Work Text
There once was a boy born under the blazing heat of the saffron sun. Every inch of him is amiable, warmth coursing through his veins like second nature. Some say that it was because of the August month he was born under, respected and impressive, that he was always meant to be a god. Either way, he was dearly beloved from the rural countryside beside his birth town to the bustling mecca where he grew up generously.However where there was Na Jaemin, there was a conundrum. As the dazzling splendor of the summer sun simmered at the denouement of every August, so did Jaemin’s composition. It was baffling to every doctor who visited the Na household hoping that they might be the one to solve the puzzling complication that was the disintegration of Na Jaemin.His illness would eventually be chalked up to the changing of seasons, when autumn’s cape sheathed summer’s scorch it was just enough to cause Jaemin’s heart to deplete. Various doctors nor Jaemin’s family could be sure how or why this happened, it was an unsolvable puzzle. All that was certain then was that Jaemin would not live past his eighteenth birthday, and it would be a miracle if he lived a week more.“It’s because you were born of warmth that the light has encompassed you.” His mother would murmur against his forehead on the days when the pain was especially excruciating. She would coddle her only child, entrapping her arms like a cage around him in comfort as crystalline tears spilled from his eyes.It is on his eighteenth birthday, the day that is
supposed to mark his death, where Jaemin is given the chance for renewal. To shed the flesh that had only riddled him with illness and agony. The gods above had been observing Na Jaemin since he completed his first teetering steps and smiled his genuine wholehearted smiles. Only certain beings could contain the amount of sincerity that Jaemin possessed, and they admired that.“They thought that letting you die would be a waste of a pure heart.” explains the messenger who lingered around the foot of Jaemin’s bed. By the way he stands upright with his faded green cloak wrapped around his body, he simply commanded a vigorous ambiance. His eyes are
a brilliant hazel, a sort of calmness in the seas of his intent gaze. He is beautiful in the most serene of ways and Jaemin felt only tranquility with this man’s presence. As expected of a messenger of the gods, Jaemin figures this man was more likely than not a deity as well.“This is a one time offer, Na Jaemin. If you choose to accept you will live a prosperous life of immortality in a semi godly flesh.” He would be a deity. “You‘d become a son of the spring, bringing life to the crops and lush green to the meadows. A symbol of the decaying of the winter and the rebirth and renewal of the lands in the spring. An immortal youth, one of the first of your kind.”It should not have taken Jaemin too long to make a decision. Anyone who has felt the raw effects of dying first hand at such a young age like Jaemin has, the slow decaying of the heart and mind, would have leaped at this once in a time opportunity.The curtain on Na Jaemin’s life was on the cusp of being drawn prematurely, but he was being given the offer of forever. He would be able to become acquainted with a life where he bore no pain, where the setting of the sun did not send a ruinously shattering sensation rippling through him. He would know suffering no longer.What made Jaemin consider this with great caution was how this choice would affect his life. While this extension of the gods’ gratitude was the most beneficial to him, that does not mean it did not come without consequences. He would live in unperturbed peace for the rest of eternity, but his mother and father would not. He would stay a perfect portrait of his adolescence while his family would inch closer and closer towards their eventual time to bow. He would be rendered helpless as each member of his family faded into oblivion, until he himself is the only Na left.Immortality comes at a cost. Does Jaemin want to attentively watch his family perish from a distance while he enjoys a life of longevity? Of course not. And while it is selfish, he does not want to die either. His mortal body is weak but his soul is passionate. He knows that somewhere within him life is waiting to bloom.He is not ready to leave this world.He wants to experience the beauty that he knows life had to offer. He wants to enjoy the rising of the shining morning sky, see the ore-gold beams cascade over the falling burgundy foliage, feel the chilling breeze of the shifting seasons kiss his exposed skin without an odd premonition that the cold would be his greatest rival, and know what it would be like for fondness to blossom and manifest him until his thoughts are consumed by one he knows he can love.He cannot
not do this while being buried six feet under.“If I eat the ambrosia.. That will be it, then?” Jaemin questions, swallowing hard. His mind is racing. Whether that was due to the overwhelming feeling of the situation or his fever beginning to gnaw at whatever is left of him, he isn’t sure. “I’ll become a deity?”“Essentially,” The messenger is patient with him. Jaemin is sure he has done this before, with the amount of poise he held while waiting for Jaemin’s reply. “Though I cannot promise that it will not hurt. Your body is already so far destroyed that the ambrosia may do more harm. Only initially, of course. This is the food of the gods. However, it will seal your immortality and with time, you will feel yourself become invigorated. Ichor will run through your veins, and you will be renewed. You will have to come with me, you cannot continue to live here with your mortal family.” He spares a fleeting look at Jaemin’s parents, a now apologizing consideration in his eyes. His mother was crumbling in the grasp of her husband, wailing inconsolably. This man might not have been the best at consoling, as all he offers is a shrug. “Sorry.”Jaemin’s eyes slowly slide over to his family. His mother and father, who had the uttermost love in their hearts for their son. They adored him enough to raise him to be kind and considerate even when death had been staring him directly in the face, teasing him with every year that passed. Him leaving would hurt, but him dying would ruin them. That alone gives him the answer he needs.“I’ll take it.” His voice is firm and unwavering as he makes a choice that would bind him for life. There is no turning back now.The way this man smiles at him gives Jaemin the inkling that he knew all along what choice he would eventually make. As if this man had the ability to peer into his mind and heart and recognize that even with the anxiety and uncertainty, Jaemin would choose immortality over sinking into death’s merciless claws.The process after Jaemin had confirmed what he would do is significantly more simple that he’d assumed. The man politely asks Jaemin’s mother for a bowl to prepare the ambrosia in and she complies without complaint, wiping her tears away messily as she produced what was needed. “Perfect.” He croons as he very slowly siphons a small quantity into the bowl before he passes it to Jaemin. “Hold this carefully.”With the uttermost caution Jaemin cups the cool metal, running the pads of his fingertips across the engraving on the side. This is the most expensive and fine bowl they had in the the whole house. Jaemin knew his mother only plucked it out for important occasions. The round, deep basin only feels that much more special as he watches the shining golden liquid swirl in the bowl. The ambrosia is incredibly fragrant, the sickly sweet smell wafting to his nostrils as he inhales the perfume-like drink. The liquid is the hue of the most beautiful honeycomb flower, glistening even in the dim lit bedroom. The consistency is just about that of honey, Jaemin thinks. Perhaps just a bit thinner.All he had to do is take a sip, and he would finally be rid of the agony he had gone through for the last eighteen years. The moments before his life changed for the better are ones that would forever be permanently fixed in his mind. He’ll remember the weary glance he shoots the messenger, and the forced smiles his parents had across their lips. In those seconds, he knows what they were thinking—we are losing our son, either way.With an unstable breath, he ceremoniously lifts the basin to his lips, tipping it back as the liquid slides down his throat with ease. It stings more than Jaemin had ever anticipated, and his feeble hands clutch at his sheets. His body trembles with every cough that shook his devastatingly weak self.He cannot remember for how long he laid in that bed, crying out at the torment that attacks him from the inside out. Eventually, it subsides, and Jaemin’s body begins to regulate itself, his breathing no longer labored. His throat is not scratchy from his piercing screams, nor does his stomach curdle with involuntary contractions. Even his fingertips feel stronger, not at all brittle and calloused. The pale skin that he had become accustomed to when his sickness had spiraled was now a distant memory of the past as he glows, the aura around him shimmering.“Na Jaemin,” announces the man after a period of observing Jaemin curiously. His arms were raised victoriously in his direction. His eyes were blazing in the most fierce of ways, and it gave Jaemin chills. “Welcome to immortality.”✿❁❀✿❀❁Leaving is the hardest part. The messenger, who he learns is not a messenger at all but actually the god of nature, Nakamoto Yuta, only offers him a limited amount of time to bid goodbye. The family begs for leniency, but Yuta is insistent—an hour, at most. He vanishes into the darkening night sky, vowing to return to claim Jaemin once the first star began its dance across the sky’s expanse. That does not leave much time, so the three hurried their messages to each other, embracing as if it was the last.Jaemin will never forget what his mom told him, before Yuta mysteriously reappears at their doorstep: “Do not ever forget, Na Jaemin, you were woven together with the sun’s most beautiful beams. They may no longer entangle you in their fiery hold, but you were born to set this world ablaze with your light.”