#33: With My Heart On My Palm

[exolliarmus]

►Username: anonymous
►Prompt #: 33
►Title: With My Heart on My Palm
►Pairings: Kris/Suho
►Rating: NC-17
►Word count: 11k
►Warnings: Mentions of nudity
►Summary: It took him six years to fall in love, four years to forget it and three days to love again.
►Author’s note: For the prompter, sorry for butchering your prompt. For potterheads out there, this is a non-potterhead trying to write an hp!au. I tried my best to fit the theme. For my peeps N & L thanks for your neverending support. I heart you guys so much. Last but not least for the mods, I apologize for my incompetency to stick to the schedule.

Θ

 

 

“Excuse me,” chants Junmyeon, keeping both his hands up as he moves through the crowd hoarding the space facing the exits of the subway train. He maneuvers his way to the middle of the fast train where there is lesser people, relaxing as he found a pole to lean on.

The magic hospital that he works in is not far from his place, so he finds that even if he takes out his earphone in his bag and listens to some music, he only gets to listen to two full songs. Three sometimes if he decides to forgo the ending chorus for the next number. Besides, he doesn’t mind listening to the white sounds filling the air as he looks out the windows made from tempered glass. Nothing much to see anyway for it is the same view that Junmyeon got accustomed to for the last two and a half years living in the bustling city of Kyoto.

The sound of a lady announcing the arrival of the sub to his station reverberates through the speaker. Junmyeon pulls up the straps of his sling bag on his shoulder out of habit, bracing himself to get through yet another set of crowd.

After 5 minutes of walk on foot, Junmyeon takes a detour behind a shop that has rows and rows of senbei for display, not forgetting to greet Isao-san, the old man that owns and mans the shop. Along the way he walks past an array of shop lots selling novelty items as common as colourful folding fans to as rare as haunted katana. He heads toward the staircase that leads to the north gate heading to the Bamboo Groove; the path that warps directly to the Main Hall.

 

 

Θ

 

 

The Main Hall that serves as hospital for magical illness is full of people as always, mainly the staffs going back and forth running errands. Junmyeon is one of them, pacing through the wooden corridors with his sock clad feet; sneakers hold in one hand; towards the changing room so he can get his robe out of his designated locker. He takes off his crisp white button down and his black slacks, leaving his tank top and boxers on.

White kimono with hakama (trouser-skirt) is the uniform for staffs in that magical hospital, though the colour of the skirt divide them according to their job – maroon for administrative staff, dark green for apothecary, pastel yellow for nurses and matrons, and navy blue for healers. The seniority rank for healers is displayed on the trinket hanging on their waist – white rabbit for trainee, grey snake for senior and black dragon for higher rank.

Junmyeon places his necessities – a wand made from English oak wood with unicorn tail hair core, a tube of lip balm, a small diary filled with notes – into the front pocket attached to his navy blue hakama before he hangs the white rabbit trinket on his waist. He takes out a pair of white indoor shoes from the box in the locker and drops them on the floor, placing his sneakers on the box while he eases his toes into the indoor shoes. He smoothes out the black kanji letterings embroidery that spelled his name on his left chest before locking the door of his locker and drops the keys into his front pocket, silent prayer on his lips for his day to start and end with ease.

 

 

Θ

 

 

“So.”

Junmyeon merely throws a glance over his shoulder to acknowledge the owner of the voice, Kim Jongdae. He is another trainee healer a year below him; a junior he knew from the Korean society back in Mahoutokoro.                                                                                                      

“When are we going to have the farewell dinner?”

The older male lets out a scoff as he opens another roll of case note; female, 36 years old, known case of Cerebrumous Spattergroit. Passing over case is always a hassle; what with the summarization,the summarization and the briefing after; but protocol is made for a reason.

“Eager to have me out of here aren’t you?”

“Kinda.”

Junmyeon gives a pointed stare at the younger. Jongdae bumps his shoulder against Junmyeon’s softly – Just joking, hyung. Don’t be mad.

“You are so lucky to get a post there.” Jongdae states with a hint of envy in his tone. Jongdae, like most of the other, thinks that being in an already familiar environment is better than being in unexplored territory. And to be honest Junmyeon thinks the same too. The younger props his chin on his palms, elbows digging on the table.

The older shrugs, eyes still on the scroll. “It’s just Mahoutokoro. What’s new to see?”

“They call it ‘magical place’ for a reason, hyung.”

Junmyeon hums for approval. He has spent 7 years of his young life studying there and now he is going back as a working adult. Surely there must be something he hasn’t experience before waiting for him in there.

The humming stops when a pair of skinny arms wrap themselves around Junmyeon’s torso and a chin digging on his broad shoulder.

Junmyeon puts down the brush in his hand to pat the younger’s head.

“Really gonna miss you a lot.”

Another pair of hands sneak their way on top of the cuddling couple. Junmyeon turns to look at another person perching his head on the other side of his shoulder, chuckling when Baekhyun, a trainee nurse suddenly joins in the cuddling spree. Baekhyun was also a member of the Korean society and somehow, he and Jongdae had managed to worm their way into Junmyeon's heart.

“I am going to miss you too,” says the new addition, his voice muffling against Junmyeon’s scapula.

There is tightness in his chest from the love he is receiving right now, and also from the pressure these two equally sized adult are putting around his ribcage.

“You two act like you are sending me off to war.”

“Our eldest hyung is not even married yet.” Baekhyun mocks a sniffle into Junmyeon’s scapula as Jongdae pats the former's head.

“What if he dies a virgin.”

Baekhyun hums. “That would be so sad.”

There’s someone that sounds eerily like the famous ‘Dragon Matron’ faking a loud cough somewhere, effectively making Jongdae and Baekhyun to take their hands off that young healer in an instant.

 

 

Θ

 

 

The sun is strong here in Kagoshima port.

Junmyeon reels his wheeled luggage in one hand, a smartphone in another and a big bag full of snacks dangling on the crook of his elbow to survive a few hour trip on the ferry. Normal ferry with engines will take around thirteen hours to reach Nakano-shima, but magic powered ferry only takes two to three hours.

The ferry that is he is going to board is estimated to arrive in half an hour according to the uncle with thick round glasses in the ticket booth. He still has some time to walk around, refreshing his memory of the view he used to see for so many times few years back.

His pace halts when he spots a man that looks a bit older than him in a black yukata sitting in a small stall, the signs in front of him reads ‘Palm Reading’ in big, bold letters with a picture of a palm beside it. An old man used to sit behind the table, smiling warmly to those who passed by. Now there is another younger man with a face similar to that old man occupying the space, and it makes Junmyeon a bit regretful for never taking the chance to know that old man when he was still there.

The sound of the wheels dragging against the tarred road startles the man, causing him to stand abruptly. He looks genuinely surprised by Junmyeon’s visit and the latter cannot stop a smile creeping on his face when the man gives a stiff forty-five degree bow at him.

