Chapter Text
Nicholas has always been a little bit of a busybody.
When he was younger, he would often get scolded by his mother for caring too much about others; for minding their business and carrying their worries instead of turning a blind eye, especially when the things he picked up were the servants’ business, which happened often as they were the only people he ever got to interact with besides the woman that gave birth to him.
But don’t get it wrong: It’s not that the employees at his house were particularly warm or tried to get close to him either. If anything, it was kind of the opposite. With no other kids his age around, his only outlets were the times he could spar with his instructors; close combat being his only form of human contact away from his mother’s arms, each time his back hit the ground a reminder that he was still breathing, that he could still fight, and each caress to his skin that came after, stripped in front of the matriarch, a reminder that fists couldn’t solve every conflict.
Because his mother was a strict woman, everyone that worked for her had to act uptight and could never treat Nicholas as a child, for he was to be raised as an heir, someone that was to sit higher than others making decisions that would affect hundreds if not millions of people, someone who couldn’t hesitate in order for the goal in front of him to be accomplished, even if that meant to let down others or discard people in the same way one would throw away trash, so everybody treated him accordingly; as someone who wouldn’t bat an eye to cast them aside.
And despite it all, he still cared.
He couldn’t help but care and be curious about everything around him, like why had the gardener decided to purchase that career path; did he like the flowers? Did he not get scared when he had to climb high to prune the trees? Did he inherit the job from his dad the same way his son showed up to work with him sometimes as he learnt the craft?
And what about Sung Lùa, the housekeeper? Was her mother also a housekeeper? Was it mandatory for a son to follow his father’s footsteps and for a daughter her mother’s? He had asked her that question when he was six years old, but Lùa had simply frown, the wrinkles on her forehead something he would’ve preferred to poke until the skin was smooth again, so he did exactly what his body demanded him to do, earning a firm slap onto his hand that he didn’t tell his mom about, scared that her anger at the servant’s antics could escalate in the same way it had done before with others when it came under the guise of "necessary” and “to protect him”.
–Young master, you shall not touch people’s faces. –Lùa had told him, easing her frown slightly, a serious expression remaining on her temple.
–Why? You were making a funny face. –Kids ought to be curious, regardless of the way they were raised, so he would often speak to the workers as if they were the same age as him, and sometimes even in the petulant tone his mother would wear when referring to them. He didn’t particularly think it would be annoying for adults to be spoken to informally by a brat, but now he knew better.
–That doesn’t mean you can touch someone’s face, young master. –Her tone didn’t soften, but she glanced over his head to check why there was no other adult around to entertain him. –Shouldn’t you be heading to your piano lessons? –She arched her bow, the wrinkle between her brows a permanent trait on her face whether because of her age or because that was just the expression she wore the most when talking to him.
–The teacher hasn’t arrived yet. –He shrugged, looking out the windows to the backyard, uninterested about his lessons and feeling rather drawn in by the swinging branches of the trees and birds in the sky. –Is the teacher not coming? –He glanced back at the woman, who seemed rather concerned.
–I will go check if there has been any notice of him. –She didn’t wait for Nicholas to say anything back, leaving him alone in the grand hallways outside the studio he was supposed to be sitting at.
After a minute of thinking, he walked in the direction she had drifted off to, stopping at the middle of the stairs to sit down and overhear her dialing the phone.
By the tone of the conversation, his class wasn’t going to happen that day, so he couldn’t help the grin on his face as he decided to head outside for a little bit before Lùa gave him another boring assignment to busy his afternoon, determined to explore the place he had been eyeing from the windows, in the far backyard where maple trees and willows stood tall, its branches dancing to the breeze and making an ominous sound that seemed to carry whispers within; mumbles he wanted to decipher.
He ventured to walk into the unknown terrain that had always been a part of the view but never a part of his world, the smell of the trees and a stream of water running nearby captivating his young senses and making his feet walk deeper into the unknown, unaware of the dangers the world held for a body as tiny and a mind as naive as his.
Under the leaves hitting each other and the flow of water, he could pinpoint a different sound, like fags breaking under pressure, so curiosity got the best of him and, instead of retreating, he walked closer to the source of the noise, still unable to tell what was producing it but noticing the entrance to some kind of cave leading him closer to find out.
