Note: I saw a picture and felt so inspired to make this and the end is of course my own little drizzle of caramel syrup. All credit goes to @all_taste7 for creating that beautiful fan art. I'm sorry but this might be a short one. But there is a surprise at the end...

It was the year 4040 the time where war, blood and life was the only thing you have. The plan was simple but nothing was simple in a time where people even forgot what mercy stands for.

People weren't killing each other for power or money and the option of aliens and machines aren't it. Even mutation of things or large insects was not the reason for the most brutal period to be born into.

The reasons for all the deaths are flowers.

Or specially a petal and this single petal might be harmless at first but once you touch or even look at it the effect are permanent. No one has survived to even tell the tale of what it looked like but suddenly that all changed when a boy was born under the tree where falling petals suddenly died around him.

A woman gave birth leaving a child surrounded by dead petals once he first cried out for his mother. This poor child grew up in a world filled with bloodshed and he was the only one who can stop it.

×+×+×

"Kihyun wake up." He sat up straight looking down on the man who woke him up. He felt refreshed and he hated that feeling as he knew time was wasted.

"How long did I sleep."

"For an hour." The man stared back at Kihyun's hard gaze knowing he hated sleeping long. The fact was, Kihyun even hated the word sleep.

"I told you 5 minutes."Kihyun jumped of the tree ledge landing just inches away from the man who was about to get hit in the head if he as so much took a step forward from his position. The man didn't even flinch when Kihyun landed looking as if he didn't just fall from a really tall tree.

"Sir I can't compromise the mission especially when sir IM has discovered the entrance." Kihyun now looked up as the man looked down on him. Their height difference was out of balance considering the latter was stronger in build but Kihyun has something that the latter doesn’t have.

Both of them left quickly joining the others who were busy trying to fix the plan.They were all surrounded talking about the last chance that might save humanity. The information they had gathered for who knows how long was still incomplete but miraculously they had a break through.

"Where."

"Kihyun, the person 4 clicks from here have found the entrance and the multiple bodies surrounding the area." Kihyun looked at the map seeing their journey was going to be rough seeing they were going past the 4 wars.

"Where is he now?" The information they must have gathered risked so many lives because it wasn't hard knowing where the core was but the challenge was where exactly it was located. The edge of the 4th last war had this dark edge and no one has exactly lived long enough to truly kill the source.

"Gone." Kihyun clenched his fist hearing that soldier didn't survive. He felt like it was his fault for not saving anyone in time knowing he was the only one that could.

"We move now."

They all left with no other words and every time they get closer thousands of bodies appear before them. It wasn't a sight anyone would want to see but this only fuelled the determination of every person Kihyun was with.

Nothing could have been more terrifying than seeing dead bodies but then they have arrived where the entrance was inside a dome of dead rotting bodies. It was so high and massive that from a far it looked like a hill.

×+×+×

"Kihyun wake up." The moment he opened his eye he just knew it was time. Then his vision became clearer and he saw nothing but darkness.

"How long?"

"4 hours." The moment Kihyun heard the number, his feet was already on the ground ready to run off. It was in the middle night and the plan was to go inside at sun down but before he could charge at everyone that didn't wake up he was pulled back.

"Let go off me."

"I didn't wake you up because the plan changed." Kihyun looked at him filled with anger and disappointed but more importantly regret. Kihyun wanted this war to end but this warm hand and those gentle fingers on top of his shoulder made him stop.

"It was decided to invade it at night." Kihyun looked at the man in front of him with disbelief. Even in any circumstance the plans can change but in the end they must always do it quickly.

"This is the last mission!" Kihyun snapped while also moving away from the man who kept on delaying everything they worked hard for.

"Lack of sleep compromised are last mis..."

"You are the one who is compromising the mission." Kihyun knew that this was not about him being sleep deprived because everyone is the same, including the person he was talking to having the dark circles in his eyes. It wasn't even about the mission anymore knowing everyone was fighting for the same reason but to both of them it risk everything they have.

"S, we can't keep running from this." Kihyun finally dropped his tough attitude knowing he was about to step inside their own little bubble. S then joined him as he stepped closer to Kihyun with his head down.

