my dear friend, BepNugget made this amazing artwork of a scene from the last chapter! support her, she's so talented in both the writing and drawing sense :)

Jaemin walks painfully slow through the empty halls, his feet dragging across the polished marble floors. The sun was protruding the building with it's bright, harsh rays. It lit up the entire hallway with it's warmth, lighting up the darkest corners. Jaemin basked in the comfort and warmth as his feet padded through the silent hallways, silently wishing that day could last just a while longer.

He arrived in front of the student counsel's room, the door wide open. Shouts and giggles could be heard from the inside, and Jaemin saw a flash of bright orange hair followed by a shriek.

They're awfully energetic today. Jeno must be in a good mood.

As he steps into the room, he notices Renjun standing in front of the chalkboard. His white chalk is split in two pieces on the floor, and the boy is looking down at it with possibly one of the most pitying looks ever.

Jaemin nudges him. "You okay there, buddy?"

Renjun's lip wobbles. "They took my chalk when I tried to make them focus and then broke it in half in front of my face," he shakes his head. "They're animals."

The ash-haired hesitates, opting to just pat his shoulder comfortingly before scurrying away. He does not have time to deal with one of Renjun's breakdowns. He always gets like this before finals, but the rest of the group certainly does nothing to help ease the other. It's comical yet heartbreaking at the same time.

He arrives at his seat and turns to the blonde next to him, who's leaning against the desk with his feet against the wood. An amused smile spreads across his face as he watches their two maknaes descend into chaos.

Jaemin rolls his eyes. He leans closer and whispers against the other's ears. "Control them."

The blonde chuckles and meets his gaze. "What for? They seem to be having a good time."

"If not for Renjun's sanity, then for mine."

Jeno sighed dramatically before standing up and clapping his hands to grab everyone's attention. The chaotic dip pause in their tracks, Jisung's hands gripping Chenle's collared shirt as they both turn with wide eyes; looking like a deer in headlights. Jaemin stifles a snort.

The blonde nods towards Renjun who snaps out of his self-pitying session and turns towards the chalkboard.

"Yongsan's Annual Thanksgiving feast and pre-game is in three days, people! That means that Jaemin, Hyuck and I are in charge of the meals and you three are in charge of decorations."

Chenle giggles and raises his hand. "Can I be in charge of making the paper turkey's?"

Renjun's expression turns to one of annoyance before shaking his head in dismissal. "Whatever. As long as I get my silk beige table runners, then I don't care."

Jisung scribbles something on his notes before mumbling, "Got it!"

"What will you be bringing, Jaemin?"

The ash haired startles, having been lost in his thoughts just a few minutes ago. His lips jut in a pout as he contemplates. This isn't a new tradition; he's helped prepare Thanksgiving dinner every year since he was a freshman. Hours spent in his dorm, meticulously checking on each of his platters and letting Jeno taste test. It was the smallest bit of familiarity he could get, and actually looked forward to it.

"The turkey of course," Jeno cuts in before he can answer, a proud smile on his lips. "You know that's his specialty."

Renjun nods, adding Jaemin's name onto the board next to the food. "Right, of course. So then Hyuck and I will be on side dish duty. Can you do the mac & cheese, potatoes and bread, Hyuck?"

The sun-kissed boy nods, leaning upside down over his chair. His chestnut strands nearly touch the tile, yet it seems like he couldn't be bothered; his phone was pushed dangerously close to his eyes as he typed furiously. Jaemin could only guess who he was texting.

"What about the morté chance?" Jisung piques.

"We don't plan that until December."

Ah, the morté chance. The student bodies one last chance for normality before finals begin. A dance of a lifetime, one that only seniors get to experience. Consider it a sending away present—well, if you're naïve enough.

But Jaemin knows better than that. This is their last dance because if they do not live, if they do not stand victorious, then they will die. Another soul tethered to Yongsan Academy for centuries, with nothing to show for themselves other than their undying loyalty and dedication to the craft of deceit.

━

The rest of the day went on seemingly uneventful minus the crumbling of his own mind.

Filled with what ifs and what thens, he felt as if he were on the verge of his own sanity, threatened to be taken away from him. Not like he had much left of it in the first place.

