Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“That boy is here again?” A nurse whispered to her coworker after she did her rounds and she nodded in response.

“I thought he was banned from visitation after he almost broke that boy’s wrist in the hallway.”

Her coworker frowned. “I let him in sometimes. There’s just something about his face that breaks my heart. And besides,” she snuck a peek at the purple-haired boy leaned up against the wall beside the patient’s door. “He never goes in anyway.”

The other nurse looked at the lone figure and felt a similar pity. In the beginning, the boy had shown up white as a sheet, fists clenched and rooted to the spot in the patient's room as if he was at a loss as to what to do. He ended up walking out without getting close to the bed, and since then they had never seen him go in the room. Instead, he stayed close to the door, arms crossed, face blank, and stared at the floor. If she was sleeping, he’d look through the small glass panel on the door and stare for a bit before leaving.

The nurses watched as he straightened after 20 min or so like he usually did and walk down the bright hallway and their eyes widened as the door opened.

A young girl in a hospital gown walked out, albeit slowly as she wheeled an IV bag connected to her wrist beside her. The other arm was in a cast and a gauze covered her upper right forehead.

“Excuse me?” A lilting voice came out of her mouth.

The boy froze.

“Wait a second,” the girl said as he began to walk again.

“Ma’am you shouldn’t-” one of the nurses stood up in alarm.

The girl’s hand was outstretched to grab the back of the boy’s shirt but instead, she stumbled, yelping at the soreness of her ribs.

“Are you fucking stupid??” a voice growled. She looked up to see grey eyes startlingly close to her. The boy had whipped around in time to catch her forearms before her knees hit the ground. He gently lowered her as she studied his face.

“Why do you never come in?” she questioned. His eyes flickered downward.

Why is his face so familiar? She felt the urge to trace the plane of his nose, the curve of his cheek.

“I think - I think you’re someone important to me…right?” Silence.

“I’m sorry, I’m really trying to remember, I’m so sorry," she continued in a small voice.

This time he sighed. He glanced up and frowned at the gauze on her face and hesitantly lifted a hand to run his thumb lightly over it before tucking some loose hair behind her ear.

The nurses watched the scene unfolding in front of them. The girl was on her knees, eyes widened in surprise. The boy was kneeling in front of her and one of his hands had travelled up to lightly hold her wrist.

When he finally met her eyes, she felt an overwhelming urge to cry. The corners of his lips had turned upward to give her a sarcastic smile, one that felt oddly familiar to her, but his eyes held an emotion that reminded her of broken glass. She felt her heart ache in her chest.

Who are you?

Chapter Text

You huffed and slammed your books on to your table making your best friend turn to you and snort. “Jared Sun?”

“Jared fucking Sun,” you groaned.

“What did he do today?” 

“It’s more like what he didn't do. He just shows up, smiles, and gives a ‘hmm sure’ at our weekly meetings and then LEAVES. He contributes NOTHING.” 

Ganghak High was co-ed, with the girls section on the right and boys on the left. The student council was made up of 3 representatives from each side.

When you had first met Jared, you admit you were a bit hopeful because of his polite attitude and the adoration he received from the teachers. You were soon horrified to realise he had no idea what he was doing and the two other male representatives were just his lackeys. 

You wondered how he even got into the school and had a sneaking suspicion that he had an inside connection considering his grades were so high, yet he had been at a loss to explain a simple problem to a coursemate.

Honestly? His easy ride greatly pissed you off. You moved to a different area of Seoul at the beginning of high school and ended up attending Ganghak. You studied hard for your grades, went to cram school to get ahead, did volunteer work, and became a student representative, all so you could have a stellar resume when you applied for Yonsei University. 

Meanwhile, Jared Sun was apparently gunning for Yonsei and Seoul National yet there was no effort on his part. Though, it was possible he was just a genius. It’s not like you knew everything about his life? Maybe? 

You thought back to the boys’ stupid antics during your meeting. No, there’s no way he was a genius. 

“I’ve heard some horror stories about what’s happening in the guys’ classrooms. The bullying is pretty bad and Jared’s one of the worst.” Eun-ah said. “And of course, there’s Wolf Keum.”

You had been introduced to Shuttle Patch when you first moved into the area and were surprised to learn that one of the top members attended your school. He was even in your grade. 

“That one??” you had questioned Eun-ah. “The one with the glasses?” A glimpse of a head of purple hair walked across the courtyard from the 2nd floor window. 

