Chapter Text
"We’re debuting soon. We’re debuting-“ Yujin repeated happily as Gyuvin smacked him. “We know Yujin ah,” Jiwoong smiled as they looked at themselves for the music video shots.
They were on set as everyone was preparing for their debut. Jiwoong avoided looking to this left as Taerae nudged him. “Look hyung, they’re at it again,” He whispered as Jiwoong groaned. “On your left incase you were feeling particularly like a masochist,” Ricky said calmly as everyone winced as his wording.
Matthew and Hanbin were talking to the director, deciding which takes would look better. Well, more like Matthew was doing all the talking and Hanbin was just staring at him with gentle eyes, his hands on his waist.
“They’re so down bad,” Gunwook mumbled sadly as Gyuvin chuckled “you think I can get Matthew hyung back?”
He bumbled over to them as he threw his hands over Matthew’s shoulder and non discreetly pulled Hanbin’s hand away from his waist. “Matthew hyung!” He exclaimed as Matthew brightened up. Gyuvin slowly dragged him away from their pouting leader as Matthew smiled.
“Ah, hyung’s so cute I have to let go!” Gyuvin sighed as he let go of Matthew, having completed his quest of bringing them back. Each of the members surrounded Matthew as they bombarded him.
“Matthew ah, do you think I look better in black or white?” Zhang Hao asked as Matthew tilted his head. “Mm, Hao hyung looks good in everything!” He exclaimed as Zhang hao groaned at his non specific answer.
“Say Matthew hyung, do you like my blonde hair?” Ricky asked as he leaned down. Matthew giggled and took that as an initiative to stroke it as Matthew opened his mouth in wonder. “Wow Ricky ah, blonde hair really suits you doesn’t it!”
“We’re sneaking in to steal Ricky’s bleach tonight,” Taerae whispered to Gunwook as they both evilly smirked.
Matthew laughed at all their antics, his heart feeling full. He’s had the best weeks of his life, spending time with his members and doing what he loved. They had gone camping together, and filmed a reality tv show, where Matthew felt himself getting closer to everyone.
He found it particularly hilarious that he still had to do part time jobs, but luckily, everyone was there to keep him happy and energetic.
And now Zerobaseone was finally preparing for their debut. To say Matthew was excited was an understatement, however, without seeing anything from the book in such a long time, Matthew felt an itchy feeling in the back of his mind. Like something was going to happen. Soon.
“My Seokmae, my pretty pretty Matthew,” A voice whispered in his ear as strong arms wrapped around him. “Hanbin hyung!” Matthew squealed as Hanbin leant his head on Matthew’s shoulder and complained “my boyfriend is too cute, what am I going to do?”
Everyone looked horrified as Yujin muttered “oh my gosh, they’re terrifying!” Gunwook didn’t take any chances and just ran up to Matthew and Hanbin, clinging onto both of them as he glared at Hanbin. “Hyung. Share.” He grumbled as Hanbin laughed heartily.
“I wanna hug too!” Gyuvin exclaimed as he ran up them and squashed the three of them. They slowly got bigger as Zhang Hao rolled his eyes, “gotta join in on the fun.”
Jiwoong wrapped his arms around Hanbin as he squeezed extra hard, causing their leader to yelp. “Hanbin ah, remember to treat Matthew well or else you know what’ll happen” he whispered as Zhang hao made a neck slicing motion.
Hanbin laughed nervously as Ricky mumbled, “they’re serious hyung. And remember what I used to be,” Ricky smirked as he held up a gun motion. "Ricky can make you go splat hyung,” Yujin laughed as Hanbin grew increasingly worried for his safety.
“Eh? Don’t tease Hanbinnie hyung too much, look at your cute leader! Don’t you just wanna-“ Matthew gushed out as he pinched Hanbin’s cheeks. “NO!” The members yelled in unison as they bundled up more tightly.
To the outside world, they looked crazy, nine grown men practically climbing on top of each other. “Uh, should we be concerned?” The video producer asked as their manager just sighed. “Don’t mind them, they’re always super duper close. Must be post show trauma or something, always clinging on to Matthew” their manager supplied helpfully as they watched Gyuvin pinching Matthew’s cheeks.
“Wow! Time flies so fast that I didn’t even realise that we’re in another chapter,” Matthew sighed out as he flicked through the book, noticing that their were up to chapter ten.
“A real ending? Sounds ominous,” Hanbin muttered from his seat next to Matthew. Their van was chaotic, with Taerae whining about not being able to drive and Zhang hao holding his mouth at the thought of it. Gyuvin and Ricky were bickering as always and Jiwoong babysat the two Maknaes.
“We’ll get through it together, remember everything that I said Seokmae?” Hanbin whispered as Matthew sighed. Hanbin rubbed their hands together and placed Matthew’s head on his shoulder. Matthew smiled, content as his boyfriend gently patted his thigh.
