"Just like that, keep mixing it just like that." 

"But hyung-" 

"Shh, talk any louder and you'll wake him up."  

"Like this?" Taek-woon paused from cooking the pancakes to check Hong-bin, the latter's face covered in flecks of batter as he tried to stir the bowl of mixed pancake batter. Taek-woon couldn't help but let out a small chuckle as he grabbed a towel and cleaned off the other's face, the younger boy making small whining noises when he tugged on his cheeks. "Hyung..." 

"You're making a mess," he said sternly, though the smile on his lips took away any bite he tried to have. "Try to keep it in the bowl or we'll have to eat it off your face." He had meant it innocently, something to make Hong-bin feel better for messing up, but he didn't expect the embarrassed smile to grow on the other's face, a small giggle escaping his lips.  

"That's okay...Hak-yeon hyung can eat off my face."  

He nearly dropped the towel in shock at the suggestive comment, frozen between scolding him and demanding to know where he learned such a thing, though he had a very good idea where he picked it up. So instead he only rubbed the boy's face harder, muttering he shouldn’t say things like that before gruffly telling him to keep stirring.

He waited until they finished mixing before bringing Hong-bin over to the stove, showing him what to do and allowing him to try and cook on his own. His hands trembled nervously as he did, Taek-woon having to help guide him. Hong-bin was very determined to do well, his eyes narrowed in absorbed concentration as his hands stiffly moved along with Taek-woon's, insistent his turn out as perfectly as the elder's did. It was cute watching how single-minded and stubborn the other was, affectionately ruffling Hong-bin's hair when the younger grinned excitedly at the finished product.  

When they finished, he pushed Hong-bin to go wake up Hak-yeon while he cleaned, able to hear the younger's exuberant shouts of Hak-yeon's name.  

"Hak-yeon hyung! Hak-yeon hyung! Come look!" Taek-woon looked up from placing the plates on the table to see Hong-bin eagerly dragging Hak-yeon into the room, the latter still looking half-asleep.  

"Binnie...what is it? You weren't in bed..."  

"Look, look hyung! Bin made for Hak-yeon hyung!" Hong-bin waited agitatedly for Hak-yeon to wake up enough to actually register what he was trying to show him, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "Taek-woon hyung helped. Helped Bin make for Hak-yeon hyung."  

Hak-yeon let out a surprised laugh when he saw the pile of pancakes, looking over at Hong-bin, his smile bursting with pride. "You did this, little Binnie?" he asked, pulling the younger into a large hug and kissing his cheek lovingly. "I'm so proud of my Hong-binnie." The younger was absolutely delighted at the praise, his face scrunching up happily. Taek-woon was content with just watching the two of them when Hak-yeon turned his brilliant smile at him.  

"You did well too, Taek-woonie," he breathed before leaning in and quickly pressing his lips against Taek-woon’s, his mischievous smile showing he knew exactly what that kiss did to Taek-woon’s insides. Hong-bin pouted behind him, tugging Hak-yeon away and holding him at arm’s length, glaring at Taek-woon as if it was his fault Hak-yeon kissed him.

“I don’t like Taek-woon hyung’s kisses,” the younger grumbled as he pulled Hak-yeon to the table, making sure he sat in between Hak-yeon and Taek-woon. “Won-shik hyung said kisses on the lips are only for-”

“Hey, you shouldn’t listen to the things Won-shik says,” Hak-yeon admonished playfully, helping Hong-bin cut up his pancakes. “Nothing he says is safe for your ears.” When Hong-bin frowned at him, obviously upset, Hak-yeon added, “And besides, Taek-woonie only gets kisses on the lips. My Binnie gets many more kisses, right?” For added measure, Hak-yeon paused to give Hong-bin a kiss on the side of his head, and Hong-bin was easily placated.

“Yes, because Hak-yeon hyung loves Bin more.”

--

Hong-bin fidgeted uncomfortably as Hak-yeon fixed his tie for the umpteenth time, shaking his head back and forth every time Taek-woon tried to brush his hair. Hak-yeon was incredibly patient, merely holding the tie still until Hong-bin calmed down, tightening the knot until it stayed in place. The younger boy whined petulantly when Taek-woon tried to comb his hair again, pushing away at them and trying to move back. Hak-yeon smiled as he grabbed Hong-bin’s shoulders, rubbing them soothingly until the boy stopped, his hands shaking nervously. “Binnie, what’s wrong? Why are you so upset?”

“Bin doesn’t like these clothes,” Hong-bin muttered through thin lips, eyes refusing to meet Hak-yeon’s. “They feel weird.”

Both Taek-woon and Hak-yeon looked down at the suit Hong-bin was wearing, watched how he tugged upsettingly at his dress shirt. Hak-yeon ran his hands down Hong-bin’s chest, his fingers checking over the buttons and making sure the jacket was on properly. “Binnie,” Hak-yeon said softly, giving him a quick kiss on the head and smoothing out his hair with his hands, “I told you we have to look our best when we visit Seok-jin. You want to look nice when you see him, don’t you?”

