Villain kids

37

The practice flew by in a blink.

Jeno crushed it. Mark watched from the sidelines with that unmistakable proud-big-brother grin—and the second the final buzzer rang, he clapped his hands and made the announcement.

Jeno would officially be his replacement on the team.

No one objected. Everyone cheered.

And now, still buzzing from the high of the day, the boys were headed back toward their rooms, laughter trailing behind them like a comet tail.

They were all crashing in Donghyuck’s room for the night—one last time before he moved in with his royal boyfriend.

Sungchan: “Hey Mark... I’ve been wondering something.”

Mark slowed a little.

Sungchan (cont’d): “You picked us. You accepted us. You’re helping us... and now you’re finding things for us to do here—stuff that kinda... ties us down. Like basketball, design club, even that poetry thing Hyuck started. Why?”

The group fell quiet.

Sungchan: “Why us? And why are you finding things that... make us stay? Like, forever-stay.”

Mark blinked, then offered a soft smile.

Mark: “Guys... If I’m being completely honest? When I told my parents about the plan to bring Isle kids here, they freaked. And I was scared too. I didn’t know how it would go—how you’d act, how people would treat you... whether you’d even want to stay.”

He sighed.

Mark (cont’d): “But the second you stepped out of that limo on Day One? I saw something. You were guarded, yeah, but also curious. Tough on the outside, but... so human underneath. You were just like us. Like me. Like Jaemin. Like Chenle. Like Shotaro and Jungwoo and all the others. The only difference is where you came from—and that doesn’t define who you are.”

The group absorbed that. Some nodded. Others looked away, blinking fast.

Mark: “The first few days, I only saw you five minutes a day. But even in that time, I saw something this island was missing—spirit. You didn’t care what people thought. You said what you felt. You were loud when it was supposed to be quiet. You cursed when you weren’t supposed to. You breathed, and suddenly the island felt more alive.”

A pause.

Mark (smiling): “I thought Jaemin and Chenle were rebellious for hanging around you. But really? They were just finding their own voices. And now, days later, with my coronation around the corner... I know I made the right choice. You guys belong here. You’re gonna help make Auradon better than it’s ever been.”

Silence. Then—cheering.

Laughter exploded, echoing down the hallway. Someone started a piggyback fight. Someone else threw a pillow. No one cried. (Except maybe Sungchan. Emotionally. On the inside.)

---

Later, in Donghyuck’s room—minus Mark, who had to attend a Very Royal Meeting™ (but not before demanding a dozen kisses from the purple-haired and a pinky promise he wouldn’t fall asleep without him)...

The vibe had mellowed. The boys lounged around like happy chaos gremlins.

Jeno: “You know... I’ve never been this happy. Like, in my life.”

Heads turned.

Jeno (cont’d): “I wake up smiling. I go to class, I actually learn stuff. I eat good food. I have free time. Now I’ve got practice twice a week and games every three. I feel like... I have purpose.”

Sungchan: “Dude. Same. I used to fake my smiles. Now I can’t stop. My cheeks hurt. It’s criminal.”

Jaemin: “I’m really glad you’re all happy.”

He paused, scanning the room, then continued softly:

Jaemin: “I never really hung out with anyone before you guys. The kids here? They follow rules. Protocols. They act like they're royalty even when they're not. But you guys... you’re different. You’re real. You know how to be, without faking it. I fell in love at first sight—with the son of my father’s mortal enemy,” he added dramatically, making everyone laugh, “and I found friends I actually trust. A boyfriend. A family.”

The room melted. Someone may or may not have wiped a tear.

Jeno wordlessly pulled Jaemin into his lap and hugged him tight, burying his face in the crook of his neck.

Jisung caught Chenle’s eye—just briefly—and looked away just as fast, clearing his throat.

Hyuck, of course, noticed everything.

He smirked at the interaction, then clapped his hands and stood.

Hyuck: “Alright, lovers and criers. I’m out. Heading to my prince’s room for cuddles and maybe royal snuggles. This is not a drill. I’m dreaming. Don't wake me.”

Laughter. Always.

Hyuck (grinning): “Oh, and Ji? I was thinking… You and Chenle should share a room.”

Chenle: “Ooh, us? I’d love that.”

Jisung: “Uh… uh… I… yeah! Sure!”

Hyuck: “Perfect. Jeno and Jaemin get their shared suite. Sungchan’s moving into the design studio full-time. You and Lele won’t be lonely. I’ll talk to Mark.”

Then, he turned and leveled Jisung with a look. All jokes vanished.

Hyuck: “But first, Ji... I need to talk to you. Now.”

Jisung’s throat bobbed. He nodded.

And followed him out of the room.