-Zelo’s POV-

I sat on the couch with my arms crossed eyeing everyone. I was forced to come out of Dr.Sunhi’s office down to the hangout for a ‘meeting’ with everyone. For the past 3 days Dr.Sunhi and I (and occasionally Jongup) were the only ones taking care of Youngjae and were the only ones allowed to see him and be with him. I rarely left the office since then. I stayed by Youngjae’s side every minute. The only time I left was to get needed supplies or food for Youngjae. I liked taking care of him, although I’ve taken care of him before I felt like I owed him a lot because he took care of me in a way that I really needed. And I was forever grateful for it.

So I wasn’t very fond of being forced down here. “So what’s up?” Yongguk asked Daehyun sitting next to me. I couldn’t look at Yongguk, I felt kind of bad for just leaving him in the dust like that. I would have been hurt if he did that to me, so I felt really guilyt and too ashamed to face him. But he did seem to calm down more. Maybe everything was clearing up, and getting back on track. I couldn’t wait for that.

“I need to talk to you guys.”Daehyun answered. “You talk to us every day~.” Jongup said sounding bored. “About Youngjae.” Daehyun added. “Hmmm…” Yongguk simply responded. “I like him. He’s a pretty cool kid.” Jongup said leaning back in his chair comfortably. “You barely know him.” Himchan remarked. “Actually he sort of opened up to me for the past couple of days. You can even ask Zelo.” Jongup said matter of factly. I nodded in agreement. Himchan just sighed. “Don’t worry Channie. I’m sure Jongup won’t be taken away from you.” Yongguk joked. Himchan rolled his eyes. It was strange Yongguk seemed to be in a good mood today. I wonder what happened.

“Okay, let’s get started. Junhong…what’s going on with Youngjae?” Daehyun asked getting straight to business. I was reluctant to answer. I knew that Youngjae wouldn’t want me to tell Daehyun anything about him, but I felt like it was best to tell him. Like I thought earlier, something wasn’t right about Youngjae and Daehyun’s incident 10 years ago.

“He’s recovering fast. He’s walking well and he is able to jog a little. But it’s still hard for him to talk so we don’t force him to we just let him talk whenever he feels like it.” I informed. I noticed Daehyun trying hard to hold back his smile. “Is he…able to work?” He questioned. “Y-Yes, just light tasks though.” I slowly nodded getting suspicious. “He’s still pretty weak. He can still hardly keep his balance when he walks. I’ll be his physical therapist.” Jongup added. Daehyun nodded.

“What are you up to?” Himchan questioned Daehyun suspiciously. “Nothing. You already know.” Daehyun said leaning back in his chair putting his hands behind his head crossing his legs. “Daehyun that’s a crazy idea.” Himchan said getting protective. “Even if you’re one-hundred percent okay with him staying, how are you going to get him to stay here? Huh? Your parents won’t allow it. They’ll give him a tough time and he’ll be hurt even worse.” Himchan reasoned.

He was right Mr. and Mrs. Jung and Daehyun’s sister can be really cruel to people they don’t like. They were even mean to me at one point, until they learned that I was Yongguk’s friend and that my dad was extremely wealthy, but even then they avoid me and treat me differently.

It could’ve been them who ruined Daehyun’s and Yioungjae’s friendship, now that I think about it. I just have to find out Daehyun’s side of the story.

“My parents have to know who is staying as a guest. But they don’t have to know who I hire.” Daehyun said tapping his chin. Youngguk raised an eyebrow at this. “In other words they don’t care who is hired because the only ones who are allowed to hire people to work in the castle are them, my sister, Dr.Sunhi, and myself. They trust us enough.” Daehyun simply explained. “But won’t your parents notice?” Himchan pointed out. “Not if I make him my personal servant and give him a code name, they haven’t seen him in 10 years, I doubt they’ll even be able to recognize him either.” Daehyun smirked.

“Ahaha! Dae you are the man!” Jongup said reaching over giving him a Hi-5. I couldn’t help but smile at the plan. Daehyun was a genius whenever he wanted to be. But the idea did make me nervous, Youngjae would not like this at all.

