The next day, KyuJong and KiBum were up early taking care of the plants in the new shop KyuJong had bought. Being right upstairs now gave them a chance to keep an eye on things, and also gave KyuJong time to just sit and stare at the pretty flowers and appreciate them. This day though, they had to close the shop up early as they had a long drive ahead of them.

"Remember, we're picking her up first," KyuJong reminded KiBum again, probably the fourth time since they had woken up. "We can stop for lunch on the way, I don't know if she'll be feeling up to stopping afterwards. I don't think I will. Are you listening?"

"No?" KiBum looked over his shoulder at KyuJong from where he was t dead leaves off a plant. "I was listening the first three times. I haven't forgotten, you don't have to remind me again," he chuckled, turning back to the plant and finishing so they could go.

"And if I had started to talk about something else would you have heard or continued to ignore me?" KyuJong frowned at him, closing the door to the refrigeration unit housing the cut flowers. "Do you really think this is a good idea? In your professional opinion."

"Honestly? No. Sunny was just starting to act herself again, this could set her back." KiBum turned away from the plant, placing the clippers away. "But I think she needs this."

"You just contradicted yourself," KyuJong said, wagging a finger at him. "I just don't want her to continue to hold out for him... it's not healthy. He's never going to be the man she thought she loved. That guy didn't exist."

"You and I know that, but she wasn't there when we stopped him," KiBum looked up at KyuJong. "She never got a chance to speak to him face to face. Maybe after she's had that chance, she'll be able to move on. And I'm contradicting myself because someone gave me emotions to worry about."

KyuJong crossed his arms, lips pursed and eyes narrowed. "Are you trying to blame me for something Kim KiBum?"

"No." KiBum crossed the room easily, leaning in to peck the older man's lips. "I'm thanking you," he said with a smile before turning to head for the doors.

"Didn't sound like a thank you," KyuJong frowned, following him to the door. Once they were out he locked it up behind them and made for the car. "I'm glad she didn't decide to try and do this on her own, and that we're going with her. Who knows what he would say to her."

"I'm glad we'll be there too." KiBum followed beside KyuJong, brow furrowed. He untucked his sunglasses from his shirt collar and slipped them over his eyes. "The only good thing about all this is that he's locked up where he can't hurt anyone else."

"For now," KyuJong sighed. "There is a possibility he could get out, that he could be released because of the treatment. Same with JongWoon, he didn't exactly get a long sentence."

"Which is surprising considering all they did," KiBum replied, unlocking the car doors. He slipped into the driver's seat, turning on the engine. "JongWoon pleading guilty lowered his sentence. But even if they do get out, we're not going to let them out of our sights."

"Of course not," KyuJong said, sliding into the passengers seat and buckling his seat belt. "We're going to have to talk to Sunny before we go in. I don't want her getting her hopes up that he'll be what she remembered. Even if all the powers have been taken from him, he still has his memories. Yixing said his mind was pretty well twisted at the end."

"I'll leave that to you," KiBum frowned. Sunny would take it better coming from KyuJong. He backed out of the parking spot, setting out to Sunny's new apartment where she lived by herself.

They got there within a few minutes, Sunny waiting outside for them. Once KiBum had pulled up to the sidewalk, she got into the back. "Hi guys."

"Hi Sunshine," KyuJong smiled, turning a little so he could see her better. "Are you sure you're up for this?"

"I'm sure," She nodded as she did up the seatbelt, expression set. "I need to talk to him. I need to see for myself, who he really is."

"I know we've all told you about how he was that night, and I hope you don't think we were just exaggerating or anything," KyuJong said. "I want you to be happy Sunny, that's all any of us want. HyungJoon wasn't the same person, and I don't know if he ever will be."

Sunny exhaled softly, looking out the window as KiBum pulled away from the curb. "I know oppa…and I trust you when you say what happened. But I don't think I can move on until I face him…or at the very least chuck the engagement ring at his head."

"I'm surprised you've held onto it this long," KyuJong said, watching her in concern. "Do you think you'll be able to move on even if you do see him again?"

"…I don't know." Sunny looked up at him. "I just have some questions I want to ask him. That's all, oppa. Thank you for worrying, but I'll be fine."

"I hope so," KyuJong said, smiling softly. "You know I'll always worry about you, you're my Sunshine. If I was straight, I would have snatched you up in a second."

