121224 CHAPTERED FIC: COLLIDE: TWENTY-ONE
Collide
Twenty-one | Woohyun/Sunggyu, Hoya(Howon)/Dongwoo, L(Myungsoo)/Sungyeol | Fluff > Crack | PG13 (for cussing and sexual references)
Summary: Typical high school fic in which Woohyun is no longer top dog, Myungsoo’s life becomes interesting, Howon finally feels something and Sungjong discovers his future.
(poster by chocolate_ai)
-
The news of the infamous Kim brothers meeting at the bleachers spread at lightning speed. Most of the students had already crowded at the windows and were waiting for the scene to unfold, while Sunggyu was on the second floor with Sungjong and Yongguk.
‘Sungjong,’ he said softly.
The youngest glanced up for a second and then looked back down dejectedly, sliding his hands into his pockets.
Sunggyu sighed, ‘You and I both knew it would eventually come down to this.’
The corner of Sungjong’s lip quirked bitterly. He nodded a little, just a delicate tilt up and down. Sungjong knew it would happen eventually. He knew Myungsoo would go too far and make Sunggyu crack. Sungjong knew Sunggyu didn’t want to do this, any of this, but he also knew Sunggyu had a knack for dealing with mishaps and that Sunggyu was the most reliable and responsible friend he could ever ask for.
The look on Sungjong’s face made Sunggyu feel slightly sick. Sunggyu couldn’t feel like Sungjong was any more vulnerable than he was at that moment.
He then turned his attention to Yongguk and ordered, ‘Keep him away.’
‘And if I don’t?’ Yongguk scoffed challengingly.
Sunggyu retorted, unfazed, ‘Then Sungjong would see something he’d regret seeing.’
After taking in a deep breath, Yongguk relaxed and nodded, wrapping an arm around Sungjong’s waist. ‘Be careful out there.’
‘I doubt Myungsoo would be able to even scratch me.’
‘No, I mean don’t kill him completely. Save some from the rest of us.’
-
The news eventually smacked Woohyun across the face. He went frantic, calling Sunggyu’s number every minute with the older boy not picking up once. After eyeing at the bleachers and not finding the SBP there, he searched all possible places Sunggyu could be. The music room, the cafeteria and the restrooms were all empty. After practically jumping down the staircase to the second floor, he found Sunggyu making his way down to the first floor where he would inevitably head out of the building.
Woohyun quickly caught up to him and grabbed his shoulder. ‘What’s this rumour about you planning to beat the shit out of your own little brother?’ he snapped.
Sunggyu pressed his lips into a thin line before answering leisurely, ‘It’s exactly how it sounds?’
‘Sunggyu, what the fuck!’
‘He broke some rules - they might only be moral rules, but they’re rules nonetheless,’ Sunggyu argued, continuing to make his way down the stairs, ‘Why can’t I punish him for it?’
Woohyun groaned in frustration, running up to him and pinning Sunggyu to the railing to stop him from moving and listen. His arms were on either side of Sunggyu, fingers gripping onto the railing to stop Sunggyu from making his way down the stairs. ‘That’s personal, Sunggyu! You shouldn’t deal with him like this,’ Woohyun growled, his hot breath hitting Sunggyu’s face.
The close proximity made Sunggyu swallow thickly, facing his head to the side to avoid eye contact with the younger student. ‘He wouldn’t listen any other way,’ Sunggyu retorted quietly, pushing Woohyun’s arm down so he could pass.
‘This is fucking insane,’ Woohyun commented.
By the time Woohyun looked down at Sunggyu, the older boy was already at the bottom other stairs. ‘It always has been,’ Sunggyu corrected.
‘Sunggyu, please,’ Woohyun begged, jumping down the rest of the steps and standing in front of the SBP. He grasped Sunggyu’s shoulders and murmured helplessly, staring directly into his eyes, ‘Tell me what I can do to make you not go through with this.’
Sunggyu blinked, but then shrugged him away. ‘Nothing,’ he replied, shaking his head. Woohyun could’ve sworn that he saw Sunggyu’s eyes quiver with dread.
-
Sunggyu arrived ten minutes earlier than he arranged. To his surprise, Myungsoo was already there and waiting for him patiently.
‘Weirdly enough, you’re early,’ Sunggyu commented cynically, ‘I don’t think that’s ever happened before.’
Myungsoo’s expression was cold and dark, not at all like his usual self, not at all like how Sunggyu saw him every day.
‘Don’t treat me as your brother,’ he spat lowly, ‘Treat me like anybody else.’
Sunggyu smiled an innocent smile, showing he was nowhere near nervous. ‘I wasn’t planning on treating you any other way, Kim Myungsoo.’
There was a sudden change in the atmosphere. The whole school watching intently behind the pair as Sunggyu slipped off his blazer, draping it over the metal seats, and loosened his tie - a scene Paran was used to seeing. Myungsoo just stood and watched, the icy glare not affecting Sunggyu at all. Sunggyu then ruffled his hair a little and smirked lopsidedly, the crowd sucking in sharp breaths of air as they continued to wait.
Even though Sunggyu beat Myungsoo on multiple occasions, this time it seemed strange. It seemed surreal. It seemed so wrong that it made Sunggyu doubt his actions. Instead of backing down, Sunggyu looked elsewhere, forcing himself to believe that Kim Myungsoo was not his brother, but an ordinary Paran student who had broken one too many rules.
The fiery look in Sunggyu’s eyes returned and Myungsoo knew it was starting. He squeezed his eyes shut.
And then Sunggyu felt a hand on his shoulder, pulling him back.
‘Sunggyu,’ Howon grunted. Sunggyu span around in surprise. Myungsoo opened his eyes at Howon’s voice, not sure what was happening.
‘Don’t hurt him,’ Howon cautioned, staring pointedly at the oldest, ‘Hurting him won’t help in any way.’
Sunggyu scoffed, stepping closer to Howon and gritting his teeth at him. ‘Letting him off won’t help in any way, either.’
Howon argued, beginning to raise his voice, ‘You do realise you are picking Sungyeol, someone you’ve known for barely three months, over your own brother.’
