Villain kids

30

The three boys walked for only a few minutes before Mark came to a halt, his expression brightening.

Mark: “You probably figured this is the sports field. I brought you here to show you a few games we play. Since you’re... pretty fit,” —he gave Jeno a teasing once-over— “I thought you might want to try out for a team or two. Sound good?”

Jeno: “Uh… well… that’s cool, I guess.”

Jaemin: “Just to be clear, I will not be participating in any sort of sports activity.”

Mark: “Don’t worry, I was hoping you'd cheer us on. I’ll show him the basics—we’ll have a one-on-one.”

And just like that, time slipped away. Mark and Jeno sparred and sprinted across the field while Jaemin lounged like a regal prince on the sidelines, occasionally yelling sarcastic advice and clapping dramatically.

---

Back at the dorms, Donghyuck was spiraling. With Chenle and Jisung laughing it up in his room and Sungchan buried in design sketches somewhere, he felt like the fifth wheel on a bike that didn’t want him there.

He threw on a leather jacket, some scuffed sneakers, and bolted—desperate for air and space. The food court seemed safe enough; he knew the way and he wouldn’t get lost.

But peace wasn’t in the cards today.

??: “Hey! You!”

He jumped at the sudden voice and spun around, eyebrows arching high. Standing behind him, arms crossed and attitude dialed to ten, was none other than Jungwoo—Sleeping Beauty’s son.

Hyuck: “Yes?” His voice was calm, but a brow lifted in mild sass.

Jungwoo: “Where do you think you’re going?”

Hyuck: “Uh… not entirely sure, honestly. Why?” The teasing lilt in his voice only made the other boy bristle.

Jungwoo: “You think this is funny?”

Hyuck: “A little, yeah.”

Jungwoo: “How dare you mock me?”

Hyuck: “I’m not. Really.” He sighed. Normally, by now, he’d be halfway through a dramatic explosion, but something told him to hold back. Growth or exhaustion—who knew?

Hyuck: “Can I just go? I’m not in the mood to fight. I’m literally just taking a walk.”

He turned to leave—but a rough yank to his jacket sent him flying backward. He hit the ground hard, wincing as the impact jolted up his spine.

Jungwoo: “Oops. My bad.”

He was clearly ready to pounce, but then—footsteps. Fast. Closing in.

Jungwoo hesitated. Donghyuck didn’t. He flipped through spells in his head and chose one that wouldn’t expose him but would still make a point.

A vine slithered from the earth and coiled perfectly—tripwire-style—right in Jungwoo’s path. He stumbled forward, face-planting into the grass.

Jaemin (panting): “Hyuck?! You okay?!”

Hyuck (groaning): “No. My ass hurts like hell.”

Jeno (rushing up): “What the hell happened?”

Hyuck (pointing): “He pulled me back. Knocked me down.”

Jeno: “Karma’s a bitch, huh.”

Mark (catching up): “Guys? Hyuckie? What’s going on?”

Jeno: “Jungwoo shoved him. And then face-planted like a legend.”

Mark didn’t hesitate. He rushed to Donghyuck’s side, crouching to help him up, his hands gentle.

Mark (softly): “Are you okay?”

For a moment, the pain vanished—replaced by butterflies and that stupid little smile he couldn’t suppress. He nodded.

Jungwoo (pitifully): “Markie… help me up?”

Mark (coolly): “Why did you push him?”

Jungwoo: “He was making fun of me!”

Hyuck: “I really wasn’t. I just said I was out walking and didn’t know where exactly I was going. You thought I was mocking you, but I wasn’t.”

An arm snaked around his waist. Mark.

Mark: “Jungwoo, I’ve told you—so many times. I don’t have romantic feelings for you. I don’t want to marry someone I don’t love. You’re a good friend, but that’s all. Donghyuck isn’t to blame here. He’s just being himself—and I admire that.

This wasn’t some grand plan to hurt you. But I’ve made my choice clear, over and over. I’ve told my parents I won’t go through with a wedding I don’t want.

Now that I’ve met him… I know I made the right call.

Because just looking at him makes me feel warm. He feels like home.”

The courtyard went silent. Jungwoo stood frozen, eyes glassy, lips trembling.

Hyuck (gently): “I know you probably hate me now… but I didn’t do anything to take Mark from you. I didn’t want to fall for him. He’s just… alluring. I’m not here to ruin your life.

I’m here to enjoy mine.”