“Thanks hyung, I just don’t know what to do when the story ends,” Matthew mumbled, really not having the faintest clue what could go on.
“Maybe we’re fated to stay like this forever! Maybe we can debut, stay together as Zerobaseone… maybe you and I can get married” he added the last part a little hesitant as Matthew’s eyes widened.
“Hyung?!” He exclaimed as they both turned away from each other and blushed furiously. “You can’t say things like that hyung. It’s not fair,” Matthew whined as he patted his cheeks, feeling them still heated up.
“I’ll say it every day for y- UGH” Hanbin choked as he felt hands wrapping around his neck from the chair behind. Matthew rolled his eyes as he turned around, “Hao hyung, you’re going to kill him,” Matthew sighed sheepishly as Zhang hao laughed and let go on Hanbin.
“If he keeps sprouting nonsense then we really have no choice!” Yujin said angelically as both him and Zhang Hao started laughing evilly.
“JELLY POP POP!”
Taerae led the choir at the back of the car as Matthew rushed to cover Yujin’s ears, Hanbin doing the same for Gunwook. “This song isn’t for you children,” Matthew exclaimed as he stared into Yujin’s puppy eyes.
“But I like jelly!” Gyuvin called out as Ricky raised his eye brows. “Oh really?” He smirked as Gyuvin whipped to him, slapping Ricky hard. "Everyone is too cute,” Matthew sighed as he wished he could be a fan, cheering them on in their journey, but he was member, which was even better.
They arrived at the dorms to which everyone bumbled out tiredly. “good job today boys! Tomorrow we’ll be preparing for the debut showcase,” their manager called out as everyone nodded. “We’re really debuting!” Yujin exclaimed, full of energy again as they filled out into the living room.
Debut was true good to be true. Our Narrator had exhausted his happy ending.
Matthew shivered as chills ran down his back. The words seemed to get muddled in his head as the book started tingling. “What’s wrong Seokmae ah?” Hanbin asked as everyone settled down on the couch, talking, laughing and dreaming about their debut.
“Nothing hyung! I’m just a little nervous,” he bit out as Hanbin gently smiled at him, then squeezed his hand tightly. “Don’t worry, everyone loves you. The team loves you, the fans love you, and I love you ,” Hanbin whispered as he leaned in to peck Matthew on the lips.
Matthew’s ears grew red as Hanbin chuckled, mumbling a little “cute” under his breath as everyone booed. “Scooch over hyung, Matthew hyung is mine,” Gunwook pouted and thus, began the battle of Matthew’s affection.
It ended up with everyone winning- bless Matthew’s kind soul, as they all crowded in a circle together. “Say, this is really nice isn’t it,” Jiwoong said softly as Taerae nodded. “I’m really glad I escaped, I would’ve hated still being at Hogwarts right now,” Taerae whispered as Matthew frowned and leaned over to comfort him.
“It’s like we’ve finally reached our happy ending,” Zhang Hao whispered as they erupted into a fit of giggles. "But hyung, there’s so much more happiness to come!” Gyuvin exclaimed as he waved his hands around. His large hands accidentally hit Ricky as Ricky stared up at him. “Yah, Kim Gyuvin, are you threatening me right now?”
Gyuvin squeaked as he pulled out black hair dye, brandishing it at Ricky and waving it around, causing the blond to gasp and fall back. “And he surrenders!” Gunwook called out as Ricky’s eyes trembled at the sight. Gyuvin wrapped himself around Matthew’s neck, sticking his tongue out as Jiwoong came back with their dinner.
“Seokmae, say ah!” Hanbin mumbled as he held up a spoon. He watched as Matthew happily chewed and Gunwook leant over to pinch his cheeks. “Guys I feel like we’ve come a full circle haven’t we?” Taerae murmured as everyone nodded. Zhang Hao stared at Jiwoong worriedly, who was just eating quietly and staring into the distance.
"Hyung, you okay?” Zhang Hao asked as they both stared at Matthew leaning into Hanbin’s shoulder happily. Matthew glanced at them, beaming as he put on a shy smile and waved. He then went back to conversing with everyone and making sure they were being fed, all with a bright smile.
“I think I will be. After all it makes me the happiest when I see him happy, so I can live with that,” Jiwoong mumbled as Zhang hao nodded. “I used to be infatuated with him, after he saved me and everything. But now, just seeing a smile on his face is enough,” Zhang Hao said softly as they turned to each other, nodding in deep understanding.
"What about you Ricky, are you satisfied with this normal life? No more rich mafia shenanigans,” Gyuvin teased with his mouth full. Ricky just stared at him and rolled his eyes, “of course I am Kim Gyuvin. This is the happiest I’ve ever been,” he added quietly as Gyuvin smirked and opened his mouth to tease him.