“He doesn’t look super scary. Just serious?”

She shuddered. “Apparently he beat up the third year high school students that were in power. And a local gang member.”

Oh. You raised an eyebrow. Damn. 

“To be fair, our side is struggling too.” You sighed in exasperation.

There were a few girls that had clearly established their dominance over the grade. The worst of them being Yura. Her father owned a construction company and his donations to the school made her quite untouchable. You felt bad for the couple of shuttle girls who had been singled out. The other two representatives and you had tried to convince the administration to do something about the harassment but they just smiled and patted your hand saying that they were sure it was just kids being kids.

“I guess it’s hypocritical. I’m a school rep too and I’m not making much progress on the bullying on our side.” 

The bell rang and both of you stood up to go to the cafeteria. You walked out just in time to catch Yura and her friends snatch Penny’s lunch from her hands. Penny had been the latest victim that Yura had decided to target and you had tried, albeit with your heart pounding and feeling nauseous, to tell her and her friends to stop but they had scoffed and ignored you. 

“I don’t think this piggy needs any lunch so we’ll take this.” They giggled and dumped it in a trash can as they walked off. “We’re just trying to help you diet!” they called behind them.

You clenched your teeth in irritation. You weren’t sure how to play whatever these mind games these girls were playing, let alone win against them. This whole bullying thing was so stupid. Clearly they had nothing better to do and it was frustrating to see them act so childish. 

“Gah, it’s not like we can solve it like the boys and just fight to see who’s strongest.”

Eun-ah laughed. “Why? Do you want to fight her? Become one of the school's delinquents?”

You looked at her. “Well, someone needs to show that bitchy motherfucker she can’t treat people like that.” 

Eun-ah sighed. “To be fair, you swear like a delinquent so you’ve got that down.”

“Psh, I could be definitely be a delinquent,” You mimed karate chopping. “Just take her down like wha-pow.” You swung your leg haphazardly in the air and Eun-ah looked at you with a deadpan expression. “Wow so frightening, I’m trembling at the mere sight of the pink clips in your hair and glittery lunch box.” 

“Great idea,” you exclaimed. “I can use my lunch box to -” you swung the object back only for it to hit something hard. 

“Oh my god I’m so sorry. ” Your voice trailed off as you recognised who you had just whacked in the chest.

Wolf Keum was glaring at you while his friends (were they friends? lackeys?) were staring at you with wide eyes. 

He tilted his chin up and looked down at you with a cold gaze and a chilling smile to match.

“Miss student rep a delinquent, huh?” 

Fuck. FUCK. 

“Just brainstorming ideas. Seems to work out well enough for you.”

Shut up y/n. 

His smile grew wider and somehow creepier. “You’re welcome to come up to the rooftop and audition. I haven’t fought a girl before so it should be a novel experience at least.” 

Audition? What is he on? 

“I’d like to think that by this day and age we don’t have to resort to beating each other like animals in order to assert our dominance.” 

Lord and Heavenly Father I just want to say I’m sorry I stole from my brother in the third grade and I hope it won’t land me in hell after this boy kills me.

You grabbed Eun-ah’s arm, “But if I run out of options, I’ll take you up on it!” 

And with that you flat out sprinted down the hall, dragging her with you.

Chapter Text

“Wow, I can't believe you got away with that.”

You groaned and pulled at your hair. “Don’t jinx it.”

It was 3 days later and you had avoided going near the boys hall like the plague. You considered eating lunch in the bathroom and peeked out the window to see if the coast was clear before you scurried out of the school entrance.

“To be fair, y/n’s already broken his 3-second rule before.” 

You yelped at the voice behind you. 

“Min you’re going to give me a heart attack.”  

Your friend laughed. “Relax. He left after first period today.” 

You sagged in relief.

“What do you mean she’s broken the rule before??” Eun-ah glared at you. “What are you doing when I’m not around?”

You gave her a sheepish grin. “Look, I didn't know who he was. It was literally my first day here.” 

You yawned and reached up to readjust your ribbon when a body flew out of the side alley in front of you and landed on the sidewalk, blocking your path. Your eyes flickered down, frowning at the blood all over the boy’s face and the mangled remains of his hands. 

Ouch. That must hurt. 

You looked curiously into the alley he had been ejected from only to see a boy with purple hair who stood with a wicked smile, blood dripping down his hands and the side of his face. He didn’t seem to mind though and he was definitely in much better shape than the poor boy that laid at your feet. 