As an adult, Nicholas knows that was the moment he should have turned back, having looked around already more than he had been allowed his entire life.
However, he was a kid at the time, thus, he strained his eyes into the darkness and stepped inside, identifying now clearly something he had failed to hear before: the sound of a growl resonating into stone and dirt.
A chill ran down his spine powered by the breeze entering from behind as his eyes made out the body of something way bigger than him, standing rigid on four legs, a glare fixated on him, and it was only then that he could fully grasp the danger he had put himself into.
Instead of succumbing to the panic that was screaming from every nerve on his body, he tried to encourage himself mentally by replaying the combat training he had been put under since he had memory, although he had never spared with anyone beside his teachers and much less with an animal in the dark. But, because he couldn’t really do much about the circumstances he had already put himself into, he started retreating accordingly without looking away when he heard the low growl approach him, as if losing sight of the beast in front would mean he had lost the encounter already.
In the same way he would do when practicing with the sword, he moved without turning his head from the threat, slowly to not startle the unidentified creature that observed his every move, until he was once again standing outside of the cave in the open.
Guileless as the six year old he was, he thought that the sun outside meant safety; as if monsters couldn’t lurk in broad daylight.
Letting out the breath he had been holding, he relaxed his shoulders, only for his hope to fade along a howling echoing from the distance, somewhere deeper in the woods straight inside his ears.
The next thing he saw was a wolf jumping from above the cave’s entrance onto him, landing with its whole weight on top of him, his open jaws aiming for his head but finding his arms instead protecting it as the quickest reaction out of instinct he had managed to conjure. However, the strength of its bite was enough to make him cry out loud, screaming his lungs out while he could swear the wind stopped blowing and he was being ragdolled in the air, his right arm still trapped inside the animal’s snout with a pull so hard he felt the skin ripple and his bones crack.
In the same way his mind always worked when faced with crisis, his vision blurred from either sweat, tears or blood, and the last thing he remembers from his peripheral view before his consciousness started to fade was another wolf’s head peeking from the cave, glaring at him with its fangs on display while some cubs stared curiously at the encounter. Only then a revelation hit him: he had entered a wolf’s den.
A loud bang and an animal’s cry after, he had been freed from the catch, his own body flopping on the ground with a muffled thud as the voices he recognized as Lùa’s, the servants and the voice of an unknown man approached him. Three more bangs and Nicholas could recognize the sound as gunshots, the last of his consciousness trying to reach for the animal that had sunken its teeth on him in an attempt to make its limping body understand that he was sorry for sealing its fate in such a cruel manner.
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Nicholas had ended up with an exposed fracture on his right arm, a head contusion and just superficial wounds everywhere else.
By the time he regained consciousness, he had been stitched and parched up, the pain of needles pricking on his whole body the biggest confirmation that, regardless of everything, he had made it out alive and, although barely, in one piece.
His mother was sitting beside his bed, apparently composed and calm as if he had been sleeping like any other day and she had come to wake him up, with a soft smile she didn’t wear often on his face. In front of her, the family’s doctor, mister Zhang Heng, was talking with a tall man he had never seen before, but that he had later found out was physician Koga; K’s father, who had performed his surgery and was giving the other doctor the follow up procedures details before heading out.
Tired and probably with some chemicals running on his body to ease the pain, he tried to move the unharmed arm to reach for his mother’s hand, getting met midway by her with a tender squeeze.
–Are you awake now? –She had asked, ignoring the conversation the two professionals were undergoing in the back. He had tried to nod, but a ping on his neck ended up making him stop the movement. –Oh my, where does it hurt? –She had reached for his temple to shove away the hairs sticking out of some bandages.
–My neck.
–Mister Koga, Yixiang’s neck is hurt. –She did not even look in the way of the man she spoke to, only raising her voice slightly to make sure they had paid attention to her.