Hong-bin paused, eyes glancing up at Taek-woon tentatively before nodding his head, his hands shooting out to hold onto Hak-yeon’s. “Will...will Seok-jin want to see Bin?” His voice was so small and scared.

It took Hak-yeon a few seconds to recover, his chest tight as he managed, “Of course he will. Seok-jin would be delighted to see you.” That seemed to be enough for him, Hong-bin finally staying still and allowing Hak-yeon to finish getting him ready. All the while he worked with Hong-bin, Taek-woon stood patiently by his side, waiting with comb in hand if he needed anything. When he was done, Hak-yeon turned to the other, beaming affectionately at the small smile Taek-woon sent him.

Taek-woon looked absolutely adorable when he smiled, and now that he was free, he would do whatever it took to make sure his Taek-woonie smiled all the time.

“You don’t have to come if you don’t want to,” he said gently, reaching out and Taek-woon’s cheek. He knew the other loved it, secretly cherished it whenever Hak-yeon touched him. Hak-yeon made it his mission to touch him whenever he could.

“It’s alright,” Taek-woon said hoarsely, coughing embarrassedly when he caught himself leaning forward, following Hak-yeon’s touch. “I don’t mind. I want to see Sang-hyuk, so it’s alright.” Hak-yeon’s lip trembled at the mention of Sang-hyuk’s name, taking a deep breath as his eyes fluttered closed.

Hak-yeon could not remember a single thing about that night, couldn’t remember anything after hearing Saet-byul call out his name. He was only told later, after he’d woken up in the hospital, that Saet-byul had stabbed Sang-hyuk to death, that she stabbed and wounded both Taek-woon and himself before killing herself. It had been so much to handle, so much to hear and accept at once, and he hated the fact that he couldn’t remember any of it. But the one thing he hated the most, hated with all his being and every day wished he could change, was the fact that he couldn’t remember Sang-hyuk’s death.

He was never able to see Sang-hyuk before they cremated him, missing both his funeral ceremony and his placement in his memorial. He wasn’t able to send off little Hyukkie, wasn’t able to mourn him properly, and it ate at him constantly. Taek-woon noticed his drop in mood, pulling him into a hug that did very little to soothe his tremulous thoughts.

When they arrived at the hall, Hak-yeon was shocked to see someone already there, immediately recognizing the tall, lanky man. He pushed Hong-bin into Taek-woon’s arms as he stepped forward, noticing the large bouquet of flowers in his hands. “Nam-joon ah,” he said quietly, and the man whirled around, eyes narrowed until recognition passed over his face. His whole body slumped at the sight of him, sending a sad smile.

“Hey Hak-yeon.”

Hak-yeon wordlessly looked the man over, noticed how different he was compared to the scruffy delinquent Seok-jin had always loved to hang around. His face was so clean-shaven, so alert, the ever-present smell of alcohol and drugs gone. His once obnoxiously dyed hair was now a dark black, the purple bruises that seemed to have been permanently tattooed onto his face nonexistent. He was dressed in a fine suit, looking so much like an adult as he stood before him. It was how he always pictured Seok-jin to look, after he straightened his life out.

Hak-yeon swallowed, unable to hold any of his previous disdain for him as he gave him a matching smile. “Are you visiting Seok-jin too?”

“Yeah...Seok-jin would have yelled and cursed at me until I came.” They shared a laugh, though the sound was anything but happy.

“Do you visit him often?”

Nam-joon nodded, looking down at the flowers in his hands. “If I don’t, nobody does.”

Hak-yeon choked, had to fight the tears that clouded his eyes and threatened to spill down his face. He hated the fact that his brother had been resting here, body or not, and he had never once visited him. He didn’t care what the dolls had done to him, didn’t care how they influenced him; Seok-jin was his baby brother, and he should have forced himself to come here. He shouldn’t have left his brother to sit here alone, to rest alone with no one to see and visit him. For that, he was eternally grateful to Kim Nam-joon. “Don’t the others visit? I met...I met one of the other boys, Jeon Jung-kook.”

Nam-joon’s eyes lit up at the name, letting out a bitter sigh. “Kookie has a hard time coming here. We all do. We try to come once and a while, show him how we’re doing, but it’s hard on everyone. Seok-jin...I know how scared he was of being forgotten, so I try to make sure to come as often as I can to remind him I still remember him.”

“Thank you Nam-joon ah,” Hak-yeon whispered gratefully, jumping when he felt something pull on his arm. He looked back to see Hong-bin hiding behind him, wide eyes watching Nam-joon fearfully. He gave Hong-bin a reassuring smile before wrapping his arm around the boy's shoulders, tugging him forward so Nam-joon could get a better look at him. "Don't be afraid Binnie. This is Nam-joon, he was Seok-jin's friend." Hong-bin stiffened at Seok-jin's name, blinking up at the other curiously. Nam-joon in turn gave a courtesy nod, waving amicably. "Why don't you say hello?"  