Damn. Your eyes met his grey ones. 'Despite the state he’s in…he’s good-looking', you thought. 

You saw his blazer and eyes widened. 

'And a Ganghak boy?'

You gave him a tentative smile and raised a hand before walking around the boy lying on the ground and continued to school. 

Suffice to say, it was alarming when Eun-ah had first pointed out who Wolf Keum was. 

“My days are numbered,” you groaned. 

“So why do you say dumb shit around him?” Min snorted. “Most of us don’t like to breathe near him.” 

“I don’t know honestly,” you said. “It just comes out. I don’t like his deal. You can’t just hit people just because you feel like it. Like he just picks fights for no reason. You can’t just indulge on every whim you have. That’s not how life works.” You frowned. “We can’t just do whatever we want. He’s going to have to face reality when we graduate and his ass is going straight to jail if he keeps up acting like that. I'm more surprised he hasn't gone to a juvenile detention center yet.”  

“I don’t think he thinks about things like that,” Min said weakly. 

You shrugged. “Doesn’t matter if he does. It’s true. Honestly, shuttle patch is just a list of delinquents who have too much free time to go around and pick fights." 

“Oh look there he is.” 

“EEP,” you flinched and hid behind a pillar.

“Yeah yeah keep preaching but you’re still scared of him.” 

“I don’t particularly like the feeling of getting my ass kicked so I will avoid it if possible.” 

Min looked at you quizzically. “Uhh, do you know what that feels like?” 

You wagged your hand back and forth, “No, no, but I’m sure it’s painful. And my face is too pretty to have bandages covering it. Right?” You pushed out your lower lip and batted your eyelashes at Eun-ah.

“Aigoo, yes our y/n is too pretty for that nonsense,” she said, pinching your cheeks.

“Ow OW.” 

“Oh, y/n, we’re going to the mall with some friends after school. Want to come?” 

You shook your head. “I’m volunteering at the clinic.” 

“What about after?”

“Cram school.”

“I thought that was only Monday to Wednesday.”

You shrugged. “Picked up another day. I’m not doing well in maths right now.” 

“Ugh, such a square.” Min said.

“Hey, this square is going to be a successful doctor. Don’t come crying to me for free treatment when we’re older.” 

The three of you giggled before going to your final period. 

You sighed, stretching out your arms as you left the clinic. Volunteering there was dull and mostly administrative work but it was a nice way to procrastinate studying and you could talk about it in college entrance interviews. You also learned some basic first-aid skills which was a good thing to talk add on a college resume as well. 

The night air felt cool on your face, and a duffel bag was haphazardly swung over one shoulder as you walked to a familiar building. Groaning, you hauled yourself up the stairs, still stiff from sitting for so long and you went to go change in the locker room. 

There were surprisingly few people in the gym at this hour and you greeted the familiar faces as you walked by, wrapping your hands as you did.

Standing in front of a familiar heavy bag, you paused, closing your eyes, and let out a breath. 

Jab. Cross. Block. 

Cross. Roundhouse. Jab. Cross. 

Your head emptied out as you focused on the bag in front of you. 

No thinking about math or literature or math. 

No Jared Sun. 

No Yura. 

Scratch that, maybe some Jared Sun and Yura slipped out. Particularly their 'so punchable' faces. 

No feeling the gaping emptiness that always threatened to pull you under. 

It was always there. The feeling of being suspended underwater, everything muted, and a feeling of nothing that left you breathless. A constant question of what is the point of doing all of this, trying so hard at life, circled in your head.  

But all of that didn’t matter right now. Each swing grounded you. Your breaths came out faster and your hits got sloppier as the exhaustion and stress from the week suddenly hit you. The bag swung and you felt sweat drip down the side of your face.

“Woah there.” Two hands held the bag from the other side, stopping it from swinging. 

You blinked, suddenly aware of everything again. 

“Geez y/n what’s up with you?”

A familiar face popped out from behind the bag. Bright eyes, playful smile, and orange hair. 

You sighed in mock exasperation before being unable to smile back at the cheerful boy. 

“What are you doing here, Jake?”

“I called out your name multiple times and you didn’t hear me,” he pouted. 

You scratched the back of your neck. “Sorry, must be out of it today.” 

“I’ll say. Your face was super scary which would be fine but your form was such a mess.”

You stuck a tongue out at him in response.  

You gone to Jake Ji’s middle school before you moved into a different area that was zoned for Ganghak. He had lived down the street from you so you saw him often and while you weren't part of each other's friend group, you knew him decently well. You were more amused than surprised when you saw he was on Shuttle Patch and especially amused that he ranked so high. 

