*+:｡.｡ɪ ʟɪᴋᴇ ʜɪᴍ｡.｡:+*

The time he spent at the library wasn't a real big deal as he had expected it to be. As he walked down the street in a pace definitely faster than other days, shoes clicking against the pavement floor in a satisfying rythmic sound, he couldn't help but ponder about all that transpired back within the premises, even though he knew this would make him late for his errands

This was one of those days when Hongjoong didn't have his brother to accompany him. Usually, it would be on days when Wooyoung had some inevitable circumstances and could not attend school, and, his usual 'inevitable circumstances' would include being genuinely sick. So sick that he couldn't bear to set foot out of his bed. Because, even though he didn't sound like one, Wooyoung was a regular school attending enthusiast. It was Hongjoong who did it out of discipline, while his brother, out of fun.

Hongjoong didn't like it when his brother wasn't there beside him. He could swear that he hadn't grabbed a wink of sleep the previous night. As the morning of a new day dawned onto him, the first thing he did was to call his mother, who had spent her entire night at the hospital ward. The boy had kept his fingers crossed and much to his dismay, no one picked up the call.

Hongjoong had wondered whether his mother had fallen asleep. He had initially planned to skip school and dash to the hospital early morning but he couldn't. Perhaps the thought of project works and the leftover syllabus lurking behind his head had forced his academically brilliant ass to trudge to school. He had swore to himself that as soon as the last bell rings, he would be the first one to run out of the school, straight homewards and then to the hospital. Hongjoong didn't have time to make himself a breakfast, so he decided to grab some on his way. After that, everything went as it probably was supposed to.

The teenager had always been a mere nobody of his class. Blue hair, a pair of thin rimmed spectacles occasionally stuck to his nose, head crammed into a book or his pen scribbling away in the back pages of his notebooks. A typical nerd. A few friends including his brother did indulge in merry making around his heavily introverted self and he didn't mind, he loved them.  Perhaps those little incidents about him getting dragged against the bathroom floors or bearing cruel punches until blood gurgled out his mouth were some of the memories he didn't want to think of.

Rest, everything was mundane and moderate, only if he excluded his brother. He had to. Wooyoung didn't fit those adjectives.

But yes. His life was mundane and moderate...

...unless there came this person with an anonymous persona with the name of 'Park'.

Hongjoong pondered. All the while they were in the library, his eyes had hardly left the mysterious lad. Hongjoong tried his best to extract something from him, if not from his mouth, atleast from his presence or personality. But surprisingly, he couldn't get any informative response.

Park had busied himself with some books regarding their project topic and had been reading them with great attention, while the blue haired lad, who was usually the most attentive one in their entire class, found himself stealing glances at the handsome presence in front of him. He had already noticed the rest of the occupants of the library gawking their eyes out at Park and didn't even question it. Why will he? The way he carried himself, the cold stoic look across his perfectly carved face, the way he sat, leaned backwards against the chair, hands resting on the table with the book, long legs sprawled forwards. The way he was so attentive, perhaps, him being attentive added something extra in his personality and made people around him go even more nuts?!

Who looks this attractive while reading? Like...just reading??

The rest of the time had been spent in this manner unless the last bell rang and school for that day was over. Park had already placed back all the books in their respective sections, and before Hongjoong could even say something to him about thanking him to be his company, he was gone.

"What was the hurry?" the blue haired muttered to himself, as he drew closer to his house. Suddenly, he realised how his train of thoughts had delayed him. He quickly opened the gate and ran indoors. Hongjoong didn't know if he would get lunch first and then go to the hospital. No worries, I can eat on the way back. He didn't take a shower either. He dashed upstairs, plummeted his bag on his bed, quickly changed into a tshirt and trousers and then, once again ran outside. After locking the door, he sprinted outside and towards the hospital. This time, he hadn't allowed any thoughts to cross his head and had taken a break only after finally seeing himself in front of the huge white building.

Hongjoong went inside and quickly made his way up to the ward where his brother was admitted. On reaching the place, the first thing that struck him was complete desolation. Apart from the pale walls, long corridor, the chairs and other non living objects lying around, there was no one else in sight. The strong stench of chloroform, antiseptic and cleaning agents were a little sickening, even though he would admit whatever cleaning material they used this time smelt far better than the one they used the previous time he visited that corridor.

Hongjoong was a little clueless. Should I enter Woo's room? But...permission? He was pondering about what he should do next, when he observed a nurse emerge from the room. Hongjoong couldn't have been more happy.

"Uh...excuse me?" he walked up to the lady and asked, "Uhm, I am Jung Wooyoung's brother, the patient admitted inside. I just - uhm - wanted to visit-"

"Oh yes yes," the nurse was young and had a jolly voice, "You are permitted to go. There's a lady inside already, I guess, your mother? The doctor will come for rounds in the evenings. You've got time till then."

"Thank you," Hongjoong bowed immediately, feeling grateful, "Thank you so much." As the nurse walked away with a smile, he pushed the door and walked in.

"J-Joong," he heard a faint voice no sooner had he set foot upon the threshold. Upon looking up, his gaze immediately fell on the bed in front of him. It was all white, and amidst that sat his beloved brother, propped up against the pillows. A few wires were connected to his hands, who's other ends were connected to several machines around him. Even though in such a sickening state, looking pale and worn out, Wooyoung gave a big smile to Hongjoong.

