Chapter I: I Care
Today was the start of a new year at Hogwarts. Students were flocking in the gate, busy chatting on the new potions, maybe on the new spells they were about to learn this year.
Skipping the part where new students get to be sorted into their respective houses, old students unpacking their luggage and touring around the school before classes REALLY start.
Heeseung decided to just waste his time at one of the school’s courtyards. Sitting next to a tree, he took his book on potions and started reading. He was immersed in what he was doing that he didn’t notice someone walking towards him. The guy wore his yellow and black scarf around his neck. Smiling at almost literally nothing while he makes his way to the tree Heeseung was peacefully sitting on.
“Can I take a seat next to you?” The guy asked, all smiley. If he wasn’t wearing the scarf, Heeseung was going to think that the smile he’s giving was fake considering that he’s talking to a Slytherin. But no, the guy was clearly a Hufflepuff, and the scarf wasn’t just the dead giveaway.
Heeseung’s eyes trailed from the book the younger was holding, slowly up to his scarf then up to his face. Heeseung wasn’t going to lie. He was good looking, pretty even. And in the seven years that he was attending this school, how come he hasn’t seen this guy once. With a huff and a hidden eye roll, Heeseung moved aside and left a space for the younger guy to sit on. The latter was about to take his seat when Heeseung opened his mouth to talk. “You wouldn’t want to be seen sitting next to me if I were you.” He said, eyes locked on the book he was reading minutes ago.
The younger shrugged, not really minding what Heeseung just said. He took a seat on the space Hee left for him and looked at his direction. “Why?” He asked innocently. Hee closed the book on his hand and looked straightly at the younger. He was frustrated and irritated. The reason why he went there was to read in peace, not be pestered by a Hufflepuff or any other human being or object that talks or makes noises. “Look, sunshine.” He said, insulting him. “I’m a Slytherin. People are afraid, if not hate Slytherins.”
“Oh, you’re a Slytherin. I’m so sorry I had no idea. I mean, you were just wearing a white sweater underneath your robe. I’m just kinda new here, transferred? Is that the right word. And umm, I’m Jake.” The guy, whose name is Jake said. His hand was stretched out, waiting for Hee to take it. He didn’t. So, he dropped it and clutched his book as if that was its purpose. “Are Slytherins really cold and mean? Like how the stories say they are?”
“Am I not cold and mean?” Heeseung asked back. A question for a question. Jake shook his head. “You aren’t,” Heeseung wasn’t expecting that answer. He answered him coldly. He insulted him. Yes, he made space for him to sit but that was one good thing out of the other bad things he’s done. “You just wanted to read in peace. I was the one who disturbed you.”
‘Yeah, you were the one who disturbed me.’ Heeseung thought but was suddenly cut off because of the sound of Ni-ki calling him. He was also a fellow Slytherin. But unlike the others, they got each other’s back. They may fight occasionally, they may cheat with each other but there’s this bond between them that makes them both feel like they’re brothers.
“Hyung!” Ni-ki called out. “You left me with Professor Snape.” He said accusingly.
“Not my fault you were so slow. Why? Did he hit you on the head again?” Ni-ki nodded. “I bet it’s because your belongings were scattered on the floor again.” He received a glare.
“What are you even doing here? Dinner’s about to be served. I heard they’ll be serving mashed potatoes. Let’s go.” His mouth was now watering just thinking about it.
Heeseung shook his head and stood up. “I was just talking to–“ He looked down at where Jake was sitting moments ago. ‘When did he leave?’ Hee thought but was quick to brush the idea away.
“Talking to?” Heeseung shook his head as if to dismiss Ni-ki’s question but answered still. “A huge ball of sunshine.” He said while looking disgusted.
“Have you heard, they say that Hogwarts will be hosting the Tri-Wizard tournament this year.” Ni-ki said, the two were now on their way to their next class, Herbology. “Are you thinking of joining?”