‘Oh and if you had a choice between Myungsoo or Dongwoo, who would you pick?’ Sunggyu shouted. Myungsoo watched Howon’s expression closely, not having had heard Howon raise his voice before. He hadn’t seen his brother so angry at Howon either. A lot of firsts were happening that day.
Howon’s eyes wavered and he froze. Sunggyu smirked.
‘I thought so.’
Sunggyu turned back to Myungsoo, who had gained courage from Howon’s presence. He didn’t falter, but instead stared at the older boy dead-on, just asking for a punch.
Sunggyu took a step closer, fully prepared. But then he heard a voice and he relaxed completely.
‘Sunggyu-hyung, please don’t do it.’
The whole school community gasped.
‘Sungyeol?’ Myungsoo exclaimed, wide-eyed at the new arrival.
‘Please, please don’t do it,’ Sungyeol pleaded, ignoring Myungsoo’s gaping, ‘I’m begging you.’
The tense atmosphere transitioned into a suspenseful one as the four boys glanced at each other, particularly at Sunggyu who had yet responded to Sungyeol’s desperate request. Sunggyu’s anger depleted and was replaced with a helpless feeling upon seeing Sungyeol’s face, the pout and the watery eyes. He hung his head low and nodded, relenting with difficulty.
Myungsoo then walked past Howon, knocking shoulders with Sunggyu while muttering in contempt, ‘Not coming home until late tonight, hyung.’
Sunggyu’s eyelids fluttered and he heaved a frustrated sigh. Howon patted his shoulder and then followed Sungyeol off the oval. Sunggyu watched them while scratching his head. He then looked over at the school building and caught eye of Woohyun who was staring at him attentively, his eyebrows crinkled together. Sunggyu flipped him off and scoffed audibly.
-
While the rest of the school carried on with disappointment, Sunggyu spent the rest of lunch time sitting at the bleachers and thinking about what he could do to reverse the situation. He felt like a worthless excuse for a brother and a friend.
‘I heard what happened between your brother and my cousin.’
Sunggyu tilted his head up and saw Doojoon approaching him, soccer ball trailing along with him.
‘I’m not surprised,’ Sunggyu sighed, sliding his blazer back on and straightening out his tie.
Doojoon then kicked the ball up and caught it in his hands. ‘Just so you know, I wouldn’t have blamed you if you beat the crap out of him,’ he mentioned, ‘Even if he is your little brother.’
Sunggyu smiled. ‘Thanks. I wouldn’t blame you if you did either.’
‘I’m personally not one for violence.’
‘That’s extremely noble of you.’
‘You play ball?’
‘No.’
‘Wanna watch then?’
‘Sure.’
-
After the students dispersed, Howon lead Sungyeol to a safe retreat - the music room. Sungjong was already there with Yongguk, standing up from the chairs upon Sungyeol’s arrival. Howon and Sungyeol told the other two of everything that had happened in detail. (Voice imitations and exaggerated actions were added, courtesy of Sungyeol.) By the end of their speech, Sungjong let out a huge breath of relief, slumping into Yongguk’s side.
The conversation somehow turned to Sungyeol as Sungjong stated, ‘Sunggyu told me he gave you lots of warning.’
Sungyeol looked up from his chair in surprise and nodded a little guiltily.
‘You should be flattered. I don’t think Sunggyu has ever warned anyone of Myungsoo’s people before,’ Sungjong mentioned, picking a piece of dust out of Yongguk’s hair. His blond was almost gone, making Sungjong scrunch his nose at the dark roots.
‘I still fell for it,’ Sungyeol sighed, pulling his knees up to his chin.
With a sympathetic pout, Sungjong assured, ‘Don’t blame yourself. He’s a professional heartbreaker.’
Sungyeol leaned one side of his face on his knee and smiled to himself in self-pity. ‘I kinda knew he was just toying with me,’ he mumbled. ‘I think I knew the whole time.’
Yongguk raised an eyebrow. ‘Then why didn’t you stop him?’
Just as Sungyeol was about to say he didn’t know, Howon interrupted him. ‘Because he really did like Myungsoo,’ Howon stated. He then looked over to a stunned Sungyeol and continued, ‘And since you stopped Sunggyu today, you really do like him.’
Sungyeol thought for a moment, before groaning into his knees because he knew Howon was right. He was in love with the heartbreaking, backstabbing, manipulative player, Kim fucking Myungsoo.
‘Right?’ Howon asked.
‘Right,’ Sungyeol answered.
-
After the bell went and Sunggyu promptly remembered he had forgotten to eat lunch again, Woohyun ghosted over to him as he was approaching the building.
‘Yes?’ Sunggyu questioned, a little fazed by the zombie look Woohyun was giving him.
‘I don’t trust Sungyeol’s cousin,’ Woohyun remarked.
Sunggyu scoffed, ‘Why?’
‘I just don’t,’ Woohyun said in that same suspicious tone, ‘I can feel he’s up to something.’
Sunggyu began quickening his pace and then turned around with a fingertip on his bottom lip. (Woohyun may or may not have unconsciously stared at his rosy lips because of this action.) He then tapped his bottom lip repeatedly and muttered, ‘Actually, now that you mention it, I do sense something…’
Woohyun rose his eyebrows and asked in curiosity, ‘What?’
‘I sense that you’re an idiot,’ Sunggyu snorted, before walking into the building.
Woohyun’s nose twitched in dismay.
-
After a short meeting, Sunggyu went to the nearest restroom. It was the last meeting he was going to have for a while, since the talent show was already planned and flyers were going to go up the next day. He walked through one of the main hallways, the school practically empty. Everyone had already rushed home, on the oval or in the gym training, or were studying in the library. When he entered the restroom, he felt a pang of concern. He didn’t understand why until he looked across the sinks and saw Howon bleeding.
Sunggyu always had the most amazing timing.
He asked casually, grabbing the younger boy’s attention, ‘Does Dongwoo know about this?’
