Jong In grew up with his mother controlling every aspect of his life. He wasn’t allowed this, he was forbidden from that… the only thing he had free reign over was conquering and squashing Baekhyun. His mom had no qualms about whatever he did with regards to that but she often had many ideas of her own which he had to carry out. He tried being the obedient son, but he simply didn’t have the flair for business. He tried being rebellious, but he soon found himself drowning in more misery and loneliness. Alcohol, drug, and only provided a temporarily relief and things would always hit him twofold after the adrenaline wears off. Everyone was an enemy - his dad, Baekhyun, Baekhyun’s mom, Baekhyun’s uncle, and Sulli. They were family by law but they were his enemies. There were so many of them but he only had his mom on his side.

Jong In only relied on his mom all his life. She had everything mapped out for him and he only had to carry out her orders. Now where was his mom and what was he supposed to do? His birth secret had been found out and he couldn’t possibly be thick-skinned enough to show up before Byun Kangho again asking for a roof over his head, especially not after his mom had set fire to their house. Feeling his breathing getting caught in his throat, Jong In tilted his head back as he stared at the dark clouds in the night sky, preventing his tears from falling. There were no stars to guide him unlike in fairytales, but of course, how could a city boy find stars in Seoul? His phone buzzed in his back pocket, notifying him of a new message and he hurriedly fished the device out, praying that it was his mother.

From: Oh Se Ryeong
Their injuries are not serious. Sorry I didn’t have an opportunity to talk to you properly before you left.

Jong In choked back a sob. His mom raised him with the notion that everyone were enemies, but why did he experience care and kindness from a supposed enemy?

From: Oh Se Ryeong
Let me know if you need help or a listening ear.

His phone buzzed with another message and Jong In gripped the device tighter in his hand when he felt salty tears sliding off his cheeks and dripping onto the screen. They were family but his mom wanted to hurt all of them. He could’ve had friends but she taught him to weigh everyone against their worth before deciding to spare any of his time for his could’ve been friendships. He was a grown up, but he had allowed himself to be moved like a chess piece in his mother’s warped game. Now, Byun Jong In - or should he revert to Kim Jong In? - was nothing. He had no friends, no family, and no place to call home.

Jong In finds himself before the same chicken shop he had been to previously with Se Ryeong. Peering in from the glass window, Kyungsoo was diligently wiping down tables and making small talk with his customers. His hair was matted down against his forehead from the perspiration and heavy bags clung to his undereyes but the boss of the chicken shop looked contented and happy with life as he settled the bill for a group of customers, grinning at the cash momentarily before stashing it away and rushing over to clear the now vacated table. He finds his legs moving on their own accord and Kyungsoo looked up from his task when the bells on the door tinkled as Jong In enters.

“That’s the fifth beer.” Kyungsoo shot him a worried look as he sat opposite the man and pulled the bottle away from his lips. “I think that’s quite enough for tonight.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not drunk. You’re Do Kyungsoo, boss of this shop, and I am Byu-- I mean, I am Kim Jong In.” Jong In mumbled softly as he grabbed the bottle back. Instead of drinking from it, Jong In’s gaze remained fixated on the liquid swirling within the glass bottle. “Are you closing for the night already? Sorry, I’ll just finish this and then I’ll go.”
“I was closed since half an hour ago, asshat!” Kyungsoo’s words had Jong In jolting out of his reverie and true enough, the shop was void of anyone else except for the pair.
“I’m sorry.” Jong In mumbles again as he brings himself to his feet, swaying unsteadily before he managed to grab onto the edges of the table to balance himself.
Kyungsoo jumpe