Hong-bin's hand shot out and grabbed Hak-yeon's, gripping it so tightly it went numb, before murmuring a soft, "Hello."  

Nam-joon seemed to understand the situation, stepping back and gesturing towards Seok-jin's picture. "Would you like to see him?"  

Hong-bin immediately looked to Hak-yeon, embarrassed and afraid as he nearly buried his face in Hak-yeon's side. Hak-yeon kissed Hong-bin's quivering eyelids, ran a soothing hand through his hair. "Shh, don't be afraid Binnie. Let's go say hi to Seok-jin. I'm sure he's excited you came to see him." When Hong-bin shook his head, pressing himself even closer and letting out a muffled sob, Hak-yeon pulled him into a comforting hug.  

"There's no need to be afraid...Seok-jin loves Binnie very much, will be so happy you came...don't cry..." He struggled keeping his own voice in check, to not show how affected he was, and he blinked when he felt a warm hand on his back. Taek-woon never said anything, so out of place here where he had no idea who they were crying for, but he lent his presence all the same. Hak-yeon thanked him silently, was ever thankful to have someone as wonderful as Taek-woon.  

They were finally able to get Hong-bin to move, bringing him over to Seok-jin. Hong-bin couldn't read, had no idea what he was looking at until he saw Seok-jin's picture, sniffling at the sight of it. "S-Seok-jin..." he blubbered, crying when Hak-yeon kissed him encouragingly.  

"Tell him hi, Binnie."  

Hong-bin wiped his eyes with the back of hands, breathing heavily as he tried his best to smile. "H-hi Seok-jin. B-Bin came to see y-you."  

"He's listening to you Binnie, tell him everything you want to tell him."  

"B-Bin met Hak-yeon hyung. Hak-yeon hyung is j-just like Seok-jin said. Bin loves Hak-yeon hyung very, very much." Nam-joon let out a quiet laugh at that, Hak-yeon sending him a warning glance, though it didn't seem Hong-bin heard him. "Bin wishes Seok-jin c-could see Hak-yeon hyung now. Hak-yeon hyung hugs and kisses Bin all the time, makes Bin happy. Just like Seok-jin said..."  

When his voice trailed off and he buried himself in Hak-yeon's arms, Hak-yeon took that as his chance to speak. "Seok-jin ah, your hyung has come to see you. I'm so sorry I wasn't able to see you until now. But you won't be able to get rid of me that easy, I'll be coming to see you as much as I can." He stared at the picture of his brother, Seok-jin looking so happy as he posed with his friends. He wished he could have made his brother smile like that, make him look so happy and carefree like his friends did. "I love you so much, and while I wish I could have saved you...could have brought you out with me, I hope you're happy where you are."  

"Of course he's happy," Nam-joon offered gently. "You're the one he probably wanted to see the most." Hak-yeon didn't answer, wished he could believe that was true, knew Nam-joon would never be so calm if he knew how Seok-jin really died. So instead of answering, he instead focused on the flowers in the other's hand.  

"Those flowers..."

"A-ah," his face flushed, "pink was Seok-jin's favorite color. I felt he would like it if I brought him pink flowers."  

Hak-yeon paused, wondering how he could have been Seok-jin's brother this whole time and never even known his favorite color. He nodded his head, pretended he wasn't as affected by the comment as he really was. "That's...nice of you. I...I'm glad he had friends like you...I was wrong about you."  

"No, you were right. We did some really stupid back then; I'm surprised we're all still alive." He winced at his choice of words, though didn't say anything to take it back. "It made sense you were worried about him."

"But the things I've said-"

"It's fine. I mean at the time we all kind of hated you, but we realize now you were just worried about him. None of us blame or hate you, Hak-yeon."  

"B-but I...I..."  

"Look, none of us know what went on there, or what she did to you guys. But the fact that you ran in there and went through all that just for Seok-jin shows you're a ing amazing brother. Seok-jin knew how great you were, always told us how great you were; I doubt there's anything you could possibly have done to make him hate you."  

"You don't understand-"

"Hak-yeon-"

"I killed him!" he cried before he could stop himself, couldn't stand to listen to Nam-joon ignorantly praise him when he deserved none of it. Hong-bin flinched in his arms, holding him tighter while Nam-joon stood in shocked silence, eyes wide. He could vaguely feel Taek-woon grab him from behind, holding him up, but he barely noticed, nearly breaking down as the deadly secret he had kept locked away for so long burst out from the depths of his heart. "I allowed her to try and take him apart. I just wanted to save him. I wanted to free him but all I did was let her kill him. With my own mouth...I killed him with my own mouth..."  