✿❁❀✿❀❁While Yuta brought Jaemin to where he would be permanently residing, the boy attempts to conjure up reasons to how this day could have come about. This morning he was laying on his deathbed, by midday the god of spring had offered him the highly sought after drink of immortality, and by midnight he was a deity. To Jaemin, none of this truly adds up. Go figure.This has been common school knowledge for Jaemin. Ambrosia was strictly one of two of the godly foods, the other being the sugary sweet secretion known as nectar, of course. Non-immortals simply did not consume either, unless they did not fear their imminent death. The only situations where Jaemin could remember mortals having a taste of the heavenly foods were: (1) if someone had died wrongly and the effects of the ambrosia could work to bring them back to life, (2) if a hero had fallen in combat and or had done an action a god felt was worthy to become an immortal, (3) for any minuscule reason a god wanted to make someone a deity—a mortal who they had fallen in love with was usually the textbook case.Jaemin is none of these things, really. He had not fought valiantly for an empire, nor had he fallen in love with a godly being. He is just Na Jaemin, a human with a terminal illness. He asks Yuta this. “Just why was I given this opportunity? What did I do to deserve this?”Yuta finds the question laughable, an amused glint in his eyes as he glances at Jaemin. “Na Jaemin, do you really care why you’re now a deity? Is the reason important?”Well. Jaemin considers that among other things he wanted to know, he guesses this is not too pressing. He wants to know if he would have a patron city, if he’d meet the big deities, would he eventually get a shrine and followers entirely dedicated to him? “A cult, or something like that?”Yuta raises his eyebrows. Jaemin was a curious boy, so interested in the world surrounding him after being sheltered for so long. One becomes fascinated with the most simple things after not quite living for eighteen years. Walking on the ledge of death that does that to a person. “Have you thought of this often? Or did you all come up with this right now?”“Hm.. All of it right now. Trust me, when I was sick in bed, I rarely thought about becoming immortal. This was a total shock to me.” Jaemin had just wanted to live, he did not desire anything else more except being able to watch the sun set and rise for years to come. Luckily, Jaemin thinks this’ll be possible.Yuta informs him that they have arrived, and Jaemin is surprised to see a cozy cottage not much bigger than his own. As they walk the small distance inside, Yuta turns to him, guessing it would be beneficial to explain the way this would work now. “Among other things, I am the god of the nature and vegetation. I told you this, yes?” Jaemin nods. “I live here along with other gods of similar talents: Qian Kun, god of the harvest and Kim Jungwoo, god of the plants. Additionally, we have a young flower nymph whom Kun has taken under his wing, his name is Zhong Chenle. You will be working with us for the rest of eternity, so if I were you I would get used to this arrangement.”“What will I be the god of, Yuta?” His tone of voice is cautious, each word pronounced with the uttermost amount of politeness. He did not want to sound too eager, or impolite. Nakamoto Yuta was a god, and the last thing he wanted to do was upset an immortal.“A lovely question, Jaemin. You have been decided to be the god of spring growth. Since you were born under the August sun and the annual return of the fall that lead to winter was what caused you to be so ill, the general consensus would be that you would have nothing to do directly with the aforementioned seasons.” This reasoning makes absolute sense. “We saw your heart, it was a factor in our choice to offer you immortality. You are filled with compassion, and spring is the perfect season for you to be involved with. You will be the seed of the fruits of the field, Na Jaemin.” Yuta sighs, exasperated. He seems to have reached the quota of speaking for the day. “You ask too many questions, no more until tomorrow. Let’s go introduce you to everyone, they have been anticipating you.”Yuta throws open the door, and Jaemin is surprised to see three figures leaning against the entrance. He observes the three of them with a fascinated gleam in his eyes and a hopeful optimism in his heart. Each has a certain sweet-tempered disposition as they offer beaming smiles at the new recruit. Leading the two was perhaps the young nymph Yuta had mentioned earlier, with his childish grin and lavender hair. He looked just about the age of Jaemin, if not a year or two younger. Beside him is boy just about the age of Yuta, not too tall with a vibrant shade of orange that colored the locks of his hair. Lastly, behind him both of them was a boy that stood at just about average height. Something about him held a paternal air, with his gentle smile and kind eyes. Even with his position in the back, he radiates the firm presence of a leader.“We were not eavesdropping, absolutely not!” claims the young boy, leaning his body against the dorm frame casually.“You’re not lying, Chenle? Are you sure?” Yuta questions, bending the slightest bit. Jaemin figures it would be easy to lie to him, however the Yuta’s tone contained an amazing amount of conviction. And with the way his eyes were dynamically staring into the boy’s, Chenle’s, Jaemin reconsiders his stance on being untruthful.So does Chenle, so it seems. He begins answering Yuta by shaking his head vehemently, but when the elder raised an eyebrow doubtfully in a way that almost said ‘really?’, the shaking of the head gradually slowed. Chenle’s posture slacks, and the persuasive look he thought he had upon his face drops. “I cannot lie to him,” His voice quivers as he moves towards the back, mumbling cogent apologies as he pushes the oldest boy to the front. “sorry, Kun.”Kun does not seem the slightest bit angry with Chenle, however. It appears to be quite the opposite as the man’s smile only widens, ruffling the boy’s lavender locks adoringly. He steps forward willingly, now inches away from both Jaemin and Yuta. “Kids these days, always throwing you under—am I right?” The color of his voice was mellow, only barely informal, yet managed to possess a slight air of humor. “I was excited! We haven’t gotten anybody new since Chenle, and he’s a pain in my—”“No cursing!” chimes the tangerine haired boy warningly. He is the first one to move towards Jaemin. His demeanor is full of kindness, but the glint in his eyes held barely noticeable undertones of mischievousness. Something about this boy in particular is easing to him, and Jaemin feels like they are going to be good friends. “Hi, you’re Jaemin, right?” It was rhetorical, more the beginning of an introduction than a formal question. “I’m Kim Jungwoo, god of plants. Well, technically I’m the god that causes plants to bloom, but that title would be a mouthful,” He points to lavender haired boy, then the elder one in front. “That’s Zhong Chenle, our cute but very loud nymph,” Cue Chenle’s ear piercing whining. Jaemin suddenly giggles, understanding just why the boy was labeled as loud. “and
last, but not least, this is Qian Kun, god of the harvest.”This is all very overwhelming for Jaemin, standing in the presence of such divine figures. It had not been long but he was unable to wrap his head that he is now an addition to this sanctified class of existing beings. He wonders if he will ever quite feel apart of this inner heavenly circle. Perhaps with time he will adjust and eventually feel worth. It had not even been a full day, Jaemin reminds himself. He is not sure whether to introduce himself with the high regard of a newly transformed deity, or as a mortal. He reverts to a more formal greeting. “Hello, it’s very nice to meet you all. I’m Na Jaemin.”“..Newly made god of spring growth.” finishes Yuta, proudly appreciating the title Jaemin seem to did not add to his introduction. He assumes Yuta must be satisfied with having a part in transposing a denigrate mortal into some sublime immortal being.“Well!” Kun claps his hands together in a way that seems to bring closure to the conversation. “Let’s go inside and let Jaemin rest. He may be immortal but I am sure he still has mortal impulses. He should rest, he’s come a long way.”“Literally,” emphasizes Yuta, his hand light on the curve of Jaemin’s shoulder as he nudges the boy further into the warmth of the abode. “we have all of eternity to discuss this.”There was not much to say afterwards, as everyone began to retreat to their own rooms with a good night’s rest on their minds. Chenle’s aforementioned adolescent energy decreased with celerity, and his lithe body fell abruptly onto the couch in the lounging room. Yuta and Kun share a room, so the two humbly retired upstairs.However not before Kun turns to him halfway up the staircase. “You’ll be sharing a room with Jungwoo,” He informs plainly. “We think you two will match well.”Which was how Na Jaemin finds himself following a soft voiced Kim Jungwoo to one of the bedrooms on the upper floor. The house is more spacious than it initially appears, Jaemin surveys as he weaves up the stairs and past the closed bedroom doors. “This is our room.” says Jungwoo, pushing the door at the end of the hall just wide enough for the two of them to enter. Jaemin is not sure what to expect, but as he steps further into the room he feels a strong enveloping of comfort entwine tightly around his body. It's an odd feeling, and Jaemin isn't quite sure how to explain it.
