Yeosang feels like he's getting deja vu as he's surrounded once more by the same people at his house. Joining up like this has become a regular occurrence, though this is only the second time it's happening at his house.

After he and Wooyoung collected their thoughts and talked it over, they both decided that they're on the same team. So in order to think of a plan, they needed more brains, deciding to not waste any time and bring their friends the next day.

At first it's a little awkward, none of them have really gotten over the fact that Yeosang is royalty, and (even more awkward) Wooyoung is not.

But the pair had talked it over yesterday. Of course, it's still strange but they're learning to deal with it so when San and Yunho see that Wooyoung is fine with them talking about this, they feel relieved and less uncomfortable.

"We're here to gather ideas on how to get Yeosang's rightful life back." Wooyoung says gesturing to the other. They are sat next to each other and Wooyoung almost holds Yeosang's hand, quickly catching himself. There's nothing bitter in the way Wooyoung says it, he still feels guilty for living Yeosang's life even though it's not his fault.

Yeosang nods slowly. He kind of just wants to avenge his parents, he doesn't really care about living the life he's supposed to live as a prince, he wouldn't even know how to anyway.

The room is quiet, but not at all awkward. Everyone seems to be thinking deeply which makes Yeosang feel sentimental. These people are putting energy and brainpower to think of ways to help him. He wonders how he's become this lucky to have made friends like this.

"Well, Wooyoung is the crown prince and will be king eventually. How about when he becomes king he can expose everything? He'll be the most powerful person, everyone will have to do what he says." Yunho suggests.

They all nod, it's a good idea Yeosang thinks, but something in the back of his head stops him from being enthusiastic with the idea. He doesn't want to sound selfish but-

"It's a good idea, but it will take too long" Wooyoung speaks up, halting Yeosang's train of thought. "I've just started training to be king, it will take years for me to actually become one, we can't have Yeosang waiting that long".

Yeosang sneaks a look at the prince, thankful that he said what he was thinking. He didn't want to sound ungrateful or impatient but it's exactly as Wooyoung said, he did not want to wait that long to get revenge.

Luckily everyone else agrees, it would be torture for any of them to go through that, just waiting for years to finally avenge their parents.

They go back to the comfortable silence, everyone thinking and muting amongst themselves.

Mingi speaks up this time. "I think it would be a good idea to carry on where we left off". Mingi and his complex thoughts always forget than not everyone has a big brain like him. He looks at them in confusion when everyone gives him puzzled looks, waiting for him to elaborate.

"This all started with the crystal- it led us to Mrs Lee who told us everything. Remember she told us that the stone contains Yeosang's family's magic? And that it got too unstable and broke into pieces"

Everyone's faces change at the same time as they all realise what Mingi is going on about.

"What I'm saying is there's a pretty good chance something will happen if we collect more pieces. We might be able to connect them? It would be easier to think of an idea if we have something like that done".

Everyone stares at Mingi in awe, wondering how he'd just thought of that. Yunho in particular looks at the other with stars in his eyes, impressed and amazed with him.

"That's actually a very promising idea" Yeosang says, beaming at his friend. "But how would we even find the other pieces?"

"There's a piece in the castle" Wooyoung says. "I can get it". His mother had given him the crystal, telling him to keep it safe because it's a piece of a special stone in the castle. Which means there must be a piece there.

Yeosang looks at Wooyoung, wanting to ask if he's sure about stealing the stone. But the prince looks determined, already deciding on his mission so he doesn't say anything. The fact that Wooyoung is willing to steal something that will probably be difficult to, and is highly protected, just for him, makes his heart flutter.

"We could always go back to Mrs Lee" Jongho's voice pulls Yeosang out of his thoughts. "I'm sure she can at least give us some advice on how to look for them".

Yeosang hums, patting the younger's back. It would be a little awkward and strange going back to her after hearing the story but it's inevitable, she is (or was) the only one who knows about this and no doubt knows extra things that would help them.

"Oh!" San exaclaims. "We could ask Seonghwa and Hongjoong hyung. Remember we found them and they told us a lot about crystals. They might know something about it or they might even have one since they look for crystals all the time"

"Woah that's great, I would have never thought of that" Wooyoung says, holding a thumbs up to his friend. "This is a great start everyone! I think we should pair up and go somewhere different, if we can collect pieces, we can start planning what to do with them".

