Chapter written by Ara (illumins).

On the far east side of the school building, inside the observatory tower, hung out a group of boys too mischievous for their own good. Along with them are three female students; one sat on an old torn dusty couch between Jisung and Chenle, playing with their ties as the boys shared intrigued looks. The other girl with mid-length ombre blonde hair laid on top of an old oak wood desk, posing for her painter Renjun who kept taking long glances at her. And lastly, a short-haired girl sat on the lap of Jeno next to an open window where autumn air blew in. The two shared flirtatious looks that dared the other to make the first move, but neither did. Mark comfortably seated himself on an armchair, fingers gracing over the edges of an old book. Haechan on the other side faced the wall and with a small swiss knife carved out drawings and initials.

Jaemin studied all his friends from the other window beside the one Jeno and his girl sat. Blonde whisks of hair laying nicely above his eyelids, one arm on his bent up knee and the other around his stomach. He watched his childhood friend play cocky with the short hair girl. She irked him, he remembered how she'd tried making a move on him and then flipped out when only a cold stare was returned from him. That was last year, and now she'd found a way around Jeno's orbit.

"You trust too easily," the girl says as her hands trace the edge of Jeno's jaw.

Coming closer to her his eyes with a soft daring glare, "Mhm, and you're too naive for keeping your guard down."

With her index finger, she gently trails down to his throat- "It would be so easy to cut your throat right now"- now with a little pressure added she trails across his neck with her nail. She watched as his apple bobbed underneath her touch and glancing up she saw his smirk.

Jaemin couldn't help but scoff, so childish. Yet Jeno's response shocked him as it did with everyone else in the old abandoned study room. With a tight grip around the girl's waist who still sat on his lap, he pulled her over the edge of the window. Her upper body dangling above the air as Jeno held onto her with eyes now filled with adrenaline. He saw fear in her eyes yet she remained steady.

Over the gasps of the other two girls and startled boys, he belittles her playfully. "You trust me huh?"

She didn't respond, only kept holding on tightly to his forearm and shoulder. Jaemin remained seated but watched in horror, you've crossed the line Jeno.

Swiftly as he'd had her over the ledge, Jeno pulled her inside again and caressed her cheeks. "You should be careful. I might make you my first kill Mihi."

The room kept still except Haechan who went back to carving whatever he did. Jaemin swallowed a heavy breath before getting up and walking towards the door. As his hands wrapped around the golden doorknob, Jeno called him out. "Jaemin, do some scouting. Any new kids, you know, potential threats." At his request, Jaemin just nods and walks out. Going down the small hallway and then down spiraling stairs that lead to the main floors of the building. Before going to the small mart they have in the school Jaemin couldn't help but think harshly of what Jeno really meant. You mean threats I'll have to take care of.

—

Jaemin passed through hallways and hallways of doors, portraits, trophies, and students of all ages. It still weirded him out how much attention he has gotten since Jeno and he has been dubbed the "Top Killers" or "Golden Duo". It all began when they were doing their physical exams last year of junior year.
~
The two boys stood in either of the two rows that faced each other with a black mat in-between. Coach, pacing around them like a vulture, analyzed every kid he had. Scrawny, bulky, muscled, and even regularly fitted. The two fell in the last category, sure they could handle a couple of punches and if they're lucky, a kill. But they would be first to go like most kids he saw standing out here in the misty field.

Jeno had more muscle compared to Jaemins small built, yet same height. Since the accident in freshman year, Jeno had promised to protect Jaemin. That and with Jaemins wit and Jeno's strength they would survive through the Seniors Final Exam. And now as they both looked at each other across the mat they felt deadlier than ever. Jaemin's training over the summer with his father had taught him a lot. Soon he figured out that hunting for an animal is not that different from a human, instincts fall the same. Knowing this Jaemin felt more confident than in his previous years at the school. Just like Jeno feels whenever he returned from a private kickboxing lesson his father had been paying for since sophomore year. They radiated a silent aura of death and while Jeno thrived in its presence with a high chin; Jaemin troubled himself internally knowing he secretly liked it. Like he was untouchable and with a single thumb, he could rid anyone he feels is a threat.

Patting his sleeves and looking down at his clipboard, Coach Neun skimmed through the names. "Alright students, you'll have your single evaluation and then a co-ed one too. First will be the co-ed to see how you digress from working with someone than alone."

He listed off names that Jaemin cared less to remember, although Jeno had told him to get to know the classmates as to prepare when the day does come. 'Know your enemies as you do with a friend, Jaemin, it'll save you', Jeno had told him one night when they ate dinner at his place. Now still didn't feel like the time to care yet for Jaemin. He dozed off until his name slipped through his teacher's husky voice.

"Jaemin and Jeno against Iseul and Munhee."

Four of them stepped into the mat as they were first to go according to teachers' instructions, 'First in sight, first to go.' The boys bowed in respect and once they straightened themselves eager eyes built between the four.

"You know the rules, keep going until one forfeits or they are unable to stand back up. Any serious injuries caused by the foe a suspension of a week will be given."

Jeno smirked as he studied his opponent. Between him and Jaemin he knows he lacks swiftness and quick thinking. But he also made sure to study his weaknesses and strength, plus, with Jaemin on his side he felt unbeatable. Like a king who has a right-hand man, and Jaemin had become that to him.