"Hyung..." Hong-bin whispered, large eyes watching him, and Hak-yeon fell back into Taek-woon's waiting arms, shamelessly allowed himself to be comforted.  

"I just wanted to save him...I just wanted to save my baby brother...but I killed him. I killed him..."

Nam-joon didn't move for the longest time, eyes scanning the three of them carefully before he suddenly the bouquet of flowers at them. Hak-yeon blinked incomprehensibly through his tears, sniffling, and Nam-joon finally smiled. "You're a ing idiot," he said fondly, a small chuckle hidden beneath his words. "You could have ing dug his heart out with your bare hands and that idiot would have still loved you."  

"W-what...?"

"If what you're saying is true, it was an accident. You didn't do anything, and Seok-jin died with you giving your best, loving him to the point you tried to free him. That was all he needed, and he probably died alright." He shook the flowers again, gave Hak-yeon an expectant look until the latter tentatively took them. "I feel like you should give him these."

"N-Nam-joon, I-I-"

"Just shut up and do it. He's been waiting for you forever, he'll love them." Hak-yeon hiccupped as he turned to Seok-jin's grave marker, letting out a small laugh through his tears as he placed the flowers at the base of the window.  

"Hey baby brother," he murmured, "I promise I'll come to see you as much as I can. I won't let you rest here alone." He kissed his fingers and pressed them against the glass, hovering over his baby brother's face. "I-I…I love you so much…I-”

He couldn’t stay there any longer, couldn’t do it, Taek-woon hurriedly pulling him up and bringing him close to his chest. Hak-yeon was a mess, melting into Taek-woon’s arms and letting the latter guide him out before he could break down any further. He thought he heard Nam-joon whisper something to him, voice soft, but when he glanced back the man was already turned around, staring at Seok-jin. Taek-woon’s embrace was so strong, so warm, but when they were far enough away he stopped, forced the other to look him over worriedly.

“Hak-yeon, are you alright?”

“I-I’m sorry,” his voice broke, his vision blurry, “I’m sorry-”

“Shh,” Taek-woon hushed tenderly, pulling Hak-yeon’s head in close and running comforting hands over his face and through his hair, each touch calming. “You don’t have to explain anything to me. You never have to explain anything you don’t want to.” He hugged back thankfully, no words able to describe how thankful he was that Taek-woon was always so understanding, always so sweet. Hong-bin pulled on Hak-yeon's sleeve as they walked, leaning forward to try and look at his face.

"I don't blame hyung." His voice was so certain, brows pulled down in stubborn concentration; Hak-yeon bit back a bitter laugh as he kissed his baby's forehead.

“We’ll head home for today,” Taek-woon said after a long minute, ignoring Hak-yeon’s surprised look as he headed toward the car.

“But…don’t you want to see Hyukkie? Hyukkie…we should s-see him too.”

Taek-woon shook his head, face resigned with a sad smile. “We can see him another day. Your brother was enough; I don’t want you trying any more than you can.” Taek-woon refused to listen to Hak-yeon’s weak protests, understood that beneath his feeble words Hak-yeon was still afraid, still terrified of standing in front of Sang-hyuk. It had taken years to be able to finally approach Seok-jin, to finally wish him well and come to terms with his hand in his death. But Sang-hyuk…Sang-hyuk was so very different.

He had caused her to suspect Sang-hyuk, to turn him, to kill him. He had so much to ask for forgiveness, and one day…one day he would gather enough courage to go see Hyukkie, to visit him and beg for that forgiveness.

--

“Hong-binnie’s coming tomorrow to visit,” Jae-hwan said from his seat on the bed, watching as Won-shik changed into his sleepwear. “You’re going to be here, right?” Won-shik paused tugging his shirt over his head, looking over to Jae-hwan to see him staring at him attentively, his entire being b with the unspoken plea to stay. He let out a sigh as he crawled into bed, going under the covers and wrapping an arm around Jae-hwan’s waist as he pulled him flush against his side. Jae-hwan rolled over so their noses were only inches apart, his eyes so sad despite how he smiled softly at him. “Will you be here?” His voice was barely above a whisper.

“Of course,” Won-shik responded, smiling as he pressed his forehead against the other’s. “I told you, I got the day off so I could be with you.”

“I wish you didn’t have to work,” Jae-hwan’s voice went even softer, shifting closer so every part of their bodies was touching, trying his hardest to mold them into one. Won-shik laughed, shaking his head fondly.

“If I don’t work, you won’t have this nice cushy bed to sleep in.” When Jae-hwan didn’t budge, didn’t smile, he knew something else was bothering him. His joking smile vanished as he frowned in concern, a hand coming up to push a few loose curls from the other’s eyes. “Hey, is something wrong? You know I would stay at home with you all day for the rest of our lives if I could.”

“I know...but…” Jae-hwan’s hands s their way around Won-shik’s waist, holding him so tightly as if to never let him go. “Every time you leave, I’m so scared.”