Enthusiastic nods and chatter fills the room and Yeosang feels his heart swell once more at the sight of everyone being excited to help him.

Everyone talks amongst each other, planning their trips to the different destinations. Yeosang glances at Wooyoung who is also just sitting in content silence while observing everyone.

He sneaks a hand on top of Wooyoung's, then laces their fingers together when he's sure no one else is looking. "Thank you" he whispers. He didn't mean to say it quietly but it's ok since Wooyoung hears anyway.

"It's okay" the prince replies. Even though the gratitude wasn't specified, they both know it's for everything. For not leaving, for being on his side even though his family will get hurt, for not hating him.

Wooyoung squeezes his hand as a silent thank you. Yeosang's cheeks bloom a pretty pink, matching the happy emotions he's feeling right now. They haven't put a label on what they are, friends? Not quite. Lovers? Not quite either... friends that kiss each other? Not exactly but that's the closest one he can think of.

He wants to ask him, he wants to put a label on them. But he's afraid of things like that. He likes Wooyoung, he's accepted that he likes him for a while now. But what if he doesn't like him back?

He knows it makes sense that Wooyoung likes him too. But his mind can't stop thinking what if he's just being nice, kissing him out of pity.

Maybe he's afraid to put a label on them because he doesn't have one himself. He's unmarked and he doesn't deserve to mark anything either.

The sensation of Wooyoung squeezing his hand brings him back to reality. "You okay?"

The genuine look of worry right in front of him is all the proof he needs that he doesn't need to be thinking these harmful thoughts. He smiles at Wooyoung then nods, ensuring him that he is in fact, okay.

~

The next week is the only time they're all free together, so they carry out their plan to find the crystal pieces.

Wooyoung and Yunho go to the castle, deciding that it would be best if there are no reds, it would attract too much attention to Wooyoung. Instead, having Yunho who is usually around the prince all the time makes much more sense, no one would bat an eye towards them.

San and Jongho go to Hongjoong and Seonghwa. The pair had naturally gravitated towards each other, San saying that he knows Seonghwa personally and needed someone who knows the marketplace inside out to help him navigate.

Yeosang and Mingi were left to go to Mrs Lee, it was good since the taller knows how to get to her house and Yeosang would obviously need to be the one that talks to her.

They plan to come back to Yeosang house when they're done even if they've brought back nothing. Hopefully someone will have something so that they can plan their next move. Right now they're just going with the flow and hoping to get something out of it.

San and Jongho stroll through the market, looking for Hongjoong's stall. San volunteered to go to Hongjoong's stall mostly because he wanted to see Seonghwa. After Wooyoung told him and Yunho and their hyung was alive and well they all went together to reunite. He still wants to see Seonghwa again just because.

Since Jongho has never been there San leads the way, the pair engaging in small talk from time to time. Usually San would feel awkward, ever since discovering his liking for the younger but it doesn't really bother him. If he ignores it it will go away.

When they arrive, Seonghwa is cleansing a few crystals on display, Hongjoong guiding him through it. San pauses and looks at them for a few seconds, a small smile forming. They look like happiness personified and San could not be any happier for his hyung.

"Hyung!" San shouts as a warning before he's crashing into the man, hugging him tightly.

Seonghwa chuckles and hugs just as tightly, not startled one bit. Ever since the three had found out about his life here they visit at least once week, the first thing they do is tackle him into a surprise hug.

"What brings you here?" Seonghwa says while patting his head. He glances at Jongho who is standing behind San. "Judging by the fact that you're here with a stranger and not Wooyoung and Yunho... I'm guessing you're here for Hongjoong?"

San nods, "this is Jongho my-" he pauses, looking at the younger who shrugs at him. "Friend".

Seonghwa raises his eyebrows. "Last time Wooyoung came with a different friend...Minji? Look at you guys making new friends, good for you!"

"Thanks. Anyway we're here to ask Hongjoong hyung something about what Wooyoung and Mingi asked you guys last time". San looks at Hongjoong who smiles brightly at them.

"Sure thing, come inside". Hongjoong moves further in the tent and everyone follows after him.

"It's about the crystal we talked about right? The one that contains evil magic, and was troubling your friend."

