,” he mumbles and looks around nervously.
“I’m--” Kyungsoo stops himself. Chanyeol has just give name to the uneasy feeling he’s been having lately; it is fear.
“We’re all afraid of something,” Chanyeol says, a bit too cheerfully. “Tell me, Kyungsoo. Have you ever had days were you couldn’t get your powers to work? Or times where, when you’re angry, your powers become unstable? Kind of like the weather we’ve been having lately,” Chanyeol nods towards the sky. “It’s been pretty strange, don’t you think?”
Kyungsoo stares at him uncomprehending for a moment, and then his brain makes the connection. Chanyeol sees the change, and pats Kyungsoo on the shoulder.
“Well, to make a long story short, the New Circus will help you learn to control that and better your own abilities. Think about it, Kyungsoo,” Chanyeol says. He turns and walks toward a house that has a few lights on, but otherwise, looks unremarkable.
“You know where to find us if you do get interested,” Chanyeol chuckles at his own joke as he walks up to the open front door. He turns and gives Kyungsoo a small wave before walking inside and shutting the door behind him.
/ / / / /
Kyungsoo sits near the back of his favourite coffee shop next to a large window, studying. Despite the heavy rain outside, the shop has a comfortable atmosphere, and the gentle sounds of conversations and cups clinking on plates lure him into a sense of peace. It’s something he hasn’t felt in a few days. He still can’t shake the feeling that he is being watched, but he doesn’t let it bother him today. He takes in a deep breath of contentment and closes his eyes. When he opens them a second later, Joonmyun is sliding into the seat across from him.
Joonmyun carefully sets his steaming cup of coffee (black) on the table. He takes off his coat, but Kyungsoo doesn’t even have a chance to say hello before Joonmyun leans forward and stretches his hand toward the middle of the table. His fingertips grasp at nothing, yet when he turns over his hand, he’s holding a tarot card between his index and middle fingers.
Joonmyun lays the card face up on the table and leans back. He picks up his cup, rests his elbows on the table, and takes a careful sip of his coffee while watching Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo looks at the card.
The Inverted Man. Kyungsoo knows that this card can be interpreted in different ways although, admittedly, he’s never been good at reading tarot cards. This card, however, is distinctive in his memory because from what he can remember, it represents neither a good nor a bad omen, but is important nevertheless.
Kyungsoo bites back the question of whether the card had been revealed in its inverted state. He decides he would rather not know, and spends the next couple of minutes trying to decipher the card’s meaning in relation to his current situation. Inverted, what position it would have in a full spread of cards, there’s really a lot to consider. Joonmyun waits patiently.
“Is this what you’ve been doing the past few days?” Kyungsoo asks, finally breaking the silence.
“Partially,” Joonmyun replies. “I was also busy with other things.”
Kyungsoo raises a brow. Joonmyun doesn’t specify, so Kyungsoo doesn’t pry. He looks out at the steadily falling rain as it thumps rhythmically against the glass.
“I was offered a proposition yesterday afternoon,” Kyungsoo admits. “Involving the new circus. I said I wasn’t interested, but they’re giving me time to reconsider.” Joonmyun considers his words for a moment before speaking.
“What’s the real reason you've stopped performing?” When Kyungsoo doesn’t respond, Joonmyun asks, “Is it because your powers have been wavering as of late?”
Kyungsoo dislikes how their small chat is starting to echo the conversation he had had with Chanyeol.
“I can figure out my problem on my own, and besides I’m doing well in my studies,” Kyungsoo says. “And can you imagine me in stage make up?” He adds as an afterthought. “I’d look ridiculous.”
“You and I both know that's a pretty weak excuse,” Joonmyun looks at him with an amused expression and then continues, “I’m going to tell you from experience: being stubborn isn’t going to help you solve your little under the weather problem.”
Joonmyun picks up his cup and takes a sip, but discovers the coffee has gone cold. He makes a face and gives the cup a gently shake. Steam instantly begins to rise from the cup. He takes another sip and smiles as he continues talking.
“The world hasn't seen nor heard from the Mysterious Dyo in almost 5 months now, and the world is starting to get a little bit...” Joonmyun’s eyes wander towards the front of the cafe to where Luhan is standing and busy chatting with the barrister. “Curious,” Joonmyun finishes. He puts down his empty cup, still eyeing Luhan.
