Experiment 10. Houses healing abilities. A hemophiliac due to complications during creation. Given name, Yixing.

This, as Yixing learned over many years, was the format of greeting every experiment was accustomed to, whether they were introducing themselves or a doctor was. Everyone had grown used to it, and no one questioned it as one of the lead doctors led a short man into the common room and introduced him in such a manner. “Experiment 99. Houses freezing abilities. No defects have been discovered. Given name, Minseok.”

Experiment 99, Minseok, bowed completely as the doctor left through the double glass doors, earning a few greetings from the others lounging around.

As his power suggested, Minseok was seemingly aloof towards the other experiments. Yixing found this a bit off-putting, but bowed and greeted Minseok as he would with anyone else. Minseok’s tiny eyes widened as Yixing straightened his back. “You’re 10? There’s really that many of us?” Minseok asked hesitantly, as if he had never used his tongue before.

Before Yixing could open his mouth, Jongin replied from where he was situated on the sofa, in front of the block television. “Before you even ask, we don’t know where those eighty-something other experiments are. I don’t think any of us really want to know, anyway.”

Yixing gestured for Minseok to sit down before he made his way back to the piano in the corner of the room, sitting on the small bench behind it. The instrument had been added by his request, for what the doctors referred to as his birthday. He had to make the most of it.

Minseok’s presence caused for one of the other experiments to perk up and almost throw himself at the man. Yixing could only watch as literal lights went off in the loud boy’s eyes. “Experiment 4. Houses abilities of light. Born blind from a defect of powers but was healed after creation. Given name, Baekhyun!” he barely took a breath between his words, Jongin mockingly fanning the boy with his hand.

“It’s… nice to meet you, Baekhyun,” Minseok bowed his head politely.

“You don’t need to humor him,” Jongin muttered as he stood up, catching Baekhyun in a light headlock. “No one likes him.”

“Okay, listen, you ,” Baekhyun started, struggling to get out of the taller boy’s grasp.

“Both of you need to stop,” another voice boomed, and Jongin disappeared in an instant, leaving Baekhyun to almost fall to the floor. From behind the piano, Yixing saw Junmyeon leaning on the doorframe to the hall that led to the sleeping quarters. He walked over to Minseok without so much as a glance at Baekhyun, who was writhing on the floor as if he was dying. Junmyeon put his hand out for Minseok to take.

“Experiment 1. Houses abilities of water. Must be regulated hydrated. Given name, Junmyeon. It’s nice to meet you, Minseok.”

Minseok looked to be in awe as he shook the other’s hand. “So you’re the first experiment? Wow.”

Junmyeon only gave him a smile.