"Yeah." San says, he wasn't sure if he should tell him what is actually in the crystal but the he would have to explain everything which would reveal Yeosang's identity, now is not the time to do that.

"We're looking for another piece of it, we think there might be more. So we were wondering if you've found a mysterious crystal" Jongho says, getting to the point. They don't have time for useless conversations.

Hongjoong takes a few moments to think. "Well, I've definitely never encountered something like you've described that does things weird like it does to your friend"

San and Jongho look at him expectantly, it sounds like there is a 'but'.

"But." Hongjoong stands up, walking to one of his shelves at the back and taking out a box. "There is this crystal that I've found but it doesn't have any sort of energy in it, I thought it was fake, well I still kind of do, I'm surprised I even kept this".

He holds out a small pink crystal the same size as the one Yeosang has. San and Jongho look at each other with wide eyes. It looks a lot like what they're looking for.

"I think it might be that" Jongho whispers in shock. In all honesty, he didn't expect to find anything here. Now, they potentially have the next step to their plan.

"Could you sell it to us? We'll pay anything for it w-"

"You can just take it, I probably would have thrown this out. Don't worry about paying me" Hongjoong says, handing San the crystal.

They look at him in surprise, "but still, you've helped us more than we could have imagined, let us repay you" Jongho says but Hongjoong only shakes his head.

"It's fine, really. You can repay me by visiting often" he drags them out before they can argue any further. San and Jongho hesitate for a moment before accepting their fate. They say goodbye, San hugging Seonghwa once more then leaving.

The mood is good since they got the stone. Well, if this is even the right crystal. San examines it once more before placing it in his pouch, carefully hidden away from pickpockets. Jongho silently watches the other and San obviously notices.

"What?" He turns his head to look at him for a second while frowning.

"Nothing". Jongho says, lips forming into a smirk. He always feels satisfied making San flustered. Although, nowadays he doesn't even need to do anything to make the older react like this. It's all too easy to make San fall for him.

They walk in a comfortable silence, Jongho thinking of more ways to annoy the other. He's about to get his attention but someone else gets there before him.

"Choi San!"

The pair pause and turn around, looking for the voice that just shouted. San frowns when a familiar face appears from the crowd, walking towards them.

Jongho automatically frowns too when he sees San's expression. What confuses him is when San grabs his arm and slowly pulls him behind him, as if to hide him from the person.

"What are you doing here Suho, this is not your type of scene" San says indifferently. If he was frowning at first, it's gone now, not wanting to show any type of emotion.

Suho had been the one a few years ago that had tried pursuing him. San had told him countless times that he isn't his type but the other couldn't take a hint. It got to the point that he got angry and tried attacking San. That was when Yunho had saved him and Suho finally backed down. It didn't lessen how annoying he was though.

"I'm here on official business, I'd never come to this disgusting place otherwise. Of course you're here though, where are your friends- who's this?" Suho peeks behind San to look at Jongho, then raises his eyebrows. "I didn't know you were the servant type San, you were always insufferable with the equal rights talks."He smirks at him, "I'm glad you're taking advantage of your status now".

The pure look of pride in Suho's face makes San sick, just thinking that this guy is proud of him. He stands in front of Jongho to fully block his view from Suho, hand grabbing the younger's wrist. "He is not my servant. He's my friend".

Jongho looks at the floor. He wonders if everyone that walked past them today had also thought that he is San's servant.

Suho laughs, it makes San tighten his hold on Jongho. "Yes yes. You did always treat the servants in the nobles homes like friends. You need to stop doing that. One day those reds will get ahead of themselves and actually think they can be on the same level as us. Stop treating them like blues, you need to remind them that they're the lowest. All they're good for is working for us and serving-"

San doesn't let him finish speaking, swiftly lifting his hand and sending a spell flying towards him. Suho is caught off guard and is thrown back with immense force, landing on his back. Jongho is also surprised at the abrupt change, not knowing San had it in him to hex someone. He's not done though, as he steps over him and punches his jaw. Maybe he will get the hint now and stop him saying such derogatory things, at least not in front of him.

"He's my friend. You're the who needs to stop acting like you are own the world when in fact it's you who's the lowest." San says, quickly ending it. He doesn't want to continue with the violence especially with Jongho watching him. He grabs Jongho, leaving Suho on the floor completely shocked and appalled, along with the crowd that had formed, murmuring amongst themselves as they watch the pair storm off.

