The Dark Taekwoon who tries to act strong and filled with rage was beginning to lose his identity. He was beginning to gain emotions that he never once had before. Those emotions were overwhelming even for himself. He couldn’t understand what were happening to him and the strange pains in his heart from time to time. Even tears would fall yet unexplainable.

‘What is this?’ He asked himself as he wiped away the water the dripped from his eyes.

As if he was a newborn, learning to feel for the very first time. But even though he tried to learn those emotions, he was in a time that did not allow him to cherish it.

After the first Jung Taekwoon had passed away, the Dark Taekwoon was slowly disappearing as well. He was fine for the first few centuries inside of Limbo and wandering aimlessly. But after he discovered Dreamscape, he used quite a lot of his powers to seek his existence between the different worlds.

He knew very well that he wasn’t going to last long but he insisted on making full use of the time he had remaining.

~

The vocalist who was trapped inside of Dreamscape was watching the Dark Taekwoon slowly fall apart as well. He thought of something that almost seemed reckless and unimaginable.

He gave permission for the Dark Taekwoon to access reality.

To give the dark one the chance to live just one last time.

‘What are you trying to say?’ The Dark Taekwoon was skeptical at the other’s sudden proposal.

‘Leave here and become me. Become the Jung Taekwoon of VIXX,’ Taekwoon told the Dark one who was still bewildered at such an outrageous proposal.

‘That’s ridiculous and definitely not possible! Didn’t I say that I can’t enter your body already and also, did you forget that your body have disappeared from the real world because you don’t wish to exist anymore in reality? There’s definitely no way.’

‘But you also said that it's impossible because we’re alike right?’

‘And?’

‘We’re nothing alike. Not anymore,’ the vocalist told him. ‘Your time is running out but mine is not. You want to fulfill your life one final time in reality where as I… I only want to be with Hakyeon, whether that place is reality or inside of this dream.’

Taekwoon was the key.

The key to allowing the Dark Taekwoon access through the dimensions of Dreamscape and into the real world.

~

Neither was positive that their plans would actually work but both gave it a try as well.

After a few struggles, Taekwoon eventually opened up the door to let the Dark Taekwoon inside of his body, wherever it may be. When Taekwoon’s body eventually reappeared in the real world again, it was actually the Dark Taekwoon who took over.

He found himself in the middle of nowhere and finally taken control of Taekwoon’s body entirely. He was both lost and excited. Though he had no idea where he was at first, when he tried to bring out his powers and it didn’t work, he knew that he had entered the real world.

He had no control of the things around him as he did back inside of Dreamscape and he was nothing more than just a mortal.

He was slightly afraid of his powerless self.

For the first several days, he hid himself from society. He made sure he was masked and unrecognizable especially because Jung Taekwoon of the 21^st century is a well-known celebrity. The Dark Taekwoon could not afford being recognized until he had figure out what the next plans of actions to take. He was rather intrigued with the fact that he was finally in the real world and in a body that finally looked like himself. It did not take him long to get used to the society and he became more intrigued with the world of Hallyu.

Both girls and boys alike were wild for idols and entertainment. Music played throughout the streets of Hongdae during the afternoons and at night, street performances were all around. It was exciting.

The liveliness of the city was amazing to the Dark Taekwoon. This type of festivity he has never experienced before. So, he thought about it thoroughly, what would it feel like if he was actually an idol himself?

His curiosity made him realized what he wanted to do before his time runs out.

After meeting up with the members of VIXX, the Dark Taekwoon kept quiet in front of them and tried to act as egotistical as he did before. He had his reasons and he knew that the members would never accept him as part of the group. Another reason was the fact that he knew the members would be upset to know that their vocalist was the one that wanted to switch bodies. The Dark Taekwoon didn’t want them to feel devastated by the truth, especially the Dark Hakyeon who loves ‘Taekwoon’.

Though the Dark Taekwoon did not like the Dark Hakyeon’s weak side, he was still the Dark Taekwoon’s rival and both have known each other too long to forget.

