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Taiwan, at a hotel room.
It’s 3 am in the morning, Ten woke up to the sound of his phone ringing. His hand reached for the nightstand beside the bed, grabbing his phone. There was an incoming call from his mother, which meant it was only 2 am in Indonesia. While scratching his tummy, Ten picked up the call.
"Hello?"
"Ten” Ten's mother sounded hoarse and frightened.
Ten immediately got up, his eyes opened wide even though his body still felt incredibly sore. His mother just told Ten to immediately take the fastest flight and go home, then ended the call without any further explanation. Ten's face turned pale, his mother never told him to come home in a hurry when he's gone to travel long distances unless there was something urgent like the passed of a close relative.
"I am coming too”
Ten looked back, Taeyong, the man who was now legally her husband, hurriedly got out of bed, grabbed his boxers on the floor.
"No," Ten refused, then went to pack his stuffs. “Your mom and dad will be suspicious if you come home too. Go rest"
Ten and Taeyong went to Taiwan not solely to get married, but for business trip. Each of them has a family company that has been started from generation to generation. Ten's family runs a business in the pharmaceutical sector, while Taeyong is in the electronics sector.
Twelve years ago, their company was acquired by the same corporation. Even though their companies run different businesses, the rivalry between their companies has been known for a long time. Outsiders didn't know why the two companies are always compared, people half-jokingly say that maybe it's because Lee Corporation—owned by Taeyong family—, and Li Corporation—owned by Ten family—, have the same pronunciation, which made many people often get it wrong. Taeyong and Ten themselves have been told the reasons why their family companies are at odds. However, the story has two different perspectives, with each claiming to be the victim of the tragedy.
At the end of the 16th century, when there was a crisis on mainland East Asia, many people fled by ship to other countries. Ten’s ancestors from the Chinese land met Taeyong's ancestor from the Korean land on the ship that brought them through oceans. They both dropped off in Batavia, Dutch East Indies, the city that later became known as Jakarta. In Batavia, Li Yongqin—Ten's great-grandfather's name—and Lee Youngtae—Taeyong's great-grandfather's name—separated. Yongqin lives in the north of Batavia, joining their ethnic group, while Youngtae lives in the south. At that time, they already have children and wives on their own who also moved to Batavia.
Unlike his people who mostly worked in sugar factories, Yongqin started his own business, mingling with the local community. He did this after hearing Youngtae's previous plan. Yongqin even expressed his wishes and Youngtae was happy to share his knowledge with the man. Unfortunately, in 1740, along with other Chinese people, Yongqin was killed by the VOC government. The tragedy that later became known as Geger Pecinan or the Chinatown Commotion. The Batavia massacre.
This is where the stories crossed between two sides.
Ten's family said that Taeyong's great-grandfather was the one who gave their family's residence to the Dutch army in return for compromising their business, while Taeyong's family said that Ten's great-grandfather helped instigate the soldiers by saying that they were part of the Chinese ethnicity which caused Youngtae to be murdered. Even though both families managed to survive and their lives improved from generation to generation, the grudge apparently remained neatly kept. Like chaff, no fire can be seen, but the embers never go out.
Hundreds of years passed, their families treated each other like they were invisible. Until today, irony finally occurs. The top leaders of their families fell in love with each other. Another irony was that they were both openly gay and their family were okay about that, but they still couldn't be together because of this stupid hostility.
Taeyong and Ten first met three years ago at the holding company's dinner. Even though they already know about family rivalry, the two of them can't help but fall in love. Both Taeyong and Ten agree that their family feud hundreds years ago has nothing to do with them now. And again, the feud sounds ridiculous and makes no sense at all. Shouldn't their families condemn the army and government at that time? Why are they busy suspecting each other without any proof?
Because they had their own apartment, it was easier for them to meet and start a serious relationship. In the first year, they regularly met once a week or whenever they both had free time. The following year, in order to avoid their family who seemed to be starting to suspect them, the two of them began to use their free time during out-of-town business trips to meet. And at the end of the third year, both of them agreed to legalize their relationship. Taeyong and Ten's plan to transfer the leader position to others, the plan will be carried out after everything is settled and both of them are mentally ready.
Back at the hotel where they were staying tonight. Ten was ready to go. He looked at his husband who folded his arms in front of his stomach, leaned against the cupboard, standing with his right leg moving restlessly.
"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?" Taeyong asked once again.
Ten nodded, "Sorry, honey. Mama never calls me without any urgent reason. I'll make up once you return home, okay?" Ten then kissed his husband's lips as Taeyong's phone rang. Taeyong kissed Ten back, then picked up the call.
Ten then grabbed his case, hurriedly set foot. But he stopped when he heard Taeyong's voice. Ten turned around, Taeyong's face was covered in horror.
"I need to go home too"
***
Indonesia, Ten's house.
Ten arrived in Indonesia at 8 this morning, his mother sent him a message to go straight home. Something happened to his little brother, Yangyang.
When he opened Yangyang's room, Ten gasped in disbelief. Even from a distance, he could see something strange. Half running, Ten approached the bed where Yangyang was lying. Again, Ten gasped in horror. Yangyang's skin is covered in a Litchenberg pattern, like someone struck by lightning, but not red, rather purplish black. The pattern stood out eerily against the white skin of Ten's only sibling. It makes Yangyang’s body looked like painted with black ink. The dot in his stomach got a bigger line as if it’s the center of the mark. Ten proceed to touch Yangyang’s forehead, as well as his hands and legs, it’s awfully cold. He then grabbed Yangyang’s arm, feeling his veins, also his breathe from his nose. Yangyang was still breathing, but very weak.
"Mom..."
The mother still looked down, holding Yangyang's hand, looking at her youngest sadly.
"Why don't you take him to hospital, ma?" Ten asked, starting to panic and confused.
Suddenly, the sound of the door slamming loud. Ten turned his head to find his father entering with big steps. His face looked angry. The man then slapped Ten on the cheek who didn't have time to dodge.
"What did you do with that Taeyong bastard?!"
With his hands holding his red and sore cheeks, Ten looked at his father in shock. He briefly glanced at his mother who didn't move at all.
"WHAT DOES IT HAVE TO DO WITH TAEYONG?!" Ten shouted angrily. "WHY DON'T ANYONE TAKE HIM TO THE HOSPITAL?!" Ten glared at his parents in turn.