Once they reach a good distance San abruptly halts, making the younger bump into his back. He turns around to face Jongho, looking at him with guilt. "I'm sorry you had to hear that. Suho is a dick with an empty skull".

Jongho nods stiffly "It's okay, I know you're not like him". Even though he's tough-minded, the older can tell that Suho's disgusting words affected him.

San's eyes are glossy as he lifts a careful hand to Jongho's cheek, thumb caressing the red diamond. His skin is so soft and San wonders for a moment how it would feel against his lips. "You're more than just your marks. Don't think about what that douchebag said, not every blue thinks like him. Just because you're red doesn't mean you're this or that. You're whoever you want to be, and you'll be amazing at anything you do".

Jongho looks up at San, heart skipping a beat when he realises how close they actually are. He closes his eyes, not having the capability to look at San this close.

It's not like he hasn't heard these words from other blues before, although it's not exactly common, he's used to being discriminated by them. At least, he expects it every time he has to interact with one.

It's so normalised that he's even been targeted by reds. Jongho is technically half red and blue, his mother having been a blue but after bonding with his father, they turned red. Obviously due to the nature of marks since his parents are red marked he is too. Mixed marriages were uncommon therefore people usually know when a mixed couple is bonding because gossip spreads at the speed of light.

Even though he doesn't give a shit about what some random person has to say about him, something about that Suho guy calling him servant and other things in front of San had made him feel ashamed and embarrassed.

He knows San isn't like that guy but he count help the humiliation shoot through his body. It's when San stood up for him, it all disappeared. And now, him looking at him so lovingly, touching him like he's precious, like he has purple marks instead of red.

It's now when Jongho realised that he's fallen. Hard. Probably since the beginning. This isn't part of the plan.

~

Mingi and Yeosang have successfully obtained another crystal. When they had knocked on Mrs Lee's door, she seemed so happy to see them again.

"I've been so worried these past few weeks wondering how you all have been getting on after everything. I'm so glad you're back"

After assuring her that they're ok and telling her about their plans she had given them a knowing smile. Going off into a room, Mingi and Yeosang look at each other with curiosity.

As they hoped, Mrs Lee came back from her room with a crystal, slightly bigger than what Yeosang had hanging from her neck but they could tell it's the same.

"I've been keeping this safe for the day you'd come back and take what's yours. Use it well".

Yeosang had taken it carefully, a jolt like an electric shock speeding through his body when he made contact with it. He had looked at her in confusion when she said to 'use it well'.

"As you know, it contains the purple magic of your family. You don't need many pieces, you'll be able to merge them together. Then you will see what happens"

Yeosang replays what she said, the excited smile she had given them makes him impatient, he just hopes the others have managed to get pieces.

"What do you thing will happen when we merge the pieces together?" Yeosang asks Mingi as they stroll lazily to his house.

The taller hums, thinking of all the crazy things that could happen. Quite literally anything could happen, hopefully it's something good. "I have no idea, what do you think? You're the one it reacts to".

Yeosang shrugs. The only thing he's seen the crystal do is heat up and cool down. He wonders what would happen if they manage to get more pieces and combine them.

Mingi suddenly gasps making Yeosang look at him in surprise. When he sees the taller grinning widely he raises his eyebrows. He knows that mischievous smile and he's not sure he wants to know what he's thinking.

"What?"

"What if" he starts, adding a pause for dramatic effect to which Yeosang rolls his eyes at. "You get marks!"

Yeosang looks at his friend incredulously "no way that would happen". It's incredibly unlikely, but you never know what could happen. Yeosang would be lying to himself if he said he hasn't thought about that already.

"It could! Oh man I wonder what marks you would get? You seem like a spades to me- no but you're strong too, a diamond then. But you're actually smart too, and also-"

"Okay okay enough about marks" Yeosang isn't entirely comfortable with the thought of having marks. He wouldn't even recognise himself. He starts to hope that the crystal does anything else than gives him marks.

Mingi looks at him apologetically, then decided to change the subject. There's something that's been on his mind recently.

"Is there something going on between you and Wooyoung? And before you say anything, don't think I haven't noticed last week when we were all together, you two were awfully close"

Yeosang sighs, silently cursing how observant Mingi is. He knew he would have to tell their friends some day. It's just that he doesn't even know what to say. Yes there is something going on between them, but he doesn't even know what that is.