“Will you?” Hee asked, teasing. He knew Ni-ki couldn’t join, not yet. He was one year younger than him, sixteen to be exact. But the thought of joining did cross his mind multiple times during the latter years he was studying at Hogwarts. He just couldn’t enter at that time because only students at the age of seventeen and above were allowed to join, hence why Ni-ki couldn’t join. “Wow, what an odd way to lowkey flex that you’re old now.” Ni-ki said, tongue out looking disgusted. “But seriously, I’m just a year younger than you. Surely I can pull some strings.” He said arrogantly and Heeseung was just waiting for it to happen, to see the embarrassed look on Ni-ki’s face when his plan doesn’t work.
It took some time for them to get to the Greenhouse. With Ni-ki feeling a bit playful, Heeseung indulging in his antics and professors reprimanding them, it was really a miracle that they made it to class on time. Once they entered, Heeseung was greeted by a voice that sounded familiar to him. He scanned the room and saw Jake talking to a Hufflepuff and a Slytherin. Said Slytherin being Joshua Hong, one of the most cunning Slytherin’s they have in their house. Him and Jeonghan were famous for cheating in every challenge and game they played. If Heeseung was being honest, he kinda looked up to them.
The noise died down once Professor Sprout came in. The students placed themselves in their respective positions while one was still finding for a place to stand in. “Oh, what do we have here. You are?”
“Jaeyun Sim or Jake, professor.” He was fiddling with his fingers and if Heeseung had the power to have great hearing then he’s sure Jake’s heart was beating loudly and swiftly.
“You’re new here, I suppose. Go ahead and take your place next to Heeseung.” Right, Heeseung doesn’t have anyone next to him. After scaring the shit on his last partner, nobody dared to position themselves next to him. Jake looked confused, he was about to open his mouth when the professor pointed at Heeseung. He saw how Jake’s nervous face changed into a smile, relieved.
“Right, let’s see if you still recall our previous lessons. Mandrakes are known for their screams, correct?” Everyone in the class nodded. Jake as well, even if he wasn’t present during the years Professor Sprout discussed that topic to them. “But what good are they used for?”
“Yes, Yunjin.”
“Mandrakes can be used to help anybody who has been transfigured or cursed. We need to be careful though since the screams of a Mandrake can be fatal to anybody who hears them. This is only after one has matured.” They heard how the professor clapped in awe but what Heeseung noticed was the way Yunjin’s book was sprawled on the floor, opened on the exact same page where the topic is about Mandrakes.
Heeseung’s lips curved into a smile and silently tsked. What a typical Slytherin attitude.
There were more questions that came after and almost everyone had their fair share of being called upon. Except for Jake, which was the last one to get called. “Mr. Sim, what magical plant do you need to eat to help you breathe underwater?”
Heeseung remembers a lot of lessons they’ve discussed. Remembers every topic a professor has taught them because he was really interested in the topic. But hearing Professor Sprout’s question left his mind blank. They haven’t tackled that yet. They haven’t discussed it yet and looking at the person standing next to him made him think that he also didn’t know the answer. He just transferred, what would he know about herbs and magical plants?
He took his book out, made sure that no one saw him. He was flipping through the pages so that when Jake didn’t answer, he’ll get the point instead. He was just on the page of Devil’s Snare when Jake answered the question, correctly. “Gillyweed”
Everyone in the Greenhouse was quiet, even the professor. Nobody knew the answer since it hadn’t even been discussed. The answers were also not in the book, the professor was sure of that. The reason why Heeseung kept on flipping through the pages, he couldn’t find the answer. “Correct! How did you know the answer?”
“I’ve read it in the library. Advance reading, I mean. And I saw something about Gillyweed helping you breath underwater. I tried it the next day to see if it was real.” Heeseung looked at the younger next to him. He was impressed at the same time irritated, the question was supposed to be his. He was the one who was supposed to get it right.
“Do you mind showing me the book you’ve read?” Hee asked. The answers were clearly not in the books given to them and Heeseung wants to learn more and know more than anyone in this room. Asking Jake for help was nothing and because he felt comfortable with Jake’s presence.
Jake nodded, “Sure.”