“Welcome to my humble palm reading booth.” Even his hand is stiff when he points to the small chair for Junmyeon to sit.

“What would you want me to reveal today? Wealth, health, relationship, or love?” The palmist gives a smile, one that is too similar to that old man.

“I’ve never been to any palm reader before so I don’t really....”

The palmist nods in understanding. “Most of the people come here for reading on their Love life.”

“Sure,” Junmyeon shrugs, “why not?”

The palmist spreads out his hands – much smaller hands, and Junmyeon hands are not exactly big in the first place – on the red table cloth. Junmyeon mimics the action of the palmist to reveal his own palms, all open for the other man to read.

The palmist grabs both of Junmyeon’s hands gently towards him, focusing on the grooves etched on the fair skin.

“I See your hand is Fire type, but your hand is Cold.”

Junmyeon squints at the crisscross on his palm, not really following the palmist’s reading. He always regards himself as someone who is not gifted with the Sight; which explains why he didn’t even consider taking Divination as elective subject back in third year in Mahoutokoro.

The palmist runs his index finger across the line that starts just below the junction between the fore and middle finger on the right hand, running across and over the area under the pinky finger. Junmyeon’s fingers twitches from the ticklish sensation.

“This line here is your Heart line. And from what I See…”

Junmyeon shifts his feet slightly, upper body leaning forward to hear the rest of the sentence.

“You have a very specific concept in love. First, you believe in the concept of ‘opposite attracts’, so you are always attracted to someone that is complete opposite of you. You are also full of competitiveness; you want someone equal to you and you can’t stand having anyone superior than you.”

Junmyeon always know that he has a competitive streak, but to hear from a stranger about is a little hard to digest.

“I See that you also have a firm believe that true love does not exist, yet according to your Heart line…” He pauses to take a breath but Junmyeon can’t seem to do the same out of anticipation.

“You already found one.”

The younger straightens his posture. “Are you– are you sure to see the right thing because I don’t recall finding anyone near to that.”

The palmist has stop looking at his palms, instead his eyes divert upwards to look into the eye of the man in front of him.

“Chance doesn’t come twice, but when it does, remember to grab it. You might not have it the third time around.”

Junmyeon finds himself nodding unconsciously.

 

 

 

The empty basket on the table is now occupied by some bills.

 

 

Θ

 

 

Waking up with a stiff neck is not a pleasurable experience. The neck pillow only provides little comfort but he knows he should at least be grateful for even remembering to bring it together for this trip. He did not realize when he fell asleep, but one thing he remembered was that he had a dream, one that seemed too vivid to be fictional. He rubs the back of his neck with his hands; fingers putting more pressure where the base of the skull and the neck meets. He closes his eyes in attempt to recall the dream that he had just now.

Gate. Button. Letter. What else?

The horn blaring from a distance announces for the arrival of the ferry on the shore of Nakano-shima, distracting him from the recalling session. Junmyeon looks out the window, squinting at the peak of a volcanic mountain piercing through the clouds. There on the mountaintop, too far for eyes to see, stands a grand pagoda that overlooks the entire island.           

The pagoda is the centre for Mahoutokoro School of Magic where the classes and the dining hall are situated. It is accessible once one climbs a long series of staircase heading towards the peak of the mountain. There are several buildings surrounding the pagoda in. Three of them are used as dormitories for different Houses.

The building on the highest ground with red pillars carved with dragon motives serves as the dormitory for the Dragons who celebrate Honor and Courage.

The House of Kitsune honours those who are Cunning and Wit and their sleeping quarters are supported with columns made from yellow jade.

Those with Wisdom and Patience belongs to the House of Kappa – in which Junmyeon was sorted into –and their dormitory is differentiated by the blue roof.

 

 

Junmyeon doesn’t remember going to the sick bay much during his school days but he does remember the said room being on the ground floor, in it a long working table beside the medicine cabinet, a twin cupboard for storage and a low table in one corner.

Not much changes happening here, except the person sitting at the low table would be him.

Earlier this afternoon he had settled his accommodation at the visiting quarters – “The best room available,” said Misakichi-san, the keeper of the said quarter. Junmyeon was informed that he would get to meet the Principal the day after for he was out of the school for some time, but the Principal did spare some of his precious time to write a welcoming letter for him. Though he is a teeny bit burdened when his eyes trailed over ‘….as a semi-permanent staff of this honoured school…’.

After keeping the letter in his luggage, he is out to roam around after changing into one of the plain hakama he brought over, not forgetting to carry his new emblem bestowed by the school officer.

He walks over to the window facing the courtyard, observing the students gathering around for their club activities. They do have allocated indoor dojo for this purpose but on a clear day like this, not spending time outside is such a waste.

Ah, the joy of youth.

He props his chin on a fist over his folded elbow and closes his eyes to the sound of the blowing breeze.

 

 

Θ

 

 

For other students, Monday afternoon means after school club activities. But for a certain fourth year student from House of Dragon named Kai, it is the day he is always anticipating week after week.

Thursday afternoon means Archery day, which means he will get to see his crush out in the courtyard to shoot some arrows at the mato – toned arms on display, stable stance, unwavering eyes – and every piercing heads though the straw target represents the love Kai feels shooting straight into his heart.

He is right next in turn yet his heart still unsettles, knowing that his crush will be watching him and the other junior members at the side of the courtyard. He fists the side of his hakama pants, hoping the sweat gathering on his palms transfers to the cloth.

He can barely listens to the sound of his name being called by the senior.

Kai takes a deep breath, ribcage expanding from all the air sucked into his chest. He nocks the arrow and holds the string lightly with his right hand, vice grip on the bow with the other. He raises the bow, takes another deep breath, and draws the bow all the way past his ear. His right forearm is trembling from the tension and without he realizes his fingers gives up on the string.

The last thing he hears is the loud snap right beside his ear.

 

 

Θ

 

 

Junmyeon looks up from the book he is reading on the low table when he hears a groan coming from a further side of the room. He rushes over to the side of the futon where the injured student struggles to get up, giving the younger male a slight push so that he can sit down properly. Junmyeon gives the boy some time to regain his sense before introducing himself as the new healer in that school. The latter gives a delayed nod, clearly haven’t fully grasping the whole situation.

“Just now you had an accident while practicing and your senior brought you here –”

“Which senior, sensei?”

Junmyeon glances at the firm hand on his forearm. “Uhh.. I don’t know his name but he wears glasses.”

The student goes still and Junmyeon takes it as a cue to continue.

“Big eyes... and heart-shaped lips?”

Junmyeon has seen quite a lot of patients in his trainee days, but none acts like the student now. He does not expect the boy to roll on his side on the futon, wincing in pain when the bandaged side of his face hits the futon a bit too hard. The boy then lies on his front with his arms folded under his chest and his hands cradling his face.

The healer notices the unusual red tinge surfacing on both sides of the student’s ears. Strings of diagnosis terms flash in his mind, trying to match the signs and symptoms that the student exhibits.