“Hyung hyung. Ask me?” Yujin tapped Gyuvin with puppy eyes as Gyuvin cooed for their Maknae. “Of course Yujinnie, on a scale of one to ten, how grateful are you for this moment?”
“Forever. I’m forever grateful to Matthew hyung and Hanbin hyung, for finding me… and to our whole team”, he mumbled deeply as Yujin felt his chest bursting with emotions.
Taerae hummed a new tune as Gunwook happily sung along. “Taerae hyung, this is great!” Gunwook said happily as he stared at everyone. Life was better when he could stare at his friends and not be traumatised. The bloodshed and traumas of war had been replaced with the new memories of their friendships.
“Mhm, when you don’t have to worry about annoying Slytherin bitches breathing down your neck, it’s funner!” Taerae said, amused at his own descriptions. He had grown a long way, no longer the timid and scared nerd, but now a confident friend who was always there to tease everyone.
”Hanbin hyung, do you know CPR?” Matthew breathed out as his breath picked up. Hanbin worriedly scrambled up, putting his hands all over Matthew as he muttered “what’s wrong Seokmae ah?” Matthew smirked slightly as he tilted up to whisper in Hanbin’s ear, “cause you just took my breath away.”
Hanbin’s mouth opened comically as Matthew giggled and scrambled to run away. Only to be caught in Hanbin’s grasp as he pulled Matthew down onto his lap. “That was unfair Seokmae,” he whispered into his ear as Matthew felt shivers running down his spine. "I couldn’t help it hyung, your reactions are too cute!”
Hanbin gasped as he wrapped his arms around Matthew further, turning him so that Matthew was staring up at him with innocent eyes. “I’m cute Seokmae? You’re the literal definition of cute,” he cooed as Matthew giggled.
"You’re the cutest character out of everyone here,” Hanbin whispered as Matthew froze.
Character.
“That’s right we’re still living in a novel right now,” Matthew whispered as he heard his heart pumping through his ears. He stared at everyone’s ecstatic faces and smiles as they returned his expressions with ones of love.
With shaky fingers, Matthew gently held out the book as it glowed, flicking to the last page. “100% c-completed" Matthew whispered as he exchanged eye contact with Hanbin.
With Seok Matthew having saved his members and lived out his dreams of happiness, it was time for the story to end.
Story 100% Completed.
“No no no no-“ Matthew whispered as he shook, the members crowded around him in worry as Hanbin told them the news. “The story’s over,” he whispered as everyone had varying looks of shock.
“But I don’t want it to end” Yujin whispered fearfully as Zhang hao held him tight. The happy atmosphere from earlier became tense as Matthew quickly flicked back to the first page, realising he’d missed a section at the start.
Seok Matthew, our chosen Narrator. Would you like to create new virtual realities? The only rule is, you must reach the end of this novel, and save your new eight friends.
Once you save your eight friends, and complete 100% of the story, you must return to reality, where your characters will remain just characters in a book.
“We’ll remain just characters?” Ricky stared with wide eyes as Jiwoong thoughtfully nodded. “We were always just part of chapters, we just lived like normal people for too long” he rasped out as Matthew’s eyes widened.
"We were so foolish to believe that we’d live this life forever” Taerae mumbled as Matthew shook his head. “But I don’t want to return! I want this story to go on forever,” He said painfully as Hanbin grabbed his hands and comforted him.
“It’s ok- we’ll be okay-“ Hanbin tried as a horrified screech was heard. Gyuvin screamed as Matthew scrambled to him, seeing Gyuvin pointing to something.
Ricky was slowly disappearing.
The book glowed as Ricky softly smiled. “Ah, I’m really glad I got to meet such amazing people in the end,” he whispered, contrasting his usual demeanour.
“NO!” Matthew rasped out as he felt fear clutching onto his heart. "Ricky ah, RICKY AH!” He yelled as everyone held onto Ricky with desperate fingers. The book started glowing even more strongly as Ricky stayed strong to the end.
“Hey Matthew? Thank you for saving me. And for gifting me the happiness I’ve always wished for,” Ricky whispered as Matthew let out gut wrenching sobs. “Yah Ricky! You can’t disappear yet, we still have so much to do t-together!” Gyuvin sobbed as Ricky turned to him.
He gifted them a sad smile, one that touched all their hearts.
“Thank you for being my friends.”
And with that Ricky fully faded away into nothingness, the book tingling as all that was left of Ricky was his character written in the novel.
Everyone sat there in horrified silence as Matthew’s dread clawed at him from the inside. Zhang hao’s hands covered his mouth as they all mourned.
“This can’t be-“ Hanbin spluttered as they all trembled in fear.