The room was painted a color just akin to that of cream, complete with forest green trimmings for a slight pop. Beautiful botanical pieces were the room’s pinnacle, decorating every free area of space. Jaemin’s eyes glint with splendor as he immersed himself in the allure of the floral domination in between the four walls he could call his on. From the heart shaped lavender lilacs to the tightly coiled honeycomb dahlias dyed the color of a flush, flickering flame. Jungwoo observes Jaemin, relieved that the boy was not appalled by all the flower arrangements—if anything, he seemed delighted.On the side of the room freshly tidied for Jaemin, a cheerful set of daisies hover just over the pillow of his bed. Jaemin holds the stems between his fingers with the uttermost caution, admiring the variety’s vibrant fuchsia and the innocence of the off white. He spins to face Jungwoo. “All of this.. Jungwoo, it’s beautiful! Did you do this all yourself?”Jungwoo aims to shut the door so the noise from the two boys did not seep into the other rooms. He was aware of how much Yuta detested his sleep being interrupted, and how desperately Kun’s body craved the luxurious release that only slumber could bring. He proceeds to plop down onto his own bed, admittedly a bit tired himself. “Of course I did,” Jungwoo allows a bright, boisterous laughter pass his pink, pillowy lips. “Jaemin, I’m the god of flowers, these bloom whenever I will them to. I close my eyes and they invade my dreams, twirling and looping their stems over every inch of my being until my body awakens and I just have to grow some.”“That isn’t.. scary?”“At first? Yes,” Jungwoo greatly feels that Jaemin deserves the wholehearted truth at this beginning stage. Jungwoo received absolutely nothing from lying to the boy, and for Jaemin to assimilate into the role he was suddenly thrust into, it might be easier if he knew the accounts from those who had gone through the same experience. “It wasn’t easy just waking up one day and having the ability to make flowers blossom. I did not want it at first, Jaemin. I was like you, a soul dancing on the outskirts of death. My story is a lot more complicated, though, one day, I’ll tell you. However, I grew accustomed to my skills. The flowers are now a part of me, I cannot see myself without them. I eagerly wait for every spring to roll around, so I can fill the land with these beautiful plants. It’s my favorite part of the year, and I’m sure that soon enough it will be yours as well.”Jaemin takes in Jungwoo’s words bit by bit. It is a lot to hear all at once, but he feels better afterwards. Neither of them saying anything more, Jungwoo offers Jaemin a friendly smile before he leans over to blow out the candle. The sole illumination of the room now gone, darkness is all that Jaemin could acknowledge. If he had known it would be this dark, he would have kindly asked Jungwoo to not blow out the light. The dark causes his weary body to now grow restless. However, he is so drained from the day’s events that he eventually drifts to sleep with much disquietude. His limbs turning aimlessly under the blanket.He writhes in bed, unable to escape the feeling that the darkness was consuming him from the inside out. It all feels so utterly real, the pain and fear. It only hits the zenith when he could just make out a blurry figure casually lounging in his dream, clothes in a plush black clad robe. He does not draw closer to Jaemin, rather keeping himself a great distance away, like the figure himself was scared, or perhaps he could sense Jaemin’s unwillingness. Mustering the courage to—he was no longer a mere mortal, he was a god, what did he have to fear any longer—Jaemin calls into the dark abyss, his voice echoing hollowly through oblivion that he could see no end for miles.
“Who are you?”
Jaemin wakes up screaming.Kun, Yuta, and Jungwoo all surround him, assembled in a semicircle around Jaemin’s bed. He sits up with a sudden jerk, the blood rushing to his brain with his swift movements. His palm sorely rubs over his forehead, genuinely shocked at how heated his skin was to the touch. The three peer at him with concern, but also a certain quality of curiosity that Jaemin could not quite name.Kun’s eyes flicker with uncertainty upon a free space on the bed then back up to the boy with the labored breathing and haunted gaze. “Can I?” Mind exceptionally cloudy, it takes him a second to understand that Kun was referring to sitting on the bed. Jaemin, his body not having enough energy, nods wearily as the elder takes a seat beside him. “You had a bad dream, didn’t you?” (“A nightmare.” Yuta corrects from the right side of Kun.)“I’m not.. even sure what that was exactly. It was a dream, sure, but it all felt too real. You know those dreams where you feel like you’re falling, but you aren’t?” The three exchange looks amongst themselves, their faces blank. Silly Jaemin, he reminds himself that they are gods, what would they know of dreams mortals had, dreams where their bodies felt as light as a feather as they drifted through the sky. “Bad example—anyway, it’s a terrible feeling. There was just darkness everywhere, and I was screaming, but it was like nobody could hear me. Until..”Yuta leans forward, immersed by Jaemin’s recount of his simple yet horror filled dream. “..Until?”Jaemin’s mind is fuzzy as he sorts through his memories, attempting to gather any fact regarding the black clad figure from his dreams. When his eyes flutter closed, the image flashes briefly in his mind—his hand outstretched, his velveteen robe far too big for his lithe figure. He seemed to know Jaemin, but Jaemin did not know him. “This boy was there. He was all in black, and his hands were stretched towards me, kind of like.. Like he wanted me to come with him. I woke up when I asked who he was.”There is no response from Kun, nor Jungwoo or Yuta. The silence discomforts Jaemin enough to make him feel rattled. He shifts under his blanket, throwing it off and reveling in the cool air that encircles his seemingly burning flesh. While doing so, he glances from boy to boy, prodding them each gently with his gaze. He receives nothing, aside from how unsettled Kun looks. He seems pensive, turning over every considered thought in his mind repeatedly. Kun knew something, Jaemin was certain.“Kun, do you know something? Anything?”At Jaemin’s question, Kun intends to end the conversation with a curt nod of his head. However, it only takes a second for him to reconsider and inhale sharply. “Jaemin, what you experienced.. I think it occurred because you were only minutes away from death when Yuta showed at your house.” Yuta, Jungwoo, and Jaemin all seem puzzled. With a embittering sigh, Kun proceeds to explain further. “When someone like you, who was deathly ill, is about to die, those in the underworld begin to stir. They know when another soul is about to descend. However you are one of the special cases. You escaped and slipped past death because of the choice you made. I think that perhaps, who you saw in your dream is the king of the underworld, calling you to him.”“I can’t go, right? I’m immortal now.” Dread fills Jaemin to the brim at the mere thought of the underworld. Truthfully, there was nothing to feel a considerable amount of fear about regarding the location. Jaemin had always been taught to be frightful of the underworld if one had tattered morals, or committed heinous crimes. As long as Jaemin did not do anything reprehensible, he would get transported to Asphodel Meadows—where souls who did not execute any corrupt acts went—or if he was truly lucky, Elysium—where the especially distinguished were allowed to live, those who proved themselves through living virtuous lives. Despite all that he knows, he cannot not help but feel a tiny rush of terror.