They both looked away.
"Fine, I take him—"
"Last night, Yangyang suddenly screamed, it’s so scary... I can sense his pain from his voice. Then, when I went to his room, he was already lying on the floor, looking like this" Ten's mother interrupted without looking at her first child.
"Why didn't you two go, then? Our house is not a hospital, mom, dad. There aren't any tools that can help—"
"He’s not sick," his mother cut again. "This is the curse of our family. Because of you, and Taeyong"
"MA!" Ten snapped finally, "Don't talk any nonsense again! I'm taking Yangyang now—"
"LI YONGQIN!" This time, it was his father who shouted. Ten hadn't heard his father call his Chinese name for a long time. The man walked closer to Ten again. He pulled Ten’s shirt, force Ten to look at him, hand ready to throw fit any time.
"Answer me!"
Before Ten opening his mouth, suddenly the door to Yangyang's room opened again. The three people in the room turned their heads together, their faces looking shocked in unison. In the doorway, Taeyong stood with a young man who seemed to be about the same age as Yangyang who’s in senior high school. Behind them, standing with a worried face, was the old household assistant of the Li family.
“How—"
"Good evening! Uncle, Auntie, Ten"
Ten looked at Taeyong as if asking for an explanation about who the boy that greeted them was.
"My name is Lee Donghyuck, but you can call me Haechan. i’m Haenim’s grandson"
The angry expression on Ten's father's face suddenly turned reluctant. Likewise, Ten's mother hurriedly stood up. Seeing his parents' response, Ten's brows furrowed in confusion.
Haechan then walked closer to the bed. He looked at Yangyang for a moment, then turned to Taeyong.
"Taeyong, we need to hurry," said Haechan who then moved his head towards Ten as if asking Taeyong to tell something.
"What happened?" Ten finally asked Taeyong who seemed to be rubbing his forehead briefly.
"The same thing happened to my sister" Taeyong reached into his pocket and took out his phone, then gave it to Ten.
Ten's mouth dropped open in shock, Taeyong wasn't lying.
"We have to go now, Ten. Get your passport ready. I'll explain on the way."
Ten, who was still stuttering, then turned to his father and mother, who still looked tense, chatting in whispers with Haechan.
"Mom, dad, take Yangyang to the hospital—"
"It's useless," said Haechan, interrupted. The boy grabbed something from his jeans pocket. A lollipop. Ten suspected that the bulge in the boy's hoodie pocket was also filled with candy or other snacks.
"Sorry, but who are you?" Ten asked, suspectly.
"Haechan" Haechan grinned, he removed the lollipop from his mouth.
Ten's face turned red, starting to get annoyed, "what do you mean—"
"Go with him now, Ten" Ten's father interrupted. "He’s the only one who can help us"
"What the?" Before Ten protested, Taeyong immediately grabbed Ten's wrist. He said goodbye to Ten's parents while pulling Ten out the room, followed by Haechan who just smiled and waved before closing the door completely.
***
"Haechan is... a shaman," Taeyong said behind the wheel of his car when the three of them were on the road. Ten glanced briefly, the boy was sitting at the back, side by side with a large white bag from one of the minimarkets. Ten could see various kinds of snacks and drinks inside.
Taeyong then explained what happened when he got home this morning. His parents' response was exactly the same as Ten's parents. Turns out, Haechan is the 25th generation of the shaman family who helps Taeyong and Ten families develop their business. The reason they didn't recognize Haechan was because the boy had only started working as a shaman last year. Lee Donghyuck itself is a name which passed down to the shamans from generation to generation within the family. That's why Taeyong and Ten's family realized too late who they were dealing with.
"The curse can no longer be predicted," Haechan said casually while eating potato chips.
Ten turned his head, "what does that mean? Is it really a curse? Not some kind of skin disease?"
“Brother, you must have been told about Geger Pecinan, right?" Haechan asked rhetorically to Ten who nodded with his head still turned back, looking at Haechan.
"Your great-grandfather, Yongqin, actually managed to survive at that time, thanks to the help of Taeyong’s great-grandfather, Youngtae, who was also a student of my family's ancestors"
Ten turned to Taeyong who didn't take his eyes off the road. Haechan also glanced at Taeyong who was still silent.
"In order to save your great-grandfather, Youngtae needs to perform a ritual. It was difficult, I won’t go to the details because it would affect my appetite, btw it’s gross. And yes, Yongqin can be saved, but as a compensation, Taeyong's great-grandfather died."
Ten's mouth dropped open in disbelief.
"But it was Youngtae's own will. He was the one who insisted on saving Yongqin, his bestfriend. He didn't care for his own life..."
"...Unfortunately, when Yongqin came back to life, he was actually angry when he found out that Youngtae died for him. Because at that time his soul was a soul imbued with supernatural powers, so he also got magical abilities for a few moments.Yongqin died from being struck by lightning just moments after cursing both families”
"...That's also the reason why his curse left a mark on body like the pattern of someone struck by lightning. He swore that there would come a time when one of his descendants would experience the living dead, not living but also not dying, if at any time your families work together again" added Haechan with a neutral tone as if he was reading a morning newspaper.
"You knew about that before?" Ten asked Taeyong.
Taeyong shook his head. "Just found out this morning"
“I can’t really tell which one is a lie. Your family’s, mine, or this kid’s” murmured Ten while caressing his forehead, shook his head.
“I can guarantee everything coming from my mouth is A1 information” said Haechan while opening the can of drink, a clicking sound from the can followed by soda fizz. “while anything coming from both of your families are caps. It’s crystal clear, isn’t it? history is biased, they’re always written by the winners”
Haechan then continued. "The problem is, if the curse arose due to family’s work, it should have happened years ago, when my grandfather helped your family business. The first work between both sides of the family. A compromise in your business.”
“... I'm sure there are other triggers, and I have several options regarding that..." Haechan looked at Ten and Taeyong in turn.
"Then, why do you ask me and Taeyong to go with you?" Ten asked, purely curious, could not understand the whole situation.
Haechan grinned. "Family representation?”
"Huh?"