"Jiwoon h-hyung, no” Matthew whispered as he spotted Jiwoong smiling softly at him. They backed away as Jiwoong approached Matthew slowly, fading away as Matthew cried out “J-Jiwoon Hyung!”
"Dont cry Matthew ah. You know, you’re the reason for my happiness,” he whispered as he held Matthew’s cheeks. “Thank you hyung. Thank you for being there for me, for being my protector,” Matthew said softly as Jiwoong smiled and disappeared.
The protector and his saviour, memories of their first date burned away.
“This is the reverse order of which we were found,” Taerae whispered fearfully as the seven of them sat with tears streaming down their face. Zhang Hao held Yujin and Gunwook as they bawled their eyes out.
“I don’t want to- to disappear” Gunwook sobbed as he crawled towards Matthew’s waiting arms. “My Gunwookie, my precious Gunwook,” Matthew whispered as he felt Gunwook slowly disappearing. Gunwook had a look of panic on his face as he clutched Matthew with desperate hands.
“But I’ve just found happiness,” Gunwook said brokenly as Matthew nodded, feeling his heart cracking. “I know baby, I know- you’ve done so well Gunwook” Matthew said gently as Gunwook smiled.
Truly smiled, for the first time. Ever since the war had sucked everything out of Gunwook, he had slowly been rebuilt again, with the help of everyone. “Hyung smile,” Gunwook croaked out as he forcefully lifted Matthew’s cheeks. They both laughed through the tears as Gunwook smiled in peace and left a final word.
“We might’ve lost the war hyung, but you’ve won all our hearts.”
Matthew felt like fainting from all of this as Hanbin gripped him hard. Matthew struggled to stay present as he cried excessively, his heart reaching out to all his friends. His family.
"Matthew ah, you don’t want my last memory of you to be crying right?” Zhang Hao teased lightly as he gathered Matthew into a hug. "Come on Matthew, where’s the strong rank three that I love?” He whispered as Matthew glanced up into Zhang Hao’s warm gaze.
“Matthew ah, don’t cry. I’m more than happy with what I’ve been granted, this was all I ever wished for,” Zhang Hao continued as Matthew sobbed out “ H-Hao hyung.”
"You’re amazing Matthew ah, stay strong for me. Remember that if you ever need us, or our support, every one of our moments is written down in that cursed thing” Zhang hao said lightly as he cupped Matthew’s cheeks and pecked him on the forehead, causing Matthew to smile softly.
"There it is. My lovely rival. My sunshine” Zhang Hao whispered as Matthew reached out to grab him, only to clutch at thin air.
Matthew’s fist clenched at he stared at Zhang hao’s empty space, memories of their first performance echoing through his head. His whole body shook as he stared at his last four members. Yujin and Gyuvin holding each other with scared expressions, Taerae sending prayers off to their faded friends and Hanbin staring at him worriedly.
“ Taerae. I promise you’ll never have to go through that again, not as long as I’m here ” Taerae burst out as Matthew turned to him. Taerae smiled at him as he mumbled “remember when you told me that Matthew? You were right, and I’m glad I followed you every step of the way,” Taerae said as Matthew leapt into his friend’s arm.
“You saved me Matthew ah, truly, from everything that could’ve gone wrong, you made it go right again,” Taerae leant back to stare into Matthew’s eyes fondly. “That’s your superpower Matthew. Not potions or broomstick riding-“ Taerae burst into laughs as Matthew joined in painfully, “but the ability to make us happy .”
"And you succeeded,” Taerae said with a pleased smiled, holding onto his guitar. “I don’t regret it Matthew, getting to spend all the times and adventuring with you, singing songs together and watching you fall in love,” Taerae rasped out as he held Matthew close.
"So don’t forget about me.” Matthew cried as Taerae slowly disappeared, smiling and holding his gift from Matthew tightly. “I‘ll never forget about you Taerae, never,” Matthew sobbed as he felt the torture. The torture of making him watch them go one by one.
It’s because I met them like this. One, by, one, each with their own story.
“Matthew hyung!” Gyuvin exclaimed as he hopped onto Matthew’s shoulder. Matthew looked up to Gyuvin’s smiling face with shock. “Why? I just want to spend my last moments happily with the people I love,” he shrugged as Yujin sobbed out “don’t make it like you’re going to die!”
“I’m not going to die Yujin ah,” Gyuvin said softly as he held Yujin’s hand. He clutched Matthew close as well as Hanbin embraced them all with the comfort of a leader.
“I think I’ll be able to meet my grandparents again, and I can tell them all about my journeys-“ Gyuvin paused as he stared into Matthew’s eyes. “And how I became family with the most handsome, kind florist to ever exist,” Gyuvin sobbed as Matthew choked.
"G-Gyuvinnie, I love you,” Matthew said as Gyuvin hugged him back with the warmth of a younger brother. “I love you to hyung, ever since you saved me that one night.”