“Of course not, Jaemin. You will stay right here with us, for as long as you would like to be here. We would never send you to the underworld, that is not where you belong. You belong here, with us.” Kun’s composed smile and steady tone causes Jaemin’s breathing to stabilize, and tranquility to drift through him.Jaemin belongs somewhere. That in itself brings a limitless amount of joy to him, even with how simple the words truly were. Essentially his whole life he had been confined to the jail that was, unusually enough, his bed. He was forced to isolate himself from the rest of the world from the time the sickness began to develop deep within him, underneath his mortal flesh.Before that, he had friends for miles with his good-humored personality and charming looks. However after, he did not have the delight in having associates any longer. People wondered about him, of course, stopping by his house and bashfully asking for Na Jaemin, the boy with both the heart and smile of gold. They were given the same, sad response every time, that he just could not see anyone. He no longer had anyone to spend the time with except the suspended glorious star that he gazed up at for the duration of his days, his arms bringing his knees up to his chest. But now, he did not need to depend on the shining sun for company, for now he had it for himself—and it came in the form of four immortal beings.Jaemin would make his second life worth all the turmoil. He’d swear on it.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The first few weeks of being immortal are difficult for Jaemin, to say the least. Being away from his family for so long illuminates a lonely fire of despair in the corner of his heart. He figures initially that not seeing his parents would upset him, but he never would have anticipated this extent of devastation.He finds solace in sobbing under the pale moonlight, crystalline tears that glimmer as bright as the illuminated night stars sliding down his cheeks. The cool breeze comforts him, softly whispering to him in the tranquility, reminding him that he no longer has to suffer. However, that does not do much to soothe his aching heart. He does not mention the anguish that he goes through to Jungwoo nor to anyone else in the house. The melancholy mourning of his human flesh stays a hushed secret between himself, the suspended silver disc in the sky, and oddly enough, the baby kit that Jaemin often sees prodding around at all hours of the dusk.It is not all bad, though.Jaemin has always been one to transcend past the normal boundaries of negativity and appreciate the brighter side of things. After all, what is life without knowing that, eventually rays of blazing illumination will always rupture through the darkness?Adjusting to the powers he had come into possession with is a pastime not as difficult as he’d anticipated. In fact, there’s an odd sort of joy in the activity of exercising his new skills. He spends hours upon hours on the floor of his shared room, excitedly sprouting beautiful blooms of azure sages and dainty salmon gerberas from solely his fingertips.Both Yuta and Kun peek in from time to time. Being indirectly responsible for Jaemin, Yuta checks more on his progress while Kun has the role of the authoritarian who enforces practice while simultaneously fawning adoringly over the lovely flowers. And when there is no work to be done, the five deities sprawl their bodies across the plush verdure meadow, their heads enveloped by the shards of crisp green grass and flowers produced by Jaemin himself.Week by week Jaemin is beginning to slowly settle into his immortality, and life becomes easier. There is never much conflict among those who Jaemin lives with, and the resided in harmony perfectly in relation to the season they preside over.
Until Lee Donghyuck and all who came along with him enter the picture. That is when Na Jaemin’s story truly began.Only weeks away from spring’s triumphant entrance, Kun finds the grace in his heart to allow Jungwoo, Jaemin, and Chenle to take a day of rest. Jaemin had been forewarned by Yuta that the weeks leading up to the first day of spring would be some of the most grueling and physically demanding days of the year. Jaemin does heed the warning, however, he does not take it as much to heart as he probably should have.How hard can it be, Jaemin thinks, raising beautiful flowers and turning the withering trees into forces of strength, standing tall and providing lovely shade under their green leaves?He had not expected to be so tired as the days neared their ends, the sun bowing gracefully into the fold of the sky as daylight was forced to make a dazzling grand escape. Every nightfall, Jaemin curls into his bed, lulled to sleep by the gentle and soporific breeze whisking by the window paired with Jungwoo’s soft, peaceful breathing.So when Kun offers the spontaneous day of rest, spurred by Yuta’s forceful spirit towards the suggestion of relaxation, Jaemin and the two boys seize the opportunity without hesitation. They lay under the dizzying afternoon sun, sipping the sweet nectar that slides easily down their throats and revives their ailing bones.Chenle is humming a fleeting tune under his breath while Jungwoo converses with Jaemin, the two making small-talk regarding trivial things under the sun. It is peaceful, and Jaemin is grateful.Until the light that so fully energized them disappears, as if dusk arrived early and forcefully placed the sun into a box and sheathed it with a cover. Jaemin’s eyes flutter open to investigate, and finds himself utterly confused at the source of shade.There, before Jaemin, stands a boy.Not just a boy though, a deity;
Jaemin knows that much. Kun has told him that mortals are unable to wander about this meadow. However, even if he had not known that, there is something about this boy that glows in a way that so easily gave off that he too is a god. It is as if he is illuminated by the light of a thousand fires that cause a sort of luminous aura to fully envelop his body. Jaemin has not met other deities as of now, being so preoccupied with honing his powers and preparing for spring, and so Jaemin assumes this might be his first encounter.“So you must be the new boy that everyone has been buzzing about?” It is a statement, even if it is more so phrased as a question. Regardless, Jaemin is not sure whether or not he should answer at all. He simply waits for any further input on the other’s behalf. The boy, confused by Jaemin’s silence, glances towards Yuta. “Does he not talk? I didn’t hear that he took a vow of silence.” There’s a slight tone of irritation in his voice, one that causes Jaemin to blink once, twice.“Maybe it’s because you haven’t given him a chance to speak.” shrugs Yuta nonchalantly, his own gaze flickering between Jaemin and the glowing stranger. “Not everyone is as talkative as you, Donghyuck. Though due to my prior experience, you do both talk a lot. The resemblance there is uncanny. Jaemin, are you nervous, perhaps?”Jaemin sits up then, covering the sunlight that peaks from the stranger’s side with the palm of his hand. “No? Not at all, actually. Nice to meet you, Donghyuck, is it? I’m Na Jaemin, newly made god of spring growth. I suppose I’m the person people might be talking about.”“See, of course he talks, Hyuck. You just had to let him actually speak.” chides a voice from behind Donghyuck. Due to the immense sunlight that entraps the area in its warm embrace, Jaemin is unable to see the producer of the additional voice.That is, until they take the time to step away from Donghyuck’s shadow. The result of this is Jaemin being dazzled for the second time this afternoon.Donghyuck’s ambiance seems to be fueled by the radiance that glimmers from above, proven by the caramel flecks that stick out sorely against the pool of sienna that are his eyes, or how his skin is so beautifully sun-kissed that the luminescence almost radiates from him.However, this stranger’s aura is, oddly enough, the exact opposite. His features are incredibly prominent, every chiseled detail harmonizing with each other in a way that should have been disconcerting but was far from it. His high cheekbones provide a beautiful sort of symmetry to his face, as do his aquiline nose and his eyebrows, that are as precisely shaped as the sharp strokes of a painter. His glossed ebony hair is swept up, showcasing his violet eyes that twinkle with amiability.Donghyuck may be a spawn of the sunlight, but this boy is an offspring of the heaven’s moonlight.