"Because this is your family's business. Of course it’s only both of you can remove the curse." Haechan seemed to frown as if thinking for a moment. "Or maybe I should bring the oldest member of the family?" He whispered as if talking to himself.
"HUH?!" Ten looked at Haechan in disbelief.
Haechan chuckled, "but my intuition says that I should take you two—"
"Heh!" Ten took off his seat belt, his body now moving to face Haechan. "Are you serious? How can shamans work through intuition?"
"For you, it's a Spiritual Consultant," Corrected Haechan annoyingly, "and, we do work through intuition."
"Shamans should work with devilish whispers, or magical powers!"
Haechan looked at Ten in disbelief "Did you watch too many mockbuster horror movies?"
"It's a spiritual consultant, spirit, you need to work with spirit, not intuition!" Exclaimed Ten, feeling annoyed.
"My intuition is my spirit???"
"Argh!" Ten growled, he turned back to the front, then turned to Taeyong worriedly. "Are you sure we should go with this little brat?"
"Hey! I'm not brat!” Haechan snapped. “I believe that Brat is Charlie-Xfactor-something's newest album… should we listen to it?” added Haechan, his voice sounds like he lost in thought, his hand then busy playing with his phone.
Ten rolled his eyes “How old are you?”
Haechan frowned, “Don't pull the age card with me”. His face lit up upon seeing something on his phone, “Right?! Oh, it’s Charlie XCX”
Ten slumped in his chair, resigned. But then his hands felt warm. Taeyong grabbed him. The man stroked his wrist with his thumb.
“He's the same age as Yangyang” whispered Taeyong faintly.
Ten sighed, “no wonder I can’t stand his alpha gen ass… “
"Hey" Haechan threw the bottle cap at Ten.
Ten turned his head in annoyance, "what?! And don't hey hey me, you know my name"
"You and Taeyong, what is your relationship actually?”
Ten's eyebrows furrowed in displeasure, he returned his focus to facing forward without answering Haechan's question.
"As you know, now our company is under the same group. We're colleagues" Taeyong finally answered. Ten nodded in agreement. They can not tell other people about their current status before they tell their respective families.
"It looks more than that for me," Haechan said with his hand resting on his chin. "There's definitely something between you two"
Ten looked back. "Yes, something between us is, we will hit your ass real hard if you don't do your job properly. Now, tell me what should I fucking do later”
Haechan grinned again, he cleared his throat, put on a serious face. Then, the boy took something out of his hoodie pocket. Ten had thought it was a lollipop again, or snacks with too much sugar. But apparently it was a necklace with large round beads like Buddhist prayer beads. A mala. Haechan started to close his eyes as he moved the beads, his mouth mumbling a spell that Ten didn't know what language was.
Not long after that, Haechan opened his eyes. He looked at the two people in front of him with sparkling eyes, “I know my intuition never betrayed me”
On the way to the airport, Ten seemed to be thrown into a different dimension after listening to Haechan’s plans.
***
In the waiting room, Taeyong approached Ten who was busy with his phone.
"I'm trying to call people at home, but no one is picking up. Someone needs to take Yangyang to hospital—"
"Baby" Taeyong was holding Ten's arm who was looking left and right, Haechan seemed busy himself enjoying his snack with portable PS in hand, sitting with his legs folded in the corner while charging his android.
“Are you really believe this kid?" Ten asked in a low voice.
"You know my brother-in-law is a doctor, right?"
Ten blinked several times, he just remembered that.
"Then—"
"My sister has been hospitalized since last night, her husband has been busy asking for help from many experts, from dermatologists to internists. But so far, there has been no clue. They are still trying to look for journals and contact many doctors. Apart from the striking pattern on the skin, from the results of the examination, there's nothing strange. My sister just can't respond to stimulation. For now, she's just been sentenced to a coma." Taeyong explained slowly, "When we wanted to install the IV, Haechan came with his driver, an hour after I arrived. He said that the IV fluid wouldn't go in, and yes, the water actually leaked out even after changing the injection point several times.”
Ten covered his mouth with both of his hand, couldn't believe what he heard.
Taeyong continued, “When Haechan said his name was Donghyuck, mom and dad's reaction was exactly like your parents. Haechan then told me about the Geger Pecinan story. Mom and dad didn't deny it, they also explained who Haechan really was, then told me to leave when Haechan asked me to come with him."
Ten rubbed his face. "Do you know about the plan before Haechan telling you?"
Taeyong nodded. "To be honest, on the plane home last night, I—"
Attention. Flight 56K76 to Lhasa is now boarding. Would all of the passengers please pass on to gate C2. Thank you.
"Yoo, ready?" Haechan was suddenly standing next to Taeyong which made Ten immediately let go of Taeyong's hand.
"You go first, Chan," said Taeyong, who responded with a shrug from Haechan's shoulder, but the boy still went first.
"On the plane, what happened to you?" Ten asked curiously.
Taeyong sighed, "I feel like I was given a visualization of what we would do later, and it's exactly like Haechan's plan." Taeyong grabbed Ten's hand, "don't stay away from me, okay?" Ten nodded, looking at Taeyong trying not to show his worry.
***
Lhasa, Tibet.
"Diamox doesn't work that well," Ten muttered, ignoring Haechan's glance as he grabbed Taeyong's arm, half throwing his weight on the man.
Gonggar Airport is the highest civil airport in operation, it is common for travelers to experience acute mountain syndrome when they come to Tibet by air, the symptoms are exactly what happened with Ten now. Apart from information from his brother-in-law, Taeyong also knew about this from the books he read.
"Want me to carry you?" Taeyong asked worriedly, "They got oxygen cylinders in the car."
"I—"
"Ten, come here" Haechan walked first, then sat on one of the long benches available not far from the airport exit.
Taeyong half carried Ten's body closer to Haechan, sitting him next to the boy. Haechan's hands then stretched forward, his thumbs and curved fingers pressing Ten's right and left temples, his mouth muttering some kind of mantra. Ten winced in pain from the grip of Haechan's fingers, but the pain subsided quickly. Apart from that, Ten's energy seemed to return, and he no longer had difficulty breathing.
"How?" Ten asked confusedly when he opened his eyes.
Haechan didn't answer, he turned to Taeyong. "Do you need it too, bro?"
Taeyong shook his head. He looked back at Ten as if to make sure the man was really okay.
