Eternity
Title: Eternity
Prompt: “The purpose of life is to fight maturity.”
Pairing: KiHae
Length: One-Shot
Word Count: 6,299
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Life is a never-ending cycle, and to those unaffected by death, it remains the sharpest pain of all to watch the world pass by and never be a part of it.
Notes: Um, not quite sure where I went with this... Took the prompt and ran so far I'm not quite sure it relates anymore? O.o; Hope you all enjoy it anyways! For the Blind Quote Challenge at neoragobang , check it out for a bunch of great fics!
It has all happened before, and it will happen again. Life is a never-ending cycle, and to those unaffected by death, it remains the sharpest pain of all to watch the world pass by and never be a part of it.
Kim KiBum couldn’t recall the exact instant he’d realized there was something different about him. It had happened so long ago… Decades, centuries? Maybe even a millennium. Numbers mattered little in the grand scheme of things. Time had this funny habit of slowing to a crawl, then speeding up again without warning.
Maybe he realized it when, ten years after his 18th birthday, relatives still commented on how young he looked when realistically he should be showing at least a few laugh lines by now. Maybe it occurred to him when his older brother, JongWoon, commented drily someone had assumed he was the grandchild of their father, not the son. Or maybe it was when, on what should have been his 30th birthday, he stared at his reflection in the bowl of water and saw the face of an older teenager looking back up at him.
That night he’d taken all his belongings, and left. Left his wife who looked twice his age, left their three-year-old son, left everything. Because he couldn’t ignore it anymore, and no matter how much it hurt, he couldn’t keep on living the way he had. What did one do when they found out they hadn’t aged a day since their 18th birthday?
He prayed, at each temple he passed. He prayed for an answer, for some sign of what he was supposed to do. None came.
People looked for him, of that he was certain. When a young lord just vanished into thin air, and a popular one at that, everyone took notice. Soldiers searched for him, and he was forced to hide in bushes and shacks and bribe those he talked to so they spread no word of his whereabouts.
Months passed. Years passed. The soldiers still looked for him, but KiBum no longer had to hide.
After all, the man they were looking for was 40 years old by now. What business would they have with a young male just barely an adult?
The world passed him by. He was no longer a part of it. Simply a spectator, an outsider looking in. Birth, childhood, adulthood, marriage, children, death. The cycle had frozen forever for him, but life went on.
Life went on.
*****
“OW!”
A piece of chalk dropped to the ground, the sound lost against the young man’s shout of surprise. The teacher scolded the student who’d not been paying attention, others around him trying not to snicker. KiBum looked on, expression stoic and unreadable. Another day, starting another school. He’d placed himself in the Theatre class at the university, figuring since he’d already gone through the majority of the other subjects might as well try something new. Acting appealed to him in a way, the way the classic plays never changed from century to century. They were unmoving, unchanging, just like him.
“Sorry, KiBum sshi, please introduce yourself.”
KiBum stepped forward slightly, bowing. “My name is Kim KiBum, please go easy on me.” The same words he’s been saying over and over. A new school every five or so years kept him out of suspicion. He’d just came back from a long stint in America, over two decades spent in various different locations.
Some of the others watched him curiously, while others seemed put off by the lack of interest in his tone. He registered their facial expressions like through fog; blurs, another moment in time come and gone.
He was assigned a seat next to the boy who’d been hit with chalk, and who hadn’t seemed to learn a thing because he’d resumed talking with his friends almost as soon as the teacher’s attention was elsewhere. KiBum sat down, taking out his writing materials and settling down to memorize another set of notes, another lecture.
Halfway through the class, long fingers poked his arm lightly. Glancing absently to one side, he met the eyes of the talkative student next to him. “Hey, you came from America, right?” The other stage-whispered, eyes bright and inquisitive. He seemed oblivious to the fact everyone around them could hear their conversation, or otherwise just didn’t care. “So are you good with English? Can you teach me?” The boy to his right snickered into his sleeve. “You don’t want to do that,” he commented. “Hae’s English is horrible.”
“As if yours is much better,” ‘Hae’ countered, leaning closer to KiBum. “So, what do you say? A little help won’t hu- OW!”
KiBum had seen the piece of chalk coming and calmly looked away as the other yelped. Korean teachers had amazing aim. “Lee DongHae, I am going to string you to the ceiling by your little toes if you don’t settle down,” she scolded, but the tone was familiar, and though she was trying to tell him off a smile quirked the corners of her lips. “And don’t think I didn’t hear your little interjection, Lee HyukJae. If you hold English in such high regard, you’ll do better to improve your own language skills instead of just running everything through an online translator.” HyukJae ducked his head, tips of his ears turning flaming red.
The rest of the class laughed, like this sort of thing occurred often, before going back to what they were doing. DongHae grinned sheepishly, winking at KiBum before returning to his own ‘note-taking’ (or rather, doodling spaceships across the page). KiBum blinked at them all and returned to his own notes with an inward sigh. It was always like this. Everything had already happened before, and will happen again.
It was just like all the other schools. The same students, the same cliques, the same teachers. The day passed by like all the others, and when they realized he wasn’t interested in talking, the students left him alone. He was separate from them, and though they may not understand it, there was a deep instinct that told them he was different, and that unconscious feeling made them back off.
All of them, except for one.
“Hey, hey!” Someone bounded up to him as he was leaving the school. KiBum glanced back, eyes focusing after a moment on DongHae as he skidded to a stop. The boy HyukJae ran after him, before stopping to collect the papers that had flown out of his open bag.
KiBum raised one eyebrow silently, watching the male pant slightly from the exertion, grinning widely at him. “Hey, want to hang out or something? Hyukkie and I are going to the skate park, once I pick up my board, and it’s really awesome cause it’s built just like the streets and there’s tons of things to do.”
KiBum shook his head, stopping DongHae from continuing. He’d learnt from the various interruptions during class DongHae needed to be told to shut up or else he’d never stop talking. The boy had the gift of the gab. “I don’t skate,” he said simply, making the answer short so DongHae would get the idea he wasn’t interested in socializing.
Apparently the boy’s head was thicker than that. “Oh, well, want to get some shaved ice? There’s a cool vendor on the way, it’s not that expensive either, and it’s really good, he has all sorts of flavors -“
“No thank you,” KiBum interjected, lips pressed firmly together. HyukJae, having by then caught up to them, nudged DongHae lightly. “Hae, he’s not interested. Let’s go?”
A pout formed on the other’s lips. “Are you sure? You don’t seem to have many friends.”
“I am not interested in making friends. Thank you for your concern, but it isn’t needed.” KiBum bowed slightly and turned to walk away. DongHae protested behind him, but finally did follow HyukJae in the other direction. KiBum didn’t watch them go, but stayed facing the other way, walking back to the apartment he’d rented. He wasn’t interested in interaction; he wasn’t interested in becoming involved in any sense of the word. It would only make things more complicated… And more painful.
If he remained apart, he wouldn’t have to feel the pain of being left behind. Because nothing lasted forever.
*****
“Here!”
KiBum gave a start as something was shoved in front of his face, leaning back to avoid going cross-eyed. Following the arm holding it out to him, his eyes met chocolate brown orbs laughing down at him. DongHae gave him a wide grin. “For you!” He trilled, placing the object down before bouncing to his own desk.
Looking down at the item that had been held out to him so suddenly, he found a small bowl of shaved ice on his desk. There was a red syrup on top, probably strawberry, and a spoon sticking out. It had started to melt from the heat, but was mostly intact.
He looked over at DongHae, who was watching him with an expectant look, like an eager-to-please puppy. “I never asked for any,” He pointed out, frowning lightly.
“But it’s really good!” DongHae insisted, eyes wide. “Have you ever had it before?”
“Of course I have.”
“Then why don’t you want some? It’s amazing!”