“Sorry, don’t be off put by Donghyuck, he’s usually this.. dynamic.” apologizes the stranger, his movements as graceful as Jaemin would think as he outstretches his hand politely in Jaemin’s direction. “I’m Lee Jeno, god of the hunt and the moon. It’s nice to meet you, Jaemin.”Jaemin repeats the obeisances back.“I suppose if we’re doing introducing ourselves,” Donghyuck’s voice is airy, with an almost weary quality to his words. It is as if mere introductions are tedious to him, or that he is above such mundane talk. “I’m Lee Donghyuck, god of archery, music, healing, and sunlight,” Though introductions are banal, he addresses his title with an unparalleled amount of ostentation, clearly confident in himself by the smirk upon his lips. “among other things.”A forced laughter escapes Yuta’s lips. “As much as I adore hearing you list your many specialties, did you come here for a specific reason, Donghyuck? We’re kind of.. busy.”“Doing what?” Donghyuck’s cautious eyes skip from Yuta and Kun, to Jungwoo, Chenle, and Jaemin, then back. He is in disbelief over the fact that the five were doing anything at all. “Tanning?”“It’s re-lax-ation, man!” exclaims Jungwoo. “Spring is coming up, we have to take some time for ourselves.”“Which you’re interrupting, actually.” says Kun, with a dangerous amount of honey dripping from his voice. Over the last few weeks, Jaemin’s learned that whenever Kun speaks with a tone sweet enough to give him a toothache, the group’s leader is most likely incredibly irritated. “Today’s our scheduled time to relax before we go back to work tomorrow. So, Donghyuck, if you have no business here then..” Kun insinuates for Donghyuck and Jeno to, essentially get lost if there was no purpose for them to be there, by waving his hand dismissively.“Kun, my sweet, sweet Kun.. For all the years you’ve known me, do you know me for one to loiter for no reason?” Dubious, Donghyuck swivels to direct his gaze to Jeno. “Jen, do I do that? Am I a serial loiterer?”“Of course not, Hyuck. I don’t think you’re a serial loiterer. Really, you’re not even a casual loiterer. Nope!” He makes an effort to emphasize the popping of the ‘p’. Jeno purses his lips, folding his arms as he rocks slowly on his feet to the side of Donghyuck.“See! If Jeno says it, then..—”“Donghyuck!” If aggravation is a mountain, Yuta has reached its apex. There is a fire in the way he speaks now, irritated with how Donghyuck consistently skirts around with his explanations. “Why are you here?”“Sorry, sorry,” Donghyuck finds humor in the situation, raising his hands in front of his chest in surrender. If the action is done to calm Yuta’s quickly escalating nerves, it does not seem to fix them at all. “Don’t kill the messenger, please! I was sent to come talk to Jaemin here, actually.”“About?” asks Kun. Additionally, Yuta sits up straighter. Now they’re both interested.“Well, well, well. Wouldn’t you like to know!” winks Donghyuck, his smirk only widening as he whistles lowly. “Anyway, Jaemin, I’m to take you back with me to get you—well.. Let’s say analyzed. You’ll be only gone for a few hours at most, then you can get back to..” a pause. “Tanning?”“Must you take him with you?” Kun moans begrudgingly at the thought. “Last time when you took Chenle with you, you returned him high off ambrosia to the point that he was bouncing off the walls!”“Okay, that was a rookie mistake on my part.” Donghyuck admits, wagging his index finger at Chenle, who’d up until this point had been sitting quietly. “Look at him! Who knew only five cups would make him go wild in the way Taeyong does after two cups? Either way, Chenle had a good time! Didn’t you, Lele?” Much to Kun’s displeasure, Chenle nods.“We’ll return Jaemin back safely.” Jeno’s smile holds qualities of trustworthiness, and even Jaemin feels lulled to entrust his safety with him. “Sorry about Chenle, it was a lapse in my judgement to think Donghyuck could be responsible for any person younger than himself. I’ll make sure Jaemin doesn’t have anything he shouldn’t.”Donghyuck whines at Jeno’s critical words. “Jeno, I am responsible! You can’t say I’m not, you’re my ego booster.” He diverts his attention to Jaemin, who feels entirely scrutinized under Lee Donghyuck’s harsh gaze. He must feel the uneasiness that emits from Jaemin, because he goes to the extent of forcing a friendly smile upon his lips. It doesn’t make Jaemin feel comfortable though—rather, it does the opposite. “Anyway, Na Jaemin, god of the spring or whatever, let’s go!”A feeling of uncertainty bubbles in the pit of his stomach. Jaemin casts a glance at Kun and Yuta, searching for any hint of irresolution flickering in their eyes. He barely knew the intolerable god of the sun, and while Jeno did seem overwhelmingly kind, he is not sure if he could trust him either. Jaemin is still entirely new to this lucrative world he’d become apart of, and is unsure of so much.When Jaemin finds no sign of the disapproval he seeks from his elders, he pulls his lips into a thin line and pushes himself off the grass and towards Donghyuck and Jeno.“Finally! Here I thought you might just be scared to come with me,” Donghyuck, as though they were acquaintances, slithers his arm around the expanse of Jaemin’s shoulders. Their sides leave little space between each other, and suddenly, he feels engulfed by the hot glow that radiates from the deity’s shimmering skin. His lips near the shell of Jaemin’s ear, and with amusement in his voice, he whispers, “I’m not going to hurt you.”Jaemin, Donghyuck, and Jeno disappear into thin air with a mere snap of Donghyuck’s fingers.“Can I offer you something to drink, Na Jaemin?”It is a simple enough question that should not take Jaemin longer than a few seconds to answer. However, he is cautiously eyeing Donghyuck, who is already preparing three glasses without hearing Jaemin’s answer. He is unsure whether or not to accept anything specifically offered to him, based on how displeased Kun and Yuta were regarding Donghyuck’s lackluster watching of Chenle.Donghyuck seems irritated by Jaemin‘s lengthy period of consideration. “Seriously, did Yuta and Kun really get to you? Okay, Jaemin, I’ll admit it, I’m incredibly annoying. A little bit of an asshole? Yeah, sure!” Donghyuck may be attempting to persuade Jaemin to trust him, but his borderline threatening footsteps and silly words truly do wonders in implying otherwise. “But would I hurt anyone? Absolutely not. I’m not to be feared, Jaemin, especially not by you. When it comes down to it, you and I are the same; deities who tasted immortality a little too young, and now have to live with the blessing and curse of such a decision.”Donghyuck’s words impact Jaemin in a way he hadn't expected them to. There’s been nobody he can directly relate to in his own living quarters: Chenle is a year younger but not necessarily a deity in the way he is, Jungwoo is the median that has not had the chance to explain his backstory to Jaemin, and regardless of their pasts both Yuta and Kun are both substantially older.“He’s right.”His nerves are alleviated by the reappearance of Jeno. Donghyuck tried to sway Jaemin into trusting him, and while his truthful words touch him unexpectedly, his efforts are still in vain. Regardless of what Donghyuck tells him, there is something disingenuous about his aura that causes Jaemin’s skin to prickle with discomfort, and his guard to automatically go up. However, Jeno’s soft spoken words and oddly peaceful smile is enough to placate Jaemin.Now, that does not go to judge Donghyuck as a bad person and Jeno as a good one. These are solely his first impressions, and Jaemin can be wrong. The only way he’ll truly find out, he supposes, is to spend time with the two young deities.“Having such a big opportunity passed onto our shoulders at such young ages is something most will never have to deal with. It really is a blessing to sidestep death, but it is the truth that navigating the world of immortality is not easy.” Jeno leisurely walks to the table where the two are currently occupying, taking the seat to the right of Donghyuck. “Jaemin, we want you to confide in us. I know that’s a lot to ask, and it will definitely take awhile to gain your unbridled trust, but we’re willing to wait. The three of us may differ in the years we received immortality but we are all the same age. Donghyuck and I are essentially the only two in the area who you may be able to relate to on that level. Therefore, it’d be nice if we were friends, don’t you think?”