Oh. It’s that disease.

“You.. like that senior of yours, don’t you?”

The boy on the futon stays still like a log before turning his head on the good side of his face.

“Is it really obvious?”

Junmyeon heaves a sigh. “You just had your ear detached from your head yet you care more about the senior that brought you in here.”

The boy’s eyes go so wide they can even rival that of his crush’s.

“Oh well, nothing can’t be fixed with some spell and potions.” Junmyeon moves his fingers in a fancy way.

Kai still haven’t blinked, obviously not fazed by Junmyeon’s twinkle fingers.

“It is still there, we reattached it of course. But you should give it some time to heal.”

The younger male turns his face down again, this time mumbling something into the pillow.

Junmyeon looks at the boy in confusion. “What did you say?”

He lifts up his head, straining his neck. “I’d rather lost more parts of my body if that can make Kyungsoo-senpai look at me.”

Junmyeon scoffs at the boy when he mimics Junmyeon’s twinkle fingers and quotes the older male’s earlier statement – nothing can’t be fixed with some spell and potion.

The trainee healer raises on his feet, back facing the younger male as he heads to the low table. “You should be happy that you at least can see him every day; he is in the same school as you anyway.”

“Oh.”

He recognizes that ‘Oh’. It is the same one Jongdae used when he knew Junmyeon wasn’t telling him something. Is this boy related to Kim Jongdae in anyway?

“Seems like you had some experience with someone outside this school.”

A flash of the dream he had earlier in the ferry pops in his mind.

He coughs out to clear a non-existent itch in his throat as he sits down at the table, picking up the book where he has left off earlier.

It is a lie if he says that he is not surprised when the student moves from the futon to the other side of the low table that is facing him.

“Let me guess.”

The older male feigns ignorance, still staring at the same page of the book.

“Durmstrang.”

The slight scoff he lets off is anything but affirmative.

“Uagadou?”

At this rate, the boy is going to name every single magic school available on earth. Junmyeon keeps his finger on the edge of the book, ready to flip the next page.

“Ah! Hogwarts.”

Kai notices how the new healer’s gaze wander off somewhere for a very brief moment before the latter blinks rapidly a few times, setting his gaze on the new-turned page.

“I see… Isn’t it hard though, having a lover from another school?”

Junmyeon flips another page mindlessly; at this point nothing he reads can actually be retained in his mind.

“Pen-pal.”

Kai looks at the other male who still refuses to make eye contact with him.

“Just pen-pal. Nothing more, nothing less.”

The boy hums in reply. He places the good side of his face on the table, appreciating the coolness of the wooden surface, the soft sound of the book flipping, the breeze passing through the trees and into the windows.

“Do you keep in contact with your ‘pen-pal’?”

Kai hears the answer after another page being turned over.

“Not anymore.”

The boy hums again.

 

 

Θ

 

 

After that unfortunate accident, it seems like the sick bay has been new-found sanctuary for Kai. He visits Junmyeon almost every day, sharing his episodes of encounter with his crush. Sometimes they will just sit at the low table in silent, Junmyeon delving in his magazines to keep in touch with the muggle side of his while Kai does his homework – either Potions or Charms – opposite of the older male. Sometimes when Kai looks like he is about to scratch his brain out of his scalp, Junmyeon will wait for the boy to come around the table and pushes the half-filled parchment towards him; a pout on his face and pleading eyes to complete the ‘Senpai help me please’ combo set. Junmyeon of course will easily give the student the help he needs – after all he did score ‘Exceed Expectations’ in both Potions and Charms during his N.E.W.T.

Even when Minho, the healer posted to Mahoutokoro prior to Junmyeon, comes back from his long leave, Kai still hangs around in the sick bay. But only when Junmyeon is not out and about to the nearby islands to give free consultations for wizards and muggles alike that get inflicted by magical illness in the smaller temples.

Life has been quite smooth here in Mahoutokoro. But least to Junmyeon’s knowledge, a storm is about to blow his way – strong, fast, uninvited. Like that one time in Hogwarts.

 

 

Θ.

 

 

“Why don’t we send Junmyeon instead?”

Automatically six pairs of eyes in the dining hall turn to the mentioned person. Junmyeon freezes in his spot, bewildered due to the sudden attention on him.

He knows what they are talking about – there is supposed to be a representative from Mahoutokoro to escort the visiting Quidditch team from (why oh why, out of all school) Hogwarts. Which means, the said person have to go all the way to Japanese Ministry of Magic – locals call it Mahou-shou – to get the team safely to Mahoutokoro.

It is safe to see that almost all the staff is reluctant to go because one, it is very far and two, they will have to go alone. And Junmyeon, being the newest addition (and also semi-permanent staff) is an easy pick from the start.

Seems like this lunch session is just a setup to forcefully pushing him to agree.

Junmyeon looks over at Minho who is sitting right across him. He has that apologetic look on his face – Sorry I cannot help you. Junmyeon just smiles at the other healer.

“Sure, I’ll go.”

 

 

Θ

 

 

The Ministry of Magic he remembered from his class trip in year one is nothing like the one he is in right now.

He knows that Japanese Ministry of Magic headquarter shares the same building with a well-known art museum in Tokyo so of course, having these abstract paintings and bizarre statues are not something to be surprised of.

But actually going in, getting down the stairs from a secret door near the washroom at the ground level to get into a separate elevator to the underground office is very, very thrilling.

When he arrives at the third floor, he expects to see some arrows or signs to lead him to Foreign Affair and Sports Department. But what makes he knows that he is at the right place is the sight of young foreigners at the corridor, all of them wearing similar looking robes; the only difference is the color of the neckties around their necks – red, blue, yellow, and green.

Green. Slytherin. Wonder how he is doing right now. Last time Junmyeon checked his name was nowhere to be found; either in clubs or national Quidditch teams.

The posters in different designs and languages on the office walls reflect on the name of the department itself. Junmyeon recognizes a poster that celebrates the victory of Japanese National Quidditch Team in International Quidditch Cup last year, and also some posters about other games in his native Korean language.

He doesn’t have to wander far to meet the staff that deals with British Ministry of Magic, the one that is responsible for bringing in the Under 17-years-old Quidditch team from Hogwarts for joined training and friendly match with the team from Mahoutokoro. In fact, he knows the man by heart.

He is the very same man that used to spend hours and hours with him in the library, one that decided to use his multi-language ability and interest in international affairs for a job in Foreign Affair and Sports Department despite getting ‘Exceed Expectations’ in almost all subjects for N.E.W.T.

“Kim Minseok-sshi, good to see you again.”

The man that stands in front of the closed door gives a once-over at the healer.

“Why the formalities, Junmyeonnie?”

Junmyeon pushes his fist against the Minseok’s covered arm, automatically goes ‘Oh~~’ at how thick the latter has become. Minseok flexes his arms, further making the other to give a good-natured laugh.

