𝖈𝖔𝖓𝖘𝖚𝖊𝖙𝖚𝖉𝖎𝖓𝖎𝖘 𝖒𝖆𝖌𝖓𝖆 𝖛𝖎𝖘 𝖊𝖘𝖙.

•••

“I want you so bad...”

A voice, high-strung and drunk on pure, ignorant bliss, whispered unto Khun Eduan’s ear, holding in wantonly mewls as her nails burrowed deeper against the man’s arm.

“Do you want me too, sire?”

Internally, Eduan wanted nothing more than to scoff at such blatantly romanticized glimmer on the woman’s lilac eyes as he removed the articles of clothing that remained on her body. Such naiveté. Adorable. Sickeningly adorable. What more could the Khun Family Head possibly still want when everything humans ache for was already at an arm’s length, before he could even think of desiring them?

On the subject of ‘wants’, there are several reasons as to why these women would decide to lose their minds over a man as notoriously frivolous as he. It’s either they are pushing their luck in hopes of birthing a plausible heir— flaunting their best assets to elevate their own status, or they are tasked to bring about Eduan’s demise.

“Depends.” The patriarch held the woman’s waist and flipped their positions, her weight now distributed across his lower abdomen, the mirth on his expression exuding a dangerous allure. In a light’s flicker, his callused hands slicked through her navel towards her bountiful breasts as he sucked on her neck, earning a frustrated moan from his new prospective concubine. “Are you skilled enough to make me desire you?”

“I will make you love me, Master Eduan...”

‘Love?’

Eduan sneered as he locked his lips with the other’s.

What good does love bring in a world that had long stolen everything he held dear? A world which did nothing but bestow him despair?

Arlene prided herself as someone who loved V first, yet that didn’t justify the horrid actions she committed towards him. Jahad loved Arlene so much that it morphed into obsession, yet he crushed Jue Viole Grace’s, Arlene’s own flesh and blood, head like it was a part of his daily routine. Eduan had fallen deeply in love with V to the point of no return, but that declaration of love was all for naught, because here he was, basking in the joys of eternal luxury, yet the object of his affections had gone and perished.

Love devoured Khun Eduan like grass against wildfire— burned him to crisp until he had nothing left to lose. And as much as loving V was as addictive, love was truly a maddening feeling.

Eduan hummed passively before indulging himself to the lustful beauty’s whims, pleasuring herself atop him as he tuned out every invading thought as if it could get rid of the emptiness that had settled itself within the deepest depths of his soul. However, even this was short-lived, as the commotion outside did not escape his heightened senses.

“Our apologies, but Lord Eduan cannot attend to your needs at the moment- Monseigneur Aguero Agnis! Halt at once!”

“He cannot even spare time for the mere child he sent towards a den of Northern beasts, so I highly doubt he has that much tact to entertain his own guests, gentlemen.”

“Monseigneur!”

“How rude of you to actually ditch your son— what the actual fuck?!”

“What do you think are you doing?!” the woman shrieked as the door swung open, a son of Khun and three guards barging inside causing her to slide herself off of Eduan, covering her completely exposed body with thick sheets. “You useless peasants just can't do anything right, can you?!”

Aguero’s lips pressed into a thin line as he stared at her from head to toe, then at his also buck naked father, unimpressed; and the latter could feel his head aching at the turn of events.

“Take her out.”

All of the people inside the guest room except for the child threw a bewildered glance at him to which he just replied with an unbothered yawn, tousling his disheveled hair away from his face. There had been a popular rumor within the estate that their family head held a complicated display of favor towards Khun Aguero Agnis. However, they did not know it was to the extent that he’ll let the younger disturb even his time of leisure. “But, Master Eduan!”

“Take her out.” Since when did he have to repeat himself? It seems that the hearsay made the family head come across as a more lenient and forgiving person. Eduan plastered up a wintry smile, and as if on cue, one of the guards earned a deep cut on their right ear. “I am no longer in need of the lady’s services. Return the miss to her residence and if she chooses to do otherwise, send her to one of the cabins until a manor for her is complete. I do not have to repeat myself twice this time, do I?”

“Yes, my Lord.”

The guards heeded his command, dragging the flailing woman outside the main palace, followed by the servants whom automatically cleared the room back to its initial state without batting an eye to the indecency that has just unfolded. Eduan slipped into a spare robe made out of black satin before transporting themselves inside his personal quarters.

Aguero leaned against the windowsill, unbothered by the winter breeze, the white hue of snow covering the entirety of the estate accentuating the antipathy reflected on his cobalt blue eyes. “You are still as lecherous as I remember you to be.”

