Numbering the Numbered ultimately determined their lives, but it was a simple process, only involving meticulous record-keeping, a good eye, and some patience. Suho, having those qualities, was given the crucial job by the General.

As he strolled to the orphanage (a euphemism), he thought about what he had to do everyday and how well he did.

Whenever someone died- and that happened frequently- Suho would have to cross that number off the list and go to an orphanage (there were many) to find a replacement. He would then carefully and quickly scan the room for one who would fit the job, put it into the records, and send it to training.

He was the reason why society ran smoothly, and he was definitely proud.

Reaching the location, he entered and the smell of stale air and unwashed bodies shocked him out of his thoughts. No matter how many times he went, he was never prepared for the disgusting scent.

He blinked and the scrawny children strewn about came into view. Some were chatting happily, too young to care. Others sat forlornly, matching the dingy warehouse well. A Guard approached Suho and he nodded, the choosing beginning.

He looked around the room, hoping to get out of there as quickly as possible, and saw him. There was something about the boy- a beautiful face and a mysterious aura- that was perfect. Suho pointed the boy out to the Guard, who quickly went to fetch him. To be honest, Suho was kind of sad that the innocence in those eyes would soon be gone, but at least the porcelain skin wouldn't be marred by the unforgiving sun.

Entertainer #100

Suho continued his search, eyes moving just as quickly even though his nose had grown accustomed to the smell. He saw lanky arms and legs in the corner of his vision and motioned to the Guard before hurrying out to inhale the fresh air.

Cleaner #10

Sequel: After Dawn

Alternate summary: a dystopian world where chanyeol is always happy, baekhyun is a pissy butthole with occasional appearances of kai being immature, kyungsoo questioning why he's friends with some people, sehun being a brat and cameo appearances of the rest of exo.

*100 is "baek" in sino-korean and 10 is "yeol" in native korean

written for the • ℕew Ƴear ~ Ɲew ʂtory • contest

prompt: It seems like I'm happy all of the time, but I'm human too. It's not possible to always be happy. (Chapter 8)

thanks to

KaihleeLo from BLK reviews for the review!

Alice from☆ Hαℓℓυ¢ιиαтє∂ Dяєαмѕ Rєνιєωѕ ☆ for the review!

sakublossom from ☯ Eternally Exotic Review Shop ☯ for the review!

GDcrazed for the amazing main poster!

seungriseyoruienn from ⚡️ Mystic Garden Graphics Shop ⚡️for the poster!