KiBum would have proceeded to ignore both DongHae and the shaved ice, but after a minute of that DongHae picked up the bowl and scooped a generous amount on to the spoon, holding it up to KiBum’s mouth. “Here!”
KiBum raised one eyebrow at him. “No,” he said flatly. He wasn’t letting this human several centuries his junior feed him. Everyone was watching them now, curiously. Apparently from the way those who’d hung out with DongHae were laughing to themselves, this was common behavior for their friend.
“Come on~, open your mouth,” DongHae cajoled, tapping the spoon lightly against KiBum’s lower lip. KiBum met his gaze and didn’t budge.
DongHae’s lips pursed into a pout, becoming more pronounced as it became obvious KiBum wasn’t going to give in. “But I got it for you,” he said with a sad tone, and KiBum got the distinct feeling he’d just kicked a puppy. “Cause you’re so quite and don’t talk much. Aren’t you lonely?”
Loneliness… He felt it every day, whether he participated in daily life or not. He was separate from this era, from these people, from everything. He didn’t belong in their lives, nor did they in his.
“No-“ The second he parted his lips to answer, the spoon was in his mouth and he nearly choked. The ice was cold, and tasted strongly of strawberries, refreshing. DongHae pulled the spoon back out, the surface free of ice, and gave him a cheerful peace sign. “I win!”
Massaging his sore throat from having the spoon shoved down it, KiBum looked up at the other, dark eyes meeting deep chocolate brown. What was it with this boy…
*****
The rest of the month passed in a similar fashion. DongHae asked him each day to join him and his friends doing various activities, and each time KiBum declined flat-out. The next day, DongHae would bring him souvenirs from wherever they went, or whatever they did. KiBum would refuse to take it, or eat it if it was food. Somehow, by the end of the day the offering would find it’s way into his mouth, or into his backpack without fail. He soon had a collection starting on his shelf back in his apartment; once he was home he didn’t have the heart to throw them out.
DongHae was… Different. KiBum was loathe to be downright mean to the boy, because he didn’t want to make enemies, but his attitude should have scared others of way long ago. Either DongHae had a very thick skull, or he was ignoring the fact that KiBum wanted to be alone on purpose.
He would find him in the library, and chatter into his ear until the librarian kicked them both out. He would eat lunch with him, no matter how many times KiBum changed locations. He even managed to find KiBum up on the roof during their breaks. And of course where DongHae went, HyukJae and the rest of his entourage were sure to follow.
Sooner or later, he’d get bored and leave. That was what KiBum told himself, day after day. But it never seemed to happen. DongHae never grew bored with pestering him, never left him without a long monologue about what he was going to do until he saw KiBum again, and never seemed to lose that large, dopey smile.
*****
Walking into the class, KiBum set his bag on the floor and slid into his seat with a sigh. He’d developed the habit of walking in just before the bell, so DongHae would have less time to talk to him before the teacher walked in and began the lesson. Not that it stopped DongHae, really, but at least KiBum didn’t have to pay attention to what the other said as much because he was supposed to be taking notes.
DongHae wasn’t there. The desk he sat at was empty. HyukJae was there, along with several others KiBum knew from one of DongHae’s long monologues (and why was he actually listening to what the other said anyways?) lived in the same area as him. They always walked to school together, especially DongHae and HyukJae; if those two had been any more glued together, they would have been twins.
But DongHae was nowhere to be seen.
The bell rang, the teacher walking in. Everyone took their seats, and the lesson started. The room was quiet without DongHae’s constant interruptions… Too quiet. KiBum glanced at the seat beside him every few minutes, as if expecting to find the young man sitting there as always, doodling away on his papers and alternating between talking with HyukJae and pestering KiBum. But the desk remained empty for the entire day.
As the last bell rang and everyone got up to leave, KiBum gathered his belongings and left the room, a twisting sensation in his chest. He wondered where DongHae was, and then scolded himself inwardly for thinking about the other male when he should be relieved at the lack of interruptions.
Finally though he stopped at the school gates, looking back at the building. HyukJae and a few others were walking towards the gates, chatting idly amongst themselves. HyukJae looked up, eyes meeting KiBums for a moment. The other boy blinked, seeing the silent male stopped at the gates, then waved slightly with one hand.
“We’re going to see DongHae,” he said with a gummy smile. “Feel free to come with, if you want.”
KiBum didn’t say anything, the others giving him curious glances as they walked by. After a moment of internal struggle, KiBum turned and followed them, walking along behind. Two of the boys looked back at him with smiles, but he didn’t say anything to them, looking straight ahead.
The walk was short, the group coming to a stop outside a large house a few blocks from the school. Pausing only for a second, KiBum followed them up the steps and into the house.
“Welcome back,” called a young man from the connecting room, curled up on the couch writing. “Oh, hello,” he added, catching sight of KiBum at the back of the group. “You must be KiBum sshi. Nice to meet you. DongHae’s still in his room, Hyukkie, hasn’t moved all day.”
“Oh.” HyukJae looked from KiBum to the man, grinning sheepishly. “Right. KiBum ah, this is JungSu, our guardian of sorts. And you already know the others, right?” He pointed at the three people they’d arrived with. “SungMin, KyuHyun, and SiWon.” KiBum nodded in return.
“YAH! About time you got back.” Another male stood at the stair landing, one hand on his hips. “He’s in a dreary mood, it might as well be raining buckets outside. Go fix it, will you?” The man vanished into another room with a huff.
HyukJae kicked off his shoes, the others doing the same. To KiBum’s surprise, they didn’t all go up the stairs to where he assumed DongHae’s room was, SungMin pulling KyuHyun into the kitchen to make snacks while SiWon went into the same room the noisy male had vanished into. They all seemed comfortable with the house, and from the way JungSu didn’t protest, he was used to them being here.
“Oh, we all live here,” HyukJae piped up, seeing KiBum’s slightly confused expression. “Well, here or with YoungWoon hyung in a house down the street. None of us are really related, but we decided living together would cut down expenses quite a bit.” JungSu nodded in agreement, more focused on his writing than what they were saying.
HyukJae went to the stairs, looking back at KiBum. “You coming?” He questioned. KiBum nodded, slipping off his own shoes and bowing politely to JungSu before following HyukJae up the steps to the second floor. There were rows of rooms, and glancing into one KiBum could see they were large, with two beds in each. Just how many people lived in this house?
HyukJae stopped at the closed door at the end, knocking lightly before opening the door. The room was dark, the curtains drawn closed and shutting out the sunlight. A small nightlight glowed in the corner of the room, in the shape of a fish. Quiet music played from a radio, creating a soothing and relaxed atmosphere. Squinting through the dark, KiBum’s eyes focused on a lump in one of the beds, a body curled up under the sheets.
HyukJae walked up to the bed, KiBum pausing before following. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness and the feeble light provided by the nightlight, he could see it was DongHae. The boy’s eyes were closed, breathing thick and uneven, a red flush across his cheekbones and nose.
“He’s asleep, I think,” HyukJae whispered, barely audible. “He had the fever yesterday too, but was too stubborn to stay home. It’s gotten really bad.”
Glancing at HyukJae, KiBum stepped up to the edge of the bed, one hand lifting slowly to brush against the bedridden boy’s forehead. DongHae was warm, far too warm.
Pulling his hand back, KiBum jumped when one of the other’s hands slipped up from underneath the covers, catching his own and holding it tightly. DongHae’s eyes opened gradually, hazy orbs struggling to focus. “KiBummie?” KiBum had to swallow to ease his suddenly painfully dry throat. The hoarse whisper didn’t suit him at all.
“How are you feeling, Hae?” HyukJae questioned when KiBum didn’t say anything. DongHae looked up at his friend with a shaky smile. “Better. Kinda? Everything’s spinny.”
“Have you been taking your medicine?” Came a voice from behind them, and KiBum started; he hadn’t heard JungSu follow them up the stairs.
“Yeah.”
