Chapter Text
Choi Jongin woke up alone in his bed, gasping and shaking. It was another nightmare about Jeju. About death and pain and all the horror… He thought he should be used to it now, but he wasn’t.
And Sung Jinwoo wasn’t there to make him relax. Choi Jongin’s home was big and empty, because Sung Jinwoo was off in whatever secret dungeon he was investigating on his own, with all the equipment Choi Jongin could help him obtain, primarily focused on heat resistance. Not that such information had been all that helpful in pinpointing any dungeons Sung Jinwoo might be visiting anyway. But it was all Choi Jongin had to cling to in the man’s absence. An absence that hadn’t been so bothersome before the man walked into Choi Jongin’s life.
Choi Jongin checked the clock on his phone and saw it was barely 1:20 AM.
He rubbed his face, trying to breathe through it.
“I’m going to be busy with this dungeon,” Sung Jinwoo had said at their last meal together. “I might not be in contact much, either. But I promise I’ll come back.”
Choi Jongin had thought the lack of detail had been strange, especially given how Sung Jinwoo knew what specific type of equipment he needed in advance, but Sung Jinwoo had avoided answering anything properly, like how long he’d be gone, or even what part of South Korea he’d be in.
It hurt a little, to know that Choi Jongin had shared as much as he had with the man, but Sung Jinwoo kept so much back.
Everyone’s entitled to their secrets, Choi Jongin thought. But, well… I made a promise… He unlocked his phone and dialed a number, leaving it on speaker and resting on his chest in the dark. He listened to the dial tone for a bit.
It connected, and Choi Jongin smiled.
“Jongin?” Sung Jinwoo answered. The connection was a bit staticky, but it was stable enough, likely thanks to the dungeon technology the Association used for hunter cellphones. “Is everything okay?”
“I… Yeah,” Choi Jongin said, feeling oddly bashful now that Sung Jinwoo had answered. “You said to call if, well… I had a nightmare… Sorry to bother you.” It felt so silly. He’d lived most of his life just managing things on his own outside help from his coworkers and sometimes current partner, and now he was relying on this powerful S-ranker who definitely had better things to do?
“Ah,” Sung Jinwoo said. “How are you feeling now?”
“Better after hearing you,” Choi Jongin said, being honest and still feeling silly about it. He breathed in deeply, and didn’t like wasting Sung Jinwoo’s time. “How’s your dungeon going?”
“Decently,” Sung Jinwoo replied. “I’m making good progress.” He sounded as confident as ever.
Choi Jongin wondered if he had anyone with him, or if he was alone. He hadn’t spoken about teammates at all. “That’s good. If you need any help, just give me a call. I’ll happily come in to assist.”
“I appreciate it,” Sung Jinwoo said with a smile that Choi Jongin could practically hear. It was oddly comforting. “Want to tell me about your nightmare?”
Choi Jongin smiled, wishing again the other man was in the room with him, or they were fighting together. “I don’t know how much it’ll help, but… if you really don’t mind.”
“I don’t,” Sung Jinwoo said. “I miss you, too. And if I can’t be there with you, I’ll gladly listen to you talk a bit. Especially if it helps at all. Unless there’s something else I can do?”
Choi Jongin breathed in deeply and said, “No… Talking’s good.” He shut his eyes and imagined Sung Jinwoo was there. “Thanks.”
Choi Jongin walked out of the meeting room at the Korean Hunters Association, grateful he was practiced in hiding his anxiety and frustration in general. It was daytime, and he could pretend he was just focused on how to handle the Jeju news and the collaboration with the Japanese hunters, rather than being particularly anxious about it. He smiled at Association staffers as he headed out to his car. Baek Yoonho, thankfully, was tied up demanding more information from Go Gunhee, and Choi Jongin wished them all luck. Choi Jongin and his team had done their part, now it was on the Association and Japan apparently to handle coordination with other guilds.