"I know." S knew that there was no running from the fact Kihyun was their only shot for ending this war. A war they don't even know how it started or the fact how people keep dying in the process. It was all a mystery but S just knew that having a few minutes with Kihyun might be enough.

"Don't..." Kihyun knew that whatever was inside that dome or cave will mostly kill everyone but he also knows that it might just be him left inside. He wanted scream out this pain of having to be the only one who lives as everyone he loves dies in the end. In the end he has no choice in whatever ending they might face.

"Kihyun." As his name escaped his lips he was engulfed in a tight warm embrace. Kihyun was ready to face whatever was inside that death trap but the sad look on his face always made him weak. He was willing to die to save everyone but knowing S was also with him made his heart unsteady.

"You know we have to finish this." Kihyun slowly pulled away knowing if he didn't things will get worst. He never wanted to leave his warm embrace that always made him feel safe but that wasn't the time to think twice when they are so close to finishing this battle.

"Why does it have to be you of all the people in this world." S felt so frustrated to see Kihyun suffer more than anyone. If he could change places with Kihyun he would do it if it meant he could see Kihyun smile more. But they both knew that there was no running from that fated day.

"I don't know." Kihyun felt his knuckles turn white as he clenched his fists so tight making his nails dig into the palm of his hands. He then gave out a heavy sigh as he turned around looking at S with a sad smile saying...

"But if it wasn't me then I wouldn't have met you."

×+×+×

"This is Kihyun the one who will save us all!"

"Protect him with your life." Kihyun was only 6 years old and he had been to a lot of surviving communities that was now long dead. This was his 14 so called home.

"S you and Kihyun will never separate from this day forward." Kihyun looked at the tall man that had multiple scars on his face. He took a step back ready to run away from the man who was slowly approaching him until he suddenly moved to the side.

"S step closer and introduce yourself." Kihyun curiously waited to flee for his life or stay but once he got a good look of his face he just knew he was safe.

"My name is S and I will give up my life for you." Kihyun stared in his eyes seeing something changed when Kihyun tried to give him a friendly smile. The boy can't help but smile back but the only difference was his eye's was now curved into a thin line as he gave Kihyun his biggest grin.

Kihyun and S trained hard as it was their normal activities for survival. The training was brutal consisting of swords, archery, bombs and guns. One on one combat was a must that always ended with multiple bruises or even deep cuts. They were also trained to fix themselves up.

After their training, they would always run towards a big tree and climb to the very top waiting for the sun to set. After that, they would both go back home and sleep to do it all over again in the morning.

Until one day, something changed out of the blue. Kihyun was 10 years old and S was 11 years old when Kihyun finally asked the question he always wanted to know.

"Hey S..." Kihyun looked at S who was staring at the sun set with a calm expression on his face. His reply was just a simple hum as he was to absorbed in staring at the sun set but Kihyun knew he was still listening to him.

"Why is everyone called A, AA , AB ,ZNZ or even old AZXC." This time S looked at him curiously not getting his question.

"Why are you all called that way but my name is Kihyun." S finally understand his message but couldn't get the point why he need to ask when the answer was obvious. Knowing Kihyun he didn't like when people call him the special so S had to think of something better to say and suddenly he remembered what his grandfather told him.

"From what I remember your mother gave you that name." Kihyun's eye's went wide but then again he also felt sad. S didn't know what else to say so he just kept quiet. Kihyun was happy knowing his mother gave him that name but sad at the same time knowing it’s another reason that made him special.

"Hey Kihyun what about giving me a new name." This caught Kihyun of guard, not expecting this could ever happen. He didn't even know if this was allowed but seeing S giving him a reassured smile made Kihyun happy so he tried his best thinking of the perfect name and suddenly.

"How about Shownu!" Kihyun felt it was the perfect name even though it was the first thing that he thought off. S hummed thinking about the name only making Kihyun more nervous but S was only teasing him a bit.

"Ok. Call me Shownu for now on but maybe when we’re alone." Kihyun suddenly grinned seeing his best friend liking the name he gave. He suddenly tackled Shownu into an embrace feeling less special now. This time he felt honored to have this knowing it wasn't about anything related to his destiny.