Howon flicked his head towards the door and saw Sunggyu crossing his arms at him. ‘How did you know I was here?’ he queried, furrowing his brow as he placed the dirtied red blade onto the edge of the granite sink, knowing Sunggyu would stop him if he were to continue.
‘Changing the subject by directing the conversation to me,’ Sunggyu mused. ‘I learnt well, Mr Lee.’
Howon then twisted the faucet and let the cool water wash away the evidence, even though he was already caught.
Sunggyu asked, a little more sternly this time, as he approached Howon at the furthest sink, ‘Now inform me, does Dongwoo know about this or not?’
‘He knows I cut,’ Howon answered.
Sunggyu shot him a questioning look through the reflection in the mirror. ‘He knows you cut or he knows you stopped?’
‘He knows I stopped.’ There was no use in lying to Sunggyu. He knew Howon too well.
‘But he doesn’t know you’re cutting again,’ Sunggyu summarised, suddenly crestfallen.
Howon let out a breathy, ‘Sunggyu…’ He was a little frustrated by how guilty Sunggyu was making him feel.
‘I’d rather you not continue this habit, for Dongwoo’s sake,’ Sunggyu stated, ‘For your sake, I really don’t mind what you do. You always seem to have a grasp on things and I think you have a strong enough conscious to tell you when your body’s had enough.’
Howon nodded.
‘But for my sake…’ Sunggyu trailed off, biting his lip. ‘Please don’t do this anymore. I’m not fond of the idea of either you or Dongwoo getting hurt from this habit.’
Howon saw that Sunggyu was obviously worried over him. As Sunggyu said, he usually didn’t have a reason to worry over Howon. He always trusted Howon to take care of himself and that’s why he never said anything the first time he noticed Howon cutting. But something about this instance made Sunggyu feel insecure. It was probably because he had so much to deal with at that time and that this just pushed everything towards the edge.
After a sigh, Howon asked with a small smile, ‘Mind getting some bandages from the nurse for me?’
Sunggyu chuckled, knowing he had won. He then ranted dramatically, walking over to the urinals, ‘Smart thinking. If you were to get it, she’d be suspicious, but if I, the student body president, were to get bandages it would be for the greater good and I would be a helpful citizen of this blessed school.’
Howon corrected, ‘If school were a systematic society, you would be king, not a mere citizen.’ Howon wanted to say something along the lines of You and Woohyun would share the thrown and rule together, but he had a feeling Sunggyu would glare at him if he were to mention Woohyun.
‘Oh because I’m the head of the people?’
‘No, because you execute your citizens for simple wrongdoings at the same specific area.’
Sunggyu frowned.
‘Like a medieval society.’
‘You have a lot more wit since you’ve been talking to Dongwoo.’
‘You have been mentioning Dongwoo a lot since I’ve been talking to Dongwoo.’
‘I can’t tell if you’re jealous or if you’re just being informative.’
‘The latter.’
‘I believe with all my heart it was the former.’
-
As soon as Sunggyu arrived home that evening, having had talked to Howon for a couple hours more than necessary, Myungsoo was heading out. Sunggyu was quick enough to catch his sleeve and pester, ‘Where are you going?’
‘Out,’ Myungsoo replied bluntly, shaking him off without difficulty.
‘Until when?’
‘Until I figure out a way to get home,’ the younger brother scoffed, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his varsity jacket and storming down the path, before jumping into the car of someone Sunggyu didn’t recognise. Sunggyu sighed as he watched the car drive away at an illegal speed.
Myungsoo was obviously mad at him and he had a right to be, but Sunggyu had a right to be mad at him too. His younger brother was an ungrateful brat after all.
When Sunggyu got into the house, he shut the door behind him harder than needed and stormed up stairs, ready to rage on to Woohyun about what a dickhead his brother was and how he didn’t know what to do. However, when Sunggyu did call Woohyun, he didn’t pick up. Sunggyu waited until the ringing stopped and was replaced with The number you have dialled is busy. Please leave a message.
Sunggyu dropped onto his bed and huffed, shooting threatening faces at the phone screen.
‘That idiot, why isn’t he picking up his phone?’
-
‘Hello?’
Once Woohyun was out of his bathroom, dripping wet with a towel around his waist, he received a phone call from an unknown number. In curiosity, he accepted the call, thinking it may have been Sunggyu using someone else’s phone.
He heard an oddly familiar voice, ‘Woohyun.’
Woohyun knitted his eyebrows together as he asked, ‘Who is this?’
‘It’s Howon.’
Woohyun was a little surprised as to why Howon was calling him, but waited for the other to continue before asking so.
‘Myungsoo’s going to a club called Hysteria,’ Howon said without a reason.
Woohyun mumbled, ‘Why are you telling me this?’
‘Don’t let Sunggyu find out,’ Howon warned before hanging up, leaving Woohyun staring at his phone in utter confusion.
-
Woohyun ignored Sunggyu’s calls because, well, they wouldn’t stop talking and since Lee Howon told him to check over Myungsoo, it must’ve been a big deal. Plus, Woohyun found it hard to lie to Sunggyu and would rather not give himself the chance to spit out some implausible situations. Sunggyu would catch him out and get him to spill in a heartbeat.
While contemplating the idea of going to that club Howon mentioned and stopping whatever activity Myungsoo was doing, Woohyun roughly dried his hair and threw on some clothes. He scratched his head and slipped on a jacket whilst looking at his reflection.
The club was easily found since Woohyun had snuck into it a couple of times. With a subtle slip of fifty bucks to the bouncer at the front, Woohyun was let in to the club with ease and searched for Myungsoo. A couple of girls were all over Woohyun as soon as he stepped onto the packed dance floor, but Woohyun politely shoved them away and peered into every cubicle to find Myungsoo. He eventually found Myungsoo at the back, on one of the velvet couches with a girl straddling him - Woohyun had to squat a little to see if it was really him, since they were sucking face and he couldn’t really tell from a standing angle. Once Woohyun was sure enough, he pushed the obviously drunk girl to the side, letting her bounce on the plush couch and fall onto the floor.