“Yes Mr. Shuttle Patch no. 2, I’m the scary one.”

He frowned. “I didn’t think you’d find out about that.” 

You shrugged. “Who doesn't know Shuttle Patch? And I mean, I guess the ranking makes sense. This is coming from the kid that flipped out on the boys that tried to cut off one of my pigtails and almost got himself suspended.”

He laughed. “Um, if I remember correctly, a certain someone also almost got suspended with me after kicking the shit out of one of said boys.” 

“Really? I have no recollection of such an event.”

“I never said it was you.”

You squawked, unable to think of a reply and he burst out into laughter - you eventually joining him in it. You had a soft spot for Jake - you knew the hardships of his life and admired how strong in character he was for dealing with it and remaining positive. You knew there was a level of hurt and anger underneath due to his brother, but Jake was someone who bravely faced life with a grin despite that. He always managed to cheer you up and his smile was infectious. 

"So what's up with you today?" He was persistent but you shrugged. 

"It's almost the end of the week. It's natural I'm tired."

"Bullshit, you're weird today. You look distracted." 

You sighed - Jake was weirdly empathetic. "Just some school stuff?" 

Jake raises an eyebrow. "Jared again?"

"Something like that. Also the bullying is getting worse I swear," you frown.

Jake's face grows dark. "Are you talking about Wolf? Is he messing with you?"

"No - well, I'm sure he does bully but that's on the guys' side of the school so I don't know too much. It's our side I'm worried about," you go to sit on a stack of mats nearby. "I'm not sure how to go about stopping the girls."

He chuckles. "I can't believe you haven't flipped a desk yet."

"Hey! Just because I was an angry kid doesn't mean I'm one now," you smooth your shorts. "I will solve things peacefully." 

"I dunno," he sighs leaning against the matts. "I'd like that too with most matters but at least with the guys, sometimes they don't learn unless you clearly show them who's on top."

"That's so alpha, straight male energy." 

"Yeah it's pretty stupid. It just gets people unnecessarily hurt," his eyes are distant and she knows his brains turned to somber events. She nudges her elbow at him.

"Speaking of survival of the fittest, were you going to fight Wolf if he was messing with me?"

"Absolutely." There was no hesitation or fear on Jake Ji's face. "I'll probably end up facing off on him in a serious fight soon anyway."

"Oooo you sound confident."

He nudges her back. "What? Are you NOT confident I'll win? I'm offended." His tone was playful but she saw a flash of pride and competitiveness in his face for a brief second.

"Oh don't get me wrong, you would." You mused, "He's a tank isn't he? He has no training and just bulldozes his way through, taking all the hits. It's more about endurance and hitting him where he has to stop."

Jake nodded. "Pretty much. Guys like him fight on primal instinct, like a beast. They won't be surprising in a fight."

"I always thought tank characters in video games were fun though," you laughed. 

"Oh I remember. You always picked characters that were big guys and just bulldozed your way through to people." 

"It's because I can't do it in real life~ I'm a delicate flower of a girl," you cupped your face with your palms in an attempt to look cute and fragile. 

Jake reaches out to pinch your cheek, "Yes so delicate. So if we spar, you'll let me win?"

"Absolutely not!" 

Chapter Text

You largely didn’t see Wolf for a while. While he surprisingly doesn't ditch school that much, it was rare that guys came over to the girl’s wing of the school so it was natural that it would be hard to see him. It was only during lunch that you would have been able to see him anyway but even then, he'd be up at the rooftop. The only indication of his presence was seeing scared looking boys scurrying to bring him food and snacks. 

However, one day Jake had grinned at you in a joyful way that made you suspicious. He'd been texting someone as you guys hung out at the local manga store. You had found it odd that he was so distracted from the One Piece comic he had draped on his lap - neglected for his phone. You sighed as it slowly fell off, catching it quickly as he typed.  

“Wanna see something interesting?” 

You look at him, eyes narrowed cautiously. Jake was a bit chaotic and a prankster ever since he was young, leading the two of you to fight often afterward, so you were naturally wary when he made such a playful face. 

“....sure?”

Before you knew it, he had led you up to the rooftop of some random building.

“Is this where you throw me off a building for calling One Piece "made for children"?”

He frowns at you. “No but it's a good idea now that you mention it.”

"...it IS made for children."