“That does sound nice, really.” Truthfully, the prospect of having friends aside from the deities he lived with sounds incredibly tempting. He cares greatly for Yuta, Kun, Jungwoo, and Chenle, however he wants to live this dual life to the fullest and make as many lasting connections as he can. Even better if it’s with those of the same age, or of a similar circumstance. However, one word in particular sticks out sorely to Jaemin. He is aware that such a minor mention of something unspecified should not be of such an inconvenience to him, however his curiosity runs wild and fuels him enough to ask, “But Jeno, what do you mean by ‘essentially’? Are there other deities that are the same age as us?”The glance Jeno and Donghyuck share then alerts Jaemin that perhaps this is a question that should go unanswered. Or at least it might have one Donghyuck and Jeno expected to receive, but silently hoped would not be asked. “That, dear Jaemin, is actually why you’re here.”“..To talk about acquaintances of the same age?”“No!” scoffs Donghyuck. “Let’s cut straight to the chase. No beating around the bullet, alright! You’ve been having nightmares, haven’t you? Like vivid, unusual nightmares of a man clothed in all black?”The only time Jaemin mentioned the nightmares aloud was the first instance he had one, which at this point was weeks ago. Kun smoothed his hair down and told him what this all meant. It’d satisfied him at the time, but as the dreams became more frequent, they became something that frightened Jaemin enough that he did not even want to bring it up to ask for a further explanation. So, since he did not tell Kun nor Yuta about the nightmares, he wonders just how Donghyuck is aware of them.“Your silence is telling me that I’m right, aren’t I?”“You are, but how did you know?”“That is unimportant at this time. However, one of my duties is to relay messages, so at some point or another I know random things about everyone. This just happens to be the first bit of information I know about you.”Jeno says then, “Jaemin, it’s be really helpful if you can tell us about your dreams. It can help us explain to you better what’s going on.”So, Jaemin does not relent and details the dreams he’s been having. He tries to not leave anything out, from the way most of the backdrops are usually pitch darkness, to how the boy never quite comes close to him yet it always feels as if they’re only feet apart. He’s always looming and beckoning Jaemin to him, but he never has the dreams long enough to see what might happen if he does go to him. He doesn’t care if he never finds out since the thought is enough to make him anxious.“I see..” is all Jeno can say once Jaemin is finished.Considering Jeno is not offering much to ease Jaemin’s worries, he attempts to generate an explanation by adding prior knowledge. “Kun told me that it was because I was so close to death that the god of the underworld was calling out to my soul, or something like that.”“Well, that happening to you is something that would have made sense then. But, it’s been awhile since you became immortal, you shouldn’t be having these types of dreams anymore.” Jeno raps his fingertips against the table pensively.“Which is why Jeno and I have a solution!” exclaims Donghyuck.Jaemin perks up instantly. At this point, he’d do just about anything to put these dreams to a cease. In his past life he was tormented by the ailments of his body while he was awake, so he’d desperately attempt to put himself to rest. However, not that he’s immortal, he’d frightened by dreams in his sleep so much that he begs to stay up. Is there no perfect medium for him? “What is your solution?”“We take you to the underworld to meet the god himself! The only way to fully satisfy his need for the soul he lost when you became an immortal is to go and desperately plea for him to leave you alone. Otherwise, he’ll be in your dreams forever.”“Go to the underworld?” Jaemin asks incredulously. “I don’t want to do that!”“I told you I had a solution.” Donghyuck shrugs.“What I did not say is that it was a good solution that you would like.”“So, how would that work? Would we just.. go down to the underworld, or?” Jaemin is aware of how incredibly naïve and clueless he currently sounds, but he genuinely is not sure of how such a process would go down.“No,” Jeno shakes his head. “first we need to pass it by Kun and Taeyong.”“Whatever happened to ‘we’re deities and we don’t need permission from anyone’?” Jaemin is only partially joking.Donghyuck releases a full, breathy laugh at this question. “Jaemin, you’ll learn that they’re a hierarchy among us. We’re important, but compared to Taeyong and Kun we’re less important. They oversee us all on this half, so anything like this must go through them.” He pauses, to consider. “Although, theoretically, we could take you down there without asking. We’d just get in a lot of trouble afterwards, but hey, at least your dreams would be all fixed!”“So, if Taeyong and Kun say no, what happens then?”A smug smile curls onto Donghyuck’s lips. “Great question. Then, we call a council.”A council, Jaemin comes to learn, is when a bunch of supreme deities come together to discuss an important issue at hand. Calling one does not happen often, as cases are attempted to be settled amongst fewer deities as much as possible. However, when things must be disputed and an agreement cannot be made, a council is the last form of higher communication.Before they can call a council, they figure the best plan is to attempt to convince Taeyong and Kun to agree to Donghyuck and Jeno escorting Jaemin to the underworld.Which, turns out, is not easy at all.“Absolutely not.” Kun is against the idea as soon as Donghyuck proposes it. He’s shaking his head in vigorous disagreement. “Jaemin is a fresh immortal, which means his soul is vulnerable to the evil in the underworld. If you or Jeno lose him, even on accident, it'd be difficult for him to escape on his own.”“I’m not a fan of this idea either.” Taeyong chimes in, his opinion weighing just as much as Kun’s. “Jaemin, I am not too familiar with you as a deity, however I do remember your character from studying your case before you were offered immortality. You’re a trustworthy, responsible boy. However, going to the underworld is something you may not be prepared for spiritually, mentally, and physically. Not even just because you’re a fresh immortal as Kun mentioned, but also because your soul was so close to death. You teetered, therefore you are incredibly vulnerable.”“I don’t think it’s safe.” concludes Kun, although his words already explicitly implied this.“Then how else do you two propose he fix this nightmare situation?” Donghyuck asks, and his tone is slightly bold. However, if Kun or Taeyong mind, they don't mention it. “Renjun will torment him until he gets some sort of payment or clarification, and you both know the only way he likes to deal with things such as this is face to face. That’s why so many souls fall captive to him, because nobody dares to take the trip.”This is something Taeyong and Kun haven’t considered, and it may be something they don’t have a set answer for.“If you two cannot come up with an answer on your own, then Donghyuck wants to propose we hold a council.” Jeno’s entirely a diplomat, taking a kinder and more firm approach. “This trip will be difficult, we are all well aware. However, is this not the only way?”Bringing up holding a council seems to be what makes Taeyong and Kun want to come to an agreement. Apparently planning a council not only takes an unnecessary amount of work, but it is also a burden to ask for so many busy, high deities come down to talk for something that may be settled easily. However, once a council is called, the deities must make the trip; if Donghyuck were to send out the request, the preparations must start.