He fulfilled his duty for the day. Follow both Yoonah and Jeno like a loyal dog, escorting her to her classes and holding her waist possessively when he knew eyes were on them both. Or perhaps he would fiddle with the ring on her finger, and would stare at her longer than he intended.

And then she was gone.

Left with Sookie to study in the library, and he was left alone to his own devices. It felt weird when she left; as if something forbidden began to nestle in the crook of his heart, such an unwelcome feeling that slowly began to breach his insides with something warm and fulfilling that it left a noticeable ache when it was gone.

Seeking to render that feeling, Jaemin found himself wandering mindlessly. Walking the corridors and avoiding his peers and duties until he made it to the one place he could consider a safe haven.

When Jaemin climbs those twisted stairs on his own, the flight seems infinitely longer. The faster he wants to reach the pad, the longer it seems to take. On these kinds of days, everything seems to fall into a void. Those days where he had no purpose; no fulfillment. When he had nothing better to do with his time than to follow orders wordlessly and do what he always does; observe and perceive and then be thrown away once he's fulfilled his duty.

He used to find those days the most exciting. When he would get to be alone with himself and his thoughts and just watch. But now, just at the mere thought spending time alone caused shivers to crawl down his spine. His life is constantly spinning, twisting and turning, especially with this being their last year to establish themselves; and with the new addition in his life it certainly feels impossible to go without her hand in his, a constant reminder that he is never alone.

Today was one of those days. The kind where Jaemin just couldn't get out of his head; stuck in an endless timeline of his own worst memories. At this point, they're better considered nightmares.

So, he came to that same rooftop, sat on her pink blankets that smelled just like her and basked in the deep set sunset glow.

He never intended on coming back up here. He was never meant to find comfort in the soft plush of those blankets, or the cushions with 'SY' embroidered into cloth, or the soft breeze caressing his face, seeping coolness into his overheated body. His fingers twirl a few stray strands of the cloth around his pads as he stares up into a plethora of dark pinks and oranges, painting the sky in a dusky palette.

It felt as if he could sit and watch the sky descend into darkness for eternity.

In a time like this, life seems to freeze in time. A stoic in between of everything and nothing. Numbness sinking into his chest.

At times, Jaemin sees himself as a walking paradox.

Being consumed by apathy and oblivion and conflicted with distortion and insight. 

It's a never-ending pandemonium, a ruthless chase leaving him heaving and craze-driven. Constantly running; breathless with no end to it. No matter how far he strays, the chaos will always find him.

"There you are."

The metal door slams shut causing Jaemin's head to snap with it. His heart flutters at the idea of who it could be but quickly sinks back into his chest at the stone-cold features and platinum hair. His shoulders straighten automatically at the sight of his childhood friend.

He remains silent as the other inspects the rooftop area, his eyes falling on the blanket wrapped over his legs. An eyebrow raises, "Is she here?"

Jaemin shakes his head.

"Then what are you doing here?"

The ash-haired slowly raises from his position, letting the blanket fall to the ground. "How did you find this place?" His brows furrow.

A cunning half smile engulfs his lips. "You didn't think I'd leave you to your own devices, did you?"

No, how foolish would it be to believe that you would trust me?

Jeno maunders, wordlessly stalking towards the edge of the rooftop. His arms are crossed behind his back and the wind pushes back his blonde strands, revealing his forehead and the small scar over his brow. His eyes search the sky, as if looking for answers that are woven in the clouds.

The ash-haired catches his lip in his teeth, eyes darting anxiously between the door and his best friend.

Not being able to take the silence any longer, Jaemin gives in. Wrapping his arms around his body almost instinctually, protectively, he says,  "We began our training session last night."

"Is that where you were all night?"

Jaemin frowns. "Don't act as if you didn't know."

Jeno shrugs. "I just didn't expect it be an all-night kind of thing," he shuffles his feet. "Then?"

The ash-haired sighs, avoiding eye contact. His stomach already felt queasy enough and the idea of this conversation only worsened his condition. He finds himself taking back what he said; he would prefer silence over this.

"She has no hope. She'll be taken out the second the killings begin."

"And you're certain of it?" At his silence, Jeno scoffs. "Do not play dumb with me, Na Jaemin. You're withholding information from me."