He turned to Yujin, their Maknae whose tears were overflowing, as he whispered “and my soulmate, Yujin ah, we did it. We were able to live the way our hearts told us to,” He whispered as the three of them said their farewells to Gyuvin.
“Hyung, I hate this,” Yujin sobbed as the remaining friends embraced each other. They sat in the empty living room that used to be full of fun and laughter, but was now reduced to mere sadness and emptiness… and a glowing book that seemed to take delight in literally sucking their joy away.
"My hyungs since the beginning,” Yujin cried out as he clung to Matthew and Hanbin tightly, fisting his hands into Matthew’s sweater as if it would hold him there for just a bit longer.
“Our Yujinnie, who’s made our family grow and prosper everyday,” Hanbin smiled gently as he leaned down to pat Yujin’s hair. Their youngest member, and their closest member lost the battle as tears streamed down his face and he shook his head.
“I-I want to stay strong for you guys, but i can’t help b-but cry,” Yujin sniffed as Matthew’s face crumbled. “Yujin ah, you can cry. Cry and we’ll be here for you, just like we’ve always been,” Matthew sobbed as he and Hanbin embraced Yujin.
Yujin’s tears caused more cracks in Matthew’s heart as Yujin cried in pain. Hanbin pursed his lips as he too started crying for their youngest member. “No Yujin ah!” Matthew shouted as Yujin started fading away.
“NO please let m-me enjoy my life with my new family a bit m-more,” Yujin cried out as he clutched onto them even tighter. “P-please…” he whispered as he completely faded away, leaving Matthew staring at the memory of Yujin’s tear stained face.
Matthew let out a gut wrenching scream of agony as he collapsed against Hanbin, punching the floor in anger. Hanbin gathered him up in his arms as Matthew yelled until his throat became raw. “W-Why,” he whispered as Hanbin shook his head, softly smiling at him despite the situation.
“Seokmae ah, Seokmae listen to me-“ Hanbin urged him as he gripped Matthew’s chin. Matthew couldn’t hear him as his ears started ringing and pain threatened to tear him apart.
“Seokmae.”
Hanbin brought him back to the present as he kissed Matthew on the lips. Matthew paused as he kissed his lover back, chasing the feeling of love. They kissed in desperation as the scenery began to blur around them. Matthew tasted the tears on their lips as Hanbin pulled back and pulled Matthew’s head in to meet his.
Hanbin placed his hands on the back of Matthew’s head as he embraced the younger, causing Matthew to stare up at him with love.
“There you are. My Seokmae,” Hanbin whispered as Matthew leaned in once more to connect their lips, swallowing up Hanbin’s words as their heart worked in tandom to convey them.
Thank you Matthew for being my best friend. For saving me in the beginning, and loving me through to the end. My heart will forever be yours, no matter where we meet in the future, because we will… our souls will align.
“Seokmae, my love. I love you so much,” Hanbin rasped out as Matthew wrapped his arms around him desperately. He grabbed Hanbin in closer as he leaned his head on Hanbin’s shoulder. “Your smile continuously brightened up my day, and there’s not a single moment that I lived in regret thanks to you.”
“Hyung, I love you so much as well,” Matthew whispered. “You’ll always be my Hanbin hyung, my soulmate, my best friend and lover” Matthew sobbed as Hanbin brought him back to stare into his eyes.
Hanbin broke into a smile as he stared into Matthew’s eyes for the last time, gently stroking a loose strand behind his ear.
“Stay strong Seokmae. For me and for everyone, because as the main character, only you can hold the memories of us to your heart…” Hanbin whispered as the book glowed more and Matthew’s first friend began to fade.
“Thank you hyung,” Matthew whispered as Hanbin held Matthew’s hands to his heart, giving Matthew one last smile that was reserved only for his lover.
“My forever… I’m sorry I couldn’t follow you everywhere.”
And with that, Matthew was left in the cold, all alone and back to square one. “It’s just me huh?” Matthew whispered as he clutched his head. “Just me. All alone again,” he repeated like a mantra as the living room started blurring as well.
The chapters and memories ripped through Matthew’s head as he screamed in pain.
For his best friend, his fairy, his soulmate, his slytherin musician, his rival, his prisoner, his protector and his mafia boy.
All those characters made a name in Matthew’s heart as scenes of their adventures flashed through his head. Their memories and their developing friendships.
“I’ll go anywhere, as long as it’s with you Seokmae”…
Matthew screamed and screamed in pain as loneliness engulfed him.
“Hyung! Did I scare you?” Yujin teased as he flapped his wings around energetically, making circles in the air.
“STOP IT!” He yelled into the space as his happy memories tore through him, causing him to desperately miss his characters.
