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Acidic rain fell nearly every night in Heaven, the yellowish dry patches around smaller puddles were illuminated by street lights enough to be visible from Yuta's basement room window. It wasn't ideal but hardly anything was.
Yuta pulled the hood of his black slicker over his head, put his boots on and left the building with his protective helmet in hand. Even though it had probably stopped raining a couple hours ago, he couldn't risk it, the toxicity levels of the air were most likely on the higher side tonight.
His heavy steps echoed down the illuminated street, all artificial lights with the moon hidden by the fumes. Yuta had a gig with his band at his bar in an hour but he wasn't counting the time too much since he knew he'd be early. It was barely a ten minute walk.
Blessing has looked the same for a few years now, he noted with affectionate familiarity. Opening the door made a cloud of smoke escape the place, bustling with conversation and plans for riots against the Corporation. Yuta knew he, Mark, Taeyong and Ten would be starting a new movement tonight. He had the people hooked with honey words of protest, no longer pleading for justice.
Which meant he and the rest of the band were laying low after, guarding their backs and having Jungwoo, the Medtechie, on speed dial.
They didn't have bodyguards like any other rock band would but Yuta liked to think Taeyong and Ten's street fighting experience would come in handy when needed.
Speaking of the two…
"Coming in early tonight," Ten noted, the space between him and Taeyong at the bar, unusually vacant.
Yuta looked them over, nodding towards the empty spot. "You two had a fight or something?"
"Nah, just saving you a seat," Taeyong said, looking pointedly forward. "It's not a big deal,"
"Yeah," A few other bar stools were free when Yuta sat down. He decided he won't call them out on their bullshit tonight. "Ay, Jeno, gimme a nonalcoholic beer on the house,"
"Isn't it always?" Jeno smirked as he cracked the cap open, handing it over.
"Dude, aren't you too young to work at Blessing?"
Jeno, having been there for six years already, looks Mark up and down, Mark who knows that fact. Mark who had been literally there when Yuta brought Jeno to Heaven with him.
"Gu gu ga gah," Jeno rolled his eyes, leaving to serve another customer.
Yuta snorted, spilling his beer over a little.
"Anyways, we'll go get ready now," Ten dragged Taeyong to the dressing room, leaving Mark and Yuta by themselves.
"There's forty five minutes left though…"
"Don't act so innocent, Markie."
Mark hummed, swirling his cocktail. "You're really set on staying sober, huh?"
Yuta took a swig of his 0.0% alcohol beer and scanned the room.
From the currently sticky at places floor, to the big crowd in the other corner, playing pool and smoking various sizes and types of cigarettes, drinks were randomly laid on the pool table acting as buffers to make it harder for the players. Yuta knew more people would come in soon enough, he scanned the bar area, just a few others but a certain person caught his attention.
He excused himself and headed over to the other man, instructing Mark to look after his back.
Yuta occupied the vacant barstool next to the other. "A very pleasant evening, don't you agree?"
The man grunted positive and spun his whisky on the rocks with a shaky hand, taking a sip that resulted in the liquid dripping down his chin a bit.
Definitely. The Rockerboy looked at the floor tsk-ing before looking back up. "You look like a Corpie but I have a policy at this bar," Yuta paused. "No dying."
He got up, retrieving a paper towel roll from Jeno, tearing a generous amount and letting it soak up the small puddle of blood on the floor under the barstool.
"Why… Do you know someone?" It was weak enough for Yuta to miss if he hadn't been close enough.
"I'm surprised that you don't," Yuta said, dialing Jungwoo's number.
"I do,"
"Woo, can you come to Blessing?"
After the confirmation, Yuta hung up and sat down next to the nameless Corporate again.
"So, what's your name? I don't treat nameless Corpos,"
"Kim Doyoung," Doyoung pressed on his side harder, causing more blood to gush out and drip down.
"Were you stabbed or shot?" Yuta sipped on his beer conversationally, noting the beads of sweat along Doyoung's hairline.
"Shot," Doyoung exhaled slowly. "the bullet came out though, seemed like a rookie Solo,"
Yuta nodded, 30 minutes until showtime.
A few minutes later, Jungwoo walked in, backpack and cap on, briskly walking in Yuta and Doyoung's direction once spotting the two.
"For a Corporate? Really, Yuta?" Was the first thing Jungwoo said, as he took the other's attire in.
"You know how it is," Yuta finished his beer, beckoning Jeno over to take the bottle. "I have to get ready for our performance so, I'm gonna trust you to take care of Doyoung here," He patted the Corporate's shoulder for emphasis. "The office is free, you can take him there just make sure not to leave a blood trail the whole way over,"
"You're such a comedian," Jungwoo rolled his eyes.
"You know I'm always thankful for your existence and service, baby." Yuta winked before rounding the corner to the dressing room.
"Fuck that flatterer," Jungwoo offered Doyoung an arm, helping him up. "C'mon 'cause I know how it is, can't let you bleed out on bar grounds,"
"Thanks," Doyoung mumbled, doing his best to walk the too-long, in his mind, distance in this state.
Once they were inside the office, it was a couple minutes work for Jungwoo to get Doyoung back to a non-bleeding out state.
When he walked in the dressing room, Yuta was pleased to find Taeyong and Ten already dressed, smearing eyeliner and glittery eyeshadow on each other's eyelids.
"And Mark?" Yuta asked, looking around.
"I'm here," He walked past him, grabbing his leather pants from the hanger along with a dark green ripped tank top, proceeding to put them on immediately.
"He was too shy to walk in before you," Ten told Yuta, earning himself a light swat to the head with the closed eyeliner bottle from Taeyong.
Ten's devilish smile stayed in place.
"Can you blame me!" Mark whisper yelled, buckling his belt. "The last time I walked in on you guys…" He shook his head, trying to will the memory away. "You know what, I'm not even gonna try to recall that,"
The three bursted out laughing at his raised-in-a-scandalous-fashion eyebrows.
Yuta took the eyeliner from Taeyong's hand, calling Mark over and sitting him down.
"I can do it myself you know," Mark said after Yuta was done with one eye, gently smudging the edges, creating somewhat of a smokey eye with a thicker bottom line.
"I know, I just like doing it for you."
In this dark world, it was blissful to be on the receiving end of Yuta's dazzling smile, Mark thought.
The crowd revved up the second the band came up on stage.
Yuta looked over the crowd proudly, bass slung over his shoulder and standing mic in front of him. On his left was Ten on the synthesizer, on his right was his lead guitarist, Mark. Taeyong was behind them on the drums.
"Strawberry Cake's here for you tonight!" Yuta took a deep gratifying breath, getting ready to sing some words of wisdom.
"How is it so loud?"
Jungwoo had advised Doyoung not to leave while the show went on, for his own safety.
"The crowds are usually like this, have you never noticed the riots in front of your building?" Jungwoo asked.
"I have," Doyoung made himself comfortable in the office chair as Jungwoo swung his feet in the air, having made the desk his chair. "I've just never witnessed them in the making," He added.
"Until now," An odd sense of pride came over Jungwoo. Yuta and his band had encouraged a bit of positive change in the past and it was something to appreciate, especially since it was close to impossible to enforce anything helpful to the general public because of the government.
"Until now."
Jungwoo wasn't sure what it was about Doyoung that made him feel just fine in his presence and he didn't want to dig out reasons at the moment. He surely wasn't fond of the old Corporates and their disgusting ways but he saw a victim in Doyoung too. Hunted by his own people, Jungwoo was well aware of the Corporate hierarchy. The older ones would never want to be succeeded by someone below them, they'd do anythingin their power to stop it, murder included. Very much included.
That didn't mean he was underestimating Doyoung though. As much as he wanted to befriend Doyoung and feel for him, in true Jungwoo soft-hearted fashion, he knew he shouldn't just trust anyone.
"Thank you," Doyoung's expression looked genuine, true emotion in his eyes where none could be found in most people's nowadays. "for saving me, I might have finally died this time, Taeil always frets over how I don't know how to take any care of my wounds when this happens but I never really felt the reality of it until today,"
Jungwoo's eyes widened for a millisecond. "It's," This wouldn't have killed you. Unless.. Unless an infection happened… He knew he wasn't saying any of his thoughts, instead looking at Doyoung like he grew a second head. "Taeil? Moon Taeil?"
Doyoung's face scrunched up in confusion, it was quite cute. "Yeah, you know Taeil?"
"Taeil taught me everything I know, I," Wah."Yeah, I know him, he's the reason I'm still alive and well… And capable of helping my friends when needed."
"Makes two of us then," Doyoung said fondly, strangely enough he was already missing the Medtechie. "But only on the second point." He added with a chuckle.
The bar was getting even louder, words of protest being sang at the crowd so powerfully it almost convinced Doyoung himself to join the riots, he couldn't deny the charm of Rockerboys.
And it was only the first song about it, the previous one was nothing like it, instead singing of love that didn't seem possible to Doyoung in the world they were living in anymore.
"Who's the singer?"
It just now hit Jungwoo that Doyoung might have had no idea about that, or the rest of the band really.
"Yuta, the guy you met earlier,"
"He's exceptional, for sure." Doyoung relaxed in the chair, completely dismissing the thought that he had to be at work in about four hours.
It was pouring acid mixed with regular rain the next night but Jaehyun had work to do. If he didn't get the newest technology finds, he'd be behind, and as a Techie, he could never let that happen, so he put his yellow slicker on, secured his boots and covered his head with a protective helmet since it was nearly impossible to breathe without dying while it was raining. The fumes could kill if you were exposed for too long.
He was still working on creating technology that would make a person durable enough to survive that unscathed, not involving protective layers and helmets that could filter the air.
In times like these, Jaehyun was lucky to have a garage that was part of his house. He walked fast but composed to his reconstructed Porsche.
"Here I go," He started the engine and drove off.
The current auction was fifteen minutes away, the rain was beating down on Jaehyun's bulletproof windshield, a false threat to his safety.
He was taking his time driving today, just feeling like it, he didn't see the need to speed up even though it was important to reach on time. There wasn't much traffic at night, everyone was hiding someplace already, be it at home, work or the bars. The daytime had been full of protesters, he found it easier to fly over the crowd earlier.
It was the regular stuff, a little more passionate today which Jaehyun didn't think much about at the time.
He phoned Jungwoo when the traffic light flashed red.
"Good evening, puppy,"
"Mhm," Jaehyun could hear Jungwoo chopping something on a kitchen board on the other side. "What's up?"
"Just wanted to check up on you," It was the truth. "and ask if you know anything about the protests today? It seemed a little more… intense than usual,"
The chopping ceased for a second then continued. "I haven't been out today but I have an idea,"
Jaehyun smirked. "You do? Was it that Rockerboy's doing again? The one you treat sometimes,"
"Of course, Jae, who else do you think? We only have one band in the city,"Jungwoo huffed, lacking the malice behind it.
"That's because everyone else is scared shitless of following in their steps," Jaehyun stepped on it as the light turned green again.
Jungwoo hummed, the sound of chopping now gone. "Don't put yourself in danger tonight, I really don't feel like going out, okay?"
"I'll try my best not to."
Right before the next red light, Jaehyun noticed a person running as fast as humanly possible as two Solos were after them, disturbing the peaceful traffic as they jumped over stopped cars and went into oncoming traffic before the one being chased ran forward away from where Jaehyun was currently stopped.
He contemplated his next action for exactly a couple of seconds before putting his Porsche into flying mode and taking off to the target's direction.
I promised Jungwoo. Jaehyun thought as he found himself close enough to the Solos to take them out.
"Leila,release the whips,"
"Got it," The AI shot at the two, whipping them so hard to the right that they both tipped over the railing and fell from the bridge, right in the river of waste under.
The targeted person stopped in his tracks, Jaehyun landed the Porsche, his wipers working extra to make him see that whoever it was before him, didn't have a helmet under the hood of his slicker.
Which in this rain, only meant one thing…
"Fuck," He projected his voice through the outside speaker his car had and yelled. "Who are you?"
The person, visibly startled, took a step back but yelled back soon after.
"Nakamoto Yuta! Frontman of Strawberry Cake! Who are you?!"
Jaehyun laughed in disbelief, holy shit."Jeong Jaehyun, Techie, get in before you die!" He cracked the passenger seat door open and the Rockerboy didn't hesitate to run and get in, slamming the door hard enough for it to fall off its hinge if it wasn't for the fact that Jaehyun made it too resilient for that to be possible.
Yuta exhaled in part relief, part suspicion, as he turned to Jaehyun, he startled again.
"You don't need to have a helmet on inside your car, you know,"
Jaehyun took his helmet off and handed it to Yuta. "I don't but you do, put it on before your lungs take too much damage to get back to normal,"
"Fuck, okay," Yuta's voice was raspier than usual, he hadn't noticed how he was hyperventilating the entire time for a reason different than his few minutes of sprinting outside.
He put the helmet on.
"Leila, full clean up," Jaehyun ordered, the AI acknowledged immediately, the helmet extended a layer over Yuta's shoulders, attaching like a wetsuit and proceeded to release antitoxins to counter the dangerous fumes Yuta had inhaled from the atmosphere.
The Rockerboy breathed in easier a couple minutes later, relaxing in the seat.
Jaehyun pressed a button and a similar solution was sprayed inside the car, disinfecting it until he could thoroughly clean it later, since the rain "water" was getting on the seat and floor.
A couple minutes later Jaehyun deemed it clear and instructed the AI to retrieve the extended layer, allowing Yuta to take the helmet off again.
"You're lucky the acid levels are quite lower than usual tonight," Jaehyun took the helmet and put it in his lap, starting up the car again. "Want me to drive you home?"
Yuta snorted, he was smart to store his important belongings in the bar's dressing room and not his basement room. "Remember the Solos you just flung off the bridge?"
"Sure,"
"They blew my place up, so no, I'd have similar luck if you just left me out here," He wondered why that particular thing was necessary, it collapsed the whole building in the process. Thankfully, it was already abandoned and only had two floors, Yuta had managed to escape the room before they even attempted it.
"Right, well, I'm already five minutes late to my auction," Jaehyun revved up the Porsche. "So buckle up, we're going on a ride."
He sped off, neglecting the need for any further conversation.
All underground parking spots were occupied when Jaehyun arrived at the destination.
A hotel, not the fanciest but pretty well off, the whole building was slick black, the windows reflecting street lights, making it glimmer. It was eye-pleasing, to say the least.
Eye-pleasing but quite suspicious.
"I'll have to use the rooftop parking lot," Jaehyun muttered mostly to himself. "Leila,"
"Duly noted,"
He didn't miss to hear the snicker from his right, before the take off.
Once on the roof, Jaehyun chose a corner spot, close to the edge of the building, hoping it would provide an easier exit later on, if needed. Even though it could be in vain.
At least the auction took place at the penthouse.
"Let's go then," Something still nagged at the back of Jaehyun's mind as he unbuckled his seat belt.
"Like… both of us?" The Rockerboy followed his action. "Or are you just thinking out loud,"
Jaehyun thought for a second, it possibly wasn't Yuta's scene but leaving him in the car wasn't an option. Going together would have to do.
"Make sure to slam the door on your way out."
Sheesh. "Cheapskate," Yuta did not, in fact, slam it.
Going out of the car was easier now that there was a transparent barrier over the whole parking lot, keeping the rain away from the expensive cars that were currently there. Jaehyun's and a few others, it wasn't as full as the underground but it was still a lot.
Could it be… People from neighboring cities? He thought.
It wasn't too far off from being possible, it just really made Jaehyun wonder why they were the talk of the country all of a sudden.
They took the stairs from the roof, the floor was black tiles, almost as shiny as the outside of the building.
"Hey, Yuta,"
Jaehyun looked at the Rockerboy properly once they were on the penthouse floor, the multiple piercings on both of his ears, the wolf cut and painted nails, his outfit. There's no way anyone would just miss the distressed blue jeans and leather jacket over a white t-shirt, which was simple enough, if it wasn't for how absolutely stunning he looked in it.
"What?"
"It's to the right,"
"Oh,"
Jaehyun was simply not dense enough to tell him to not attract attention.
He expected a crowd once he opened the door and that's exactly what he got. The space was vast, rows of chairs were filled with people much like what a press conference room looked like. The stage in front was corner to corner and there stood a single auctioneer, displaying a product that looked quite similar to something Jaehyun already had.
"If we play with the lights a little, this would make a great concert venue," Yuta whispered, looking around for empty chairs.
