Namjoon:

It's Monday. So many things have been happening on Monday. It's the start of the school week and the end of the weekend, yet so much drama and trouble occur on this one day. Namjoon opens his eyes gently, sighing deeply as he stares at the orange light of the sunrise filtering through his partially open curtain. His alarm is this beautiful melody that helps him wake up in a good mood. Yoongi says it's the alarm sound of a psychopath, but Namjoon likes it.

He sits up and climbs out of bed, stretching as he goes. He collects some comfortable clothes – loose jeans and a plain shirt – and heads to the shower.

"So, are you going to tell me about your obsession with Hana yet?" Namjoon asks as he washes his hair.

Nothing.

"Fine, whatever,"

Namjoon heads downstairs, feeling light and bouncy this morning. This is strange considering he had a nightmare last night about the day they saved Hana. The pain he felt when Z left his body was intense, something he relived last night. It was such a realistic dream.

He makes himself some breakfast and sits at the kitchen bench, eating in silence. His mind is making this strange buzzing sound, followed by a ringing he has never heard before.

"What are you doing Z?" Namjoon asks curiously.

Nothing.

Namjoon shrugs, trying to ignore the noise. Once he starts moving around, the ringing and buzzing die down.

He collects his things, getting ready to go pick up Hana.

Hana will be getting ready for the day, won't she?

Namjoon smirks at the thought but immediately pushes it aside. He waits for Z to reprimand him for his perversion, but he doesn't.

This is when Namjoon finally realises just how empty and silent his mind is right now. Usually, there is a slight tension in the back of his neck, but it is relaxed. It's like he had an invisible vice on his head for his whole life and it's now gone. His head is no longer heavy, his shoulders are no longer tense.

He frowns, pausing after sliding on his shoes. Is this what relaxation feels like? Why is he so relaxed?

"Z?"

Nothing.

"Xedysus?"

Nothing.

"I'm thinking about Hana right now," He says loudly, trying to provoke him, "Something scandalous..."

Nothing.

Is he... gone?

"Xedysus is a useless god," Namjoon says loudly, looking around in fear.

Nothing.

He's gone, he's really gone.

Beaming, Namjoon swings the front door open, rushing out of his apartment and onto the street. He skips merrily.

A sudden thought occurs to him.

Z can't stop me from asking Hana out.

Grinning even wider, Namjoon tries to not sprint to Hana's house, the excitement overwhelming him. He has never felt so free and light in his life. His actions will be his own, his thoughts his own, his dreams his own. He can finally live his own life.

He doesn't care to know why Z is gone or where he went. Maybe he was bored with the entertainment these humans provided. Namjoon couldn't care less.

He stops in front of Hana's house, swinging from side to side with happiness. He probably looks crazy right now, but he doesn't care. He's free.

"Wow, good morning," Namjoon spins around to see Hana moving towards him, giving him a strange smile.

"Good morning," He cheers, "Beautiful day, right?"

"I guess so," Hana chuckles as they start walking, "Why are you so happy today?"

"Uh, well..."

Wait... Hana knows about Z; I can just tell her!

After spending most of his life not telling anyone about Z's existence, he keeps forgetting that he has friends that know and support him.

"Z left," Namjoon declares.

"Wait, really? Why?" Hana asks fearfully.

"I don't know, and I don't care," Namjoon responds, "All I know is my mind is empty, my thoughts are my own, and my head doesn't hurt anymore... I'm free,"

Hana considers this for a moment, watching Namjoon carefully. Suddenly, she squeals with delight, turning to jump into Namjoon's arms.

"Congratulations!" She cheers. Namjoon wraps his arms around her, his heart feeling warm. He takes this opportunity to pick Hana up and spin her around. She lets out another loud squeal, tapping his shoulder to tell him to put her down. She giggles, letting go and stepping away from him.

"It must have been really hard for you, huh?" She asks as they start walking again.

"Yeah, it was," Namjoon nods. He pushes aside the memories reminding him of Z's impact on his life,

They jump on the subway, greet Taehyung happily, and head to school.