They knew of one another’s existence since the beginning after all.

~

‘Good job everyone! Let’s wrap up and take a break.’ Their manager told them. ‘The responses for Dynamite was great! The fans went wild and really anticipating the next comeback.’

The members finally finished their promotion for the first part of their Conception trilogy. They were successful yet tiring at the same time due to their tightly packed schedules. They were on variety shows, radio programs as well as weekly music shows and private fansigns. Both the Dark Hakyeon and the Dark Taekwoon was having a rather hard time adjusting to the hectic scheduling. Luckily, none of the fans noticed that the two oldest members of VIXX were not the original members at all. Instead, they were pleased to see the usual cold and chic ‘Taekwoon’ finally opening up to the fans and smiling alongside s. ‘Hakyeon’ felt more mature than before as well yet his sincerity never left him. It’s as if it was normal for the slight changes in the members and everything went smoothly.

‘Have you started to work on the second part for Conception?’ Jaehwan asked Wonshik.

‘It’s Hades right?’ Hyuk asked to confirm.

‘Yeah… I’m just on a bit of a writer’s block though. But I think it’ll be fine. I’m quite confident since the concept we’re using really allows me enough space to explore and experiment.’ Wonshik said.

‘You’re really into this whole Conception business aren’t you?’ Jaehwan asked.

Wonshik couldn’t agree more.

Though he has always worked on his rap parts for their albums and very much in charge of his subunit activities, it was the first time ever that he really got to take full control of the group’s comeback. There was a team of writers and composers but each of them also relied on Wonshik’s input before the songs were finalized. It was a lot of pressure at first for Wonshik but to be able to create the things he wanted, was a dream come true for him and he couldn’t have been more thankful for the opportunity.

As if being concept-idols were a part of their daily lives, the members all gathered around the dining table talking endlessly about future concepts despite the fact that they have just began their Conception project. Everyone gathered around the table chatting happily amongst themselves and the Dark Hakyeon was content enough to just watch the younger members with smiles on their faces finally.

The Dark Taekwoon though, sat in the living room alone.

Though the members may know of the fact that the Dark Taekwoon didn’t have plans on hurting them, it did not mean that they were going to accept him as if nothing ever happened.

‘Hongbin-hyung, are you okay? You look a bit pale,’ Hyuk noticed as the group sat around for dinner.

‘I think I caught a cold, that’s all. Don’t worry,’ Hongbin told the younger.

‘Did you take your medicine?’ The Dark Hakyeon asked worryingly.

‘Yeah, I did.’

‘Make sure you get a lot of rest okay? Our managers said we have some free time for awhile so make sure you heal up before schedules starts again,’ Jaehwan told him.

‘Thanks hyung, I will.’

After dinner, the members retreated back to their individual rooms while Hongbin was escorted right away to his bedroom by Hyuk and Jaehwan.

‘You two worry too much,’ Hongbin felt strange to be pampered by the two members.

‘You barely get sick and each time you do, it’s not pleasant to watch,’ Hyuk reminded him.

‘Remember the last time you got sick? You lost your voice so badly and couldn’t even get up for two weeks.’ Jaehwan reminded him. ‘Hakyeon-hyung was so worried about you that he couldn’t even leave your side for a split second.’

‘Yeah and ended up getting sick right after Hongbin got better too,’ Hyuk laughed at their silly leader. ‘I miss him…’

‘I do too,’ Hongbin smiled weakly.

‘I hope he’s doing okay alone in Dreamscape…’ Jaehwan sighed.

‘He’s not alone remember? Taekwoon-hyung is there too,’ Hyuk said.

‘But he’s trapped Hakyeon-hyung inside as well right? But why? I thought he wanted to rescue hyung as much as we did.’

Both Hyuk and Hongbin looked at one another as none of them knew the answer to the question and why their vocalist would do such a thing.

‘What if they both decide to not come back?’ Jaehwan worried.

‘They’ll return,’ Hongbin said.