He gestured Jaehyun to the left where they could see three empty window seats on row five, six and seven. They made their way there as the bidding proceeded, double of what Jaehyun had paid for the same thing a couple of years ago.
Once there, he sat behind Yuta, preparing himself mentally and financially for what was expected to come.
Looking around, Jaehyun could see unfamiliar faces, more so than not. It wasn't completely out of place but it was surprising and hard to keep track unless someone drew attention to themselves.
"... sold to Mr. Na for 3 billion won!"
Damn. Even in this world, that was too much money, for this particular tech, that is.
Jaehyun looked over to Na, two rows away, he didn't expect to see someone as young. The weirder part though was that he's never heard about him before and if he had this much money and frequented the places that Jaehyun usually did, came with the profession, he should have.
He leaned forward, closer so it wouldn't be overheard too soon. "I think we need to leave,"
Yuta didn't dare to visibly react to the whisper this close to his ear.
"Something isn't right, let's go," Jaehyun stood up right away and it only took a second for Yuta to follow, they didn't have to make their way through people since they were sitting at the outer part.
Nobody paid them any mind as they walked out of the room but they couldn't be too relaxed yet.
"Walk in front of me, fast," Jaehyun instructed.
Jaehyun couldn't see anyone around, they took the stairs up as fast as humanly possible, without alerting the whole building and arrived at the roof soon after.
Thank fuck. They ran to the car, and as Jaehyun was taking off, he could see someone else on the other side of the lot, doing the same thing.
"Leila, photograph and analyze that guy," He was pretty sure it was Na.
"Analysis completed,"
Jaehyun accelerated, making his trip home a five minute one.
"Who is he?"
"Na Jaemin,"
"That's all?"
"I'm afraid so."
Jaehyun guessed he'd have to do research on his own for once.
The Porsche landed easily on Jaehyun's property and he parked inside his garage.
Once that was over and Yuta had a second to think, he realized that he shouldn't be here.
It's true that Jeong Jaehyun might as well have saved his life but even so, he didn't know the guy until today. Something about stranger danger?
I'm twenty seven years old. He reminded his brain, which caused him to be struck with Rockerboys don't live to see thirty anyway. Even if it may have been true, today didn't seem like a great day to di-
"A chemical explosion was detected at your previous location,"The AI froze over any remaining thought process Yuta might have had going on. "I repeat, a chemical explosion was detected at your previous location,"
"Thank you, Leila," Jaehyun turned off the Porsche, relaxing against the seat.
Okay, two times. Jeong Jaehyun saved my life two times.
Yuta's mind was nagging a little too much tonight. He did realize that if he wasn't there in the first place the second time wouldn't have been a need. But if he stayed where he was previously, there wasn't going to be a chance for another go at all.
"I almost died two times today," Yuta mumbled in quiet disbelief at the realization.
"Trying to race me with it?" Jaehyun smirked, now in a better mood with this outcome.
Yuta snorted, cupping his face with his hands, making the Techie laugh too.
"2:1," He whispered, breathing easier now that it was an option. "Thank you though, I wouldn't have gotten to have a second go at it, if it wasn't for you."
Jaehyun almost choked with the wave of laughter that hit him, if there was space to double over, he might have.
"It's an honor," He ran a hand through his hair, calming down.
Jaehyun almost asked do you have anywhere to stay? again but held his tongue.
"You can stay here tonight," He said instead. "Unless you don't want to?"
"Yeah," Yuta turned to the Techie. "I don't think any of my friends live a walkable distance from here, that… that would be great, actually, thank you."
Stranger danger? Or is it… Friend in the making safety?
Yuta really didn't care to think about how he might've had to dodge a third attempt at his life in twenty four hours. Hopefully not.
The incessant ringing of his phone brought Jaehyun back to life. It was still dark outside and he didn't even try to wonder about the exact location of said phone.
"Leila,pick up the call, please," He'd praise himself for being a genius and creating the AI a couple years ago but now certainly wasn't the time for that.
"Incoming call from Kim Jungwoo, accepted,"
"Yeah?"
"Jeong fucking Jaehyun," Jungwoo's yelling almost sent him into shock.
"Jungwoo?" He was still surprised even though he was just informed it was, in fact, Jungwoo on the line.
"Who else? Why didn't you call me, oh my God, I thought you're dead!"
"What? Slow down," Jaehyun shook his groggy head, trying to rub the sleep out of his eyes. He sat on his bed and after a few good seconds got back to the phone. "Sorry, what?"
"The explosion! I had no idea, Taeil literally came back from the neighboring city a few minutes ago, banging on my door, checking if I'm okay, I was confused, but then it hit me you were at that hotel and… and I don't even know I was so scared-"
"Jungwoo,"
"Yes,"
"Breathe please, you're hyperventilating,"
Jaehyun could hear his realization followed by a short gasp, and then the learned pattern of inhale hold exhale hold repeat.
A couple minutes later, he sounded better.
"You're okay?"
"I'm okay, really," It was a little bit of a long story to explain over a phone call this early in the morning(?), and Jaehyun really didn't feel like talking through a speaker instead of face to face. "Can I come and pick you up?"
"I can drive too, Jae, you want to talk?"
Mm. "Yeah, I'll be there in five minutes,"
5:12 AM
When Yuta woke up, he was surprised with the realization that he actually slept, and slept well at that. The empty bedroom Jaehyun provided him with had a lock on the door and an attached bathroom, perfect temperature inside and the most comfortable mattress Yuta's ever slept on.
He did insist on sleeping on the couch last night but thankfully Jaehyun wasn't hearing him out on it. He wasn't going to say it outloud but damn did it feel nice to have a few hours of uninterrupted sleep after what felt like such a long time.
7:27 AM
First thing Yuta did after washing up was grab his phone and call Mark.
"Yuta! Oh my God," Mark sounded extremely distressed and suddenly Yuta regretted not calling him immediately last night. "Fuck, I don't know what to say, I'm so glad you're alive, and okay? Where are you? How did you escape? What even happened… I'm rambling, you really don't need to answer all of that just… You're alright?" It was quieter, expectant, Yuta could feel his concern through the speaker.
"I'm okay, really, It was a mess… Are you though? Ten and Taeyong? Are you all safe?"
"Yes! Doyoung actually offered to shelter us for the night… to, you know, make sure we weren't going to get followed to our own homes,"
"Oh,"
Yuta was more than surprised at the Corporate's sense. He'd helped him only recently when they had their gig, and he was already returning the favor.
"Yeah, actually it's pretty damn crazy how he and Taeyong are getting along so well this quickly,"
"They are?" As if on cue, Yuta overheard the background conversation
"What are you doing!" A quite distressed sounding Doyoung.
"Helping with breakfast!" Taeyong, defensive. Yuta could almost see his irresistible wide eyes, staring right at the corporate, Doyoung had no chance.
"But… Why?" As usual, Yuta was right, he did sound defeated, just like everyone else the first few times, for some it never wore off.
"It's a nice thing to do, isn't it! I just want to, let me?" He just knew Taeyong must have used the ultimate power of his pout the whole time too.
Mark chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah, really, what about you though, where are you?"
"Ever heard about Jeong Jaehyun?"
"Huh, yeah, I guess, Jungwoo talks about him all the time,"
Since when?! Yuta's mind screamed at him uselessly.
"He's sure never mentioned him to me… I'm staying with him, he saved my life last night." It still sounded too odd on his tongue, it was too new to grasp fully.
Yuta still went on a detailed rant about last night after, now that he could, he told Mark everything from the second he ran out Blessing's door, to this morning. Then asked him about Doyoung, who was literally almost murdered recently but still chose to help Yuta's band, even though he didn't really know them yet.
For a moment he wondered, why would a corporate go to such lengths? He didn't mean to doubt Doyoung directly, doubt and suspicion was just something ever present. Mark let Yuta know that they could trust Doyoung for the time being and if he happened to show something different, Taeyong and Ten could handle him easily.
"Be safe, Markie, please. Taeyong and Ten too, we'll meet soon enough,"
"You too, I'm worried about you too, you know,"
Yuta genuinely smiled. "I know." He hung up the phone and left the room. It felt weird to look for someone else when at home to him, since he usually lived alone, especially in such a big house, Jaehyun never told him where his room even was. Yuta just hoped he was awake and in the space where he saw the couch last night, preferably, it might just be weirder to lounge on his couch until he showed up.
When he reached the living space, which was a corridor away, he heard the TV on a news channel.
"Hey," Yuta spoke louder than the volume, hoping to be heard. "Good morning?"
"YUTA!"
He didn't expect Jungwoo to whip his head up, from what was presumably Jaehyun's lap, and run to him with the brightest smile, enveloping him in a crushing full body hug.
"Yutaa," He rocked them from side to side, unrelenting in squeezing the remaining life out of Yuta.
Then he got reminded of what Mark had told him just a few minutes ago. Jungwoo talks about him all the time. Right, Jungwoo and Jaehyun knew each other, he just really didn't know to what extent yet. Maybe he needed to make a mental note to actually pay attention to conversations that happened around him more.
Yuta relaxed, returning the affection just the same. One thing about Jungwoo, he was a very affectionate and caring friend.
"Hi, Woo," Yuta patted his back until he felt him loosen up his grip.
"I'm glad, ah, I'm so glad you're all okay, you have no idea," Jungwoo let him go, ushering him to the couch Jaehyun was lounging on.
Yuta sat down between them, feeling a bit lighter even though he had some more questions now. "Yeah, I am,"
Jungwoo stood up abruptly. "Right! I'm very happy to see you both unharmed but now I gotta go,"
"Where?" Jaehyun followed him to the door, handing him his slicker and boots.
"Back to my place," Odd. "Taeil's back, remember? We've got to catch up,"
"I didn't know he lives with you?" Jaehyun knew that wasn't the case.
Jungwoo flushed red, punching weakly at his chest. "Of course he doesn't! He's staying today though… Anyway!"
"Get in the car, I'll fly you back,"
In the rush, Yuta was left at the door, he guessed he could stay. He sighed, closed the door and went back on the couch, unsure of what else to do.
This is fucking crazy.
Rent himself a place? Probably, he almost forgot he didn't have the basement room anymore. Or maybe he should find his way to Blessing… Talk to Jaehyun? All of those in an uncertain order, most likely. He didn't know how soon it would be safe enough for them to return to the scene. He really didn't feel like being killed yet. He or the rest of his friends, hell, Yuta wouldn't be able to live with it if something happened to Mark, Taeyong, Ten or Jeno. Even though he hadn't joined as a Rockerboy, Yuta felt responsible for his safety since he was the reason Jeno came to Heaven.
He knew he had to lay low, all previous attempts against his life had been a failure but he'd also been the main and only target. It wasn't like that anymore and he wasn't sure what had changed yet.
Doyoung was almost out the door of his penthouse when he heard someone making their way closer, the footsteps were light but Doyoung's hearing has always been good.
"Where are you going?" Taeyong.
"Work," Doyoung fastened his boot, fixing his suit as he stood back up. "You and your friends can stay here if you'd like, I don't mind," It's been a little less lonely. "If you want to go somewhere though, the code for the door is on the fridge," He wished he could silence his own thoughts. But just like external sounds, he could hear his internal thoughts way too clearly too.
Taeyong was torn between distrust and worry over Doyoung's safety. But he trusted Taeil and Jungwoo, he's known them for years, and if Taeil cared for Doyoung enough to help him every time he needed it, then Taeyong could rely on that.
"Okay," He settled. "stay vigilant out there,"
Doyoung couldn't believe how touched he already felt. It's only been a few days and yet not only did Taeyong tell him he cared but he also showed it with those little things.
Get it together Kim Doyoung.
"I will," He nodded. "I'll see you later?"
"Yeah."
Doyoung heard it before seeing someone slide out from under his car, he backtracked fast, getting out of the way of the masked Solo, trying to pull his gun out of the holster.
The man jumped on him before he had a chance to reach his thigh, successfully pinning him to the ground. Doyoung struggled in futile attempts at freeing himself, kicking and pushing at the Solo as much as he could manage from his position on the ground but it didn't seem to be working.
This is it. Doyoung thought, as the Solo pulled a knife, he turned his head to the side, shut his eyes and waited for the impact.
He promised to be vigilant and he was failing. He was never going to see Taeyong again, he would never be able to apologize for not being vigilant. As stupid of a thought as that might've been compared to other more intelligent ones, Doyoung guessed it could be his last.
"Doie?"
His eyes flew open, his neck almost snapping with how fast he turned to stare at the person above him, his helmet in transparent mode now, and utterly confused. Doyoung was shocked. The knife wasn't in sight anymore, only two piercing brown eyes staring back at him. He looked just the same as the last time he saw him five years ago.
"...Johnny?"
In the past few days, Jaehyun hadn't told him to leave, he'd even told him he didn't mind him staying, so Yuta stayed. In the bedroom, in the living room, anywhere he could pace, the balcony, the roof terrace, even Jaehyun's garage at some point. It was a pretty big house with a few floors.
For the most part of the day, the Techie had been in his workshop, working on things Yuta had no understanding of, he's been there for hours, and how many hours, Yuta could probably precisely tell by looking at the digital clock by his side.
13 hours, 45 minutes. Currently.
Yuta was so bored that it was starting to physically hurt, he even rearranged the pillows on the couch at some point, a few times.
He wasn't used to it. Doing nothing all day. These days he didn't think doing something was feasible anyway. He had no business being outside in those conditions for one.
"Jaehyun," He yelled weakly, hoping for who knew even what, he just wanted it to stop, the whirlwind of thoughts that started to hit him the longer his mind and body weren't occupied.
You shouldn't have run away that night. What if your friends got hurt? His inner voice derided.
He had to remind himself that it wasn't exactly a choice at the time. I was being chased.
Weak. Running away from your fate, you knew what was waiting for you the second you strummed the guitar strings. You should get back to your job, be useful with something. You're the only useless one here. Mark and Taeyong are probably writing lyrics right now, Ten is planning your next big gig as the unofficial manager of yours. Jeno is taking care of your bar even though you don't even have an appointed manager for it.
I am scared. Yuta whispered.
Weak. Weak. You knew. Weak, weak-
"Jaehyun!"
"Jaehyun!"
Yuta was surprised at the volume of his screams, his head was fuzzy and he suddenly didn't have a grasp of his surroundings.
Living room.
Floor?
No.
Maybe?
"Jaehyun!"
"Mr. Jeong, your guest is currently having a panic attack," Leila informed in her usual chipper tone, unlike the situation.
"What?" Jaehyun released the chip he was failing to re-design and stared at his computer screen. "How bad is it?"
"8 out of 10, a check up may be the best course of action,"
Jaehyun took his gloves and glasses off in record speed. "Where is he?"
"In the living room, under the coffee table,"
Jaehyun ran out of the workshop without further questions and took the elevator up to the second floor from his current underground level.
"Jaehyun,"
The call of his name was weak and hoarse, as if the Rockerboy had already almost exhausted his voice.
"I'm here," Jaehyun got closer to the table which Yuta was currently lying under, curled into a ball and staring into the distance blankly. "Yuta, do you hear my voice?"
"Instructions: Once you make sure your guest is listening, you should familiarize him with his surroundings again," Leila inputted.
"Yuta? I'm here," He tried again, the other's stare didn't budge yet but he seemed to be a bit more aware. "Do you hear me?"
A bit of silent contemplation. "Yes,"
"Okay, good, is it okay if I hold your hand?"
A single blink. "Yeah,"
Jaehyun reached over, gently taking the Rockerboy's hand in his, making sure he wasn't going to startle him with the sudden contact. "Do you feel that?"
"Mm,"
"Okay, now I'll have you touch the floor, here," Jaehyun moved his hand over the carpeted floor carefully. "You're lying on the floor right now, it's the carpet you're feeling,"
"Oh,"
Soon, Yuta did the same with his other hand, uncurling from his fetal position a bit, just to grip Jaehyun's hand tighter and actually look at him.
"Oh, you're here,"
"Yes, be careful," Jaehyun protected Yuta's head from colliding with the glass table. "I think it'd be best if you crawl out on your own… Can you do that?"
Right. "Yeah, sure," Comprehension was slowly returning to him, so Yuta did just that, doing his best not to let go of Jaehyun's hand. Meanwhile, he crawled out and sat on the floor in front of the Techie. "I'm not so sure what happened?"
