"Ahhh-"
His cry shook the silence, and he collapsed to his knees. His body trembled, wracked pain, sweat pouring down his temples.
Images flared behind his eyes, too sharp, too clear. He heard the screams as he electrocuted them to death, how he didn't left anyone alive. Suho's own breath ragged, magic pulsing out of control. The ground splitting, blue light glazing his hands. Bodies falling. Blood splattering. His lightning was not leaving anyone, destroying everything and everyone.
"No- no, no, no!" He shook his head violently, but visions only intensified. But, the harder he resisted, the more vivid they became.
The smell of burning mana filled the room as Suho's irises glowed, turning blue. Sparks crawled across his skin, skittering like restless lightning bugs.
"Suho!" Someone shouted.
But he didn't hear them.
Everyone got alerted. Suho was losing control. His mind kept replaying the scene from the garage that he started to lose the difference between the reality and memories.
"Everyone, stay back!" Hawoon voice thundered, sharp with command.
"I didn't… I didn't…" Suho's voice broke into sobs, but the memories would not stop. He saw himself standing among corpses, the destruction his alone.
His mouth wide open, gasping for some air as his body trembled, unknowingly releasing mana. The blue lightning surging through his body as he screamed. Eunji and Hyeseung were ready to defend themselves as they raised their hands ready to strike if Suho went berserk.
Suho's body arched as another scream tore from his lungs. And lightning engulfed. But, something happened.
Before his lightning could go haywire, the lightning stuttered. The wild surge flickered. Suho's pupils contracted as though something was pulling him back. The memories wavered, as Suho's body returned to normal.
Everyone watched in shock—it was the first time they had seen a mage on the verge of losing control return to normal before annihilating everything.
Suho's breath ragged, as he gathered every ounce of energy and stood up. He was exhausted. Exhausted from everything. He was still sobbing, nose running.
His head was dizzy as he staggered feeling the pressure. He couldn't take it the fact that he was the one who killed them. What would he do now? He had already gotten blood on his hands even if that was to save someone. But, still he killed them.
Hawoon quickly ran to him, embracing him in a hug as he patted his back, trying to comfort him. "It's okay, Suho. Breath!"
"B-but…"
"No buts. You were only defending yourself." The words were plain, but they were reality. "And, there's nothing to stand up for yourself."
"No," Suho snapped, sharper than he intended. "I killed them. I felt it- inside me. The urge to kill them. I had full intentions to kill-" He choked.
Everyone was watching them, eyes filled with concern and worry. They had no idea what will they do now. Hawoon pressed his lips as he stared at Suho sobbing.
The boy was still young. What had happened would crush most men, and for someone so young, it could shatter him. It would gnaw at his mind until, he would no longer recognise himself, becoming the very monster he now calls himself.
Hawoon turned to face others giving them a look. They nodded, understanding the situation. They walked out of living room along with Hajun. Hyeseung also signaled the maids, leaving them alone.
Hawoon sighed and released Suho from his grip before rising to his feet. He crossed the room and lowered himself onto the sofa. Suho was still sobbing when he noticed Hawoon motioning for him to sit across from him.
His voice cracked as he walked to the sofa sitting down like a obedient boy.
Hawoon's eyes sharped and narrowed at Suho. "Listen to me. Listen until i finish, and then do what you will with my words."
Suho cracked a small and broken laugh in between sobs. "They'll come after me. They wont leave me alone—"
"They won't," he said simply. "I won't let them."
For an instant, Suho couldn't say anything. "Why— why would you do that? Why would you care?"
The callused tips of Hawoon's fingers brushed lightly against the rough weave of his pants as his gaze remained steady on the boy's face.
"Because you reminded me of my son," he said at last. His voice was low, deep, tinged with sadness. "Hajun once had an older brother. His brother was just like you—protective, kind."
He paused, his words carrying the weight of memory. "Hajun was closer to his brother than to us, his parents. After losing him… and his mother… Hajun was devastated, though he tried not to show it. Over time, he became more and more distant, until he learned to hide everything—his feelings, his struggles."
Hawoon's eyes dimmed as memories flickered before him. "I can't even remember the last time he smiled at anything. Even with me, he fakes it. He used to be such a cheerful boy… but now, he looks like he's only barely living."
His breath escaped in a heavy exhale, voice cracking at the edges. "But for the first time in so long, I saw him smile—a real, genuine smile. And it was because of you."
Suho blinked in confusion, tilting his head slightly. "Me?"
"Yes, you." Hawoon intertwined his fingers, steadying himself. "When you saved him, Hajun saw his brother in you. For a moment… he thought you were Hana, his older brother."
Suho's teary eyes gazed at Hawoon's. "But, I'm not him. I'm not… Hana."
"Of course, you're not. You can never be him." Hawoon said flatly. "But, you know, for me, Hajun's happiness is everything. He wants you as his brother. And, i will do whatever he wants."
"And, not only that, you saved him. I'm in your debt as you had saved my only family. And, you asked for my help too." Hawoon pressed his lips before continuing. "I can only help you if you agreed to be my son."
"…"
"I might be Commander of Royal Army but i have limitations in my authority. I can't directly go against Royal Family." Hawoon muttered, a brief, tired smile. "I have to follow the rules they had set up. But I will not let them take you to repay my debt. I will legally adopt you, keeping your identity hidden.
"You don't have to be afraid of being found out. Just accept being my son, and I'll make your safety my responsibility."