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We had a few murderers in juvie. They were either respected or viewed as scumb, but all were avoided like the plague. 

However, there is a specific type of murderer. One who does not simply slash bodies but one who poisons the mind feeds it with lethal lies which diminish their conscience. It eliminates all self-awareness and tampers moral judgment.

The architects of their demise, these people convince thousands to be trapped underneath their delusions. These people are cult leaders.

The sad thing is that they usually are not behind bars. Most of the time, they are the ones controlling such prisons.

I redirect my attention back to Mars, who was looking out the empty classroom's window.

"Mars...Mars?" I gently tapped him on the shoulder, "Were you listening?"

"Uh what?" he still contained some remnants of his dazed look, "I was just looking out the window that's all. I'm still listening..."

"Is something bothering you?"

"Not really," he looked away when responding. A telltale sign of a hidden secret.

"Are you expecting someone?"

Opening his mouth slightly, he then closed it back again, pondering what he was going to say again. It was then I notice that his star tattoo was barely visible as it was smothered within those dark circles. Not only was he awfully taciturn, but the plastic desk was trembling due to his shaking leg. 

I think I might have shown too much concern because when our eyes met Mars swiftly positioned himself to stand upright and still, giving me a smile that could fool a normal person who would never have the excuse to lie so shamelessly. 

"My stepfather is visiting me again."

"Okay. Well, tell me when you need to be there by five."

He curtly nodded and returned his gaze into the window, "I'm listening. Keep going."

"Alright, since you're leaving soon let's get straight to the point."

"

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"Take care of my rose cactus okay?" Mingi gingerly handed his new succulent plant to Yunho who, ironically had given it to him for his birthday.

Yunho's gaze softened at his sincere pleading, "Okay, I will princess."

He placed it next to the newly renovated window which had enlargened our view of the newly constructed garden that wouldn't have been funded without our wealth.

Next to his plant lay other birthday presents gifted by the core members of Ateez. I had given him pepper spray that I had illegally smuggled, Wooyoung gifted him a card with a beautiful illustration of Mingi with a gummy smile, and Jongho gave him a new toothbrush, (we all were concerned about his original gift which was brass knuckles) Seonghwa gave him a notebook and an expensive pen, and Yeosang had given him a single piece of gum already chewed.

𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐙)Where stories live. Discover now