(You guys don't realize how long I've been dying to use this image in one of my chapters. Finally! *fist pumps*)

* * * * * *

‘Let’s get out of here,’ Ravi suggested.

Hongbin nodded.

Hongbin carried his unconscious hyung behind his back and made their way back to the cottage. Hakyeon haven’t woken up at all for a long time and Hongbin couldn’t help but worry. He didn’t leave Hakyeon’s side for even a minute. He felt unsettled and worried as if something worst could happen if he left Hakyeon’s side.

He was frustrated at himself. Always being a minute too late.

‘You need to get some rest,’ Ravi told him.

‘I’m fine. You should go back to look after Jaehwan. I’ll be okay here.’ Hongbin replied.

Ravi sighed, knowing very well that Hongbin was the unpersuasive type.

‘I’m sorry hyung. If only I found you a bit earlier, this wouldn’t have happened…’

Hongbin never once trusted anyone other than his parents. His mother died when he was young due to a plague that broke out in the Capital a decade ago and his father was always busy with work in the government. But despite the busy schedule, his father would always make time for Hongbin. His father was kind by nature and had a rather bright outgoing personality. His father was influential and had many connections but also many connections that were made because they could use him. Hongbin could often sense it when people were trying to trick his father into helping them or lending them money, and even though Hongbin tried to tell his father to be more wary of others, his father would not listen. He only tells Hongbin to ‘trust and believe in people.’

But Hongbin could not believe those words. They were the only words in which he would not listen to his father’s. Hongbin did try to live by his father’s words and tried making friends in school many times, putting faith in people rather than suspecting them. However, in the end, each of those that approached him had ulterior motives. Eventually, Hongbin lost all trust in people. Especially when his father suddenly introduced him to a bodyguard.

‘He’s a sweet boy. The son of a good friend of mines. He lacks experience but I’m sure he will make a great friend for you.’

That’s what his father had told him. Hongbin was skeptical. Another one trying to use his father’s kindness for their own good was what Hongbin had in his mind.

He didn’t trust Hakyeon at all. He thought the older was quite dim witted and incapable of anything at all. For the longest time while Hakyeon was by his side, he ignored Hakyeon or tried to push him away. He brought out every harsh word he knew and attitude towards the older, hoping that it would eventually chase him away. Back to wherever he came from.

But that didn’t chase Hakyeon away at all. After what happened at one of his conferences, Hongbin’s perspective of Hakyeon changed. Hakyeon was severely injured during his duty while trying to shield Hongbin from a blade. He never would have thought that the older would toss himself in front to protect him. What if he died? Is he crazy? Does he not value his own life?

Ever since then, Hongbin kept a close watch on Hakyeon’s every action. He didn’t say much and only talked to the older when he needed something but after much observation, he realized that the Hakyeon he was introduced to as the sweet and bright boy, had a story of his own.

Hakyeon would often smile at others, at him, as well as anyone who could see his every expression. He was polite and humble to everyone but when no one was watching, Hongbin saw that smile disappear. Hakyeon would often space out into a far distance, thinking about something that Hongbin had no idea of. Hongbin never asked what the older was thinking about nor did he think it was his business to do so but he couldn’t help but wonder what it was that made the older constantly having a sad expression on him.

Until one day, he decided to follow Hakyeon out to town somewhere and overheard Hakyeon talking to someone about a place called the Underworld. A place of Gods and the dead.

All of Hakyeon’s expressions and sadness finally made sense. Every pieces of the puzzle was closely coming together as Hongbin continued to stay with the older in the world of the dead.

* * * * * *

Hongbin never once met Taekwoon during his training in the Underworld and as much as he’s been told stories about the merciless Ruler, he didn’t really care. But he was curious about the Hakyeon that once truly loved and probably still does, for this man named ‘Jung Taekwoon.’ He thought that Hakyeon was the type to be confident in everything he does and would do anything to obtain what he wanted. So when Hongbin realized that Hakyeon was the one who threw away his own happiness, he was rather surprised. Who could this Taekwoon be for Hakyeon to care so much about? To the point of nearly dying several times during their stay in the Underworld, just to get stronger and stand on the same level as him?

When Hongbin finally met Taekwoon, as surprised as he was, he felt a sense of familiarity with him. It was strange. It might have been due to the fact that the name have been mentioned so much in front of him that it almost seemed as if he knew who Jung Taekwoon was, on a personal level. But that wasn't the case.