“It won’t be long until people will begin to pry,” Joonmyun warns. He starts to put on his coat. Luhan sees the movement from the corner of his eye, and looks over to where Kyungsoo and Joonmyun are sitting and waves at them enthusiastically. Neither wave back, although Joonmyun gives him a tight smile.
“You need to really think seriously about your decision,” Joonmyun says softly. He stands up, as Luhan reaches their table. “I’ll see you later,” he says and leaves. Luhan quickly slides into the seat Joonmyun has just left and shakes rainwater from his hair.
“Weird weather we’re having,” Luhan says. Kyungsoo really wishes everyone would stop talking about the damn weather. It’s not that unusual, he thinks.
“Yeah,” Kyungsoo says instead, and returns his attention to his books. He notices Luhan has that look again, the one that suggests he knows a little more than he should.
“I got my story,” Luhan says.
“Really, how did the video go?” Kyungsoo replies, giving up on his books for the moment.
“The video didn’t really work out,” Luhan says slumping in his chair.
“Why not?” Kyungsoo can’t help but to ask.
Luhan pulls a laptop from his bag and sits it carefully on the table. He opens it and after a few moments, he turns the computer toward Kyungsoo and scoots his chair around to Kyungsoo’s side of the table.
“It’s easier to show it to you,” Luhan says. He taps the keyboard, and the video starts to play.
Kyungsoo watches a crowd of people stare upwards at the tightrope walker. After a few seconds, Kyungsoo sees one person standing not too far from the camera turn his head and look directly at the camera for a few seconds before returning his attention to Baekhyun. The video goes statically and then black soon after.
Kyungsoo hits the rewind button, the moment when the person looks at the camera is so brief that he almost misses it, but he manages to pause it just in time. There’s no mistaking it, the person staring at the camera is Chanyeol.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what has happened to Luhan’s video. Luhan, however, still looks disappointed as Kyungsoo closes the laptop. Luhan takes it and puts back into his bag.
“I still got my wish, though,” Luhan says cheerfully. “I am the first to write a story about it, but I still don’t have any picture-proof aside from the beginning, and you can barely see him.” Luhan sighs. “Oh well, I guess a person can’t have everything.”
/ / / / /
When Kyungsoo finally makes up his mind and arrives at the house, he’s specifically looking for Chanyeol. He wants to ask him a few more questions.
Kyungsoo looks up at the large midnight blue door and like he’s done a few times before, he considers turning back and spending the following days pretending that he didn’t almost give into temptation. He also notices that it hasn’t rained today, though dark grey clouds are still present. He shakes his head; it’s not like he’s actually here to join. He just has a few questions and he raises his hand and knocks on the door again. This time, the door opens slightly. Baekhyun sticks his head out and looks at him.
“Oh, you came back sooner than I thought you would.”
Kyungsoo thinks that this is an odd choice of words considering the articles that are now spreading across the internet about the new nameless rival to Mysterious Dyo (he has Luhan to thank for that) and considering this is their first official meeting. Judging by the wide-eyed way Baekhyun is staring at him, though, Kyungsoo figures Baekhyun either hasn’t read the articles or he doesn’t care that Kyungsoo’s his ‘rival’. Kyungsoo prefers to think that it’s not the latter.
Baekhyun opens the door wider and gestures for Kyungsoo to come in.
“You came just in time; I want to show you something,” Baekhyun says, pushing Kyungsoo into the kitchen of the house and then out another door that leads to an extremely large backyard.
The two stand on the porch, and Baekhyun points toward Chanyeol who is standing directly in the middle of the yard. There is a small ring of fire around him. The fire begins to grow steadily, and slowly turns from red to white flames.
Kyungsoo feels that this is a somewhat private moment meant to be between Baekhyun and Chanyeol, but he can't bring himself to look away. He is mesmerized by the flames that are now taking the form of what he assumes is a dragon of some sort.
Chanyeol slowly raises his hands and the fire dragon begins to rise from the ground. Chanyeol’s hands begin to shake and the dragon’s wings stretch too quickly sending a shower of sparks flying in every direction. Kyungsoo takes a step back, but Baekhyun watches without flinching, despite several of the flames landing near his feet.