Right after their class ended, Joshua and the Hufflepuff went towards Jake, which name who Heeseung heard was Seokmin. They offered Jake to eat with them but was turned down by the younger. He was going to the library with Heeseung after all. While talking to the two, Ni-ki approached Heeseung. Arm resting on Hee’s shoulder. Ni-ki being younger than Heeseung doesn’t mean he was shorter than him. Ni-ki was actually a few centimeters taller than his hyung which Heeseung finds unfair and annoying. “How was the guy standing next to you?” Ni-ki asked but didn’t even give Heeseung a chance to answer him. “He looks cute. C’mon let’s go to the great hall, I’m starving.”
“Can’t, going to the library. You go ahead, I’m sure Sunoo would want you to sit right next to him.” Heeseung teased. Ni-ki has always been fond of that Ravenclaw. Being so smart and a know-it-all made Ni-ki interested if not intrigued with the guy. “You and your competitive ass. Make sure to eat lunch or I’ll let Professor Snape smack you in the head too.”
“You can’t order him to do that.”
“Watch me.” Ni-ki left after that, getting mixed into the crowd.
“He’s crazy if he thinks he can order a professor like that. But respect on the part where he threatened you to eat your meals.” Jake said. Seokmin and Joshua were now gone. They were now the only ones left in the Greenhouse. “Shall we?”
When they arrived, they were greeted by the emptiness of the place. Everyone must already be eating. “The book’s right here.” Jake said, taking the book out of a secluded area. “You hid it?” Heeseung asked, he didn’t mean to, but the question just slipped out of his mouth.
Jake faked a cough and looked at everything besides Heeseung. “What do you mean? I-I didn’t hide it.”
“You’re bad at lying.”
Knowing that he couldn’t fool Heeseung with that poor attempt of a lie, Jake decided to tell the truth. “I haven’t finished reading it so I decided to hide it for the mean time. I was going to put it back on its rightful shelf, I swear.” Jake looked like he was a kid whose parents just found out that he was secretly stealing cookies on the top of their counter.
Heeseung bit his lip to stifle a laugh. He was really interesting.
Jake handed him the book guiltily. “You can put it back on its rightful shelf after you finish.” He said while pouting. Hee found the pout cute rather than irritating. He grabbed the book in Jake’s hand, his grip was already on the book, the problem was Jake not letting it go. He tried taking it from him, but Jake was really determined to not give it to him.
“I’ll put it back on your hiding spot after I read it.” He said. Jake’s eyes widened and were hopeful for a bit. “How do I suppose you’re not lying to me?”
Heeseung shrugged. “Easy, tell me where your hiding spot is.”
“How does that prove you’re not lying?” Jake said, doubting.
“You can come back here after dismissal to see if your book is in your hiding place. I’ll be finished with this by the end of lunch so I wouldn’t be needing it after.” Heeseung said, half of what he said was the truth while the other, he wasn’t sure if he was going to play with Jake or not, still deciding.
Jake slowly loosened his grip. He made his way to the shelf and showed Heeseung the place he’s supposed to put the book back in after he finished reading. Hee reminded himself to do this when he doesn’t want to share a book he’s interested in. “I’ll be putting this there?”
Jake nodded, still not convinced that Heeseung would put it there later. Hee was expecting Jake to leave after but the younger remained. “Why are you still here?”
Jake took a seat next to where Heeseung was and tapped on the table with his finger. “I’ll also read then let’s eat lunch together.”
“What?”
“Let’s eat lunch together. Or do you prefer getting smacked on the head?” Jake said, it was supposed to look like he was threatening Heeseung, like what Ni-ki did. But him sitting and looking smaller than he already is made Heeseung think that he was a kid threatening him that they wouldn’t be friends anymore if he didn’t eat. “Ni-ki can’t make the professor do that, trust me.”
“But I can.” Jake said jokingly, but it wasn’t really a joke. He WILL smack Heeseung in the head if he doesn’t eat his lunch. To Jake, skipping a meal is the biggest crime a person can do. They’re stealing nutrients from their own body when they skip a meal. “You can’t make me.” Hee said, plopping down the chair next to him and began reading.