Taekwoon was dangerous. He was no familiarity. Dangerous enough to Hakyeon that he didn’t hesitate to try to kill him not once but twice. And each time, Hongbin could have nearly lost Hakyeon in the hands of Taekwoon. Hongbin feared not of Taekwoon’s powers but was afraid of losing Hakyeon.

He knew what he felt for Hakyeon would never be answered. But he just wanted to see Hakyeon’s true smile for once, and he was willing to do anything for the older in order to bring back a smile he’s never seen.

* * * * * *

‘He still haven’t woken up yet?’

A voice suddenly appeared from behind him. It was Hyuk.

Hongbin was shocked that he didn’t sense Hyuk’s presence in the room as he was too occupied at looking after Hakyeon. He shook his head in disappointment.

‘I heard about what happened from Ravi. Don’t worry about it too much. Hakyeon is going to be okay.’ Hyuk tried to reassure him.

Hongbin didn’t say a word except continued to fall into his own despair. Hoping that he could turn back time so that this wouldn’t have happened in the first place.

‘You really shouldn’t be too harsh on yourself. At least you stopped Taekwoon in time before anything bad actually happened.’

‘But I was still too late…’

‘You weren’t. Hakyeon is still breathing and alive. That’s all it should matter.’

‘But…’

Hyuk sighed.

‘You’re seriously too harsh on yourself. Honestly, you’re the only human around here yet you still managed to learn witchcrafts and magic that is almost as good as Ravi’s. And he’s been studying the subject for decades. You caught up to him in no time that he even had to tell me how great of a pupil you were. Although you can be a bit of a hard-head and stubborn sometimes… anyways, he doesn’t really compliment you up front but he does know you’re special.’

Hongbin could tell that Hyuk was trying to make him feel better about himself and he appreciated it but he was still too occupied with his own worries.

‘I know what I say won’t really do much to persuade you but you need to be careful not to fall too deep. I must remind you that we’re in the Underworld. One negative thought could make you vulnerable to the evils that lurk around here.’ Hyuk said. ‘The deeper you fall into despair, the easier it is for you to be consumed. If you do get possessed, Hakyeon would never be able to forgive himself. I’m sure you don’t what that to happen would you?’

Hongbin nodded.

‘Anyways, I’m going back to the mansion. I just dropped by to see how Hakyeon was doing. You take care of yourself okay?’ Hyuk made his way out of the door.

‘Thanks…’ Hongbin muttered quietly.

He wasn’t very familiar with Hyuk at all but he did appreciate the boy’s kind words.

Because of Hakyeon, he was able to meet others like Jaehwan, Ravi and even Hyuk. Hakyeon was the type to attract people around him, ones who truly cared for him and Hongbin was fortunate enough to meet such genuine people as well. Ones who didn’t approach him for other purposes but ones who truly did everything they could because they thought of him as a friend.

Hongbin knew very well that the one person in which Hakyeon wanted back was Taekwoon though. And if Taekwoon was able to return to how he was before, Hakyeon’s smile would eventually return as well. Hongbin longs to see that smile.

Despite his fears, Hongbin wanted to help Hakyeon. He wants to stay by Hakyeon’s side and help him. Hyuk was right. There was no time nor place for him to fall into self-doubts and despair. He had to stay strong in order to protect Hakyeon.

* * * * * *

The last thing Hakyeon could remember was that his vision was blurring before his very eyes, at the sight of Taekwoon. The one who was trying to strangle him. He didn’t know what happened afterwards but he saw Hongbin sleeping while sitting next to his bed rather than his own. Hakyeon could tell the boy was very worried about him and barely got any sleep. He could see the heavy eye bags forming underneath Hongbin’s eyes.

Hakyeon quietly went out of the room in order to not awaken the tired Hongbin and saw Ravi sitting at the table with Jaehwan, discussing about something.

‘Hey…’ Hakyeon greeted them weakly.

‘You’re finally awake. How are you feeling?’ Jaehwan asked and assisted Hakyeon to sit down with them.

‘I’m fine. Sorry I worried you guys again.’

‘It’s fine. Hongbin was the one who’s more worried.’ Ravi said.

‘Yeah… sorry.’

‘Don’t worry about it. But why didn’t you fight back? I’m sure you would have been able to handle Taekwoon even on your own now that you’re much stronger,’ Jaehwan claimed.