“I’m thinking about putting him to work starting tomorrow.” Daehyun informed. My eyes widened. “Y-You can’t do that.” I spoke up. “Wae? Is he not alright?!” Daehyun asked immediately getting worried. He’s fine…he…he can do simple and normal stuff…just not heavy work…like Jongup said.” I said trying to find my words. Youngjae isn’t going to like this.

Daehyun stood up out of his chair. “Good then he can start tomorrow. Don’t worry I won’t give him anything too hard.” He smiled walking over to me ruffling my hair. “He’s not going to want to do it.” I mumbled quietly. “I know.” Daehyun said with a small smile, and left the hangout. I actually felt kind of bad for him.

“Well, I’m going back.” I announced standing up. Before I could go Yongguk grabbed my wrist. I wlooked back at him. “Please let me talk to you.” He said earnestly. I was hesitant to answer. “Don’t worry I’ll go back and take care of little Jae.” Jongup said heading towards the door.

“Let me go with you.” Himchan said hopping behind him. “Ani.” Jongup shook his head. “What? Wae?! Himchan demanded. “You can’t. You’re not allowed to.” Jongup said. “If I get permission I can. So can I? Please?” Himchan asked sweetly. Jongup thought for 2 seconds and then said, “Aniyo.” And walked out the door. “Jongup! You can’t do this!” Himchan followed after him.

Yongguk and I were now alone…in the hangout…together. I looked back at him and sighed, and decided to sit back down. “Okay we can talk.” I gave in. He smiled gratefully.

He looked me in my eyes. “…I’m sorry Juhhong.” He apologized. I was stunned. He never apologizes to anyone, at least not like this. “I’m really sorry for the way I acted.” He continued shamefully. “I could have handled things in a better way than I did. I mean there’s really no excuse for my actions…” I could tell he was getting a little nervous. “…if I hurt you in any way I am extremely sorry. I am not mad at you for anything that you’ve done. To be honest I really don’t like that Youngjae kid after what he did to Daehyun. So I was upset that you had gotten close to him. But if both you and Daehyun both feel that this guy is all that then I guess I’ll check him out…but Junhong I really missed you when you were gone.” He confessed.

I couldn’t help but smile. Yongguk. I hugged him happily. “I forgive you.” I said. The elder embraced my hug.

When released our hug I sat up on the edge of the couch excitedly. “You’re going to like Youngjae-ssi. He’s really cool.” I said. “Mm...” Yongguk responded. “He’s really nice and friendly. Oh! And he’s a super loyal friend.” I went on. Yongguk just nodded. “He’s also really smart. He’s the smartest person I know!” I added. “Mm hm.” He cringed.

I leaned on his arm resting my head on his shoulder. “Hyung~…” I cooed. “Hm?” Yongguk acknowledge. “Are you…jealous?” I questioned. “Bwoh?” He was caught off guard by my question.

I smiled. “Are you jea-,” “A-Aniya!” He cut me off bashfully. I laughed to myself. “Wh-Why do you think that?” he asked unsure of how to respond. “Hm?” I mocked. “Yah!” He spat. I looked at him and smiled teasingly. “You are jealous~…” I teased. “Ani…I’m not jealous of that punk.” He murmured. “Hehehe…Aw Gukkie is jelly.” I teased poking his cheek, I was enjoying this.

Just then he grabbed my finger and stared at me. I blushed in embarrassment. “Wh-What?” I asked getting shy. He smiled softly at me. “I’m glad you’re back.” He said. I couldn’t believe the next thing he did! He leaned forward and kissed the top of my head. My face felt hot and I turned red to the very tips of my ears.

I quickly jumped to my feet and sped walked to the door. “Junhong.” Yongguk said standing up. I stuck my hand out motioning him to stop. “Don’t…” I began. “…come any closer.” My voice was shaky. “What’s the matter?” He asked. “Wh-Why did you do that?” I squeaked. He only laughed. “Do you want me to do it again?” he asked. I turned my back to him and opened the door. “I-I’m going t-to go back and take care of Youngjae.” I announced and ran out of the room.

