#byeong ari

[theboys-inzoi]

Joy isn’t found — it’s made <3

(Jack worked very hard for it ;)

Here are the ugly sweaters Noxee sent them ö.Ö'

And you won't believe what my kids got me for Christmas! When I removed the gift wrap, I've seen the back of the box and already assumed it was a pair and I wondered from which fandom - and when I turned the box around, I couldn't believe my eyes. I didn't know this is even possible? And then I cried and I cried, oh my. The best two friends in all the universes and soulmates as Funko Pops! How sweet is this? They even looked up their clothes and knew how much Jack loves his pizza and he even has two little drumsticks! And Vlad a paint brush (since he painted a lot in the Sims 4) and a book, because he's a writer.

I've bought a set of six japanese cat prints (2 for each of us) and I picked these two, because they reminded me of Vlad (Dragon) and Jack (Dokkaebi) The two Block Zoo boxes are also gifts from my kids, they found them in Berlin and it's Saiwa as a Tiger (his Chinese Zodiac sign and original role in the contest) and as a Fox (because he's a Gumiho)

[theboys-inzoi]

New Chapter!

❤️‍🔥 Chapter 5: Playing with Fire Episode 1: Rooftop🎧▶️📻 Previous (My House) - Next (Regular/Irregular)

Jack took the Boy inside to explore their new home: "It's a bit boring and lacks color and character, but we're going to take care of that and make this a home, won't we? I mean, just look at these lights everywhere! I can't believe we're having electricity up here after all I've been going through at Hwanungs House! I feel bad for Leander and Vlad."

Jack looked out of the windows over the roofs in the sunset: "And I can't get enough of the insane view! Aw, I can see Hwanung's House from here. That's were I lived with Leander and Vlad, you know? I wonder what he's doing right now, I already miss him."

Jack figured if the Regulator just woke the Boy before they left, he must be very hungry. And who knew how long he had been lying there in the rain before they found him? ö.Ö' A quick search through the cabinets and the fridge revealed they were empty. So they went all the way downstairs again. Luckily the shop at the gas station was still open.

Right next to the stairs was a little counter facing the street, they didn't even have to enter the shop. Convenient. Jack turned to the vendor: "Hi, I'm Jack and this is my friend, we just moved to the rooftop." Gas Station Vendor: "Awesome, good to have you here! I'm Leonard, Mrs Kareem's nephew. And also the janitor. If you need anything, just let me know." Jack noticed there were still some fresh pastries on offer and Leonard - Lenny for his friends - handed them over to them for a special welcome-new-tenants-and-have-a-happy-evening price and told them they could eat outside at the tables of the closed shop right next door.

As soon as they sat down, the Boy literally inhaled the pastries on his plate. Jack: "Aw, boy. If I'd known you were that hungry I wouldn't have wasted so much time. I'm sorry." But the Boy just smiled at him, munching happily.

After they'd finished, the Boy stood up and cleaned up both of their plates, still without having spoken a single word. He seemed to be used to work and despite not being able to speak, he didn't seem weak anymore. Maybe he really could accompany him to his jobs? They could try at least, and Jeb could come with them and take the Boy home if they faced any issues. Maybe they'd find out more about him.

Jack wanted to make it up to the Boy for not feeding him properly and so they occupied the claw machine for a while, until Jack was lucky to catch a Byeong Ari (=korean for chick) plushie for his patient friend. Jack was determined to be more attentive. The Boy couldn't tell him what he needed.

Jack: "Now you have one too, just like Jeb got Boki from me. I should get them for all of my friends, what do you think?"

The Boy seemed genuinely happy about his present, so that was decided.

But not tonight, they've spent quite some time at the claw machine and it had already gotten dark. Jack: "Let's go home and get ready for bed. Work day starts early." And so they climbed upstairs to the rooftop once again.

While taking his shower, Jack wondered what had happened to the Boy. Apart from not being able to speak, he also seemed a bit absent sometimes. And there were a few serious bruises covering his side Francine had already treated. Jack: "Have you been beaten up? Did you hit your head and maybe lost some of your memories?" The Boy said nothing and just continued brushing his teeth. Or did he not hear him? Maybe he was deaf? Or did he not speak their language?

Eventually Jack tucked him into his bed. Jack: "We will find out, hm? Leander is a private investigator. A good one. We are going to help you and we'll recover what happened - and who did this to you. I'll make them pay, I promise."