–It must hurt, indeed. –The man approached him, his figure even taller up close and his shoulders wider as he touched the back of his neck firmly. –Yixiang-ah, try to look at your tummy slowly. –He did as instructed and felt the sore muscles strain again. –Thank you, you can stop now. –The tone of the man was the gentlest one he had ever heard any man speak, so it helped to ease him. –As I said, nothing’s broken or strained, his muscles are just tense at the side where his arm was injured, including the ones on the back. –He stopped touching him even before he finished his sentence, standing up. –Just don’t make quick movements with your head yet, little buddy. –He talked while looking at him, which was another thing not many adults around did.
–Okay, thank you Mister Koga. –His mother spoke in a dismissive tone, even when the man had been nothing but helpful and, despite it, he had just simply nodded with a smile while walking towards doctor Zhang to resume their talk. –See? You just need to rest. –Her tone was back to gentle which meant she was talking to him again, so Nicholas couldn’t do so much but listen, humming in response.
–Mom, the wolves… –He remembered, making a pained expression that startled his mother.
–Yes, what about them? –She asked while maintaining an indifferent face.
–Are they alright? –He ventured to pry, because he was nothing but a child.
–What do you mean? –His mother’s tone was cold, almost as if the question he had posed was so stupid he should be ashamed of making it. He still made a little effort to explain himself.
–Because I was the one to walk into their den, so I just thought it would be sad if they were hurt because of me… –His reasoning wasn’t wrong, but his mistake was to ever think his mother could understand his worries when it involved any creature that wasn’t directly of benefit to her.
–Yixiang, we killed the animals. –She curtly stated, her eyes matching the serious tone of her voice, which indicated that she had regarded the wolves as enemies.
–But why..! –He was about to continue his protests until her face shifted to something somber, her torso bending towards him as her face got closer to his, shielding him of any other view.
–Yixiang, everything you do bears consequences. –That was a matter of fact he had hoped to learn differently. –Whether it is that you wanted to provoque it or not, the animal hurt you, thus, it had to be taught a lesson in the only way animals understand. –He had wanted to dissent, but he couldn’t find the words nor the energy to after he had found out she was but a wall; unable to hear anything that went against her beliefs. –Now, are you hungry? –Her tone and face had gone back to normal.
–Y-yes, a little… –He lied, because he was scared of continuing the conversation.
–Good, I’ll have your food bought here then. –She stood up and the air filled his lungs again, hurting his muscles all over in the expanse of breathing.
His body recovered quite quickly into the shape it was supposed to be, but the incident had proved to him once again that he should never let his mother know if he had been hurt.
The scar that remained on his arm was the mild reminder that whether he wanted it or not, the only way for the others to not face the same fate of the wolves was for Nicholas to not get involved.
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The first day of EJ’s enrollment in the basement feels like everything is going on too quickly; Nicholas’ thoughts, the memories resurfacing, the chores, the paper sheets piling up on the desk because he’s too busy resuming the case of his mother’s death to make any progress with anything else while the clock keeps ticking.
It’s alright, though. He has managed to keep the basement working almost a full month without K’s help, nothing has been delayed except for the restocking in storage that he had just endorsed EJ with. He can spare some more minutes into his mind before dusk.
The most important paper on the pendant’s pile is a permission of entry he’s got to review and sign. Colonel Lee will be making a visit “below” the next week, so he must ensure he’s welcomed, even when, if it were up to him, he would not.
Higher ups and other sub-alterns visiting the Ninth Moon for “below business” was not a common thing, because no one but Captain In-seok, who resided “below”, was allowed to go down and up as he pleased in order for the information to be kept as hidden as possible, which was the reason Nicholas himself, despite being a Warrant Officer, didn’t try to cross the elevator’s door, didn’t try to understand the horrors he was allowing anytime he wrote down his sign on the papers or didn’t even try to help the imprisoned workers from below to get in contact with their families outside.
After all, the reason The Ninth Moon was the most important of the many military establishments wasn’t because of its training courses nor its ubication, but because of the basement below the surface that served as both an investigation center and a prison in the low.
The papers, now at his hand, briefed the reason for the Colonel’s visit: by the Lieutenant General’s orders, Officer Lee had to pay a visit “below” to retrieve classified data, which was to be listed under CF-HE-32 and put into a briefcase handled directly by Captain In-Seok. That was as much as in depth the details of the visit were explained.