“Did you come here just to berate my coping mechanisms?” Eduan replied, irrate. “I perfectly made it clear a long time ago, if a woman wants to bear me a child-”

“Yeah, yeah. Their emotional needs are not your obligation to meet, blah blah blah.” The younger Khun cut him off, sarcastically rolling his eyes as soon as he noticed his elder averting his focus in searching the pantry for something to quench his intangible— probably nonexistent— thirst. “Father claims to love V, yet here you are, planting your seeds in random god-forsaken wombs. Does your love only manifest when there is not a body warming you underneath your silken sheets?”

Touché. The barb pierced his flesh more than Eduan had anticipated, but it was not necessarily false. Perhaps, he figured, he deserved to have dealt this much damage after traumatizing his beloved’s son by manipulating the pitiful brunet in striking his first human kill.

“Whatever. Anyway, I came here to collect my payment. Consider me interrupting your sex life as a compensation for forcing Bam into killing one of my brothers behind my back.”

The spearbearer raised his brow as he took a grape-flavored drink from the freezer. “Are you reprimanding me for something the son of V chose?”

“Oh, don't you dare play the victim here when you obviously had a hand in it, dearest father. I do not know what you told him, but is this how you reward your son after sending him to the outskirts for a mythical dagger? Wow, I feel so beloved.” Aguero brazenly tossed the aforementioned weapon towards Eduan, puncturing the tin can and ultimately spilling its contents, to which the family head swiftly suspended midair. “Bam's been suppressing his emotions again, and soon enough, he'll reset his memories like the day the assassination attempt on Ran happened.”

“I may not be entirely blameless, I admit but, you can't redirect my point either. He will eventually have to kill a handful of them— an inevitable task he must overcome if you both wish to survive,” he stated as the floating liquid evaporated. It might have come off as heartless, but it’s not like he could put a stop on traditions that had been going on for centuries. They might have done it a long time ago, but that was a gamble only one of them could risk taking. Khun Eduan bestowed them freedom to do what they want as long as it doesn’t tick him, and whatever they do with that doesn’t concern him any longer. “You cannot coddle Jue Viole Grace for the rest of your life.”

The family head’s eyes lit up as he located another can, then immediately regretted he hadn’t kept up the silence.

“Did you?”

Fucking hell. “What?”

“Coddle V too much. Is that why he did not live long enough to make it to the end?”

“Did I? Who knows?” Eduan smiled coldly, skillfully evading the question like all those years ago— a reason why he was able to endure under Jahad’s ironclad rule. “How did you know? About the past. It was a timeline where most of my wives were barely even born, and Jahad should have erased significant traces by now.”

“It's a trade secret. Can't have my enemies figuring out all tricks I have hidden up my sleeve, can we?” The smaller bluenet returned another grin, one brimming with mischief and well-hidden pretense. “Once things stabilize around here, and the opportunity arises, I’ll be taking Bam with me to the Tower. I am quite sure the guardian will choose us, so I just thought I should let you know.”

‘You can’t,’ Eduan almost muttered, but held himself back. That would seem too out of character for someone who is famous for not harboring any lingering attachments. Instead, he scarcely sipped on the soda with enough composure, as if he somehow had his life together. “Why not just travel the Outer Tower and make use of the connections I have given you?”

At least, if they could not bring themselves to stay, Khun Eduan could provide more properties for them to utilize. At least, compared to the Tower, there would be no Jahad for them to lose their life to.

“Anywhere is better than here. Bam should not be bound in a place where he does not belong.” The lightbearer spared him a knowing glance. “And neither should you.”

“Whatever do you mean?” he replied with nonchalance, staring at the floor where the bejeweled dagger lied, and he wished he never did such a rookie mistake in the presence of someone who learned from himself.

“You ought to have a place in mind— another space to return to, Father. And that place will never be this estate. After all, why would a Great Family Head allocate a percentage of their personal funds to somewhere they do not frequent?”

The patriarch grimaced, throwing the other an inquisitive glare. Why does a child, who had not even lived half Khun Eduan’s lifespan, have knowledge about things only the dead are supposed to know? “You are not meant to test the limits of my favor, Khun Aguero Agnis.”

By all means, it was not an empty threat, but it only seemingly bemused Aguero to the extent that a low chuckle emerged from his lips. “I will not dare to pry, but it does make one wonder. What meaning does V hold for Khun Eduan to purchase, maintain, and isolate a whole floor?”

‘Who are you?’

ー • ー

30th Floor ;
Khun Eduan ;

“Ah, fuck.”

The spearbearer groaned, cursing internally as his hand carelessly knocked down an antique vase, the crashing sound resonating across the barren corridors along with the events of what had transpired earlier striking him back like a whiplash of memories after being terribly hungover. Fragments of the porcelain repelled and wounded one of his palms, but the night was still as young and lively as the celebration, so it would be a miracle if someone had enough time and energy to spare and clean up the mess he made.

