1.1 | louder than bombs

- 2 -

'Hyung' is a Korean term of respect used by a younger male to refer to his own brother or an elder male who he considers a close friend.

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Today is going to be a long day, Jaemoon thought.

Jaemoon was a tall man, buff with muscles bulging under his pale skin. His dark, phoenix eyes squinted in an attempt to spot the choppers that were to be welcomed among the grey clouds, his black wavy locks ruffling because of the cool breeze. He stood firmly, his combat booted feet parted, his uniform straining against his broad physique.

The ravenette frowned while sinking his teeth into his bottom lip, looking down at his watch. The Captain of the North Border was informed that a new medic team was to arrive today before 6.

It's 6.15. They are supposed to be here by now, he thought.

The North Border was simply scenic, running across emerald-coloured hills, separating the two enemy nations. It was almost film-esque, gentle slopes covered with lavishly green shrubs and enchanting white mists lingering at places. The air so fresh and fragrant with the herbs grown on the hills that the city wind has absolutely nothing on it. And with the sky in its backdrop, it gave a picture-perfect postcard feel.

Stationed at a considerable distance from the actual border, the Home Base was a collective cluster of two-storied buildings and broad tents. Most of the tents acted as a means of storage for ammunition and guns, the rest accommodating those soldiers who preferred the open over closed rooms. The buildings were typically a warehouse of grenades, rifles and the likes of them. But some of them housed soldiers, having small rooms, kitchens and dining spaces.

The young fighters were ordered by their Lieutenant to set up new tents for the team of medics. So the base was a site of activity this morning. Soldiers shuffling around, making space for the newcomers.

"Why the frown, Jae?" asked Dohyun, swinging his arm around the younger's shoulders. The man was in a cheerful mode, that was until he spotted Jaemoon looking all serious.

Park Dohyun was often mistaken as Jaemoon's twin with his tall and buff frame. And their Korean heritage certainly made it difficult for a first-timer to see the difference between the two men, even though their facial structures were nothing alike. Personality-wise too they were poles apart.

"They are late, Hyung."

"Ah. That's okay. How often do we get to skip the morning drill? Just enjoy the sunny weather."

"It's going to rain, Hyung."

The sky was gloomy and dark, veiled with an endless grey blanket with tiny clumps of white peeking out in between, hiding the ball of sunshine. Almost as if it was depressed. Could it be because it was holding everything in?

"Just let me be, Jae," Dohyun scoffed, pulling back his arm to cross them over his chest, his mood dampened by the ravenette.

Jaemoon shook his head softly, giving Dohyun a side look.

"What?" Dohyun groaned in a rather defensive tone, noticing the look the younger was giving him.

"Nothing. How is that poem of yours coming along?" he asked instead, his voice woven with a hint of amusement, trying his best to hide it from the sulky man.

"Hmm?" Dohyun hummed, the question slowly registering in his brain, "Ah, the poem? I'm not so sure, Jae. I need a muse. I want this one to be something different from my usual style. Something more love-y? I don't know but let's see."