Woohyun immediately latched onto Myungsoo’s wrist.
Myungsoo exclaimed brightly upon seeing who interrupted his much needed make-out session, ‘Oh hey, Hyun! You go to this club too?’
The girl rested her head on Myungsoo’s shoulder and gazed up at Woohyun with fluttery false eyelashes and a seductive smirk. She slurred, ‘Who’s your friend? He’s cute.’
‘This is the one and only Nam Woohyun,’ Myungsoo introduced. ‘Hyun, this is, um… Sorry, what’s your name again?’
Woohyun shook his head in disapproval and hauled Myungsoo up to his feet, tugging him towards the back exit of the club.
Myungsoo regained his balance and pulled out of Woohyun’s tight grip. ‘Woah, hey,’ Myungsoo sputtered giddily, ‘What’s the fuss?’
Woohyun grunted, shoving Myungsoo through the door and towards his car, ‘I’m taking you home.’
‘What? Why the hell would you do that?’ Myungsoo whined, a little tipsy.
Woohyun grabbed his collar angrily and growled, clearly not amused, ‘Just shut up and follow me before I rearrange your face.’
-
Myungsoo was pouting, avoiding eye contact with the older boy out of annoyance.
When the car stopped at a red light, Woohyun noticed how quiet Myungsoo was being and sighed, ‘Kim, I’m serious. You can’t do this anymore.’
‘Why not?’ Myungsoo spat, starting to sober up - He didn’t drink that much... Well, not for his alcohol tolerance anyway.
Woohyun rolled his eyes and gripped the steering wheel tighter. ‘Do you know how dangerous your habit is? I knew you were a playboy, but I didn’t think it was to the extent you toyed with your friend’s friend, your brother’s friend, and go hunting straight after,’ he scolded, letting out a frustrated huff.
Myungsoo didn’t reply and remained upset at the other, crossing his arms.
‘And,’ Woohyun began, ‘Do you think Sungyeol likes it when you do this? Do you think he is okay to have sex with you and not give a shit about it afterwards?’
Myungsoo deadpanned, uninterested, ‘Sungyeol’s not a virgin.’
‘You’re right, he’s not and he wasn’t when he was with you, but he doesn’t sleep around with anyone he’s not dating,’ Woohyun retorted, a dark expression slowly building up on his handsome features. ‘Or in your case, thought he was dating.’
Sensing Woohyun wasn’t going to relent, Myungsoo began to argue, ‘He and I -‘ But then he noticed Woohyun’s increasing speed and he widened his eyes, apprehensive at the cynical smirk on Woohyun’s face. ‘H - Hyun, watch the speed limit.’
‘He’s only fucked with one guy before you, his first boyfriend,’ Woohyun thundered, his foot not easing on the accelerate even for a second. ‘That goddamn bastard… You know what he did? He cheated on him!’
Myungsoo was too scared out of his mind to understand what he was saying. They were on a busy freeway, Woohyun now changing lanes constantly to avoid anyone who was driving too slow. Myungsoo gripped the armrest of the car door. ‘Slow down, you’re double the limit!’ he shouted.
‘Sungyeol was devastated for months.’ Woohyun’s voice dripped with murder, his eyes twitching at the memories of Sungyeol’s first love. With a lopsided smirk and a sharp turn of the wheel, Woohyun muttered lowly, ‘You know what I did to the punk that hurt him?’
Myungsoo felt sick, the alcohol taking its affect. ‘Woohyun, that was a red light!’ he hissed, now worried if the cops were around.
‘I sent him away. Far, far, away. And I swore to myself,’ Woohyun rumbled, ignoring Myungsoo’s hyperventilating and pleads for his life.
They ran over what felt like a speed bump, but Myungsoo was sceptical because there was no sign for a speed bump. ‘Did you just run over a possum? A pedestrian?’
Before Myungsoo could even blink, they were in the Kim residence’s court.
‘That if anyone ever hurt him again,’ Woohyun continued.
The house was in sight and Myungsoo knew enough about physics to realise that if Woohyun didn’t slow down they’d probably crash into the garage. (Or that Woohyun was willing to kill him and himself for revenge.)
‘Woohyun, slow down!’ he bellowed, gripping his seatbelt.
‘I’ll make them disappear.’
The car came to a quick halt, in the driveway, the screeching of tyres short and choppy. Myungsoo was panting wildly, his whole body trembling with adrenaline.
Woohyun’s expression quickly changed and he beamed chirpily, ‘Goodnight! Make sure to eat dinner and go to bed early. You have school tomorrow.’
Myungsoo robotically got out of the car and watched as Woohyun reversed and then drove way, waving at him happily as he passed.
He then turned on his heel and began trudging towards the front door, feeling like his sanity had evaporated. ‘WooGyu…’ Myungsoo exhaled, ‘The fucking insane ass couple.’
-
The sound of the television buzzing in the background wasn’t there like it usually was when Myungsoo entered the house. He instead saw Sunggyu at the dining table, food already prepared and set out. Sunggyu had finished eating dinner and was just watching Myungsoo kick his shoes off.
He then sighed and stood up, making his way towards the stairs.
‘Hyung,’ Myungsoo called, making his brother turn around and face him. ‘Were you waiting for me to come home?’
Sunggyu didn’t answer him and instead instructed softly, ‘Eat dinner.’
When Sunggyu began walking again, Myungsoo called, ‘Hyung.’
‘What?’ Sunggyu snapped, easily annoyed due to stress of the day. It was a pretty mind-blowing day.
Myungsoo looked to his feet and mumbled, ‘I’m sorry.’
‘I’m sorry too,’ Sunggyu sighed.
‘For what?’
‘For taking Sungyeol’s side.’
Myungsoo nodded and sat down, listening to Sunggyu’s footsteps up the stairs.