-Youngjae’s POV-

The Jongup guy kept asking me a ton of questions about the ‘Peasant Life’. He was weird, I could tell that he wasn’t trying to be insulting but he was actually curious. Idiot. He was really strange. When is Zelo coming back? So this guy can leave.

There was a sudden banging on the door. Our attention turned towards it. “Who is it?” Dr.Sunhi asked. “Ah. Don’t worry about it. It’s just Channie throwing a tantrum.” Jongup said taking out a bowl of cold soup from the ice box. “Guess what time it is.” He sang. I also forgot to mention…that he’s treating me like a baby. I kept my mouth closed and followed him with my eyes. “Come on Youngjae.” He said mixing the soup up placing the spoon near my mouth and poked my lips with it.

I frowned. He continued to poke my lips. He was really persistent, but I kept my mouth shut there’s no way I’m letting him treat me like a baby. I can feed myself. “I can do this all day.” He smirked. I tried to take the spoon away put he pulled it away from me. However, some of the soup spilled in the process. I couldn’t help but laugh at this. Just then he stole the opportunity to shove the spoon of soup in my mouth. I was forced to swallow it so that I didn’t accidentally spit it out.

“Gotcha.” He winked not fazed by the soup that just spilled on him. I rolled my eyes. Dr.Sunhi laughed at our silliness. Just then Zelo stormed into the room quickly shutting it closed not even giving Himchan the chance to even try to get in.

He was as red as a tomoato. He paced the room mumbling quietly to himself. “Why did he do that?” he mumbled over and over again. “Junhong. What’s the matter?” Dr.Sunhi asked. “Huh?” he stopped and looked at us bewildered. “What is the matter?” Jongup repeated but in a teasing tone.

“N-N-Nothing.” Zelo said quickly shaking his head. “Does it have to do with…your little meeting with Yongguk?” Jongup smirked raising an eyebrow. Zelo narrowed his eyes at him and ran to him attacking him. “Yah! Zelo can’t we talk this through?” The elder said trying to get Zelo off him. “Aniya! You knew something was gonna happen.”Zelo said.

The two looked silly. “Zelo!” Jongup squealed in a high-pitched voice. I tried hard not to laugh because it hurt whenever I did. Just then Jongup grabbed Zelo’s laegs and flipped him onto the only couch in the room and pinned him down. Zelo shook his head frivolously. “I’m sorry. Please don’t.”

“Nuh-uh, you had your chance.” And with that he started tickling the younger. Zelo kicked and laughed. Dr.Sunhi crossed her arms shaking her head.

After about a minute or so Jongu stopped and walked over back to me. I covered my stomach with my arms scooting back. “Awe. Don’t be scared baby Jae. I’m not going to do that to you. But when you do recover, just watch out.” Jongup babied pinching my cheeks. I frowned and pushed his hands away. “I need the two of you to go out and get some herbs for me out in the garden.” Dr.Sunhi said.

“Aaaw~,” the two whined in unison. “I’m not finished feeding baby Youngjae.” Jongup said. “And I wasn’t able to spend time with Youngjae yet today.” Zelo pouted. “Yah! Do you think he wants you guys around all the time? Now go.” She ordered. The two hung their heads down and walked out the door.

“Jongup, I tell you. He is really something else.” Dr.Sunhi chuckled, heading back to her medicine table where she was making medicine. “…I don’t like him…” I struggled. “You don’t? It seems like you’re warming up to him quite quickly.” She said. I sighed. He seemed really cool, but I thought the same way about Daehyun once upon a time. So I don’t trust him, and plus I can’t bring myself to be totally fond of him.

I only get along with him because he didn’t get Zelo and I in trouble the other day. “He seems different. But…” I couldn’t finish my sentence. “Don’t worry about it. Don’t force yourself to. But you are right he is different from the others in his own way.” Dr.Sunhi said.