Time flies and their training got harder but no training had prepared them from the day their community suddenly turned to ash. No one knows where it started or how was that even possible but one day when Shownu was tasked to gather some wood all hell broke loose.

Everyone was in chaos and Shownu suddenly ran towards the fire. For all those years of sticking to Kihyun this was a day where he actually left him by himself inside their house sleeping peacefully. The fire was spreading fast and their house was its next target and Shownu was too far to make it in time before the whole house burst into flames.

Shownu was prepared to dive into the flames ready to risk his own life to save Kihyun. It would have been a sad faith for a 14 year old boy but suddenly he heard him.

"SHOWNU WHERE ARE YOU!" He suddenly turned around seeing Kihyun coughing covering his mouth with a small cloth. Shownu didn't waste any time charging at Kihyun.

"SHOWNU WHERE...."Kihyun was suddenly lifted off the ground and was now being carried by Shownu. Kihyun was about to yell at him or even ask why he was suddenly being carried away until he saw the scene behind him.

Their house was next to the weapon storage where the bombs where located and if Shownu hadn't manage to run towards their usual tree and stuff Kihyun inside their built in bunker then they would have both died as everything exploded.

When the bomb goes off Shownu covered Kihyun with his body ready for the worst. Shownu build this bunker for the worst but he didn't know how much it could take. When everything settled down they realized they were trapped.

Luckly, for fun they created a massive bunker filled with food and supplies. Shownu finally moved when he felt that it was over. Kihyun then charged at Shownu with a tight embrace.

"I thought I lost you." They both said the same thing as they held each other tight still not believing the other is with them. Their hearts where beating in the same pace of terror and relief. Shownu was the first to pull away wanting to see Kihyun properly and say.

"I'm never going to leave you again."

×+×+×

"Kihyun." Shownu pulled him close this time he wasn't going to let Kihyun go. He then grabbed Kihyun's face caressing his checks. Kihyun stared at Shownu eye's filled with love but also sorrow. Both of them leaned in at the same time.

Once their lips touch the world suddenly moved faster. Every memory they had together suddenly surrounded them. Kihyun felt the pain, frustration and love Shownu was giving in this kiss. Shownu also felt the regret, sorrow and love Kihyun was trying to hold back.

Kihyun pulled Shownu closer not wanting it to end. Shownu gently pulled Kihyun closer as he placed his hand on his neck and one on his back.

When the kiss deepened their desire to simply disappear or even escape grew stronger never wanting to let go of each other. Kihyun wrapped both of his arms around Shownu as he wrapped his arms around Kihyun's waist. Their deep intimate kiss was no longer just a kiss but a promise that they will never break.

Tears suddenly rolled down their eye's knowing this was the last time. This was the day they have waited for. This was the day both of them feared knowing one of them might not make it.

"Kihyun I will never leave you." Shownu finally pulled back only to leave trails of soft kisses around Kihyun's face. Kihyun can't hold back the tears running down his face so Shownu keeps on wiping them with his thumbs as he continued to leave small gentle kisses around Kihyun's face.

"Shownu we will win this." Kihyun felt vulnerable and yet found strength from Shownu. They can't afford to waste any more time so Kihyun was the first one to leave their bubble creating space between them.

He could have given Shownu thousands or millions of small kisses but it would only make it harder for both of them. Kihyun looked at S as he slowly turned back to his old cold expression while walking away. He knew Shownu would follow him from behind.

×+×+×

Everyone entered with no sign of fear but only caution knowing something unexpected might happen. Kihyun was at the center of the group being protected while also having Shownu by his side. Everything was dark but it looked like a long tunnel seeing that the light was on only in fornt of them.

As they walked ahead they started to see roots. Everyone tensed up seeing they were sarting to step on roots. At first they avoided on steping on them but know they were completely on top of it.

The light up ahead was now brighter and Kihyun suddenly felt this pressure making him feel even more worried. When they finally got to the end they didn't expect to see a large dome made of roots and a single tree in the middle.