“How’s life as a husband?”

The smile on the Minseok’s face speaks a thousand words. He looks happy, wholesome – not that he didn’t look happy before – but now he looks radiant. Seems like his married life with his Chinese spouse is working out well.

They have a few minutes of catching-up session before Minseok shoots a nervous glance to their surrounding, very aware of his colleagues looking over at his interaction with his former classmate.

“Let’s continue this inside, shall we?”

Minseok takes the knob of the door behind him and twists it open, revealing his workspace to his former classmate. It is simple, neat, clean, organized – it is Minseok through and through. There is a picture frame on the table, one that Junmyeon cannot see due to its back facing him, so he guesses it is Minseok’s wedding picture.

Minseok is not bothered to offer Junmyeon a seat; the latter does not mind either as they perch on the edge of the wide wooden table, picking up where they left off. Minseok explains that some of the Muggleborns in the team had convinced their teammates to get in public transport – “Bullet train is very exciting! Imagine all the things we can see!” – instead of using the portkey to get to Kagoshima. Hence he is quite worried to let the team travel by themselves all the way there, but he cannot leave his job either. When he requested for an escort from Mahoutokoro, he was not informed earlier that Junmyeon – a healer at that – would be the one they send over. So he is honestly surprised to see his old classmate in his office in Mahou-shou.

“But at least you’ll have a friend during the trip back to the island.”

“Friend?”

“Yeah, the one that you exchange letters with, back in school. You even begged me to bring you to Hogwarts just to meet him. Have you forgot?”

Junmyeon feels the blood in his face drains out somewhere else.

There is a sound of the knob turning and the hinge of the door squeaking.

“Talk of the devil,” Minseok says, waiting for the door to reveal the person behind it.

Lo and behold, it is him, one who goes by the name Kris Wu.

When Junmyeon first started with magic school, English language - despite being schooled in Japan - is essential for the students. Hence he enrolled himself in the interschool pen-pal programme and that was when he got himself a foreign friend from Hogwarts called Kris Wu.

One reply letter turned to three. Then ten. Six years later Junmyeon had collected 67 of those, all kept safely in a box hidden in his wardrobe.

Then on one fateful day, sixteen years old Junmyeon decided to meet the boy behind those letters. Wizarding School Potions Championship was going to be held in Hogwarts that year so he did his best to get picked as the representative for Mahoutokoro for the competition.

Of course, there's always someone who is better than you. In his case, that person was Kim Minseok. But that didn't hinder his plan to meet Kris. He still managed to get to Hogwarts by acting as Minseok's companion.

And when he met Kris for the first time, it's felt like meeting an old friend. Of course Junmyeon didn't recognize Kris at first - they never exchanged pictures to begin with - but the latter said that he recognized Junmyeon right off the bat.

The time he spent with Kris got him on clouds. With each passing day, he was floating higher and higher. Then when he heard that Kris already had a special girl by his side, that's when he found out how hard the earth was.

On the last day in Hogwarts, they had promised to keep in touch. Junmyeon didn't keep that promise.

Fast forward to four years later, that Slytherin boy with chubby cheeks and buzz cut has grown up to be a handsome, smart young man – cheeks still full, height still towering, but Junmyeon barely recognizes him at all.

Seems like he is looking at a stranger and sadly, it is not far from the truth.

 

 

 

Θ

 

 

When you get a bunch of students and two adults escorting them, naturally the former will group together and socialize among themselves. Which will then bring the non-student to group among themselves.

And in this case, it’s Junmyeon and Kris.

Junmyeon has settled in the seat next to the window – his most preferred spot – and takes out his smartphone together with the earphones that somehow managed to get knotted in the small space of his pants pocket.

He utilizes his stubby fingers to work out the kinks since he is out in the muggle world so waving his wand out in the public would be a big no – he just got his healer license upgraded and he won’t risk it for something so trivial. So he focuses on the matter in his hands; eyes frowning and lips pursing out of pure concentration.

He must have been too focused that when he successfully detangles it and whoops in excitement (hey, no magic!) when he realizes that the empty seat beside him just now has been occupied by someone else. And the said person is also looking at him for god knows how long.

Junmyeon straightens his posture, obviously embarrassed over his behavior. He is a muggleborn wizard that was being a tad too happy because he did something without the help of magic; something that muggles do every day. Ah, all the magic has spoiled him rotten.

“Should I give you some candy? You know, for your achievement?”

Junmyeon glares at his seatmate. “Not that you can do better without your trusted wand.”

Kris coos like one would do to a kitten. “Where did our sweet Junjun go? I am sure going to miss him.”

And like a flick of a switch, they begin their playful jab at each other. As if the silence that last between them for the past four years didn’t happen at all.

 

 

 

The pocket of the back seat in front of them is filled with candy wrappers of different colours.

They are now resting their backs on the comfortable chair (whoever that approves the budget for them to travel in green car, god bless you) and sharing the earphone with each other; the sound of soft piano solo lulling them to sleep. Kris is already succumb from the slumber war while Junmyeon is still haven’t out of it.

Junmyeon burrows himself in the slightly lowered chair, leaning on his side so he can hug his legs tighter to his chest. In this position, he cannot help himself but to look straight at the sleeping male beside him. Who would have thought that the very same person he was trying to forget (he thought he had, but he never do) is right beside him.

It’s like a dream (or a nightmare, whichever it is) came true for a second time.

His eyesight is getting blurry.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers, more to himself, when his eyelids seems to get heavier before they flutter to shut.

He takes a deep breath and forces it out, trying to calm his increasingly rapid heartbeat. Unfair, Kris thinks to himself. You are being so unfair to me.

 

 

 

Θ

 

 

 

They make a beeline in the corridor of the visiting quarter; girls going up the stairs to their dorm in upper level while boys stay at the ground level. Misakichi-san is doing her best to explain the direction of the bathrooms and the allocated time to be at the dining halls for each meal time.

Meanwhile Junmyeon has put away his measly luggage in front of his shared room with Minho, coming out to check if the students (and Kris) need any more help to settle in. But it seems like they are doing just fine – Kris is even chatting happily with Misakichi-san without problem.

He retreats back in his room, sliding the paper door close behind him.

“How’s the trip?” Minho asks from his side of the room, lazily lying on his back on his warm futon.

Junmyeon gives a safe ‘It was fine’ answer while he opens the door to the built-in closet and fits his luggage in the lower space since the upper belongs to Minho.

“I heard that the rep from British M.O.M. is good looking. And quite young too.”

Junmyeon hides a smile from the other to see. “Hmm… He is certainly handsome.”

“And very tall. Taller than you,” Junmyeon points out. “But he’s not that young; he’s a year older than us.”

Minho gives a hum as a sign that he is listening before he asks again, “I heard that he’s an Asian too. But why he graduated from Hogwarts?”