‘How can you be so sure?’

‘I know Hakyeon-hyung and so do you two. If Hakyeon says he’ll come back, he will for sure and he’s definitely not going to leave Taekwoon-hyung behind either. Even if it means using brute force, I’m sure Hakyeon-hyung will drag Taekwoon-hyung back to our world, one way or another.’

‘I guess you’re right,’ Hyuk and Jaehwan chuckled a bit as they imagined the scenario in their minds.

‘Anyways, get some sleep okay?’ Jaehwan told Hongbin as he and Hyuk both turned off the lights and left the room finally.

~

Hongbin’s room was pitch black. It was the only way he could fall asleep but his coughing kept him up all night long. He was afraid that his coughing would wake the others up so he tried to hide under his bedsheets to muffle the noise.

He took out his phone in the pitch darkness, hoping that he would eventually fall asleep from tiredness playing around with his phone. He opened the chat application and scrolled through his messages with Hakyeon.

[Ah! You didn’t answer your phone again!]

[Are you still playing games? You better stop playing it by the time I get home!]

[Gosh, you’re seriously breaking the laws to being the visual of the group, you otaku!]

Hakyeon’s constant message spams to Hongbin made the younger laugh a bit. But he also felt a bit bitter just looking through those messages.

‘I should’ve replied to you more often when I had the chance…’ Hongbin sighed and let out another loud cough.

It may have been his cold or it could have been the side effects of the medication he just took but Hongbin was feeling more nostalgic than usual. He couldn’t help but reminisce the past where the six of them were all together. When was the last time that the six of them actually sat down for dinner and discuss about their concepts? It has been way too long to remember anything.

Each of the members became too busy with their individual activities and all too tired to even greet one another when they return home from their schedules. Hongbin didn’t want to admit it but the group definitely drifted apart the past few years.

At times, it even felt like they wanted to give up being idols and having to make conceptual comebacks time and time again. It was fun at first but with such a heavy title above their group’s name, it was also a lot of pressure. Just how many concepts can they come up with until they have nothing left to work with? When that does happen, what will happen to the group?

The six of them used to be much closer, closer than even family and would talk with one another a lot. Anytime there was a problem, the six of them would talk it through and solve the issues together. But now, whenever there was a problem, the six would just pretend it doesn’t exist.

To be honest, the younger members all noticed the changes in the relationship between the two oldest since awhile back. The clingy leader no longer clung onto anyone, especially Taekwoon and the quiet vocalist only grew quieter.

Yet, the four of them was worried that they were in no position to speak with the older members and didn’t know how to solve the problem either. They didn’t want to make unnecessary comments and make the situation even worst. But because they were silently watching and not doing anything, the problem only grew worst.

Cough. Cough.

‘Ugh, my throat..’ Hongbin rubbed his throat that was throbbing painfully. Being sick was not fun and it only made him more emotional.

Just then, someone opened the door quietly.

‘Hongbin-ah, are you awake?’ It was the Dark Hakyeon, ‘can’t sleep?’

‘My coughing is killing me. Sorry, did I keep you awake?’ Hongbin apologized and got out from his bed.

‘No, I was just worried about you. Are you okay? Do you need me to bring you anything from the kitchen? Water?’

‘It’s okay. I have one right here from Jaehwan-hyung. Thanks though.’ Hongbin didn’t want to make the other worry about him too much.

‘Ah!’ The Dark Hakyeon shouted as he almost tripped trying to come into the room.

‘Are you okay?’ Hongbin shot up from his bed and immediately turn on the bed lamps to see if the other was all right.

‘I’m okay. Lie back down, you’re sick remember?’ Hakyeon reassured him as he approached closer to see the younger’s condition. ‘It’s just a bit dark. Is this how you usually go to bed?’

‘Yeah. I can’t sleep if there are lights on.’

‘I see... the opposite of Hakyeon huh?’

‘You know?’