“How come you’ve managed to bring me here?” Heeseung asked the guy before him. They were both, now, in The Great Hall to eat their lunch. Fortunately, with Jake’s charisma, puppy dog eyes, a little bit of blackmailing — don’t ask Heeseung where he got that from — and some persistence, Jake finally got Heeseung to leave the library and eat his meal.
As they walk in to find themselves a table, they were greeted by Sunoo’s shrieks because of a certain Slytherin and Jungwon and Jay’s public display of affection. “Bloody hell, please don’t make me sit with them.” Heeseung groaned. Stopping his advance reading was torture enough, he didn’t want to sit in a table filled with lovesick students.
“Well that’s too bad, theirs is the only table left.”
With a huff, Hee rolled his eyes and sat right next to Jake. Their food magically appeared, and thus they began to eat.
It took Ni-ki a couple of minutes and a few shoves from Sunoo to finally recognize the guy sitting in front of him. His eyes didn’t know if it was a trick of the light or his hallucination due to Sunoo hitting him in the head a couple of times. And though he did say he’ll tell Professor Snape if Heeseung didn’t eat but he doubt Heeseung would give a fuck about it. Then he saw Jake, the guy who managed to stand next to Heeseung during class without getting scared or crazy. The only guy who didn’t leave the class crying even after being paired with his hyung.
It was either Jake had this effect on Heeseung — which Ni-ki will surely find out later — or them being next to each other was just a coincidence giving that he was with Jake’s circle of friends.
Twenty minutes had passed by and the two noticed how the other students were standing up. It was a little too early for their break to end, they still had fifteen minutes more. Jay noticed the confused face Hee and Jake had so he started to explain what they missed while they were busy in the library.
“Professor Dumbledore said that we meet at the assembly room fifteen minutes before lunch ends. Some professors were also talking about how other schools were to arrive today. I guess now would be the time they arrive.”
As the group went to the assembly room, by the window they saw flying horses pulling a carriage, as well as large ships emerging from the water heading towards their school.
‘They must be the guest schools participating for this year’s tournament.’ Heeseung thought.
Once they arrived, they found themselves seats by the aisle. Hee finally found a way to ditch Jake and sit next to Ni-ki, while Jake sat next to Sunoo. The hall went silent as Dumbledore began his speech.
“Now that we’re all settled in, I’d like to make an announcement…” The professor’s voice trailed off as Heeseung didn’t care to listen to the professor’s speech while Jake eagerly paid attention since he didn’t have a clue as to what was happening. It was only when Professor Dumbledore mentioned something about the Tri-Wizard tournament did Heeseung actually start to listen.
The speech went long, explaining how the tournament was supposed to bring the three schools together, only one participant was allowed per school, and how the tournament wasn’t for the faint hearted. The professor then announced the two schools that would be joining them, welcoming them with warm applauses, the ladies from Beauxbatons Academy of magic went in first.
Whispers from other students didn’t go unnoticed, Jake heard the remarks other houses made once the group finally arrived in front of their professor. How the ladies walk didn’t go as ignored. How their hips swayed with every step they took and the confidence that they extruded. It was as if they owned the place.
“Do you know where they’ll be staying?” Ni-ki asked Heeseung mischievously. Hee smacked the younger’s head knowing where his thoughts were heading. Sunoo hearing their conversation butted in. “God’s teeth Ni-ki, the school obviously have extra dorms for them.”
As Hee tried to ignore Ni-ki’s side remarks and Sunoo’s denial that he’s jealous, the next school entered the hall.
He heard the professor announce that they were from the north, Durmstrang academy. A group of boys then entered holding and swirling flags as if they were in some sort of parade. The wink from one Durmstrang student towards Jake’s direction didn’t go unnoticed by Heeseung. In fact, it irritated him for some unknown reason.
As they were all getting settled, Dumbledore began casting magic over a box which melds into a goblet containing a blue flame. The students were amazed by the sight. Heeseung’s eyes shone with anticipation, forgetting the earlier confusion with his emotions, while Jake’s glistened with fascination. This, this has been one of the reasons why he transferred.