Junmyeon explains that Kris born in China before her mother remarried with another wizard and migrated to Europe, which was why his name was in the enrolling register for Hogwarts.

“Wow,” exclaims Minho, “you only met him today but he told you that much?”

“I’ve known him before,” for a long time, “but we are not really… close or anything.” Because of me.

Minho drawls out a soft ‘I see’ before he leans onto his side and props his head on the fold of his elbow. “His name was quite familiar though. Didn’t he play Quidditch before?”

Junmyeon takes out the folded futon from the deeper part of his wardrobe. “He did.”

“Oh! I remember now. He’s a Beater for Slytherin. His Bludger Backbeat move was legendary; even Hirakata-senpai can’t do back-hand swing like him. I thought he would’ve go into pro league with that sick skill. Why didn’t he?”

Junmyeon lays out the folded futon on the tatami reserved for him. “I.. honestly have no idea.”

“Huh. I guess you really are not close to him,” says Minho while he rests his back horizontally again.

It hurts to hear those words directly thrown at his face. Probably even more compared to the time when the Squibb palmist (he heard about it from Kai) told him that he was too stubborn for his own good.

 

 

 

Some nights Junmyeon’s eyes will refuse to close and his brain denies the rest it needs.

Seems like tonight is one of the night.

He is not the type to look back on the things that had happened, to regret on something he has no power to change anymore. But if he really have the power, he would go back to tell this to his sixteen years old.

You shouldn’t have begged Minseok to bring you along to Hogwarts. Shouldn’t have met the boy you’ve been exchanging letters with in person. Shouldn’t fall in love with someone you can’t have.

But he had always loved him. Way, way before that.

And now he is stuck in limbo; drowning in repercussions of his one-sided decision.

The last words of the palmist ring in his head.

Chance doesn’t come twice, but when it does, remember to grab it. You might not have it the third time around.

Should he do it this time around?

 

 

Θ

 

 

“Oh?”

Junmyeon looks up from the pestle and mortar to see Kai standing at the door of the sick bay. The boy then walks over to the healer to watch the healer crushing up the Dittany sprigs. Looks like the oil hasn’t come out of them yet.

“I thought you’d be showing those visitors from Hogwarts around the school.”

Junmyeon gives a pointed stare at the boy. “I’m a healer, not an escort.”

“So is Minho-sensei, but he is the one showing them around.”

The healer shrugs his shoulder at that. Now he has entered the world of working adults, he has come to realize that seniority ranking is considered ‘The Golden Rule’ here. Do this because senpai says so. Do that because senpai tells you so. It is worse for Junmyeon and Minho because those teachers are the very same people who taught them a few years back, so whatever command that they give, both of them just cannot refuse.

Junmyeon unconsciously clenches his teeth, putting more pressure on the herb in the ceramic mortar. Some sheen can be seen forming on the squashed herb.

“So you are not going to join their practice after this?” Kai props his elbows on the horizontal surface of the table then holds his chin over his upright fists.

The hand that takes holds of the pestle changes from compressing the herb to grinding it, forming a paste with some oil starting to form at the peripheries.

“Kai-kun.”

The called person hums a response, already forgetting that his question remain unanswered.

“If someone you have been in contact suddenly decided to stop contacting you for whatever reason, would you… hate that person?”

Kai hums as he thinks. “If that person is someone I really care about, maybe. If not, I won't really mind.”

The grinding slows down for a few seconds before it ceases to stop. Junmyeon then heads to the cupboard to get a cylindrical glass and a small disc that fits into the cylinder. He scoops out the crushed herb and transfers it into the cylinder. He then drops the disc onto the paste, letting the weight to settle down and separates the oil from the coarser material.

“Say,” Junmyeon takes another smaller block of metal weight and plays with it. “If you meet that person again, what would you do?”

Kai tilts his head sideway. “I don’t know. Maybe I'll just ignore him like he did to me.”

Junmyeon stops fiddling with the weight and add it on top of the disc. He then disappears behind the door of the cupboard. “I’ll finish this first before I go,” announces the older male.

“Go where?” asks the boy.

Junmyeon emerges again with a phial in his hand. “To the practice.”

 

 

Θ

 

 

The Quidditch pitch they are going to use for the match (and also for practice) is located in the neighbouring uninhabited island called Kodakara-jima. Long, long time ago, one of the local wizards found a naturally formed caldera in that island which is proven to be ideal for that purpose. In just a short time after the lines being drawn and the goal baskets being erected, it has officially became the place for Mahoutokoro students and also the national team to use.

It is only accessible via portkey or via air-transport, and while the players (and Kris) have their broomsticks ready in their hands, Junmyeon finds himself being left alone without one. He suggests that they can go ahead while he port himself to the island but the problem is, none of them except Junmyeon knows the exact location, and all of them wants to fly to the island instead of using the portkey.

Borrowing from someone else is a hassle. So the solution?

Hitch a ride on someone else’s broomstick.

Now comes the worst (or the best, Junmyeon can’t really decide) part. He has to ride on Kris’ broomstick since the student are not allowed to have another passenger on their brooms; something that has to do with being under age and other broomstick regulations he doesn’t even know exists up until now.

Truth to be told he is never fond of flying. After that one particular accident involving flying and broken bones he had in second year, he found himself avoiding to use the broomstick at any cost.

“Are you okay with that?” the captain asks in concern.

Junmyeon looks at the hopeful eyes of the student. Saying ‘no’ is the hardest for him to tell to anyone except for himself.

“He’ll be fine.” Kris answers on his behalf. “Don’t worry about him. Let’s get going now or we’ll miss our lunch.”

The team mounts on their brooms that has been casted with Disillusionment Charm and levitates a few feet up of the ground, waiting for their guide to get onto the back of Kris’ sturdy broom.

“Jeez,” Kris mutters as he lets the smaller male to swing his leg onto the levitated broom. “How hard it is to just say ‘no’ to that girl?”

Junmyeon pouts behind the taller male’s back after he successfully mounted the broom which is proven to be quite difficult in his hakama.

“Hold on tight.”

Junmyeon circles his fingers tight on the stick between them.

“Are you sure about that?”

The healer nods vigorously only to let out a short yelp and getting a faceful of Kris’ cardigan a few seconds later when the broom jerks forward. He doesn’t get what is so funny since he is trying his best here when Kris lets out a low chuckle.

“I told you to hold on tight.”

“I AM,” huffs the healer.

Kris makes a rather annoyed ‘tsk’ before he grabs one of the smaller male’s hand and circle it around his own waist.

“I won’t repeat it the third time.”

Junmyeon grumbles at the threat before he wraps his other hand around the taller male’s abdomen.

“Ready now?”

He nudges his cheek against the soft material covering the broad back and tightens his hold.

“Up!”

 

 

 

Somewhere between the cloudy sky and the clear sea, Junmyeon wishes to himself so both of them would just stay longer like that; up in the air, feet ungrounded.

There is no spell to stop time so he makes one on his own and chants it in his heart.