“Hey,” Won-shik cupped the back of Jae-hwan’s head as he pressed his cheek to the top of his head, “I told you I would never leave you again. I went through hell and back for you, and will do it again if I have to. Don’t you ever worry about that again.”

“I-I know...but I can’t help it. When I’m alone, all I can think about is-”

“I told you not to think about that,” he snapped non-threateningly, knocking their heads together. “I will protect you, will keep all those bad memories away, and you will never have to think about that ever again. Lee Jae-hwan, I love you and will always keep you safe.”

He knew it was coming, shoved his head in his chest and tightened his hold when Jae-hwan screamed, his face tense when the other thrashed against him. Jae-hwan’s nails tore at his bare arms, his legs kicking and slamming into Won-shik’s in a way that would definitely bruise. It was always this way, no matter how many times Won-shik tried, Jae-hwan would always react violently at the sound of his name. Watching him like this was so painful, unable to do anything but hold him and whisper sweet things until he calmed down; yet he refused to call him Ken. He knew how much Jae-hwan hated the name, how it reminded him of the orphanage, and he refused to bring back those memories.

He was determined; one day Jae-hwan will be able to hear his name again.

It was some time before Jae-hwan calmed, gasping for air as he shook like a leaf in his arms. “Hey, hey,” he said soothingly, a hand rubbing circles into the small of his back, “shh, I’m right here. You’re alright, I’ve got you.”

“Won-shik…” Jae-hwan mumbled, his voice slurred.

“I told you, I’m going to help you. You’ll be normal again, I’ll make sure you can hear your name again.”

“Won-shik-”

“I’ll make you laugh again.” At some point he had started crying, teardrops hanging at the edges of his lashes and dotting Jae-hwan’s cheek. “I’ll make you smile again. I-I’ll make you better again, hyung.”

“Won-shik,” Jae-hwan said louder, cutting him off, pushing away enough he could look him in the eye again, his face a mixture of confusion and curiosity. “Did...did you say you love me?”

“W-what?” Won-shik could feel his face heat up, Jae-hwan so close to him and grinning widely, and he realized with growing horror that yes, he did say those words. Jae-hwan wrenched his hands out from Won-shik’s death hold and held his face gently, smiling so wonderfully and beautifully.

“You said you love me.”

Won-shik swallowed at their close proximity, could smell Jae-hwan’s freshly washed hair, his scented shampoo overwhelming. He was suddenly very aware of how close they were, Jae-hwan’s body so warm, and his attention was completely focused on how Jae-hwan’s still damp hair had small droplets hanging from the tips of his locks. He let out a shaky breath, his blood racing, as he watched one drop onto the bridge of his nose, running down until it rested at the end of his chin. Won-shik moved his hands up to the dip of Jae-hwan’s waist, not trusting himself to move them any further. “I-I did.”

Jae-hwan’s grin widened even further, moving closer until their noses touched. Won-shik shuddered, could feel the warmth of Jae-hwan’s breath cascading over his face. “Do you love me, Won-shik ah?”

He couldn’t handle it anymore, swiftly yanking his hands away and roughly grabbing Jae-hwan’s face, slamming his lips on the other’s, the kiss heavy and needy. His hands trailed down to Jae-hwan’s back, rolling until the elder was pressed underneath him. He kissed him until his breath was away, gasping and pulling back to see Jae-hwan’s whole face laughing, the sound so sweet and something Won-shik had missed for so long. “H-hyung...I-I-”

“You’re so slow, Kim Won-shik,” Jae-hwan laughed, grabbing Won-shik’s head down and pecking his lips. When Won-shik only blinked at him, mind still running on overdrive and body still hot with need, Jae-hwan kissed him again. He kissed him again and again until Won-shik was able to comprehend, his mind finally starting to understand that his hyung, that Jae-hwan, was kissing him. “My stupid Wonnie, I love you too.”

Won-shik let out a small, confused laugh before he finally understood, unable to stop smiling as the realization of what was happening finally clicked in his head. He fell back onto the bed, holding Jae-hwan’s thin body tight against his own. Neither said anything for the longest time, wrapped in a cocoon of terrible bliss, Won-shik afraid that the moment he let go it would all become a dream, that it would turn out everything wasn’t true. He could feel Jae-hwan bury his face into his side, a content sigh escaping his lips, and Won-shik let out a shaky breath.

“You know...hyung…”

“Hmm?”

“Saet-byul never gave me a name.” He could feel Jae-hwan stiffen at the mention of the name, always uncomfortable whenever Saet-byul was brought up. He started to run a hand through his hair to calm him, to let him know he was safe and nothing would hurt him.

“Y-you should be happy,” Jae-hwan finally managed, “the name she would have given you...you wouldn’t want it.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Jae-hwan shifted to look up at him, face scrunched up in a way that made Won-shik just want to kiss him again. So he did. “If you remember, she said if I didn’t think of anything, you were going to give me a name.” He could see how the other’s face redden, biting his lip as he averted his eyes. “So I was wondering...what name were you going to give me hyung?”