“H-hyung, the bed is big enough for both of us,” Gyuvin murmured softly as he tugged on Matthew’s apron.
“S-Stop it.”
“Here’s to a new friendship?” Matthew asked as Taerae laughed and connected their pinkies.
Matthew ran to the guitar sitting in front of him as tunes engulfed him.
"I know you can’t forgive me, and I’m forever grateful. But thank you. Thank you for this!” Zhang Hao exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he smiled fully for the first time in his life.
“Hao hyung…”
Gunwook’s tall frame engulfed Matthew’s tiny one as Gunwook hugged his saviour close…
Matthew flipped through the pages of the book as he got tossed into a whirlwind of memories, his eyes scanning over the pages frantically.
“Of course I’m free. I’ll always make time for the prettiest boy I’ve seen” Jiwoong winked as Matthew winced.
Matthew’s tears filled the pages as the ink started to blur as well. Words, paragraphs, sentences all flew around him.
“Well, I might as well stay with you guys now since my whole team’s been wiped out,” Ricky huffed out as Gyuvin rolled his eyes annoyed.
Matthew felt himself slowly drowning, not in water nor a whirlpool. He was drowning in a pool of loneliness, in a pool of chapters where he realised that none of it was real.
He slowly blacked out as tears invaded his vision. “Thank you for creating my story…”
“We’re idols, we’re one team, how could it not be fun?”
——
Matthew choked on water as he opened his eyes, realising that he was drowning in the pool. He swam to the surface and clutched the edge of the floaty as he breathed out heavily.
“Youth in the Shade,” Matthew mumbled as he held the blue book tightly, now filled with words and adventures, and floated around in the pool of his apartment complex.
Everything was back to normal, and everyone was gone.
"This sucks,” Matthew laughed out, having exhausted all his tears beforehand. He let out a soft smile as he thought about all his friends, his characters that only remained in the ink of this book.
“Thank you for that, and I’ll treasure you forever” Matthew whispered as he clutched the book to his heart. He swam to the edge of the pool as he looked down to his normal clothes, before he had gone into chapter one.
“I guess I’m back to my trashy life,” he laughed crazily as his friend’s words echoed through him, giving him strength to continue.
“Excuse me, are you alright?” A young teenager asked as he stood on the concrete, staring down onto a fully clothed Matthew lazing around absentmindedly in the pool.
“Yah, Ricky ah, help me pull this guy out!”
Matthew was still half out of it as he let himself get pulled up gently. He looked up to mutter a thanks as he came face to face with Gyuvin… in modernised clothing.
“Gyuvinnie?!” Matthew exclaimed with wide eyes as he dove into hug Gyuvin tightly. “And Ricky?!” Matthew gasped out as his brain processed many things at once.
How was this possible… and why weren’t they saying anything?
Gyuvin gently ducked under Matthew’s arm as he bowed politely, “um, hyung I’m not quite sure how you know our names, but we’ve never met before.”
“No way this dude was going to hug me whilst being wet” Ricky grumbled as Matthew felt his heart sinking. Of course they weren’t the same characters. These were real living people who were in his reality. Real people who had no idea about the story.
Matthew hesitated as he apologised. “A-Ah, I’m sorry for the disturbance, have a nice day,” Matthew said quietly with a broken heart. He couldn’t bear to stare into their blank faces when all he could remember was their fond gazes.
He felt a hand clasp onto his arm as Gyuvin shyly mumbled, “you’re from our floor right? We’re all friends around here so why don’t you join us?” He asked as Ricky nodded.
“Hyung, let’s warm you up okay? Maybe we can convince everyone that you’re not crazy,” Ricky mumbled as Matthew slowly nodded and smiled. “That’d be nice.”
They led Matthew up, past the apartments to Ricky’s one, because yes he was loaded in real life as well as Matthew stepped in hesitantly, not knowing how to react to new people.
“Eh? Did you push this poor guy in a pool or something? Gyuvin you little rascal, look he’s shivering!” A person said from the kitchen as Matthew saw Zhang Hao, the same one who had just disappeared, smiling at him wholeheartedly.
He rushed Matthew over to the couch as he fussed over him, mumbling “you’re like a poor little wet kitten.” He wrapped a towel around Matthew as he smiled warmly, “I’m Zhang Hao, but you can just call me Hao hyung.”
“Seok Matthew,” Matthew whispered back as they all surrounded him.
“Wow! We didn’t know that you lived here, all the college students in these apartments get along really well!” Gyuvin said enthusiastically as he molded himself into Matthew’s side, already choosing to gift him his love. Matthew smiled at the younger as he replied “I didn’t know you guys were here as well.”
Because he truly didn’t. Maybe if he wasn’t so caught up with his own life, he would’ve noticed the potential friends living right next door.
Maybe the book was a wake up call for Matthew.