“The goblet of fire. Anyone wishing to submit themselves for the tournament, merely write their name upon a piece of parchment and throw it in the flame before this hour on Wednesday night. Do not take this lightly, because if chosen there’s no turning back. As of this moment, the Tri-Wizard tournament has begun.” Their professor said. After that, the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang left and went to settle in their respective towers.
The next day, students were busy talking about the tournament. Who they bet would try their luck and who they actually thought would be chosen by the cup.
After their third class, Ni-ki and Heeseung decided to pass time in the Goblet room. There were other houses staying there, trying to get a glimpse as to who would try their luck and be fortunate enough to represent their school and join the tournament.
It was not until Ni-ki pulling out a piece of paper from his robe did Heeseung realize what he was trying to do. “You’re trying to join the game, aren’t you?”
Ni-ki shrugged. “This game happens like what? Every few years? I will not wait that long to be able to join.”
“So you’ll cheat your way into this?”
“We’re Slytherins, of course it's not called cheating. It's me doing whatever I can to achieve my goal.” Ni-ki said while taking out his wand. He casted a spell on himself, making him two years older than his original age. “So, how do I look? To be honest, two years from now, I’m still as handsome as I was.” Ni-ki stated while looking at his reflection from a window nearby.
Heeseung rolled his eyes. Whatever magic Ni-ki casted on himself would not be able to help him get his name in that cup. Heeseung hated to admit it, but he had tried the same tactic three years before and it did not end well. But telling Ni-ki that would just ruin the fun for him. And so, he let the younger continue his business.
While Ni-ki was busy preparing himself (he had his doubts), Heeseung saw Jake on the other side of the room with Sunoo and a fellow Durmstrang student. Said Durmstrang student was busy flexing his muscles in front of Jake and Jake being the nice Hufflepuff that he is made sure he looked interested as to what the guy was saying/doing. Is what Heeseung thought.
Hee was fighting his other thought, that Jake stopped being interested in him and was now on to his next toy. ‘Heeseung for the love of God stop looking at him. You’re supposed to be grateful he isn’t staying around you anymore.’ I mean, this was what Heeseung wanted in the first place. To have some peace and quiet. To get by the school year winning and tormenting other students and not the other way around.
Hee should be happy, glad or whatever emotion a Slytherin feels when they finally get what they wanted. But right now, Heeseung felt something was clouding his mind. He felt something brewing inside of him that he forces to keep inside of him. He wasn’t jealous. He wasn’t irritated.
Just as Heeseung was trying to focus back on Ni-ki’s antics, the students in the room started applauding. The guy with Jake just went to the goblet and put his paper in it. He walked back to where the other was standing and if the applause from the others weren’t enough to annoy him, Jake’s smile while holding his thumbs up while looking at the guy was the last straw for Heeseung.
Eyebrows knitted together, Hee poked his tongue in his cheek, took a piece of paper from Ni-ki’s pad and wrote his name on it. The action was too fast for Ni-ki to even comprehend what was happening. Before he got to say, “Hey, what gives?” Heeseung was already passed the line that hinders students under the age of seventeen to enter. He tossed his paper into the flames and stole a glance at the guy he was eyeing earlier.
As Hee stood there, hoping for Jake to look at him, Heeseung was left dumbfounded when he was immediately met by the latter’s eyes. But this time, Jake wasn’t smiling. He didn’t look happy. He looked worried, uneasy. But there was something Heeseung saw in his face. More terrible than the worried looked he first saw in the younger’s eyes… It was fear.
“What’s your problem?” Heeseung frustratedly asked Jake, they were now far from Sunoo and the guy he was with. Hee managed to drag Jake away from them after he lost his remaining reason.
Jake looked confused. He knitted his eyebrows and took off Heeseung’s hand that was gripping his arm. “What are you talking about? From what it looks like, you’re the one having a problem here.”
Heeseung was appalled. He? He was the one who had a problem? “If I was the one having a problem here, then why are you looking at me as if I did something horrible. Why did you look at me as if I did some kind of mistake while you looked at him as if he was doing something good. Why… why was your attention on him and not on me.”