"We kissed" He blurts out. Might as well say what started all of it.

Mingi pales as he whips his head to face Yeosang. "You WHAT"

"Twice"

"Twi- YEOSANG how could you not tell me! Does Jongho know about this? When did this happen!" Mingi doesn't know how he feels about the pair. Sure he saw small signs of Wooyoung talking a liking to Yeosang but he didn't know his friend would even acknowledge him. He used to be so emotionally constipated.

"Jongho doesn't know, we kissed the day you and him went to the crystal shop and the second time two weeks ago." He only answers Mingi's questions, not explaining any further because even he doesn't know the rest.

"So? Do you two like each other?"

"Yeah, I like him. I don't even know how it happened, I thought I disliked him but suddenly we were kissing and I realised that maybe I don't"

"Does he like you?"

Yeosang sighs "I mean I hope so, he's been kind to me recently and cares and worries about me. We've just never-"

"Talked about it?"

"Yeah". Yeosang frowns. He wants to talk about it, even though he's sure Wooyoung likes him back, he wants to hear it. He's not experienced in love or even 'like' at all.

"I think you guys should talk about it. Since you've kissed more than once Wooyoung surely doesn't think it's a mistake. It would alleviate some stress if you cleared things up. You don't have to do it now, just think about it okay?"

They've been so busy with all their plans that they haven't really taken a moment to talk things out, label what they are. He wonders if Wooyoung even wants to talk about it. Maybe he's just using him to release some stress.

No, he can't think like this. As Mingi said Wooyoung probably feels the same way otherwise they wouldn't have kissed twice. He'll do what he wants for once. And what he wants is to know what their relationship is.

~

They all manage to meet on time at Yeosang's house, Yeosang and Mingi had arrived first and San and Jongho soon after. Mingi had hugged them happily after finding out that they found a piece too, Yeosang couldn't help but sense something off when the younger took a seat next to him, farthest away from San. He had sent a questioning look in Jongho's way but the other just shrugged.

Wooyoung and Yunho come about an hour later, teleporting to the front door since they were running late. The prince proudly shows the crystal in his hand, it's a big piece, legged than the rest.

"This was difficult to get, we almost got caught" Wooyoung says but there's no menace in his voice, only excitement.

They waste no time in laying out the four pieces on the table. Somehow, now that Yeosang's crystal is near the other's, it doesn't speak up or react. They all exchange glances, nervous but full of anticipation.

Yeosang touches one of them, nothing happens. He's not sure how he's supposed to connect them, none of the pieces fit nicely.

"Should I try combining them with a spell?" Mingi says.

Yeosang nods, not knowing any other way of doing it and since he doesn't have magic, someone else could do it.

Mingi is now the centre of attention, everyone watching him carefully as he casts a spell. The pieces move closer but don't merge, only falling back onto the table. He frowns, trying a different spell but neither work.

"Try squeezing them together hyung" Jongho says, balling up his fist to demonstrate.

Yeosang carefully collects all pieces into one hand, they don't fit completely so he gets his other hand to cup the crystals. With a deep breath, he brings his hands together to squeeze the pieces and try to combine them.

Yeosang widens his eyes when he starts to feel heat. It's only warm so he carries on. All of a sudden a blinding light soars from his hands and a cold energy is washing through his body as if someone poured a bucket of ice water on him.

Shivering, he opens his eyes, not even realising they were closed. He looks around, watching everyone stare at him in fascination.

Opening his hands, gasping when he sees the crystal, now merged into one big one. Everyone looks at him with anticipation, not believing that this actually worked.

"What happened? Do you feel any different? You don't look any different" Mingi says.

Yeosang shakes his head. Apart from that freezing feeling for a second he doesn't feel any different. Judging by the way Mingi added that he doesn't look any different he guesses that he didn't get any marks.

"At least we combined all the crystal pieces! Maybe nothing happened to Yeosang but instead happened to the crystal?" Yunho suggests, which Mingi nods enthusiastically to.

Everything is just a theory now so they all throw random ideas. Yeosang feels completely the same physically, but something in his mind makes him feel like something has changed.