Choi Jongin wanted to lay down, but knew he’d have to talk more with his guild about their plans for who would be going where and doing what. Japan’s plan to handle the situation was intriguing, but still risky. And Choi Jongin couldn’t say he was exactly excited.
The world outside the Association was weirdly calm, still, even though Choi Jongin knew the media blackout was still strong. Things were leaking, slowly: this much death and destruction couldn’t stay hidden forever. But for now, people just lived their lives, normally. And if South Korea and Japan were successful, they’d keep living their lives normally.
Choi Jongin got in his car and sat back as his driver returned him to his guild. Choi Jongin wondered if he should have taken up Baek Yoonho’s offer of getting drinks after all this. He felt he needed to be clear-headed. It was a messy situation, and—
His head jerked up as he felt a power surge in the distance. It was so bizarre…
It’s not the ants, he thought as his heart raced. He hadn’t sensed that kind of power from the island, and they couldn’t be this close, now, even when they could fly. Yoonho, fighting someone, maybe? But Baek Yoonho should be out either arguing with Go Gunhee some more or getting those drinks he talked about.
He pulled out his phone, looking at his message history with Sung Jinwoo. He hadn’t had any messages in some hours, and assumed Sung Jinwoo was just busy.
“Is everything okay?” Choi Jongin messaged him now, not feeling it was worth it for a phone call. The man was likely still busy, even if his time in the dungeon had been a while at this point. And with the way things were running up against the Jeju operation… Well, it was worrisome.
Jinwoo said to trust him, Choi Jongin thought as he gazed at the message and its, “Delivered” sign.
He leaned back in his seat. There were no more power surges, nothing more to worry about for now, anyway. He didn’t have any alerts on his phone, and no one was calling him to ask what he’d noticed and his thoughts on the issue.
He still tapped his fingers impatiently against his knees, then clasped them, to make them stop. He didn’t need to worry anyone. The world wouldn’t end on one car ride.
Choi Jongin got back to his apartment relatively late, hoping to clean up and go to bed early. As he walked into the living room, he was surprised to see someone was inside, already. He had fire at his fingertips before he recognized the stranger's silhouette.
Choi Jongin stared as Sung Jinwoo turned to face him, smiling slightly. He was wearing civilian clothes and looked relatively calm and relaxed.
“Hey,” Sung Jinwoo said. “Sorry I didn’t respond to your message, things have been…” He didn’t go farther, just stared ahead, vaguely. He looked tired.
Choi Jongin let the spell die, and then walked forward quickly and wrapped his arms around the other man, holding him tightly, needing the anchor after everything. After telling his guildmates that they might not survive this trip. That everything was on the line.
Sung Jinwoo reached out and wrapped his arms around Choi Jongin, hugging him tightly back. And Choi Jongin was surprised to realize that Sung Jinwoo was shaking.
“What’s wrong?” Choi Jongin asked, not letting go as he realized the other man possibly needed Choi Jongin as much as Choi Jongin needed Sung Jinwoo.
Sung Jinwoo breathed in deeply. “I don’t know how long I can stay. A lot is… well. It’s my mother.”
Choi Jongin pulled away, and saw that Sung Jinwoo’s expression was soft, and oddly fragile. “Is she okay?” He could drive them over quickly, whatever was happening. He refused to let Sung Jinwoo be unhappy if it was something Choi Jongin could prevent.
Sung Jinwoo blinked in surprise, and then a warm, gentle smile broke over his face. “Yeah. Yeah, she is.”
They ended up sitting down and Choi Jongin made them some tea while Sung Jinwoo explained about his mother’s illness and how she’d miraculously recovered when he returned from the dungeon.
Choi Jongin was happy for him, but the analytical part of him wasn’t sure about the miraculous part, because that seemed a bit fishy, but Sung Jinwoo was always cagey about so much, and the timing was so... specific. And Sung Jinwoo was a man known for amazing things. But this?