“Won-shik ah...it doesn’t matter-”

“It matters to me. What were you going to call me?”

“I-I…”

“Hyung.”

“I was going to call you ‘Ravi’.” Jae-hwan muttered, burying his face again from embarrassment.

“Going to call me what?”

“You heard me! I was going to call you Ravi because you are bright like the sun and you should always remember that, even when we were locked away in that terrible place!” Won-shik paused for a long moment before he hugged the other, incredibly touched, lip trembling.

“Hyung, I—thank you…thank you, Jae-hwan hyung.”

Jae-hwan’s face twisted, lips pursing, and Won-shik hurriedly kissed him before he could scream, already anticipating it. He waited for the thrashing, waited to feel him scratch and hurt him until the initial wave of terror passed over—but it never came. The two of them pulled away from each other, taken aback, and a hint of smile grew on Won-shik’s lips. “Jae-hwan hyung?”

It came so suddenly, Won-shik was barely able to grab him in time before Jae-hwan started flailing again, his heart hammering. The time it took the other to calm down was significantly shorter, Jae-hwan’s screams quieting to soft gasps, and Won-shik just wanted to hold him forever. “Hyung-”

“Won-shik!” Jae-hwan was crying now, hands clutching to Won-shik’s chest. “Won-shik, y-you...you, d-did you-”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-”

“N-no, I didn’t hurt, did you see? I-I…when you said my name, it didn’t hurt.”

Won-shik stared at him, trying to understand what his flustered hyung was trying to say, but when he did he couldn’t keep the smile off his face. His laugh was loud, obnoxious, but he couldn’t care less. “I told you I would make you be able to hear your name again,” he cried ecstatically, “I told you!”

“Do you really think...do you really think I could?” Jae-hwan’s eyes were suddenly so scared, looking to Won-shik for help and guidance, and Won-shik wished desperately that he could bring back the hyung he so dearly missed. His hands turned gentle, his touch soft, as he pushed the fringe out of his hyung’s eyes and smiled.

“Of course I do. You’re strong, and I’ll help you every step of the way. You’ll get better, I promise.” A shaky smile grew on Jae-hwan’s lips, thanking Won-shik with a grateful kiss, his fingers raking through Won-shik’s tangled locks.

As Won-shik held the other in his arms, felt his warm body pressed against his own, he promised himself that he would kiss Jae-hwan every day if need be. Anything to make his hyung bright and happy, to become the Lee Jae-hwan he was always meant to be.

--

“Go to sleep Binnie,” Hak-yeon whispered to a sleepy Hong-bin, trying his best to tuck the younger in despite the other’s tired fingers clinging onto his shirt. “Hong-binnie-”

“Sleep with Bin, hyung,” Hong-bin muttered, eyes closed and tongue heavy, and Hak-yeon couldn’t resist kissing his eyelids.

“Hyung will come back later, okay? Just go to sleep for now, hyung will be back later.” Hong-bin wanted to protest, his face scrunched up unhappily, so Hak-yeon started to soothingly run his hands through his hair. He knew how much Hong-bin loved it, the creases in the other’s forehead smoothing out and his body relaxing until only a soft snore escaped his lips. Hak-yeon stared down at him lovingly, a burst of deep affection flowing through him as he pushed the younger’s hair from his eyes. He let out a soft sigh before standing up, Hong-bin’s hands that had been holding onto him falling silently onto the bed. Hak-yeon fixed the blanket carefully over the other before turning to the door, smiling to see Taek-woon patiently waiting, the glow from the hallway light behind him illuminating his profile.

“He’s asleep,” he whispered, hurrying over and closing the door behind him. Taek-woon hovered by his side as he headed into the main room, waited until Hak-yeon sat on the couch and opened his arms invitingly before moving. Hak-yeon gathered his beloved Taek-woonie in his arms, seated him in his lap and awkwardly wrapped himself around Taek-woon’s broad shoulders. He could see how uncomfortable Taek-woon was, to be the one comforted and coddled, but Hak-yeon was determined to coddle his Taek-woonie forever and ever.

Taek-woon was eventually able to settle, leaning back against Hak-yeon’s thin chest, his body so full and heavy. Hak-yeon again felt that burst of overwhelming affection as he stared down at the crown of Taek-woon’s head, burying his face in the thick locks and inhaling deeply. His fingers trembled. “How’s my sweet Taek-woonie?” he asked, voice muffled.

“Hak-yeon-” Taek-woon’s voice cut off when Hak-yeon leaned closer, his hands trailing down to sneak up the other’s shirt. Taek-woon stiffened at his touch, his skin breaking out in cold goosebumps as Hak-yeon’s fingers ghosted over his skin, feeling across this chest and down his stomach. Taek-woon swallowed, could feel his body tense. “H-Hak-yeon...what are you-”

“She didn’t touch you,” he whimpered, could feel the tears dripping and wetting Taek-woon’s hair. He let his hands run over Taek-woon’s sides, feeling the smooth, untouched skin. “She didn’t touch you.”