At the sound of the whistle, Jeno and Jaemin stepped back as both opponents tried to size them up. Iseul, with eyes half-covered by brunette locks, let out a proudful scoff. He was taller than Jeno and Jaemin and is also quick. When they did their mile runs Jeno made sure to take notice of it, as he had done for everyone else. Munhee on the other hand shares the same height as Jaemin but more buffy from all the three, with a buzzcut and freckled cheeks.

Munhee launched at Jeno, toppling him over, a hair away from the edge of the mat. Jeno grunts as his legs are pinned underneath the boy and one arm on Munhee's throat, leaving his left arm free. Seeing a startled Jaemin, Iseul quickly ran up to him and hit him with a roundhouse kick. In pain Jaemin falls as he grasps at his side, praying a rib hasn't been broken. Noticing his partner had taken care of Jeno, Iseul settles over Jaemin, knees pinning down on the arms of his prey. Feeling a stinging pain course through his arms, Jaemin winces, holding back a yelp so as to not look weak.

Nearing his face, Iseul mocked him like a crow. "Say you forfeit and I'll stop, of course, it'll be better if you begged too."

Jaemin through gritted teeth denied the offer. Trying to steal glances behind Iseul at where Jeno was. Yet all he can see is the top of his head that shook violently as he fought backspace between Munhee and him.

Iseul noticed the eyes of the boy strained behind him and grabbed his cheeks between his hand, squeezing it. "No no no, look over here. You should be thankful I'm being considerate, I can get extra points for beating you to a pulp. And here I am giving you mercy."

That rang like church bells in Jaemin's head. Mercy? You're holding back? No, you're weak.

Through a squished mouth Jaemin called out to Jeno, "Jeno! Now!"

Smirking, Jeno took the signal, "Good to know."

With his free arm, Jeno wrapped his left hand around Iseul's ankle that was right next to his head. Munhee, still on top, witnesses in confusion as Jeno pulls the boy's leg which loosens his grip on Jaemin. Once he felt himself somewhat free, Jaemin riggled out from underneath the boy and crawled back. Lifting his upper body, Jaemin raises his right leg next to Iseul's head and with full strength kicks the side temple. This immediately knocks down the boy above Jaemin.

"Jaemin-ahhhh," Jeno yelled, now using both arms to push the bigger man off of him.
No hesitation, Jaemin runs towards the two, and using his full body pushes the boy off of Jeno. Getting up quickly to not lose a second, Jeno pulls Jaemin off by the collar and starts kicking at the sides. Every kick intended to hurt, to kill. That was Lee Jeno's way of winning, eliminating.

"No. Fucking. Mercy," Jeno uttered every word with venom.

Jaemin watched in silence as the deadly aura they shared emitted more and more now. He even took notice of the intensity the students around them perhaps felt. Yet, Jaemin would be lying to himself if he said he didn't enjoy the feeling of power Jeno gave him at that moment. Sure it disgusted him, but it also lessens the feeling of weakness he thought he only held for so many years. Especially since childhood.

Behind him, Iseul began to slowly get up. One arm propped to help him support himself as he straightens up. Jeno took notice of the figure and walked towards them. Grabbing Iseul by the back of the neck he kicks the back of the knees causing Iseul to be on them as he grabs Jeno's grasp. Jaemin now also stood up, now both him and Jeno towering over the boy as predators would to prey.

"Bend down," Jeno ordered.

"Wha-"

"I said bend!" Jeno exclaimed.

Iseul bent forward as he began to shake, fear now dwelling deeper than before.

Jeno looked at Jaemin and then nodded towards the boy's arm. "Do what your dad taught you when you caught a bird."

What? No! Jaemin remained calm but his eyes yelled horror. Yet Jeno wouldn't take no for an answer. Because out of anyone here he knew his best friend more than anyone, perhaps himself. And he knew he'd do it either way.

"Jaemin-ahh, you know his eyes held power over you right. He thinks you're weak and that's why he got the first move on you."

Jaemin looked at him confused, "You were on the ground first too..."

"Yeah," Jeno now extended the boy's left arm himself, "but the difference is Jaemin, I got you out. Without me you're dead, and you know it."

The Coach now realizing what Jeno's intentions are, he yells out to him, "Hold on! I said no injury-," yet to the two on the mat his voice blurred out.

Jeno looked back up at Jaemin this time now, "And you promised you'd be better than me, remember."

Jaemin's eyes now went cold, distant, Yes I remember. Jeno caught the hunger in his eyes and it caused the fiery flames in his rage further. That's Jaemin, he'd only seen it once and he remembered how impressed he was by it. And now he sees it again at this very moment.

Repeating himself, Jeno looks down at the boy's now extended arm he held tightly. "So Jaemin, what do you do when you catch a bird?"

"I said stop! Suspension to the both of-" Coach couldn't finish his sentence in shock. In horror? No. He knows these students will do much worse in Senior Exams. Yet, to see bloodthirsty teenagers did put him on edge.

Everyone who's surrounded them waiting for their turn gasped or yelled. Some even stood in awe and impressed. Jaemin, with his shin, pushed hard on the back of the boy's arm until it cracked in half. Until the crushing sound was loud enough to reach the depths of his mind where he had retreated.

And silently answered Jeno's question, "You clip their wings."

—

That was a year ago, now the two with the others added to their group are seen as future leaders of society. Some even looked up to their skills, hoping they can perform as well as them in the exams. Who wouldn't though, when the "Goulden Duo" were so perfect. Right?