"Have you acclimatized?" Ten asked in disbelief, "how much medicine do you take?"
Taeyong shook his head again, "I don't feel anything uneasy"
Haechan chuckled a little, he then turned to Ten. "He's Alfa Sagala with good fortune"
"Oh, you read Supernova too, Chan?" Taeyong asked enthusiastic.
"What Supernova?" Ten asked, did not understand.
"Do you remember I like reading Dee’s novels?" Taeyong asked back.
"Dee? Supernova? Dewi Lestari's novel?" Ten looked so confused.
Taeyong nodded. "When Haechan said our destination was Lhasa, I immediately remembered about Supernova, the Wave one. It's my favorite among the series. Alfa Sagala is the main character in the novel, he—"
"Wait, is this that alien book thing you told me before?" Cut Ten again.
"It's not alien, Ten. I mean, Supernova also talks about that, but the Wave series talks about different things, which actually connected to the alien… things. but the main points in this book was about dreams. Lucid dreams, do you remember? The—"
"Taeyong, stop, I'm getting dizzy again" Ten interrupted holding his head. He forgot that Taeyong would talked too much when it came to his favorite novel.
"In the end, Alfa Sagala is dead, btw," Informed Haechan.
Ten was at a loss for words, while Taeyong just rubbed his face.
"And Taeyong is like Alfa Sagala" Added Haechan with amused face.
Ten's face grew paler.
"Haechan..." Taeyong scolded quietly. Haechan grinned instead, patting Ten's shoulder.
"Didn't I just say before, Taeyong is Alfa Sagala but with good fortune?"
"Will he be alive?" Ten asked worriedly.
Haechan laughed amusedly, "Well, why are you worried, Ten? Ain't you two are just colleagues? I mean, if Taeyong dies, isn't it lucky for you? One less business rival?"
Ten's face turned red.
"Haechan, that's enough" Taeyong scolded the boy again who grinned and said okay then stood up, left when he saw the figure of their guide walking closer. Then, Ten and Taeyong began to walk behind Haechan. Apparently Haechan had told the man to pick them up at their place.
"To the hotel first?" Ask the guide in English with a heavy local accent.
"No, straight to the retreat I told you before," Haechan answered with the same English level.
“Why don't we go to the hotel first?" Ten asked confused.
"We don't have much time left, Ten," Haechan answered seriously.
"Can I have a moment? I want to make sure Ten is okay," Taeyong begged.
"Okay," Haechan answered without thinking twice.
"How come you only listen to Taeyong?" Ten protested annoyed.
Haechan scratched his hair, "Well, logically, I have to obey the scariest one, right?"
Ten laughed amusedly, "what scary? Look at his big and sparkling eyes, he looks like a squishy teddy bear. I mean, yes he’s sometimes scary, only in front of his employee though"
"Well, here, rest for a while. Sit here for 10 minutes, if you're really okay, we'll go," said Taeyong, pulling Ten's hand back to sit on the seat before.
“Couldn't I just ask Haechan for help if I got a headache again?" Ten asked confused.
"Just in case," Taeyong said half-mumbled, holding Ten's hand tightly.
Few minutes passed and Ten said he was okay.
Then, they continued their journey by the car.
“Mind if I play music?” asked Haechan to the guide who also being a driver today.
“All yours” he said, eyes focused on the road.
“Any requests?” Asked Haechan, he turned his head to see the other two who sat at the back. Haechan smirked when he notice Ten’s hand released Taeyong’s grip. Ten acted all nervous as if Haechan did not see how naturally clingy they were along this trip.
Taeyong nodded, “anything is fine but screamo”
Haechan smiled widely, “you know your references, boss” he said while doing hand sign. I love you hand sign but people always associated it with rock and roll.
The music started with guitar sound, Ten’s eyes wide open when he notice it.
Ku adalah jari-jari [i’m fingers]
Memegang roda putar bumi [holding the wheel of the world]
Tenang di sisi panikku mengetuk [calm at my panic side knocking]
Rasa membawaku [the feeling brought me]
Di sini tersenyum [here i’m smiling]
Di satu diriku melamun [other side of me daydreaming]
Terang di sisi gelapku merenung [light at the dark side I’m thingking]
Arah menuntunku [direction guide me]
“You know Peterpan?*” Ten frowned, looking at Haechan who’s busy snacking.
“Dunno, I just play the Indonesian pop suggestion” Haechan then look at his phone “Petepan, interesting. Do they got Tinker Bell too?”
“You don’t know Peterpan, Chan? NOAH? Ariel?*” Taeyong asked disbelief, “how old are you?”
Haechan huffed, feeling annoyed “I don’t really listen to local band. And you know my age”
Ten sneered, “what do you listen to, then? Horror podcasts?”
“Sometimes, just to laugh at them” Haechan gulped his second cola, “but my favorite is Sleeping with Sirens”
Ten laughed, “you didn’t even know how it feels to sleep with people”
“I know!” Haechan exclaimed, “I sleep with my grandfather until junior high school. He’s snoring so loud but it makes me feel safe”
Taeyong and Ten exchanged look, then giggled almost together.
Dan kini kubiarkan masa lalu menghilang [and now I let the past to fade away]
Dan tanpa beban aku meninggalkan belakang [and without burden I left the past]
Lalu kubiarkan masa lalu menghilang [and now i let the past to fade away]
Tanpa beban aku meninggalkan belakang [and without burden I left the past]
While adjusting his seating, Ten hummed to the lyric, his head moved along too. Taeyong looked at him attentively, feeling amused.
“Which album is it? I dont think it’s their popular song” asked Taeyong. He never knew Ten was fond of this band.
“Bintang di Surga*. Almost all of the songs from this album is mega hit, sold by 3 billion copies, they got MURI Record* with this album tour too. It’s their magnum opus, the label even give them 8 music videos from 10 songs” explained Ten as if he was a marketing team of the band.
“The song title?” asked Taeyong again.
There’s a pause before Ten finally answer. “Masa Lalu Tertinggal [The Past Left Behind]”
Haechan snorted, giggled quietly, “it’s going to be the song of the day” he said with mouth full of jelly.
Ten looked outside, the sun rising little by little. He then grabbed Taeyong’s hand without looking back, smiling fondly to his man’s reflection on the window’s car.