Sunny smiled at that. "Careful, KiBum might get jealous," she teased. KiBum chuckled softly at that, looking at her through the rear-view mirror.

They stopped for lunch at a small diner, taking their time. It wasn't like HyungJoon could go anywhere, and some of them were too worked up to go just yet. A bit of time relaxing dealt with the nerves; Sunny wasn't the only one nervous about this trip.

A little over an hour later, they were pulling up in front of the mental hospital. KiBum parked the car and they headed inside, seeing a receptionist waiting for them.

"We're here to visit Kim HyungJoon," Sunny stepped up to the desk, chin up.

The receptionist looked at each of them before going to her computer. She tapped at some keys and frowned before returning to them. "I'm sorry, but he's not allowed visitors."

"We understand, but we called and set this up with the Director," KyuJong said. "We are acquaintances of HyungJoon's, and this is Kim KiBum, a licensed psychiatrist. This should all have been cleared."

The receptionist pursed her lips a little and looked down at her paperwork, shuffling through files. "Oh... yes, Kim KiBum and two guests. Very well, take a seat over there," she pointed to a couple of plastic chairs against the wall, "and someone will be by to you."

"Thank you," KiBum nodded to her before they went to sit down. Sunny looked down at her lap as she waited, playing with the strings on her purse. KiBum looked to KyuJong and rested his hand on the other man's knee reassuringly.

A man in a doctor's coat approached them a few minutes later. "Kim KiBum?"

"Yes?" KiBum stood.

"If you all would just follow me," he nodded to them. Sunny stood, falling into step behind KiBum and KyuJong as they followed the man.

They walked down endless white corridors, passing patients being escorted by orderlies and other staff. Eventually they were led to a door, the doctor opening the door to let them in. Inside, HyungJoon was seated at a table, his hands cuffed in front of him and his feet shackled to the legs of the table. That didn't stop him from getting up, nearly knocking the chair over.

"Sunny... they said you were... I didn't think," HyungJoon said, his eyes wide. "I'm glad to see you."

Sunny's lips thinned slightly, and she wouldn't meet HyungJoon's eyes. KiBum looked back at her in worry, but she nodded at him and touched KyuJong's arm lightly before going to take the seat across from HyungJoon.

Inhaling deeply, she looked up at HyungJoon. "You don't have to pretend to be happy to see me; I know who you are now, who you really are. I just wanted to see it with my own two eyes."

HyungJoon's expression dimmed and he slowly sat back down in his chair. "I'm sorry to disappoint you," he said, meeting her eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I hurt you, and all those people. I know you won't believe me, but I'm getting better."

"You're right…I don't believe that." Sunny searched his eyes, fingers curling around the purse in her lap. "I just wanted to know…was there anything real in what we had? Or was I really just a way for you to hurt my friends."

"I... I didn't know who your friends were," HyungJoon said quietly. "Not until you told me who you were. You were the only real thing I had Sunny, and if I had just... I should have chosen you over everything else. You are so special, and I am so sorry."

Sunny's lower lip trembled slightly. "You made your choice…you and JongWoon both made your choices. And I made mine a long time ago, to protect the people of this city. I just wish I could have protected them from you too." She looked down at the ring in her hand before sliding it across the table to him. "I think this belongs to you."

HyungJoon edged his hands away from the ring, shaking his head. "I can't take that, I gave it to you. I think... I want you to keep it. If for anything, to remember the good times, and that you were happy once. Keep it, and know that out there is someone who deserves you."

Watching them, KiBum wasn't sure if Sunny would take the ring or leave it there on the table. After a moment she sighed and shook her head, retracting her hand and leaving the ring where it was. "I don't want to remember the good times with this, because it doesn't remind me of anything other than pain." She stood up.

"But... I can't have it in here," HyungJoon said, looking up at her. "If I take it Sunny, I will use it as a reminder of what we had, and I'll want to get it back. That isn't fair to you, I don't want to risk putting you in that position."

"Then I'll take it," KyuJong said, reaching over to pick up the ring and put it in his pocket. "And then we're done here, and with you, HyungJoon."

"Can I ask... just one small thing?" HyungJoon said softly. "They won't tell me what's happened to JongWoon... is he... okay?"