‘Of course.’ The Dark Hakyeon placed his hands on Hongbin’s forehead to feel the other’s temperature. Hongbin only had a cold but it almost felt as if he was starting to come down with a fever as well.

‘What about you?’ Hongbin asked as he looked at the Dark Hakyeon who was obviously worried for him.

‘Hmm?’

‘Do you sleep with the lights on like Hakyeon-hyung?’

The Dark Hakyeon shook his head.

‘I’m the darkness remember? It’s more relaxing to sleep in the dark than with the lights blinding me. It’s scary at times of course, but I like the fact that I don’t have to think or see anything as I sleep.’

‘…’ Hongbin was a bit quiet.

‘Are you disappointed?’ The Dark Hakyeon looked at the younger. ‘That I’m not the same as Cha Hakyeon after all?’

‘Huh? No!’ Hongbin was concerned that he ended up hurting the Dark Hakyeon’s feelings again. He didn’t mean to compare the two of them. ‘No, it’s… it’s strangely a relief that you’re not the same as Hakyeon-hyung. One is enough of a headache.’

Hongbin tried to joke around and make sure the other didn’t look hurt.

‘Hongbin-ah.’

The other suddenly called for his name.

‘Hmm?’

‘Can I ask you something?’

‘What is it?’

‘What do you think of the Dark Taekwoon?’

‘What I think about him? I don’t quite get what you’re saying…’ Hongbin was not ready for such a sudden question.

‘Do you hate him?’

‘I do.’ Hongbin replied firmly.

‘But he hasn’t hurt us at all since he’s been here.’ The Dark Hakyeon said.

‘So? It doesn’t mean that I can just forget about the fact that he took both Hakyeon-hyung and Taekwoon-hyung away. He also tricked you into his schemes and almost killed Hyuk inside of Dreamscape.’ The younger started to list.

‘I see…’

Hongbin became strangely irritated at why the Dark Hakyeon would suddenly ask about the other.

‘Are you on his side now?’ Hongbin asked.

‘Huh? No. I just… kind of… pity him.’

‘There’s nothing about him to sympathize with. All he has done was to try and hurt other people, including you.’

‘That’s true, but…shouldn’t he have a second chance to repent?’ The Dark Hakyeon looked as if he was pleading Hongbin for the Dark Taekwoon’s sake. ‘I mean, you guys gave me a second chance too.’

Hongbin became silence.

He didn’t want to forgive nor could he ever forget. The Dark Hakyeon was indeed an exception but definitely not the Dark Taekwoon.

‘I can’t. It’s impossible.’

The Dark Hakyeon looked as if he was rejected by the younger.

Of course he was happy that he was the exception, that he was special in the other members’ eyes but he also couldn’t help but feel as if the Dark Taekwoon have become outcasted by the group. The Dark Hakyeon understands too well how it feels to be alone and he didn’t want to have the Dark Taekwoon feel the same as well. Though the Dark Taekwoon pretends as if nothing can hurt him, even solitude, the Dark Hakyeon had his doubts.

After all, the two of them were rivals since the beginning.

‘You want me to forgive him?’ Hongbin asked as the mood in the room grew depressing and damped.

‘I… don’t know.’ The Dark Hakyeon was in a slight dilemma.

He knows how the other members feel too but he was caught between both sides and unable to make a decision on his own.

Hongbin saw the other with a trouble expression. He didn’t know why, but something was bothering him as he saw how depressed the Dark Hakyeon was for the Dark Taekwoon’s sake.

‘You…’ Hongbin muttered.

‘Hmm?’ Hakyeon finally gave the younger back his attention.

‘You liked the first Taekwoon since a long time ago. Is that true for the Dark Taekwoon as well? Do you like the Dark Taekwoon too?’

* * * * * * A/N * * * * * *

No promises but updates will be a lot more frequent from here on out because I've finally finished the story in drafts :) 

Also, continue to stream the music video on YouTube! We want to help DoWonKyung reach 5million views before the 24th as a gratitude to VIXX and their 5th anniversary <3 They deserve it for everything they've given us.