***
They went to one of many retreat places in the Tibetan mountains. It’s already mid day when they arrived, the sun exactly above their head. They parted ways with the guide, as Haechan asked him to wait in the car. To enter a certain point, they had to walk at the mountain pass, along a walking trail which was overgrown by dry grass on either side. However, unlike other travelers who will only visited famous retreat spots, they went nowhere guided by Haechan. But the boy walked confidently as if he were returning to his hometown, brushing aside the grass that grew waist-high without hesitation.
"Taeyong..." Ten called quietly as if he didn't want Haechan to hear his voice.
"Hm?"
"Can flowers really grow in a barren place like this?"
Taeyong chuckled softly, "A lot"
"I know! I mean—“
"You still can't believe it, don't you?"
Ten curled his lips, "yeah... Who can believe a high school shaman? Besides, here is not the ecosystem I imagine for the flower to grow based on what I read"”
Taeyong turned his head, "but, you trust me, right?"
Ten took a deep breath. "That's why I’m here with you. It just—ah, I don't know, baby. It's..."
"There he is!" Haechan exclaimed suddenly. Taeyong and Ten simultaneously turned towards Haechan who was squatting. In front of him, a purplish mushroom-like plant grew prominently, standing alone while the surrounding area was bare. “hi rockstar, waiting too long?” mumbled Haechan looked at the flowers in awe.
"That's not the ghost flower I know," Ten whispered softly.
When Haechan said that they would look for ghost flowers to cure the curse, Ten did his research on Google about how the plant looked like. What Ten knew was that the flower is real, but its color was snow white because they can't photosynthesize. They only grow among rotting leaves. The flowers in front of them just have the same shape.
"Ten, come here" Haechan ordered again, did not answer Ten’s previous question.
Ten moved closer, but he could feel Taeyong's hand holding his hand tightly. "You've memorized the spell, right, Taeyong?" Ten asked, seeing the nervousness on Taeyong's face.
"Yes" Taeyong whispered. His face grew tense. Honestly, he didn't expect the search for flowers to be this fast. They maybe just spent a half of hour walking. Taeyong had been stalling as much as possible because he wasn't ready for what he saw in his dream. Something will happen. Something bad will happen.
Taeyong felt like they were forgetting something.
"As I explained before. After Ten chants the mantra, the flower will react, which glows a little. At that moment, Taeyong must immediately pull it out with the roots, then chant your part of the mantra. You can't mess it up, it must be in sequence" Haechan explained the ritual again briefly.
"What about the time?" Taeyong whispered, finally remembering what he had forgotten. He turned to Haechan who was sitting in a lotus position, closing his eyes while reciting a mantra.
"Haechan, it's the time! We can't be careless about the time!" Panicking, Taeyong patted Haechan's arm. There's no way Haechan doesn't know about that, right?
He turned around, his hand was gripped tightly by Ten who was also sitting with his eyes closed.
"Asato ma sad gamaya, tamaso ma jyotir gamaya¹" Ten's lips parted, began to chant the mantra.
Taeyong gasped. He realized something. His lost focus was the beginning of the bad sign. Taeyong was fooled and trapped by his own thoughts.
Immediately, Taeyong folded his legs and sat in front of the glowing flower. He quickly grabbed the flowers. But he lost his grip for a moment. Taeyong could feel it, there were tiny, almost invisible thorns all around the flower. Haechan did not mention anything about the flower to have thorns like that. It did not make sense those tiny thorns would hurt that much. Taeyong's hands were bleeding, and the throbbing was not coming only from his hand, but his heart as well. Taeyong could feel his heart beating fast realizing that his ritual was on the verge of failure. Enduring the pain, Taeyong grabbed the flower again, pulling it slowly so that the roots came with him. He watched his bleeding hand while chanting mantra. It sent shivers down to see his blood suddenly turned into gas, and it changed really fast.
"Mrityor ma amritam gamaya. Mrityor ma amritam gammaya . Mrityor ma amritam gammaya²" whispered Taeyong earnestly.
The light on the flower disappeared, followed by a loud thud. Ten collapsed to the ground with a bloody nose. Before Taeyong had time to react, the ground Ten was sitting on suddenly cracked, then a slow landslide brought his body down.
“BABY!" Taeyong shouted in shock, horrified to see Ten's body rolling along with the pebbles.
Taeyong almost threw himself too to help Ten, but his hand was held by Haechan who had opened his eyes. The boy stared at Taeyong intently, his eyes turning golden. His grip was so tight that Taeyong felt numb quickly.
"Go home. Speak. Ask for what you should get."
The voice wasn't Haechan, but it clearly came from his open mouth. His voice boomed heavily, sounding angry.
From a distance, Taeyong heard the sound of crows making noise. He tried his best to release Haechan's grip, his face panicked again when he saw Ten who was still face down under there. Taeyong's panic increased when he saw a large crow approaching Ten's body quickly as if it were a bullet aimed at someone. Taeyong shouted loudly, his blood seemed to be bubbling, angry.
Then a loud thunder was heard, followed by a flash of lightning that struck the crow. Taeyong floated in the air, focused on looking at Ten. Taeyong's face gasped when he saw Ten's head which was bleeding, probably from the fall. Angry, Taeyong shouted again. His voice was like thunder, or maybe Taeyong's voice invited thunders. Flashes of lightning flashed here and there, strong winds knocked down the grass, the sky turned dark quickly.
Meanwhile, Haechan finally came to his senses. His face turned pale. What he feared had happened. Haechan also finally knows what causes the curse to appear, and his fear of Taeyong is not without reason.
With all his might, Haechan moved down towards Ten. There is only one way for Taeyong to return to normal, by letting him see that Ten is okay.
"TEN!" Haechan called Ten's name. He moved very carefully because he was afraid that the land would slide again.
Luckily, after calling Ten's name several times, Ten's body finally moved. The man was now lying on his back, but this only made his face more visible. Blood almost covered half of Ten's face. This made Taeyong furious again, his hand slashed to his side, then lightning struck the dry grass, sparking a fire.
The fire spread quickly, Haechan coughed, surrounded by black smoke. He didn't know what he should do. Taeyong's body began to be taken over by the anger and the soul of his ancestor. Instead of helping Ten, Taeyong only knew how to spew wrath.