“Good, here’s another pill to take next time.” JungSu stepped around HyukJae and KiBum to place a small pill and a glass of water by the bed. “Get some more rest, alright?” DongHae nodded, still holding on to KiBum’s hand.
JungSu left again, HyukJae sinking onto the bed opposite DongHae’s. “I’ve got homework to do, but I’ll be right here,” he told Hae, who smiled then looked at KiBum. “Thank you for coming KiBummie ah,” he murmured, finally letting go of his hand. “You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to.”
KiBum looked down at the young man curled up under the bed sheets, sweating and shivering from the fever racking his body. Before he could even realize what he was doing, he’d slipped into the chair placed beside the bed, presumably for someone to sit with DongHae while he was awake. “Homework can be done here,” he said simply, opening his school bag and taking out his books.
HyukJae laughed softly, and DongHae smiled at him from the bed. “Thank you,” came the quiet whisper as DongHae settled down to rest again. KiBum felt his lips curl upwards ever so slightly.
*****
“KyuHyun~! Mimi’s on the phone!”
If KiBum had thought before KyuHyun had been the quietest one of the group, that assumption was now torn to shreds as he watched the younger male all but dive for the phone SungMin was holding out for him, and trying to hide his eagerness. Once the phone was in his hands, KyuHyun switched to clumsy but understandable Mandarin, vanishing into the room he shared with SungMin.
Spotted KiBum’s carefully blank expression, DongHae laughed, waving one hand slightly. “That’s his boyfriend in China. They come to stay with us every now and then, Zhou Mi and Han Geng and Henli. The extra rooms at YoungWoon hyung’s are for them.” KiBum nodded slowly to show his understanding.
Somehow, after coming to visit DongHae at JungSu’s house last month, he’d come here more and more often. It wasn’t long until he was spending more time here than in his own apartment. He’d been introduced to the other members of the large ‘family’; not all of them went to their university.
The biggest shock had come when he’d ran into the one they called YeSung. The man was the mirror image of his elder brother many centuries ago, and his mind had frozen the second he’d laid eyes on him. He’d even called him JongWoon. But the other had only laughed, said his name was YeSung, and proceeded to introduce him to his turtle Ddangkoma. By the end of the week, he was more relaxed in YeSung’s presence, though the resemblance still threw him off.
“KiBummie! It’s my birthday in two weeks, you have to come kay? We’re going to Lotte World!” DongHae looked at him with those wide eyes, pleading with his gaze.
“What if I say no?” KiBum mused. DongHae pouted at him. “Then I’ll show up at your apartment bright and early and drag you out!” He exclaimed, not missing a beat. And KiBum knew he’d do it too; DongHae had followed up on his threats too many times for him to doubt it.
“DongHae hyung,” KyuHyun called from the other room. “Mi says they’ll be here, so reserve tickets for them too, alright?”
DongHae jumped happily at that. “Great! I’ll go get us reservations!” He got to his feet and bolted up the stairs.
“Now look what you did,” HeeChul murmured from where he was flipping through a magazine. “He’s not going to be able to stay still the rest of the day.” KyuHyun chuckled and vanished again.
Around the same time YeSung and YoungWoon arrived from the other apartment, DongHae came charging back down the stairs. “I did it, it’s all set- WOAH!”
KiBum jumped to his feet in alarm when DongHae missed a step in his haste, crashing down the last four steps with a yelp of pain. HyukJae raced down after him, getting there before KiBum did. “Hae, are you alright?” He exclaimed, crouching down beside the fallen boy and pulling him carefully into a seated position.
Seeing the other’s arms wrap themselves around DongHae’s waist, KiBum felt a very different kind of emotion course through his veins. Ignoring it, he crouched down beside him as well, taking careful note of how tangled the boy’s legs were. Something was probably broken.
His suspicions were confirmed when as he tried to straighten the other’s legs out, DongHae gave a whimper of pain. “I think my ankle’s broken,” he whispered, the color completely gone from his face from the shock and pain.
Carefully rolling up the boy’s pant leg, KiBum inspected the injury carefully. Sometime a century or two ago, he’d taken courses in medicine and actually had a PhD that would allow him to work in a hospital if he wanted. He ran the pads of his fingers carefully over the other’s ankle, shutting out DongHae’s sharp intake of breath even as it twisted the inside of his chest.
“Not broken,” he murmured. “It’s just twisted.” The joint was already starting to swell. “As long as you don’t put any pressure on it, it should heal within a few days.” DongHae nodded.
JungSu, hovering anxiously, vanished into the kitchen with RyeoWook to get ice for the swelling. “We should bring him to his room,” HyukJae said quietly, looking up at KiBum. “To rest.” KiBum nodded, but couldn’t help the stab of anger when HyukJae’s hands moved to support the other male, carefully lifting him to his feet. KiBum supported the other side, keeping his gaze off DongHae’s ashen face.
Once DongHae was in his bed, and the ice placed carefully around his ankle, KiBum sat down on the same chair he usually occupied, mouth set in a thin line. HyukJae moved to stay, but was pulled out by RyeoWook to help with something in the kitchen.
Somehow, he’d become attached to DongHae. There was no way for him to deny it; the fear he’d felt when DongHae had fallen proved it. The barriers he’d put up around himself had fallen away, and he’d opened himself up to that pain again. Why? How had it happened? He’d been so careful up until now…
“You have your thinking face on,” DongHae commented, perched up on his elbows and watching KiBum. The color was slowly returning to his face, but every time he moved his legs pain shot through his expression. “What’s up?”
KiBum shook his head slightly. “It’s nothing. How’s your ankle?” He leaned forward slightly, balancing his elbows on his knees.
“Getting there. I hope it’ll be alright for Lotte World.” KiBum chuckled softly at the pout on DongHae’s face.
“KiBummie?”
“Yeah?”
“Can I tell you a secret?”
KiBum raised an eyebrow. “Sure?”
DongHae looked around, then motioned at KiBum to come closer. Amused at the man’s childish behavior, KiBum humored him by slipping to the edge of the chair and leaning closer. A grin formed on the other’s face, as he scooted carefully to the edge of the bed as well.
Once again, DongHae ushered him closer. And closer. Why so close, there was no one else here to hear -
Oh.
He’d never really given much thought to it before…
But he’d never thought DongHae’s lips would be so soft.
*****
Closing the apartment door behind him, and locking it with a click, KiBum leaned against it and resisted the urge to beat his head against the wood. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
What was he doing? The second he realized he was growing closer to the male he should have left town, restarted somewhere else. This wasn’t healthy; it would only result in pain in the end. Pain, for himself and DongHae.
Why hadn’t he just pushed him away?
Because if he was going to admit it to himself… He had enjoyed the kiss. Too much.
Falling into bed and shutting his eyes tightly, KiBum determined he would move away soon. Better get out of this late than never. He couldn’t let himself get so close to someone bound by time…
Then he’d remember DongHae’s bright smile, the taste of strawberry shaved ice, and the light pressure of lips against his own, and the will to leave all but dissolved.
A shout of frustration was muffled in his pillow. Perhaps it was already too late.
*****
He never did gather the will to leave.
“Over here!” DongHae shouted, waving at him frantically. KiBum waited for a group of people to walk by before heading across the park to where the other was sitting. The second he’d slipped onto the bench beside him, DongHae shoved a bowl of shaved ice under his nose. KiBum chuckled and took it from him.
“So are you going to be at my house tomorrow morning?” DongHae questioned, eyes bright. KiBum nodded, scooping up a bit of the frozen treat. “Bright and early,” he replied, smiling.
“Great!” DongHae chirped, leaning against KiBum. “Everyone’s really warmed up to you. Why don’t you move out of your apartment, move in with us? It’ll be fun! Kyu’s going to China soon with Mi, so his bed will be free.”
KiBum was silent, shifting around the ice in his bowl. What was he supposed to say? That he couldn’t stay with them forever, or else they’d notice he never aged? That he was probably ten, twenty, thirty times their age easily?