Nicholas sighed.
He had always turned a blind eye on everything so far, but it always irked him to see the cases under the “HE” acronym.
Often times the visits from either Colonel Lee or any of the close Colonels that followed Lieutenant General’s instructions to retrieve data were under “AD”, which stood for “Armament Development”, and that had made him fall into the illusion that “HE” cases had been closed or had stopped since the last time he saw one being retrieved, two years ago, when he was new to his charge and didn’t know any better than to ask stupid questions to his predecessor in the Warrant Officer I position.
Now, as he signed the notice and made sure to issue a copy for below into the specific folder designed to go down, he wondered if EJ would ask the same question once he had to entrust him the task of the Captain’s duties while he tended to Colonel Lee’s visit.
Glancing beside him to the man that busied his thoughts eagerly working on his own assignment, he hoped he didn’t.
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At seven o’clock Nicholas had stood up from his desk, inviting EJ to grab dinner together, walking to the place where Taki was handing out some veggie soup beside the same boy he had been accompanied with in the morning.
–What else is on the menu? –Nicholas asked him, trying to not make it obvious that he wasn’t charmed by the radish and carrots floating in the warm water.
–Today’s fiber night, sir, so I’m afraid it will be either soup or soy bean burgers with salad. –The Captain relaxed, glad to hear he could get something else.
–I’ll be having those burgers then. –He walked past Taki and put his tray in front of the other boy, who seemed to be in charge of serving those. –I’m sorry soldier, you were on food duty this morning as well, but may I know who you are? –The boy didn’t seem fazed by the question nor the friendly approach, which seemed to catch EJ’s interest.
–Private Harua, sir. –No code name, the older mentally noted while Harua plated his dish. –I was appointed assistant duty for Private Taki, since everyone loves his food while they find mine hideous. –There was some spite in his tone that did not go unnoticed by the Captain.
–Yes, Taki is really good at cooking. –He simply added, smiling at the mentioned boy. –Are you aiming for his place as the main chef? –Harua blinked, his big round eyes shining with amusement.
–I don’t think that is too much of a goal. –Harua answered.
Taki huffed, entertained.
–Will you not be having soup, sir? –Taki placed tentatively a pot on his tray, without letting it go until the older complied.
–No, thank you, Taki. –He negated with his head as well. –I’ll get some bread, though. –Harua handed him a cut piece at the corner of his dish, glancing at EJ with curious eyes as he simply balanced his veggie soup in the tray.
–Uhm… Sir? –Harua asked, knowing that medals meant rank but unsure as to what the ones in the taller’s uniform meant.
–He’s First Sergeant EJ. –Nicholas supplied, grabbing two bottles of water.
–Right, First Sergeant EJ sir. –Harua repeated, more sure this time. –Would you like to try the burgers and salad as well? –EJ smiled gently.
–I’d love to, thank you Harua-kun. –He received the dish on his tray and seemingly wavered as he wasn’t sure if he should follow Nicholas or not to sit.
–Did you make plans to eat with someone else or will it be okay if I ask you to sit with me, EJ-ssi? –The Captain asked, offering him one of the two bottles he had taken earlier before resuming his walk to an empty table.
EJ seemed to relax his awkward stance before walking towards him, glancing over the other tables and noticing how most of the privates were busy chatting and eating, as if they didn’t care too much that the higher ranked officers were wandering between them and looking for a place to sit.
–It’s alright if you prefer to sit alone in the future, though. –The older assured him, finally reaching a table at the far end of the tent. EJ followed, sitting across from him.
–I appreciate the kindness, Captain Nicholas. –He addressed as casually as he could, appreciating the warm pot of soup he had been served, but waiting for Nicholas to eat first before digging in.
–You’ll get tired of spending too much time with me since we have to share too much anyway, so I’m trying my luck while asking you to share this one instance with me as well. –Nicholas chuckled, separating the salad from his burgers with his chopsticks.
–Then the same goes for you. –EJ added, still not touching his food, to Nicholas’ concern.