"You had a panic attack, I came as soon as Leila, my AI, informed me,"
Yuta needed a few seconds to process. "Oh," It all made sense. The thoughts, the incessant rambling of his mind all day, the boredom. He had to always be busy in order to keep going.
He wasn't sure what he was supposed to say to Jaehyun.
I'm sorry? Thank you? I'm fine now? Don't worry? It happens sometimes?
The only thing Yuta was aware of is how exhausted and heavy he felt at the moment.
"Can you stand up? To sit on the couch at least,"
Could he? Yuta highly doubted it.
"I don't think I can… I really can't feel my legs right now,"
It didn't register with Yuta at first, how Jaehyun was rubbing his hand with his thumb, rhythmically as if in tune with his slowing heartbeat.
"You can hold onto me, how's that?" Jaehyun offered his other arm, kneeling at first until Yuta was holding tight enough for him to pull himself up. He hooked an arm around his waist and stabilized him. "Okay, you've got this, just a couple steps,"
Jaehyun sat him down and let go of his waist and hand, putting a little courtly distance between them, what he thought was acceptable. Yuta completely sank into the couch, taking a throw pillow in his lap and leaning his head back for the offered support.
He went quiet for a bit but it didn't feel awkward and stressful to be in that situation and place yet.
Yuta's voice was still raspy. "I'm sorry,"
Jaehyun's expression turned tight, a bit confused. It's literally okay. It's gonna be okay anytime. "You don't have to apologize,"
"Still, I caused an inconvenience,"
The spiral of thoughts Jaehyun was flung into next should've been expected and yet it came over him too quickly. It's been about four years now but the passage of time healed neither of them. He could still see and hear Jungwoo's pain and panic after his boyfriend's death.
Jungwoo used to stay with him every night for months after that with regular panic attacks and nightmares, waking up screaming and crying.
"If I was a better Med, I would've been able to save him, Jae."
Jaehyun at the time couldn't convince him it was not his fault, he was just there for him, a constant and solid presence until he could live on his own. It was hard, seeing him earlier made Jaehyun realize that even though Jungwoo had Taeil now, the pain was still present all the time, sometimes in the deep of his mind, others a bit more surface level. Still, having the latter had definitely made a solid difference.
"...go,"
He snapped out of it, shaking his head and throwing a confused look at the Rockerboy next to him. "Sorry, what was that? I zoned out,"
"I said it's probably better for me to go now, find a place,"
Jaehyun decided to evade that statement instead of addressing it. "Yuta,"
"Mm?"
"Is it okay to ask… What happened a few days ago?"
Taeyong was pacing the penthouse while Mark did his best to dodge and continue looking at his phone, pretending he wasn't getting dizzy by the constant movement in and out of his sight. Ten has been watching it happen for the past half an hour, hesitant to speak up. He knew Taeyong was worried over Doyoung, strangely enough, they had clicked from the beginning. At first it did throw Ten off, it was unexpected but gradually he was trying to understand and accept it. It was never supposed to be exclusive between them anyway.
As much as Taeyong could fall for someone else, Taeyong knew that Ten already had. There just hadn't been any opportunity to pursue it. He loved Taeyong just the same, enough to still care for him regardless of the changing nature of their relationship. It has been that way ever since they met twelve years ago, when the both of them were still teenagers, street fighting for enough cash to survive and learning music together the rest of the time.
"Love," Ten pushed the chair aside. "Yongie, let's wait together, okay?" He creeped closer to his fellow Rockerboy, reaching a hand to him.
Taeyong took it gratefully, pulling Ten closer in a much needed hug. "I'm sorry, I'm just a little… I'm overthinking," He buried his face in Ten's neck, breathing him in. Taeyong would swear on his life that there was nothing more calming than having Ten with him.
"I know, let's sit down for a bit? I'll let you cuddle me the whole time,"
"You would?" Taeyong's endearing gaze could sway anyone and convince them to do everything he'd like them to do, it was a given, Ten though was doing it for reasons beyond simple infatuation.
"I'd do anything for you, love."
"I don't know," Doyoung rolled his eyes. "I don't think knocking me out was necessary," He pressed the bag of frozen peas that Johnny got from the freezer to his cheek, a nasty bruise was already forming.
"I'm sorry, okay! I wasn't thinking,"
"I wasn't thinking," Doyoung imitated. "Did you throw me over your shoulder like a rag doll too?"
"Actually, I lifted you bridal styl-"
"Whatever! I don't wanna hear it,"
He had so many questions waiting to be asked. When did you come to Heaven? Why now? Why did you attack me? He knew the answer to that one. Why did it have to be you?
Doyoung lounged in the kitchen chair with Johnny sitting in the one opposite of him with a table between the two.
"What time is it anyway?" He asked instead.
"22:47,"
"Fuck," The bag of peas landed on the table with a wet smack as Doyoung proceeded to reach for his phone in the inside pocket of his blazer, dialing the cordless telephone he had in the living room of his penthouse. Taeil used to make fun of him for it, but it was proving to be useful now that he didn't have the phone numbers of any of his current residents.
He waited probably a minute before someone picked it up.
"Hey, it's Doyoung,"
"Doyoung, respectfully, where the fuck are you?"
It was Ten.
Doyoung frowned weakly. "You don't have to be so rude,"
"Shut up, Taeyong's been worried sick, I know we're staying with you right now but you have no idea what he's like when he's worried,"
"I'm fine! I'll… It's a bit of a long story? I'm fine, just at a…" Doyoung sneaked a look at Johnny who was currently looking back at him. "At a friend's apartment,"
"And you couldn't maybe let us know about that in advance? I'm sorry, I know it's invasive but considering the situation we're all in," Ten relaxed a bit, sounding less snappy than in the beginning.
"No, no! I know, it just… it wasn't planned, I called you as soon as I was awake,"
"What?"
"I… I mean, arrived,"
"Sure, I'll let Yong know then, see you later,"
"Please do, I'm really sorry for worrying him," Doyoung whined, plopping his face right on the bag of peas as he went down, tugging at his hair, hoping the end of the world did actually come right now. Ten hung up, the sound of it made him even more miserable. "I can't believe it's been five years and you still get me in trouble first thing after we meet again,"
Johnny had the audacity to chuckle at his misfortune. "Well, that sure sounded intense,"
"Shut up, John, how did this even happen? Did you forget what my face looks like by now?" Doyoung glanced at him, still laying on the bag of peas, refusing to lift his aching head.
It was an awkward angle and as perceptive as he was, Johnny moved his chair in Doyoung's line of vision, to the left, and sat there instead. "I wasn't told a name, only the color, model and number plate of your car, you weren't driving a Porsche five years ago, Doie,"
Doyoung closed his eyes, cursing inwardly. I wasn't driving anything five years ago. "This is ridiculous,"
"I didn't question it, they paid good money,"
The thought that Doyoung could've actually been dead if it wasn't for the coincidence was starting to really settle in. "How much?"
"10 billion won,"
"Is this a joke?" He squeaked.
"Nope, main reason why I didn't question it,"
"It should've been the first reason why you should have!" It was a hefty amount of cash to pay a Solo to eliminate someone. He knew he was getting on the higher-ups nerves but didn't speculate it had gotten severe this fast.
Johnny nodded. "You're right, as usual," He started typing on his phone. "I'm returning the money,"
"That's a thing?"
"Yeah, well," Johnny shrugged. "we do live in the shadows but if the Corporation or my Fixer just killed off Solos just 'cause they failed a job, we wouldn't have any left, you just gotta be straight up when it happens and they could let you off the hook,"
Oddly reasonable. Doyoung could've guessed that, it's just not something he thought about even after the few attempts on his life so far. He was lucky this time but if his head was so expensive already, he couldn't imagine what the next time would be like. The cold bag of peas under his head wasn't the reason for the shiver running down his spine.
"You should lay low, Doie, maybe don't go to work for a while,"
The Corporate wasn't sure what that would fix, unless he clearly gave up on climbing the corporate ladder and let it show, the attempts wouldn't stop, they'd get more and more vicious until finally someone successfully took him out.
"I'll see what I can do," Doyoung lifted his head, stretching his neck a bit. "Now if you don't mind," He stood up, tucking the chair under the table. "give me a ride home since you were so nice to leave my car at the lot,"
"Sheesh, sure, as long as you show me the route."
Thinking about it, Doyoung did kind of miss Johnny's motorcycle, if not the man himself.
"Is it okay to ask… What happened a few nights ago?"
It was quite simple, really, if Yuta looked back on it realistically. He and his band were meant to be hunted, he knew that, all of them did and that still didn't remove the weight of losing your life, or losing your friend… Knowing it wouldn't change the fact that he would be devastated if one of them just wasn't there the next day, if he himself wasn't here.
Yuta went cold just thinking about it, he was afraid of death and the process of dying. It was too soon for such drastic measures. Too soon for him but just about time for the Corporation, he was causing too much trouble to go unnoticed. The increasing protests of citizens slowed down production, increased traffic, made the Corporation lose too much money and naturally, they couldn't just let him keep going without consequences. It affected the whole structure of their usually high-functioning society.
"The usual," He answered with a hundred other thoughts in mind.
It was the same. Run and get chased, get hurt and hopefully treated soon enough, eyes and ears alert all the time.
"Except all the other times, they'd target only me," Yuta stared into the distant wall, hoping Jaehyun was going to listen without interrupting. "This time, it was all of us, and I ran away like a coward, I can't think of it… What if something happened to Mark? To Taeyong and Ten? I would never forgive myself," Why couldn't it end with him anyway? He would make sure the others didn't continue for their own safety even if he had to make it his final wish. "I just… don't know, this is what we've been doing for years, it was good at first, lovely, it was hard but,"
"But your lives weren't threatened," Jaehyun's tone was even, attentive, Yuta really felt like it was okay to say all of it like it was.
"Not at first, no. It was good, at some point though we did learn, we knew it's going to get worse one day, I just wasn't prepared for it, I'm still not prepared," He had no idea what to do next, it wasn't money that was the problem, they could all survive for at least a few more years of what they've made, Taeyong and Ten probably even more.
Listening to Yuta's point of view should've made Jaehyun grateful to have the life he was leading, convinced him to appreciate what he was doing more, the safety and security of his home. The opportunities it provided for him. Maybe that was part of his thoughts, at the back of his mind.
The front though, made him want to get Yuta out of it and protect him himself, let him live at his house and make sure he never had to worry about anything other than a possible collapse of society someday. The thoughts were coming too quickly for him to even process them all. It sounded too natural in his mind while he had to remind himself. This probably isn't how this would work. He wished it could. He decided he had to give it a shot anyway.
"You can stay here," Jaehyun turned to Yuta, eyes as earnest as he could manage. "You can stay until you figure it out, I'm serious,"
Yuta's instinctive reaction was to feel relieved. He was fine with Jaehyun, it was even nice to be there. It was too good. After that thought he wanted to protest, say that's not right. I don't think I trust you. Question: Why does it have to be so easy?… Or maybe that was just his own assumption about it. He wanted to stay, that was clear to him.
Yuta smirked, leaning his head to the side. "You like my company that much, Techie?"
This was in the safe zone replies. He was going to trust Jaehyun this far. Even if he hadn't gotten to know him that well in a few days, he had reasons to do that now.
Jaehyun mirrored the action. "I do, actually, Rockerboy." For some reason I really do.
Two weeks later, Jaehyun still couldn't find information on Na Jaemin besides his name and assuming that he's probably a Techie like him. Usually his AI would be pretty useful for background checks, clearly not when someone's information had too many walls protecting it. It's almost like it's deleted off of the internet but that couldn't be possible…
"Leila, delete your searches on Na Jaemin,"
"Searches deleted,"
It was useless to continue, he'd instructed for every corner of the internet to be searched but kept coming up with no results. At some point Jaehyun thought it could be a fake name but it was a useless thought when the picture Leila had taken on site didn't find anyone who looked remotely like Jaemin with a different name attached.
Frustration was creeping up on Jaehyun and staying in his workshop wasn't doing anything to relieve it. He got up from his chair, deciding he won't be doing any technical work today and headed for the elevator.
Maybe he should've searched for information on the explosion too but that was probably also covered up by the Corporation. He had no chance of finding anything without a Netrunner's skills.
Jaehyun got on the elevator, it was nighttime again, he contemplated going to the roof but as the doors on the second floor slid open, he saw Yuta sitting on the couch, watching a movie. He got off of it and headed over.
"You know," Yuta gave him a look and it seemed like he had already figured it out. "I have a friend who's a Netrunner, I could give him a call,"
"You mentioned it," Jaehyun sat down, training his eyes on the TV. Yuta had, he just didn't want to try it out until he searched himself.
"So you remember that, just agree to it, I truly believe Kun is capable of providing a solution for any problem," Yuta said nonchalantly. Whatever was going on in Jaehyun's mind, he sensed it a while ago. Naturally, he wanted to play with it but this time he didn't have to try. He wasn't even doing anything yet but it was already having an effect.
Jaehyun knew he was stubborn, he didn't really believe he'd be able to find something since that first time he asked the AI. "That's a lot of talking about someone who's not in the room,"
Jealous? Yuta's mind supplied, but his filter kept it as a thought. "You'd have to see it for yourself, he probably researched about the explosion already,"
"Okay," Jaehyun exhaled slowly, dissatisfied. "Call your friend, he's welcome over as soon as he's available,"
If Jaehyun really thought about it, it was too much. He needed to relax, sit back. Housing Yuta for the time being didn't mean he had any power over him and his actions… Yuta could do whatever he wanted. And still the irrational part of his brain kept ringing alarm bells, screaming at him to do something about it. I want him, don't I? No, no. I'm just being delusional. I'm just delusional 'cause of the circumstances. That must've been it, Yuta probably didn't even have similar thoughts. He was being weird.
Yuta already had his phone in his hand, dialing the number before Jaehyun's thought process could reach a conclusion.
"Hi, it's Yuta, who am I speaking to?"
"Yuta? Fuck, it's been a while,"
Yuta grinned. "A couple years at least,"
"Mm, so what do you need me to do?"
"Immediately assuming I need a favor, tctc," Yuta joked. "You're right as usual,"
"'Course I am, tell me,"
Jaehyun zoned out again, forgetting to think about the actual issue at hand and instead looking at Yuta's free hand that was currently in his lap, unmoving, he had rings on his index and ring fingers. A red woven bracelet on his wrist and trimmed, clean nails, no sign of guitarist fingers, but that wasn't a surprise. There were easy fast solutions now for most trivial problems of the past.
He looked at Yuta's side profile, the phone was still pressed to his ear, his lips were still moving but Jaehyun wasn't making sense of the words coming out. If it was any other situation, he would've thought he somehow inhaled hallucinogens of some kind but that wasn't it.
Not long after he looked, Yuta turned to him and asked him a question? Or let him know something. Whichever it was, Jaehyun did not hear it at all.
"I said Kun's free tomorrow morning, he'll be here at 8,"
Oh.
"That's… good," Jaehyun spoke slowly. "I'll send him my location,"
"I already found it!"
"Great, see you tomorrow, friend,"
"See you both, bye."
That was it. So easy that it made Jaehyun wonder what would be the next thing to go wrong and how long would it take for it to.
After Yuta hung up, Jaehyun stopped looking in his direction, any part of it, and turned to the currently muted TV. He didn't care to turn the volume up but it was starting to get awkward fast.
"I'll go work out on level -2," He got up. "If you ever want to use the gym or the pool… That's where they are," He added as an afterthought.
What he didn't expect was for Yuta to stand up after him. "Can I do that now?"
The awkwardness turned into tension and Jaehyun had no idea how to handle it besides trying to swallow the lump in his throat and just…
"Yeah, of course."
Agreed. Maybe Yuta did sense something after all. Or so Jaehyun hoped, deep down, under his unexplained nervousness. Why was he so nervous anyway? At least he was at his own house, if that was the case for him then he couldn't guess how Yuta must've been feeling the past weeks.
They took the elevator and Jaehyun decided he was just going to follow his usual routine and hopefully get lost in it enough to stop paying attention to his rapidly beating heart.
Living with people has proven to be sort of therapeutic to Doyoung. Between the daily noise of life at the penthouse and actually having someone to talk to throughout the day that weren't his colleagues only when absolutely necessary, it was nice. The space was huge and even though he wasn't really… depressed living by himself, it did get lonely sometimes, especially now that he decided to listen to Johnny and take sick days while figuring out what was the best course of action to take that didn't involve him getting killed by the Corporation.