“That’s alright, I’m fine where I am,” he replied quietly.
DongHae was quiet for a long moment, then sighed softly. “Why are you so serious all the time, KiBummie? It’s like you’re carrying weights around wherever you go.”
“I’m just looking at the situation maturely, DongHae. Having so many people in the house isn’t a good idea, and I haven’t known you all for that long.”
DongHae grinned at him. “But the purpose of life is to fight maturity! If you act serious all the time, how are you supposed to live?”
“Easily. You just keep on living.”
“There’s living, and then there’s living,” DongHae commented, smiling. “Really living. Being happy, and doing things just because you want to. No matter how much time passes, how long it is, if you can’t look back on it and smile at fond memories then you haven’t lived at all.”
KiBum looked at DongHae, slightly startled by the wise response he’d gotten. “DongHae…”
“Hm?”
KiBum watched him for a moment, debating if he should tell him or not. “… Never mind,” he murmured.
DongHae pouted. “Tell me!”
“No.”
“Tell me~~”
“No.”
DongHae pouted even more, and KiBum couldn’t resist the temptation anymore. He leaned across and kissed those soft lips, feeling DongHae smile as he kissed him back.
No matter what happened, this was one memory he knew he’d treasure in the centuries to come.
*****
“Ah, KiBum, come in!” JungSu held the door open for him, KiBum stepping inside. “The others are getting ready,” he said over his shoulder, walking into the kitchen where KiBum could see RyeoWook and SungMin working hard on something. He’d heard mention of picnic lunches, so that was what he assumed it was.
Hearing commotions upstairs, he decided to avoid the others for now. The group from China had arrived a few days ago, and the level of chaos in the two houses had been stepped up quite a bit.
Instead, he walked around the main floor of the house, exploring areas he hadn’t really looked at before. Most of his time here had been spent with DongHae dragging him around, so he hadn’t really been able to look around by himself, and he knew by now JungSu wouldn’t mind.
One room in the corner of the house caught his attention, the door half-open and the space beyond dark. Approaching it, KiBum nudged the door open and flipped on the lights.
He could tell immediately it was an important room, the decorations elaborate and expensive. Perhaps too expensive for a group of young men either in school still or not long out of it. KiBum walked inside, looking around at the candleholders in the walls, the chandelier. It looked like something from several eras back, a different time. Perhaps one of them was a collector?
But these items should be worth more than they could afford…
A large wooden book at one end of the room got his attention, propped up by a large stand. Curiosity overcame him, and he crossed the room to open it slowly.
It was a large photo album, looking weathered and fragile. The hinges were new, but that was it. KiBum’s gaze focused on the first photograph, smiling faintly as he recognized the lack of quality. This one had been taken probably in the early 1800’s, when photography was still new. Ancestors of one of the young men, no doubt.
His eyes focused on the young men in the photograph, eyes going between their faces absently, and his heart nearly stopped beating.
Looking up at him through the antique photograph, one dimple showing alongside his smile, was JungSu.
The very same JungSu who had greeted him just minutes ago was reflected in this photograph that must have been at least two centuries ago.
Swallowing thickly, KiBum flipped the page again. The next photograph was the same, but featured a completely different set of people. Amongst a group of five young men in business suits, YoungWoon looked up at him with a small smile.
Flipping the page again, he found himself looking down at KyuHyun and SungMin, the elder all but perched on KyuHyun’s shoulders as they laughed soundlessly.
The next page brought him a bit closer to the present, the date scribbled in the corner “1925”. His eyes focused on the faces of DongHae and HyukJae, arms around each other and posed with identical peace signs. Looking the exact same as they did now… Nearly a century ago.
“… Oh.”
KiBum turned around to see RyeoWook standing in the doorway, staring at him with wide eyes. The others gaze went from KiBum, to the album in his hands, mouth falling open soundlessly. Backing up step by step, he suddenly turned and ran up the stairs, yelling for JungSu.
Suddenly what looked like the entirety of both households spilled into the room, JungSu pushing his way to the front with RyeoWook at his heels. DongHae pushed his way up as well, blinking at KiBum with wide eyes.
“… Well, he saw it, there’s nothing we can do really,” JungSu said with a sigh, looking back at the others. “Guess we’re just going to have to tell him.”
“No,” DongHae whispered. “No, we don’t have to.” He stepped forward slightly, hesitantly, like KiBum was going to turn tail and run. “KiBummie’s smart. You know what this means, right? Seeing pictures of us like that, exactly as we are now.”
It was so much to absorb in an instant. These people, the ones that he’d grown so close to, were… “Immortals,” KiBum spoke quietly. “You’re all immortals.”
JungSu nodded. “I’m sorry we never told you… But it’s not exactly the easiest thing to explain, and it would be troublesome if too many people knew…”
“If you don’t want to be around us from now on, we understand,” DongHae whispered, HyukJae coming up beside him and placing a comforting hand on his friend’s shoulder.
“No. He wouldn’t be like that.”
YeSung pushed his way to the front, nearly tripping over several pairs of feet on the way. Finally getting there, he grinned at KiBum. “You left before I could tell you I was the same. I sent people after you, soldiers, but they couldn’t find you. Of course, they were looking for someone much older, weren’t they?”
KiBum stared at him, the pieces fitting together in his head. “JongWoon hyung…?”
YeSung smiled at him. “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it? Sorry for not saying anything, but I figured it was better this way.”
“JongWoon? How does he know your real name?” JungSu questioned, looking between YeSung and KiBum.
“Because he’s my long-lost little brother.”
“… You’re joking,” KyuHyun deadpanned.
“You mean we’ve been tiptoeing around him all this time, being careful with everything we say, and he was one of us?” YoungWoon hit YeSung off the head. “You could have told someone!”
DongHae just stared at him, mouth agape.
“This is great!” JungSu exclaimed, dimpling as he beamed at KiBum. “It’s always fantastic to meet another immortal, especially one related.” KiBum shifted from foot to foot, still too stunned by the sudden turn of events to comment.
It was SiWon who took pity on him. “Maybe we should leave off the celebration until later?” He suggested, everyone turning to look at him. “Give him some time to… Take it all in.”
There were murmured agreements, and the group began to file out of the room. Some clapped KiBum on the shoulder in congratulations, a few taking a playful swing at YeSung for keeping it to himself. Soon, it was only JungSu, YeSung, DongHae and KiBum left in the room; even HyukJae had been pulled out at some point.
“You’re more than welcome to stay with us, KiBum,” JungSu offered, still smiling widely. “We have enough room, and it’s easiest for us all to stick together.”
“There’s a lot to catch up on,” YeSung laughed, before JungSu pulled him out.
Then, quite suddenly, he had an armful of excited DongHae. “This is great! I mean, it’s always great to meet more immortals, but this is even better because it’s you! You can stay with us now, right? We’ll all be like one big family!”
KiBum blinked at him for a moment. “You truly are immortals,” he murmured, almost to himself. “Can I really stay here?”
“Of course!” DongHae chirped. “I mean, some of us live in China and some go back and forth, and I think some were planning to try out Japan, but it’s like a big, extended family and we all keep in touch so no matter what no one’s ever alone!”
Alone… He’d been alone, throughout the long centuries. So much so, that he’d lost what it felt like to truly be alive. He’d just floated through, like a ghost in the background, only a shadow of what he used to be.
“I can stay with you,” he stated, half a question, needing to have it confirmed again.
“Yup! Someone has to keep you from going all serious and gloomy again.”
KiBum smiled, a wide grin that showed off his straight teeth and crinkled his eyes. DongHae smiled right back, kissing his lips lightly before stepping back. “Lets go see the others! It’s my 350th birthday, and you all promised me Lotte World, remember?”
“Right,” KiBum laughed.
“KiBummie?”
“Yeah?”
DongHae looked back at him, eyes bright. “Lets watch the new millennium arrive, together.”