–Wait, why aren’t you eating? It’s getting cold. –He pointed at the soup with his chopsticks, arching a brow, and this seemed to surprise EJ for a moment.
–I was taught to wait until the oldest person eats first before I could. –He reasoned, matter of factly. The Captain couldn’t contain another chuckle.
–As expected of the First class from Central Moon, EJ-ssi, you’re really well behaved. –He added, getting a bite from his burger enthusiastically and watching how subtly the other’s face twitched, the ease from before gone and replaced by a tense posture and a neutral stare.
–I’m sorry, how do you know I was First Class in school? I don’t remember mentioning it. –The taller asked instead of digging in his food, visibly thrown off.
–I have to know at least that much information about whoever’s going to take my right hand’s position in the basement before they arrive, don’t I? –He blew his food and guided it to his mouth in a swift motion. –You can check your own archives later or another day if you’re curious about what I know. –The older made a dismissing motion with his hand as his expression shifted solely focused on the taste of the food. It was good.
–Right, there are archives with our data gathered here. –EJ sighed with what could be read as ease, his shoulders dropping slightly into a more relaxed stance as he started digging the food. –But is it alright for you to say that out loud?
–Probably shouldn’t, but even if any of the kids heard me, there is not much they could do about it. –Nicholas shrugged with the easy confidence of someone who knows they’re right.
–You shouldn’t underestimate the privates… –EJ pouted but instantly realized that he was in no place to scold the other when he catched a glimpse of his surprised face. –My apologies, Captain I-
Despite the little panic arising in the younger’s tone, Nicholas snorted.
–I don’t mind the scolding. –He admitted, a little amused. –Not when it comes from the right place, at least. –He drank a sip of his water, glancing around. –And you’re right, I shouldn’t act like those kids are too dumb to pull some stunt. –His laugh dimmed, turning serious now while staring at his bitten hamburger.
–Still, even if I were to correct you based on my morals, doing it in front of the privates is straight up defying your authority. –EJ cleaned the corner of his mouth with a napkin and, although he sounded clear, he was still screaming in a murmur, mindful of not drawing any of the other’s attention. Smart.
–You may be better suited for your role here than what I had anticipated, Juju. –He let the nickname escape his lips without much thought in an easy-going note, but couldn’t really ignore the way the other seemed a little too distraught by the mention.
–Juju? –He even repeated with a hint of disbelief and curiosity.
–Sorry, I just thought that name fitted you for a moment and it slipped out. –At least he had the decency to look apologetic when he explained himself. –It does sound similar to your name, though.
–My name? –EJ gasped. –Is that also in my data? –Nicholas smiled, shaking his head from side to side.
–I was talking about your code name, dummy. No need to be so alert. –The older tried to reassure him, grabbing another bite of his bread. The Sergeant’s distraught could still be perceived through his blank blinking eyes. –It is not written.
–Huh?
–The commoners just get an “identity” once we enroll, so the people making those files usually let out real names as most of us will carry on with our code names in the future anyways. –He easily explains, his tone neutral while he raises his brow, assessing the reaction that comes, mildly, in the form of a decompressing chest with a soft exhale. –It can be added if that’s what you’d like, though. –It doesn’t seem like he wants it to, but he still lets the offer hang in the air before resuming his eating.
–I see, thank you for letting me know. –Once again, it looks like he lets his guard down, his cheeks getting rounder as he chews on the food. It is weirdly endearing to see his cap covering half of his face when his head goes down to blow the soup but his cheeks stand out from the frame, because it makes him look even younger than Nicholas.
–Just remember to let me know if you want to check the archives or correct your file. –Was the last offer related to the subject that the Captain made until the last of his food was absorbed. –Ah! Before I forget! –EJ flinches slightly.
–What is it?
–We don’t have a certain time to clock out, so by my terms we get done with the work at dinner time, which could be any time after lunch. –The Captain provided a proud grin at the statement. EJ glanced around that no one was eavesdropping, but still covered his mouth before voicing his concern.
–That’s too relaxed of a schedule… –It was more of a complaint, but Nicholas found it fascinating nonetheless.
