Chapter 1: Someone Else's Guilt

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Seattle, Washington: The Institute of Dark Magic.


*Later in the morning*

-Jungwoo's POV-

I walked across the hallways after leaving my supplies inside the new locker for this year. The bell already rang, and many students immediately dashed to get to their respective classes. On the other hand, I decided to walk and focus on the playlist I've been listening to, not being nervous about running late. However, I still wanted to hurry slightly more since my friend Doyoung may wait for me in the classroom. So, I took a deep breath and quickened the pace. And in a matter of minutes, I arrived at my destination.

As soon as I stepped inside the classroom, I rolled my eyes, complaining about the abrupt apparition of none other than Corey Barnes and his friends. I tried to pass right beside them without getting noticed, but I failed miserably. Corey glanced right at me and began chuckling without any decency.

-Oh, no! You have to be kidding, man! The youngest Kim came to the institute. – Corey pointed out, and due to the volume of his voice, the entire class looked at the entrance. -Are you finally ready to return? Don't you need more time, cry-baby? – Corey continued to run his mouth, but I tried to ignore him and decided to walk away from him.

-Shut up, Barnes! – Doyoung stood up as I reached his side, and then he grabbed my shoulder and let me sit down next to him.

-Remember your place, Doyoung. You can't tell me what to do! – Corey replied to Doyoung, but my friend only scoffed at his words.

-Remember yours as well, Barnes! – Doyoung spoke, almost challenging Corey.

-Enough, students! – The teacher raised her voice before joining the classroom. Immediately, Doyoung sat next to me, and Corey calmed down. -Let's start the lesson. – The teacher spoke, causing everyone to take out their ink pens and notebooks.

-You don't have to protect me from anybody, Doyoung. – I told my friend as I placed my supplies on the desk.

-Yes, I must, Jungwoo. And now more than before due to your crazy plan. – Doyoung mentioned while sounding somewhat upset. -Jungwoo, your idea to clean your brother's name is suicidal! You are searching for a murderer, which isn't something short nor safe. – Doyoung disclosed, concerned.

-I know what I'm doing and how to act if something goes wrong, Doyoung. But understand, I'm doing this because I can't accept my brother's current situation. – I admitted before the teacher began with today's lesson.

-If you are going all out, I'll be there to be your right hand. – Doyoung assured me, immediately diverting my gaze in shock.

-Doyoung, you said it yourself; it's a risky plan. – I mentioned.

-Yes, and that's why we have to be precarious about anything we do. – Doyoung spoke, already including himself in the plan.

I let out a short sigh before nodding, giving up to convince my friend to back off. -Alright! I suppose you can help me out. – I said, causing Doyoung to smile at me. He patted my side before both of us looked to the teacher, returning our attention to the lesson.


-Taeyong's POV-

I rushed to get to the door, and as soon as I did, I took a deep breath while knocking on the door.

-Mr. Lee, you are late. – The teacher said while looking at me.

-I'm sorry, miss, it won't happen again. – I assured my senior, who nodded in response and let me come inside. I gratefully bowed before joining the room, and there's when immediately, my eyes captured the presence of Kim Jungwoo.

Kim Hyonjun supposedly killed my best friend, Adam Young. However, I don't believe it is true; after all, Adam never talked to Hyonjun. I don't even think they knew each other too well. Right now, as I'm walking to my place, I can't pretend like Jungwoo isn't there. He and I are in the same situation, and perhaps he has more problems than I do. After the chaos surrounding Kim Jungwoo's family, he keeps living mirthlessly and with low expectations. At least, that's what it seems since Kim Jungwoo doesn't have the same talents as his senior.

-Stop daydreaming and sit! – Jaehyun scolded me before taking my arm, briefly making me take my seat.

-Geez! What's wrong with you? Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed? – I asked after seeing Jaehyun's behavior.

-No! But your glances at Jungwoo were noticeable. – Jaehyun pointed out before letting out a short sigh. -Anyway, why did you look at him the way you did? – Jaehyun asked, confused.

-I'm still thinking about Adam's case. – I revealed, making Jaehyun look at me in shock.

-I thought you moved on from that; what happened? – Jaehyun questioned.

-Several things don't make sense in Adam's murder, and I ought to know more about the truth if I ever want to sleep well again. – I explained before opening my notebook, briefly glancing back at Jaehyun. -I know Jungwoo doesn't think his brother killed Adam, so he's the only ally I have to resolve the murder. – I mentioned while trying to keep my volume low.

-Taeyong, Jungwoo doesn't know anything about magic. – Jaehyun whispered, concerned.

-I believe he does, Jaehyun. But if I'm mistaken, I will train him to be the best wizard. – I intently spoke, not hesitating my words.

-But you have to get close to Jungwoo first. – Jaehyun mentioned.

-Yes, yes, I know that I have to. But I still don't grasp how to do it. – I sincerely admitted.

-Doyoung is the only one Jungwoo talks to, and I believe he's friends with Mr. Bell. – Jaehyun told me.

-Mr. Bell? Are you sure? – I asked, surprised.

Jaehyun nodded. -I heard Mr. Bell talking about Jungwoo with other professors. And I believe he was close to Hyonjun when he studied here. – Jaehyun explained.

-Alright. I guess that will do. Now, I have a reason to approach Jungwoo. – I said before glancing at Jungwoo, shortly noticing the mirthless look on his face.

So dull and empty. Did someone hurt you before your brother's situation? You've always behaved the same way.

I sighed after listening to my thoughts, and then I returned my focus to the class. -I may follow Jungwoo today. – I suddenly said before taking my ink pen, and then I began writing on paper.

-Follow him? Why? – Jaehyun asked, confused.

-If Kim Jungwoo is going to be my ally, I need to know all his secrets. – I pointed out, but the only thing I heard in response was Jaehyun's grunt.

-You are asking for a death sentence, Taeyong. And Mark, nor I will save you from the abyss. – Jaehyun mentioned. His words made me chuckle slightly since he previously thought Jungwoo was harmless.

-So, you also believe Jungwoo is faking not knowing magic, don't you? – I questioned, intrigued.

-Of course, Taeyong. Jungwoo was born and raised in a powerful household; he can't be a weak wizard. – Jaehyun admitted while taking notes of the class.

-And I'll find out if Jungwoo is hiding them; that's why I need to follow him. – I insisted, causing Jaehyun to shake his head.

-Alright, but if something goes wrong, call Mark or me. – Jaehyun worriedly said, which I nodded for in response, feeling happy to know I have his support.

Hopefully, we can blend our paths, Kim Jungwoo. For our souls' sake.

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