Jack: "Hey, it's our first night under a new roof. It is said what we are going to dream tonight will come true! So make sure to remember. And dream something nice. Good night, my friend."

Jack made sure to leave some lights on, just in case the Boy woke up and was afraid. Byeong Ari was on guard.

'You pulled my hand, saying you wanted to see the stars We sat on the rooftop at sunset Every time I look up in the sky There’s not a single star It’s alright, you’re my universe, shine bright for me

Hey, sometimes when you act all heavy I can’t figure out how to comfort you Like a lost star You’re the one who pulls me You’re floating around like a sky that lost its star The path we took is like a constellation Let’s follow that path Remember me

You want some more Why do you try to lock yourself up? You want some more Sky is nothing to believe'

Rooftop - N.Flying (Not the best translation again, as so often with the lesser known korean songs.) Another seriously underrated group I love so much. And seriously funny! Jae Hyun (drums) and Cha Hun (guitar) even have a youtube channel for their funny videos and it's so hilarious. It's called '2idiots' and it's -> here

Playlist -> Spotify -> youtube Chapter Playlists Overview -> here

Previous (My House) - Next (Regular/Irregular) The 'As if it's your last' Story Hub is -> here Read Chapter 5 from the beginning -> here Chapter 5 Episode Overview -> here Chapter Overview with all chapters so far is -> here

[theboys-inzoi]

🏝️Chapter 6: Islands in the Sun Episode 9: All I have to do is dream 🎧▶️📻 Previous (Rose Garden) - Next (Beyond the Blue)

Jack was starting to have a wonderful dream under the new roof. In total contrast to his nightmare and the fragmented dream of the man in the mist, everything was light and airy, he even smelled the scent of the blooming tree and heard the humming of the insects, allured by its sweet nectar. And he felt carefree, how wonderful.

He was on his way to work, and when he just passed the Asana Yoga Centre, he noticed there actually was a wanted poster with his face on it! Oh no. The banner in the back promised 'Find Your Inner Peace', but Jack wouldn't, at least not in this dream. . .

He took it off and continued on his way, keeping his eyes open to spot any other posters of him. And why was the reward only 187 Meow? That was the price of 10 bananas and 7⅗ fish. Tch, he was worth far more that that!

Jack was just taking the shortcut through Palmora Retreat to the pier, when he saw the man of his dreams nightmares! And just like in his nightmare, Jack felt drawn towards to him. The strong feelings for this man hit him once again - with full force. Jack had to leave before he was doing something utterly stupid again! Like getting kissed again! ö.Ö' The man hadn't noticed Jack yet and the ferry would depart soon. And so Jack hurried up to get past him.

But, of course, he noticed Jack. Mysterious Man: "I was looking for you." Jack: "I don't have time to chat, I'm late for work." Mysterious Man: "You should have left in time." Jack was determined not to stop and hurried on: "I did, but someone plastered the town with wanted posters of me. I had to take them off." Mysterious Man: "That was me."

Well, that made Jack shudder to a halt: "What? But why? What's my crime?" Mysterious Man: "You are a thief." Jack: "I just borrowed the swimming trunks!" Mysterious Man: "You stole my heart." Oh no, do not let him lure you in again! Keep going, Jack!

Just before Jack finally reached the pier, there was another of these posters! That man even scribbled on it and crossed letters out. Now it read: 'Wanted for life'! And Jack couldn't take it off with these people all around! There was even the police! He had to leave before someone noticed him! The police even had a dog to track him down!

The ferry honked and Jack crossed the street to the pier, when he almost stumbled over his feet. Right on the sidewalk before him was a graffito. 'Love is the Answer' Exactly the one he saw his nightmare - same colors, crown, and such. But Jack had no time to wonder what this was all about, he was late!

Eventually Jack reached the pier and the honking of the ferry was replaced by a loud voice: Wake up, Jack! The pier started to sway. And all out of sudden, the Man was beside him. Jack felt his dream fading, but he desparately wanted to kiss this man again. The swaying of the pier got stronger and Jack tried to hold on to him: "Are . . . are you not going to kiss me?"

Mysterious Man: "It's your dream, I'll do whatever you want me to do." So Jack pursed his lips. . .