Meomchwora sigana.

 

 

Θ

 

 

The sun is high above their head.

Junmyeon sits under the tent reserved for mediwizards for a shade. He squints his eyes as an attempt to observe the Hogwarts alumnus giving some tips to the team at the side of the pitch.

Look at him, being a good senpai to his kouhai.

Kris-senpai.

His hands fly to cup his face, trying to hide the flush creeping up his face. There is no other worse time to realize that he actually has a senpai fantasy for Kris than this moment.

“You okay there?” comes a deep voice somewhere in front of where he is sitting.

No, senpai. I am not okay.

Junmyeon lowers his hands before he puts on a straight face and sniffs.

“I need to eat something,” utters his lips without he even thinking. That might be his body speaking instead of his brain.

Kris invites himself to sit beside the smaller male on the long bench.

“You want something to eat?”

Junmyeon looks at the other in suspicion. “You better not give me anything disgusting like that every flavoured bean thing. I think I got one that taste like unwashed foot. I think.”

The taller male grimaces while he is busy getting something from his pockets but it quickly turns to a grin when Junmyeon gives such a loud reaction the moment he catches a glimpse of the item in Kris cupped hand.

“Oh, chocolate frog! How did- Why didn’t you get this when we were on the train yesterday?”

“You expect me to Accio. In a train full of muggles.”

“Okay okay. Just- just give me that,” Junmyeon opens his palm. “Please.”

Kris places his fist onto both of Junmyeon’s open palm and releases the chocolate frog into the smaller male’s hands. Junmyeon quickly put a pressure on it between his hands and holds it in his thumb and index fingers on one hand. The wriggling frog then finds a new home in Junmyeon’s warm mouth.

All the while Junmyeon puts on a blissed expression, savouring the taste of Croakoa melting on his tongue.

“I forgot how good this tasted,” he comments absently. “But how come I don’t get the card?”

“It’s Morgana. You don’t need that one.”

Junmyeon hums under his breath when something clicks in his head. He stopped collecting the cards 4 years ago simply because he didn’t get chocolate frogs anymore. From Kris.

It’s unavoidable. Sooner or later they have to talk about the Period of Silence.

The healer clears his throat and swipes his bangs to the side. “So you… you’re not angry with me?”

Kris props his hands straight behind him, shoulders hunching as he looks out at the pitch. “What for?”

Junmyeon slumps forward, his fingers curl into loose fist and he just fiddles with his thumbs. How to phrase this properly? For not sending you any letter when I promised you to? For not giving you a proper goodbye? For falling deeper in love with someone I couldn’t have?

“For…” he gulps. It sounds so loud in his ears. “For everything.”

“Nah,” Kris drawls. “Friends fall out all the time. It’s no fun to get left in the dark alone, but it happens.”

Friends. That’s what they are. No, that’s what they were. He was not special to Kris in any way so that's why he was easily forgettable. In a sense, he got what he wished for. However to know it from the person himself is no less hurtful. But he’ll be okay. He was okay 4 years ago. He is okay now. 

“So.. we’re cool?”

He does not expect the taller male to shift his gaze towards him. Kris’ gaze is piercing, accusing; like Junmyeon had just ask something he shouldn’t be.

“If we’re not, would I still be here talking to you?”

He keeps his eyes on the smaller male for a few more seconds (Junmyeon swears it is much longer than that) then he throws his gaze at the pitch again.

“Though you might not know when I can put some hex on you.”

Junmyeon gasps. “You wouldn’t.”

The taller male crosses his arms across his chest. “I was a Slyth.”

“Yeah but you are nice.” Junmyeon tilts his head. “A nice Slyth.”

Kris just shakes his head with a grin fixed on his face.

 

 

 

Θ

 

 

 

It is way past midnight. Junmyeon makes sure that there is no sound of footsteps out in the corridor before he slips through the shower area with some towels in his hand, making an extra effort to walk in stealth mode.

The cold night breeze seeps into the thin material of Junmyeon’s white yukata as he gets out from one of the door disguising as a paper wall that can only be opened with by the password ‘Hot spring boiled egg’ to the drawing of Kintaro in his underwear, holding a carp and an axe.

“Lumos,” he chants, and the tip of his wand lights up in lemon-yellow. His bare feet steps onto the cobblestone leading towards an onsen hidden behind the giant boulders.

Junmyeon takes a detour to a nearest tree so he can hang the bigger towel on a branch, then the smaller one right beside it. He looks around – just to be sure – before he casts a “Nox” and loosens the sash around his waist to slide off the yukata from his body.

He takes the smaller towel off the branch and replaces it with his yukata. The light from the quarter-moon is reflected on the calm surface of the hot spring. Junmyeon puts his wand over his small towel on a flat rock beside the boulder before he steps into the shallow hot spring.

The hot water body surrounding his naked body is a magic itself, thinks Junmyeon. He can feel his tired muscles loosening and his eyes closing up, listening to his body telling him to just relax. His arms slowly spreads out in the water, further and further as his chest expands and deflates.

The moment the back of his hand touches something akin of a human skin, Junmyeon snaps out of his trance and rushes out of the hot spring to grab his wand. However, before his hand could reach it, a pair of arm makes their way around his body. Junmyeon tries to elbow the other’s ribs but his arms are held still from the vice grip. He raises his legs, intending to kick the bank hard so that the top of his head hits against his captor face. Instead he finds himself being turned swiftly back into the water and a hand fits itself over Junmyeon’s mouth.

“Stop,” comes a hoarse, breathy voice beside Junmyeon’s ear.

“It’s me. Kris.”

Junmyeon wheezes through the hand that covers his lower face, throat burning from the lack of air. His lungs begs for oxygen and his heart beating erratically against his chest.

Kris murmurs more reassuring words into Junmyeon’s ear, telling the smaller man to breath in tandem with him. Junmyeon gives a weak nod as he tries to tell his brain to breathe easily.

This is Kris. He is safe.

Before his mind can properly process that Kris’ naked body is pressing against his own, the hands around his waist release themselves.

 

 

 

 

There is no sound other than the soft breathing and water swishing fill the air.

They are sitting away from each other; Junmyeon staying where he is while Kris moves all the way to the other side – which is not far, considering the small width of the pool – and hides himself behind a boulder.

“Kris?” The taller male’s eyebrow ticks when hears his name being called by the other after a long moment of silent. He replies with a hum.

“How did you know about this place?”

A rumble of deep laughter erupts from his throat. “I asked Misakichi-san about it.”

He doesn’t hear any reply except the water swishing.

“Kris?”

He hums again, higher tone this time.

“When are you going out?”

Kris peeks his head out, catching a glimpse of Junmyeon’s pale arm and shoulder before he returns to his place, his head spinning without notice.

“You go first. I’ll get out,” his hands covers his crotch on instinct, “after you.”