They have their first lesson, English class, and then their second class. By lunch, Namjoon is unsure how he should ask her out. Usually, in situations where he doesn't know what to do, Z would be there to tell him what to do. In this specific situation, Z wouldn't help him. But that doesn't stop Namjoon from feeling anxious and unsure.

As everyone starts moving towards the food court for lunch, Namjoon spots Yoongi. Without thinking, he grabs his attention and secretly leads him away. Yoongi follows him willingly to the classroom Namjoon last spoke to him in. So much has happened since that time. He never would have expected to become friends with Yoongi, but he's glad that he did.

"What's up?" Yoongi asks as Namjoon closes the door.

"Alright, uh..." Namjoon sighs and moves over to one of the old desks nearby, leaning against it, "Well, firstly, Z is gone,"

"Gone? Gone? Like... Gone, gone, or just ignoring you?" Yoongi asks quickly, moving to stand in front of him.

"Completely gone," Namjoon grins, "It feels amazing... my head feels lighter, so much tension is gone... I'm finally free Yoongi,"

"Oh wow, I'm glad," Yoongi smiles, patting Namjoon gingerly on the shoulder, "But where is he then?"

"I have no idea... and I don't care really," Namjoon says, "Anyway, more importantly, I need advice,"

"Oh?" Yoongi frowns for a moment, "Oh!" Yoongi grins, "Hana?"

Namjoon nods, watching as Yoongi coos over Namjoon's inexperience for a moment. After a few seconds, he calms down.

"Alright, what do you want to know?" Yoongi asks.

"I want to ask her out... Z can't stop me anymore... but I've never done anything like this before," Namjoon explains, "What do I do?"

"Well, I would recommend the simplest option: When you walk her home, ask her out," Yoongi says, starting to pace a little, "Say something like 'Hana, you know Z? He wouldn't let me date you. But I like you, and he's gone now, so can we date?' you know?"

Namjoon nods, leaning toward Yoongi with his hands clasped in front of him.

"You see, I know what to say," Namjoon clarifies, "What I'm struggling with is the talking part,"

Yoongi tilts his head in confusion. It doesn't take long for him to realise what he means. He chuckles for a moment.

"So, you want me to give you advice on building the courage to ask her out?" Yoongi clarifies.

"Yes, exactly," Namjoon confirms.

"Right, there is only one way to deal with that: Be realistic," Yoongi says dramatically, "You can either not tell her and regret it, or you can tell her and be happy. Do you want happiness or regret?"

Namjoon considers this for a moment before nodding again. Of course, it's that simple. Right?

I hope it's that easy.

"Anyway, back to Z," Yoongi shakes his hand, moving to sit on a chair, "I know your life has been pretty difficult because of Z, and recently he has been irritating... but you're not worried?"

"Why would I be worried?" Namjoon asks.

"Well, he did help save Hana, and he did help you get your friendships and grades," Yoongi expresses, "Plus, you've had him your entire life. You don't miss him?"

Namjoon goes to disagree but closes his mouth quickly. He can't lie to Yoongi, and he's right. He does feel a little lonely now, and he is a little worried. Did something happen to him? Is he hurt?

"I mean, he's an omniscient being... I'm not worried about him," Namjoon explains, "But yeah, I guess I do miss him... maybe he'll come back... but I want to enjoy this freedom while I can,"

"That's fair," Yoongi shrugs, "Ready for lunch now? Or do you want to ask your hyung for some more advice?"

Namjoon hits Yoongi playfully, leading him to the door and out to the food court.

. . . . . 

Namjoon walks slowly, forcing Hana to keep pace with him. He's walking her home, again. Just like he usually does after school. Unluckily for him, asking her out is not as simple as Yoongi made it seem. His heart is racing, his chest is hurting, and he's having a hard time concentrating on whatever Hana is talking about.

Just ask her out... it's that simple.

You can do this.