Choi Jongin still lightly tapped his hands on his teacup and said, “If there was a cure to Eternal Slumber… it could help a lot of people.” He knew Sung Jinwoo wanted to make things easier for people in general. If he knew of a way to cure that, then…
Sung Jinwoo’s expression was hard. “Yeah. I know.” But he didn’t elaborate.
Choi Jongin studied him for a while, frustrated with all the secrets, and then said, “Of course… if it were something hard to find… or even very dangerous… a cure for widespread distribution could be tricky.”
Sung Jinwoo nodded.
“And I imagine reverse engineering what little exists isn’t possible?” Choi Jongin asked. Dungeon items were a complex business, and it took a lot of skill to manage them. Sung Jinwoo had been a hunter for a while, but a high-class one who could do that kind of thing? Not exactly. If he thought it was impossible, was that really true?
Sung Jinwoo grimaced. “If a cure existed… I would have tried. Or given it to someone else to try. But it’s not possible.”
Choi Jongin breathed in deeply, thinking they weren't making any headway here. And Sung Jinwoo had come to Choi Jongin for comfort, not an interrogation.
I'm being a bad boyfriend... lover... whatever I am. I'm amazed he's not already out the door.
“You’re lucky I’m not Go Gunhee," Choi Jongin finally said. "Or Baek Yoonho. Or else we’d be fighting or something.” He drank more of his tea, wondering if he should get some alcohol instead.
Sung Jinwoo didn’t reply to that.
“I’m glad your mother’s awake,” Choi Jongin said, smiling warmly. “And I’m glad you took the time to come see me. I know you must want to be with her.”
Sung Jinwoo smiled back. “Jinah is with her. And I’m giving her a little space. I said…” He looked at Choi Jongin. “I said I had to check on someone else I cared about. And she understood.”
Choi Jongin’s face warmed a bit. “Oh.” Now he felt really bad.
“Your nightmares,” Sung Jinwoo said after a moment, more seriously. “How are they?”
Choi Jongin sighed and took his glasses off. “Not much better. And not likely to improve. Things are moving quickly now with Jeju. Japan’s sent over a team of hunters to help with a plan to deal with the ants and retake the island at last. It’s going to be a team effort between their hunters and our willing S-ranks.”
“…I see,” Sung Jinwoo replied.
“There’s a training bout tomorrow at the Association gym,” Choi Jongin said, not sure how to interpret Sung Jinwoo’s reaction. “To help all of us get used to each other.” When Sung Jinwoo didn’t say anything, Choi Jongin continued, “We could go together, if you wanted.”
Sung Jinwoo was still quiet.
“…You don’t have to go,” Choi Jongin said. “I understand if you want to spend time with your mother and sister instead.” After everything Sung Jinwoo had been through, it made sense.
He wondered if it would be bad to ask if Sung Jinwoo could spend the night. He was almost disgusted at how clingy he’d become.
“And what if I didn’t go to the raid at all?” Sung Jinwoo asked. He looked at Choi Jongin.
Choi Jongin felt his heart race. “Why wouldn’t you? It’s… it’s for everyone. For the protection of your family, too.” Sung Jinwoo wanted to help the world be better for everyone. Dealing with the Jeju problem would do that.
“I just got my mother back,” Sung Jinwoo said. “I can’t leave her alone that long.” There was a guarded look on his face.
Choi Jongin felt himself deflate. “You’d make such a difference for us. With your strength, people would be so much safer!” He recalled all the pain and death of the last raid... Did Sung Jinwoo think Choi Jongin had nightmares for fun?
Sung Jinwoo watched him narrowly. It felt like their early meetings, when Sung Jinwoo was combative, clearly ready to fight at a moment’s notice.
Choi Jongin realized he’d just assumed Sung Jinwoo would go, but really, everyone had the option to refuse. And Choi Jongin couldn’t make the choice for Sung Jinwoo. It wasn’t his right, and he, more than anyone, knew good reasons to refuse to go. So he sighed and said, “No, I get it. Sorry. Family comes first.” He smiled grimly. “There will be a lot of us. It’ll be fine.” He’d fought on Jeju before, and he’d survived before. They had more S-ranks this time. Surely it’d be fine?