It seems like his auditory sense has been heightened; he can pick up from the loudest sound of the water dripping off the other’s naked body, the soft rustling of the leaves as Junmyeon takes his hanged towels and cloth, to the short sound of the sash being tightened around Junmyeon’s waist.

“Don’t be too long in the water. You’ll get dizzy.” The sound of the footsteps is getting further and further.

I am already dizzy from something else, Kris wishes to say but instead he ducks his face into the water, water bubbling from the air he exhales.

 

 

Θ

 

 

A loud ‘thud’ in the room makes Minho to stir from his slumber, wondering where the source of the sound comes from. Under the dim light casts by a lantern in the far corner of the room, his bleary eyes makes up a big lump underneath the blanket where his roommate is supposed to be sleeping with.

That lump stays still for a while before it rises up, poofs back down and emits a sound akin to a muffled scream.

 

Minho goes back to his sleep.

 

 

Θ

 

 

Junmyeon plans everything thoroughly for today. First, he is going to take him breakfast in peace. Then he is going to get the some potions and salves for the match tomorrow. After that he is just going to stay in the sick bay since Minho is supposed to watch over the joint practice today.

But of course, there must be something to hinder his plan. And now that something turns out to be someone. More specifically, Choi Minho.

Which is why he is now seated at the same table as the visitors rather than their usual place for the staffs on the platform at the front part of the dining hall. Better yet (note the sarcasm) he is now sitting exact opposite to the person that he wishes not to cross path with for the rest of the day.

Junmyeon logs out from the conversation faster than one can say ‘goal baskets’. He focuses on his own plate – steamed rice, miso soup with tofu cubes and spinach, grilled saury, pickled plum and toasted seaweed sheet – all served in small portions. There’s also hot black tea in a very pretty ceramic cup with an illustration of a bamboo grove and some colourful flower patches beside it and wow this conversation must have really bore him because he just finds something more interesting in a cup.

His ears then picks up someone mentioning about ‘night walk’ and ‘moonlight’ which sure do sounds a lot more engaging than playing with some balls on a broomstick.

“What actually you guys talking about?” he asks.

Minho grins at the sudden interest. “The boys said that Kris went missing for a while last night and they were wondering where he went. But then he said he went for a night walk, and then- what was it he said? Ah, everything looked prettier under the moonlight.”

Kris evidently tries to cover his face with one of his gigantic hand while Junmyeon’s hand unconsciously goes to grip the lapel of his own kimono.

Now, it is known that at times Minho is as blunt as a hammer but today it seems like he has caught on something; whatnot with Junmyeon’s weird behavior underneath his blanket last night.

“Is there something going on with you two?”

Eight pairs of eyes are now onto the ones at the end of the table.

“Of- of course not!” stammers Junmyeon, hands frantically waving in protest.

If they were not suspicious then, they sure are now. Junmyeon is the one who wears his heart on his sleeve and in this situation, it doesn’t help him. At all.

Junmyeon then sends a pleading look towards the male opposite of him, expecting the other to deny it too.

What comes out from the other though is going to make him wondering throughout the day.

“If you say so.”

The frown and the slight downturn of the lips on Kris’ face are hard to miss.

 

 

Θ

 

 

Junmyeon used to think that he was the only one who is stuck in the past.

Back when he was still a student, he’d sometimes went to the gazebo at the side of the lake. At first he was tricked by a Kitsune classmate to lure a kappa out by offering it some cucumbers. He remembered staying out that night, his hands getting tired for holding out cucumbers. In the end there was no kappa resurfaced that day; but he still went to the gazebo with the same offerings, just because he was in House of Kappa.

Last time he went there was during graduation to bid his goodbye. That was the first and the last time a kappa came out of the lake and took those cucumbers out of his hands.

Tonight, out of the blue, he heard a calling to visit that place after so long.

There is no kappa this time around. However there is a human, one that he recognizes as Kris even under the poor light, standing at the edge of the fence that opens out to the lake. He was looking at the large body of water for some times. Then he holds out his long arms, both of his large hands holding the end of oblong things that looks like cucumber.

That was exactly what he did when he went to the gazebo the first time.

And then it hits him.

Kris who remembered those trivial things about him – of his favorite seat by the window, his card collections, his experience with the broomstick, his wish of getting into that hidden onsen once he comes of age, and his used-to-be frequent visit to the gazebo just to catch a glimpse of the lake creature.

Kris who said that he wasn’t angry at Junmyeon even after the latter made a one-sided decision to stop sending letters.

He used to think that he was the only one who is stuck in the past.

But now at this moment he knows for sure it was Kris who had it worse than him.

 

 

“Are you waiting for something to come out?”

The cucumbers slip out of the large hands and fall into the lake. They float on the surface and are easily reachable by those long arms, but Kris doesn’t care about the cucumbers anymore.

Junmyeon is now here with him. Willingly. Without being forced.

The healer then chants “Lacarnum inflamare” and points his wand to the lantern hanging in the middle of the ceiling. The light bounces off the ceiling, casting a soft hue of orange on them.

Junmyeon looks beautiful like this. Black hair that falls sideway on his face, covering his almond-shaped eyes. Fair skin with some blemishes which Kris finds beautiful on his face. Pink lips that looks more reddish under this hued light.

He is always beautiful. Before and now.

Kris watches as the lips moves to utter the next words. “Why exactly aren’t you mad at me?”

He takes a few moment to breath. “I did.”

Kris looks up, keeping the gaze when the other doesn’t turn away.

“I really did. You promised me to keep writing me those letters. Six years, Junmyeon. Six years we'd been friends. But you just-" He gulps down the lump clogging his throat.

“I told myself that I shouldn’t be mad; you were just a pen-pal. But I did, because… Because I came to realize after that I love you, even before I met you in flesh.”

Kris breathes heavily. “There’s a lot of things I want to share with you. A lot more to hear from you. But you- You never reply.”

“I hated you so much; everytime I hit those Bludger, I did it as hard as I want you to hurt. But then I saw you again and then you smiled and I just... I was so happy to see you again.”

They are now so near; Kris can see the tremble on Junmyeon’s lips, the flutter of the long eyelashes, even that small mole just above his right upper lips.

“Do you want to hear a story?” Junmyeon’s voice can pass a whisper but Kris can hear it loud and clear.

“There’s once a 16 year old boy named Kim Junmyeon. He was so selfish; he thought that if he couldn’t have all of it, he’d rather not have any. He didn’t want to stay friend, didn’t want to keep in touch. He thought if he do that, he would stop thinking about that boy from Hogwarts.”

“He is now 20 years old. And guess what?”

The rims of Junmyeon’s eyes are now lined with red; the tips of his nose and his apple of his cheeks too.

“He can’t forget about Kris Wu too.”

Kris feels a need to cradle that face in his hands. So he does.

“That Junmyeon was really stupid for doing that,” he says, earning a soft nod from the other.

“But Kris Wu still loves him though. So what should Kris do now?”