The dragon turns its head in their direction, but before anything can really catch fire, sprinklers in the yard turn on and they all watch as the dragon hisses as it fades away to smoke and glowing embers in the dirt.
“Too much energy.” Baekhyun says.
Chanyeol, who still has his hands outstretched, is currently getting soaked by the sprinklers. After a few moments, he drops his hands to his side, fists clenched, and takes a deep breath. The air around them feels heavy and humid.
“This must be what it feels like to be on the inside of an oven,” Baekhyun says, flipping the switch to the sprinklers so they shut off.
“I just can't seem to get it right,” Chanyeol says as he pushes his wet hair off his forehead with his other hand. He turns toward Baekhyun. “Why can't I control it? It shouldn’t--” He stops talking when he notices Kyungsoo standing there and blinks in surprise.
“When did you get here?” Chanyeol asks. Clearly, he hadn’t expected Kyungsoo to return so soon either.
“He's been here the whole time,” Baekhyun says.
Chanyeol gives Baekhyun a look before he pushes past him. Kyungsoo over hears him mutter to Baekhyun that they’ll talk later, and he goes inside the house.
“Sorry,” Baekhyun says. “He always gets like this when he--”
“I was under the impression that all of you knew what you were doing,” Kyungsoo interrupts.
Baekhyun shrugs.
“We know our limits, but it doesn't mean we don't try to push the boundaries of what we can do,” he says. “That’s the reason I wanted you to see Chanyeol. To show you we’re not here to be perfect.” At that moment, Kyungsoo realizes that Baekhyun is idly playing with a tarot card as he flips it effortlessly between his fingers.
Kyungsoo pats his pockets. They’re empty. His suspicion is true: that’s his card, the one that Joonmyun had given him.
“How did you get that?” Kyungsoo demands.
“You see,” Baekhyun balances the card on the tip of his finger, and it begins to spin in circles. As it spins, it also begins to glow brightly, and then it disappears completely. “The New Circus isn’t just a place for fun and games. It’s a place to grow and learn in a safe environment.”
Baekhyun pulls out a deck of cards with backs that are identical to the one on Kyungsoo’s card and shuffles them. He pulls out ten cards and hands them to Kyungsoo.
Kyungsoo holds the cards so that neither he nor Baekhyun can see the faces of the cards as he holds them spread out for Baekhyun.
Baekhyun picks a card and holds it up for Kyungsoo to see.
“Is this your card?” he asks, and Kyungsoo nods.
“Still The Inverted Man, huh?” Baekhyun nods, knowingly. “Well,” he continues, “this just means the choice is still yours to make.”
Kyungsoo thinks about Baekhyun’s words before he reaches out his hand and takes back his card.
“Oh look, the clouds are starting to clear up,” Baekhyun observes. Kyungsoo looks up, and sure enough, there’s is a hint of sun as the clouds slowly start to part.
Baekhyun shows him around the house; there’s really not much to see besides a few pieces of furniture and tons of boxes. Much to his surprise, he learns that Chanyeol and Baekhyun are also attending college, his college to be exact.
“We’re a New Circus, Kyungsoo.” Baekhyun says as he leads him to a room that Kyungsoo assumes is Jongdae’s office. “We haven’t even gotten our main office set up yet.”
Chanyeol stands beside a large dark oak wood desk and glances at them before he returns his attention to the large pile of papers on the desk. He is searching through them.
“Your limbs are still attached,” Chanyeol comments to Baekhyun. He picks up a paper and lays it on top of a black briefcase and then continues sorting through the other papers. “So I take it your talk went well?”
Baekhyun picks his way around the boxes and stops near the desk. He looks down and scans the paper resting on the briefcase.
“Yeah, it went alright,” he says. “And, you misspelled a word.”
“What word?” Chanyeol pauses to look.
“This one,” Baekhyun pulls a red pen from the air and circles a word. Chanyeol exclaims as Baekhyun points out another mistake.
Kyungsoo leaves them to it and explores the rest of the room. He stops to look at a bookshelf that has a few pictures on the shelves and a couple of trinkets. A small Polaroid picture catches Kyungsoo’s attention and he picks it up to get a closer look.