Currently he was in the living room with the Rockerboys, sitting by himself on an armchair while they shared the oversized couch that could fit at least a couple more people comfortably. They were working on lyrics and melodies, recording everything on their phones and laptop while Doyoung was content just listening to the banter with his eyes closed.
Pretty soon, he felt someone coming closer, by now he could recognize all of them by sound without having to see them. He knew it was Taeyong.
"Doyoung,"
"Yeah?"
"Are you hungry?" He cracked his eyes open.
"Sure, let's make something," As if I would've said no even if I wasn't. His brain supplied unhelpfully.
Taeyong smiled and it was enough for Doyoung to feel the warmth of it. He was most probably fucked. He also wasn't stupid and could see how Taeyong and Ten treated each other. There clearly wasn't anything between either of them and Mark besides friendship but these two… It was clearer than day even to him that they loved each other as more than friends.
Stupid. Stupid, stupid Kim Doyoung.
He knew it was too late to start backtracking now, he'd have to deal with the oncoming consequences as they come.
It was lonely at Blessing without the Rockerboys these days and Jeno was allowed to open later or close earlier as he saw fit. Usually he'd just follow the schedule as it's always been but today he decided to open an hour later. It was Tuesday and nobody came so early on a Tuesday night anyway.
He unlocked the door, flipping the sign to open and turning the neon green sign above the door on.
Time for another shift at Blessing.
He went around to flip over the few chairs they had and uncover the couches and pool table.
Then it was time to wipe down the bar counter and tables again. It wasn't necessary to do it now since he'd done it at closing time but Jeno decided why not. He felt like busying his hands today.
He walked behind the bar and took a rag and the spray bottle with the solution they usually used.
Right when he was about to start wiping from the end, the door rang open.
The guy that walked in took off his protective helmet and put it on the shelf designated for it, then hung up his green slicker on the row of hooks under.
He was wearing light wash jeans and a white t-shirt, and had a face Jeno would've definitely remembered if he'd seen it before.
"Good evening," The guy greeted first and took a seat at the bar.
"Good evening, what would you like?" Jeno never felt uneasy serving a crowd but somehow having one person with him in this big space was starting to make him a little jittery. Probably because that wasn't something that usually happened.
"Company would be nice,"
Right. "Sure," Not that Jeno had a choice. He couldn't just throw a customer out, he wasn't even acting up. "I'll be here… wiping the counter if you need something else,"
Jeno took the bottle and rag and started his task. He didn't even cover a little square of space before the other spoke again.
"What's your name? I'm Jaemin,"
"Jeno," Spray, wipe. "You're new in town? I haven't seen you before, I might have forgotten though," Even if he knew that was bullshit, Jaemin didn't have to know that, Jeno just didn't mean to sound threatening anyhow.
"Nah, you're right, I came here a few weeks ago, it was getting too dangerous where I used to live,"
Jeno hummed, moving closer with the wiping to where Jaemin was sitting. "I get it, I don't think I would move cities but many people do," Certainly not again.
"You got a drink that's not bitter or tastes strongly of alcohol?" Jaemin said when Jeno was wiping right in front of him.
Jeno snickered. "I've got a whole bunch of cherry soda actually, I know a Rockerboy that's keeping sober,"
"Oh? Great, I'd like one of those,"
The jitters were slowly going away as Jeno continued with his tasks, only Jaemin around, the time was ticking by and he couldn't help but wonder when would it be safe enough for the Rockerboys to return. Most likely never, unless they gave up the core part of their career.
Jeno missed them already.
"So what do you do?"
"Tech,"
Jeno nodded, moving to wipe the rest of the bar counter this time in silence. He didn't feel like wiping the tables anymore but felt like it would be too weird to stand in front of Jaemin and just… stay there or sit next to him. Sitting away from him would be just as weird, he didn't have a single option that worked in his favor.
He washed the rag, even though it wasn't necessary, it was buying time.
"You know, I haven't seen shinier tables," It's like Jaemin sensed his struggle. "You can sit down if that's cool with the superiors,"
"Yeah, I didn't wanna wipe them again anyway,"
Jeno threw the rag in its place and grabbed a cherry soda for himself too before rounding the bar and sitting next to Jaemin.
It was awfully quiet since he didn't put on the music previously.
"So uh, have you lived here your whole life or something?" Jaemin turned to him. "'Cause you said you wouldn't move,"
That was thoughtful. "Just the past six years, they're the most important though,"
Jaemin didn't know what that meant but he wasn't going to comment on it. He didn't know what he was supposed to do in this city, he didn't know anything or anyone but the wrong people seemed to be aware of him regardless. He hoped he was wrong and didn't have a target on his back.
Soon enough, another customer walked in.
"Well, Jeno, you were good company," Jaemin took his apple juice. "I might come by again sometime,"
"Same, you're welcome whenever, have a good night."
Jaemin nodded and put back his helmet and slicker on, disappearing into the night.
It was a bit brief but Jeno was sure he'd remember him forever.
Getting lost in the routine, Jaehyun thought, was not working. He's been trying to do his arms and core exercises for the past few minutes and it would've been okay. It would've been okay if Yuta hadn't chosen to swim.
Jaehyun lended him towels and swim shorts, like the good host that he was trying to be. Tight swim shorts because he didn't own anything else and then he spent the rest of the time with his back to the pool, trying very hard to ignore the sounds of splashing water. He knew such a thing as a God didn't exist now if it ever did before but whatever higher power there was or wasn't, it was absolutely not considering his well-being.
One last lap, and Yuta decided he'd given Jaehyun enough time to get used to the situation. He got out of the pool and took the bigger towel contemplating if he should take off the shorts before wrapping it around his waist or not.
These are covering my tattoo a bit too much. It was only right, wasn't it? The metallic ink of his butterfly tattoo glimmered in the lit space.
He calmly took the shorts off and wrapped the white towel around his hips, securing it in place just under the tattoo. Jaehyun was with his back to him the whole time so he really had no idea what was even happening. Yuta took the smaller towel and dried his hair enough for it to stop dripping water and hung it on random gym equipment when he passed by it.
Yuta walked toward Jaehyun confidently, he might've been sober for a while but there were far more intoxicating things to experience than alcohol and this felt like it could be one of them.
"Hey, you think you can show me some of those exercises you're doing?" Jaehyun's eyes widened slightly when he turned around and Yuta didn't miss the way his gaze traveled down, focusing on the tattoo.
"Yeah," What the fuck. "Sounds like something I can do," Jaehyun's never sounded any less convincing to his own ears than right then but Yuta didn't seem to care as he took a seat on the bench opposite of him. Jaehyun tried his best not to stare but it was proving to be too hard when he felt like staring at Yuta was the only thing he was programmed to do.
He knew he was probably supposed to start showing him what the right position was, explain breathing technique…? Or did the Rockerboy already know… Yuta wasn't doing anything but his stare alone was so intense and focused on him that Jaehyun felt like stumbling forward while sitting down. Yuta watched his every move and he was stuck.
"Can we start with the one where you kneel on the floor?"
"I don't really kneel-"
Yuta stood up and Jaehyun's sentence cut off at its own accord. From his sitting position he was almost face to waist with-
"Yeah? I know," Yuta took a hold of his chin, tilting his face up. "I just thought we could start with something easier," his voice was getting deeper, Jaehyun craved to hear more of it. He encircled Yuta's hips with his hands.
"We can," Jaehyun moved his hands a little bit further up, just a touch away from his bare skin. "Let's start with the one that requires you to sit down," He tugged Yuta towards him until he was snug on his lap, his legs on either side of Jaehyun's thighs and the towel riding up a bit.
"What do I do next?" He rested his arms on Jaehyun's shoulders, tilting his head to the side, eyes too innocent in comparison.
"Lean closer," Jaehyun breathed.
Yuta hummed, closing the distance until their noses were touching. "And then?"
Jaehyun didn't reply. Instead he slid his hands up to Yuta's waist and pulled him closer.
The first press of their lips felt truly electric, making Jaehyun moan a little into the kiss, he pressed harder, pulling Yuta impossibly close until their bodies were flush together, making both of them gasp.
Their kisses were rough and wet from the start, they were bold and couldn't get enough of each other until Yuta was pulling Jaehyun's head back by the hair, leaving a thin string of saliva between their now parted lips, beginning to trail open mouthed kisses down his throat. Jaehyun was panting, his grip on Yuta's waist was sure to leave red marks behind.
Yuta left a couple more subtle kisses and nips along his jaw, loosening the grip on Jaehyun's hair.
"So," Yuta whispered against Jaehyun's lips. "Will there be a next step?"
Jaehyun kissed him one last time to savor it, knocking their teeth together lightly.
"Come upstairs with me?”
Yuta smiled in wordless agreement, following Jaehyun to the elevator.
It was early morning when Jaehyun woke up, he wished he could sleep more but nervousness wouldn't let him. His mind was full of questions all over again. Questions that Yuta assured him Kun would be able to answer.
Jaehyun made his way to the kitchen, usually he'd make instant tea for himself only, eat a protein bar or two, he wasn't really a breakfast person if it was too early but one day he just started making it for Yuta as well and the Rockerboy never rejected it, so it was becoming a habit to make a whole pot and just leave it on the counter along with whatever snack he currently had. He'd made sure to let Yuta know he could eat anything Jaehyun had in the fridge or pantry early on and that was enough at first. Until Jaehyun felt like he should be more welcoming.
He didn't see a reason why not, he didn't question why he was thinking about it, just started doing it and it was the easiest thing ever. Yuta didn't question it either, he just let him do it and it was so easy. Jaehyun felt like it's his new normal, he liked it. It was comfortable.
So he went around doing the usual today as well. Soon enough, he heard Yuta making his way to the kitchen.
"Leila, what time is it?" Jaehyun asked.
"It's currently 6:38AM,"
"Thanks," Jaehyun brought out the snacks and left them on the table with the tea and two glasses.
"Good morning," Yuta yawned before sitting at the table and grabbing a protein bar.
His hair was tied away from his face in a very messy way, but he still looked as gorgeous as ever in the white baggy shirt Jaehyun left out for him last night.
Gorgeously disheveled.
Jaehyun mentally smacked himself, realizing he was just standing there, perceiving Yuta's presence while the Rockerboy was munching on the strawberry flavored protein bar and sat down, filling his own glass.
"Good morning,"
"This," Yuta took another bite, unnecessarily licking his lips, but Jaehyun's eyes followed the motion anyway. "It tastes so artificial, exactly like strawberry flavored lube,"
Jaehyun snorted. "I thought it's fitting to get the strawberry ones too this time," He knew he was a little ridiculous but that has never stopped him before. It was sort of his charm.
Yuta rolled his eyes, finishing the thing and crumpling the wrapper into a ball. "I prefer cherry flavored,"
Jaehyun wasn't so sure what he was referring to anymore but he was curious about another thing now. "Why did you call your band 'Strawberry Cake' then?"
Yuta smiled, fake mystery in his gaze. "It was mutual agreement that ‘Cherry Cake' just doesn't have the same ring to it,"
Jaehyun had to agree.
The rest of breakfast went uneventfully, both of them appreciative of the peace that came with it, so much so that they almost disregarded the thought of the day ahead and how Kun would be there soon.
"It's currently 7:59AM," Leila informed. "Your guest, Qian Kun, is inside his vehicle at the gate."
"Punctual as always," Yuta commented, getting up from the chair.
"Leila, buzz open the gate and garage door for our guest,"
"Affirmative."
When the doors slid open, Kun parked his fancy orange Porsche beside Jaehyun's black one in the garage and got out of the car after the door slid shut again.
He smelled the air inside and wasn't surprised to find it was fresh and toxicity free. It was always nice visiting the home of a Techie.
"Kun, nice to see you again," Yuta went at him with the biggest grin, smacking his back a few times for good measure after a speedy friendly hug. "I've missed you,"
Kun swatted him off, shaking his head with a hum. "It's good to see you,"
Right then, Jaehyun walked up to them. "Good to meet you, I'm Jaehyun,"
"Kun," They shook hands. "Let's go do some work."
Jaehyun nodded and the three of them walked back inside. He was considerate enough to show Kun around and ask him where he wanted to work. He settled on Jaehyun's workshop floor.
"There's too many windows, it makes me uncomfortable," Kun explained after being shown the roof.
Momentarily, Yuta wondered if Ten knew about that quirk but dismissed the thought soon after they were seated. Kun in the middle in front of the big computer screen hanging from the ceiling, Yuta and Jaehyun on his either side.
"Leila, let Kun access everything you've got access to if needed,"
The AI scanned the Netrunner quickly, adding him to the database. "Access granted,"
Kun reached into his shirt pocket and took out a pair of ordinary looking round glasses, putting them on. "Let's start then,"
"Okay, pull up the picture of Na Jaemin," Jaehyun said to the AI and soon after the fairly clear image popped up on the blank wall. "That's him, I was only informed of his name,"
"I see,"
Kun let his brain process the image, running it through countless pages and articles in the Net, images and protected information the usual people couldn't ever access without access to the Menu.
He projected the first results through his glasses next to the picture on the wall.
"Na Jaemin, or otherwise known as Jamie Nelson, twenty two years old, he was born in the city of Heaven, moved to Thailand when he was seventeen and started his business as a Techie," Kun narrated. "Recently moved back to Heaven, he's currently wanted by the Corporation,"
"Jamie Nelson?" If Jaehyun's eyebrows had the ability to shoot into his hairline, they would have. "You mean the one I bought car tech from a couple years ago?"
"Selling that exact tech which ensures smooth take off and landing is exactly what made most of his money, since then, he's been laying low," Kun added.
Yuta threw Jaehyun a questioning look. "Do you know him?"
"He didn't show his face at the auction in Bangkok, I only knew him by the American name," Jaehyun said. "Do you know why the Corporation is after him?" He directed at Kun who currently had his eyes closed, inspecting information.
"He's working on something that would benefit the people, not sure how much he has invented and figured out so far but it has to do with air toxicity, going out without a helmet, I'm not so sure what that may be," Kun said, focused expression on his face.
Jaehyun was shocked into silence because of a couple of reasons.
One, he has been trying to figure out the same thing and two, he never realized just how much of a danger it was to dabble into something that would surely cause loss of income to the Corporation. He definitely took that hint to start being more careful from now on.
"What about the explosion at the auction? Was he the target?" Yuta piped up.
Kun hummed. "Not exactly, they didn't know he's going to be there. The target were all Techies, their partners included,"
"That's…" Yuta silenced himself. That's horrible. Terrifying.
"That's convenient," Jaehyun mumbled. "If they don't know his whereabouts yet, then they can't eliminate him, before they find out… I have to find him,"
Maybe he had to ask why they were targeted in the first place but Jaehyun didn't care, he was sure most of them survived either way.
"What do you need him for…?" It was quieter than expected, Yuta was getting a bad feeling from this, it could've been just basic fear but he didn't want to find out or have Jaehyun mess with it.
"We have the same goal."
On a weekday morning, Doyoung was sipping on his iced coffee on the couch in silence, watching the downpour outside. It was still a bit dark at around six.
He took enough time to think things over and decided to put an end to it. His job, the risk of losing his life. He was doing it all for his deceased father but after a very eye opening conversation with Taeyong about it all, he decided that it was enough. He was going to stop trying to climb the ladder. Quit being in the corporate field in general. Even if it's always been complicated, Death isn't worth it, Doyoung.
He knew, he just didn't want to accept it, didn't have a reason to. But maybe he had just found one or a few.
"Morning," A very groggy Ten greeted, moving to the coffee machine in semi-darkness. Doyoung was surprised, Ten didn't talk in the morning besides humming and gestures.
"Good morning," There certainly was something going on, Doyoung confirmed, seeing how Ten was making his way to the couch instead of back to the room he shared with Taeyong.
He sat down, taking a sip first before leaving the coffee in the cup holder.
"You're fine," Ten said, making Doyoung show his confusion in the expression he pulled.
"I am? What do you mean?"
"Like… agh," Ten waved his arm. "You're decent, a decent person,"
"Ah," Doyoung had no idea where this conversation was going or why it was started. "Thank you? What brought that on?"