-
AN\ I know you all hate me for not getting Myungsoo the shit beaten out of him but worse things happens! Trust me~
Prologue One Two Three Four Five Seven Eight Nine Ten Eleven Twelve Thirteen Fourteen Fifteen Sixteen Seventeen Eighteen Nineteen (NSFW) Twenty Twenty-two
Twenty-one | Woohyun/Sunggyu, Hoya(Howon)/Dongwoo, L(Myungsoo)/Sungyeol | Fluff > Crack | PG13 (for cussing and sexual references)
Summary: Typical high school fic in which Woohyun is no longer top dog, Myungsoo’s life becomes interesting, Howon finally feels something and Sungjong discovers his future.
(poster by chocolate_ai)
-
The news of the infamous Kim brothers meeting at the bleachers spread at lightning speed. Most of the students had already crowded at the windows and were waiting for the scene to unfold, while Sunggyu was on the second floor with Sungjong and Yongguk.
‘Sungjong,’ he said softly.
The youngest glanced up for a second and then looked back down dejectedly, sliding his hands into his pockets.
Sunggyu sighed, ‘You and I both knew it would eventually come down to this.’
The corner of Sungjong’s lip quirked bitterly. He nodded a little, just a delicate tilt up and down. Sungjong knew it would happen eventually. He knew Myungsoo would go too far and make Sunggyu crack. Sungjong knew Sunggyu didn’t want to do this, any of this, but he also knew Sunggyu had a knack for dealing with mishaps and that Sunggyu was the most reliable and responsible friend he could ever ask for.
The look on Sungjong’s face made Sunggyu feel slightly sick. Sunggyu couldn’t feel like Sungjong was any more vulnerable than he was at that moment.
He then turned his attention to Yongguk and ordered, ‘Keep him away.’
‘And if I don’t?’ Yongguk scoffed challengingly.
Sunggyu retorted, unfazed, ‘Then Sungjong would see something he’d regret seeing.’
After taking in a deep breath, Yongguk relaxed and nodded, wrapping an arm around Sungjong’s waist. ‘Be careful out there.’
‘I doubt Myungsoo would be able to even scratch me.’
‘No, I mean don’t kill him completely. Save some from the rest of us.’
-
The news eventually smacked Woohyun across the face. He went frantic, calling Sunggyu’s number every minute with the older boy not picking up once. After eyeing at the bleachers and not finding the SBP there, he searched all possible places Sunggyu could be. The music room, the cafeteria and the restrooms were all empty. After practically jumping down the staircase to the second floor, he found Sunggyu making his way down to the first floor where he would inevitably head out of the building.
Woohyun quickly caught up to him and grabbed his shoulder. ‘What’s this rumour about you planning to beat the shit out of your own little brother?’ he snapped.
Sunggyu pressed his lips into a thin line before answering leisurely, ‘It’s exactly how it sounds?’
‘Sunggyu, what the fuck!’
‘He broke some rules - they might only be moral rules, but they’re rules nonetheless,’ Sunggyu argued, continuing to make his way down the stairs, ‘Why can’t I punish him for it?’
Woohyun groaned in frustration, running up to him and pinning Sunggyu to the railing to stop him from moving and listen. His arms were on either side of Sunggyu, fingers gripping onto the railing to stop Sunggyu from making his way down the stairs. ‘That’s personal, Sunggyu! You shouldn’t deal with him like this,’ Woohyun growled, his hot breath hitting Sunggyu’s face.
The close proximity made Sunggyu swallow thickly, facing his head to the side to avoid eye contact with the younger student. ‘He wouldn’t listen any other way,’ Sunggyu retorted quietly, pushing Woohyun’s arm down so he could pass.
‘This is fucking insane,’ Woohyun commented.
By the time Woohyun looked down at Sunggyu, the older boy was already at the bottom other stairs. ‘It always has been,’ Sunggyu corrected.
‘Sunggyu, please,’ Woohyun begged, jumping down the rest of the steps and standing in front of the SBP. He grasped Sunggyu’s shoulders and murmured helplessly, staring directly into his eyes, ‘Tell me what I can do to make you not go through with this.’
Sunggyu blinked, but then shrugged him away. ‘Nothing,’ he replied, shaking his head. Woohyun could’ve sworn that he saw Sunggyu’s eyes quiver with dread.
-
Sunggyu arrived ten minutes earlier than he arranged. To his surprise, Myungsoo was already there and waiting for him patiently.
‘Weirdly enough, you’re early,’ Sunggyu commented cynically, ‘I don’t think that’s ever happened before.’
Myungsoo’s expression was cold and dark, not at all like his usual self, not at all like how Sunggyu saw him every day.
‘Don’t treat me as your brother,’ he spat lowly, ‘Treat me like anybody else.’
Sunggyu smiled an innocent smile, showing he was nowhere near nervous. ‘I wasn’t planning on treating you any other way, Kim Myungsoo.’
There was a sudden change in the atmosphere. The whole school watching intently behind the pair as Sunggyu slipped off his blazer, draping it over the metal seats, and loosened his tie - a scene Paran was used to seeing. Myungsoo just stood and watched, the icy glare not affecting Sunggyu at all. Sunggyu then ruffled his hair a little and smirked lopsidedly, the crowd sucking in sharp breaths of air as they continued to wait.
Even though Sunggyu beat Myungsoo on multiple occasions, this time it seemed strange. It seemed surreal. It seemed so wrong that it made Sunggyu doubt his actions. Instead of backing down, Sunggyu looked elsewhere, forcing himself to believe that Kim Myungsoo was not his brother, but an ordinary Paran student who had broken one too many rules.
The fiery look in Sunggyu’s eyes returned and Myungsoo knew it was starting. He squeezed his eyes shut.
And then Sunggyu felt a hand on his shoulder, pulling him back.
‘Sunggyu,’ Howon grunted. Sunggyu span around in surprise. Myungsoo opened his eyes at Howon’s voice, not sure what was happening.
‘Don’t hurt him,’ Howon cautioned, staring pointedly at the oldest, ‘Hurting him won’t help in any way.’
Sunggyu scoffed, stepping closer to Howon and gritting his teeth at him. ‘Letting him off won’t help in any way, either.’
Howon argued, beginning to raise his voice, ‘You do realise you are picking Sungyeol, someone you’ve known for barely three months, over your own brother.’