KiBum looked at KyuJong beside him, before returning his gaze to HyungJoon. "He pleaded guilty, and is serving out his sentence in a high-security prison," he replied. Sunny stepped away from the table to stand beside them, head down.

"Thank you for telling me," HyungJoon said, watching Sunny for a moment before looking away.

KyuJong knocked on the door, the doctor on the other side opening it to let them out.

"Sunny," HyungJoon said before they had made it out. "It was really nice to see you, take care of yourself."

Sunny didn't reply or look back at HyungJoon, the door closing behind them. The small group headed back to the front of the hospital, KiBum looking back at her and nudging KyuJong's arm lightly. Silent tears slipped down Sunny's cheeks as she walked, shoulders shaking slightly.

Sighing softly to himself, KyuJong dropped back to walk with Sunny, putting an arm around her shoulder. "He's not worth the tears Sunshine."

She wiped her eyes a little. "I know, oppa," she said quietly. "I just…can't stop crying."

"Then let it out, and when you're done, he'll be out of your system," KyuJong said, looking down at her. "Are you glad you did this?"

Sunny nodded slightly. "Last time I saw him was before he disappeared from JungMin's house," she murmured. "I had to at least face him again."

"Well, as much as I want to keep you from harm, I'm proud of you for doing this," KyuJong said. "Now you can move on, and never think of him again."

She nodded again, wiping her eyes. As they stepped out of the hospital and into the sunlight, she turned around and wrapped her arms around KyuJong, burying her face against his chest. "Thank you for coming here with me, oppa," she whispered.

"You're welcome," KyuJong replied, returning the hug tightly. "I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

Sunny just hugged him tighter, holding on for a minute. Finally she pulled back, looking up at him. "Is your store open yet?" she asked, lips forming a trembly smile. "I think I might need to stop by for some flowers."

"It is, though we haven't been open long," KyuJong said, helping to dry her cheeks with his thumbs. "We'll get you the biggest, most beautiful arrangement we can. No charge of course."

"No, I can pay," she pouted a little. "You already do so much for me, oppa, and you need to make a good profit with this shop."

"I won't hear of it," KyuJong shook his head, linking his elbow with Sunny's to lead her towards the car. "I tell you what, you give my flowers a little Sunshine pick me up and we'll call it even. And you'll tell all your friends where you got the amazing flowers, okay?"

"Of course I will," she nodded. "I'll send everyone to your shop, you have the best flowers in all of Seoul." KiBum followed after them to unlock the car doors, smiling to himself.

"Well I wouldn't go that far, but we do our best," KyuJong said, glancing over his shoulder at KiBum and giving him a smile. "I have the cutest shop assistant too, even if he doesn't know the difference between a rose and an orchid."

KiBum laughed at that. "Give it another year, I'm getting there. I have my boyfriend to help me out in the meantime."

"I'm gonna send all my friends to the shop and they're going to swoon over one or the other," Sunny teased. "Maybe I should warn them beforehand the employees are off the market."

"Like that would stop them," KyuJong snorted. "And never know, if you send a guy cute enough..." He left the thought hanging, giving KiBum a sly look.

The smile dropped from the younger man's face, lips pursing slightly as he got into the driver's seat and shut the door.

"I could never tell when he was an emotional zombie, but I guess he's the jealous type," Sunny whispered to KyuJong.

"Very," KyuJong nodded, opening the door for her. "But that's just better for me later," he whispered with a wink.

KiBum eyed them as Sunny burst into helpless giggles. "What?"

"Nothing!" she shook her head, scooting into the car.

KyuJong closed the door and hopped into the passenger seat, leaning over to give KiBum a kiss on the cheek. He knew KiBum hated it when he brought up other guys, and he'd probably be apologizing for it later. The ride back home wasn't as tense as the ride in, KyuJong and Sunny having a light conversation about flowers. A conversation that continued once they reached home and he and KiBum arranged the biggest vase of daffodils and yellow roses. 

He sent Sunny off with a hug and a kiss to her cheek, promising to call later to check on her. When KyuJong turned the lock after she had left, and leaned up against the door, he pouted a little at KiBum. "You mad at me?"

Placing everything away, KiBum looked up at KyuJong over the counter. "Would you really leave me over a cute guy walking into the store?" he eyed the older man.