–You can set your own schedule down and let me know beforehand if you prefer having more of a tight routine. –The Captain finally stood up. –I still have some things to tend to in the office, but you are already dismissed from work today.
–What? Why-
–Superior officer’s order. –Nicholas pointed at the medal that portrayed his rank. –Don’t go back to the office. –EJ didn’t try to protest. –If you’ll excuse me. –He took his tray and left him by himself to finish eating.
Normally, Nicholas would’ve waited for him before leaving, but now, because there were still some things to get done before the next day started, he wanted to hurry up to get that done. Plus, he was sure the newcomer would appreciate some time on his own, as he had to get used to owning the space to some degree instead of being babysitted by his superior in close proximity.
He still couldn’t help but chuckle when he heard Yuma’s voice screaming EJ’s name as he got out of the tent, already picturing that he would be making himself comfortable sitting in the place he was sitting before in front of the Sergeant.
So much for giving the soldier time to be on his own.
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Nicholas doesn’t want to, but he appoints his own name as the person to be in charge of Colonel Lee’s visit. He signs the paper and makes a copy, sending the original document down in the folder containing the officer’s mission, and leaving the copy in the big folder where all the duplicates he has yet to organize are. He hopes EJ learns the ropes quickly so he can ask him to help with sorting those out as well.
With all that done, the only thing he has to do is take the visit’s folder “below”, because even though Captain In-seok is the only one allowed in and out, Nicholas himself is allowed to reach him or appoint someone to do so on his behalf, even if that means exposing any secrecy the basement is so set in protecting, but, because he doesn’t think it is necessary to pass this responsibility to any other person, he heads down.
The Privates guarding the doors salute him the same way they always do whenever he walks by, and neither of them asks him for a permit, allowing him to press the buttons while he accommodates the closed folder under his arm with non-chalance.
In the years Nicholas had been appointed as Captain and Warrant Officer first, he had only let K head down a few times to pass on documents or messages to the enigmatic man that resides below whenever he himself couldn’t afford to, which happened more often than he’d like given his own duties and the fact that despite having the chance to go out, Captain In-seok rarely does so and, frankly speaking, Nicholas isn’t really fond enough of him to seek him any more than necessary, so whenever K offered himself as the one to take care of it, the Captain would allow him.
Now, Nicholas wouldn’t force him to, but he can’t help but worry whether or not EJ will handle In-seok in the future. He shakes the idea off of his head once the elevator dings, indicating he had made it to the second floor under. The structure below never changes, because it doesn’t need to; directly outside of the elevator doors there is a hall, one door at the left, one at the right, one exactly in front, mirroring the big elevator doors he had just emerged from. Outside the biggest doors, two Privates stand on guard, saluting him once they made out who he is in the cryptic white lights brightening the hall. He knows he is allowed further, but he has never had a reason to trespass that door, for the one leading to In-seok’s office lay exactly at the right side, in the middle of the way, where he stops and knocks until he hears the characteristical “come in” from the other side.
–Well, well, if it isn’t Warrant Officer first Wang himself. –The man barely raises his eyes from a paper he’s reading in the same manner one would read the newspapers in the morning. –Well, it’s not like there is anybody else allowed to come see me without any notice despite yourself now that K went down. –Nicholas doesn’t intend to stay any longer, but given the hand motion the older man does, he sits on the chair across his desk with a forced polite smile.
–Which is exactly what brings me here, Captain. –He extends the folder he had been carrying under his arm and the other man takes it, letting it flop on the desk without looking at it.
–You’re not even going to ask me how I’ve been? It’s been a long time since we saw each other. –In-seok makes a fake hurt voice, which is evident given the grin on his face.
–You’re the one who is allowed to go up whenever you want to chat, In-seok. –Nicholas answers, trying not to sound annoyed by the fake politeness the man exudes. –But you’re right, last time was when K was still around.
–Two and a half months ago, to be precise. –The man dismisses the document he’s been reading and tosses it aside, slowly placing a marker in between before closing the folder to focus on the one Nicholas brought. –Is there still no replacement for K upstairs? –Finally, In-seok glances in his direction, raising an eyebrow.