"Ugh, you and your perfect wording in the morning," Ten drew out. It wasn't even a complicated sentence. But he wasn't concerned with that. "I just like you, I think you're a good person, that's it,"
Doyoung realized he's been holding eye contact with the Rockerboy the entire time. "Ten… I think you're pretty fine yourself but I really don't understand why you're telling me this,"
A sigh, Ten reached for his coffee again. "Because I see how you treat Taeyong,"
All color drained out from Doyoung's face in an instant, he was stunned, terrified even. He didn't think Ten would point that out, it was obvious, he was obvious. But it still came as a shock to him to hear it. He didn't have a plan for when that happened and what he should do. No list of options and backup options. Head empty, just feelings.
"I…"
He'd come to understand that Ten and Taeyong were a package deal. Doyoung just didn't have any idea how anyone could come between them in any way. He didn't think that was possible, was that what he was trying to do? No… That surely wasn't the case, right…?
"Ten, I… I'm sorry,"
"Why apologize," Ten said. "It's hard to explain, but me and Taeyong? That's forever," He took a sip, keeping the cup in his hands. "It might be in different ways at different times but the core purpose of us will always be the same. We love each other beyond simple love, I know I could always go to him and he'd not turn me away, and I'd do the same for him too. I will never ever leave his side. But many things can happen simultaneously. And we both understand and accept that,"
Doyoung never broke eye contact. It was not easy to understand it with words but he could see it. He knew little of their past up to this point but Ten telling him that, was starting to make him realize that some things were a lot less surface level. There were no colors to decide their relationship, no blacks or whites or even greys. Simply put, it wasn't a matter of coming between the two. It wasn't a challenge or a fight, it was acceptance. And if he didn't develop such a level of acceptance, he would never have a chance with Taeyong. And he wouldn't have deserved one either.
It sounded complicated and quite freeing at the same time. Something as unconditional and stable, Doyoung had to respect it. But then, he remembered, he never really talked to Taeyong about this.
"I think I want to understand you more," Doyoung started, softly. "However I'm not even sure if Taeyong likes me that way at all…" He paused. "I do have feelings already, yes, but that's all I know, just my side,"
Ten smirked into his next sip. "Trust me," He whispered. "There's a reason I'm telling you all that,"
As if Doyoung had a choice. He didn't have a plan for the future either. He wasn't sure what came after quitting his job, he could probably survive a few more years if he sold his car but that was it.
"Ah, I've been talking so much this morning," Ten continued. "There's more I need to say,"
"I'm listening."
So Ten told him about their bar, how they didn't really have a manager, that it was mostly him and Jeno that did the job when it was needed but since Ten had to manage their band as well, with Taeyong's help, it was getting too much at times. Yuta and Mark never really showed interest to learn how it worked.
"If you want the job, it's yours," Ten finished his coffee. "We'll talk more about this later, think about it first."
So maybe Doyoung didn't have to wander too much. It was insane to think he'd change to a bar manager from a Corporate but it didn't sound too bad.
In the afternoon, Yuta was still thinking of what Jaehyun had said in the morning. "We have the same goal".
He was at the gym by himself, using the treadmill while watching the recent series he'd picked up out of boredom.
Thinking of it made him wonder if there was even going to be enough time to spend with Jaehyun before…
No.
He couldn't. He couldn't think about either of them getting killed. He couldn't think about it but his mind urged him to go in that direction. It was wrong.
He stopped the treadmill and paused the series. He knew that if he kept going he was definitely going to panic again and he didn't want that to happen.
"I got this," Yuta told himself and took a deep belly breath.
The series was definitely not a big enough distraction to keep him away from that, so he took a quick shower and went back to the living room on level two.
Jaehyun had spaces for many purposes in his home but Yuta didn't care to occupy much of them anymore. He only worked out occasionally, he didn't want to play pool, definitely wasn't going to drink, video games weren't really his thing either. There was no point in going to the rooftop and staring through the windows at the other buildings or the sky. Jaehyun did have a piano though.
Maybe another time.
He knew Jaehyun was working in the workshop and considered it as a barrier between them. When Jaehyun was working, Yuta minded his own business in any way and didn't bother him. He didn't understand tech all that much besides using what he was instructed how to.
He needed to see Jaehyun right now.
"Is Jaehyun taking a break anytime soon?" Yuta asked the AI. "Leila?"
He had to try, even though he wasn't sure if the AI would answer to his voice.
"Mr. Jeong hasn't given me any insight on that,"
Oh. Right.
"Could you… ask him?"
"I will pass on your question, Mr. Nakamoto."
"Thanks," To say Yuta was surprised was an understatement. He had never tried talking to the AI before because he didn't have a reason to. He had no idea when Jaehyun had given him access to it either. He never mentioned it. It made him feel good anyway… He even considered talking to Leila instead of bothering Jaehyun but then dismissed it. Maybe another time.
He had to remind himself that if Jaehyun didn't want to come up, he could just continue working.
He's a grown up.
Yuta didn't have to wait long for the AI to get back to him.
"Mr. Jeong will be on level two in five minutes,"
All Yuta could think about now was the present.
"Thanks, Leila," Maybe he sucked for taking away his precious time for work but he didn't find it in himself to care at the moment.
When he heard the elevator moving, Yuta got up and walked closer to the door, waiting.
Soon enough the elevator door slid open and revealed Jaehyun, work gloves still on. He looked undeniably hot. Yuta wanted nothing else than to focus his attention solely on him.
“Is something wrong?” Jaehyun walked closer towards Yuta, letting the door slide close.
“Yeah,” Yuta took a step further in his space, taking one of his hands and pulling the glove off. “I missed you, stay a while?” He moved to his other hand, Jaehyun letting him without question.
“I'll stay for as long as you'll have me.”
A week later, Yuta decided it was time for the band to meet up again. Not for a gig, he just really truly missed the guys. This is the longest time they've been separated for the past few years. He was still afraid to gather them for the real thing but it was fine to lay low without any plans for a bit longer. He didn't want to risk anyone's life as much as his career was important, he was starting to value being alive more than that recently.
"Tomorrow night, you should come with me," Yuta told Jaehyun that morning while they were drinking their instant tea and for once eating toast with jam for breakfast.
Jaehyun swallowed the piece he was chewing before speaking. "You just want me to drive you there, don't you,"
Yuta chuckled, visibly at peace. "Of course," He said. "And I want you to meet Mark, Ten and Taeyong, and Jeno as well…Knowing them, they'll definitely bring Doyoung along, he's going to become our new bar manager soon, you see"
"Got it, you don't mind that guy becoming the manager?" Jaehyun asked.
"Nah, he's trustworthy, and I can always trust Ten to kick his ass if he's not,"
"And not Taeyong or Mark?"
Yuta wheezed. "Please, Mark… I'm really fond of him but he can't fight to stay alive… and Taeyong… Taeyong's a good fighter but I'm pretty sure he's in love with him,"
"Ah, and you? Can you fight?"
"I smashed this guy's head with my guitar once, if that counts,"
Jaehyun chuckled. "Only with props, noted."
It was comfortable to fall into the morning routine they've created. That of conversations and mutual content, even the silence was good. It was easy and beyond just the attraction they felt for each other.
Yuta put his glass down. "I'll call Jungwoo, he and Taeil should come too,"
Jaehyun nodded, he's never had a lot of friends but Jungwoo's been a constant one for the past few years and he already missed him.
While mentally gathering everyone he knew, it made Yuta wonder if that should include Kun too.
"I don't know. I haven't talked to Ten in ages, I'm not sure of my own feelings anymore."
Kun told him that when he came over, Yuta didn't know what Ten thought either. He had to talk to him first.
So that's what he did when breakfast with Jaehyun was over and he went back to his room to draw, another hobby he'd picked up, while Jaehyun worked below.
"Invite him," Ten said. "And he better be there. If anything, I just wanna see him again, it's been too long."
Yuta listened. He was aware Ten and Kun were friends first even if he didn't know the whole story yet.
"I have a job for you." It was late at night when Johnny got the call from his Fixer. He was lying in bed, the room illuminated by the train traffic lights below, it came with having a place right above the station.
"Yeah? How much?"
"15 billion won,"
While that sounded like a job he'd agree to immediately before, he decided to be more careful now.
"Tell me more,"
"Target's Na Jaemin, a 22 year old Techie that's wanted by the Corporation,"
He's so young. Johnny thought. He didn't know who that was, but a Techie? It just didn't sound right. A question remained, why couldn't they just send him to jail if he's wronged them? Technically, they didn't have to send a Solo to kill him. There still was a prison for chosen individuals. But Johnny didn't know if rejecting the job was a sound idea either…
He had saved Doyoung, what if that guy also needed to be saved…?
I'm being ridiculous. He thought, I don't even know him. He might as well be a criminal for real. But he couldn't be sure of either of those things.
"Okay, send me more details later,"
"Got it, don't pull out this time, big guy!"
"I got a right to, shorty, talk later."
Just as he hung up, another name flashed on his phone screen. He would've been shocked if he hadn't given his number to him after being sent to eliminate him.
"Evening Doie,"
Doyoung huffed on the other side of the line.
"Hey John, are you free tomorrow night?"
I could free myself. "Sure, what's up?"
"You should come to Blessing, I'll be there, a few others too,"
Johnny snickered. "You still suck at convincing people to do what you want,"
"That's just you, idiot. Anyway, come at midnight,"
"Okay, is the guy that roasted you over the phone gonna be there too?"
Click.
Ah, did Johnny miss being around Doyoung.
The next night it was raining heavily enough to turn staircases into waterfalls outside, the toxicity levels were high but it was still early. There were a few hours until they were supposed to meet and Yuta really hoped they didn't have to call it off 'cause of bad weather of all things.
He was lounging on the roof terrace, protected by the glass ceiling just thinking without panicking for once. About life, about Jaehyun, about the rest of the band. If he had to be honest, he didn't enjoy his life before the band was formed. The past few years have been the best.
Nowadays though, he wasn't so sure anymore. He still had passion for music, for protest, for the kind of life he was allowed to live. Glamorous but at the same time so very dark and terrifying. It wasn't easy to turn away from it , he didn't have any other purpose in life, he didn't have another source of income either. Everything was unsure and he didn't like it.
"... you off in space?"
Yuta didn't even hear the ding of the elevator. Or anything else the other might have said. He kept looking at the sky while Jaehyun made his way over to the lounge he was laying on.
When he sat next to him, Yuta turned to face him.
"Do you think…" Do you think I have to die for the cause? He didn't know how to ask that outloud but he wanted to talk about it anyway.
Jaehyun was ready to give him his full attention. "You can ask me anything," He reassured.
Yuta took one of Jaehyun's hands, absent-mindedly fiddling with his fingers.
"Do you think that I…" He cleared his throat. "Do I have to die… to sacrifice myself because of my job?"
Jaehyun knew that must've been something Yuta was thinking about but it still hurt to hear him say it. He tightened the hold on his hand.
"No," If Jaehyun could help it. "I'll never let that happen," I can't let it happen.
"Then what am I supposed to do?"
"We can figure that out. You can still make music, just not that kind, even though I understand… That's your foundation, that's your band's purpose…" If he had to be honest, Jaehyun didn't want to let him keep going but he knew it wasn't his place to tell Yuta to quit it. He had to decide on his own. He wanted to be selfish badly, do anything to keep him here… but the rational part of his brain knew it wasn't right, nevermind the reason.
Yuta sighed, curling up like a cat around Jaehyun's sitting form. It was harder than he'd imagined.
"Jaehyun,"
"What?"
"I don't want to die."
In time, the rain quieted to a drizzle but the fumes created a thick fog that you couldn't see through more than a palm away.
"We'll fly through, just make sure you type in Doyoung's correct address,"
Jaehyun readied his fog censors and pulled a real-time map of the city before starting his Porsche.
"I can't wait to see Mark," Yuta buckled his seat belt after confirming the address Ten sent him through text.
"Mm,"
Me
We're coming in 10;)
TenLee
Dude…
Me
Lmao
Yuta cackled, locking his phone.
The flight was smooth, with Leila's aid and Jaehyun's expert pilot skills, apparently, they were there for nine minutes and forty two seconds on the dot.
When they landed on the roof of the building Doyoung resided at, Yuta picked up his helmet from the back seat, along with the bag that had a reserved helmet for Mark and Ten while Jaehyun grabbed his own.
"They're here, let's go," Doyoung stood up from the couch before anything even signaled the others' arrival.
"Huh? How?" Mark put on his slicker and followed anyway, along with Ten who was only confused for a minute till the bell rang.
"I heard them land,"
"You heard them land. Techie cars don't even make a sound when they land," Mark commented, waiting for Taeyong to follow them.
Doyoung didn't answer in favor of opening the door.
And from there it was an organized chaos of Yuta stealthily ignoring Doyoung's existence and zooming past him so Mark, Taeyong and Ten could simultaneously crush him in a group hug, leaving Doyoung and Jaehyun to stare at each other, back at them, and at each other again, until Doyoung decided to leave the Rockerboys to catch up.
"You must be Jaehyun, I'm Doyoung, it's nice to meet you,"
"Yeah, it's good to meet you too, Doyoung,"
Introducing each other over the ruckus behind them made them both crack up, laughing and Doyoung urged Jaehyun to just get in so he could close the door.
They sat on the couch near the door, Jaehyun putting the bag with the helmets on the floor since Yuta had practically thrown it in his hands before the door even opened so his own hands were free.
With good reason, he noted.
"It's like dropping your kids at a daycare," Doyoung looked on fondly. "Except they're grown men,"
"Mm,"
"Thank you for taking two of them, I would've had to do a couple trips,"
"Of course, if you need something fixed in the future or want to get some other tech, just ring me."
By the time Jaehyun put his number in Doyoung's phone and vice versa, the Rockerboys had calmed down and were ready to leave.
Mark and Ten were going with Jaehyun's car while Taeyong got a ride from Doyoung.
Blessing looked just the same from the outside, a bright neon green sign above the door illuminating the black damp street, mixing its light with the street lights. There were a couple uncovered motorcycles in the parking lot along with a few cars. Otherwise the street was peaceful, no passerbys, and they couldn't be blamed, with how hard the rain was beating down just earlier and how toxic the air currently was.
The fog was mostly cleared about two meters above ground, it was worse the higher you were.
Instead of the usually louder music, this time Jeno had made a few hours playlist of mainstream pop songs, things that are easily listenable and don't call for your attention, and put the volume down so the Rockerboys and their friends could talk easily.
When Jungwoo arrived with Taeil a few minutes ago, Kun was already inside, sipping on a non alcoholic drink responsibly. They joined him at the lounge, chatting until the others showed up.
Doyoung followed Jaehyun's car from the penthouse, so they and the Rockerboys arrived together, greeting Jeno and ordering drinks before going to join Taeil, Jungwoo and Kun. Everyone was slowly getting together, conversations were bustling and greetings between them all were exchanged, long time no sees and brand new acquaintances were formed.
Soon enough, Doyoung finally noticed Johnny had come and beckoned him to the lounge with everyone.
After everyone introduced themselves to Johnny and he to them, Taeyong and Jaehyun were the ones that stood out to him the most, with Yuta being the easiest to remember and notice. It would be tough to remember this many names in one night, even if he put his face recognition skills and name memory to use.
Yuta stayed off alcohol the whole time, toasting with his glass of apple juice instead.
"I'm very happy we could all meet like this! To future encounters," He grinned, making sure to clink glasses with everyone over the table.
When he sat back down after that, he made sure to slot himself impossibly close to Jaehyun who was getting adorably flushed. Opposite of them, Taeyong was sitting between Doyoung and Ten and it didn't take Yuta much time to notice Kun's long face, glancing at Ten from time to time, thinking nobody paid attention to him in particular.
All the Rockerboys considered Doyoung, continuing with their impromptu job interview as they were, with some ridiculous questions sprinkled in for fun such as;
"What would you do if me and Taeyong were hanging off the edge of a building but you could save only one of us?" from Ten.
"Why would I save either of you?" Doyoung rolled his eyes. "My arms are weak, I'd probably just get my car and save you both."
"There's only two seats in your Porsche." Ten pointed out.
"You've got two seats and two laps to choose from, it's your call." Doyoung could tell he was getting drunk with how suddenly bold he was.
"Doyoung!" Taeyong swatted his arm lightly.
Kun stood up from his place next to Johnny in the corner, excusing himself to go to the bathroom.
"I should go too," Ten reluctantly pulled himself away from Taeyong. It was now or never, he didn't know how long it'd take them to meet again.