The pier was swaying harder now, it felt almost like an earthquake - which made it impossible to kiss. Before the Mysterious Man let go of Jack, he said: "Wake up now, Jack. And don't forget, Love is the Answer." That was exactly what he'd said to him in the nightmare!

Jeb shook Jack: "Jack! Wake up!" And Jack finally woke up. Jack: "Gods, Jeb. I did it again - I betrayed Noxee with that man!" Jeb: "Did you kiss him again?" Jack: "No, but almost - there was an earthquake - and then he let go of me." Jeb: "Eh, that was probably me. You wouldn't wake up so I shook you. Ji Ho was so worried, he heard you first and woke me."

It was just around 5 am, but no one was going to go to sleep anymore, so they got up, put on some of the (finally dry) clothes of Ji Ho and Jack told Jeb and Ji Ho his dream. . . . Jeb: "At least you didn't dream of Noxee and the Regulator - and you didn't kiss him." Jack: "Yes. Thanks to you two." Jeb: "And you didn't feel bad in your dream, just after. The dream itself was nice, right? Plus - unlike your nightmare - it sounds just like a quite normal dream, you know? Where your subconscious computes the experiences and emotions of the day, and your thoughts, before going to sleep. Remember? You wrote your bottle journal and all the thoughts were still fresh in your mind. That we would apply for jobs today and talked about the wanted posters - and how afraid you were you'd dream of him again. Your subconscious just made a dream out of all these things. Are you sure you don't know him?" Jack: "Uh, it's possible? I've met a lot of people at my jobs each day. I just hope you're right and this won't come true. Why is he doing this to me? I love and worship Noxee with a pure heart and I've never had such sinful thoughts and . . . wishes. Never!" Jeb sighed: "Me neither. Before I met Saiwa, that is." Jack was almost afraid to ask, but he was too curious: "What did you dream?" Jeb swallowed: "He ... he was following a man to a hotel room. Oh gods, he was about to get used again, Jack. And I had to stand there helplessly and . . . and let it happen! What am I supposed to do? I want to help him getting out of this hell, but I can't face him. Not after. . . after what . . ." Jeb cried. Jack hugged Jeb and held him, and patted his broad back: "Don't. I know what you mean. We're not that close yet, but I consider Sai my friend too. And I'll do anything for my friends. I tell you what, we're getting our ducks in a row again and then we'll figure out a way how to help him, hm?" Jeb: "O-ok."

Ji Ho beckoned them to follow him to the patio. Jack: "Oh, Ji Ho! When did you prepare all this?" Jeb: "He must have been awake for a while, when he woke me up, it already smelled of fresh baked goods." Jack: "Awww thank you, I already feel better now. Meokja!" (meokja 먹자 = let's eat) Jeb: "Let me first check if these packs aren't spoiled."

'When I feel blue in the night And I need you to hold me tight Whenever I want you, all I have to do is Dream

I can make you mine, taste your lips of wine Anytime, night or day Only trouble is, gee whiz I'm dreamin' my life away

I need you so that I could die I love you so and that is why Whenever I want you, all I have to do is Dream, dream, dream, dream All I have to do is dream - The Everly Brothers

Chapter 6 Playlist -> Spotify -> youtube All Chapter Playlists Overview -> here

Previous (Rose Garden) - Next (Beyond the Blue) The 'As if it's your last' Story Hub is -> here Read Chapter 6 from the beginning -> here Chapter 6 Episode Overview -> here Chapter Overview with all chapters so far is -> here

[theboys-inzoi]

🏝️Chapter 6: Islands in the Sun Episode 8: Rose Garden 🎧▶️📻 Previous (The Gambler) - Next (All I have to do is dream)

Jeb couldn't go right back to his - friends/protégées/whatever - not after what he just heard. Sure, Ji Ho had had a hard life, but did that give him the right to destroy the lives of others? They should have been more careful before bringing him to their Community. Why didn't they listen to Vlad? He despised Ji Ho from the very beginning. And Vlad was an animal beneath his glamour, an animal who trusted his instincts - not like Jack, who was utterly enchanted by Ji Ho. Phil mentioned Ji Ho was too enchanting for his own good and no one knew where he came from and what he was. Maybe he was a siren? (In another universe, Jeb might even be right ;)

Jeb looked over to the Resort Island. They should find out more. Collect evidence and present it to the Elders, so they could decide what should happen with Ji Ho. Gods, now he sounded just like Jack!