‘Oh and if you had a choice between Myungsoo or Dongwoo, who would you pick?’ Sunggyu shouted. Myungsoo watched Howon’s expression closely, not having had heard Howon raise his voice before. He hadn’t seen his brother so angry at Howon either. A lot of firsts were happening that day.
Howon’s eyes wavered and he froze. Sunggyu smirked.
‘I thought so.’
Sunggyu turned back to Myungsoo, who had gained courage from Howon’s presence. He didn’t falter, but instead stared at the older boy dead-on, just asking for a punch.
Sunggyu took a step closer, fully prepared. But then he heard a voice and he relaxed completely.
‘Sunggyu-hyung, please don’t do it.’
The whole school community gasped.
‘Sungyeol?’ Myungsoo exclaimed, wide-eyed at the new arrival.
‘Please, please don’t do it,’ Sungyeol pleaded, ignoring Myungsoo’s gaping, ‘I’m begging you.’
The tense atmosphere transitioned into a suspenseful one as the four boys glanced at each other, particularly at Sunggyu who had yet responded to Sungyeol’s desperate request. Sunggyu’s anger depleted and was replaced with a helpless feeling upon seeing Sungyeol’s face, the pout and the watery eyes. He hung his head low and nodded, relenting with difficulty.
Myungsoo then walked past Howon, knocking shoulders with Sunggyu while muttering in contempt, ‘Not coming home until late tonight, hyung.’
Sunggyu’s eyelids fluttered and he heaved a frustrated sigh. Howon patted his shoulder and then followed Sungyeol off the oval. Sunggyu watched them while scratching his head. He then looked over at the school building and caught eye of Woohyun who was staring at him attentively, his eyebrows crinkled together. Sunggyu flipped him off and scoffed audibly.
-
While the rest of the school carried on with disappointment, Sunggyu spent the rest of lunch time sitting at the bleachers and thinking about what he could do to reverse the situation. He felt like a worthless excuse for a brother and a friend.
‘I heard what happened between your brother and my cousin.’
Sunggyu tilted his head up and saw Doojoon approaching him, soccer ball trailing along with him.
‘I’m not surprised,’ Sunggyu sighed, sliding his blazer back on and straightening out his tie.
Doojoon then kicked the ball up and caught it in his hands. ‘Just so you know, I wouldn’t have blamed you if you beat the crap out of him,’ he mentioned, ‘Even if he is your little brother.’
Sunggyu smiled. ‘Thanks. I wouldn’t blame you if you did either.’
‘I’m personally not one for violence.’
‘That’s extremely noble of you.’
‘You play ball?’
‘No.’
‘Wanna watch then?’
‘Sure.’
-
After the students dispersed, Howon lead Sungyeol to a safe retreat - the music room. Sungjong was already there with Yongguk, standing up from the chairs upon Sungyeol’s arrival. Howon and Sungyeol told the other two of everything that had happened in detail. (Voice imitations and exaggerated actions were added, courtesy of Sungyeol.) By the end of their speech, Sungjong let out a huge breath of relief, slumping into Yongguk’s side.
The conversation somehow turned to Sungyeol as Sungjong stated, ‘Sunggyu told me he gave you lots of warning.’
Sungyeol looked up from his chair in surprise and nodded a little guiltily.
‘You should be flattered. I don’t think Sunggyu has ever warned anyone of Myungsoo’s people before,’ Sungjong mentioned, picking a piece of dust out of Yongguk’s hair. His blond was almost gone, making Sungjong scrunch his nose at the dark roots.
‘I still fell for it,’ Sungyeol sighed, pulling his knees up to his chin.
With a sympathetic pout, Sungjong assured, ‘Don’t blame yourself. He’s a professional heartbreaker.’
Sungyeol leaned one side of his face on his knee and smiled to himself in self-pity. ‘I kinda knew he was just toying with me,’ he mumbled. ‘I think I knew the whole time.’
Yongguk raised an eyebrow. ‘Then why didn’t you stop him?’
Just as Sungyeol was about to say he didn’t know, Howon interrupted him. ‘Because he really did like Myungsoo,’ Howon stated. He then looked over to a stunned Sungyeol and continued, ‘And since you stopped Sunggyu today, you really do like him.’
Sungyeol thought for a moment, before groaning into his knees because he knew Howon was right. He was in love with the heartbreaking, backstabbing, manipulative player, Kim fucking Myungsoo.
‘Right?’ Howon asked.
‘Right,’ Sungyeol answered.
-
After the bell went and Sunggyu promptly remembered he had forgotten to eat lunch again, Woohyun ghosted over to him as he was approaching the building.
‘Yes?’ Sunggyu questioned, a little fazed by the zombie look Woohyun was giving him.
‘I don’t trust Sungyeol’s cousin,’ Woohyun remarked.
Sunggyu scoffed, ‘Why?’
‘I just don’t,’ Woohyun said in that same suspicious tone, ‘I can feel he’s up to something.’
Sunggyu began quickening his pace and then turned around with a fingertip on his bottom lip. (Woohyun may or may not have unconsciously stared at his rosy lips because of this action.) He then tapped his bottom lip repeatedly and muttered, ‘Actually, now that you mention it, I do sense something…’
Woohyun rose his eyebrows and asked in curiosity, ‘What?’
‘I sense that you’re an idiot,’ Sunggyu snorted, before walking into the building.
Woohyun’s nose twitched in dismay.
-
After a short meeting, Sunggyu went to the nearest restroom. It was the last meeting he was going to have for a while, since the talent show was already planned and flyers were going to go up the next day. He walked through one of the main hallways, the school practically empty. Everyone had already rushed home, on the oval or in the gym training, or were studying in the library. When he entered the restroom, he felt a pang of concern. He didn’t understand why until he looked across the sinks and saw Howon bleeding.
Sunggyu always had the most amazing timing.
He asked casually, grabbing the younger boy’s attention, ‘Does Dongwoo know about this?’