“No,” he replied thickly, looking up so he could meet his eyes, sticking his hands up his shirt to hold Hak-yeon’s. His fingers ripped Hak-yeon’s away, holding them tenderly. “She didn’t.” Hak-yeon let out a strangled cry as he tried to hide his tears in Taek-woon’s shoulder, his emotions high and wild.

Every time he saw his Taek-woonie, held him in his arms, all he could imagine was the terrified look the other sent him when locked in the cage, so sick and terrified. Taek-woon had always been someone Hak-yeon loved and cherished, more so than Hong-bin, more so than anyone, and Hak-yeon’s entire being had only wanted to care and love his Taek-woonie. Taek-woon was so kind, so sweet, selflessly taking care of Hak-yeon even when Hak-yeon had no control over his body, would hold him during his panic attacks and feed and clothe him when he couldn’t. He had been the one person Hak-yeon had wanted to keep safe and pure, and it had nearly killed him when he found out he had been taken.

But in the end, Saet-byul had spared him, had kept him alive and unharmed. Despite ripping Jae-hwan and Won-shik apart and mentally torturing his Binnie, she had left Taek-woon alone. And now, running his hands over his warm Taek-woonie’s chest and feeling how solid and alive he was, Hak-yeon was forever thankful.

Taek-woon pulled out of his embrace despite Hak-yeon’s stifled whine, turning around so he was sitting across from him. “Hak-yeon,” Taek-woon said with a gentle smile, wiping Hak-yeon’s tears. “Why are you crying?”

“I-I…” Taek-woon pressed Hak-yeon’s palms together, his large hands covering his and running his thumbs delicately over his scars. Hak-yeon hiccupped at the feeling, was both incredibly comforted and uneasy. “I’m just so thankful that you were never hurt, that she never touched you. Not like-”

“Hey, hey,” Taek-woon lowered his voice, gently pulling Hak-yeon closer and capturing his lips in a soft kiss, Hak-yeon breathy and amazed, “she may not have hurt me like the others, but she did mark me like you. My back-”

“No, please,” he hissed, leaning his forehead against the other’s, “please don’t talk about that. I…I should have been able to stop her, been able to save you, but I couldn’t. Please don’t…my Taek-woonie-”

 “-and I would have done it all over again if it meant I could protect you and Hong-bin. You are extremely important to me Hak-yeon ah, and I would do anything for you.” Hak-yeon let out a shaky laugh, lowering his head as he weakly pushed against the other’s chest.

“But I never wanted you to get hurt. Taek-woon ah, I never wanted you to get hurt. I tried to keep you safe-”

“Don’t do that again.” Taek-woon’s voice was firm, it snapped Hak-yeon out of his spiraling inner thoughts and brought him back to reality, realizing how close they were and how Taek-woon’s hands were squeezing his cheeks. “I would willingly risk my life if it meant you were by my side, you and Hong-bin. I need you Hak-yeon, I can’t live if you leave me.”

“Taek-woon…”

“So please…never leave me like that again. Never disappear like that again.”

“But-”

“Promise me, Hak-yeon. Promise me.”

“I-I promise. I promise Jung Taek-woon that I will never leave you again.”

“And I promise, Cha Hak-yeon, that I will never let you run away like that again.” Hak-yeon blinked at the playful smile that grew on Taek-woon’s lips, not having seen such a carefree look on the other for so long. He decided he liked it, laughed with him when Taek-woon scooted closer, their bodies so close together. Hak-yeon could feel the other’s radiating warmth, was so happy.

They stayed that way for the longest time, holding hands and leaning against each other, until Taek-woon spoke again, the bitterness in his voice catching his attention. “We need to talk to Won-shik and Ken.”

“About what?” he asked, concerned.

“Hong-bin is starting to pick up on the erted things Won-shik says to Ken. He doesn’t know what they mean and is using them around the house.” Hak-yeon glanced over and stifled a giggle at the furious look on Taek-woon’s face, the other sending him an indignant glare. “Aren’t you upset? They’re using such indecent language around Hong-bin-”

“Yes, yes,” Hak-yeon was laughing, absolutely delighted at how affronted Taek-woon was, playing with his hair lovingly. “I’ll talk to them when we go to see them tomorrow.”

“I’ll talk to them,” Taek-woon’s face was so dark, it amused Hak-yeon to no end. “They should know better than to say such things around him, Hong-bin is too young-”

“Binnie is twenty, Taek-woonie.”

“He’s still too young,” Taek-woon bit back, and Hak-yeon just laughed again.