“I just don’t know..” Kun’s still unsure, however, he offers a solution. “Maybe I can call some of my acquaintances from the underworld.. They aren’t as stubborn as the one who rules it so perhaps they can guide you to Renjun.”The leader opposite to Kun claps his hands in delight, shaking his head in what appears to be something close to agreement. “Ooh, I like that idea! Lucas, Ten, and Sicheng are so nice.” Taeyong muses. “If you meet up with them as soon as you enter the underworld, then I’ll allow it.”Kun nods curtly. “And considering I brought up this compromise, I agree as well. I will call Sicheng as soon as possible, and if they are okay with the idea of escorting you to Renjun, then Yuta can take you to the entrance of the underworld. Taeyong,” Kun looks at the elder. “come with me.”The two abruptly excuse themselves from the table, shuffling off into a side room to have a serious chat away from the ears of Jeno, Donghyuck, and Jaemin. While the leaders discuss further matters, Jaemin makes himself comfortable in Jeno and Donghyuck’s lounging area. The two join him.“Hey, can I ask something?”Donghyuck sighs. “Yuta was right, you do ask an awful lot of questions.” At this, Jeno quietly chastises Donghyuck and forces him to rephrase himself. “It’s not a bad thing. I don’t blame you, I know you’re curious and all. I would be too if I’d been stuck inside all my life—”Jeno’s eyes are wide. “Donghyuck.”“I don’t mean it like that,” Donghyuck’s eyes are equally as wide, offering a look of protest in Jaemin’s direction. He’s fumbling, waving his arms awkwardly, all to show that he isn't trying to offend him. The words seem to just flow past Donghyuck’s lips, and for Jaemin, it is hard to take offense when it’s not purposely done. “Jaemin, you know I don’t mean it. Just—what was your question?”“It’s okay,” says Jaemin, slowly. He takes more interest in getting an answer to his question. “Who is Renjun? You all keep mentioning him, but I don’t know who he is.”For sake of Donghyuck making yet another misstep in speaking, Jeno takes initiative in answering quickly. “Renjun is the god of the underworld. We mentioned him since he is the person who keeps appearing in your dreams. We’ll be going to him to petition for your nightmares to stop.”Donghyuck huffs at the resurgence of Renjun’s name. He folds his arms over his chest stubbornly. “For how close we were, it’d be nice if he could do us a favor. Especially for all the trouble we're going through to see him.”Jaemin tilts his head. “You two were close with him?”
Jeno nods. “Mhm. We were the closest of friends until he overtook the duties of ruling the underworld. Honestly, he was not supposed to take the reins of ruling so early. He was slated to become king in a few hundred years or so, but he became overlord a year or two ago instead. When it all happened, he shut everyone out and we haven’t spoken since.”
Jaemin has never once met this infamous Renjun, but odd, unidentifiable feelings stir in his stomach. “That’s understandable, though.” Jaemin defends Renjun’s actions. This is the same Renjun running amuck in his dreams, tormenting his previously peaceful slumber; yet here Jaemin is, defending him so vigorously. “Maybe, the weight of ruling the whole underworld is something that stressed him out? That’s no reason to shut your friends out, but think about the pressure being the ruler of something so dark might undergo, especially if he was not ready to do so. There could be a hundred different reasons why he’s doing this, don’t judge him so harshly.”
This seemingly strikes a nerve within Donghyuck, and for a split second Jaemin wishes he had not said anything. There’s a fire lit within the deity’s eyes, and anger flickers with uncertainty among the golden backdrop of his eyes. He leans forward and says, “Jaemin, you do not know the entire story of what happened between Jeno and I and Renjun, nor will either of us tell you. Therefore, and I mean this in the kindest way, do not offer your opinion where it isn’t necessary.”There is a lapse in conversation. Jaemin is not sure how to reply so he stays in silence, his eyes trained on the floor. Even Jeno, who’d been the remedy whenever Donghyuck said anything offkey, does not say anything. Donghyuck places his hands within his palms, breathing out in frustration. “I’m sorry, Jaemin. Before, Renjun and I were really, really close. Now I never see him anymore. It hurts when one of the people you think you trusted most in the world turns their back on you when they need you the most.” There’s an underlying tone of hurt in Donghyuck’s voice, and it makes Jaemin’s heart ache. “I would’ve done anything for him. At the time, he was the closest person to me aside from Jeno. I would’ve crossed the seas, withstood the unbearable beat, given up portions of myself willingly all if I knew it’d be able to benefit him. Now, we act as if we never knew each other, and he won’t really tell us why.”“I’m sorry, Donghyuck.” These are not words that are spewed from his mouth with little meaning; on the contrary, he can truly feel the pain that radiates from Donghyuck in this moment. Jaemin concludes that Renjun really must have been close with these two boys, so it is a pity that they no longer are in contact. “Maybe us going to see him can clear things up. He’ll see you both and see that shutting you out was the wrong thing to do.”
“Jaemin, your outlook on the world is so kind. It’s refreshing.” muses Jeno. “We’ll be lucky to get both a reconciliation and your dreams fixed, so let’s remember the task at hand; your dreams first, anything else second.”"No matter the extracurricular issues we have with Renjun, you don't need to worry at all, Jaemin. Jeno's right, our main priority is fixing your dream issue, and we will not leave the underworld until he takes his hands out from your dreams." While a look of sore sadness stills colors Donghyuck's feature, nevertheless he sounds incredibly determined. It instills a bold sort of confidence in both him and Jeno that swirls in the pit of Jaemin's stomach. "Now, all we need is for Kun to give us the green light."
Jaemin finds the timing that Kun has is impeccable. As if on a perfect cue, he waltzes from the room he'd been occupying with Taeyong close on his heels, just at the simple mention from his name. Compared to the other times Jaemin has seen Kun, such as when he lays around in his casual clothes after a long day of gardening or the playful irritation in his eyes as he lectures and bickers with Chenle again,
his role as a leader seems to suit him best. He appears incredibly focused, serious in aiding the situation at hand. Kun announces to the room, “I spoke to Sicheng, and he said he’d be happy in escorting you to Renjun. He and Lucas will do so.”
“Thank you, Kun, for being so quick in getting this done for us,” Jeno bows his head in gratuity towards the leader. Next, he asks an important question. “When do we leave?”“It is my pleasure, Jeno.” Kun says first, then, “Taeyong, Sicheng, and I have decided you will leave after six nightfalls. That should give Sicheng and Lucas enough time to prepare for your arrival.”Taeyong clears his throat, angling himself towards Jaemin, who is sitting patiently across the room. “Jaemin, until you leave, we’d like for you to stay here with Jeno and Donghyuck. We’ve agreed that Jeno will be monitoring your sleep to ensure that nothing faulty happens while you’re having such terrible dreams. Oftentimes bad dreams can result in odd happenings, so it’d be best if you stayed here for the time being.”
Jaemin does not feel that it is his place to disagree with Taeyong, so he does not contradict the decision at all. Kun and Taeyong, being so highly sought after, have prior appointments and issues at hand, so the two bid their goodbyes and wish the three boys the best of luck in this endeavor. However, Kun does not leave before pulling Jaemin aside.“I wish you would’ve told me your dreams had gotten worse.” The disappointment that is interwoven into Kun’s voice is enough for Jaemin’s shoulders to deflate, and avert his eyes from him. “I’m not mad at you, Jaemin. However, when things like this happen, you need to let Yuta and I know. We’re here to take care of you to the best of our abilities, but we cannot do so if you avoid telling us when things are wrong. I just want the best for you.”
“I’m sorry, Kun. It won’t happen again.”