Howon flicked his head towards the door and saw Sunggyu crossing his arms at him. ‘How did you know I was here?’ he queried, furrowing his brow as he placed the dirtied red blade onto the edge of the granite sink, knowing Sunggyu would stop him if he were to continue.
‘Changing the subject by directing the conversation to me,’ Sunggyu mused. ‘I learnt well, Mr Lee.’
Howon then twisted the faucet and let the cool water wash away the evidence, even though he was already caught.
Sunggyu asked, a little more sternly this time, as he approached Howon at the furthest sink, ‘Now inform me, does Dongwoo know about this or not?’
‘He knows I cut,’ Howon answered.
Sunggyu shot him a questioning look through the reflection in the mirror. ‘He knows you cut or he knows you stopped?’
‘He knows I stopped.’ There was no use in lying to Sunggyu. He knew Howon too well.
‘But he doesn’t know you’re cutting again,’ Sunggyu summarised, suddenly crestfallen.
Howon let out a breathy, ‘Sunggyu…’ He was a little frustrated by how guilty Sunggyu was making him feel.
‘I’d rather you not continue this habit, for Dongwoo’s sake,’ Sunggyu stated, ‘For your sake, I really don’t mind what you do. You always seem to have a grasp on things and I think you have a strong enough conscious to tell you when your body’s had enough.’
Howon nodded.
‘But for my sake…’ Sunggyu trailed off, biting his lip. ‘Please don’t do this anymore. I’m not fond of the idea of either you or Dongwoo getting hurt from this habit.’
Howon saw that Sunggyu was obviously worried over him. As Sunggyu said, he usually didn’t have a reason to worry over Howon. He always trusted Howon to take care of himself and that’s why he never said anything the first time he noticed Howon cutting. But something about this instance made Sunggyu feel insecure. It was probably because he had so much to deal with at that time and that this just pushed everything towards the edge.
After a sigh, Howon asked with a small smile, ‘Mind getting some bandages from the nurse for me?’
Sunggyu chuckled, knowing he had won. He then ranted dramatically, walking over to the urinals, ‘Smart thinking. If you were to get it, she’d be suspicious, but if I, the student body president, were to get bandages it would be for the greater good and I would be a helpful citizen of this blessed school.’
Howon corrected, ‘If school were a systematic society, you would be king, not a mere citizen.’ Howon wanted to say something along the lines of You and Woohyun would share the thrown and rule together, but he had a feeling Sunggyu would glare at him if he were to mention Woohyun.
‘Oh because I’m the head of the people?’
‘No, because you execute your citizens for simple wrongdoings at the same specific area.’
Sunggyu frowned.
‘Like a medieval society.’
‘You have a lot more wit since you’ve been talking to Dongwoo.’
‘You have been mentioning Dongwoo a lot since I’ve been talking to Dongwoo.’
‘I can’t tell if you’re jealous or if you’re just being informative.’
‘The latter.’
‘I believe with all my heart it was the former.’
-
As soon as Sunggyu arrived home that evening, having had talked to Howon for a couple hours more than necessary, Myungsoo was heading out. Sunggyu was quick enough to catch his sleeve and pester, ‘Where are you going?’
‘Out,’ Myungsoo replied bluntly, shaking him off without difficulty.
‘Until when?’
‘Until I figure out a way to get home,’ the younger brother scoffed, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his varsity jacket and storming down the path, before jumping into the car of someone Sunggyu didn’t recognise. Sunggyu sighed as he watched the car drive away at an illegal speed.
Myungsoo was obviously mad at him and he had a right to be, but Sunggyu had a right to be mad at him too. His younger brother was an ungrateful brat after all.
When Sunggyu got into the house, he shut the door behind him harder than needed and stormed up stairs, ready to rage on to Woohyun about what a dickhead his brother was and how he didn’t know what to do. However, when Sunggyu did call Woohyun, he didn’t pick up. Sunggyu waited until the ringing stopped and was replaced with The number you have dialled is busy. Please leave a message.
Sunggyu dropped onto his bed and huffed, shooting threatening faces at the phone screen.
‘That idiot, why isn’t he picking up his phone?’
-
‘Hello?’
Once Woohyun was out of his bathroom, dripping wet with a towel around his waist, he received a phone call from an unknown number. In curiosity, he accepted the call, thinking it may have been Sunggyu using someone else’s phone.
He heard an oddly familiar voice, ‘Woohyun.’
Woohyun knitted his eyebrows together as he asked, ‘Who is this?’
‘It’s Howon.’
Woohyun was a little surprised as to why Howon was calling him, but waited for the other to continue before asking so.
‘Myungsoo’s going to a club called Hysteria,’ Howon said without a reason.
Woohyun mumbled, ‘Why are you telling me this?’
‘Don’t let Sunggyu find out,’ Howon warned before hanging up, leaving Woohyun staring at his phone in utter confusion.
-
Woohyun ignored Sunggyu’s calls because, well, they wouldn’t stop talking and since Lee Howon told him to check over Myungsoo, it must’ve been a big deal. Plus, Woohyun found it hard to lie to Sunggyu and would rather not give himself the chance to spit out some implausible situations. Sunggyu would catch him out and get him to spill in a heartbeat.
While contemplating the idea of going to that club Howon mentioned and stopping whatever activity Myungsoo was doing, Woohyun roughly dried his hair and threw on some clothes. He scratched his head and slipped on a jacket whilst looking at his reflection.
The club was easily found since Woohyun had snuck into it a couple of times. With a subtle slip of fifty bucks to the bouncer at the front, Woohyun was let in to the club with ease and searched for Myungsoo. A couple of girls were all over Woohyun as soon as he stepped onto the packed dance floor, but Woohyun politely shoved them away and peered into every cubicle to find Myungsoo. He eventually found Myungsoo at the back, on one of the velvet couches with a girl straddling him - Woohyun had to squat a little to see if it was really him, since they were sucking face and he couldn’t really tell from a standing angle. Once Woohyun was sure enough, he pushed the obviously drunk girl to the side, letting her bounce on the plush couch and fall onto the floor.
Woohyun immediately latched onto Myungsoo’s wrist.