‘I… don’t know why. But my body just gave up on fighting back or resisting…’

‘You don’t want to fight him at all do you?’ Ravi said.

Hakyeon was hesitant. He knew how much effort everyone has put in for his training yet, he showed none of that strength in fighting against Taekwoon.

‘I thought this would happen. We had our doubts anyways that you would actually fight with Taekwoon.’ Jaehwan said. ‘But you should have at least protected yourself.’

Hakyeon knew what he should have done but didn’t do it.

‘Sorry…’

‘Was it because you were trying to have him kill you instead?’ Hyuk suddenly came in the room.

‘Huh? What? No… I…’

‘So, he’s right. You really were planning on letting Taekwoon just kill you so that everything would be over,’ Ravi said. ‘Are you stupid?’

Jaehwan sighed.

‘We’ve actually had this conversation while you were unconscious for the past few days. Although we didn’t know what happened exactly between you and Taekwoon back there, it was obvious that you didn’t even try to fight him. You are more than capable in protecting yourself now but you still didn’t do it. You were trying to die weren’t you?’ He said.

Hakyeon could not deny it. Deep down, he knew what he did was stupid but at the same time, he was just too tired from everything. So many times he wanted to just give up. He wanted it all to end and let Taekwoon do as he pleased. Whether it was to kill him or not. It was the one thing Hakyeon thought he could do to help Taekwoon ease his anger.

Even if it meant his own death.

‘Are you crazy?!’ Hongbin shouted as he rushed into the room.

‘Hongbin-ah.’

‘If you came all this way to just let yourself be killed, why did I even come here with you? Do you not think about how we would feel if you had died? Don’t you know that each and every single one of us in this room cares a lot for you yet all you can think about is that Jung Taekwoon!’

Jaehwan got up to calm Hongbin down but the younger definitely had a point.

‘He’s right. Hakyeon-ah, I didn’t come back to find you with keys to the Underworld just so you could get yourself killed. I wanted you to bring back Taekwoon and the two of you being happy again. I wanted you to find your happiness just like how your mother wanted as well. We’re here to help you and Taekwoon. We’re your friends, and we care a lot about you.’ Jaehwan said. ‘Right Wonshik-ah?’

Ravi nodded.

‘Although I haven’t really known you for a long time, I consider you a friend as well. You’re someone both Taekwoon and Jaehwan cares a lot about and that’s enough reason for me to care as well. Taekwoon told me stories about you when he and I just met. That’s why I knew right away who you were when you came to the Underworld. It’s strange but even since the first time we met, I thought you felt familiar. After knowing you more, I could see why you’re special to everyone here and I know you’ve been trying your best as well. We’re friends, at least I hope we are,’ Ravi said.

‘Can’t you tell how much you mean to each of us here? I know very well how bad you feel for what happened between you and Master Taekwoon but you also have others who care for you as well. We’re waiting here for the day when this can all end and return to the other side, together. Without a single one of us missing. I want us to return to the way things were before, the happy days once this is all over,’ Hyuk said.

‘You… want to go back with us to the mortal realm?’ Hakyeon asked.

Hyuk nodded. ‘I really liked it there! I really liked everyone in Pinewoods.’

Hakyeon could see that even Hyuk’s eyes were tearing as well as everyone’s worried yet sincere looks on their faces.

I’m not alone anymore. I have people around me who cares for me now. Waiting for me.

‘You guys… thanks.’ Hakyeon was moved by everyone’s words, unable to hold his tears back any longer.

Hakyeon have been so tired recently that he felt as if everyone around him was just draining him completely. He was tired both physically and mentally. He wanted to just give up and end it all. But he never considered that his decision would affect others as great as it did to the other four in this room.

Lee Jaehwan. A seemingly aloof and bright neighbour who he have been running around and laughing with in Pinewoods for years actually turned out to be a mighty God from the Heavens. And also the key for him to reuniting with Taekwoon in the Underworld. Without Jaehwan, Hakyeon would never have had the chance to meet Taekwoon again nor would he have discover so many things about himself.

Lee Hongbin. A stubborn and over-confident boy. He thought the younger didn’t care about him at all but when they arrived in the Underworld, he could see that the younger truly did care, just in his own way.

