Villain kids

25

The next morning crept in like a whisper. The school’s alarm blared, rousing sleepy students from their beds. But Donghyuck didn’t need it.

He hadn’t slept a wink.

His mind had been racing all night—rewinding, replaying, questioning. Too much had happened in too little time.

When he noticed Sungchan stirring, he sat up to greet him.

“Good morning,” Sungchan mumbled, his voice thick with sleep.

“Good morning,” Donghyuck replied, voice surprisingly bright.

Sungchan blinked at him. “You sound happy… but you look like you haven’t slept a minute.”

“Let’s say… you got it right on the nose.”

The taller boy yawned and scratched his head. “So, what kept you up? Or should I say—who kept you up?” He smirked.

The blush that spread across Donghyuck’s face was answer enough.

“Oh my God, Hyuck! It’s true! You like him!” Sungchan shrieked, immediately leaping onto Donghyuck’s bed like a kid on a trampoline. He grabbed his shoulders and shook him with giddy force.

“Okay, okay—chill!” Donghyuck groaned, prying his hands off. “I may be in a good mood, but I don’t need you rearranging my organs.”

Sungchan grinned, unfazed. “So? Did you have fun last night?”

Donghyuck’s lips curled into a quiet, dreamy smile. “It was... nothing like I’ve ever experienced.”

That answer was more than enough for Sungchan, who stood and began pulling on his clothes.

“I feel like the more I wear these uniforms, the more I wish I could help design them. Don’t get me wrong—we all look amazing—but I wanna put my own spin on it, you know?”

“I could talk to Mark,” Donghyuck offered. “Or maybe he’ll ask you himself. He said he wanted some one-on-one time with each of us. Worst case, just bring it up.”

“Oh? Is he taking us all on dates now?” Sungchan teased.

Donghyuck froze.

“I’m joking, Hyuck.”

“Yeah but… that sounds exactly like something he’d do.”

“Oh my GOD, why would you even—” Sungchan stopped, then pointed dramatically. “Wait. Have you seen how he looks at you?! He’s whipped!”

“Excuse me?”

“Don’t even play! He turns to mush when you’re around. The way he stares at you? Please. He’s a goner. He doesn’t look at any of us like that.”

Donghyuck said nothing.

Sungchan, smirking, took that as his cue to finish getting ready.

---

Later that day, the cafeteria buzzed with student chatter—until Mark’s voice cut clean through it.

“Jeno! Hi!”

Heads turned as the prince approached Jeno’s table, completely unfazed by the audience.

Jeno blinked. “Yes?”

“Would you mind joining me tomorrow at three, after lunch?” Mark asked, casual and bright. “I want to show you something. Just a quick chat.”

“Uh... sure? Are you coming to find me here?”

“Yep! And don’t worry, we won’t go far. Wear something comfy.”

“Alright. See you tomorrow.”

Mark nodded, then turned to another familiar face. “Sungchan—could you stop by my office when you’re done eating?”

“Oh. Uh… where is that again?”

“The big door. Right after the one we were in yesterday.”

“Got it, Prince Mark.”

“There’s no rush,” Mark added kindly. “Sorry to interrupt your meal… see you around.”

And then, just before walking away, his hand gently landed on Donghyuck’s shoulder. A light squeeze. Warm. Intentional.

Then he was gone.

And everyone stared.

Donghyuck’s face turned bright pink.

Jaemin leaned in, eyes narrowing. “Did we… miss something?”

Sungchan was glowing. “Let’s just say Mark and Donghyuck had a little romantic getaway yesterday. And this one—” he nodded at the blushing boy “—didn’t sleep a single wink.”

Gasps and giggles echoed around the table.

Chenle raised a brow. “Took him long enough. The way he looks at you, Hyuck? Like you’re a literal diamond.”

“I told him!” Sungchan beamed. “Melty eyes. Full-on mush mode.”

Jeno nodded calmly. “I’m happy for you, Hyuck.”

“Okay, everyone, chill!” Donghyuck waved his hands, still flushed. “We’re not together. And that so-called date wasn’t a date. He said he wants solo time with all of us.”

“Oh really?” Sungchan smirked. “He just asked me to visit his office and Jeno to come in comfy clothes. I don’t think your time with him is over yet.”

Laughter burst across the table, though the two other Isle kids didn’t join in.

Jisung frowned. “Why is he talking to all of us anyway? That’s… kinda weird.”

Jeno turned to Donghyuck. “Seriously. What did you two even do yesterday?”

Donghyuck hesitated. He hadn’t expected them to care this much. Honestly, he thought they’d blow it off. But... maybe they deserved to know.

“Alright. Screw it,” he muttered. “Yesterday... I found out something huge. My mom—Maleficent—used to be a fairy. A good one. Kind. Loved. She got her heart broken, and that’s why she turned evil.”

Gasps rippled across the table.

“He took me somewhere secret. Said I was the first person he’s ever brought there. It was... beautiful. Then he told me the coronation? He can’t even choose it. His parents already made this place ‘good.’ Now he’s just... stuck.”

A pause. Then—

“He said the only thing he really wants is to bring more kids from the Isle. Then he… uh… kissed me.”

More gasps. Chenle choked on his drink. Jaemin screamed internally.

“I pulled away, though,” Donghyuck added quickly, “because I know he’s dating Jungwoo—Aurora’s kid. I asked him what’s up with that. And he said… just like the coronation, the relationship was arranged. He didn’t choose it.”

Silence.

Jeno exhaled. “So even Mr. Perfect Prince has his chains.”

“He looks like he might actually explode when he sees you,” Jaemin said bluntly. “He has options. He better pick you.”

Chenle nodded. “If you all keep proving you’re not dangerous, maybe he’ll convince his parents. They’re strict—but fair.”