Haechan began to lose consciousness, his eyes closed little by little, resigned to the fact that he would die at that moment.
But suddenly, Taeyong's body lowered slowly, approaching Ten's body, whose chest was moving faintly, indicating that he was still breathing. Ten's mouth was also moving, repeating the same words over and over.
"Taeyong... My love"
Taeyong, who saw this, managed to fight off the anger and the remaining soul that was trying to take over his body.
***
Ten held the bandage on his head, trying to ignore the curious gazes of the people on the plane.
"I should have booked a business class..." Taeyong muttered, realizing that Ten looked uncomfortable.
"No" Ten denied quickly, he grabbed Taeyong's hand. "It's okay" he said.
Taeyong smiled, he kissed Ten's hand dearly.
"Haechan, you said you wanted to tell me about what you saw on that hill" Ten said, looking at Haechan curiously.
Haechan cleared his throat slightly. During the flower-taking ritual, Haechan was given a vision about what made the curse suddenly appear. Not because of family cooperation, the curse arose because of Taeyong and Ten's marriage. The promise of loyalty they made to each other. Haechan then confirmed what he saw to Taeyong who finally admitted that they are indeed married back in Taiwan. While waiting for Ten's consciousness, Haechan also made a powder from the flower they took. Haechan then told Taeyong that the flower didn't usually grow in that place, the flower showed up because they can feel Taeyong and Ten's presence. The flowers were a favor from their great-grandfather.
Back in the mountain, Ten also wasn't aware when Taeyong couldn't control his strength. This power emerged not only because Taeyong's body was taken over, but because the man also inherited the power resulting from explosive anger when it came to Ten's safety. To cover the weather anomalies that occurred when Taeyong's power appeared, Haechan had compromised with the monks there to talk to the locals so they wouldn't be suspicious. They spent two days in Tibet to manage everything.
"i got a vision... that the reason Yongqin didn't accept Youngtae sacrificing himself was not only because they were friends, but because they fell in love with each other. They were lovers," explained Haechan finally, "Youngtae initially thought the ritual wouldn't work, he was just looking for an excuse to commit suicide after Yongqin. Even if they both alive, they couldn’t be together because of their situation, after all"
Ten gaped in disbelief "So, the real story is that our ancestors fell in love with each other, but couldn't be together because they already had families? And the curse arose because they were being little bitches for seeing us happy together now?"
"Honey..." Taeyong held back a smile hearing Ten's words.
“I mean, that's it, right? That's really ridiculous, isn't it? They're just being nasty! Not willing to see their offspring fall in love and be together because they can't make it happen for themselves, like... How childish love can be?" Accused Ten in disbelief.
"As long as I don't lose you," Taeyong replied, whispered softly, holding Ten's hand tightly.
"It's not like that." Haechan objected, trying to pretend did not see the two lovebirds. "Contrary to your accusations, the curse appeared not because they were jealous or unwilling. But it's because you married without the family's blessing. The curse appeared as a warning. They didn't want a Youngtae and Yongqin 2.0 to happen again" explained Haechan.
Ten sighed, still couldn’t believe this whole fiasco. He needed to chew or drink something, to help him gulped this strange reality. Ten then asked FA to order snacks.
"We have to talk to our family," Taeyong muttered, his voice sounded firm.
"I'll help you to talk," said Haechan. The boy glazed at Ten’s snacks. “Fanum tax” said Haechan grinned while grabbing a handfull food from Ten.
"Haechan" Ten called again, "now, can you tell me why you always despise me and obey Taeyong so much?"
"It’s because Taeyong is a descendant of Odin," Haechan answered half-jokingly, then busy munched.
"Huh?"
“But I thinkI need to listen to you more endearly from now on too, Ten. Your husband here looking at me a little bit sus. There’s might be nails3 coming from my mouth after next lunch”
***
Even though he had experienced many unreasonable things in the last few days, Taeyong still couldn't help but be amazed when he saw the patterns on his sister's skin disappear little by little when the flower's powder was put into his mouth, likewise with Yangyang. His sister and Ten’s younger brother are now in the same room in hospital due to Haechan's orders so that the recovery process is faster and more efficient.
"..."
Taeyong glanced at Ten who slumped down when he saw the two people open their eyes from behind the glass in the room. Paramedics then quickly surrounded them, putting in IVs and other equipment because they had been in a coma for almost four days without any nutrition.
Taeyong then moved closer to Ten, took his hand, hugged him without paying attention to the gazes of their family.
Not long after, Haechan came out of the room, called Taeyong, then moved his head as if asking Taeyong to talk.
"We are married. Ten and I"
Shocked gasps and looks of disbelief appeared in turn. When protests were about to rise, Haechan started to take over the conversation. He then told them all the truth about the curse, including what happened when they were in Tibet.
"With the family's blessing, I'm sure the curse will never appear again" Haechan said, closing the explanation.
Even though Taeyong and Ten's families still seemed unable to accept it, they finally agreed to cooperate. They give their blessing, and accept their children's new status. But with the condition, Taeyong and Ten still have to lead their respective family companies when they said they will not chase after the company's business. Taeyong and Ten then accepted the requirement without any other negotiations.
After all of this fuss, Taeyong and Ten were able to live their relationship openly. Apart from living together without any fear, they finally can go on dates without having to use the excuse of a business trip again.
***
Few months later.
Raja Ampat, at a hotel room.
"Why?" Ten asked when Taeyong touched the scar on his pelipis. Taeyong shook his head, he then hugged Ten, burying his face in his husband's shoulder. The two stood on the veranda of the room, enjoying the gentle sea breeze that caressed them. They stayed in a hotel that was relatively close to the beach, and quiet because it was not the holiday season. No one would catch a pair of men hugging each other tightly and making out literally outside.
Ten then chuckled, he stroked Taeyong's hand on his waist. "I'm here, I'm healthy, not doing anything, pampered by you all day"
Taeyong smiled faintly, kissing Ten's neck dearly. “I still remember that day, somehow”
"Honey... Please don't remember those bad memories, okay?" Said Ten who faced Taeyong, held his husband's cheek. "I'm safe with you. I'm safe because of you”
"I love you" Taeyong kissed Ten's lips softly, gently rubbed Ten’s temple.