"Damn, I really hope they figure it out." Mark voiced absent-mindedly as he took another sip.
Ten waited for precisely two minutes before following Kun in the bathroom, letting the common door swing closed after.
At first Kun didn't really pay him any mind besides a glance in his direction as he washed his hands, and he really wasn't sure where to start either.
"Kun,"
"Yes?"
Ten thought it'd be good to be direct. He didn't have an intention to prolong the conversation more than he had to and felt like Kun would appreciate that too.
"I really don't like this… We've known each other for a long time," Ten took a deep breath. "I really hate losing you… as a friend… just because of our lifestyles," It wasn't all that hard for him to say it, he's been wanting to talk for a while.
"Ten, I…" I don't know what to say? It was clear to Kun that he had no grasp on things. Did he miss Ten? For sure. Was he jealous of Taeyong? A hundred percent yes. And now Doyoung as their new addition, he didn't think there was a place for him at Ten's side.
Not that he knew anything about the ex Corporate, besides his face and name.
"Kun… I know it didn't work out between us, trust me… I've really, really thought about it all, it still hurts sometimes…" I still kinda love you. Ten's thoughts supplied. "I'm sorry. Maybe I shouldn't ask you to remain friends,"
"I'm sorry as well. I think I should leave."
And just like that, Ten gripped the sink by the sides, grounding himself after.
Kun left with minimal goodbyes to everyone else.
Back at the lounge, Mark had convinced Jungwoo and Taeil to play pool with him, leaving Jaehyun, Doyoung and the rest of the Rockerboys at the table with a different assortment of snacks laying around. From protein bars to nuts and chips.
Taeyong didn't have to read Ten's face to know, even if it was particularly obvious he was down. He just wrapped his arm around him once he sat down.
The atmosphere didn't die down, with Johnny and Jaehyun engaged in some intense conversation about car parts(?), Yuta wasn't sure, and Doyoung hyper focused on Taeyong's arm resting behind him.
"Maybe I should go," Johnny sneaked a look at a distracted Doyoung. He had to start on his newest job. It was easier for him to memorize information at night, for a start. "I was given a job but… It's a little suspicious, I won't lie,"
Doyoung snapped out of it, drawing his attention to Johnny. "Did they offer a lot of money again? Were you given a name?"
Johnny beckoned everyone closer so they weren't heard by the strangers around them just in case.
"Yeah, they offered me 15 billion for a Techie called Na Jaemin."
Jaehyun couldn't describe his shock as he pulled back, eyes wide and ears unbelieving. He couldn't comprehend it at first.
It's too soon. Jaehyun hadn't even figured out a way to look for him yet.
Yuta's glance at Jaehyun could confirm one thing he definitely didn't want to happen. He could see the determination in Jaehyun's eyes settle right after the round of shock but Yuta was still afraid.
"Did you say Jaemin?" Jeno put a couple non alcoholic cocktails on the table as he was coming by to greet them for a bit. "I met a Jaemin recently, he came to the bar," He sat on Yuta's side.
"What?" Yuta mumbled.
"Yeah,"
"What did he look like?" Jaehyun insisted.
"Oh, man, he was really pretty," Jeno daydreamed with a distant look. "Same height as me, brown hair… Those really gorgeous eyes that-"
"Jeno," Yuta warned.
"What? I'm just answering the question," Jeno lifted his hands in front of himself protectively. "He really was… wow,"
"Is that him?" Jaehyun showed him Jaemin's passport picture Kun had gotten for him earlier.
Jeno's eyes widened. "Yes, that's him, how-"
"I'm afraid your crush is my next assignment." Johnny sighed. He already had an inkling that it wasn't going to be an easy task.
"He's not my crush," Jeno tried to protest but it died down when Yuta shushed him. He could already guess where this was going to go once Jaehyun asked Johnny to step aside with him for a chat.
"Anyways, see you guys later," Jeno swirled out of their way back behind the bar leaving Yuta and the rest of the Rockerboys along with Doyoung and Johnny at the table. Taeyong was silent and a little drunk, leaning heavily on Doyoung while Ten asserted the situation.
"You can stay with us tonight if you want," Ten ended up saying. "Right, Doyoung?" He grinned wildly, making Doyoung look between them both and nod in agreement.
"Sure, there's space,"
"That's okay," Yuta stood up, already having other ideas. "If I call you, trace my location and come pick me up." He said to the group.
Taeyong's eyes took on more clarity now.
"Be careful,"
"It was nice seeing you again, Doyoung, we'll be seeing each other much more from now on since you're the manager." He saluted with two fingers and walked away.
"Where's he going?"
Yuta heard Doyoung ask but didn't pay attention anymore. It was time to call in a favor. There was only one thing he could do if he couldn't protect someone. Divert attention.
Jaehyun was so engrossed in his conversation with Johnny that neither of them noticed Yuta walking out which left him with just enough time to walk to the train station.
The Techie noticed Mark playing pool against Jungwoo and Taeil before going back to the lounge, which a certain Rockerboy wasn't sitting at anymore.
"Where's Yuta?" He directed at the three still there.
Ten sighed, sitting straighter. "He'll tell you where he's been soon enough, be patient until then,"
"What?"
"Mm, listen to Ten, he'll be okay," said Taeyong and stood up, pulling Doyoung up with him too, Ten followed. "I'll go get Mark and we can go, Jaehyun I hope you're still down to drive us back to Doyoung’s?"
"Yeah, no problem."
Truth be told, neither Taeyong nor Ten would be able to relax anytime soon.
I call for your attention! This is the Criminal Investigation Department speaking. Access to this neighborhood is currently restricted to ensure safety. The neighborhood residents are expected to stay inside their homes until further notice. I repeat-
"Don't worry about it," Johnny told Jaehyun as he unlocked the door of his apartment. "It's just a murderer on the loose,"
It certainly wasn't the most comforting thing to hear when visiting someone on the other side of the city. But Jaehyun didn't falter in his step anyway.
Said apartment was just one room, the front door leading you straight to the bedroom without any sort of hallway. It was a little cramped but clean and there was enough space for Jaehyun to throw his shoes next to Johnny's on the rack, their slickers ended up hanging on the bathroom door.
Johnny pulled Jaehyun the spare chair next to his computer. "Make yourself comfortable," He turned the PC on and explained how the first step is always checking the CCTVs around the city. "It might take less time since you brought a lot of information and pictures of the guy,"
He plugged the flash drive in, letting the system run and checking every corner of Heaven for him in the past forty-eight hours.
"Ah,"
"Yeah, I kind of just chill meanwhile, take a shower, eat something,"
"Go ahead, I'll just stay here,"
He didn't have much of a choice anyway currently. Trying to leave so soon after the announcement would get him in trouble with the police. The robots and drones positioned through the neighborhood would be hard to dodge.
While Johnny was showering, Jaehyun was left with a few (too many) minutes to think and ponder over things. He watched the scanners do their job on the computer screen, images after images getting checked and swiped away, and when was the last time I actually sat down to think? He wasn't so sure.
He wasn't sure if he was going too fast or too slow. If he was doing too much… And was Yuta actually going to come back? Where is he? I hope he's not hurt.
Am I dabbling into something that's way too dangerous? The answer was probably yes… He had to be careful. He didn't care to consider it, going blind into it couldn't be the best option but he was also impatient. If Jaemin accepted to work with Jaehyun, he could protect him. He had his ways, his home was practically one of the safest in the city, he could manage that. But if the other Techie refused or didn't even want to hear him out… Jaehyun didn't really have a second plan. Would the second plan be to just let Johnny eliminate him?
It can't be.
"...some?"
"...Huh?"
"Dude, come out of outer space," Johnny sat down again, fully dressed with his hair slightly damp.
Jaehyun didn't even notice when he got out of the shower.
"Yeah, sorry,"
"Don't worry, I'm just gonna leave it here," A bag of sour cream and onion flavored chips.
Johnny tapped the computer screen a couple times, checking something Jaehyun wasn't privy of.
"It's been about fifteen minutes now, twenty-four hours have been checked, no lead yet,"
Ah. But Jaehyun wondered. "Why can only forty-eight hours be checked?"
"Just a start off, if the program doesn't find anything then I'll go and check further back in time,"
"Aha."
Just as Jaehyun expected, the second day footage was run through without any result.
Johnny set it up for the past two weeks and let it run again.
By the time Yuta got off the train, it was nearing two in the morning.
In the quiet night, the clack of his boots against the concrete helped to pull him back to the reality of what he was about to do.
The ground was now dry, patches of yellow acid residue were left around what used to be puddles earlier in the night.
What I'm about to do is what has to be done. Yuta replayed in his mind. He was aware that talking Jaehyun out of doing what he was set on doing would never work. He also knew that Jaehyun was too impulsive to keep himself safe. He talked his plan through with Mark already, while on the train, making sure Taeyong and Ten were aware.
It'd have to do.
He psyched himself into being ready for the danger it'd bring.
"Tctc, won't even welcome me?" Yuta enthusiastically spoke into his phone receiver. The person he was looking for lived quite close to the train tracks. Or more like in a bridge apartment right above them.
"By all means," The Solo yelled from above his head. "Want me to drop you the rope ladder?"
Yuta put his phone back in his pocket. "It's the year of 2077 and you still don't have an elevator?"
"It's a manual elevator if you decide to look at it that way!" Haechan snarked. "Anyways, I'm dropping it, move if you don't wanna be hit in the head,"
Yuta stepped out of the way quickly, a second too slow and he could've been knocked out cold. He took a moment to roll his eyes before starting to climb to the window making sure to sigh loudly on the whole way up.
Which lasted a few minutes at best.
"You need some exercise with the way you were gasping for air on the way up," The Solo said as he pulled the ladder back inside of his apartment.
"You're insufferable, really,"
A thoughtful expression crossed the younger's face before nodding. "Yeah, true, now," He dropped the collected ladder on the floor. "Did you miss me that much or do you have a whole other surprise for me?"
"Can't I visit my favorite person sometimes,"
Heachan whipped his head back trying to see behind himself then to the sides, confirming there wasn't another person in the room. Then cackled. Is Yuta seeing ghosts?
"You're funnier than the first time I met you,"
"Mm, and you're just the same,"
He pulled the Rockerboy a chair at the table and they both sat down.
"So what are you visiting me for? I couldn't really catch onto anything when you called earlier,"
Yuta crossed his fingers on the table and looked at him. "I came to call in my favor,"
Haechan looked on curiously, pretending to think about it. "Since I feel good today, sure, I'll let you do that," He sat back. "Tell me more."
"What we need to do is divert attention," Yuta spoke into the handsfree. "Once the right time presents itself, I will announce that we'll be holding a gig soon,"
Mark listened carefully, alone in the room. "But we won't actually, right?"
"We'd have to gather at the bar or else this might not work… This is why I'm meeting my acquaintance,"
"Let me get this straight… You want to divert the Corporation's attention to us? While Jaehyun does his thing and kidnaps that Jaemin dude to work with him,"
"So they don't both get killed, yes,"
"And we'll be risking our lives for that,"
"... Yes,"
"But your acquaintance will prevent us from actually dying in case we do get attacked,"
"Ideally,"
"You actually trust that guy this much?"
"He owes me, you'll see, warn Doyoung later, he shouldn't be at the bar when it all goes down,"
"What about Jaehyun? When are you going to tell him about it?"
"After I set it up, until then, I have Jungwoo to update me on what Jaehyun's up to,"
"Okay. I trust you."
Haechan relaxed in the chair, considering the information he'd just received. "Interesting, by the sound of it, I'm gonna have to ring Renjun too,"
"You're down?"
"I've done more dangerous things than keep a Rockerboy alive, Yuta"
"Like kill one?" Yuta stared into his eyes.
"Why would that be dangerous? You bunch can't fight for shit," He crossed his legs under the table. "Anyway, call me when you need me, till then you might want to spread the news,"
Yuta steeled his nerves. "That part will be easy."
I call for your attention! This is the Criminal Investigation Department speaking. Access to this neighborhood is currently restricted to ensure safety-
Haechan banged his fist on the table, making it rattle and startling Yuta in the process.
"I'm so annoyed, it's been days, how hard it is to catch a murderer in this day and age,"
Yuta smirked, leaning forward. "Why don't you catch him?"
Haechan scoffed. "Me?"
"Since the police is incompetent and you're sick of it, catch him,"
"You're insane, I don't work for free."
A few hours later, said message blasted through the whole neighborhood for everyone to hear:
This is the Criminal Investigation Department speaking. Access to this neighborhood is now fully allowed. Residents can come and go as they see fit.
Jaehyun stirred awake because of the loud announcement outside, at least one thing went resolved. He stretched his sleeping-on-a-chair sore neck before staring at the screen before him.
Target. Last seen.
Blessing's interior on the screen. He saw the Techie taking off his helmet from the single inside camera that the bar had pointed at the entryway.
He paused the footage, noticing Johnny was asleep on his bed, he couldn't stop to think if it was weird or impolite to wake him up when he was the one guesting at his place.
"Johnny, hey," He started at a moderately loud tone.
"Johnny! Wake up, dude!"
The other didn't even stir.
"Wake up!" Jaehyun whisper-yelled, worried about the thin walls nevermind their predicament.
He looked around, fully aware it would be really fucking weird to go and physically shake him awake. Even if it only involved pushing at his arm until he moved.
"Shh, okay, think Jaehyun,"
Right.
An idea struck him and he opened a new window on the computer, deciding that playing a song would be his best option and turned one on, putting the volume higher as the seconds passed by.
Luckily enough, he saw the Solo stir as it was coming to an end.
"Cigarettes after sex, seriously?" Johnny mumbled, uncovering his head and shaking his messy hair. "I didn't peg you for a romantic,"
Jaehyun flushed, turning back to the computer in desperate need to will the embarrassment away. He cleared his throat, focusing on why he even did that in the first place as Johnny was getting out of bed.
"Your software found something…" He said, hearing the other turn on the tap in the bathroom to wash his face. "I don't know if it's useful though, it's just him visiting Blessing a while ago,"
"Yeah? Let me see,"
Only now that Johnny pulled the other chair closer did Jaehyun notice he was shirtless, a long scar gracing his shoulder, just above a tattoo.
He snapped his stare away as fast as possible without making it incredibly obvious he was even looking.
Johnny clicked open a menu, showing exact coordinates and time of the visit, from there on he'd have to follow him manually since the software couldn't recognize a face behind a protective helmet. It was doable, if tedious. He needed an upgrade.
"Okay, this is fine. I'll just have to follow his steps after he left the place through the other CCTVs, let's see where he goes,"
Johnny entered the coordinates and approximate time in the search so the other cameras would show him the way and hit play.
They saw Jaemin get on a motorcycle and drive off of the parking lot, towards the highway.
Easy.
He switched to the other cameras on the way, at the same time inputting the vehicle number into the system for later.
It took quite a while of switching cameras until the last one showed him getting out of serveilled areas.
"The outskirts?" Jaehyun asked.
"He knows there's no surveillance there… And the woods are deep enough for anyone to have a tough time finding a person in it," Johnny left the footage and searched the vehicle number instead.
Soon enough, it pinged with multiple results all over the city with the latest one being as close as a few hours ago.
"Why would he park at Blessing again but not go inside?" Jaehyun mused outloud.
Johnny paused as Jaemin got back on his motorcycle to drive off and looked around for any possible reason.
"There's nobody there… Wait," He rewound a bit, noticing someone in full black in the corner of the screen. "I guess I'm not the only one who's supposed to be out to get him."
Attention, attention! Only on Friday, December 9th you'll be able to see your favorite rock band, Strawberry Cake, live at Blessing!
Speakers were going off all over the city with the announcement. Yuta decided to keep it simple, only announce that they're performing and nothing of what it may be like. For better or worse, he knew people would assume what he wanted.
It started only a few minutes ago, it was time to let Jaehyun know. He didn't mean to hide it, just thought it was better to act on his own for the time being.
Just as Yuta was about to dial the number, his screen lit up with the Techie's name on it.
"Yuta…"
"I was just about to call you," He swirled his chair around, facing Doyoung on the other side of the bar.
Cautiously, Jaehyun threaded forward. "To be fair, I'm not sure what question to ask,"
"Just do what you have to do right now, you understand me, Jae?"
A quiet sigh. "This is too dangerous, how do you expect me to just accept it and keep on?"