“So when do I get to meet Jongdae?” Kyungsoo asks, slipping the photo into his pocket.
“Whenever he decides to meet you,” Chanyeol answers without looking up from his paper. “He’s been out of town on business. He should be back later tonight, though.”
Kyungsoo nods and changes the subject. He asks Chanyeol about the fire dragon, but he can’t dismiss the feeling that he’s being watched so easily.
/ / / / /
Tonight there aren’t very many people on the bus. Kyungsoo’s just about to dose off when someone speaks beside him.
“Have you made up your mind yet?”
Kyungsoo’s eyes fly open and Jongdae (he recognizes him from the pictures in the office) sits down next to him. He looks younger in person, Kyungsoo thinks, but says nothing.
Jongdae seems to agree that silence, in this case, is the better option, and the two ride without speaking. The bus pulls to a stop, and Kyungsoo turns to look at Jongdae.
“I’ve decided to accept your offer.”
Jongdae smiles, and they both get off the bus. Joonmyun is on his bike, waiting at the bus stop. Baekhyun and Chanyeol are standing beside him. Kyungsoo remembers the Polaroid in Jongdae’s office, and he turns to Joonmyun.
“You’ve known all along who Jongdae is; why didn’t you say anything?” he asks.
“You didn’t ask, and I didn’t want to influence your decision,” Joonmyun replies.
“So this means you’re also a part of the New Circus?” Kyungsoo asks, and Joonmyun shrugs.
“Not as a performer,” he says. “I’m perfectly ok with where I’m at in terms of my magic, thanks.” Jongdae nods.
“I’ve been trying to get him to do more with his gifts besides making it rain at will for years, but he’s even more stubborn than you are.” Jongdae crosses his arms over his chest and grins widely.
“Make it rain?” Kyungsoo mutters, and something in his brain clicks into place. He looks at Joonmyun. “What was that about not wanting to influence my deci--“
“We decided to celebrate your official joining of the New Circus!” Baekhyun interrupts. He slings his arm over Kyungsoo’s shoulders. Chanyeol rolls his eyes, but he laughs as Kyungsoo tries to shrug him off. But Baekhyun is persistent. Kyungsoo resorts to elbowing him in the stomach instead, and Baekhyun releases him.
/ / / / /
Kyungsoo, Chanyeol, Joonmyun, Baekhyun, and Jongdae are at a restaurant. They are seated and have their food brought to them fairly quickly. Kyungsoo looks around the table. The others are laughing at some joke that Chanyeol has just told. Baekhyun sits beside him and keeps stealing pieces of food off his and Chanyeol’s plates. Although it’s a little annoying, Kyungsoo finds he doesn’t mind very much.
Kyungsoo briefly wonders what Luhan’s would report if he saw the Mysterious Dyo hanging out with his rival, the one who has been out to steal his title. He also wonders what he is going to do when Luhan learns that he is now a part of the New Circus.
“Kyungsoo which do you prefer?” Baekhyun says turning towards him, “Flashy clothing or simple for performances?” Kyungsoo makes a face at the terrifying image of him in a poufy shirt and god forbid tights.
“I prefer simple but I am telling you all now.” Kyungsoo points his chopsticks at the group. “There’s no way in hell I’m putting on a pair of tights,” he says with a challenging look in his eye.
Joonmyun laughs from where he’s sitting beside Jongdae, and Chanyeol looks at Jongdae. Judging from the expression on his face, this was something that had obviously never crossed his mind.
“We won’t really have to wear tights, right?” Chanyeol asks, a little too loudly, and Jongdae grins at him mysteriously. Chanyeol begins to shake his head, “No. I’m not doing it either. There is absolutely no way.”
Baekhyun begins to whine loudly that being the tightrope walker of the group, this form of punishment would most like fall onto him since Chanyeol is a fire performer and Kyungsoo is an illusionist. Kyungsoo can’t help but to laugh as Baekhyun begins to demand that they change his title and Chanyeol begins to ask questions about what’s considered proper circus attire, anyway.
They really do have a long, long way to go; but Kyungsoo feels the small fragment that was once fear turn into excitement. He can’t wait to see how it all plays out.