“Hong-bin is lucky to have someone like you, we both are.” Taek-woon’s face softened, his earlier anger vanishing when Hak-yeon reached out and caressed his cheek. “And I am lucky to have met someone as amazing as you.” Taek-woon embraced him, tucked Hak-yeon’s head under his chin, and as he lay there in the cascading warmth that was his beautiful Taek-woon, he could only think about how lucky he really was to have met someone like Taek-woon. So lucky that in his entirely messed up life where he had imagined destroying himself on more than one occasion, he had someone like his Taek-woon to lean onto.

He laid his head against Taek-woon’s strong shoulder, slipping his hand into the others and closing his eyes, smiling so happily.

He would forever be grateful.

--

The world swam as he opened his eyes, the harsh florescent lights blinding as he blinked rapidly. He tried to raise a hand to shield his eyes, wincing when a sharp pain shot through his arm. He gasped painfully when memories of Saet-byul stabbing him through the back flashed through his mind, remembered how intensely painful the knife had felt as it cut through his skin. He groaned as he lifted his good hand up to rub at his temple, his head pounding as his memory returned to him in snippets, the sight of Hong-bin attacking Saet-byul, of Hak-yeon falling to the ground with a knife in his stomach, of Saet-byul stabbing herself, of being lifted away...his tired mind tried to reason that something was wrong, there was something that should be alarming, but he just couldn’t figure out what. His eyes finally adjusted to the all too bright light, squinting as he turned his head to the shocking sight of Hak-yeon laying in the bed right next to him, the latter watching him with a soft smile on his lips.

“H-Hak-yeon…?” he asked, his voice cracking, throat coarse. His vision swirled, and he had to squeeze his eyes shut for a few seconds.

“Hello, my wonderful Taek-woonie.” Hak-yeon’s voice was so soft, so loving; Taek-woon never wanted to open his eyes so he could hear the sweet bells that rang deep in Hak-yeon’s voice forever. But he wanted to see his friend, wanted to see every inch of him, and eventually opened his eyes. Hak-yeon’s eyes softened, shooting down to Taek-woon’s hands before back to his face. “How are you feeling? Are you hurting?”

“It doesn’t hurt,” he reassured quickly, ignoring how his back throbbed so badly he just wanted to cry, slapped on a happy smile that only made Hak-yeon’s face fall.

“Please...Taek-woonie...don’t lie to me. Binnie...he told me what happened. She stabbed you, you almost died. Taek-woon ah...I almost lost you.”

“But I’m here. Don’t cry Hak-yeon, I’m right here.”

“But you almost died because of me. I almost lost you forever because of me. Taek-woonie...Taek-woon ah…” He hiccupped as he started to cry, his whole face scrunching up as he brought a hand to his stomach, and Taek-woon panicked.

“Are you okay? Don’t move too quickly, you’ll reopen your wound-”

“Don’t say anything like that to me,” Hak-yeon snapped, glaring weakly. “As long as you lie to me about yourself, I’ll lie right back.” They laid there, glaring at each other, for what seemed like forever when— Hak-yeon broke first, snorting unattractively through his nose, Taek-woon chuckling with him. The smile Hak-yeon gave him was so beautiful, so bright, glowing even; Taek-woon stared at it in wonder. “I’m so happy you’re okay Taek-woon.”

“I’m happy you’re okay too,” he whispered, his heart nearly bursting when he remembered the despair he had felt in the basement, when he had thought Saet-byul had destroyed the last bit of Hak-yeon he had tried to hold onto so desperately. “I’m so happy you’re alive…”

“You saved me,” Hak-yeon whispered right back, almost as if unable to speak any louder, reaching a shaky hand out to him. Taek-woon struggled, but he managed to hold his own hand out, could feel Hak-yeon’s eternally warm hand slip into his own. Hak-yeon stretched his fingers between Taek-woon’s, his grip so tight and strong. “You and Hong-bin, you saved me. I’m so very thankful.”

“T-the doll-”

“Saet-byul...my Byullie...she freed me. She freed all of us. Taek-woon, I’m not a doll anymore. I’m free.”

It took Taek-woon a second to understand, to register the thankful, happy tears on the other’s face, but when he did, he broke into tears of his own. “H-Hak-yeon-”

“I’m free Taek-woonie. I’m free.”

Taek-woon found no words could describe how utterly happy he was for his friend, in the end the two laying together with their eyes locked on the other, their hands pressed together with their fingers intertwined. Neither said a word, smiling serenely, and Taek-woon realized right then that there was nothing else he wanted in this world than what he had at that moment.

Well, there it is.

The story is completed. It is so strange seeing that word next to this story. It took me forever to write this chapter in a way that it pretty much ties up everything into the neatest bow these poor boys could make.

I want to thank everyone one last time for taking the time to read this behemoth of a story, and a special thank you to those who have stuck with it since the very beginning. You guys have been the reason I finished the story, why this sequel was even written, so you deserve all my thanks. I hope you all enjoyed it, as much as one can enjoy this haha.