"Only if that cute guy looked and talked exactly like you, and was named Kim KiBum," KyuJong said, pushing away from the door to walk towards the counter. "I wouldn't give up what we have for anything KiBum, was just having a little fun. Was trying to make her smile."

KiBum's lips pursed slightly. "It certainly made her smile." He closed the drawer, leaning against it. "Maybe it would be easier for you with someone else, though. Someone not as…emotionally challenged. Yixing couldn't fix the problem, which means it could come back at any time."

"Just because he didn't have a solution now doesn't mean we won't fix it," KyuJong said, frowning slightly. "I don't want to be with someone easier, I want to be with you. Emotional problem or not, I committed to you and your problems, just like you committed to me and mine."

"Are you sure about that?" KiBum asked, looking up at KyuJong. There was worry in his eyes. "I don't want to hurt you like that again."

"You won't," KyuJong said, coming around the counter to stop in front of him. "Now that we know we can do something about it, we'll never let it get that far again. Just because something is difficult doesn't mean I'm going to turn tail and run... I love you, that means something to me."

Turning to KyuJong properly, KiBum smiled at that. "I love you too…and it means something to me, too." He drew KyuJong closer, kissing him.

"Good, as it should," KyuJong smiled into the kiss, his arms going around KiBum's neck. "But, just so we're clear... I have no intention of ever leaving you for some cute arm candy that may walk in."

KiBum chuckled quietly. "Good…Because I have a very attractive boyfriend, and I'm going to have a hard enough time keeping them from flirting with you as it is."

"Probably, but I sort of like that jealous possessive side of you," KyuJong said, massaging KiBum's neck lightly with his fingers. "When you grip my waist just a little tighter, and that hard edge you get to your voice. Not to mention when you get me alone..."

"Stop that," KiBum's eyes darkened slightly. "Or we're not going to make it upstairs." His fingers curled a little more against KyuJong's hips, underneath the edge of KyuJong's shirt.

"Stop what?" KyuJong asked innocently, leaning in to press his lips lightly to KiBum's neck. "If you think we should go upstairs, then by all means, let's go upstairs."

Shivering at the lips against his neck, KiBum wrapped his arms more securely around KyuJong. "Fine." Shadows pulled KyuJong's legs up to situate them around KiBum's waist, the younger man's arms keeping him from falling. "Behave for ten seconds." He headed to the stairs.

"Not possible," KyuJong laughed, though he rested his cheek against KiBum's shoulder. "I have to admit, I kind of like it when you use your shadows on me like this," he murmured.

"Guess we're keeping the blinds shut upstairs?" KiBum laughed, going upstairs slowly. "I like watching your expressions when you forget I can see you clearly in the dark."

"You can be kind of creepy sometimes," KyuJong snorted, playing with KiBum's hair. "Maybe I'll just have to blindfold you, let you figure out what you're doing in the dark like the rest of us do."

"Sounds fun," KiBum reached the door at the top of the stairs, a shadow having already unlocked and pulled it open. "Maybe we can try that out." The door closed and locked behind them.

**********************

The loud bass of the club had HyunJoong's nerves rattled. Even in the relative privacy of a VIP room, the constant thumping was giving him somewhat of a headache. Not that he was going to complain though, because DongHae was obviously enjoying himself dancing. They didn't get to go out often enough, HyunJoong too busy at work and DongHae preparing for whatever it was he was doing. HyunJoong hadn't paid enough attention when DongHae was prattling on about it.

"Bets on if they show?" HyunJoong posed the question, leaning back against the couch and sipping at his drink. "I bet KyuHyun will chicken out, he hates clubs and he hates me."

"They'll show," DongHae grinned widely, dropping down onto the couch beside HyunJoong and making the whole thing bounce a little. "SungMin won't let him chicken out. Besides, this is fun either way, yeah? You seem to like it more than when I tried taking you to the skatepark." Tried being the key word.

"DongHae, I am a successful CEO of one of the top companies in the country, what business do I have at a skate park?" HyunJoong said, looking at him. "Some of us don't heal three seconds after breaking an arm, and that's what I would have done."

"Being a successful CEO doesn't mean you can't have a good time," DongHae chuckled. "And you have to admit that pro skateboarders look cool. We'd just have to bubble wrap you the first few times until you get the hang of it." He stole a sip of HyunJoong's drink.