"It's not more dangerous than what you wanted to pull without protection," He wished Jaehyun would just see how something like this would never go unnoticed. "I can't protect you, so I'm doing the second best thing. Diverting attention,"
"And what about you… Who's going to protect you?" Do I have a single other choice but to accept it… Jaehyun wondered, it was true he was moving a little too quickly, he just didn't think he'd have another opportunity in general.
"Do you trust me?"
"This goes beyond that…"
"I trust you to take advantage of the situation while you still can. You have a week, make it count, we'll meet when this is over," Yuta smiled to himself. "Who knows, maybe you'll get to be my savior again."
Jaehyun wished to defy that, tell Yuta not to joke around with it, stop his pursuits and just… just exist. Exist until there was no existence anymore but he couldn't. He couldn't be sure that he'd make an improvement on everyone's lives yet he couldn't stop here.
"We'll find him," Jaehyun shut his eyes closed, leaning his forehead on the cold wooden desk. "Look forward to it, **."
On the afternoon of December 9th, Jaehyun was driving down the highway with Johnny tailing him on his motorcycle.
They spent the week surveilling Jaemin, noting all the places he went around the city, the clothes he was wearing, his license plate, everything down to the color of his hair, height and weight, his posture and walk.
Both Johnny and him could confidently state they could recognize him even if they didn't see his face.
They didn't notice the second Solo again after that night at the Blessing parking lot, either they were hiding better or someone's plan changed.
Either way, it was their last day, Jaehyun had to have him before the end of the day.
"Can you drive that off-road?" Jaehyun asked, Johnny and him communicated through the new ear pieces he designed recently.
"Last time I tried I found myself hanging off a tree for three hours,"
Jaehyun snorted, imagining the ordeal.
"Okay, we'll just attach it to the back of my Porsche,"
"My bike better not fly off, Jaehyun, I'm very serious,"
"I'll build you a new one if it does."
Jaehyun cut communication and sped up, cutting through the air like a professional. A few more minutes and they'd be at the outskirts, ready to conduct their search.
me
going to the woods now (13:05 pm)
yuta 🍒
okay
we are getting ready for tonight
haechan and renjun
will be here soon (13:08 pm)
The highway was almost coming to an end now, the turn they had to take was only a few meters away.
"Johnny, we're turning left in 50 meters,"
"Okay,"
He slowed down a bit, making sure the Solo was following close behind him before taking the turn and stopping before entering the woods. The clearing was large enough to park at least five cars.
Jaehyun got out of the car and went to Johnny who was taking off his bike helmet before putting on the protective one and extended a hand to take it from him and put it on the floor of the car.
"So, how are we gonna do this?" Johnny eyed the back of the Porsche, seeing nothing that could possibly hold the bike in place.
Jaehyun opened the trunk to retrieve the ratchet straps he tossed in there when he installed the holder.
"Leila, release the cargo holder," He spoke to the AI, granted with a few metal poles coming out from the back and snapping in place, after a couple more commands, the arms slash whips he'd installed for a completely different purpose at first, came out, lifting up the motorcycle off the ground and carefully placing it between the rods so he could strap it in place.
"Damn, won't it be heavy on the car though? Too much weight on the back?" Johnny asked.
"Leila regulates the weight, hop in."
Jaehyun climbed back to the driver's seat with Johnny taking shotgun next to him. "Buckle up for the take off,"
He didn't waste any more time, flying the car and starting up an area scan, checking for anything moving with the built in infrared camera as they went.
It was pretty quiet outside and just for that matter Jaehyun was grateful to himself for using the newest technology on his car to make the take off and drive as quiet as possible too.
After a few minutes of mindless scanning with detecting a few animals and being unable to see anything from above the tree crowns, the AI reported.
"There's been a person detected ten meters ahead, would you like me to release a drone for facial recognition?"
"How far is the next clearing?" Jaehyun fired back, fully aware that they wouldn't be able to land here.
"A clearing has been detected fifty meters to the left."
"We should just go for it," Johnny said. "Get our stuff and land, then go and look for him,"
"We aren't sure it's him yet," Jaehyun reminded him, hovering in place.
"Yeah but what're the chances it's some random person wandering around here? It's unsafe,"
Jaehyun knew that Johnny was correct. It was a dangerous zone, no citizen of Heaven would have a reason to be there if it wasn't for industrial purposes. The fact that the person was alone and the time of day added up to his claim.
"Okay," He reasoned. "Leila, land us at the nearest clearing."
"Got it."
Once they were on the ground, Jaehyun took his protective helmet from the back seat and put it on.
He clicked open the glove compartment, taking out his stun gun just in case the younger Techie wanted to run.
"A taser, seriously?" Johnny was only slightly judgemental.
"You've got a whip tucked to your side,"
"I can't shoot him, this is my second safe choice,"
"And this is mine."
Jaehyun would go on a rant about how the guy wasn't a horse or something similar but they probably didn't have the time for that.
They exited the car, taking off in the direction the Techie was spotted. Both of them could hear input from the AI in their earpiece with Jaehyun able to ask for directions.
"Keep forward, you'll be able to spot him in… three…"
"Two,"
"Now."
Both Jaehyun and Johnny saw the person before them tense and then start running for his life before they could react.
"Fuck, you really don't have to run!" Johnny yelled and took off, Jaehyun running close behind him.
The forest was thick and there weren't any marked trails so it was easy to get lost after following the younger Techie in multiple directions.
He's too damn fast. Jaehyun thought, jumping over a tree stump last second. Johnny was still somewhere in front of him but running fast probably came with the job description.
Johnny ducked, avoiding a tree branch that was way too low for his height and made a move to unwrap his whip.
He'd warn the younger Techie about how painful it was to have one of those wrapped around your body but he didn't bother.
Instead, he ran until they were about a meter distance from each other and threw his whip, successfully wrapping it around the other.
Jaemin buried his feet in the ground, quickly producing two blades and cutting the whip before Johnny could reach him, swiftly slipping away.
"What the…" Just how sharp were these? "Jaehyun! To the left! He has knives,"
"Got it," Jaehyun replied, running to the left. "Leila, report,"
"He's coming from your right,"
Fuck. Jaehyun took out the stun gun, getting ready to shoot.
"Three, two, shoot,"
Jaehyun listened, shooting to his right before the other could spot him.
"Leila, give Johnny directions to my location!"
He didn't see as much as hear a body drop to the ground. Carefully Jaehyun stepped forward, not waiting for Johnny to catch up.
He didn't want to act foolish but the need to finally get the other Techie was overpowering his common sense and gut instinct.
Jaehyun saw him soon after, lying face down, motionless.
He made the mistake of getting too close, the moment his foot was in reach, Jaemin grabbed him, pushing him to the ground and wrapping his leg around his waist pointing a knife where his helmet met his neck.
"Wait, wait!" Jaehyun struggled against him.
"Jaehyun!"
"Stop moving around, this knife is sharper than any blade you've ever seen,"
Johnny stopped short at the scene, lifting his arms as a peace offering.
Jaehyun stopped struggling and sat down, uncomfortable forest ground digging into his butt through his thin cargo pants. "We aren't here to kill you,"
The younger Techie laughed. "Oh, really? That's it? You get off on lying to your target?"
"It's true," Johnny yelled. "Just hear us out before you do anything,"
"You're obviously a Solo," Jaemin addressed Johnny. "But this one here… Tell me your name,"
"My name's Jeong Jaehyun, and yes, I'm not a Solo, I'm a Techie like you,"
"Jae…hyun, what?" The younger Techie made a confused sound, whipping his head around to stare but couldn't see anything through the dark helmet. "Oh, for fuck's sake, put clear mode on,"
Jaehyun lifted his right arm slowly, pressing the button under his chin. He looked back at the younger Techie. "Do you remember me?"
Jaemin huffed. "Two years ago, that auction I sold my car tech at, you bought it,"
"I did, so can we talk now?"
"What's he here for?" He pointed at Johnny with the knife, now that it was a safe distance away from his throat, Jaehyun could breathe easier.
"He helped me to find you,"
"A mercenary… helped you to find me? Do you know how believable this sounds? Tell me how it actually came to be,"
"I was assigned to kill you," Johnny said. "But I met Jaehyun after,"
"You've got morals or something? Isn't money more important than that to Solos,"
"I'm paying him for finding you," Jaehyun inserted, struggling to move his thigh away from a sharp branch he was still sitting on.
"What do you need me for?"
Jaehyun spent a longer than expected time explaining to Jaemin that he wanted to work together with him on a technology he hadn't been able to create on his own yet. How this new device would allow everyone more freedom from the Corporation and why it was vital that they figure it out.
It was dangerous and a crime against the economy because of how much money the Corporation would lose if people just had more free will and could go outside freely.
"I'm surprised they haven't found you out yet, this isn't something you want to be dabbling in." Jaemin told Jaehyun.
"Why? Did you try something similar? Is that why you're wanted?" Jaehyun knew perfectly well that was the reason why, even if he didn't know details on the tech.
"If they find me… Or even, if they hear that you're working with me, they're going to kill us both first and ask questions after."
"So they shouldn't find out."
"I've been just fine surviving in the wild, Techie."
Johnny, who was getting tired of standing in one place for so long, spoke.
"You do know I'm not the only one who was assigned to kill you, right?"
"I know, the other one was shorter… and uglier."
Jaehyun listed his conditions and offered Jaemin a floor to himself in his house, assuring him it was safe and if it wasn't, they could work on defense meanwhile.
By the time their conversation in the wilderness was over, the sun had set and Jaehyun still had no idea how far from his car they'd run.
"Fuck, it's getting dark," Jaehyun worried outloud, "Leila, what time is it?"
"It's currently 7:24pm,"
"We gotta go, right now," If they didn't get back soon enough, Jaehyun didn't want to imagine the consequences.
"Me too?" Johnny asked.
"You can go home, I'll transfer you the money as soon as I get in contact with Yuta,"
"Woah? The Rockerboy?" Jaemin asked in disbelief.
"Leila, direct me to my car."
Blessing started filling up with people as soon as the clock hit 7pm.
There were people all over the large space, some playing pool with their friends over bets of who's going to get the ball in the hole, others at the bar drinking cheap alcohol away like it was water.
Yuta was alone in the dressing room, waiting for Jaehyun to get back to him, hopefully before he and his band mates had to risk their lives, ideally.
The door opened, letting the noise of people and pretty faint music in for a moment before Jeno closed it behind himself.
"It's getting crazy, I feel like they're going to attack me if you don't get on stage soon,"
"Where are the others?"
"In the back room, Ten unlocked the emergency exit, just in case something happens and we have to let people out,"
"Okay…A little longer,"
Yuta hesitated, there was still no message nor call, it was nearing 8pm already and he could feel his head buzz with the unknown.
There was a quick series of bangs on the door before a yell.
"It's me!" And Haechan barged in along with what Yuta assumed would be Renjun, pushing Jeno to the side as they went.
"And who the hell are you?" Jeno clasped his knocked shoulder protectively.
"Cute," Haechan grinned. "Let's go then? Are you ready?" He addressed Yuta, ignoring the bartender.
Yuta checked his phone one more time and slipped it into the back pocket of his leather pants. "Let's do this."
He allowed the dangerous glint in his eyes to take over the fear and insecurity in his heart and followed the Solos outside.
It was tonight or never, if they were about to divert attention, they better make the whole of Heaven shake and look at them only while they still could.
Taeyong, Mark and Ten came out of the back room soon after, meeting Yuta beside the stage.
"Are they in position…? The Solos," Taeyong asked hesitantly, looking around.
"They are, Haechan is by the bar, overseeing the entrance while Renjun keeps an eye on the emergency exit,"
"I can't believe we're doing this after so long," Mark said, while tuning his guitar. "It almost feels like a reunion,"
"A little," Yuta nodded. "Let's get up there,"
They climbed the few stairs, getting immediately noticed by the crowd hanging around which created a chain reaction, quickly letting everyone know about the change, countless pairs of eyes focusing on them, the chatter getting louder.
Yuta stepped behind the stand mic, bass slung over his shoulder, with Mark and his guitar to his left and Ten by the synthesizer on his right. Taeyong was behind them on the drums, nervously gripping the drumsticks tighter than necessary.
"Strawberry Cake's here for you tonight!" Yuta screamed into the mic, getting a loud reaction from the crowd.
Music cued, Yuta growled the first lines.
"Please, lie to me
Tell me everything will be okay"
He strung his guitar, the noise getting louder as Taeyong engaged the drums and Ten the synthesizer. Mark was leading, singing the back vocals while the crowd repeated it back to them.
As the song progressed, Yuta kept looking left to right, it was a bit hard to notice Haechan or Renjun because of the many moving bodies, everyone was dancing and singing, he couldn't feel the vibration of his phone even if he wanted to.
Is praying even a thing anymore? Yuta wondered while he sang the chorus. There was no one to forgive anyone's sins. No higher power besides the Corporation.
And still, he prayed.
Through the ruckus of singing through the second verse, he saw Heachan jumping on top of the bar suddenly, kicking somebody in the head before they could go any further.
Yuta missed a couple words, signaling Mark to what was going on, who in turn shared a look with Ten. Taeyong got the gist last, being in the back but didn't falter regardless of how nervous he had been.
They didn't pause the set yet, as the crowd made space for Haechan and the Solo he was fighting.
The people on the left side by the emergency exit didn't seem to be noticing the stir or just as usual didn't really care about a bar fight, they continued dancing until someone in all black tried to launch themselves at Mark but got pulled by Renjun last second, who made a quick move to stab him and bind the Solo's hands behind his back just as quick as light. He pushed him down on his stomach, tying his wrists to his ankles and left him where he was, jumping down to run to where Haechan was struggling to beat someone clearly taller and physically stronger.
The two of them engaged together as the band kept up the performance until the song finished and a third Solo showed up, managing to sneak between them and get on the stage attacking Ten in the process, Taeyong jumped from his seat, drumsticks gripped tight in his fists and started hitting the other's helmet until it had holes in it.
Ten kicked the Solo back down, successfully getting rid of him.
"Show's over!" Yuta yelled into the mic. "Everyone, please evacuate right now, the emergency exit door is unlocked so is the entrance, I repeat, run the fuck out before you get hurt!"
The crowd dispersed quickly without too much panic, managing to leave without an issue through both doors.
Haechan and Renjun had managed to get out of the way, the Solo they were fighting was nowhere in sight for as long as Yuta was watching until he appeared a meter away from him, making him step back in shock, almost tripping over the wires.
Before he or anyone else had a chance to assess the situation and fight back, the Solo pulled a short hunting knife and advanced at the Rockerboy.
Is this the end?
Yuta shut his eyes.
One,
Two,
Three.
He heard clothes rustling and a grunt before he felt someone falling at his feet.
By instinct, his eyes snapped back open, seeing Jeno with his arms and legs wrapped around his attacker, lying on the ground and visibly bleeding out.
He was holding the Solo so tight that he couldn't even run out or cause more damage if he wanted.
"Fuck, Jeno!" Before he could act, Haechan and Renjun were on it, stabbing the Solo in the back and prying him off of his friend as fast as possible before tying him up and kicking him back down.
"Yuta, we need to leave right now!" Haechan yelled close to his face while Renjun put pressure on the wound.
Yuta was stunned into silence watching it all happen like a record playing out in front of his eyes, he felt like he wasn't even there at the moment.
All the people were gone now, leaving him, Mark, Taeyong, Ten and the couple Solos together.
"Hey," Haechan directed to the other Rockerboys. "Go home, Renjun and I will deal with this, okay?"
Ten snapped out of his daze. "Okay… Taeyong, we should go, Doyoung's probably worried sick, Mark, let's go." He grabbed the two, stirring them into motion before they could look any longer.
"Yuta, you know a Med, don't you? Call them, right now,"
"Ah," The Rockerboy gulped, taking out his phone at last, ignoring the multiple missed calls and messages. "Yes,"
He dialed Jungwoo, waiting on the line as the call went into voice-mail.
"He's not picking up," Yuta whispered in fear. He never got Taeil's number, his hands started shaking as he looked at Jeno who was still awake and looking even more terrified.
He dialed Doyoung instead.
"What's your name?" Renjun barked at Jeno, his hands getting numb from the sheer pressure he was putting on the stab wound.
"..Lee.. Jeno,"
"Okay, Lee Jeno, stay awake for me," Renjun locked eyes with him. "Or I swear you're gonna regret closing your eyes in the afterlife when I find you there, got it?"