–With the many things you’re managing here, I wouldn’t take you for the kind to take into account the days to see me. –The man’s brows flinch, but he still looks overall composed. –But yes, it was hard to pick a replacement.
–K was an excellent asset, it’s no surprise he decided to take up on my offer to become a doctor here. –In-seok opened the folder at hand, looking at it with the same controlled motions he had been employing before. –Oh, but look at that, First Sergeant EJ has already arrived and you only took the time to inform me now?
–You took my right hand, so it was only fair that I tried to keep the name of my new guy hidden until now. –Nicholas was half-joking with that. –Although you may have figured it out if only you had sent someone to retrieve this folder earlier... –The man shot him a glare, but the Warrant Officer did not flinch. –The both of us are allowed to let someone else walk in each other’s offices, to my knowledge.
–I may not be as friendly as you when it comes to trust. –He spat, trying to not let the annoyance show on his face. –So I will ask you to be on schedule with those reports.
–Now, now, don’t get grumpy In-seok, it was a tough month without K. –Nicholas tried to sound lighthearted, the teasing in his voice a little too harsh for someone who was almost twice his age. –I will be giving you those updates weekly as usual starting now. –The Captain clicked his tongue, but he tried to not fall into Nicholas’ mental game, flipping through the pages until he reached the one that demanded his attention, right at the end.
–I’m just expecting you to do your job even without your lackey, Yixiang. –The old name used was proof that he had picked In-seok’s nerves, but he tried not to show how satisfied he was, maintaining his expression neutral. –We don’t want to bother your dad just because of something as small as this. –And the bite back was as effective as one would expect him to pull, given his age and experience in dealing with children of nepotism as a higher up.
–Exactly, we don’t need to bother the General for something as insignificant as some late notices. –He tried to play it down, but In-seok wasn’t buying it. He simply huffed and closed the folder.
–I get it that the news will arrive together with Colonel Lee, then? –He was giving him a deadline, and as much as Nicholas hated it, he had to comply.
–Delivered by me again, since you seem to miss me so much. –Nicholas extended his hand politely. The older man reluctantly shook it once, firmly.
–Would prefer to have the First Sergeant around, then. –Nicholas stood, already drained.
–As much as I’d love to take your offer, I’m afraid I can’t confide this duty to him yet. –He bowed. –Now, if you don’t have anything you’d like me to take upstairs… –In-seok sighed, looking for a couple of specific paper sheets similar to those he had given to EJ in the morning.
–We need to restock. –Nicholas accepted the papers with a nod. –See you around, then. –He took that as a dismissal and went out, saluting the Privates standing by the door again, while heading the other way, to the surface.
Once he makes it to the ground floor, with much more space and the familiar smell of detergent, he finally feels like he can breathe.
He gets close to one of the Privates guarding the elevator doors and murmurs a question to him.
–Has the First Sergeant entered the office? –The soldier shakes his head from side to side. –Is he in the room, then? –The soldier nods. –Thank you. –He walks to the office to put the inventory right on top of EJ’s desk. He will explain it to him the next day.
Finally, he enters his own room, inserting the key very slowly so the rustle can alert the man inside, just out of politeness. Once he enters, although it’s not as different as it was in the morning, he can notice EJ’s presence ever so slightly, because his side of the room has some things laying here and there, and he’s resting on top of his sheets, looking at the folder that Yuma relied to him before.
It is not his doe eyes glancing at him the moment he enters the room and closes it behind the thing that sends a shudder down Nicholas’ spine, although he’s not indifferent to those as well. It’s the fact that EJ is no longer wearing his cap on his head, revealing his crimson hair, what makes Nicholas unable to step closer, standing still by the entrance like a deer caught in the headlights of a truck.
–Is everything alright? –The almost concerned look the Sergeant gives him makes Nicholas notice that he’s being too obvious, so he tries to compose himself, resuming his walk towards his bed with a soft hint of a smile.
–Yes, sorry, I forgot I had a new roommate for a moment. –He lied, because it was easier to do so as he hung his jacket.
If EJ didn’t buy his lie, at least he was polite enough to not point it out.
