Across the Universe - Namjin Yoonmin Taekook

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IMPORTANT: Since this whole chapter happens before Tae and Kook took the pill, they spoke their original languages. But to avoid writing things you wouldn't understand, I wrote the translations. Still, the two can NOT understand what the fuck the other is saying. Good luck 😂

Several years ago...

Tae has always loved the planet he was born in. It's his home and he wouldn't change that even if he could. But it would be a lie to say it's been easy to live there. When he was younger, the food wasn't enough and not all his siblings were lucky enough to survive the hunger days. Or at least, that's how things used to be...until Pari came along.

- Mother, that star is getting closer!

- It's your imagination, son

Tae was sure of it. The star he's been observing for a while was moving. He decided to get closer to the limit of his territory. Their enemies on the other side could appear any second. But he couldn't miss it. That night, a strange object landed in front of him. It had a small door which he opened immediately. His curiosity used to be his biggest strength.

From that thing, a beautiful plant filled with white flowers started coming out taking over the new territory. And when he looked farther in, he came across an unconscious alien with white hair. Tae wasn't afraid of him. He wasn't afraid of anything really. So he helped him out and tried his best to cure him with his natural medicine.

He never got to hear a single word from him, but there were other ways to receive his thanks. Whenever someone from his tribe would die or bleed, the alien would create a tree. That tree's fruits have many times became part of their diet and the little forest that started to form kept them safe from the people on the other side of their planet. Taking him as the father of nature and the reason why their life expectancy grew, they named him Pari.

- I can stay here with you, right Pari?

Silence. A comfortable one.

- The red trees...are they from the blood of the others?

Silence and a sign of affirmation where Pari touched his nose.

Some of the trees came from the animals of the planet. They also started to live longer and grow bigger. Making the hunters on the other side appreciate Pari's existence and agreeing on keeping him alive. Even naming him Patra as a way to give him respect.

- From the top of the trees I can see them all...

Tae loved staring at the other half of his planet. The warm colors of the sand, the little fires they used to gather around, their colorful tattoos. Seeing Pari had fallen asleep, he thought it was a good idea to get even closer without getting scolded. There was a fire and his first impulse was to touch it. Thankfully, before his hand could reach it the sound of a cry stopped him. Behind a red bush, a boy was hiding and letting his tears fall. The scars decorated his naked torso.

- You look cute, need help?

Unable to understand his words, Kook turned around aiming his spear at the stranger. His teary eyes went wide. He never imagined his supposed enemies were this pretty...

- Why are you here? I'll kill you if you move!

- Hmmm I know! Take this!

Unaware of the danger, Tae got closer to give him a white flower and placed it carefully on Kook's hair. Showing his boxy smile, he made his born enemy blush.

- If it's poisoned it won't work on me

- I love the smell of it too!

Clearly, the communication wasn't meant for them. Neither took the time to learn the other's language. A noise made both of them jump in place. Knowing he shouldn't be there despite it all, Tae ran back to the forest. And Kook made sure to save the flower before anyone else in his family could see it. He was supposed to be a strong, violent hunter. But that day he had panicked because the animal he was chasing turned out to be pregnant. He let her live, breaking the rules.