( )scape | NCT DREAM [...]

⁛≻Chapter 3≺⁛

◸Chapter 3: The Emotion◿

Jaemin sighed as he watched people duel during their one on ones. He was ready for this, he always was. He was trained and he excelled at what he did. The only part that he faked was being controlled.

His eyes travelled across the room to see who his partner in fighting would be. And his eyes only narrowed as he realised it was Jisung, who looked pretty nervous. 

Jisung fiddled with his fingers and looked like an absolute wreck, something that Jaemin picked on easily. He understood though, every once in a while the guards would line up the reds to fight with the greens just to knock some sense into the poorly performing group. Jaemin would be scared of himself too. 

The fight that went on was pulling out longer than ten minutes, boring the red ranker who couldn't wait to get his day finished with. 

Finally when someone was out, Jaemin was called out front. His eyes met Jisung's nervous ones again as he turned to the pill in front of him.

He didn't know how he figured it out but he knew the second he stopped the first pill a few weeks back, that it had done it had the job of supressing his emotions. A pill taking control of his emotions was ridiculous. So he stopped. In secret of course. He can't tell his fellow red rankers knowing they would do anything to get to his spot. Even snitch on him.

Speaker: Swallow.

This time too, he pocketed the pill, like every other time before heading to the centre. At this point, Jisung's nerves were amusing to Jaemin. He didn't exactly enjoy it but he didn't know what it was. He's never seen someone so scared for his life before.

Speaker: Fight.

---

Hana: I heard he doesn't even have his powers yet. Why did you hold back Jaemin?

Jaemin: For that very reason. He doesn't have powers. It wouldn't be a fair fight. Besides he pulled the white flag, not me. 

Hana: Which is exactly my point. Did you see how scared he was? Like a rat stuck in a trap.

She said with a chuckle. 

Chenle: Pathetic really-

Jaemin: Guys.

He cut them off by nudging the two. They looked at him in confusion but he nodded his head to the side where Jisung was standing a tear streaming down his cheek, his eyes widened with shock because they caught him in this state.

Jaemin: I think he heard us...

Jisung: I didn't!

He replied in a haste and the three of them knew it was a lie but Hana just had to repeat it. 

Hana: He called you pathetic.

Jisung stared at her in shock. He knew she was cruel but not so much so that she would say it right to his face at a moment like this.

Jisung: You're mean.

He blurted out, regrettably so because he covered his mouth with his hand almost immediately. But Hana's response was just as blunt as ever.

Hana: Okay.

Jisung: Okay...? That's it?

This time, Hana scoffed and he finally noticed a small smirk growing on Chenle's lips.

Hana: Did you expect me to apologize?

---

Mark: Kronos? Seriously that's what the others call me? Kronos?! 

He whisper shouted as Renjun just shrugged. 

Mark: This is stupid. Very, very stupid. I'm not the lord of the titans just because i control time!

Renjun: Yeah but everyone's scared of you because you do that creepy smirk you have when you fight and slow down time.

Mark: That's just me knowing I'm winning.

Renjun: Which is creepy. 

Mark: No its not.

Renjun: Yes it is. I fought with you once upon a time. I nearly peed my pants.

Mark: You're not helping.

Renjun frowned and looked up from his book.

Renjun: You didn't ask for help. Now leave me alone. I need to study and try to rank higher. You on the other hand are a genius right?

His tone was enough for Mark to understand that it was not meant as a compliment. 

Mark: I don't know what you mean. I still need to study too.

Renjun: For what?! You have the entire code almost memorized. And you are one rank away from Chenle's spot.

Mark: That's cause I've been around longer. I know a lot more.

Renjun: God damn it, Mark... just leave me alone. 

Mark didn't really go anywhere but stayed close to Renjun at the dinner table. He stared into the book Renjun was reading from, already knowing it.

Renjun: You're still hovering.

Mark: You're like the only other person I know. You're the closest thing I have to a friend.

Renjun: No one is no one's friend here Mark, don't kid yourself. Its almost pill time. I'm serious. Go away.

He said before getting up and walking away to his room. Mark groaned before leaving, as well. He walked across the hall, hands in his pockets as he headed to his room. Just as he reached it, a boy ran over, reaching for the door next to Mark's. The two shared eye contact for a moment before the other looked away and entered his room. 

Mark looked back to his door and sighed before going inside. His eyes immediately looked at the vent on the top of the room. But as though it didn't matter at all, he looked away and decided to wash his face before the bell rang for pill time.

Forgive Hana, guys! She'll be better later😭