Prompt: “The purpose of life is to fight maturity.”
Pairing: KiHae
Length: One-Shot
Word Count: 6,299
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Life is a never-ending cycle, and to those unaffected by death, it remains the sharpest pain of all to watch the world pass by and never be a part of it.
Notes: Um, not quite sure where I went with this... Took the prompt and ran so far I'm not quite sure it relates anymore? O.o; Hope you all enjoy it anyways! For the Blind Quote Challenge at neoragobang , check it out for a bunch of great fics!
It has all happened before, and it will happen again. Life is a never-ending cycle, and to those unaffected by death, it remains the sharpest pain of all to watch the world pass by and never be a part of it.
Kim KiBum couldn’t recall the exact instant he’d realized there was something different about him. It had happened so long ago… Decades, centuries? Maybe even a millennium. Numbers mattered little in the grand scheme of things. Time had this funny habit of slowing to a crawl, then speeding up again without warning.
Maybe he realized it when, ten years after his 18th birthday, relatives still commented on how young he looked when realistically he should be showing at least a few laugh lines by now. Maybe it occurred to him when his older brother, JongWoon, commented drily someone had assumed he was the grandchild of their father, not the son. Or maybe it was when, on what should have been his 30th birthday, he stared at his reflection in the bowl of water and saw the face of an older teenager looking back up at him.
That night he’d taken all his belongings, and left. Left his wife who looked twice his age, left their three-year-old son, left everything. Because he couldn’t ignore it anymore, and no matter how much it hurt, he couldn’t keep on living the way he had. What did one do when they found out they hadn’t aged a day since their 18th birthday?
He prayed, at each temple he passed. He prayed for an answer, for some sign of what he was supposed to do. None came.
People looked for him, of that he was certain. When a young lord just vanished into thin air, and a popular one at that, everyone took notice. Soldiers searched for him, and he was forced to hide in bushes and shacks and bribe those he talked to so they spread no word of his whereabouts.
Months passed. Years passed. The soldiers still looked for him, but KiBum no longer had to hide.
After all, the man they were looking for was 40 years old by now. What business would they have with a young male just barely an adult?
The world passed him by. He was no longer a part of it. Simply a spectator, an outsider looking in. Birth, childhood, adulthood, marriage, children, death. The cycle had frozen forever for him, but life went on.
Life went on.
*****
“OW!”
A piece of chalk dropped to the ground, the sound lost against the young man’s shout of surprise. The teacher scolded the student who’d not been paying attention, others around him trying not to snicker. KiBum looked on, expression stoic and unreadable. Another day, starting another school. He’d placed himself in the Theatre class at the university, figuring since he’d already gone through the majority of the other subjects might as well try something new. Acting appealed to him in a way, the way the classic plays never changed from century to century. They were unmoving, unchanging, just like him.
“Sorry, KiBum sshi, please introduce yourself.”
KiBum stepped forward slightly, bowing. “My name is Kim KiBum, please go easy on me.” The same words he’s been saying over and over. A new school every five or so years kept him out of suspicion. He’d just came back from a long stint in America, over two decades spent in various different locations.
Some of the others watched him curiously, while others seemed put off by the lack of interest in his tone. He registered their facial expressions like through fog; blurs, another moment in time come and gone.
He was assigned a seat next to the boy who’d been hit with chalk, and who hadn’t seemed to learn a thing because he’d resumed talking with his friends almost as soon as the teacher’s attention was elsewhere. KiBum sat down, taking out his writing materials and settling down to memorize another set of notes, another lecture.
Halfway through the class, long fingers poked his arm lightly. Glancing absently to one side, he met the eyes of the talkative student next to him. “Hey, you came from America, right?” The other stage-whispered, eyes bright and inquisitive. He seemed oblivious to the fact everyone around them could hear their conversation, or otherwise just didn’t care. “So are you good with English? Can you teach me?” The boy to his right snickered into his sleeve. “You don’t want to do that,” he commented. “Hae’s English is horrible.”
“As if yours is much better,” ‘Hae’ countered, leaning closer to KiBum. “So, what do you say? A little help won’t hu- OW!”
KiBum had seen the piece of chalk coming and calmly looked away as the other yelped. Korean teachers had amazing aim. “Lee DongHae, I am going to string you to the ceiling by your little toes if you don’t settle down,” she scolded, but the tone was familiar, and though she was trying to tell him off a smile quirked the corners of her lips. “And don’t think I didn’t hear your little interjection, Lee HyukJae. If you hold English in such high regard, you’ll do better to improve your own language skills instead of just running everything through an online translator.” HyukJae ducked his head, tips of his ears turning flaming red.
The rest of the class laughed, like this sort of thing occurred often, before going back to what they were doing. DongHae grinned sheepishly, winking at KiBum before returning to his own ‘note-taking’ (or rather, doodling spaceships across the page). KiBum blinked at them all and returned to his own notes with an inward sigh. It was always like this. Everything had already happened before, and will happen again.
It was just like all the other schools. The same students, the same cliques, the same teachers. The day passed by like all the others, and when they realized he wasn’t interested in talking, the students left him alone. He was separate from them, and though they may not understand it, there was a deep instinct that told them he was different, and that unconscious feeling made them back off.
All of them, except for one.
“Hey, hey!” Someone bounded up to him as he was leaving the school. KiBum glanced back, eyes focusing after a moment on DongHae as he skidded to a stop. The boy HyukJae ran after him, before stopping to collect the papers that had flown out of his open bag.
KiBum raised one eyebrow silently, watching the male pant slightly from the exertion, grinning widely at him. “Hey, want to hang out or something? Hyukkie and I are going to the skate park, once I pick up my board, and it’s really awesome cause it’s built just like the streets and there’s tons of things to do.”
KiBum shook his head, stopping DongHae from continuing. He’d learnt from the various interruptions during class DongHae needed to be told to shut up or else he’d never stop talking. The boy had the gift of the gab. “I don’t skate,” he said simply, making the answer short so DongHae would get the idea he wasn’t interested in socializing.
Apparently the boy’s head was thicker than that. “Oh, well, want to get some shaved ice? There’s a cool vendor on the way, it’s not that expensive either, and it’s really good, he has all sorts of flavors -“
“No thank you,” KiBum interjected, lips pressed firmly together. HyukJae, having by then caught up to them, nudged DongHae lightly. “Hae, he’s not interested. Let’s go?”
A pout formed on the other’s lips. “Are you sure? You don’t seem to have many friends.”
“I am not interested in making friends. Thank you for your concern, but it isn’t needed.” KiBum bowed slightly and turned to walk away. DongHae protested behind him, but finally did follow HyukJae in the other direction. KiBum didn’t watch them go, but stayed facing the other way, walking back to the apartment he’d rented. He wasn’t interested in interaction; he wasn’t interested in becoming involved in any sense of the word. It would only make things more complicated… And more painful.
If he remained apart, he wouldn’t have to feel the pain of being left behind. Because nothing lasted forever.
*****
“Here!”
KiBum gave a start as something was shoved in front of his face, leaning back to avoid going cross-eyed. Following the arm holding it out to him, his eyes met chocolate brown orbs laughing down at him. DongHae gave him a wide grin. “For you!” He trilled, placing the object down before bouncing to his own desk.
Looking down at the item that had been held out to him so suddenly, he found a small bowl of shaved ice on his desk. There was a red syrup on top, probably strawberry, and a spoon sticking out. It had started to melt from the heat, but was mostly intact.
He looked over at DongHae, who was watching him with an expectant look, like an eager-to-please puppy. “I never asked for any,” He pointed out, frowning lightly.
“But it’s really good!” DongHae insisted, eyes wide. “Have you ever had it before?”
“Of course I have.”
“Then why don’t you want some? It’s amazing!”
KiBum would have proceeded to ignore both DongHae and the shaved ice, but after a minute of that DongHae picked up the bowl and scooped a generous amount on to the spoon, holding it up to KiBum’s mouth. “Here!”