Youth in the Shade tingled as Matthew hid his smile. “We have more of us here, but join us?” Ricky offered as they looked at him expectantly.
Join us.
The irony of it caused Matthew to laugh as he nodded. “Great! There’s a weekly catch up tonight, so you’re welcome to Ricky and I’s apartment,” Zhang Hao beamed as Gyuvin noticed Matthew’s confused stare.
“I live with this really cute kid upstairs, not here and he calls himself my soulmate ” Gyuvin giggled as understanding dawned onto Matthew. “Hao hyung, I’ll help you get ready for tonight, let’s get to know each other in the meanwhile?” Matthew asked as Zhang Hao looked at his bright smile and blushed slightly.
“Of course!”
Matthew stood in Zhang hao’s kitchen, contemplating life as he wondered how he got to this point. The point of actually meeting people in real life rather than just travelling through insane worlds with them.
“Matthew hyung, watch out for your fingers,” Ricky called out as Matthew exclaimed and focused his attention back onto the vegetables. “Are you sure you guys are okay with me?” Matthew whispered as Ricky burst out laughing, leaning down to lay his head on Matthew’s shoulder.
“Of course hyung! I can tell you’ll fit in straight away,” Ricky said as he gently patted Matthew’s fluffy hair.
“Yah! Ricky I told you to prepare popcorn for the movie night, not to flirt with our precious Matthew,” Zhang Hao scolded Ricky as the blonde laughed and nodded. “And now there are nine!” Gyuvin exclaimed as he set out the couches.
“Everyone’s a college student, except Yujinnie, although we’re all unique, so don’t worry about it too much hyung!” He called out as Matthew nodded.
“It’s time!”
“Taaaaerrria is here!” Taerae exclaimed as he whipped through the door dramatically, holding a guitar. He stopped when he saw Matthew and smiled at him, dimples showing and everything. “I love your fashion sense!” Matthew gushed out as Taerae’s eyes widened and he smirked. “You and I are going to get along perfectly!”
“And there’s our two youngest, our precious big baby and our little high schooler,” Zhang Hao whispered into Matthew’s ear as he nodded, watching Gunwook and Yujin trial through the door. Gunwook stared at Matthew warily as Yujin outright ignored him, opting to go on his phone.
“Yujin ah, Gunwookie, come on meet our latest addition to the team!” Zhang Hao exclaimed as Yujin whipped up. Seeing Matthew’s warm and bright smile and open arms, Yujin went up to Matthew and gasped. “Woah, hyung you’re really pretty,” Yujin said with innocent eyes as Matthew winced, noticing he looked like a literal drowned rat.
Gunwook shyly nodded at Matthew as Yujin hesitantly wrapped his arms around the stranger in a new found friendship. "Oh they’re going to be just fine,” Taerae whispered as he watched their two youngest friends easily talk with Matthew.
“Jiwoong hyung! You’re back already,” Ricky called out as Jiwoong stepped through the hallway faltering when he saw Matthew. Matthew’s eyes widened as he noticed Jiwoong wearing a suit, one like he was wearing when they first met and let out a small wave.
"Kim Jiwoong,” Jiwoong said to Matthew as Matthew repeated “Hello Jiwoon hyung!” Jiwoong bit his lip as he smiled, his deep stare looking anywhere except for Matthew as his ears turned red. “Another one is down,” Yujin whispered as Matthew nodded and looked around.
“Is there one more?” Matthew asked hesitantly as Zhang hao nodded. “Our supposed leader who always looks after us.” Matthew tried not to get his hopes up as he watched the door eagerly.
There was no way, this coincidence would be too good to be true.
A tall charismatic person stepped through the door, one with whisker smiles and eyes that disappeared. He was wearing a tie and his fluffy hair lay over his handsome face.
That damn smile. That goddamn smile that Matthew had fallen in love with.
“Hanbin hyung! You’re here!” Gyuvin exclaimed as he ran towards Hanbin and jumped on him. “Woah Gyuvinnie, I’m here,” Hanbin laughed, deep and heartily as Matthew stared at him in adoration.
"Hanbin hyung, there’s a newbie here that I think you’ll like,” Gyuvin whispered in Hanbin’s ear as Hanbin’s eyes trailed to the couch. He and Matthew locked eyes as Hanbin sucked in a breath, feeling mind blown by an onslaught of emotions.
Sitting there, was the cutest boy that Hanbin had ever seen, with fluffy hair and eyes that peered at Hanbin as if they were old friends. Hanbin felt an instant connection as he resisted the urge to walk over to the boy, hold his hand tightly, and never let go.
“What is this feeling?” He mumbled to himself as the air between them fizzled. “You’re staring…” Gyuvin elbowed him as Hanbin shook his head and walked over to the boy.