He looks at Wooyoung after sensing the other's eyes in him. He flashes when Wooyoung sends him a warm smile, beckoning for him to come closer.

Everyone watches in silence, Yeosang becoming hyper aware of his actions. Yet somehow he forgets that he's holding the crystal and drops it.

Everything happens in slow motion. Yeosang yells in surprise when it slips out of his hands.

All he's thinking about is his newly mended crystal being shattered into pieces again because of him. He holds his hand out to catch it but it's no use, he's too late. Yeosang squints, bracing himself for whatever explosion happens when it hits the ground.

Except it doesn't.

Opening his eyes, he finds the crystal suspended in the air, his hands still out as if to catch it.

Everyone mirrors his expression of shock, glancing at each other just to confirm if they're seeing correctly.

"What- how is it floating like that?" San exclaims. No one is casting any sort of spell to keep it up, no one is holding their hands out except for Yeosang.

"I... think I'm doing it" Yeosang says shakily, not daring to move his hands. He has no clue as to how he's doing this, it just suddenly happened. Yeosang isn't supposed to have magic.

"Someone help me" he whispers, unable to move. One, because of the shock but also because he has no idea how to move the crystal each other dropping it.

Wooyoung rushes over, grabbing the rock and placing it on the table. Yeosang, finally being able to move, sinks to the floor.

"Yeosang!" Wooyoung catches his fall, holding him by the waist. He makes him sit on a cushion, everyone else following with worried looks.

"I'm fine I was just shocked". Yeosang says in response to everyone's frowns.

"The crystal..." Yunho says what everyone's thinking. "It must have given Yeosang magic".

Hearing it out loud makes it even more unbelievable. They all look at each other with dumbfounded faces. Yeosang feels uneasy, he did not expect this. It's too much of a change for him, magic is a big deal.

"What do we do now?" Jongho says.

"Let's just stop here for today. This is a big change fore Yeosang I'm sure he wants time to think" Mingi says and they all agree.

Yeosang looks at him, silently thinking him for knowing him so well. He's overwhelmed with emotions right now and the last thing he wants to do is plan some elaborate scheme which will probably include him using magic now.

While everyone stops crowding him and scatter off to talk amongst themselves, Yeosang stares at his hands. He made the crystal float with these hands. They shake as he grabs the rock, it looks different, dull. Wooyoung was able to touch it before which means that it's not reacting weirdly with him anymore. It contains the magic of his family but it seems empty now.

Yeosang widens his eyes at the realisation. The crystal transferred its magic into him- he has purple magic in him, the most powerful magic there is.

He's going to be sick.

Yeosang doesn't trust himself with magic, especially with such a powerful level. He wants to get revenge on the royal family, and the magic of the rightful royal family will definitely make things easier. But how is he ever going to learn? He's 22 years late.

Wooyoung takes a seat besides Yeosang, sensing his distress. He places a careful hands on his back and rubs comfortingly. "What's on your mind?" He figures that Yeosang's mind is all over the place, sometimes someone asking you what's wrong helps organise those thoughts a bit, in order to answer the question.

Yeosang sighs, wanting to lean his head on Wooyoung's shoulder but there are too many people here, which reminds him that he needs to talk about it with Wooyoung. Great. Another thing on his mind.

"I don't know a thing about magic. I've never had to, but now that I suddenly have powerful magic after living a life with none whatsoever... I don't know what to do. I just feel lost I guess"

Wooyoung hums, listening to him let it all out. "It's okay to feel lost, this must be overwhelming right? You can take it slow, there's no rush. You have lots of experienced friends that would love to teach you whenever you're ready. I would drop everything if you called for me. We can take it one step at a time. You'll be amazing at it, don't worry".

They lock eyes as Yeosang gives him a relieved smile. Wooyoung's words comfort him massively, making him believe that he would actually wait for when he's ready to learn and take it slow.

"Thanks"

Yeosang leans in and places a soft kiss on his lips, momentarily forgetting that they're not alone. Though he doesn't care anyway, not after hearing Wooyoung's caring words and seeing the pleasantly surprised expression on his face right now.

Jongho's scandalised scream breaks the peaceful atmosphere.

~
Any crystal experts out there I'm sorry I know crystals aren't rocks I just needed synonyms because I didn't want to keep saying 'crystal' a million times in a sentence. Please forgive me just this once 😅