“It better not.” laughs Kun. The leader ruffles his hands in Jaemin’s silky hair, messing it up just enough for the boy to whine and writhe away from Kun. “Now, you be careful, alright? I want to see you back for the first day of Spring. You’ve bloomed so many beautiful flowers, you deserve to see this all come into fruition. Go, and come back to Yuta, Jungwoo, Chenle, and I safely. If you don’t, I’ll have some choice words for Donghyuck and Jeno over there.”
Jaemin smiles, softly. “I’ll be back, Kun. I promise.”
“Good. I’ll be talking to Sicheng to make sure you’re all okay, so if you need anything do not hesitate to tell him. If he can’t solve it for you, then I personally will come down there. Remember that I have no qualms in doing so. I’d rather you all be safe than anything else, so if I have to come deal with Renjun myself then that’s what’ll happen.”“Hey, Kun, can we bring Mark?” Donghyuck slides between Kun and Jaemin, interrupting the conversation.Kun raises an eyebrow. “Did you ask Taeyong?”Donghyuck pouts. “He told me to ask you first before he outright said no.”“I’d prefer you not bring him, but I feel that us telling you no won’t do much. If you do bring him, tell him that fending off anything in the underworld and escorting you back to Taeyong and I will count as another of his heavenly deeds. A half-god should not tag along on such a dangerous trip for no reason whatsoever, so make it worth his while.”
Jaemin so badly wants to ask who Mark is, and why he may or may not be coming along. He holds his question for another time as Kun and Donghyuck conclude their miniature discussion. Neither of the boys want to hold Taeyong and Kun any further, so when they bid their farewells once again, they watch the two leaders leave for good.This leaves Jeno, Donghyuck, and Jaemin alone.
Or so Jaemin thinks.
“Mark, you can come out now, they’re gone!” Donghyuck’s sudden holler is one that catches Jaemin off guard, as does the way he bangs the palm of his hand against the wall nearest to the window. He continues to be dazzled by those in the crowd of the deities, watching in awe as a slim figure slides through the window, landing gracefully into the room.
“Finally, I felt like I was waiting on the roof forever!” The boy says, the palms of his hand dusting the soot off his clothing. Even with the tiny gray particles of dust making for unfortunate accessories, this boy has an undeniable amount of good looks and charm. He is not much taller than any of the others themselves, however his raven hair may just be dark enough to rival that of Jeno’s. All the deities Jaemin has met previously have this otherworldly glow in common, yet, this boy does not. However, it does not take any precedent away from his boyishly handsome face. “You’re Na Jaemin, right? I’m Mark Lee!” Mark introduces himself warmly, offering his hand out for Jaemin to shake. And it’s such a human sort of instinct to do so that it causes Jaemin to think twice.
“Mark,” Donghyuck begins to explain, as if his incredibly intuition alerts him that Jaemin has questions. “is Jeno and I’s best friend. He’s a half deity, half mortal, in search of his full immortality. This is why Kun mentioned ‘heavenly deeds’. If Mark completes at least 12, he will become a deity. For now, he’s nothing but the most devilishly handsome youth with a great physique.”“Wow, can’t really give a better introduction than that, huh? Firstly, thank you Hyuck for attempting to sway Jaemin into thinking I’m the end all of half gods. Secondly, as I said, it is very nice to meet you, Jaemin. And,” Mark’s a wonderful speaker, and that is easy to identify as soon as the boy begins to speak, even if he is not saying anything considerably significant. However, he seems to get a bit tongue-tied as his gaze drags over to Jeno, who seems to be awaiting his own acknowledgement from the sparkly eyed half-god. The moment happens so quick that Jaemin almost cannot believe that he is being forced to watch the two shyly glance away from each other as soon as they make eye contact. And it hits him then; Jeno likes this half-god, and Mark seems to like him back. “Hi, Jeno.”
“Hi, Mark.” Jeno waves to Mark from across the room, quickly placing his hand down once he realized how awkward the movement is. Jaemin has not known Jeno for very long, but it is amusing to see how flustered he becomes. To take his mind off how Mark causes his heart to skip a beat, Jeno strikes up a conversation instead of staring adoringly. “So, Mark.. How has being the assistant of the gods been?”“In short—terrible. In length, still terrible, but only because they make me do just about everything! Even the things they can probably do themselves, they call on me to. They make me do stuff like wash their council outfits, even though there’s no calling of a council in sight. Or, or, Doyoung was like ‘oh, Mark, can you fetch me some ambrosia?’ and then Ten was like ‘Mark, can you get me two cups of ambrosia?’ So, whatever, I go and get the three cups, only to come back to Ten and Doyoung fighting each other on the floor! I didn’t ask to be a mediator,” Mark appears worn out just at the recollection of the event. “I need a break. I know this is one of my deeds, but I feel like they’re just using it as an excuse to be lazy.”
Jaemin does not know either Doyoung or Ten, however takes note of their names.
“Don’t say that so loudly, Taeyong might hear you and revoke your nine deed status. You would not want to start from zero, it’d take you a millennia to get back to where you are now. You’ll be eighty-five and still doing such trivial tasks.” Donghyuck pops a grape into his mouth, waving his hand in the air as he speaks. “If you need a break, though, we’re taking a trip to the underworld in a few days. You’re welcome to come along, Kun said it can count as one of your deeds if you can escort us back after safely.”
Mark’s eyes light up. “Oh, yeah? Anything sounds better than what I’m doing right now! Taking a little trip sounds fun, even if it’s to a super boring and dull place like the underworld. Why are you going?”
Donghyuck sums the situation up quickly. “Jaemin here is having bad dreams because of Renjun, so we’re going to try and knock some sense into him.”
Mark’s lithe fingers reach over to take a cluster of the red, globular grapes into his hands. He chews on them as he registers the situation. “You know, talking some sense into Renjun is going to be a little difficult? He’s been stubborn recently.”
“Isn’t he always?” sighs Jeno.
“Even more so now, so I’ve heard. I was speaking to Xiaojun, who is one of his subordinates, and he was telling me that Renjun’s been really moody and upset.” As Mark explains this, Donghyuck grumbles under his breath. “Hopefully he’ll be in a charitable mood to listen to what you have to say.” He turns to Jaemin. “What kind of dreams have you been having?”“The actual content of the dream is not odd, but every time I have them I’ve woken up screaming, and always in a cold sweat. I always just see a figure,” He has a name to put to the face now. “Renjun,
and his hand is outstretched, kind of like he’s calling me to him. Everyone’s saying it’s because I was so close to death, but something makes me think that there’s something more that I’m just not aware of. I hope he can solve this for me.”“Don’t worry, Jaemin,” assures Jeno. “Renjun is not a bad person. We haven’t been sure what’s wrong with him as of late, but he does not have a good heart. He may be the overlord of the underworld, but he is kind. The underworld is not in the place to show a soft heart, though. He needs to be firm, and strong, but I think if you explain yourself to him, he won’t continue to make you have nightmares. There’s no reason to, really. He does not even know you, he only knows that your soul was supposed to be collected. It’s not like he has a personal reason to do this.”“Like I said, though,” Mark points out. “we just need to hope his sense won’t be clouded by his recent moods.”
"'We'? You're coming with us then, Mark?" Jeno asks, and he sounds so hopeful that it makes Jaemin chuckle the slightest bit. Donghyuck is able to catch on to why Jaemin is so amused, and nudges his shoulder with a grin."Oh, I wouldn't miss it." Mark exclaims, his mouth full of grapes. Funnily enough, Jeno seems bedazzled by him even then. "To the underworld we go!"