Myungsoo exclaimed brightly upon seeing who interrupted his much needed make-out session, ‘Oh hey, Hyun! You go to this club too?’
The girl rested her head on Myungsoo’s shoulder and gazed up at Woohyun with fluttery false eyelashes and a seductive smirk. She slurred, ‘Who’s your friend? He’s cute.’
‘This is the one and only Nam Woohyun,’ Myungsoo introduced. ‘Hyun, this is, um… Sorry, what’s your name again?’
Woohyun shook his head in disapproval and hauled Myungsoo up to his feet, tugging him towards the back exit of the club.
Myungsoo regained his balance and pulled out of Woohyun’s tight grip. ‘Woah, hey,’ Myungsoo sputtered giddily, ‘What’s the fuss?’
Woohyun grunted, shoving Myungsoo through the door and towards his car, ‘I’m taking you home.’
‘What? Why the hell would you do that?’ Myungsoo whined, a little tipsy.
Woohyun grabbed his collar angrily and growled, clearly not amused, ‘Just shut up and follow me before I rearrange your face.’
-
Myungsoo was pouting, avoiding eye contact with the older boy out of annoyance.
When the car stopped at a red light, Woohyun noticed how quiet Myungsoo was being and sighed, ‘Kim, I’m serious. You can’t do this anymore.’
‘Why not?’ Myungsoo spat, starting to sober up - He didn’t drink that much... Well, not for his alcohol tolerance anyway.
Woohyun rolled his eyes and gripped the steering wheel tighter. ‘Do you know how dangerous your habit is? I knew you were a playboy, but I didn’t think it was to the extent you toyed with your friend’s friend, your brother’s friend, and go hunting straight after,’ he scolded, letting out a frustrated huff.
Myungsoo didn’t reply and remained upset at the other, crossing his arms.
‘And,’ Woohyun began, ‘Do you think Sungyeol likes it when you do this? Do you think he is okay to have sex with you and not give a shit about it afterwards?’
Myungsoo deadpanned, uninterested, ‘Sungyeol’s not a virgin.’
‘You’re right, he’s not and he wasn’t when he was with you, but he doesn’t sleep around with anyone he’s not dating,’ Woohyun retorted, a dark expression slowly building up on his handsome features. ‘Or in your case, thought he was dating.’
Sensing Woohyun wasn’t going to relent, Myungsoo began to argue, ‘He and I -‘ But then he noticed Woohyun’s increasing speed and he widened his eyes, apprehensive at the cynical smirk on Woohyun’s face. ‘H - Hyun, watch the speed limit.’
‘He’s only fucked with one guy before you, his first boyfriend,’ Woohyun thundered, his foot not easing on the accelerate even for a second. ‘That goddamn bastard… You know what he did? He cheated on him!’
Myungsoo was too scared out of his mind to understand what he was saying. They were on a busy freeway, Woohyun now changing lanes constantly to avoid anyone who was driving too slow. Myungsoo gripped the armrest of the car door. ‘Slow down, you’re double the limit!’ he shouted.
‘Sungyeol was devastated for months.’ Woohyun’s voice dripped with murder, his eyes twitching at the memories of Sungyeol’s first love. With a lopsided smirk and a sharp turn of the wheel, Woohyun muttered lowly, ‘You know what I did to the punk that hurt him?’
Myungsoo felt sick, the alcohol taking its affect. ‘Woohyun, that was a red light!’ he hissed, now worried if the cops were around.
‘I sent him away. Far, far, away. And I swore to myself,’ Woohyun rumbled, ignoring Myungsoo’s hyperventilating and pleads for his life.
They ran over what felt like a speed bump, but Myungsoo was sceptical because there was no sign for a speed bump. ‘Did you just run over a possum? A pedestrian?’
Before Myungsoo could even blink, they were in the Kim residence’s court.
‘That if anyone ever hurt him again,’ Woohyun continued.
The house was in sight and Myungsoo knew enough about physics to realise that if Woohyun didn’t slow down they’d probably crash into the garage. (Or that Woohyun was willing to kill him and himself for revenge.)
‘Woohyun, slow down!’ he bellowed, gripping his seatbelt.
‘I’ll make them disappear.’
The car came to a quick halt, in the driveway, the screeching of tyres short and choppy. Myungsoo was panting wildly, his whole body trembling with adrenaline.
Woohyun’s expression quickly changed and he beamed chirpily, ‘Goodnight! Make sure to eat dinner and go to bed early. You have school tomorrow.’
Myungsoo robotically got out of the car and watched as Woohyun reversed and then drove way, waving at him happily as he passed.
He then turned on his heel and began trudging towards the front door, feeling like his sanity had evaporated. ‘WooGyu…’ Myungsoo exhaled, ‘The fucking insane ass couple.’
-
The sound of the television buzzing in the background wasn’t there like it usually was when Myungsoo entered the house. He instead saw Sunggyu at the dining table, food already prepared and set out. Sunggyu had finished eating dinner and was just watching Myungsoo kick his shoes off.
He then sighed and stood up, making his way towards the stairs.
‘Hyung,’ Myungsoo called, making his brother turn around and face him. ‘Were you waiting for me to come home?’
Sunggyu didn’t answer him and instead instructed softly, ‘Eat dinner.’
When Sunggyu began walking again, Myungsoo called, ‘Hyung.’
‘What?’ Sunggyu snapped, easily annoyed due to stress of the day. It was a pretty mind-blowing day.
Myungsoo looked to his feet and mumbled, ‘I’m sorry.’
‘I’m sorry too,’ Sunggyu sighed.
‘For what?’
‘For taking Sungyeol’s side.’
Myungsoo nodded and sat down, listening to Sunggyu’s footsteps up the stairs.
-
AN\ I know you all hate me for not getting Myungsoo the shit beaten out of him but worse things happens! Trust me~
Prologue One Two Three Four Five Seven Eight Nine Ten Eleven Twelve Thirteen Fourteen Fifteen Sixteen Seventeen Eighteen Nineteen (NSFW) Twenty Twenty-two