Bad Blood • JohnTen

(22.) Devil

[>] Devil - Super Junior

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Unconsciously twirling the wooden pencil against his fingertips, Doyoung hummed thoughtfully as he read through a small passage from the book he had on his desk, writing down important notes as he skimmed through each sentence effortlessly.

"Hey, what are you doing?" a voice behind him asked.

"Studying," came his short reply.

It was a quiet Saturday morning, the perfect day to laze around and do nothing, but Doyoung had much more important tasks at hand. Despite the commotion that happened amidst Ten's abduction, it didn't save them from their usual heavy school schedule and never-ending exams. Their class had a ton of workload to pass on Monday and Doyoung wanted to get started on them as soon as possible.

He heard his companion yawn for the nth time that morning, to which Doyoung barely resisted the urge to roll his eyes at. "Why bother? I mean, you always top the class even if you don't. Why try?"

Because I have to.

Labyrinth is a well-known academic institution across the globe. It was one of the first demon schools established, dating back before the war between humans and demons broke out. Its curriculum is on par of that of Ivy league schools and it even houses some of the most sought-after demon heirs. It's so exclusive that the school board only allows a selected number of students in annually.

But of course, all that glory and privilege comes with a hefty price. A very expensive price tag at that.

Obviously, Doyoung isn't rich and influential like every other student in the academy. He was only admitted because he was smart, he was on a scholarship. And he had to maintain his grades if he wanted to stay at Labyrinth.

Doyoung closed his eyes momentarily before he finally turned to the other. "Jung, don't you have anything else better to do?" The other vampire had been pestering Doyoung ever since he and his gang came back from their little adventure to rescue Ten. He came to the half-blood's room unannounced and had been lodging around like it was his own instead of Doyoung's.

But instead of answering his question, Jaehyun's eyes were focused on his forearms. Unaware that his sleeves had risen due to his sudden movement, Doyoung followed the vampire's line of sight. He frowned at where his eyes landed on. It was on the scars he got from trying to defend Ten back in the student council room a few days ago. The scratches were already fading, thanks to Taeil. They didn't hurt, they were barely even there anymore.

"I told you I'd look after you," Jaehyun said, his voice decisive, a tinge of authority trailing his words.

"And I told you I don't need anyone to look after me."

But Jaehyun was stubborn. He wouldn't listen, much to Doyoung's irritation.

"Do they still hurt?" Jaehyun asked, referring to his injury. He had stealthy inched closer and his tall height was towering above the other vampire before he bended his knees and squatted down, now on the same eye level as Doyoung. "Are you in pain?"

"I'm fine." But Jaehyun didn't looked convinced, he was frowning. "Seriously Jung, I'm fine," Doyoung repeated.

Jaehyun reached for his right forearm but stopped just before he could touch it, hand hovering above air. He eyed the other, silently asking for Doyoung's permission. When no sign of protest came from the half-blood, Jaehyun proceeded with his ministration.