Hee immediately regretted saying everything he said. That wasn’t him. That was far from being him. He was a composed person, never letting his emotions get the better of him. Someone who puts his mind first rather than his heart. Objectivity over subjectivity. So why was he suddenly having an outburst in front of Jake. Who was he to him?
As if luck were on his side, Ni-ki began walking towards the goblet. He easily entered the line and was able to put his name in the cup. As he was celebrating, the fire spat out his paper and flung Ni-ki across the room. When Ni-ki got up, his once black hair and smooth skin were now replaced with white hair and wrinkles.
Heeseung took this as a sign to leave Jake. With his heart beating faster by the minute. Hee grabbed Ni-ki’s arm and left the room.
“Fucking fuck, I look so old.” Ni-ki complained. He magicked up a mirror, inhaling the changes Dumbledore’s spell did to him. Heeseung started to laugh. Not because of what happened to Ni-ki, but because of his sudden outburst towards Jake a while ago. Ni-ki heard his hyung and tried to put two-and-two together. “You knew! Didn’t you.” Ni-ki accused and instead of admitting to what he did in the Goblet’s room, Heeseung nodded and said, “Can’t say I didn’t see this coming.”
“Fucker.” Ni-ki whispered and sulked.
Days passed and Heeseung did everything he could to avoid Jake. Of course, the only class where he couldn’t avoid the other was during Herbology, but with Jake ignoring him as well, avoiding him wasn’t that hard to say the least.
The two would just steal glances at each other. Heeseung looking over Jake while the latter was busy taking notes and Jake glancing at Heeseung whenever Hee was busy searching for answers while the professor asked questions. It wasn’t that obvious to them, they didn’t notice the stolen glances they’ve been giving each other whether in the classroom, library, courtyard or whatever place they find themselves together.
It was the opposite for their friends though. They saw their glances, their looks. If it weren’t for Heeseung being a Slytherin and Jake being a Hufflepuff, they’d just assume that the two guys just got together then suddenly broken it off leaving them yearning for the other’s presence.
“Seriously, if you miss him that much then go talk to him.” Ni-ki said while side-eyeing his hyung.
“I do not miss him. What’s there to miss?”
“I don’t see what you see in that Slytherin but if you want to talk to him then talk to him. Aren’t Hufflepuffs supposed to be kind, friendly and amiable?” Sunoo asked Jake.
“What if I’ve been sorted into the wrong house?”
Sunoo laughed it off, “Ha ha, very funny. You’re the most hufflepuffliest Hufflepuff that I know.” If that even was a word. Jake rolled his eyes and began walking to the Goblet room. Today was the day the Goblet was going to announce the three students who’ll be partaking in the tournament.
Almost every student was in the room, anticipating. Some wanted to be chosen while others regretted putting their name in the cup.
As the students entered, Dumbledore’s voice echoed throughout the room. “Settle down everyone.” Jake saw Jungwon and Jay in the back row and decided to join them there. Sunoo, wanting to see the faces of the players, decided to sit at the front. “And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for, the champions selection!”
Dumbledore approached the blue flame. From blue it turned red, and a name came out. Everyone was anxious, waiting for the first name to be called.
“The Durmstrang champion is... Park Sunghoon!” Students from Durmstrang cheered. Heeseung saw the guy who got chosen and to his surprise, he was the same guy who had been with Jake since their arrival at Hogwarts. The one with the muscles, sharp jaw and vampire-like smile. The guy looked too white, too pale. Heeseung was sure he was better looking than him. Hee brushed the thought aside once another name came out from the fire.
“The champion from Beauxbatons... Jang Wonyoung!” The girls from Beauxbatons cheered as Wonyoung walked up the platform, waving at the students who were calling out to her.
And lastly, another name came out. This time, it was Hogwarts’ turn. Students were already whispering how either the star athlete - Park Jongseong or the school’s valedictorian – Yang Jungwon was going to be chosen. As Dumbledore began reading the name on the paper, everyone stopped breathing. “The Hogwarts champion... Park Jongseong!” Everyone started to cheer. Even Jake was jumping along with Jungwon while Jay started walking towards the other two champions.