Eventually Jeb headed back. On his way, he found a few other plants for his potions. Maybe there was even time to plant some of the cuttings this evening. Hard work would distract him from all the miseries that hit him since he set foot into this realm. He also sold some of their goods before the locals found out he was entangled with Ji Ho and refused to trade with him too. From the money he earned, he bought some fresh fruit and vegetables. He'd get rid of those ancient cans before they all got sick ö.ö

Jeb heard Ji Ho long before he reached the house. He must have found a guitar somewhere. The way he played - Phil was right, he was too enchanting for his own good. Jack was sitting there and looked at him as if there were nothing more blissful in his whole existence. And Jeb started to believe it too the longer he listened. Even though Ji Ho just played an old tune from half a century ago. Could someone as marvellous and innocent as him really be a bad person? Jeb: "Uhm Jack, I hate to disturb you, but could you help me getting these cuttings planted before it gets dark? I need you out there, you know?" Jack snapped out of his summer night's dream: "Oh! You're back - eh, sure!"

Ji Ho took Jeb's clothes to finally wash them and Jack and Jeb went out to the fields right on the opposite side of the house. Jack moaned: "Where do all these stones always come from?" Jeb: "Let's take them out first before we destroy our forks."

And while they worked, Jeb told Jack what he heard from Phil. Jack was shocked and a few many of his tears fell down and moistened the dry soil: "Poor Ji Ho! This can't be true! We need to find out what really happend. Oh Gods, to think what he had to go through, no wonder his brain shut down and he doesn't want to remember."

A little later, Ji Ho joined them to help. Jack just picked up the last stone from the field: "Ouf! This was the last of these blasted stones!" He was just about to carry it to the pile, when Jeb yowled: "OUCH - my toe! You really need to get those stones off the field, Jack." (This is actually a thing! And no one has a satisfying explanation why all the time stones show up in the fields, not even geologists can agree on a sturdy theory ö.Ö')

Jeb was still struggling with Francine's decision to bring him to this realm where only heartache and misery waited for him. She said he'd worked to hard and forgot to live. . . He also worked hard here, even harder than ever before, but he wasn't alone anymore. Just like Jack, Jeb too never had friends before. And in moments like this, he thought maybe there was an advantage. He shared the hardships - but also the joy with them. These two were his duty now. And Jeb never neglected his duties. If this was what the goddess asked of him, he would obey.

After they finished their work at the fields, they discussed how to proceed. Jack and Jeb both agreed that getting a job at the resort to find out what happened there was the obvious next step. And Ji Ho was far, far away again, he didn't even seem to listen. Jeb: "But you have been seen with Ji Ho, won't they recognize you and *he looked at Ji Ho, but there was still no reaction from him* get wary?" Jack: "I doubt it. It was only this one vendor and the neighbor. It's not like my face is plastered on wanted posters all over the islands. But we should apply apart from each other, should they - eh, get wary. Just act as if you don't know me when we're out and about." That's acually what Jeb already did when Doyun asked him ^^'

It got dark and Jack and Ji Ho went inside while Jeb was looking after his cuttings once again. And while Ji Ho started to tidy up, Jack sat and wrote the next of his 'postcards to nowhere'. It was only this morning when he felt the urge to write all his sorrows down to get them out of his overflowing head, and now already so much has happened again! When Jeb returned, Jack asked him to give Ji Ho his borrowed swimming trunks to wash them, so Jack could bring them back dry and clean tomorrow morning. Jack: "You have to shower anyway and we go to bed soon - and there's nothing we haven't seen yet. And make sure to sleep in the double bed, it's longer than the single bed, Big Boy ;)" Jeb sighed from the depths of his tortured soul.

Jack told Ji Ho to go to bed too and he went to the beach to consign his bottled up experiences and emotions to the ocean again. While standing there, he looked over at the resort, and he was up for it. They would find out what really happened there between Ji Ho and the partner of the owner - and clear Ji Ho's name.