Kim Ravi or Wonshik. A seemingly cold witch who only knew how to be serious and not know how to joke around actually considered him as a friend. He didn’t think the strict instructor thought or cared so much about him either.

Finally, Han Sanghyuk or Hyuk. A boy that he only knew was a talented puppy turned out to be a powerful hellhound and bodyguard. Hakyeon knew of Hyuk the longest amongst the four boys and even one of the closest. He was worried at first that Hyuk would hate him like his master did but Hyuk didn’t. Instead, Hyuk watched and cared for Hakyeon dearly.

Each one of them in this room meant a lot to Hakyeon just as much as Hakyeon meant to them. His memories with each and every single one of them were precious memories that he would not give up for anything. He wants to be with them forever. They were like family to him. His brothers.

Even after many generations, many reincarnations, and no matter how many worlds have gone by, Hakyeon wishes to be with them.

Like brothers for an eternity.

* * * * * *

Fun Fact #22: I was going to title this chapter at first as just 'Lee Hongbin' but one thing led to another and I started to cry about VIXX's brotherhood and well... this happened *wipes my tears*

Fun Fact #23: As you all know, I use ALOT of VIXX's song references for this story as much as I could. I just think that each song they have is so meaningful and the lyrics are just perfect for the entire story. Other songs that were refered to indirectly are 'Dynamite, Can't Say, Words To Say, Beautiful Liar, etc.' I wonder how many references you guys can find if you read this again ~ POP QUIZ TIME! j/k 

Fun Fact #24: I asked you guys how did you all become Starlights and into VIXX, and promised I'd share my story too.

Actually, I've been into Kpop since TVXQ/BigBang/SuJu Debut days. Very long time but no group really topped the original 2nd generation idols for me. In 2012 however, B.A.P vs. EXO really overshadowed all the other boygroups that debuted the exact same year - such as BTOB, VIXX, Nu'est etc. I actually did listen to Super Hero on music shows but I felt the VIXX back then was just too unpolished compared to such strong opponents to B.A.P and EXO at the time so I just didn't care (oops?) But in 2013, one of my friend told me that Rainbow was coming to Vancouver for a K-pop festival along with this one group called 'VIXX'. I was quite girl group trash at the time especially after Rainbow's A. Anyways, I went to the festival and heard my bible song.... ROCK UR BODY. I fell in love with the sound and music. Didn't get to see the boys' faces but I was ajik ajik Fantastic'ing all night long after that too! Went home, downloaded all of VIXX's songs and started listening to their songs without knowing any of the member's or background (though Ravi's rap back in the days still makes me cringe. Thank you improvements!). Just liked the VIXX music. 

Then, HYDE came out and I watched the MV and was shook by Taekwoon's hair. I know he doesn't like it, but I thought he was exceptionally good looking in it. It caught my eyes and visually, both MV and choreo for HYDE is still one of my all time favourites. Even before it, On and On days, VIXX was known for their heavy make up and contacts in which all idols were talking about too. But guess what? I still didn't know the name VIXX nor their members nor did I realize that the same group did - Super Hero, Rock UR Body, On & On, and HYDE... Yeah... Same goes with Voodoo Doll. That was a shock factor for me because I'm too coward for gore and horror but was still visually satisfied to see something so fresh in Kpop world. 

It wasn't actually until Error that I became fully sold on being VIXX trash. Yup. That song and MV ended me. I loved BEAST's Fiction when it came out and Error really gave me that same feeling yet better. I cried like ten times the ten times I watched it and just ended up marathoning all VIXX. Then it finally hit me...

Super Hero + Rock Ur  Body + On & On + HYDE + Gr8U + Voodoo + Error = THE SAME FK'N GROUP!@#@!#

Yet, I didn't even realize all VIXX's songs were already on my playlist before Error even came out. LOL How oblivious was I? Actually, during my totaly oblivious to VIXX time, I was actually already Hakyeon trash. I was always listening to all of VIXX's songs on random so mixed in with other songs I had, but each song, I was drawn to this one particular 'voice' that caught my attention. Yup. Cha Hakyeon's. When I fully got into VIXX after Error and marathoned everything about them... I fell deeper into Hakyeon's everything and just I stan him so much. But yes, the rest of VIXX for me are all bias wreckers and I stan them all just as much as I do Hakyeon. Hence, I must include their stories in my NEO fanfic no matter what. VIXX OT6 gives me feels :)