Seoul, 2015

            Shortly after their lecture session ended, Jongin and Jonghyun mindlessly walked around the campus while trying to kill time in between their next class. “Will you go to Yoona’s party tonight? I heard from Taeyeon that they’ll be inviting their friends from the other universities!”

            Jongin sighed – his friend was at it again. Although it was just this morning when Jonghyun was complaining about his hangover and not studying enough for the math quiz, the social boy was craving for yet another party to get wasted at. “I don’t know,” Jongin said thoughtfully. It was true. Jongin did not want to risk yet another teleportation incident, but it was a Friday night and getting an invite to Yoona’s infamous parties was not an easy process.

            “Just go! You need to relax anyway.”

            After a brief moment of hesitation, Jongin succumbed to Jonghyun’s persuasion. “Alright, I suppose I’ll go. But I might leave early tonight. I’m feeling really tired.” As Jonghyun cheered in euphoria, Jongin swore he heard footsteps thundering behind them.

            The DJ blasted the latest EDM song before he quickly remixed it to appeal to his audience’s liking. Hot bodies were pressed upon each other as the people danced to the backbeat of the song. Jongin pumped his fists in the air while secretly struggling to keep a cool face on for Yoona’s friend, Seohyun.

            Although Jongin was nowhere near Jonghyun’s playboy characteristics, he had to admit that Seohyun was a gorgeous girl that definitely suited his type. So naturally, when a hot girl danced with him, Jongin was definitely interested. He carefully placed a hand around her petite waist as he pulled her closer to him. However, just as he did so, another hand forcefully pulled the two apart. Startled, Jongin looked for the cause of the ruckus.

            There was a man who stood in front of Jongin, fuming mad. “WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING TO MY GIRLFRIEND?” Although he had the looks of a sweet flower boy, the fire gleaming in his eyes was saying otherwise. Immediately, Seohyun rushed to the side of the newcomer and clung onto his arm.

            “Yonghwa, please don’t cause a ruckus. Let’s just take this outside.”

            “No,” Yonghwa pulled away from his girlfriend’s grasp. “Let’s settle this like men.”

            Jongin closed his eyes, bracing himself for the fist that was due to make a dent into his jaw. But it never came. The music seemed to have died down and the chattering disappeared. Curious, Jongin cracked open his eyes, only to see that everything froze. Yonghwa’s arm was halfway up the air with his hand clenched into a ball. His eyes were livid, but he too, was frozen.

            Jongin blinked his eyes. “Is this even real?” He slapped his cheeks, as if attempting to snap back into reality. But still, Yonghwa and the rest of the crowd alike were stuck in place.

            A voice crawled through his eardrums. “So you are the Fifth Prince.”

            Jongin automatically turned around, only to see a young male approach him. Jongin recognized him, but he couldn’t put a finger on the other male’s identity. What the stranger did next surprised Jongin. The stranger dropped down on one knee and formally bowed to Jongin.

            “It has been a while, Fifth Prince. It is a pity that you have been here on Earth for two decades, but Exodus is calling for you again. The King wishes to see you return to the throne.”

            “Who – what are you even talking about?” Jongin held up his hands. “Fifth Prince? Exodus? The King? I don’t even know who or what you’re talking about. I think you have the wrong person.” He closed his eyes. “This is just a dream, Jongin. You’ll open your eyes and it’ll all be gone,” he whispered to himself.

            “If only it were that easy, Fifth Prince.” The stranger spoke up again. “You may not understand now, but you cannot change the fact that you are indeed the Fifth Prince of Exodus. You have powers that nobody else can possess here.” The stranger paused again, creating a dramatic effect on his words. “I’m sure you must have questioned your teleportation ability at least during one point in your life. Fifth Prince, I have the answer. The King requests for your return, Fifth Prince.”