KiBum raised one eyebrow at him. “No,” he said flatly. He wasn’t letting this human several centuries his junior feed him. Everyone was watching them now, curiously. Apparently from the way those who’d hung out with DongHae were laughing to themselves, this was common behavior for their friend.
“Come on~, open your mouth,” DongHae cajoled, tapping the spoon lightly against KiBum’s lower lip. KiBum met his gaze and didn’t budge.
DongHae’s lips pursed into a pout, becoming more pronounced as it became obvious KiBum wasn’t going to give in. “But I got it for you,” he said with a sad tone, and KiBum got the distinct feeling he’d just kicked a puppy. “Cause you’re so quite and don’t talk much. Aren’t you lonely?”
Loneliness… He felt it every day, whether he participated in daily life or not. He was separate from this era, from these people, from everything. He didn’t belong in their lives, nor did they in his.
“No-“ The second he parted his lips to answer, the spoon was in his mouth and he nearly choked. The ice was cold, and tasted strongly of strawberries, refreshing. DongHae pulled the spoon back out, the surface free of ice, and gave him a cheerful peace sign. “I win!”
Massaging his sore throat from having the spoon shoved down it, KiBum looked up at the other, dark eyes meeting deep chocolate brown. What was it with this boy…
*****
The rest of the month passed in a similar fashion. DongHae asked him each day to join him and his friends doing various activities, and each time KiBum declined flat-out. The next day, DongHae would bring him souvenirs from wherever they went, or whatever they did. KiBum would refuse to take it, or eat it if it was food. Somehow, by the end of the day the offering would find it’s way into his mouth, or into his backpack without fail. He soon had a collection starting on his shelf back in his apartment; once he was home he didn’t have the heart to throw them out.
DongHae was… Different. KiBum was loathe to be downright mean to the boy, because he didn’t want to make enemies, but his attitude should have scared others of way long ago. Either DongHae had a very thick skull, or he was ignoring the fact that KiBum wanted to be alone on purpose.
He would find him in the library, and chatter into his ear until the librarian kicked them both out. He would eat lunch with him, no matter how many times KiBum changed locations. He even managed to find KiBum up on the roof during their breaks. And of course where DongHae went, HyukJae and the rest of his entourage were sure to follow.
Sooner or later, he’d get bored and leave. That was what KiBum told himself, day after day. But it never seemed to happen. DongHae never grew bored with pestering him, never left him without a long monologue about what he was going to do until he saw KiBum again, and never seemed to lose that large, dopey smile.
*****
Walking into the class, KiBum set his bag on the floor and slid into his seat with a sigh. He’d developed the habit of walking in just before the bell, so DongHae would have less time to talk to him before the teacher walked in and began the lesson. Not that it stopped DongHae, really, but at least KiBum didn’t have to pay attention to what the other said as much because he was supposed to be taking notes.
DongHae wasn’t there. The desk he sat at was empty. HyukJae was there, along with several others KiBum knew from one of DongHae’s long monologues (and why was he actually listening to what the other said anyways?) lived in the same area as him. They always walked to school together, especially DongHae and HyukJae; if those two had been any more glued together, they would have been twins.
But DongHae was nowhere to be seen.
The bell rang, the teacher walking in. Everyone took their seats, and the lesson started. The room was quiet without DongHae’s constant interruptions… Too quiet. KiBum glanced at the seat beside him every few minutes, as if expecting to find the young man sitting there as always, doodling away on his papers and alternating between talking with HyukJae and pestering KiBum. But the desk remained empty for the entire day.
As the last bell rang and everyone got up to leave, KiBum gathered his belongings and left the room, a twisting sensation in his chest. He wondered where DongHae was, and then scolded himself inwardly for thinking about the other male when he should be relieved at the lack of interruptions.
Finally though he stopped at the school gates, looking back at the building. HyukJae and a few others were walking towards the gates, chatting idly amongst themselves. HyukJae looked up, eyes meeting KiBums for a moment. The other boy blinked, seeing the silent male stopped at the gates, then waved slightly with one hand.
“We’re going to see DongHae,” he said with a gummy smile. “Feel free to come with, if you want.”
KiBum didn’t say anything, the others giving him curious glances as they walked by. After a moment of internal struggle, KiBum turned and followed them, walking along behind. Two of the boys looked back at him with smiles, but he didn’t say anything to them, looking straight ahead.
The walk was short, the group coming to a stop outside a large house a few blocks from the school. Pausing only for a second, KiBum followed them up the steps and into the house.
“Welcome back,” called a young man from the connecting room, curled up on the couch writing. “Oh, hello,” he added, catching sight of KiBum at the back of the group. “You must be KiBum sshi. Nice to meet you. DongHae’s still in his room, Hyukkie, hasn’t moved all day.”
“Oh.” HyukJae looked from KiBum to the man, grinning sheepishly. “Right. KiBum ah, this is JungSu, our guardian of sorts. And you already know the others, right?” He pointed at the three people they’d arrived with. “SungMin, KyuHyun, and SiWon.” KiBum nodded in return.
“YAH! About time you got back.” Another male stood at the stair landing, one hand on his hips. “He’s in a dreary mood, it might as well be raining buckets outside. Go fix it, will you?” The man vanished into another room with a huff.
HyukJae kicked off his shoes, the others doing the same. To KiBum’s surprise, they didn’t all go up the stairs to where he assumed DongHae’s room was, SungMin pulling KyuHyun into the kitchen to make snacks while SiWon went into the same room the noisy male had vanished into. They all seemed comfortable with the house, and from the way JungSu didn’t protest, he was used to them being here.
“Oh, we all live here,” HyukJae piped up, seeing KiBum’s slightly confused expression. “Well, here or with YoungWoon hyung in a house down the street. None of us are really related, but we decided living together would cut down expenses quite a bit.” JungSu nodded in agreement, more focused on his writing than what they were saying.
HyukJae went to the stairs, looking back at KiBum. “You coming?” He questioned. KiBum nodded, slipping off his own shoes and bowing politely to JungSu before following HyukJae up the steps to the second floor. There were rows of rooms, and glancing into one KiBum could see they were large, with two beds in each. Just how many people lived in this house?
HyukJae stopped at the closed door at the end, knocking lightly before opening the door. The room was dark, the curtains drawn closed and shutting out the sunlight. A small nightlight glowed in the corner of the room, in the shape of a fish. Quiet music played from a radio, creating a soothing and relaxed atmosphere. Squinting through the dark, KiBum’s eyes focused on a lump in one of the beds, a body curled up under the sheets.
HyukJae walked up to the bed, KiBum pausing before following. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness and the feeble light provided by the nightlight, he could see it was DongHae. The boy’s eyes were closed, breathing thick and uneven, a red flush across his cheekbones and nose.
“He’s asleep, I think,” HyukJae whispered, barely audible. “He had the fever yesterday too, but was too stubborn to stay home. It’s gotten really bad.”
Glancing at HyukJae, KiBum stepped up to the edge of the bed, one hand lifting slowly to brush against the bedridden boy’s forehead. DongHae was warm, far too warm.
Pulling his hand back, KiBum jumped when one of the other’s hands slipped up from underneath the covers, catching his own and holding it tightly. DongHae’s eyes opened gradually, hazy orbs struggling to focus. “KiBummie?” KiBum had to swallow to ease his suddenly painfully dry throat. The hoarse whisper didn’t suit him at all.
“How are you feeling, Hae?” HyukJae questioned when KiBum didn’t say anything. DongHae looked up at his friend with a shaky smile. “Better. Kinda? Everything’s spinny.”
“Have you been taking your medicine?” Came a voice from behind them, and KiBum started; he hadn’t heard JungSu follow them up the stairs.
“Yeah.”