He arches an eyebrow and drags you to the edge of the rooftop. You yelp slightly and slip away from his grasp. It’s then that you notice a commotion on the rooftop of another building nearby. You saw a flash of purple hair as well as some familiar lackeys.

“Holy shit is that-?”

Jake nods, observing them nonchalantly. “Yep, Wolf Keum.”

“Who’s the shortie?” You watched as a grey haired boy was getting the crap beaten out of him. “Geez what did he do?”

“Just watch. This guy’s crazy.”

“The shortie??? He’s getting his ass handed to him.”

The boy in question fell over and you flinch. Why did Jake want to see this? You didn't think he was actually that sadistic. 

Your eyes widen as you watch the grey-haired boy get up again. 

“OH OH OOOHHH,” you made wrestling announcer noises as you watched the so-called “White Mamba” get up. “He’s not down folks.” Though you couldn't make out the exact look in the skinny boy's eyes, you felt a sense of determination in the way he hauled himself to his feet. He grabs Wolf, and with a quick flash, ties his sleeves, rendering Wolf's arms immobile. 

The Mamba starts smashing Wolf’s face down on the ground repeatedly and you squeak, covering your mouth. “Jesus.” What an unexpected show of brutality. The boy then lifts a chair and your eyes widen. “Good grief this boy is out for blood.” 

"Who do you think will win?"

"If you look at their physiques and well, Wolf's reputation, I'd say him but....Wolf fights for the thrill and that other boy is fighting to survive."

Jake nods. "Gray is surprising." 

"....his name is Gray? Like the colour?" 

Wolf suddenly manages to rip his shirt, freeing his arms.

"What the fuck? Is he Wolverine or something?" You cackle. 

Wolf begins to beat the other boy down and you flinch.  “Oof that looks like it hurt,” you grimaced. “Is Wolf really gonna win? I’m kinda disappointed.” 

Then, suddenly the skinny boy running at Wolf with a giant pot. 

“Oh my god no way,” your eyes widen. An incredulous grin spreads across your face as you watch him smash Wolf in the foot and whomp him in the face, breaking the pot. You watched Wolf topple over and get repeatedly knocked in the face.

Jake chuckled. “White Mamba wins.”

Your hands are over your mouth. “I don’t know whether to laugh or be horrified. That is so aggressive. That kid is crazy. I know Wolf probably won't die from a pot to the face but does that boy know that?? Ordinary people might get seriously injured."

Jake shrugs. "Like you said, it's survival." 

"Y'all are messed up. We're high schoolers. Is there a need for such violence?"

"Says the boxer."  

You stick your tongue out at him just as some Eunjang guy burst through the doors in time for the White Mamba to finally drop to the floor.

Jake seems to be deep in thought. 

“He’s surprisingly skilled.” Your arms are on the railing beside him. “Resourceful and thinks fast on his feet. It’s a bit of a dirty play but the best option for a guy with his build.”

He nods. 

They turn when the door opens and Timothy walks through the door. 

Jake curiously asks about the White Mamba’s fight history and your mouth slightly drops when you learn about his 10 consecutive wins. “Geez that dainty, pretty face of his is such a scam.”

The two talk about Shuttle Patch ranks and some statistical stuff while you still watch the rooftop. You wonder how upset Wolf will be at the loss - if he’ll be a bigger terror at school. He seems to just be lying on the ground - not unconscious but just lying there.

Maybe he’s having an identity crisis? Or planning to jump White Mamba in the hospital? 

You shake your head. That seems too cheap of a move for Wolf. 

You hear the end of the conversation as Timothy mentions something about a “Donald Na” calling them in.

Jake slightly tenses and you tilt your head. 

“Who’s that?”

He gives you an easy smile, one you know is meant to reassure you, which means there’s something to reassure you about. There's a slight tension to his body that you can only see from years of knowing him. 

“Don’t worry about it.”

“The name sounds familiar.”

“Don’t worry about it.” 

“But -” you open your mouth but he ruffles your hair aggressively.

“AH, Jake I told you to stop doing that,” you squawk and hurriedly fix your hair. 

“Why? It’s not like you have anybody to look good for.”

“So rude,” you make a face at him and shift your bookbag onto your shoulder. “I gotta study now. Thanks for the show~” 

He nods and waves with a slight smile and watches as you walk away.

You don't see how his grin slowly fades from his face as he waits until you’ve properly left the building.

“Let’s go back.” 

Timothy nods and they head out in a quiet silence.