Villain kids

18

Mark led Donghyuck through a winding stone path that ended in a quiet corner of the school grounds. A quaint gazebo stood nestled between ivy-covered trees, with benches and tables scattered around like secret keepers of student confessions and stolen moments.

They took a seat inside the gazebo, where a soft breeze swayed the hanging flowers. For a while, neither spoke—Mark fidgeting with the hem of his jacket, Donghyuck silently absorbing the gentle ambiance like it was foreign oxygen.

Finally, Mark cleared his throat.
Mark: "So, uhm..."
Hyuck: "Go on..." he encouraged, eyes now on the prince, brows lifted in subtle challenge.

Mark: "Tomorrow... I want to take you out. Just a short ride around the area, to show you what life is like beyond these walls. There's a place I want you to see. Peaceful. Quiet. I thought we could talk more. Get to know each other better."
He paused, searching the other’s face for resistance, but found only unreadable stillness.
Mark: "I know none of this is normal for you. This school, this island...me. But maybe, if we talk, you’ll know I’m not just trying to watch you. I want to understand you. Maybe even... be someone you trust. And if I understand your world, I can stand up for you and your friends in mine."

It was spoken softly, earnestly, like the boy had been rehearsing it for days but still wasn’t sure if it would land.

Donghyuck’s chest tightened. Trust? That word was dangerous. People who offered kindness often wanted something in return. Yet... Mark’s eyes didn’t demand anything—they simply offered.

Mark: “Donghyuck? Hello?”

He blinked.
Hyuck: “Oh—sorry. I... I think I’d like that.”
The words tumbled out like a secret he didn’t mean to share.

Mark’s grin burst into full bloom, and Donghyuck felt something odd flutter in his chest. They sat there smiling like two strange puzzle pieces trying to fit—awkward but genuine.

Anyone walking by might think the sight strange: a soon-to-be king, laughing in silence with the son of Maleficent. But neither cared.

Hyuck: “So, um... when do we go?”
Mark: “Around 4 PM. There's something that happens then—I want you to see it. It’s kind of magical.”
Hyuck: “I like that it's not right after class... my head turns to soup when we finish,” he muttered.

Mark laughed—an open, sunlit laugh that startled Donghyuck.
He chuckled, too, before freezing.
Hyuck: “What? What is it?”
Mark: “Nothing! I just... You have a nice smile. Your laugh caught me off guard.”
He rubbed the back of his neck, flustered.
Hyuck: “...Thanks.”
It came out awkward and small, and he looked away, ears pink.

Silence returned, but now it felt warm. Shared.

Donghyuck’s thoughts swirled like a stormcloud. He was losing grip on the plan—the plan—the one that was supposed to earn his mother’s cold approval. But the island was sinking its claws into him... and worse, so was Mark.

He wanted to belong here. Not just exist. Here, he didn’t have to bite before being bitten. Here, people smiled and meant it. Mark smiled and meant it.

And that made it worse.

His mother demanded destruction. He had to be cruel, legendary, feared. But the longer he stayed, the more his heart itched in a direction that had no place in her legacy.

And Mark… that stupid sunshine boy with stupid scooter plans and a stupid soft voice... he was messing everything up.

He had to decide.
Soon.

Or else he'd be left standing in the rubble of two lives—belonging to neither.