“Jongin,” Sung Jinwoo said, a bit worriedly. He put his hand on Choi Jongin’s left hand. “You’re shaking.”
“Am I?” Choi Jongin asked, feeling a bit distant. He laughed and tried to calm himself. “That’s embarrassing. It’s just… been a long day. I’ll have to get a lot of sleep tonight.” I need to be more put together tomorrow during the training.
“You’re going to be facing your nightmare again,” Sung Jinwoo said, coolly.
“To beat it,” Choi Jongin said, trying to sound calm, and frustrated Sung Jinwoo was using that against him. “Not to cower in my bedsheets.” He wished he was stronger. He’d have plenty of muscle with him. He didn’t have to worry like this.
But he knew his mind would be on Sung Jinwoo and his absence. Any help was a better chance of success. If Cha Haein or Baek Yoonho were hurt or, worst case, died…
Sung Jinwoo’s phone rang and he looked down at it. He looked up at Choi Jongin apologetically and said, “It’s President Go. I have to take it.”
“It’s fine, go ahead,” Choi Jongin waved at him, thinking it’d give him a moment to put himself together. He was surprised when Sung Jinwoo answered it at the table.
Choi Jongin could hear Go Gunhee’s voice over the phone, and was intrigued by the calm familiarity between the two men as they talked. It was clear Go Gunhee was calling about the raid.
Sung Jinwoo went quiet after a while, gazing at the kitchen wall. He looked at Choi Jongin, and an unreadable expression came over his face. Finally, he said, “I’ll go.”
Choi Jongin breathed in deeply before getting up to get something proper to drink. As he was pouring, he felt Sung Jinwoo walk up behind him and take hold of his hand, to still it. It had been shaking, spilling drops of expensive alcohol over the countertop.
Choi Jongin put the bottle down and turned. His eyes were burning.
Sung Jinwoo pushed forward to press their lips together.
Choi Jongin wrapped his arms around Sung Jinwoo, feeling the warmth of the man. He even seemed a bit more muscular than when he left, somehow. S-rank hunters didn’t gain muscle mass over time, and exercised more out of habit than anything else. But somehow, Sung Jinwoo was getting stronger. Choi Jongin knew it.
When they broke for air, Choi Jongin leaned his head against Sung Jinwoo’s and said, “I’m glad you’re going. I’m… Thank you.” He was confident in his own abilities when things got tough. But having Sung Jinwoo there, well…
“I have more people I care about to protect,” Sung Jinwoo said. “And I wouldn’t be following my ideals if I just abandoned them for selfish reasons.”
“It’s not selfish to care about your family,” Choi Jongin replied.
Sung Jinwoo hummed in acknowledgement. “Then maybe I just want to be there to make sure you’re safe.”
Choi Jongin snorted. “I can take care of myself.” Appearances to the contrary, I suppose. It’s just been a long few weeks.
“Yeah,” Sung Jinwoo said. “And I want to see you do it. You’re badass when you fight.” He smiled warmly at Choi Jongin.
Choi Jongin’s face heated. There weren’t words enough for everything he was feeling. But then his stomach grumbled, and he and Sung Jinwoo stared at each other for a bit longer, before they both laughed.
The world hasn’t ended yet, Choi Jongin thought, feeling a bit giddy. “Have you eaten? We should—I mean, if you don’t need to leave, then…” He wasn’t sure what he wanted, other than for Sung Jinwoo to stay.
“Later,” Sung Jinwoo said as he pulled Choi Jongin to the bedroom. “There’s time, yet. Let's make up for the missed time.” He squeezed Choi Jongin's hand and said, "We've both had a long few weeks."
Choi Jongin smiled, glad he wasn't alone.