"Haechan told me about what happened back in Tibet" Ten said without breaking the hug.
Taeyong's face turned pale, but seeing Ten who was smiling reassuringly, Taeyong calmed down again.
"Haechan also said that you were thinking about breaking up with me," added Ten with his lips puffed out in annoyance.
"I'm sorry," Taeyong muttered, letting go of Ten's hand, then stroked his husband's cheek.
"Yes, you need to feel sorry to think that way" Ten said again, took Taeyong's hand to his waist "Now, do you still want to leave me?" he asked, sounding annoyed.
Taeyong shook his head quickly, his funny expression made Ten laugh, suddenly there was no longer any anger left.
Actually, Haechan had also explained that Taeyong didn't really want to separate because the boy could see the reluctance on his face. Taeyong just got carried away, worried that power would come back and harm Ten, in particular. Fortunately, Haechan has confirmed that this power will no longer appear as long as there are no signs of a curse like yesterday's tragedy.
“Sayang*...” panggil Ten tanpa melepaskan pelukan.
“Hm?” Taeyong answered in mumbling, their bodies were tightly pressed together, moving slowly to the right and left as if dancing to the sound of the ocean waves from a distance.
“Do you still remember how we met?” asked Ten.
Taeyong chuckled, “of course I am. At the ballroom hotel, the party when I announced as vice president”
Ten tertawa, “that’s it. You don’t remember”
Taeyong loosened his embrace, panic flashed across his face “wait, did we meet before?”
Ten tertawa, “long looong before it”
“Dont’t tell me you counted our greatgrandparents—“
“Of course not” cut Ten immediately, "But, while we're at it, do you think you love me bcause of the curse? Or have anything to do with it..." asked Ten with serious glazed eyes.
“NO” Taeyong answered in a high volume, but his tone was sulky. Ten laughed, she stroked his husband's cheek dearly. “Of course not. I don’t think so. Not in million ways” Taeyong added, his voice no less serious, his face looked panicked again, “how about you?”
Ten gigled, he shook his head. Taeyong sighed in relief.
“I said I like your looks at your version of ‘our first meeting’” added Ten.
Taeyong smiled, “yeah, and i said I like your face I want to bring you home”
Ten laughed, “you did bring me home”
“I did” Taeyong responsed with a raised eyebrow. “tell me, how is our first meeting of yours?”
Ten smiled, looked at Taeyong with eyes full of love “Do you remember a crying kid who lost to you at regional abacus competition when you were pre-school?”
Taeyong frowned “Abacus competition? I don’t think I ever—wait, regional competition? South Jakarta, 2000?”
Ten nodded,
“That kid... was you?” asked Taeyong, opened his mouth in disbelief. Ten nodded faster, smiling widely.
Taeyong eyes looked shinning, “I thought she was a girl”
Ten hit Taeyong’s shoulder softly, “that’s rude! I wore boy’s uniform, y’know! i just happened to have very chubby cheecks and slighty long hair”
Taeyong laugh in amusement, he touched Ten’s arm, then take him to his hold again, “No, it’s your eyes when you smiled that got my attention.... gosh, i just realized, that was you, your eyes. I remember you cry when they give us medals and prizes. But then you smile, your eyes looked so pretty when you smile, by the way. And if i’m not mistaken, you smile after I telling you... “ Taeyong’s sentence suddenly cut, his cheeck turn red.
“What did you tell me? You still remember it, right?” Ten chased, ready to burst out laughing.
“I told you, don’t cry, I’d like to marry you once we grow up” Taeyong said sounding certain, looking at Ten affectionally. “I did it again”
Ten then looked back at Taeyong with redder ears, “you did it again”
Taeyong suddenly hug Ten, then took the man back to the room. Slowly, he laid Ten on the bed. He closed the bedroom window, followed by the curtains which closed not neatly, leaving a gap for moonlight to enter when the main light was turned off. The room lighted by the remaining lamp from the table next to the bed and moonlight. But Taeyong and Ten could see each other clearly, familiar with that intimate vibes.
Their hands began to move, undressing each other. Ten's skin prickled every time Taeyong touched his neck with gentle strokes of his lips, occasionally those lips stopped to kiss or suck gently one or two spots there. Ten obediently followed Taeyong's instructions. For night time, Ten prefers to be guided and led, letting Taeyong dictate his body movements and moans. It's different in the morning when he acted all bossy and more horny.
Taeyong's sweet kisses on Ten's neck stopped, he then looked at his husband in awe, “you got prettier under the moonlight”
Ten gigled, “I want to say the same, but I see your face through the table lamp"
Taeyong laughed, then pressed their lips together. Slowly, their lips moved in sync. The sound of the waves could no longer be heard in their ears, but both of them could hear the roar of other waves ready to break at any time, led by the movement of their lips and bodies that occasionally rubbed against each other.
Taeyong's hand then stretched out, grabbing the bottle and a pack of condoms from the drawer. He did it all still with his lips worshiping Ten's face, sweeping every inch he could. Taeyong's hand movements were so sure, he completely memorized the curves of his lover's body. In between kissing Ten's body, Taeyong continued to mumble praises, sweet words full of love. Their lust melted together in harmony, going to the peak of their love, both of them showed their adoration for each other through their body.
Ten's nose wrinkled slightly when he felt Taeyong's finger enter his body, he then let out a small hiss, his hand cradled Taeyong's head, his fingers combed through his husband's hair which smelled like sandalwood.
“Did it hurt?” asked Taeyong looking at Ten’s face.
“No, but my heart pumping loud” whispered Ten, rubbed Taeyong’s temple, “how could it always feels likeit my first time with you” Ten said sounding spoiled. He could feel he’s getting wetter in the south. Front and back.
Taeyong giggled, “you did the same thing to me too, baby. I feel like I always want to be inside you forever—“
“I can tell” said Ten chuckled. His legs wrapped tighter around Taeyong's waist, his head lowered, hiding in his husband's broad shoulders. “Feel me”
While wearing a condom and covering it with lubricant, Taeyong stuck out his tongue, wetting his lips which were suddenly dry again, then sank his lips back onto Ten's lips, silencing Ten's moans when his genitals began to enter.