–And also, your hair is red. –Nicholas couldn’t help but add, to which EJ simply looked up to see his fringe softly laid on his forehead with a worried expression.
–Yeah, that’s why I usually wear a cap. –Although his hair wasn’t even that long, EJ pressed one finger to the side and pulled a chunk of hair behind his tiny ear, focusing his eyes back on the papers resting in his lap. The gesture was rather feminine, but Nicholas was awestruck at the delicacy of the act itself, unsure if he was allowed to look at him, so he averted his gaze, raising his hands in the air to stretch his muscles and finding it rather hard to do with his shirt on.
–It’s a beautiful color. –He assured, although he wasn’t sure why he felt embarrassed at the praise, busying his hands with unbuttoning his shirt. –If it were me I would wear it with pride, but whatever makes you comfortable is also good. –He hung his shirt as well, and now that he was on his white tank top he could finally be comfortable enough to stretch a little, not looking at anything in particular.
EJ smiled, although neither of them was looking at the other.
–Thanks for the compliment, Captain.
–Nicholas. –He corrected.
–Nicholas. –EJ repeated, although with some hesitance in his voice.
They continued their activities in silence, with Nicholas laying on the floor to make a plank and EJ flipping through a page, to then setting the folder aside on his night stand. EJ cleared his voice before speaking out.
–Nicholas… –The name still sounded foreign, but the red-headed was trying to make it sound casual.
–Yup, that’s my name. –He answered instead of pointing out the awkward approach.
–Are you working out? –Nicholas huffed, what else did it look like?
–Yes, why? Wanna join me? –He asked instead.
The Captain couldn’t see EJ, but he heard the rustle of what he supposed was his body standing up from the mattress and then his steps, carefully approaching.
–I’d love to see what intricate routine the Captain of the Ninth Moon has. –That was a strange proposal, but Nicholas tried not to flail when he looked to the side and saw EJ sitting with another book in hand. –If that’s okay with you. –He added, as if he wasn’t already taking notes.
–Sure, although I think the fun part isn’t to look but to move around yourself. –He joked, already feeling his core trembling from the cardio. He would usually last a lot longer, but it wasn’t everyday that someone was staring at him while making a conversation in the middle of the workout.
–There is fun in looking. –EJ didn’t explain himself on that one, but Nicholas let it pass because he wasn’t sure if he wanted to understand the meaning either. –I could join you tomorrow, though.
–I stand up at five and a half to work up a sweat before taking a shower. –The Captain explained as he felt his body giving out. –The night routine is just a bonus. –He sat to stretch his legs and back.
–Then I guess I’ll have to stand up at the same time to join you? –The last bit sounded like a question, although the whole sentence was more of a fact.
–It’s alright if you’d rather be up at seven o’clock like the privates, though, no pressure.
–No, I want to look at the morning routine tomorrow. –Nicholas chuckled.
–So you’re just looking again? –EJ scrunched his nose, but he didn’t seem upset.
–I will join you. –EJ scribbled something on his journal again and started doing a plank himself.
–And you’re starting now?
–I already saw you doing the night one so I might as well do it. –He let out with a neutral expression on his face, putting the journal aside.
Nicholas watched him stay in position with ease and wondered how he looked below his shirt for him to not look tired in the least as minutes passed.
–You’re in good form. –A statement rather than a praise. EJ chuckled.
–Only because I had a late start in the morning and was told by my boss to leave the office early. –He wasn’t complaining, just pointing it out in case Nicholas was jealous of his resistance.
–Then I guess tomorrow we’ll get to see whose form is truly better. –EJ’s smile didn’t falter, but he seemingly glanced at the clock above the door.
–For today, I guess I’m winning. –His arms barely trembled but he decided to stop the plank. Nicholas hadn’t even checked the time for his own plank, but it seemed like EJ had.
–Just because I went easy on you, newbie. –The Captain scrunched his nose, standing up and cleaning off the dust from his pants.
–Of course, Captain. –Just because he’d won, Nicholas let him off the hook with that formal addressing. Tomorrow morning, he’d make sure to win in order to force EJ to call him by his name. And even if that plan fails, he knows they’ll get enough time together to convince him anyway.