"Careful, this isn't one of your watered down cocktails," HyunJoong said, putting an arm around DongHae's shoulder and leaning them both back. "I always have a good time, long as I'm with you, and I have a nice drink."

"Well I guess they don't serve drinks at the skatepark," DongHae grinned, shuffling closer and leaning in for a kiss. "I wanted to go back to Mokpo soon, visit, since I'll probably be too busy with the studio stuff to visit for a while. Will you come with me?"

"Go where?" HyunJoong blinked a little, returning the kiss. "Visit what? What studio stuff?"

DongHae blinked at him. "My mom, and cousins, in Mokpo. She phoned a month ago and asked when I'll be visiting her. You haven't met her yet, she's the best ever. And I finally got a studio in Hongdae to showcase some of my work for a weekend."

"Oh... that's... good?" HyunJoong said. "That is good right? Does your mother even know about uh... us?"

"That's more than good, that's fantastic, people are gonna see my work!" DongHae grinned. "Besides you, I mean. And I kinda hinted to her I was seeing someone, she knows you're a guy…gave her some time to think about that. She doesn't know who you are precisely, I'd rather introduce you as my boyfriend rather than a bigshot CEO."

"And once she finds that out, she's going to love me," HyunJoong chuckled. "She won't have to worry about her son being a starving artist."

DongHae laughed at that, shifting to slide into HyunJoong's lap. "I want her to love you for you, not your money," he smiled, playing with HyunJoong's collar. "So you can't tell her, okay?"

"And what am I supposed to say when she asks what I do?" HyunJoong asked, settling his hands on DongHae's hips. "What if she wants to see where we live? The penthouse suite kind of gives it away."

"We'll figure it out then," DongHae replied, pursing his lips. "Please? I really want you and my mom to get along…I know dad would adore you too if he was here."

"Hey, for you, I'll get along with anyone," HyunJoong said, pulling DongHae closer to give him a light kiss, letting it trail down his neck. "I'd be happy to meet your mom."

"Thank you," DongHae smiled, closing his eyes as he tilted his head back.

The door to the VIP room slid open. "Oops, should we come back later?" SungMin spoke teasingly.

"Not if you want to be let in," HyunJoong said, pressing one last kiss to DongHae's neck before pulling away. "Not like it's anything you haven't seen before SungMin."

"No, but I don't think you'd appreciate us sitting here watching you," SungMin laughed, pulling KyuHyun into the room. He had a firm grip on the younger man's sleeve, not letting him run away.

"Hi!" DongHae beamed, scooting off HyunJoong's lap and dropping down beside him. "You made it!"

"Yes, we're here," KyuHyun said, looking uncomfortable. "Are we seriously going to spend the whole night in here and not out in you know, the actual club?"

"You're more than welcome to go out and dance KyuHyun," HyunJoong said. "It's just nice to have a space for us, where we can drink and relax. Less likely to get hit on by anything that moves out there."

"We can alternate," SungMin chuckled, bringing KyuHyun to sit down. "Chat then dance. Too many people down there right now." He sat down, dropping his pink bag beside them. "I'm surprised you got out of work Hyun, did DongHae have to drag you out of the office?"

"No, he didn't," HyunJoong said. "Coming out to the club was actually my idea... his idea was inviting you two."

"So I can blame him for this," KyuHyun muttered, sitting down next to SungMin.

"Oh relax, will you," SungMin rolled his eyes, wrapping one arm around KyuHyun's waist.

"What's wrong?" DongHae pouted.

"He's just pissed he didn't get to finish whatever he was doing in one of his games before we left," SungMin chuckled.

"I was beating my high score," KyuHyun said, frowning at SungMin. "I was up all night working on that and you went and closed it out before I was done."

"Do you still not have a job KyuHyun?" HyunJoong asked. "You know that position is always yours if you want it."

"I'm not working for you again," KyuHyun scowled at him. "No, I haven't found a job yet. I've been busy."

"Playing video games and not paying attention to me," SungMin sighed sadly. "Leaving me to find my own sources of entertainment."

DongHae laughed. "Are you working somewhere, SungMin?"

"Not yet. I have enough money put away to keep us well-off while I get my high school diploma, then I'll find somewhere to work."

"Meanwhile, KyuHyun does nothing," HyunJoong said, shaking his head. "You picked a real winner there SungMin."

