A House Made of Cards {Ateez au}

Chapter 20 - The End

Mingi's funeral was beautiful.

A lot of people were there, too. Including Seokjin, obviously, his only son died from something he forced him into.

Jongho couldn't imagine that guilt.

Mingi dying had broken him. They had just become official, just admitted how they truly felt. All that and they were just too late to save him.

Hongjoong was the one who found him first, he was still alive when he did. The tall boy was within the last inch of his life, but Hongjoong couldn't let him go. He basically dragged Mingi until they found Yeosang.

He didn't realize that Yeosang wasn't able to help.

The second the leader realized Yeosang was down was the same second he realized he would be losing two of his team members.

He was in denial, trying as hard as he could to put pressure on the boy's wound. Mingi just sat there. He didn't say anything, didn't try to move.

He already accepted what was going to happen.

That didn't mean Hongjoong or Jongho would.

All three boys were left in tears. Hongjoong and San cried over the loss of a brother while Jongho cried over the loss of one of the only two people who ever made him feel loved. Mingi was the only one who made him feel like he had a place, like he truly fit in somewhere. He grabbed the older boy's hand, a few more tears fell when he felt it lightly squeeze back.

Mingi died with a smile on his face.

The orange magic traveled through his veins as the glittering crystal formed right next to him.

They went silent after that.

+++

Jongho stood on the balcony of the base, looking out at the stars that he and Mingi sat looking at not too long ago.

It felt like years ago and yesterday at the same time.

He hadn't been a part of this team for long but Mingi's death killed him inside.

Especially since Mingi was his first time falling in love.

Arms wrapped around Jongho from behind. He tensed, so used to fighting and being on high alert.

"Relax," San mumbled, "just me."

Jongho almost melted into the arms of his older brother. For the first time since their moment in the cell, so so long ago, the two brothers sat in each other's presence and cried.

After they settled, Jongho turned to San.

"How are things going with Yeosang?" Jongho asked.

San nodded, taking a breath. "We decided to take a break, he's struggling, he just woke up from his coma a few days ago. Only to be told that one of his best friends is dead and his powers are gone. That stuff messes with people."

Jongho nods in understanding. "That must suck."

San hums in agreement. "What about you? How are you doing?"

Jongho sighs, "It hurts. I feel empty. I don't know why, we haven't even known each other that long."

"You cared for him, you loved him, it's going to hurt."

Jongho nodded, leaning against his brother.

"I'll be here if you need it, Jong."

"Thank you, San."

The black witch smiled at his younger brother

+++

After Yeosang killed Wooyoung, he fell into a coma. He woke up after a week, not long but long enough for the other members to start losing hope.