"Yeah," Jeno rasped out.
"Doyoung is calling Taeil, he'll get back to me," Yuta said.
Seconds felt like minutes ticking by, it was too quiet in the bar now, two of their attackers were still tied up and in place but they weren't a bother since they couldn't run or do anything at the moment.
Yuta didn't know what to do besides stand there and wait.
A couple minutes later, his phone rang.
"Yuta…" Doyoung started.
"Just tell me,"
"Both Taeil and Jungwoo aren't in the city, it'll take them at least an hour to get to you,"
"So they should tell us how to keep him alive for an hour then," Yuta breathed out. "It's already been a few minutes."
"I'm sending you Taeil's number."
Jaehyun was driving down the highway, his mind all over the place wondering what had gone down in the city.
He kept calling Yuta as they went without getting an answer, he was starting to get worried by the second. He sent messages, no answer. Not even a seen.
"So, are we going to your place or?"
Jaehyun ignored the inquiry but he knew that he couldn't just drop Jaemin off anywhere. In fact, he couldn't let him be seen by anyone at all if he wanted this to work while they both kept their lives.
"Incoming call by Lee Taeyong," Leila informed. Jaehyun picked up immediately.
"Taeyong? What's happening? Is everyone okay?" The desperation to finally get an update was thick in his voice.
"Yeah, we are okay, a lot happened, Yuta's still at the bar but he's fine," Jaehyun knew there was something Taeyong wasn't saying yet. "What about you? Are you home yet?"
"I will be… in about half an hour, I'm driving,"
"Okay, you got the guy?"
"I'm right here!" Jaemin interjected.
"Yeah, I got him, everything is fine on my side,"
"Okay, just make sure you get back safely,"
"Will do, thank you, for filling me in,"
"Yeah, I just assumed you haven't heard from us yet."
Jaehyun did wonder why Yuta hadn't gotten back to him yet but after having his most urgent question answered, he just didn't push further.
Taeyong hung up and Jaehyun finally took his first breath of the night.
"So are we going to your place?"
"We are."
"Keep him awake for as long as you can," Taeil instructed through the video call. "From what I'm seeing, they missed an artery."
Renjun, who was doing all the work on that, followed through, talking to Jeno and making sure to put enough pressure on the wound so he doesn't bleed out. Yuta was holding the phone for them, while Haechan was on standby.
"If you need help with that just tell me, Jun." Haechan said.
About forty minutes had already passed, Taeil and Jungwoo were nearing them now, quicker than expected thanks to Jungwoo's expert driving of a stolen car.
"He's getting too pale," Renjun worried.
"He's going into shock, lift his legs, now!"
Haechan hurried over, doing as told.
"Just a little longer, Nono, please," Yuta whispered. He could see Jeno was sweating profusely, pale and shaking.
"Yuta…" Jeno forced out. "I'm dying,"
"No, no, you'll be okay, we will save you," Yuta fell on his knees next to him, phone still in his hand.
"It's… okay," Jeno managed to smile. "The past six years… Thanks to you, I had a good life. Thank you." A single tear got mixed with his sweat before his breaths turned even more shallow and rapid.
"N..no!" Yuta sobbed. "Taeil, Jungwoo, what do we do?"
"We're almost there! Ten more minutes!"
Soon after that, Jeno lost consciousness.
"Yuta, start CPR, RIGHT NOW!" Jungwoo yelled, startling him. "Don't stop until we arrive, even if you break ribs. Keep his legs lifted too."
Yuta threw the phone on the floor and went opposite of where Renjun was still pressing down.
"I'll count for you." Taeil said and started the counts.
Yuta followed the rhythm, throwing most of his strength into it. He pumped until the distant voices of Taeil and Jungwoo were right next to him and attaching a solution to Jeno's vein in an attempt to get fluid back in his body. Everything was fuzzy to Yuta at that point except for Jeno.
"Don't stop until I tell you," Taeil said, listening for a heartbeat while Jungwoo did his best to take over and check for internal damage.
"There's… he's been bleeding internally,"
"Stop the bleeding then, Woo," Taeil checked vitals.
No heartbeat yet.
Jungwoo did as he was told, grabbing a tool to sear the torn organ, proceeding to close the wound after.
"All done…"
After half an hour, there was no change.
"I think I broke something," Yuta mumbled after a crack was heard.
"Yuta," Jungwoo started softly, his eyes bloodshot.
"Yes?"
"There's no heartbeat,"
"What do you mean?" He faltered for a moment before starting up CPR again and breaking another rib in the process.
"Stop now," Jungwoo tried to soothe.
Yuta's hands faltered, his heart getting overcome with defeat.
"I promised to save him… I promised to take care of him… The reason I brought him to this city," Yuta pulled his bloodied hands away, pressing his forearm to his face. "And what did I do…"
"You didn't cause this," Jungwoo said carefully, full of pain. "You didn't,"
Yuta moved his arm away from his face, vacantly staring ahead for a moment before freezing in place, realizing the reason all of this was necessary.
His eyes turned wide and even more terrified than a second ago.
Jaehyun.
He jumped on his feet quickly, startling everyone and frantically looked to where he tossed his phone.
It was on Jungwoo's side.
"Yuta?"
He grabbed the phone and dialed the number, shut his eyes and prayed once again. To a higher power that would never respond.
"Yuta? Hey, I was waiting, is everything okay, where are you?"
Yuta gasped at the familiar voice, starting to sob and failing to muffle it with his bloodied hand. Jaehyun was okay.
"What's… I'm here, I can come and get you, do you want me to?"
"No… Jae,"
"Tell me,"
"I'm okay. I'll call you again soon, don't worry until then, okay?"
A bit of a pause, then. "Okay. I'll wait for you, please don't hesitate to call."
Yuta sagged to the floor again, relieved over Jaehyun, devastated over Jeno, there wasn't a right emotion to feel, just a reasonable course of action.
He looked over to Jeno, his lifeless body laid on the dirty floor of Blessing, Renjun and Haechan had both gotten up and were standing next to the barstools. Taeil had his head bowed down while Jungwoo stared off into the distance, the two hadn't moved from their places.
Yuta lifted his head, looking over to the Solos. "Haechan, you can go," He said. "Both of you, thank you for protecting me and my friends."
Haechan bowed his head a bit. "A favor is a favor, Yuta." He tapped Renjun on the shoulder, signaling him to go first. "If you ever need me again, the number will stay the same."
Once Jaehyun parked at his house with Jaemin, he decided he'd just show him around immediately, he needed his mind occupied and his phone at arm's reach.
He started with the gym floor since it was on the lowest level underground and gave him access to use it freely. Then came his workshop, the floor above it, the place they'd both be working at very soon.
Jaehyun let him spend a good while looking around and asking questions. He believed they'd work better together if they weren't hostile with each other after all.
The whole time his mind was set on only one thing nagging at the back of it. Waiting for Yuta's call, wondering what happened. Taeyong had already let him know they weren't hurt but it wasn't quite enough. He wanted him home.
Next was the first floor, the guest floor that he'd let Jaemin stay at. The same floor also housed his wine cellar plus a bar and a gaming space with a TV and consoles.
"Oh wow, you're really going to let me stay at your house?" That was probably the fifth time the younger Techie had asked that so far.
"Yes." Jaehyun just replied simply every time.
When they reached the second floor, which was his and Yuta's floor, his phone finally rang.
Jaehyun ignored everything else and answered immediately.
The call only brought little relief. Nothing would bring it until Yuta was back home with him again.
He showed Jaemin the living floor. It took less time than the others.
The final floor was the roof terrace, a large space full of greenery and furniture to relax on. The walls and ceiling were made of reflective windows, preventing anyone from seeing from the outside but keeping the minimal sunlight so the plants would thrive.
"It's a nice house," Jaemin commented once they were back on the guest floor, below Jaehyun's floor.
"Better than your hut in the woods?"
"Oh, man, there wasn't even a hut,"
Jaehyun snorted, shaking his head. "Right well. I'll go to my floor, we can start working from tomorrow?"
Jaemin nodded. "Of course, you come find me. I don't wanna intrude on your privacy." He smirked.
"Sure."
Now that the tour was over, Jaehyun got back to his floor, choosing to sit on the couch and wait.
It was hard to do in silence, he didn't know what was taking Yuta's time, he didn't know why he was sobbing on the line, and while Jaehyun was busy, he could take his mind off of it for a second but now. Now it was just coming back to him stronger than ever and he couldn't figure out a way to quit worrying and trust him fully.
Maybe it wasn't about trust at all… Maybe he just cared, whichever one it might've been, he really hoped Yuta would get back to him tonight.
A few minutes into sitting and occupying himself with nothing but thoughts, he decided it's a good idea to make food, which also reminded him he never asked Jaemin if he was hungry either.
He decided he'd just fry a few sausages and cheese sticks and call it a night. He didn't feel like getting into it at the moment but he did have other ideas.
"Leila, send an easy strawberry cake recipe to my phone."
Jaehyun didn't realize he'd have to drive to the store for the ingredients but he did it anyway. When else would he have a reason to fix up a cake? He wasn't really considering it a celebration. One smile from Yuta would be worth his effort, if he had to be honest.
He left the whipped cream to mix while he cut the sponge cake layer into two fairly even pieces. He couldn't find actual strawberries so he got a package of chocolate shaped like strawberries and strawberry syrup. He left those on the counter along with a cake mold.
When the whipped cream was done, he brushed some syrup on the cake and put a generous amount of the whipped cream, taller than the layer itself, leaving somewhat of a hole in the middle so he could pour some more syrup in it before putting the other layer on top.
He used the remaining whipped cream to cover the top layer, decorating it with some chocolate strawberries and syrup before tossing it in the fridge.
"Leila, please ask our guest if he wants some cheese sticks and sausages."
"Got it."
Jaehyun was dozing off on the couch when the call came.
No, no… It's the doorbell. He stirred, trying to wake himself up, shaking his head.
In the groggy state he was in, he managed to get to the elevator door and looked at who was outside on the screen next to it.
He immediately felt a hundred percent more awake.
Oh. He had his black slicker on, his helmet in transparent mode, Jaehyun buzzed the door open and got on the elevator for the first floor immediately.
When he got off it, Yuta was just taking his helmet and boots off.
"Yuta…" Jaehyun whispered, tremendously relieved.
"Jae," Yuta smiled weakly, tiredly, and proceeded to unzip his slicker and throw it on the rack Jaehyun kept next to the door.
Jaehyun didn't waste any more time closing the distance and wrapping his arms tight around the Rockerboy.
"You're home," He buried his nose in the other's neck, feeling like he wasn't yet close enough.
In a while, Jaehyun pulled back a bit and took Yuta's face in his hands, using his fingers to brush his hair away, tucking it behind his ears. Yuta let him do it wordlessly. Jaehyun could read the devastation off his face, an expression he'd never seen on him until now.
"Let's… let's go to our floor," Jaehyun murmured, taking his hand in his. Any other moment until now felt like preparation for what was to come.
When they sat down, Yuta sat on his side, facing Jaehyun in silence for a while, as if taking his appearance in and locking the memory away for years to come.
"It hurts," Yuta whispered a couple minutes after and Jaehyun could see his eyes tearing up.
Carefully, he held his hand and asked softly. "What hurts, baby?"
"My heart."
Jaehyun was clueless but he stayed there, offering silent support and hoping his presence was making a difference even if just a little. It didn't feel like the time to push and ask for details he thought, so he just watched Yuta cry silently, head bowed lower and gripping his hands like a lifeline.
"I tried… We all tried to save him, I promised him, Jaehyun…" Yuta sobbed. "I failed him. Maybe if I didn't bring him with me, he'd be alive right now."
Jaehyun moved closer, close enough for Yuta to rest his head on his chest.
"I held his funeral with Jungwoo, that's what took me so long… I tried to honor his life. But there's only so much I could do with the way we live, Jae,"
Jaehyun wondered who it was about still, his mind supplied it couldn't be the other Rockerboys, Taeyong had told him they were alright…
There was only one other person besides them who was important to the Rockerboy.
"I'm so sorry, Yuta," He said sincerely.
Yuta lifted his head, looking into Jaehyun's eyes then.
"I was so shocked one second, then the next… the next all I thought about was you. I was seriously going to go crazy if I didn't find out you were okay," His voice wavered on some of the syllables, betraying his emotion further.
"I'm okay, I'll be here for you… For as long you you'll have me," Jaehyun reassured, opening his arms in an embrace that Yuta was happy to lean into.
Yuta rested his head on his shoulder. "We'll protect each other."
"We'll protect each other." Jaehyun echoed, holding him tight enough to make sure they wouldn't ever separate again.
The next morning, Yuta opened the fridge, looking for his usual protein bars and water for the instant tea but something else stared back at him. He looked at Jaehyun questioningly.
"What's that?" He nodded at the cake.
"Oh, I meant to give it to you last night but,"
"You bought… a cake,"
"No," Jaehyun walked over to him. "I didn't buy it, I bought the stuff and made it myself actually,"
"You made a cake," Yuta smiled, shaking his head fondly. "Okay, let's try it then,"
"It's a strawberry cake," Jaehyun grabbed a knife and opened the cake mold, slicing a piece, the strawberry syrup gushing out and to the bottom of the mold.
Yuta grabbed a fork, staying by his side. "Jaehyun, don't tell me you used that shitty strawberry syrup they sell at the store,"
Jaehyun shushed him gently, pushing the plate he put the piece on closer to him. "Just try it, the whipped cream is gonna make it better,"
Yuta stabbed his fork into it, making sure to get a chocolate strawberry with the small piece, he brought it to his mouth while Jaehyun was waiting for his reaction the whole time. He licked the whipped cream off his lips, trying not to grimace but at the same time his heart was going to fold into itself with how much he felt for the Techie turned experimental baker. "It's …Thank you, Jaehyun."
"Not that good?" Jaehyun grimaced.
Yuta snickered, dipping his finger in whipped cream and smearing it over Jaehyun's nose and cheek.
"Very sweet," He pulled Jaehyun in, unafraid of getting it on himself and kissed him deeply, holding onto his shirt to make sure it wasn't a dream again.
By the time they were done, the whipped cream was all over their faces and Yuta's long hair.
"Let me wash it for you," Jaehyun breathed out an inch away from his lips.
"Please do." Yuta smiled brightly, diving in for another kiss.
3 years later
"Hyung! I think I figured it out!" Jaemin ran excitedly to Jaehyun's side of the workshop, showing him the chip stats. "It looks like it's going to work! I tested it on myself last night,"
"Jaemin!" Jaehyun disapproved, he very much felt like a parent figure to him now whereas the younger had none.
"Yeah, okay, I know! I wasn't out for long, I made sure to check my toxicity levels right after, don't worry! Look at it," Jaemin pulled the statistics, including the information from his small test last night, showing that the device had a high chance of being functional.
"Oh,"
To say Jaehyun was impressed would be putting it lightly. For the past three years they've both been trying different methods and doing joint research, keeping up with the new technology trends and inventions, they were working hard to figure out something nobody dared to dive into and do it hidden too.
"I told you! We can make this invincible, hyung, this is just the beginning!"
"I'm proud of you, we've gotten so far thanks to you," Jaehyun said sincerely.
"You gave me the opportunity, without you we wouldn't have gotten anywhere," Jaemin smiled. "So I'm thankful for that. Let's do even better in the future."
"We will," Jaehyun said, looking over at the stats with a proud look on his face. "We'll make living in this world a little better. Soon."
"You should've seen how excited he was earlier," Jaehyun told Yuta that night while they were snuggled close together on the couch.
"It's really been feeling like we're raising a kid,"
Yuta commented fondly, it felt good to have the younger Techie around. He reminded him of Jeno sometimes, Yuta didn't expect that to alleviate his phantom pain but that's just how it turned out. Occasionally, he'd just talk to him at the roof lounge when he and Jaehyun weren't working, sharing a glass of apple juice, since the Rockerboy had made sure to addict Jaemin to it right after finding out he didn't really like drinking alcohol at all.
"A little," Jaehyun smiled, thinking about the times he'd had to nudge Jaemin awake at the workshop after he'd spent the whole night working and completely forgetting to even eat during the day. He'd always go down with a tray of food for the both of them, expecting it after the first couple times.
"I like it," Yuta said. "I like being with you like this."
Jaehyun kissed his forehead, thinking of how much he'd like this to be his forever.
"It's my favorite thing."