|DISCONTINUED|
dangerous flood almost destroys the whole world. The remaining population tries to adapt on its own with what resources they had left. Eventually, the world has turned into a more advanced, "dystopian" society. But, an infectious dise...
<><><><><><><><> Taehyung <><><><><><><><> West Side
______________________
I don't know if Commander Minho has taken pity on me, or if he really does feel the loss of my brother, one of his best soldiers. But, he does help arrange the funeral, even though he didn't do that for any of his other soldiers' deaths. He refuses to say why he chose to help.
Like any other wealthy family, ours always has elaborate funerals. Baekhyun's takes place in a building with stunning archways and enormous stained glass windows. The floor was covered with white carpet, and tables with white table cloth, a vase with white flowers in the middle of each one. The only colors come from red flags and a portrait of our Premier above them all.
Everyone attending is in their best white attire. I have an elaborate white button up shirt, with a laced collar and cuffs, and formal white pants, with white dress shoes. The hair dresser dyed my hair grey, matching the theme, and added hoop earrings.
I was stripped of any color.
Just how Baekhyun was stripped from my life.
He once told me that it's wasn't always this way, the way people wear white to funerals. Instead of death being only a time of mourning, it was now a time for celebration of their life. So, we now where white as a sign of cleanliness and resurrection.
He told me all of this because I asked what our parents' funeral was like.
I wander among the guests, responding to their sympathetic words with practiced replies.
"I'm so sorry for your loss," they would always say.
I recognize Baekhyun's fellow soldiers, teachers, and superiors. Even a couple classmates from school. They take my hand and shake it.
"First your parents, and now you're brother. I can't imagine how hard it is."
No, you really can't.
But I just smile and nod, because I know they mean well.
Sometimes I catch a glance from a sympathizer across the room, but ignore it. I don't have time for these kinds of sentiments. I'm wearing this unnecessarily overwhelming suit for my brother, and only for him. To show how much I love him without any words.
After a while, I sit a table near the front, and watch the guests stand by the altar and mourn for my brother in his shining, white coffin.
"You look nice, Tae."
I glance up to see Yoongi bow slightly, then take a seat next to me. He's exchanged his uniform for an elegant, white suit.
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"Thanks...you too."
"Well— I mean, With everything that's been going on..."
"I know what you mean..."
I place my hand on his padded shoulder to reassure him. He gives me a smile, and looks like he wants to say something more, but decides against it and turns away.
It takes an hour for everyone to find their seats and waiters to arrive with food.
I don't eat anything.
Commander Minho sits opposite me of our banquet table, and between her and Yoongi are a couple of my classmates. On my left side is a man named Kai, who organizes and oversees all of the tests. He oversaw mine. What I don't understand is why he's here, or why he even cares that Baekhyun died. He's an acquaintance of my parents, so I guess his reason for being here is expected. But, why is he right next to me?
I then remember that he mentored Baekhyun before he joined Minho's patrol. He hated him. (A/N: I'm not saying that I think Baekhyun and Kai hate each other. It's just for the story🙂)
The man now furrows his eyebrows and places his hand on my arm. It lingers for a while.
"How are you feeling, my dear?"
His words distort the scar on his face. It starts over his eye, and ends on the bridge of his nose.
I manage to smile.
"Better than expected."
"Well, I'll say."
He lets out a laugh, making me cringe.
"That suit polishes you up like a snow flower."
It takes all my strength to keep my smile on my face.
Stay calm.
Kai is not a man to make into an enemy.
"I loved your brother very much. A good boy, that Baekhyun was. A great apprentice. Always smarter than he thought he was, just like you."
I only nod. Kai made me take the test twice because I completed it in record time, not to mention a perfect score. He thought I cheated.
"You're very kind, but my brother was a better leader than I'll ever be."
Kai waves his hand, shushing me.
"Nonsense, my dear."
He then leans in uncomfortably close, and starts to whisper in my ear. There's something undoubtedly unpleasant about him.
"I'm personally devastated by the way he died. By the hands of a nasty boy! Such a shame! I was pleased when Commander Minho told me you'd be tracking him. His case needs some fresh eyes, and you're just the doll to do it! What a test mission, eh?"
I hate him with my whole being.
Yoongi must have noticed my stiffness, because I felt his hand cover mine under the table. Just go with it, he's trying to tell me. When Kai finally turned away from me to talk to the man on his other side, Yoongi leans towards me.
"Kai has a personal grudge against Kook." He whispers.
"Is that so?" I whisper back.
"Who do you think gave him those scars?"
Kook did that? I can't keep the shock off my face. Kai is a skilled official, and worked for the government for as long as I can remember. And a teenage boy did that? And got away with it? I examine the scar on his face. It's a clean cut from a dagger blade. It must have been a fast attack for it to be such a straight line.
For a moment—and only a moment— I'm on Kook's side.
Yoongi's hand touches mine again.
"Hey. Kook can't hide from the government forever. Sooner or later, we'll find that street pig and make an example out of him. He's no match for you, when you put your mind to something."
Yoongi's smile makes me weak, and suddenly I feel like Baekhyun is next to me, telling me everything is okay.
He once promised me he'll stay with me forever.
I look towards the altar, so Yoongi doesn't see the tears forming in my eyes. I can't bring myself to smile back.