Everyone’s joy and thrill immediately came to a halt when the Goblet spat out one last paper. It was a rare occasion for the Goblet to give four names. Now, everyone was curious as to who the fourth champion would be.
“I see that the Goblet decided to add one more champion to play the games.” Dumbledore started. “Let’s see, the other champion! From Hogwarts!” Everyone became silent, anticipating who the last player was going to be. “From the house of Slytherin... Lee Heeseung!” The house of Slytherin started to cheer. It had been years since their house was chosen for the games, and now that Heeseung was going to represent their school aside from the Gryffindor, Slytherins took pride in it and became boastful.
Hee, dumbfounded by what was happening felt Ni-ki push his shoulders. “Go hyung, they’re waiting.” Hee saw Ni-ki pointing towards the platform where the other three participants were waiting for him. Hee smiled with his bambi eyes and started walking, clapping the hands that were reached out to him. Others cheered him on while others gave him disgusted looks.
“Yes! Go Slytherins!”
“He’s a cheat! The games were only to be played by the three champions!” One shouted.
“The only thing he’s cheated on is oral recitation, so stop being a kid and be happy that our school gets to have two representatives.” Jeonghan answered.
Dumbledore ignoring the complaints of the other students happily greeted the four contestants. “Excellent! We now have our four champions! But in the end, only one will go down in history. Only one will hoist this chalice of champions, this vessel of victory the Tri-Wizard Cup!”
Students began to roar, and numerous amounts of cheers erupted from the crowd. But despite having many students inside the room, Heeseung managed to find Jake’s eyes amongst the crowd.
Their eyes locked for a split second and he saw Jake looking at him with the same eyes he had on him when Heeseung put his name in the cup. This time, Heeseung was sure something was bothering him.
As they all exited the room, Heeseung was dragged away from the crowd. “Who the fu-” Hee stopped mid-sentence once he realized who was the one dragging him all the way to the courtyard. They stopped once they reached the tree. The tree where Heeseung and Jake first met.
“Why did you join?” Jake started, eyes not looking up at him.
Hee rolled his eyes. “Oh, so now we’re back to talking?” Silence. Jake didn’t say anything back. The only thing he did was cling more to his robe. “I just wanted to join. Though I don’t know why you’re asking me about this when Sunghoon’s been chosen as well. You don’t even care.” God, there he was, babbling his feelings out to Jake again. Hee was so close to think that Jake put a potion or spell on him which made him be more honest whenever he’s around Jake.
Heeseung was about to leave when Jake held his robe to prevent him from walking away. When he was met with Jake’s eyes did Heeseung realize that the latter was crying. “I care!” Jake shouted. “I care! I care! I care!” He repeated so that his words would remain in Heeseung’s mind.
“I was smiling at Sunghoon the day before because I thought it was brave of him to join the tournament. I was a-also happy for you b-but the thought of you getting hurt and-and the possibility of you dying during the games wasn’t something I’d be glad about.” Jake ranted. “You do not know how much I wanted for that stupid cup to pick a name other than yours, but I guess it heard wrong and decided to add you to the final line-up which believe me, makes no sense whatsoever.”
Jake paused and realized what he had just said. He just said that it was unfair that Heeseung got chosen. It looked like He didn’t deserve to be a part of the champions. Jake let go of Heeseung’s robe and covered his mouth. “Wait, that wasn’t what I meant. Y-you deserve to be part of the champions but the thought of the cup adding a new member was just so random, and I should be happy for you but THOSE games are dangerous. Last time someone... someone.” Jake couldn’t bring himself to say the word ‘died’.
“You finished?” Heeseung asked, clearly startled by what Jake had said. Jake, not knowing what else to say, nodded and put his head down, not wanting to look at Heeseung.
Hee then cupped Jake’s cheek and made him look at him.
What startled them both wasn’t how the wind suddenly began to blow as if it was pushing them close together but when Heeseung leaned in and kissed Jake on the lips.