“Good, here’s another pill to take next time.” JungSu stepped around HyukJae and KiBum to place a small pill and a glass of water by the bed. “Get some more rest, alright?” DongHae nodded, still holding on to KiBum’s hand.
JungSu left again, HyukJae sinking onto the bed opposite DongHae’s. “I’ve got homework to do, but I’ll be right here,” he told Hae, who smiled then looked at KiBum. “Thank you for coming KiBummie ah,” he murmured, finally letting go of his hand. “You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to.”
KiBum looked down at the young man curled up under the bed sheets, sweating and shivering from the fever racking his body. Before he could even realize what he was doing, he’d slipped into the chair placed beside the bed, presumably for someone to sit with DongHae while he was awake. “Homework can be done here,” he said simply, opening his school bag and taking out his books.
HyukJae laughed softly, and DongHae smiled at him from the bed. “Thank you,” came the quiet whisper as DongHae settled down to rest again. KiBum felt his lips curl upwards ever so slightly.
*****
“KyuHyun~! Mimi’s on the phone!”
If KiBum had thought before KyuHyun had been the quietest one of the group, that assumption was now torn to shreds as he watched the younger male all but dive for the phone SungMin was holding out for him, and trying to hide his eagerness. Once the phone was in his hands, KyuHyun switched to clumsy but understandable Mandarin, vanishing into the room he shared with SungMin.
Spotted KiBum’s carefully blank expression, DongHae laughed, waving one hand slightly. “That’s his boyfriend in China. They come to stay with us every now and then, Zhou Mi and Han Geng and Henli. The extra rooms at YoungWoon hyung’s are for them.” KiBum nodded slowly to show his understanding.
Somehow, after coming to visit DongHae at JungSu’s house last month, he’d come here more and more often. It wasn’t long until he was spending more time here than in his own apartment. He’d been introduced to the other members of the large ‘family’; not all of them went to their university.
The biggest shock had come when he’d ran into the one they called YeSung. The man was the mirror image of his elder brother many centuries ago, and his mind had frozen the second he’d laid eyes on him. He’d even called him JongWoon. But the other had only laughed, said his name was YeSung, and proceeded to introduce him to his turtle Ddangkoma. By the end of the week, he was more relaxed in YeSung’s presence, though the resemblance still threw him off.
“KiBummie! It’s my birthday in two weeks, you have to come kay? We’re going to Lotte World!” DongHae looked at him with those wide eyes, pleading with his gaze.
“What if I say no?” KiBum mused. DongHae pouted at him. “Then I’ll show up at your apartment bright and early and drag you out!” He exclaimed, not missing a beat. And KiBum knew he’d do it too; DongHae had followed up on his threats too many times for him to doubt it.
“DongHae hyung,” KyuHyun called from the other room. “Mi says they’ll be here, so reserve tickets for them too, alright?”
DongHae jumped happily at that. “Great! I’ll go get us reservations!” He got to his feet and bolted up the stairs.
“Now look what you did,” HeeChul murmured from where he was flipping through a magazine. “He’s not going to be able to stay still the rest of the day.” KyuHyun chuckled and vanished again.
Around the same time YeSung and YoungWoon arrived from the other apartment, DongHae came charging back down the stairs. “I did it, it’s all set- WOAH!”
KiBum jumped to his feet in alarm when DongHae missed a step in his haste, crashing down the last four steps with a yelp of pain. HyukJae raced down after him, getting there before KiBum did. “Hae, are you alright?” He exclaimed, crouching down beside the fallen boy and pulling him carefully into a seated position.
Seeing the other’s arms wrap themselves around DongHae’s waist, KiBum felt a very different kind of emotion course through his veins. Ignoring it, he crouched down beside him as well, taking careful note of how tangled the boy’s legs were. Something was probably broken.
His suspicions were confirmed when as he tried to straighten the other’s legs out, DongHae gave a whimper of pain. “I think my ankle’s broken,” he whispered, the color completely gone from his face from the shock and pain.
Carefully rolling up the boy’s pant leg, KiBum inspected the injury carefully. Sometime a century or two ago, he’d taken courses in medicine and actually had a PhD that would allow him to work in a hospital if he wanted. He ran the pads of his fingers carefully over the other’s ankle, shutting out DongHae’s sharp intake of breath even as it twisted the inside of his chest.
“Not broken,” he murmured. “It’s just twisted.” The joint was already starting to swell. “As long as you don’t put any pressure on it, it should heal within a few days.” DongHae nodded.
JungSu, hovering anxiously, vanished into the kitchen with RyeoWook to get ice for the swelling. “We should bring him to his room,” HyukJae said quietly, looking up at KiBum. “To rest.” KiBum nodded, but couldn’t help the stab of anger when HyukJae’s hands moved to support the other male, carefully lifting him to his feet. KiBum supported the other side, keeping his gaze off DongHae’s ashen face.
Once DongHae was in his bed, and the ice placed carefully around his ankle, KiBum sat down on the same chair he usually occupied, mouth set in a thin line. HyukJae moved to stay, but was pulled out by RyeoWook to help with something in the kitchen.
Somehow, he’d become attached to DongHae. There was no way for him to deny it; the fear he’d felt when DongHae had fallen proved it. The barriers he’d put up around himself had fallen away, and he’d opened himself up to that pain again. Why? How had it happened? He’d been so careful up until now…
“You have your thinking face on,” DongHae commented, perched up on his elbows and watching KiBum. The color was slowly returning to his face, but every time he moved his legs pain shot through his expression. “What’s up?”
KiBum shook his head slightly. “It’s nothing. How’s your ankle?” He leaned forward slightly, balancing his elbows on his knees.
“Getting there. I hope it’ll be alright for Lotte World.” KiBum chuckled softly at the pout on DongHae’s face.
“KiBummie?”
“Yeah?”
“Can I tell you a secret?”
KiBum raised an eyebrow. “Sure?”
DongHae looked around, then motioned at KiBum to come closer. Amused at the man’s childish behavior, KiBum humored him by slipping to the edge of the chair and leaning closer. A grin formed on the other’s face, as he scooted carefully to the edge of the bed as well.
Once again, DongHae ushered him closer. And closer. Why so close, there was no one else here to hear -
Oh.
He’d never really given much thought to it before…
But he’d never thought DongHae’s lips would be so soft.
*****
Closing the apartment door behind him, and locking it with a click, KiBum leaned against it and resisted the urge to beat his head against the wood. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
What was he doing? The second he realized he was growing closer to the male he should have left town, restarted somewhere else. This wasn’t healthy; it would only result in pain in the end. Pain, for himself and DongHae.
Why hadn’t he just pushed him away?
Because if he was going to admit it to himself… He had enjoyed the kiss. Too much.
Falling into bed and shutting his eyes tightly, KiBum determined he would move away soon. Better get out of this late than never. He couldn’t let himself get so close to someone bound by time…
Then he’d remember DongHae’s bright smile, the taste of strawberry shaved ice, and the light pressure of lips against his own, and the will to leave all but dissolved.
A shout of frustration was muffled in his pillow. Perhaps it was already too late.
*****
He never did gather the will to leave.
“Over here!” DongHae shouted, waving at him frantically. KiBum waited for a group of people to walk by before heading across the park to where the other was sitting. The second he’d slipped onto the bench beside him, DongHae shoved a bowl of shaved ice under his nose. KiBum chuckled and took it from him.
“So are you going to be at my house tomorrow morning?” DongHae questioned, eyes bright. KiBum nodded, scooping up a bit of the frozen treat. “Bright and early,” he replied, smiling.
“Great!” DongHae chirped, leaning against KiBum. “Everyone’s really warmed up to you. Why don’t you move out of your apartment, move in with us? It’ll be fun! Kyu’s going to China soon with Mi, so his bed will be free.”
KiBum was silent, shifting around the ice in his bowl. What was he supposed to say? That he couldn’t stay with them forever, or else they’d notice he never aged? That he was probably ten, twenty, thirty times their age easily?