It took a few seconds for Ten to feel the pleasure when his husband's penis rubbed against his wall and touched his prostate. Taeyong released his lips just as he moved his hips forward, burying his genitals deeper, and Ten let out a long sigh.
“Baby—h, ugh” Ten muttered every time Taeyong's lips left his lips to kiss his neck and jaw. Then Ten would kiss Taeyong's neck and shoulders in return every time the man looked up as he moved his hips forward again, harder and harder until their groins were red.
The position then changed, Ten was turned over, leaning on his four, Taeyong put his genitals back in, hugging Ten's curved body which his ass raised high. With the new position, Ten's moans became even crazier, as did Taeyong's heavy, warm breaths in Ten's ear.
Not long after being in that position, Taeyong put Ten's body back to his back as he whined about wanting to come. Taeyong really prefers to ejaculate while looking at his lover's face.
“Me too, baby” Taeyong whispered, grabbing both of Ten's hands, placing them both on the pillow, right above Ten's head.
"Fill me"
Both of their bodies vibrated almost at the same time, Ten's semen came out all over his stomach and Taeyong's chest.
"Sorry, I got a condom," Taeyong whispered as he pulled out his genitals, then kissed Ten's temple, who laughed amusedly.
"There is still round two" said Ten naughtily.
Taeyong's hand that were taking off the condom suddenly stopped, "right now?"
Ten grabbed another pillow beside him, hitting it at Taeyong who chuckled in amusement. “not now, you beast. We need to breathe, and your dick needs to—”
“You can make it hard, like faster” Taeyong interrupted, chuckling as he grabbed a tissue on the table, preparing to clean the liquid on their bodies, as well as Ten's ass hole, which even though it wasn't filled with semen, he still wiped out of habit, and the remaining lubricant he didn't clean for the promised second round.
“Come here, I want hug” Ten spread his arms, Taeyong happily embraced Ten’s, burying his head in his husband's chest which was red from his actions.
"You're so beautiful" Taeyong whispered, kissing Ten's jaw softly.
"Uhm, you too" Ten answered, hugging Taeyong's back, combing his husband's hair with his fingers.
There was silence for a moment, Taeyong closed his eyes, enjoying the sound of Ten's heartbeat as if he was listening to a beautiful orchestra. Not long after, Ten spoke again.
"You know? Actually, when I fainted on the mountain, I had a dream. But it doesn't feel like a dream..." Ten muttered as he tightened his embrace.
"Memories of the past?" Taeyong asked carefully, looking up at Ten. While rampaging in the mountains, Taeyong forgot a lot. He only remembers seeing Ten bleeding, facing him, looking up at him while calling his name.
Ten shrugged his shoulders, "It’s make me remember what Haechan said about the curse, so I think it is."
"What did you see?"
Ten sighed softly, "a man, his body was shaking, even though the dream looked like a muted show, I could see the man is crying. He was holding a long sword, the color was gold.” Ten swallowed his saliva as if he was concussed, the memory seemed to come back to his head, "he tore his chest, the wound wasn't big, but something came out of it, I couldn't see its shape, just a reddish light that seemed to be blurred with blood. Then the reddish light in his hand was then brought closer to me, to my chest."
Taeyong bit his lips.
“I saw the whole scene like i was part of it, as if I was lying down"
Taeyong shifted his body, lying next to Ten who was on his side. The two stared at each other for a moment, Taeyong looked at Ten worriedly as if to make sure the man was okay.
“After that, I woke up, but everything was dark. So, I just called your name, looking for you."
Taeyong then grabbed Ten's hand again, holding it tightly. Ten looked at his husband with sparkling eyes.
"I felt so relieved when I could see again, and was in your arms. Even more relieved when Haechan confirmed that the curse was over, well, no matter how unreasonable it sounds."
Taeyong smiled, he kissed his husband's lips slowly."Even if in the next life my fate remains the same, I will never think of breaking up with you again," said Taeyong who then kissed Ten's forehead dearly.
A big smile appeared on Ten's face. He didn't reply to Taeyong's words, but instead, his hands grabbed his husband's face, then kissed his lips in turn.
That night, their passionate feelings turn into beautiful love making even in the second round. The way Taeyong gently touched every inch of Ten's body, savored every bit of his husband so Ten would enjoy the night, completing the way Ten opened his legs and bent his body for Taeyong. They tried to give each other satisfaction as much, sometimes laughing and praising each other between moans and the sound of skin slapping.
There are no more barriers, no excuses, no fears about the future. they are free from whatever bad fate that collide with their life, facing the future with so much confidence. All they know now is that their love are too big to be shaken. Not even by invisible forces of spiritual power from the past.
end.
¹: Lead me from the asat to the sat. Lead me from darkness to light.
²: Lead me from death to immortality
this is taken from a Buddhist prayer, the chant is a single prayer which I divided into two for plot purpose
3: Nails here is not a fingernails but rather the spike, there'sfamous catchphrase "muntah paku (throwing up nails)" in indonesia regarding to spiritual accident, we called it "santet"
Peterpan: famous indonesian band, a living legend with awards both national and international. Ariel is their vocalist-front man also main producer, he’s famous as lyric genius perfectionist who refuse to use same sentence in his songs. They debuted as one of a filler band with compilation album called Kisah 2000 Malam with 6 members, then proceeds to officially debut with a full album called Taman Langit. A conflict happened made 2 members (keyboardist and bassist) out from the group. At 2012, after Ariel going through an odd scandal which caused him to get jailed, they changed their name to NOAH with new member, a keyboardist. At 2023, they announce their hiatus after 10+years of working under NOAH name, with current member 3 persons (Ariel as Vocalist, Lukman as Guitarist, and David as Keyboardist).
MURI: stand for MUseum Republik Indonesia (Museum of Republic Indonesia),
record muri: award given for breaking record national scale.
Supernova: a sextuplets novels by Dee Lestari, a writer and also a singer who wrote her own songs. The first Novel called Kstaria, Putri, dan Bintang Jatuh (The Knight, The Princess, and The Falling Star) has been made into a movie. the novels in order after first novel are Akar (The Root), Petir (The Thunder), Partikel (The Atom), Gelombang (The Wave), and Inteligensi Embun Pagi (The Inteligence of Morning Dew).
Sayang: darling in Indonesian