"Because you were a good boyfriend to him right? That's why he came to me?" KyuHyun shot back at him.

"Will you both just kiss and make up already," SungMin sighed, nudging KyuHyun's side. "Behave."

"Maybe just the make up part," DongHae laughed. "We're on the same side now."

"I don't want to be here," KyuHyun hissed at SungMin, getting to his feet. "I'll be at the bar."

HyunJoong watched KyuHyun leave, his lips pursed. "I don't think he's ever going to think of me as part of the team DongHae. It's just not in him."

"I don't get it," DongHae frowned.

SungMin wrinkled his nose a little, standing. "Sorry, I'll be right back." He followed KyuHyun out of the room, catching up with the younger man at the bar.

"All right, let's go talk," he folded his arms across his chest.

"Talk where? Up there? I'm not going back up there, not with him," KyuHyun said, ordering himself a drink. "I can't stand him SungMin, not after everything he's done to me."

"And what would that be, exactly?" SungMin eyed the younger man. "You're not getting away without an answer after that."

KyuHyun looked away, absolutely fuming. "He ruined my life. It's because of him that everything happened... ChangMin getting... whatever it is that happened to him. JungMin and KyuJong quitting, everyone leaving me and it's all because of him. And now he's just one of us? Just like that? I'm supposed to forgive him for what he put us all through?"

SungMin frowned. "You can't pin the blame for everything that happened on one person. It was a bunch of things that led to all that. And this was a long time ago. You've got your friends back now. When is it time to let it go?"

"I don't know if I can," KyuHyun said. "I thought... if I made him as alone as he had made me, then I would let it go. But it didn't happen, he didn't get what he deserved, his life got even better. He's rich, handsome, and everyone looks up to him. How is that fair? I did what I was supposed to, I kept my oath and what did I get? Nothing."

"Life is never fair, to anyone." SungMin turned KyuHyun back around to face him. "You've got me, is that nothing?"

"No... that's... You're not nothing," KyuHyun said with a sigh. "It wasn't supposed to be like this. I didn't think I'd actually like you, or fall for you. I did, and I wouldn't trade that for anything. A part of me resents him though, for finding you first."

"I think that's just you resenting him for everything," SungMin smirked, lightly knuckling KyuHyun's head. "Let it go, Kyunnie. If you can like me of all people, then you can at least give him a chance. And he might have 'found' me first, but I chose to stay with you. Remember that next time you get your hackles up cause someone else can afford a $500 suit you don't even like."

"This isn't just something I can 'get over' SungMin," KyuHyun said. "I'm sorry, but I can't. Not yet."

"Are you going to at least try?" SungMin asked. "You're not stupid KyuHyun, you know how petty it is to resent someone for being successful."

"I'm not resentful because he's successful, I'm resentful because he doesn't deserve it," KyuHyun replied. "He's never even apologized for the things he's done. Not to me."

"Then go up there, and tell him to apologize if that's what you need," SungMin wrinkled his nose. "Stop being all passive-aggressive about it." He drew KyuHyun closer.

"Don't tell me what to do," KyuHyun muttered, looking down at SungMin. "I'm not being passive aggressive, I'm allowed to not like him. I can't make him apologize, he wouldn't mean it."

"Then at least let him apologize through other ways," SungMin replied. "That's what this hero thing is all about, isn't it? We both did horrible things, so we're making up for it. He didn't leave when DongHae was safe; he could have, but he didn't. Just like I didn't leave the first time you suggested I do this."

"You thought about it," KyuHyun said, his hands settling on SungMin's hips. "Okay... fine... I'll give him a chance. I make no promises, but I'll try. It's probably not safe to go back up there, I'm sure DongHae's in his lap again, less clothes this time."

"Probably," SungMin snorted. "Did you wanna drink and dance, or…?" He left the thought hanging, side-eyeing someone who had walked a little too close to them for his liking.

"Or find our own VIP room?" KyuHyun said, pulling SungMin's attention back around. "Keep looking at people like that and they'll think it's an invitation."

"An invitation to have their fingers broken," SungMin wrinkled his nose, looking back up at KyuHyun. "I'm starting to realize I don't like crowded places anymore, I know how easy it is to hide in a place like this."

"Hey, no one's after us here," KyuHyun said, an arm going around his waist. "You want to just go home? I doubt they'll miss us upstairs."