Even Jimin could do it. Plus, you don't have to worry about rejection. She likes you! All you have to do is say you like her too.

Get your shit together Namjoon!

The concept of thinking to himself and not getting a response is strange to Namjoon. Sure, it's normal, but how do people just... think?

"Are you okay?" Namjoon looks down to find Hana watching him carefully. They have reached her house, stopped in the exact spot Hana had asked him out. She is exactly where she was the day she nervously confessed, and he's standing exactly where he was when he rejected her. Is it irony? Destiny? Namjoon can't explain the feeling this observation gives him.

"Namjoon?" Hana asks again, "See you tomorrow?"

"Wait!" Namjoon grabs her hand as she turns to head inside. She looks down at her hand and then back up at Namjoon, turning to face him again.

"What's up?" She asks. Namjoon shivers, trying to ignore the impending sense of déjà vu as he lets her hand go.

"I just... I want to tell you something,"

"Oh?" Hana cocks her eyebrow, folding her arms.

"I... I really like you, Hana," Namjoon says quickly, "I like you... I've always liked you... maybe longer than you have,"

Hana stares at him for a moment, her eyes going wider and wider.

"I... are you okay?" Namjoon mutters. Soon, Hana's expression changes from shock to nothing. She stares at him for a little while longer, before smiling.

"Hey, now is not the time to joke like that," Hana chuckles nervously, turning towards her house.

"Wait... I don't understand," Namjoon moves closer, but Hana stops him with her hand.

"Please... don't mess with my feelings like that. You really hurt me back then... why would you lie? Did you lie just now? Did you lie back then? W-Why?"

Tears start to slide down Hana's cheeks. Namjoon freezes, unsure of what to do. He wasn't expecting her to have this reaction. His mind goes blank, something he never thought would happen. Has Z really been providing him with the answers for so long that his brain is struggling to function on its own?

"So, you lied just now?" Hana repeats, staring up at him as she sniffles.

Come on! Speak!

Namjoon stares at her, unable to move, unable to speak.

Fucking talk Namjoon! Explain! Tell her!

"Wow..." Hana scoffs, wiping her face aggressively, "That's a cruel joke..."

"I..." Namjoon's voice stops in his throat. Why is he struggling so much?

"Goodbye, Namjoon," Hana mumbles, heading into her house. Namjoon watches her go, still frozen in place. He's not sure how long he is stuck like that, but eventually, he can move again. He shuffles towards the front door but stops. He can't go in now.

I should leave it for now... I'll show her how I feel.

Feeling resolute, and frustrated with himself, he turns and heads home. His head is down, and his heart is heavy, the encounter replaying repeatedly in his head.

. . . . . 

Hana:

"I'm sorry, Hana... I don't like you like that,"

"Stupid jerk," I mutter to myself, placing my laptop bag on my desk and flopping onto my bed.

"I... I really like you, Hana... I like you... I've always liked you... maybe longer than you have,"

"How can he do this to me?" I mutter into my pillow to no one in particular.

As soon as he said those words, my heart filled with hope. I was not expecting him to suddenly reciprocate my feelings. It was so sudden, too sudden. Before I could even become excited, I remembered exactly how he rejected me. How he was so nervous, avoiding me all day. His bluntness hurt deeply. He didn't even wait for a response, he just walked away.

My life isn't one of those Korean dramas I watch, and it isn't a TV show. People don't do that. But they do mess with you and hurt your feelings. I didn't want it to be true, but as soon as he went silent after I asked him why he lied, I knew. I didn't think Namjoon was that sort of person, but I guess people aren't always what they seem.

I sniffle, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in my chest. I knew it was too good to be true... I knew it.

I pull out my phone and open a social media app as I begin to doom scroll my way through funny animal videos, and Korean drama edits.

After a few hours, I put my phone aside, rolling onto my back and staring at the ceiling. A deep pressure sits on my chest, trying to force me to cry. But I won't. I can't.

But it hurts.

"Hana?"