“Way to go, Khun Eduan. Ruining everything like you always did.”

He stared at his bleeding hand as he whispered to himself in reprimand. If confidence was a human, Eduan would be the perfect epitome of the word— never casting a shred of doubt over his own abilities nor his mental state. After all, he was a strategist, and his mind and sanity was indispensable for him. But, as of late, he is currently contemplating if the surplus of alcohol accumulating inside his system had finally gotten to his head and tweaked a few screws loose.

Khun Eduan was a seasoned warrior. A purebred killing machine. Not some dumbfounded, love-struck fool, standing alone in the middle of the hallway whilst touching his lips with bloodstained fingertips, blushing like he was someone who was none the wiser about the real onslaught of love. It was half past eleven in the evening, and drunk in the placebo emanating from the festivities of achieving a landslide victory in the tournament, Eduan made a horrible mistake that could cost him his friendship with V. Well, it’s not like he killed someone dear to the wavecontroller’s heart, or sold his secrets (if he even knew one) to their enemies, but still.

Khun Eduan kissed V, and he does not regret it one bit.

“Hyung? What are you doing here?”

“Waiting for this to heal. Mind if I ask you to call for someone to get this replaced before the guests get hurt?” The latter faced the newcomer, nonchalantly showing the palm whose flesh was stitching itself, the other’s nose scrunching in utter disgust at the phenomenon. “Where have you been anyway? I know you’re introverted and all, but don’t you think you are already going the extra mile by shying away from a celebration meant also for you?”

Traumerei was no doubt an exemplary anima, but his attachment to his creations was not a good social development to have. However, the chartreuse green haired boy seemed to have completely discarded his lecture and instead questioned with anxiety. “Have you and hyung-nim talked lately?”

“What happened to V?” Like a magic word, the mention of V’s endearment suddenly sobered Eduan up. “Did she lay a hand on him again?”

“No, it’s not that.” Traumerei shook his head, still looking rather sullen. A month has gone by since they had overseen Arlene’s outburst at V, and they still have not the slightest idea on what was up, nor did the man in question showed any signs of being honest with them. “It’s just that I happen to witness an altercation between him and Jahad, about his origin. Perhaps, it might be something you would rather hear from him personally. I just wish that whatever you find out would not change the way you see V-hyung.”

‘Or else, I might just not forgive you.’ Though the latter might be next to impossible to happen, the unspoken threat rang through the halls with clarity. The bluenet sighed, ensuring that his vision was not spinning anymore, and prepared for his exit. “I see. Do you have any idea where he could be right now?”

A toad, comprised of specks of dust and light flew past his vision and hovered on the younger’s hand before it flickered out and disappeared into thin air. “Oh, Cobalt says he last saw him on his way to the rooftop.”

Eduan tousled the boy’s hair, smiling gratefully before walking away. Scrolling through his memories for methods that could get him faster to his destination. Before the distance widened between them, Traumerei called out to the spearbearer, a shaken glint visibly reflected in pools of turquoise. “Eduan-hyung, you are V-hyung’s best friend, right?”

The aforesaid hummed attentively.

“Then you should make an effort to know him better than anyone else.”

ー

Traumerei’s statement remained stuck inside his subconscious, even after he had finally made his way towards the place located at the highest point and furthest distance from the bustling main halls of the villa the team rented for the time being. Khun Eduan has unparalleled trust when V told him he would surely tell him the truth one day, but he also could not help but feel a sense of betrayal. After all, Traumerei, and of all people, Jahad, got to know something about V that he did not.

Not a minute too soon, while he was drowning in his own thoughts, a figure of an effeminate man caught his peripheral vision with skin seemingly translucent under the moonlight, basking under its silver glow that made it almost seem like the second coming of a celestial body. So ethereal, as if a God had come and gone.

“Boo~”

“Eduan!” The man almost jumped from his seat, startled, as Eduan rested the bottom of the chilled wine bottle on the crown of his head amid the silence. “What are you doing out here?”

“I could ask the same thing as you, silly. Do you mind if I borrow your time for a drink?” The bluenet requested with a playful undertone, but did not expect a likely retaliation when an ample smile suddenly blossomed upon his lips, causing the former’s cheeks to flush a scarlet hue.

“That would be lovely.”

Eduan drew in a sharp breath, thanked whatever god there ever was that he was already a drunken mess, and took his rightful place beside V, feeling the roughness of roof tile through his fingers. Truth to be told, he does not know what made him react the way he did, nor why he is acting the way he currently is. One moment, they were deeply absorbed in a conversation about having their fates read by a far-from-legitimate overseer near where the festival was in its highest peak, and the last thing Eduan could vividly recall was the memory of them both being crushed against the crowd’s flow and his tongue exploring the caves of V’s mouth— perhaps a bit of nibbling on the ravenet’s lower lip eliciting a soft, impatient moan— and here he was, unconsciously wistfully staring at the wavecontroller who is none the wiser about his dilemma.