His hands rub at his side. "There's nothing to be said, Jeno. I can only move so fast." He looks up at the other and nearly falters at his harsh glare. Disappointment simmers in his expression, and Jaemin can't help the anxiety that rises within him. Remember our promise. "Even if she dares to fly, I'll clip her wings. You taught me that, Jeno."

Silence encapsulates them for a moment, allowing Jaemin's mind to run wild.

***

"Jaemin-ah, come look."

The grass is mush underneath his feet, his foot slowly sinks into the deep earth with every step. It oddly feels invigorating. His skin connecting with the soil and each blade of the grass tickling his heel, reminding him of how painfully alive he is.

Jeno is crouched beside a tree, blonde hair hovering over his eyes. Jaemin crouches beside him and gasps at the sight of a baby bird in his arms. A small dove cooed in distress as it tried to flutter it's wings in an attempt to flee.

The ash-haired boy reached out gently to pet its wings with his index finger, curious to feel its soft feather and memorize it's beauty with the prints of his pads.

"It fell from its nest." Jeno said.

"It must be scared." Jaemin pouted, feeling sympathy for the small creature. Like an angel fallen from the sky.

Jeno's fingers crawled from it's fragile wings to it's neck. The bird began chirping incessantly, eyes widening as a pressure began to set in.

Jaemin's hands desperately grasped at his wrists. "What're you doing!"

"A lion doesn't let prey into his pride."

Jaemin's eyes narrowed, and his grip on his wrists tighten. "Jeno, no."

The other looks up at him, eyes clouded with a thirst for something intangible. "If I let one weak link go, then what does that say about me?"

"This is different! This is an innocent creature."

"We are all something from a sin."

With one dying chirp, it's neck snapped. Jaemin gasped, staring at the lifeless bird being help in his merciless gasp.

"If you give a weakling just an ounce of power, they will run with it. Clip it's wings before it takes flight."

***

A shudder courses through his body at the memory, but it's meaning increased by a tenth fold. His eyes drag across the other's tall figure. The sleeves of his white button up were rolled up to his elbows, and his tie hung loosely around his neck.

It's not enough, Jaemin thinks. He's not satisfied. He needs more.

Jaemin sighs, always too much of a people pleaser. "I think I finally gained her trust."

Jeno hums. "Did you?"

Jaemin nods. "But it's capricious. One wrong move and she'll flee."

The blonde turns around fully and shrugs nonchalantly. "Then eliminate the probability. Ensure there are no mistakes to be made."

"How so?"

"There can only be one reason why the girl would doubt you, and it's me. I'm above all of you, above everyone. And who is my most loyal subject?"

Jaemin grits his teeth, cheeks flushing. Partially from embarrassment, and partly from frustration. "Me." His eyes narrow. "Remove the king from his throne."

"Ah-ah," his grin widens as his gaze darkens. "Take the knight from his king."

"And how do you suggest that?" Jaemin rolls his eyes. "This isn't right, Jeno. This isn't our plan. We're moving way too far off track."

A distorted chuckle escapes his lips, tongue darting out to swipe at his lips. "How precious. Are you having second thoughts, little raven?"

"No," Jaemin scowls. He hates that nickname with a burning passion. "But you know this isn't what we agreed on.
I was simply meant to watch her, get some dirt on her and that's the end of it. This is entirely different."

"Are you doubting my methods?"

"She wants to meet you, Jeno!" He bursts, his anxieties spilling over like a broken damn.

Jeno pauses, eyes narrowing. "Well now, we can't have that, can we?"

"I cannot control her perception of you, Jeno."

"You don't need to. I already know how."

Jaemin's heart sinks into his stomach. "What are you planning, Lee Jeno?" He stands and steps forward, but something keeps him back. A distance away from his childhood friend, a force between them that has been there before.

The blonde stares at him for a solid seconds, eyes raking down every inch of his body before coming back up to his face.

"Do you remember our promise?"

Without hesitation. "Yes."

"Then you have nothing to worry about."

hope you enjoyed!
don't forget to leave
a vote & comment!

and yes, i am aware that
the korean thanksgiving
day, chulseok is celebrated
in september and that technically
they are celebrating american
thanksgiving day, which occurs
in november. but, this is a
work of fiction, and i can do
whatever i want, and what i
want is a dramatic feast, and that
i shall have ╰(▔∀▔)╯

**NOT edited**