“That’s alright, I’m fine where I am,” he replied quietly.
DongHae was quiet for a long moment, then sighed softly. “Why are you so serious all the time, KiBummie? It’s like you’re carrying weights around wherever you go.”
“I’m just looking at the situation maturely, DongHae. Having so many people in the house isn’t a good idea, and I haven’t known you all for that long.”
DongHae grinned at him. “But the purpose of life is to fight maturity! If you act serious all the time, how are you supposed to live?”
“Easily. You just keep on living.”
“There’s living, and then there’s living,” DongHae commented, smiling. “Really living. Being happy, and doing things just because you want to. No matter how much time passes, how long it is, if you can’t look back on it and smile at fond memories then you haven’t lived at all.”
KiBum looked at DongHae, slightly startled by the wise response he’d gotten. “DongHae…”
“Hm?”
KiBum watched him for a moment, debating if he should tell him or not. “… Never mind,” he murmured.
DongHae pouted. “Tell me!”
“No.”
“Tell me~~”
“No.”
DongHae pouted even more, and KiBum couldn’t resist the temptation anymore. He leaned across and kissed those soft lips, feeling DongHae smile as he kissed him back.
No matter what happened, this was one memory he knew he’d treasure in the centuries to come.
*****
“Ah, KiBum, come in!” JungSu held the door open for him, KiBum stepping inside. “The others are getting ready,” he said over his shoulder, walking into the kitchen where KiBum could see RyeoWook and SungMin working hard on something. He’d heard mention of picnic lunches, so that was what he assumed it was.
Hearing commotions upstairs, he decided to avoid the others for now. The group from China had arrived a few days ago, and the level of chaos in the two houses had been stepped up quite a bit.
Instead, he walked around the main floor of the house, exploring areas he hadn’t really looked at before. Most of his time here had been spent with DongHae dragging him around, so he hadn’t really been able to look around by himself, and he knew by now JungSu wouldn’t mind.
One room in the corner of the house caught his attention, the door half-open and the space beyond dark. Approaching it, KiBum nudged the door open and flipped on the lights.
He could tell immediately it was an important room, the decorations elaborate and expensive. Perhaps too expensive for a group of young men either in school still or not long out of it. KiBum walked inside, looking around at the candleholders in the walls, the chandelier. It looked like something from several eras back, a different time. Perhaps one of them was a collector?
But these items should be worth more than they could afford…
A large wooden book at one end of the room got his attention, propped up by a large stand. Curiosity overcame him, and he crossed the room to open it slowly.
It was a large photo album, looking weathered and fragile. The hinges were new, but that was it. KiBum’s gaze focused on the first photograph, smiling faintly as he recognized the lack of quality. This one had been taken probably in the early 1800’s, when photography was still new. Ancestors of one of the young men, no doubt.
His eyes focused on the young men in the photograph, eyes going between their faces absently, and his heart nearly stopped beating.
Looking up at him through the antique photograph, one dimple showing alongside his smile, was JungSu.
The very same JungSu who had greeted him just minutes ago was reflected in this photograph that must have been at least two centuries ago.
Swallowing thickly, KiBum flipped the page again. The next photograph was the same, but featured a completely different set of people. Amongst a group of five young men in business suits, YoungWoon looked up at him with a small smile.
Flipping the page again, he found himself looking down at KyuHyun and SungMin, the elder all but perched on KyuHyun’s shoulders as they laughed soundlessly.
The next page brought him a bit closer to the present, the date scribbled in the corner “1925”. His eyes focused on the faces of DongHae and HyukJae, arms around each other and posed with identical peace signs. Looking the exact same as they did now… Nearly a century ago.
“… Oh.”
KiBum turned around to see RyeoWook standing in the doorway, staring at him with wide eyes. The others gaze went from KiBum, to the album in his hands, mouth falling open soundlessly. Backing up step by step, he suddenly turned and ran up the stairs, yelling for JungSu.
Suddenly what looked like the entirety of both households spilled into the room, JungSu pushing his way to the front with RyeoWook at his heels. DongHae pushed his way up as well, blinking at KiBum with wide eyes.
“… Well, he saw it, there’s nothing we can do really,” JungSu said with a sigh, looking back at the others. “Guess we’re just going to have to tell him.”
“No,” DongHae whispered. “No, we don’t have to.” He stepped forward slightly, hesitantly, like KiBum was going to turn tail and run. “KiBummie’s smart. You know what this means, right? Seeing pictures of us like that, exactly as we are now.”
It was so much to absorb in an instant. These people, the ones that he’d grown so close to, were… “Immortals,” KiBum spoke quietly. “You’re all immortals.”
JungSu nodded. “I’m sorry we never told you… But it’s not exactly the easiest thing to explain, and it would be troublesome if too many people knew…”
“If you don’t want to be around us from now on, we understand,” DongHae whispered, HyukJae coming up beside him and placing a comforting hand on his friend’s shoulder.
“No. He wouldn’t be like that.”
YeSung pushed his way to the front, nearly tripping over several pairs of feet on the way. Finally getting there, he grinned at KiBum. “You left before I could tell you I was the same. I sent people after you, soldiers, but they couldn’t find you. Of course, they were looking for someone much older, weren’t they?”
KiBum stared at him, the pieces fitting together in his head. “JongWoon hyung…?”
YeSung smiled at him. “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it? Sorry for not saying anything, but I figured it was better this way.”
“JongWoon? How does he know your real name?” JungSu questioned, looking between YeSung and KiBum.
“Because he’s my long-lost little brother.”
“… You’re joking,” KyuHyun deadpanned.
“You mean we’ve been tiptoeing around him all this time, being careful with everything we say, and he was one of us?” YoungWoon hit YeSung off the head. “You could have told someone!”
DongHae just stared at him, mouth agape.
“This is great!” JungSu exclaimed, dimpling as he beamed at KiBum. “It’s always fantastic to meet another immortal, especially one related.” KiBum shifted from foot to foot, still too stunned by the sudden turn of events to comment.
It was SiWon who took pity on him. “Maybe we should leave off the celebration until later?” He suggested, everyone turning to look at him. “Give him some time to… Take it all in.”
There were murmured agreements, and the group began to file out of the room. Some clapped KiBum on the shoulder in congratulations, a few taking a playful swing at YeSung for keeping it to himself. Soon, it was only JungSu, YeSung, DongHae and KiBum left in the room; even HyukJae had been pulled out at some point.
“You’re more than welcome to stay with us, KiBum,” JungSu offered, still smiling widely. “We have enough room, and it’s easiest for us all to stick together.”
“There’s a lot to catch up on,” YeSung laughed, before JungSu pulled him out.
Then, quite suddenly, he had an armful of excited DongHae. “This is great! I mean, it’s always great to meet more immortals, but this is even better because it’s you! You can stay with us now, right? We’ll all be like one big family!”
KiBum blinked at him for a moment. “You truly are immortals,” he murmured, almost to himself. “Can I really stay here?”
“Of course!” DongHae chirped. “I mean, some of us live in China and some go back and forth, and I think some were planning to try out Japan, but it’s like a big, extended family and we all keep in touch so no matter what no one’s ever alone!”
Alone… He’d been alone, throughout the long centuries. So much so, that he’d lost what it felt like to truly be alive. He’d just floated through, like a ghost in the background, only a shadow of what he used to be.
“I can stay with you,” he stated, half a question, needing to have it confirmed again.
“Yup! Someone has to keep you from going all serious and gloomy again.”
KiBum smiled, a wide grin that showed off his straight teeth and crinkled his eyes. DongHae smiled right back, kissing his lips lightly before stepping back. “Lets go see the others! It’s my 350th birthday, and you all promised me Lotte World, remember?”
“Right,” KiBum laughed.
“KiBummie?”
“Yeah?”
DongHae looked back at him, eyes bright. “Lets watch the new millennium arrive, together.”