He watches as the other’s eyes fluttering shut; an act of silent invitation. He leans down to fit his lips against Junmyeon’s plush ones. One. Two. Three seconds. Then Kris does it again and again, each time more intimate than the previous ones.

He rests his foreheads against the other when they run out of breath.

“You don’t know how long I have waited to do that.”

Junmyeon gives a blissful smile at him. “Me too.”

 

 

 

They spend the whole night there, sharing body warmth and more kisses. They don’t talk much – they’ll save that for the letters – because tonight is the last night of them to be in each other’s presence and they just wants to savour each moment.

“You know,” Kris whispers, eyes looking towards the sky where the rose-pink light of dawn starts to bloom. They are sitting on the floor of the gazebo right now. Junmyeon rests his back against Kris’ front, his knees brought to his chest while Kris’ long length of arms envelop around his upper body, and Kris’ legs crossing under Junmyeon’s folded legs.

“I envy those people who get to see you every day in this clothes you are wearing right now.”

He hears a small chuckle coming out from the person he is embracing right now.

“Do you have any idea how cute you look in this?”

Junmyeon laughs again and really, is there any magic to bottle a sound because he wants to keep that to himself.

“Next time, I’ll get you to wear one. Then we’ll go to the festival together. And then we'll eat all the snacks we want.”

Another plan. Another promise.

“Okay.”

 

Θ

 

 

 

Today is the third and the last day for the visitors from Hogwarts.

They want to skip breakfast, want to just stay with each other even for a minute longer. But they are no longer students who can skip classes. They are now adults with responsibilities on their shoulders. So they head back to their respective room, expecting questions from the others who stay in the same room as theirs.

 

Junmyeon goes a bit later to the dining hall to grab a couple bottle of Wideye Potion from the sick bay only to see all the seats at the visitors table unoccupied except for one. There is also two trays of English breakfast on the table.

“Please be seated my dear,” Kris pats the cushion beside him.

Junmyeon kneels on the cushion with his legs together before he sits down with his legs to one side, making him to lean a bit towards Kris.

“Is that my nickname from now on?”

Kris makes a thinking face complete with chin rubbing and downturned lips.

“If you want to. Do you?”

The healer sticks his tongue out at his lover.

Junmyeon finds out later that Kris has asked Minho to bring the players to the pitch so he can have breakfast with Junmyeon.

“When will I see you again….” Junmyeon chases the rolling sausage with a fork, pout evident on his face.

“At least we had our first date.”

Kris brings a cut sausage to his lips in which Junmyeon opens his mouth wide before Kris takes it into his own mouth. The taller male earns a slap on his arm.

Funny how they are leisurely takes some time to have a (kind of) breakfast date when yesterday they were still dilly-dallying about their true feelings, and now they only have a few hours left before Kris returns to England.

“Now my dear,” – Junmyeon rolls his eyes at that –  “let’s go watch some Quidditch match with Kris-senpai.”

The healer nearly chokes on his spit. “Who taught you that?”

“Minho calls me that before. Does it not mean as I think it means?”

“I think what you think is correct, Kris… senpai.”

Kris beams, seemingly satisfied with Junmyeon acknowledging him as a senior. Ah, if only he knows what Junmyeon had in his mind all along...

 

 

Θ

 

 

Junmyeon doesn’t remember much from the match because Kris is not there under the mediwizard tent with him.

What he does remember is a chaser from Mahoutokoro catches the Snitch and then the match is over.

 

 

Θ

 

 

They are now at the Grand Entrance of Mahoutokoro.

Junmyeon watches as the players gather around Minseok who is here with his husband to watch the game and also to bring the team back to Mahou-shou.

He tugs at the hand that has been holding his.

“Hm?” Kris lets Junmyeon know that he has his attention now.

“Remember when I asked for the second button of your shirt but you didn’t wear one at that time, so you give me the button of your robe?”

Kris frowns for a while before he gives a slow nod.

“Do you know why I did that?”

The taller shakes his head at that.

“Muggles here believe that the second button on the shirt is nearest to the heart.”

“Huh. So you asked for my heart.”

“Literally.”

Kris chuckles, admitting that Junmyeon really did took his heart away that day.

“So now,” Junmyeon moves to stand in front of him and brings up a closed fist between them before he opens it. It’s a pin emblem – metal blue with a drawing of a kappa over it.

“This had been over the left side of my chest for seven years, and now I want you to have it.”

Jumyeon is offering his heart on his small palm for Kris to keep. The taller then takes the emblem and pins in over the left side of his own chest.

“Kris, it’s time to go.”

The healer looks over his shoulder upon hearing Minseok calling for his lover. A pair of hand then makes a way to cup the sides of his face and turns it forward so Kris can look at him properly and kiss him one last time.

“Don’t look back,” whispers Junmyeon; face getting hotter. I might run to you.

 

Junmyeon stays at the gate when they all gather around Minseok, holding onto the broom which acts as the portkey to Mahou-shou.

A shout. Then a crack.

They are no longer there, vanish into thin air.

 

Now that it's all been said and done, Junmyeon looks back to himself while he leans on a bark of a blossoming tree.

It took him six years to fall in love, four years to forget it and three days to love again.

Chance doesn’t come twice, but when it does, remember to grab it. You might not have it the third time around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPILOGUE

 

 

 

Kai plops his face onto the surface of the wooden table. Junmyeon stops his writing to watch the boy having a conflict with himself.

“Sensei,” groans the boy. “I miss my boyfriend.”

“And how can I help you with that?” The healer continues making lines and strokes onto the paper in front of him.

“You can’t. I’m just telling you that I miss him.”

Kai, currently a fifth year student is dating a sixth year, Kyungsoo. However due to the two major exams – O.W.L. for Kai, N.E.W.T. for Kyungsoo – they have to prioritize their study and put a hold on their relationship for the time being.

“At least you can still see his face," the healer points out.

The boy groans again, clearly unwilling to continue his revision.

Junmyeon tips the head of the brush on the edge of the ink bowl and waits for the ink to dry.

“Are you writing to your boyfriend?”

“No. I’m replying to an offer letter.” He folds the paper three times and slip it into an envelope before tipping a red candle on the back of the envelope.

“From who?” asks Kai again.

Junmyeon puts a seal on the dripped wax and turn it around for Kai to see.

 

St. Mungo’s Hospital

for Magical Maladies and Injuries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE END

 

 

 

 

 

p/s:

*magical hospital is based on Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto

**the location of Mahoutokoro is never mentioned specifically in the books, so I just took some reference from a HP role-playing community.  The pagoda & the location on the island used in this story is just on my own imagination

*** location of the Japanese M.O.M was also not specified in the books

****the passage of a graduated student to become a healer is also never documented in the books, it is loosely based on training program for medical/dental doctors in real life; at least in my place

***** I have no idea about how palmistry works except from Google search

****** meomchwora (멈춰라) - stop, sigana (시간아) - time

 

 

 

 

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