"Speak for yourself," SungMin muttered. "If we go home am I gonna lose you to your games again? If so I'll risk being shot to get us a room here."

KyuHyun's lips quirked a little. "Now who's being petulant. That bothered by my gaming?" He pulled SungMin a little closer to give him a kiss. "Maybe we should just get a room, no distractions."

SungMin returned the kiss. "I'm allowed to be petulant when you brush me off for the third night in a row to kill monsters or whatever it is you do. I'm gonna start thinking you're pining after some hot pixelated girl." He pulled KyuHyun towards the front desk to get a room key, taking the path with the least amount of people.

"A girl? Really?" KyuHyun had to laugh at that. "Of all the things to be jealous over." The room key was procured easily, KyuHyun following along behind SungMin back up the stairs to the VIP rooms. They didn't bother knocking on the room HyunJoong and DongHae were in, they'd probably see them later anyway.

Inside the room, KyuHyun closed and locked the door behind them, making sure the curtains on the windows were closed before turning back to SungMin. "I'm sorry I've been distracted by games," he said, pushing SungMin down onto the couch before climbing into his lap. "I can assure you, I'm not pining after any girl, real or not."

"What about any pretty boys?" SungMin grinned, wrapping his arms around KyuHyun's waist. "Or one of those warrior characters with the bulging muscles and horrible fashion sense?"

"And get squished to death? No thank you," KyuHyun said, resting his forearms on the back of the couch and leaning in to kiss SungMin. "Only guy for me is right here, who has an unhealthy obsession with pink. Who's hotter than any computer game character."

SungMin's smile lit up his face and turned his eyes into half-moons, arms pulling KyuHyun closer as he returned the deep kiss. He'd often wondered what his life would be like now if KyuHyun had never caught him as he tried to shoot down RyeoWook, never discovered him as the 'wolf' they'd fought against. The former assassin was inclined to believe he'd either be six feet under, or living a life nowhere as fulfilling as he was now.

The hard times were far from over. He and HyunJoong struggled with their new identities as heroes, and clashed constantly with those who didn't share the same viewpoint as them. JungMin and YoungSaeng were still trying to venture back out into society, long years of isolation making their recovery a slow one. KyuJong still had far too many phobias to count; KiBum worried about a very real problem they had no permanent solution for. DongHae had yet to learn that his idealized view of the world was far from real, and well…KyuHyun was KyuHyun, and would probably be an argumentative pain-in-the- to his very last breath.

But just for now, the world was perfect. Tomorrow, they would pick up their masks again to stand against those who would threaten the city still getting back on it's feet. It wouldn't be easy, and there wouldn't be any massive reward at the end. But they would do it anyways, because they could. Because they each made an oath to the people of the city and each other…an oath to protect. Sworn, to protect.


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THE END
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And that's it! That concludes The Sworn ;;~~~~;; For now, anyways. As you can see, it's a very open ending. Their problems are FAR from over, and no sooner did saengie and I finish this did we start plotting for the sequel. Though we're putting it on hold for now so we can write a few other stories first xD;; But there will most definitely be a sequel at some point (coming soon), because this story was just so awesome.



This story has been a BLAST to write, so we hope you enjoyed reading it too :D

And because I've been holding onto this 'plotting' chat log forever...


saengie: "There's so much negativity and hostility in this area... it's seeping up through the streets," KyuJong said. "I think HyungJoon was encouraging people to leave."
"So he can live alone in his castle," HyunJoong frowned. They could see the house up ahead, the only house on the street with lights on.
"Just so we're clear, we know this is a trap right?" KyuHyun said. "We'll be lucky to get to the front door."

YeonAh : (( Are we doing that thing where HyungJoon turns them against each other before or after SungMin joins them? XD Need to know when to get him into trouble again LOL

saengie: uhhh ))
saengie: yes xD ))
saengie: i don't know ))
saengie: before, during? ))
saengie: it could be the start of it ))

YeonAh: (( LOL He sets it off, I could see that /o\
YeonAh: (( Ming: Why is it always me D:

saengie: kyuhyun: because you're a polarizing person ))

YeonAh: (( Ming: I'm telling them it was your idea

saengie: kyuhyun: you would have done it anyway ))

YeonAh: (( Ming: Details, details