There where fireflies shining their light but also the fact that the tree was also glowing. It was a magnificent sight and even a breath taking of seeing it was so beautiful.

When Kihyun entered he felt his heart stop. He felt this pull towards the tree so he walked closer. Shownu suddenly followed Kihyun not knowing what he was planning. As everyone finally entered the dome something shifted.

The only exit was suddenly covered in roots and that was when they all realized that they were facing the real cause of their love ones death. Suddenly a gun shot was fired and a body fell. Everyone turned around pointing their guns at the enemy only to find their own soldier was the one to fire it.

Everything happened so fast after that but both Kihyun and Shownu was too busy following something. At the very back of the group a fight suddenly started and body's slowly fell. Slowly they killed each other not knowing why or how it started.

Kihyun was now face with the tree and it's flowers. He felt this urge to touch the tree and so he did. One single finger touched the surface and suddenly a cracked forward and in no time the tree hade this hollow opening as if a person can fit into it.

That single touch so happens to make the flowers bloom and fall. Petals suddenly fell and Kihyun was too distracted to know what he did. Shownu on the other hand suddenly pulled Kihyun out of his state only to realize what happened.

Everyone that survived the shooting and killings had now a single petal stuck on their forehead. But this single petal was stuck there by veins merging around everyone's head looking as it was connected and control their brains.

"Shownu...?" Kihyun finally snapped out only to see horror crossing Shownu's face. He then turned too looked at everyone only to realize what Shownu was seeing. Kihyun was about to grab his gone only to be pulled back by Shownu.

Shownu looked at Kihyun for the last time smiling at him. He gave him the eye smile that Kihyun always knowing were already so small. Kihyun suddenly remember the first time they met ad every single day they were together.

Shownu had pushed Kihyun towards the hollow tree just in time. Kihyun was too late to see the guns being pointed at them. Kihyun only saw Shownu's smile, the tear slowly going down his face and the last words he mouthed towards Kihyun.

I love you

"SHOWNU!!!"

"NO!" Kihyun landed inside the hollow tree only to withness the most horrible pain. He saw Shownu fell as he was pushed himself out of the hollow tree screaming out for Shownu. He slowly dropped to his knees grabbing Shownu's face.

The pain of losing someone you care about is the most painful and deadly way of losing a part of yourself. In this case it was like an explosion that knocked everyone down to the ground and everything stopped. The only thing you could hear was the cries of a single person.

In the middle of all of this was Kihyun holding on to Shownu trying to wake him up. Under the beautiful cherry blossom trees that was slowly dying. Tears keep dripping down his face and every single drop of tear landing on the ground created this glow making the petals on the forehead of everyone who were still alive gain consciousness.

The petals wilted away as it slides down their faces only to see their great Kihyun broken in front of them

"Shownu wake up." Kihyun hoped to hear his heart beat but no matter what he did Shownu stayed still.

"Please don't leave me."

"The war is over!" Cheers erupted echoing around them but the prophecy was correct.

The one born with death is the cure

but death is needed to save...

Everyone



 

GAME OVER.

"You won!" Jooheon suddenly jumped from his sit holding his game controller in the air. They finally defeated there enemy and it only took them 8 months to figure out the given clue of the half prophecy was the answer.

"Why are you crying?" Jooheon suddenly stop his victory dance only to see his partner crying. He didn't get why he suddenly burst into tears when he was playing Kihyun.

"You died." Jooheon suddenly felt very moved by his beloved Minhyuk having the most caring heart.

"One must..." Jooheon tried to explain their plan knowing Minhyuk was the one who uncovered the clue. But no matter what he says the look of regret Minhyuk was giving him was to heart breaking.

"Stop looking at me like that." Jooheon pulled Minhyuk in a tight embrace rocking both of them side to side knowing it always calm Minhyuk.

"I'm ok."

Important

Yes everything was just a game. If I could make my own game I would end it like this. If it had a title then I would call it 'TCOH' meaning
The Cries Of Hope. Well if this gets 10 comments I will make it into a new story a full one.

Credits to my reader/editor

《 notApsycho 》