Which is a problem in itself because Khun Eduan is not usually the person who dwells.

“About what happened earlier,” the spearbearer started, trying his utmost to not lose his composure as he searched for any sign of fluster on V’s face lest he’d scare him away. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Confusion flashed on V’s features before the point was made. “Did you mean, the kiss?”

Eduan nodded, trying to wash away the lump constricting his throat through a gulp of wine when his companion laughed lightheartedly, sipping on the cup of his fair share of wine, as if the situation did not have the same effect on him as much as it did on the bluenet. “That was an accident so, there is no need for you to beat yourself up about it, Eduan. If you hated it that much, then we can swear that with the last of this drink, everything that had transpired earlier this day must be forgotten. Okay?”

“I don’t.” The real question here is, why is Eduan even this affected in the first place? “Hate it, I mean.”

V stiffened, the wind blowing through his bangs, revealing amethyst eyes now looking frazzled. “Please donʼt look at me like that, Eduan.”

The aforesaid clenched his free fist tightly that his palm bled, yet he couldn’t look away from the incandescent purple engulfing his mind like a wild flame. And God knows it was in Eduan’s nature to push an argument until its breaking point.

“Like what?”

V set down his cup, his face reverting back to its solemn state. “Like you are more than willing to trade and give everything that comprised your whole world up and place them under my feet.”

That was just dumb, but Eduan figured it wouldn’t hurt to think about it more. It was an autumn night, unrelenting, yet far from over. The remainder of leaves rustling until it flew to nevermore. Two renowned warriors reduced to a normal being under the deepening dusk, leaving behind the heavy burden that was their title for a single moment, settling atop a roof.

“What if I can?” The bluenet’s lips moved before he could even think of another response.

“Donʼt.” V’s whisper was as fleeting as he was.

Eyes once of luminescent amethyst losing its glow like a dying star, chestnut brown hair dyed of onyx black disheveled and slowly fading, and his skin so fair it looked translucent under the moonlight. If something out of place should touch him, he might just disappear. Why does V always look like he was on the verge of running away? 

A simper formed on the Khun’s lips as he taunted, leaning closer onto the other. “What if I wanted to?”

“You should not want.”

Silence.

“You cannot want, Eduan.” Does he loath the thought so much that he is reduced to helpless tears? “It is not proper. Please... don’t.”

The indirect confession was not the least bit sincere, at least in Eduan’s high standards, yet the rejection landed a blow on his pride. So, he pushed further, wanting to see how long until V— the always composed and level-headed irregular, compassionate and ever-forgiving friend, yet completely detached, V, finally loses his temper. “Why canʼt I want you? Tell me. Make me understand. These feelings are mine, so why is that so?”

Eduan never noticed crossing that thin line, the bowl half empty left forgotten as he pulled the other’s waist closer, caressing his face smoothly, eyeing V’s lips that had the crimson color of wine.

“Because, I cannot take responsibility for such burdensome emotions.”

The bluenet froze. Everything seemed to dim at that moment, and the words coming out of V’s mouth suddenly sounded like a lie. But it wasn’t the lies that hurt, was it?

“Khun Eduan-ssi, I cannot fight for you.”

Hurt. The latter almost cackled as he felt a pang of pain in his chest, coupled with a slight burst of irration. How could V even hurt him while looking so broken? It does not make sense, but neither was Eduan. He was not the type to burst out at someone like this.

“Our worlds are too parallel, Eduan.” The Khun did not even know rejection could be so kind when V cupped his palm under his with a kind smile Eduan wanted to erase. “I am more than flattered that you enjoy my company, but I cannot offer you what I do not have.”

“What about Arlene? You push us away and return to that woman— who hurt you time and time again, whenever it truly matters. Why is that, V? What can she give you that was so irresistible that you cannot escape her cycle of abuse?” Eduan muttered out before he can stop himself, a plethora of emotions clouding his rationality for something he cannot even begin to fathom.

“She’s a different case. Lady Arlene is my rule.”

‘Am I really falling for V over one silly kiss?’ Khun Eduan already feels like shit, but the ravenet’s next words made the first round feel like heaven in comparison.

“My whole existence belongs to her, Eduan.”

•••

happy KhunBam week everyone! cheers to another untimely update from yours truly. i don’t think i can participate this year either, but let’s not close all doors lmao. i swear the angst shall come, but these days i am incapable of channeling feelings of hurt so help me God-

anyway, how are y’all faring?