I sit up, looking around my room wildly. That's when I notice the shadow in my bedroom cupboard, the darkness slowly moving out into the dim light of my lamp. I watch as the figure from my nightmares slowly reveals itself. It still has that appearance of black fire, his skin waving and moving as he walks. He moves over and sits on the chair in front of my desk, turning it to face me.

This is the first time I have ever seen his face up close. You can just barely make out his features, his eyes, nose, and mouth. His eyes are a deep, dark red, swirling in his sockets as he stares at me. A small smile tugs at the corners of his lips, giving some semblance of humanity to his appearance.

The longer I look at him, the more I notice. He has black hair and is wearing a suit. I soon realise it's not that I am noticing him, he is just forming in front of me. The human appearance he has decided to take on is my favourite Korean drama actor. He looks identical, other than his red eyes.

"How are you, Hana?" He asks.

"Xedysus?" I whisper, glancing at my bedroom door.

"They can't hear us. It's just you and me," Xedysus smiles wider, "But please, call me Z,"

"What are you doing here?" I ask, "Namjoon said you had left,"

"I stopped possessing him," Z explains, "I wanted to speak to you directly,"

"Me?" I cock my eyebrow, leaning against my headboard, "What do you want to talk to me about?"

"There are a few things I wish to explain to you," Z begins, "Let's start with why I have been protecting you,"

Z crosses his leg over the other, leaning back in the chair comfortably. His eyes never waver from me, piercing me with his gaze.

"Namjoon told me you have been protecting me because my mom sold me to you," I respond, rolling my eyes, "I hope this isn't going to be about that,"

"Kind of. Namjoon told you that because that's what I told him," Z explains, "But I already told you that I relinquished ownership of you many years ago. I stuck around for a different reason,"

"Why did you stick around then?" I demand, starting to feel frustrated by the indirect conversation, "I am just a human, what do you want from me?"

"I watched you for a long time, Hana," Z smirks, finally directing his eyes away from me, "I watched you grow. I know all your habits and your secrets. I have seen all of your smiles and all of your tears,"

He pauses, looking back up at me, smirking secretively. I shiver, chills running down my spine. That has to be the creepiest thing anyone has ever said to me. Where is he going with this?

"Okay... I don't understand," I respond quietly.

"I guess I should just say it," Z sighs, uncrossing his leg as he leans forward, "I fell in love with you, Bae Hana,"

I watch as this god moves closer, near the edge of the bed now. His eyes are still on me, mischievous and happy.

"Let me get this straight, you watched me grow up and now you are in love with me?" I chuckle, "That's super creepy,"

"Doesn't change how I feel," Z tilts his head, "I want you to join me,"

"Join you?" I frown, "As in, in the afterlife?"

Z nods, still watching me as if frozen. I shiver involuntarily again.

"I don't think that's a good idea," I chuckle, starting to feel nervous, "I don't like you in that way... I'm sorry,"

The smile slips from Z's face, reminding me that I am talking to an omniscient, powerful god.

"I'm not going to force you to join me," Z admits, "But I am going to give you time to think about it,"

Z stands, moving towards the bed slowly. Instinctively, I move away from him. He leans onto the bed, holding out his hand to cup my face. His skin is weirdly cold, yet soft. I cringe away from his touch, but he continues moving forward. I close my eyes, trying to control my fear.

"Just promise me one thing," Z whispers deeply, "Don't choose him over me,"

"C-Choose who?"

Suddenly, the cold sensation is gone. I open my eyes to find no one there. I jump up from my bed, looking around the room quickly. He is really gone.

What the fuck do I do?

Frantically, I pull out my phone. A name instantly comes to my mind as I scroll through my contacts. As soon as I find him, I call him.

Shakily, I hold the phone to my ear, listening to the ringing.

"Hello?" A deep, soft voice answers.

"Namjoon? I need help," I say quietly, looking around for any trace of Z's presence, "Z was here," 

(A/N) 🫰🫰🫰

Uh oh, Z left RM to visit Hana? That's crazy man, ha ha...