"Woo! I'm here," Hongjoong cried in happiness, quickly settling down beside his brother's bed on a chair, taking his hand within his own, "I missed you so much, Woo. How are you? Everything alright?"

"Yes," the response came from their mother, "The doctor said, it's nothing serious. He'll get well soon. Fool about less, and you'll stay healthy!" The last sentence made both the brothers giggle.

"Woo," Hongjoong continued, "I've collected all the informations you need regarding the project. And I've already learnt whatever is required for the exams. I'll teach you all of it myself, okay? You don't worry. I'll help you out in everything, okay? I-"

"I know Joong I know," Wooyoung responded softly, looking at Hongjoong with a tired smile. Something about his sudden soft demeanor, his pale face and his weak state made Hongjoong's chest squirm in pain. Wooyoung was the sunshine in his life and when this sunshine went through an eclipse, his entire self would go down into depression and he couldn't wait for it to finish as soon as possible.

"Joongie, have you ate anything?" Wooyoung asked. It was well evident to him that his brother hadn't eaten well since the morning.

"I- uh. No. Don't worry I'll-"

"Oh my goodness Joong! You're missing lunch?" Their mother cried, looking distressed, "Wait. I'll go fetch you something to eat. I-"

"But mom-"

"No! You cannot miss lunch. It's unhealthy," the lady replied, quickly getting up and collecting her belongings, "Stay with your brother and dont go anywhere, okay? I'll be back soon."

With that, their mother left, leaving the brothers alone.

The afternoon sun glowed through the infirmary window, brightening the room. The window overlooked a nice view, tall trees and limited greenery, yet pleasing. There was limited sound all around, except the machines and perhaps, the occasional dripping of water coming from the washroom. Hongjoong sat quietly, with his brother's hand in between his palms, while Wooyoung was quiet too, looking at his brother's head hung low, pondering about a thousand thoughts.

"You should color your hair black y'know," Wooyoung suddenly started, "You'll look cool."

Hongjoong looked up in confusion, but soon realised what he said.

"Duh! Blue suits me better," Hongjoong replied, running his fingers through his hairs, "But perhaps I'll take your opinion into consideration. I was thinking of dying my hair into some other color really soon, y'know."

"Oho! Really?" Wooyoung laughed, "But why the sudden decision? Got someone to impress, mn?"

"No! You dumbass," Hongjoong mumbled, clicking his tongue in annoyance.

"But I gotta see my baby brother get married before I-"

"You're not going away anywhere, Woo," Hongjoong retorted, "What's the hurry? It's not like you're dying tomorrow."

Wooyoung suddenly became pale, going completely mute, and Hongjoong failed to notice it.

"Uhm- B-By the way, Joong?"

"Hm?"

"Uh...Who- Who brought me home the other day?" Wooyoung asked, "It wasn't you, I'm sure. It was someone else. So, who was it?"

"Oh. It was a guy from our school," Hongjoong responded immediately, "We don't have many classes in common with him but yeah, he's in our school. He's kinda popular too."

Wooyoung stared.

"Of course he'll be in our school, dumbass! It would have been 'from our standard' not 'from our school'. Tch! Leave it! Who was it anyways?"

"Wait- Hol'up! What was his- Oh! San! San. Choi San."

Wooyoung froze.

"Hey, Woo, what happened?" Hongjoong questioned, observing the sudden change in his brother's demeanor, "Woo! Hello? What happened? Tell me, what happened? Woo-"

"I-I know that guy."

"Huh?"

"I know h-him."

"But how? We don't even-"

"l-I like him."

* * *

A black van stopped in front of the mansion. It was at a distance, not too close, yet not too far. A man emerged from the passenger seat beside the driver. He walked around for a while in the dark, looked here and there, and then quickly turned around to face the car. He then opened the doors of the back seats, revealing a few people inside, all clad in black.

"Mars, out," the man called, poking his head into the chamber. A few moments later, a person emerged out of it and stood on the ground.

This lad was dressed differently from the rest. He was attired in an expensive maroon suit, neat and nice. His hair was styled elegantly, pushed backwards with a few strands messing about across his forehead. His face was stoic and still, no emotions on display. His left wrist was wrapped in an expensive watch and shiny black shoes added the final touch. Even in the pitch darkness of the night, it seemed as if this boy glowed, his personality endowed with confidence and strength, firm and focused.

"Now Mars, here," the man spoke, as he shoved a gun in between the lad's palms, "Remember Master's words well and go accordingly, okay?"

"Yes," came the firm reply.

"Phoenix and Excalibur, get out now," the man called, immediately revealing two tall, well built lads, clad in expensive black suits, looking absolutely dashing.

"Be responsible. And don't let your revengeful ass blow up and create a ruckus like the last time," the man rebuked, "Listen to Mars and go accordingly and for the love of God, keep shut."

"Yes," came the response in unison, without any further arguement.

"Alright, you three go in first. The rest will follow you soon."

The three boys walked into the mansion, escorted by a few people. The man outside glanced at his watch, eleven ten to be exact.

"This is going to be a long night," he whispered, smirking to himself.

--------------------

Finally-

An update after 8 months?!

I'm so sorry, lovely readers! Will try to update sooner ಥ_ಥ

Do read and comment your thoughts<3

Meet y'all soon with another cp!

◌⑅⃝●♡⋆♡LOVE♡⋆♡●⑅⃝◌

[P.S: Who is Mars? Who is Phoenix and Excalibur? Any guess?

Also, is Wooyoung alright??]