I looked down at my feet swinging them back and forth. I had no idea what I was going to do. How long am I supposed to stay here? Will I be able to escape without getting Zelo in trouble? But my mind was mostly on Jiho and the others. I hoped that they don’t do anything.

My eyes started to water but tears didn’t come out. I missed them. I can go a couple of days being without them,,,but not when I don’t know if they’re okay.

At that moment the door opened and he came in. “You’re not supposed to be here yet.” Dr.Sunhi said not bothering to look up. “I know but I just need to tell him something.” He said walking up to me.

He seemed very confident and excited. “Make sure you get some sleep. Because it’ll be the last time you sleep here.” He said. I raised an eyebrow. So…can I go? “No!” he spat reading my mind. I frowned I was no longer interested in anything he had to say. “Starting tomorrow you will become my personal servant.” And with that announcement Daehyun walked out of the room.

I sat there frozen. Before he had left he dropped a uniform onto my lap. I looked down at it and there was a note on it ‘I designed it myself, it’s a special uniform’ it read. I knocked it off onto the floor. Silently, Dr.Sunhi walked over and picked it up, dusting it off. Then she folded it neatly and rested it onto an empty table then quietly went back to her desk.

I sat there in disbelief. He couldn’t have just said that, he wasn’t serious. I was so angry and frustrated that I began to cry. She walked over to me and rubbed my back. “Youngjae…Calm down. It’s okay. You need to calm down, kay? You’re hurting yourself.” She spoke calmly. But I continued to cry, I didn’t want to, I was so angry and upset. I didn’t want to. “Youngjae. Please.” She said quietly. I shok my head.

She sighed. “I’ll get you some hot water.” She walked to the back of the room and went through her tuff to get what she needed. Minutes later Zelo and Jongup returned. They stopped in their tracks when they saw me. Zelo’s eyes widened and shoved the bowl of herbs into Jongup’s hands. “Youngjae!” He exclaimed running to me, falling onto his knees.

“What’s wrong?” he whined sadly. I felt ashamed, angry, upset, and embarrassed. Why do I always have to cry? All I want to do is be left alone and be at home with my mother and friends, is that too much? My nose became stuffy and I began to sweat. My legs started to feel numb and it was now becoming more and more difficult to breathe. Zelo felt my forehead, “You’re burning up.”

“Youngjae! Please stop. You’re hurting yourself.” He begged. I pushed his hand away and shook my head. I couldn’t stop! “He really did come here.” Jongup remarked. He was by the table where Dr.Sunhi placed the uniform.

“What?” Zelo went over to where Jongup was. “You mean?” Zelo didn’t finish he just stared at the uniform.” Jongup nodded. The younger sighed and sat down next to me resting his head on my shoulder. “Youngjae please don’t cry…” he said quietly.

My hair fell in front of my face some of of it getting wet. “I don’t…I don’t know what to do Zelo.” I struggled terribly. He was silent. “I…I…I really don’t know.” I repeated breathlessly. “I tried to walk…every time I do, he…he pushes me back down…” I tried. “You don’t have to do it alone.” He said soothingly.

“Y-You knew?” I sniffled. He sadly nodded with his head still on my shoulder. “Youngjae-ssi…this is my fault. And I care about you, Jiho, and everyone else a whole lot. So…let’s do this together.” He smiled softly. I shook my head.

“You’re not alone. I’m going to help you no matter what you say.” He said sternly. Dr.Sunhi came and rested a hot rag around my neck. I hissed in pain at the touch. “Sorry.” She winced. “You even have Dr.Sunhi to take care of you tooo.” Zelo said. The Jongup guy came over and patted my knee. “Even Jongup is willing to help.” “Zelo laughed happily. “I’ll adopt you if I need to. Dae shouldn’t make his children cry like that. Especially babies. Don’t worry I’ll take better care of you.” The weird Jongup guy smiled.

“See Youngjae, we got your back.” Zelo smiled excitedly hugging my arm. I slowly lifted my head. “I’ll help you show that Daehyun punk who’s the boss.” Jongup ruffled my hair. “Just like how you had mine.” Zelo whispered in my ear.