“I’m Hanbin. Have we met before?” He asked as the boy stared up to him with pouty lips and the prettiest eyes he’s ever seen.
“Seok Matthew, and I believe this is the first time…”
——
"Seokmae ah, come here!” Hanbin called out as Matthew bounded over to him happily. Hanbin pulled down on Matthew hard as Matthew landed in his lap, blushing as his boyfriend wrapped his hands around him.
“You guys, stop being so icky in front of the kids and help me prepare the food!” Zhang Hao called out as they all gathered in his apartment for their weekly hang out. “I’m not a kid anymore… I’m in college now!” Yujin whined as Gyuvin cooed and pinched his cheeks.
“Jiwoon hyung, how’s your new business going?” Matthew asked slowly as Jiwoong loosened his tie and flopped onto the couch. “If only I had someone waiting for me when I came home,” he sighed as Matthew pouted and patted his back, Hanbin squeezing him even tighter.
"Yah! Gyuvin ah, you stole my textbook didn’t you?!” Ricky shouted as Gyuvin pursed his lips menacingly. “I actually borrowed it for a while, you can grab it from my room,” Matthew called out happily as Ricky smiled at him and ran off to get it.
“Seriously the difference in treatments is insane” Gunwook whined as Taerae laughed, showing them all his new musical compositions.
“This reminds me of when we first met, a fateful night like this as well,” Hanbin whispered as Matthew nodded, taking his hand.
It’s been a few years since Matthew had been released back into his reality, and how coincidentally, he’d found real life versions of his characters in his apartment complex. They’d gotten close to him in record time, and together they battled college life. Matthew couldn’t be more grateful, creating new memories outside of the ones he’d already had of them.
Hanbin and him had fallen in love again- well it was a first for Hanbin, and they had confessed under the stars on the rooftop. “You are insane,” Matthew had grumbled to the book that night when he came home with flushed cheeks and a lover.
The chapters and memories of his characters no longer tormented him, having made a deep connection with each of his friends in real life.
“Seokmae ah,” Hanbin whispered in his ear as he watched Matthew turn bright red. “Let’s go on a date this weekend?” Hanbin suggested as Matthew eagerly nodded. Hanbin chuckled as he nuzzled his cheeks with Matthew’s, only to be disturbed by a head popping in between them.
“I wanna come too!” Gyuvin whined as Yujin beamed. “Let’s go to an amusement park?!” Zhang Hao nodded and started planning out the event, as Hanbin deflated. “Hyung, it’s ok, we have our whole lives ahead of us,” Matthew whispered.
I don’t have to live one chapter at a time anymore.
"Great! We have a group date!” Gyuvin exclaimed as Ricky said from the doorway, “you guys weren’t invited,” he said as Gyuvin glared at him. Ricky looked at Matthew in curiosity as Matthew tilted his head.
He saw a blue book in Ricky’s hand and a questioning glance as Ricky mumbled quietly to him. “Hyung… do you enjoy writing fanfics about us or something?” He whispered in judgement as Matthew defended himself embarrassedly.
He grabbed Youth in the Shade away from the blonde as they all gathered around it. “This is my dairy, from a long time ago,” Matthew mumbled truthfully as he hid the book from the questioning glances.
“Yeah about you and Hanbin hyung falling in-“ Ricky started as Matthew slapped him hard. “And about me being a maf-“ Matthew fully slapped a hand over Ricky’s shoulder as the blond smirked.
“Do you guys want to know something crazy?” Yujin cut in, saving Matthew from the embarrassment. “I had dreams one night that I was a fairy, and I flew in the clouds with Hanbin hyung and Matthew hyung,” he said as Matthew froze and smiled slowly.
“That does sound crazy..” Gyuvin teased as he tackled Yujin on the floor. “Well sometimes I think about what would’ve happened if we all auditioned to become idols. You know the ones that sing and dance?” Zhang Hao murmured as Gunwook cocked his head. “We’d steal the show for sure!” Gunwook exclaimed.
“We did crush the stage…” Matthew murmured at the fond memories as eight pairs of eyes flew to him.
“What was that Seokmae?”
Matthew hummed giddily as he embraced them all in a tight hug. “Nothing! I’m just glad that we’re all here, together at this moment.”
Everyone’s hearts melted as they all crowded around the couch, laughing and gossiping like teenage friends. "This is great… I love you all so much” Matthew murmured as Hanbin spun him around and kissed him.
Choruses of protests rang out as everyone yelled for Hanbin to stop hogging their sunshine. Matthew smiled against his lover’s lips, one of pure happiness.
The nine boys reunited in the real world, their adventures through chapters captured and stored in the book. Through all the trauma and pain Matthew had suffered, came with new happiness that that existed in the souls of the nine friends. For that is the beauty of a story. Once one ends, a new one always starts.
" This is my real ending .”