Feeling a lot lighter before going to sleep, Jack looked lovingly at his friends. He missed Vlad like hell and he was glad these two were by his side during these hard times. Jeb murmured, half asleep: "You're not standing there naked - staring creepily at us?" Jack: "No, I found some unpacked shorts in one of the boxes." Jeb whimpered. All the humiliation could have been avoided! Jack: "Jeb, it's our first night under a new roof, make sure to dream something nice, hm? And - please wake me when I dream of the Regulator again - or . . . or - that man!" Jeb: "How am I supposed to know what you're dreaming?" Jack: "You're my friend, you will know." Jeb didn't want to argue, he just wanted to sleep. It was so wonderful lying in a soft bed after sleeping on the ground for two days - wet, wounded and hurt. So Jeb just said: "Sure." Jack: "Thanks, I love you. Good night." Jeb: "I wouldn't go that far, but good night. And don't worry, I will watch over you two. Gwenchana gwenchanyo." Jack laughed and went to his bed. He found it was cute that Ji Ho chose to sleep next to Jeb, it seems he already felt safe and comfortable with him.

'I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden Along with the sunshine, there's gotta be a little rain sometime

When you take, you gotta give So live and let live or let go, whoa-whoa-whoa I beg your pardon I never promised you a rose garden

You better look before you leap, still waters run deep And there won't always be someone there to pull you out And you know what I'm talking about

So smile for a while and let's be jolly Love shouldn't be so melancholy Come along and share the good times while we can'

Rose Garden - Lynn Anderson

Chapter 6 Playlist -> Spotify -> youtube All Chapter Playlists Overview -> here

Previous (The Gambler) - Next (All I have to do is dream) The 'As if it's your last' Story Hub is -> here Read Chapter 6 from the beginning -> here Chapter 6 Episode Overview -> here Chapter Overview with all chapters so far is -> here

[theboys-inzoi]

🏝️Chapter 6: Islands in the Sun Episode 7: The Gambler🎧▶️📻 Previous (Do or Die) - Next (Rose Garden)

Jeb picked the ingredients for the glamour potions he gathered earlier and Ji Ho looked after their laundry. Jack: "How long do you think it will take you to brew the potions? I really need to go to the restroom." Jeb was almost afraid to ask, but did anyway: "What does one have to do with the other?" Jack: "Eh, restroom's outside." Jeb: "So that's where you draw the line? Going out stealing clothes is ok - but going to the restroom not?" Jack: "Right, I should just go." Jeb: "No! It won't take long - and stop drinking already." Jack: "At least we have water here - and a stove! Come, I'll show you everything. This way." Jeb: "But the kitchen is on this side?" Jack: "I said we have water. Not that we have water in the kitchen." Jeb sighed. Nothing was easy in this realm.

After Jeb cleaned his plate, he wanted to leave to finally start brewing the potions, but Jack stopped him. Jack: "I wanted to show you something." He led Jeb over to a few boxes they didn't throw out. Jack, talking quiter now: "Jeb, here are toys. And clothes that belong to an older boy. I think this is Ji Ho's stuff. And that he lived here with his great aunt - until he left for Dowon." Jeb teared up and swallowed: "Gods, no." Jack: "It still seems he doesn't remember much, but we should have an eye on him. We need to find out what happened to him." Jeb: "I don't know. We should leave this place." Jack: "But we have nowhere to go. Would you rather go back to Dowon and stumble over Saiwa and the Regulator again?" No, of course not. . .

They left the bathroom just to find Ji Ho lit a candle and made an offering at one of the stone lamps. He didn't notice them and just cowered there, lost in thoughts. Jack: "Gods, look at him! He's breaking my poor heart all over again. What are we supposed to do?" Jeb: "I don't know. As long as he doesn't seem to suffer - stay?"

Jack helped Jeb moving the ingredients to the 'kitchen' so he could finally get started. Jeb looked bewildered and the dented, rusty cans: "Is this the food we ate? You said it was still good. These cans look ancient. What if we get sick?" Jack: "Ah, gwenchana gwenchanayo, canned food never spoils, they just have to write an expiration date on the cans, so they make one up. And even if we get sick, we have the potion master right here, hm?"

Jeb just sighed and started cutting. Jack: "Shouldn't you shoo me out so I can't steal the secret receipe and brew the potions myself?" Jeb: "Ach, I wish that was possible. It would take a huge load off my shoulders if someone could help me but I have to do it myself or the potions are effectless. At least I brewed in advance so our Community in Dowon is supplied for a while. But I should probably shoo you out so you don't distract me. It will only take longer and I thought you need to go to the restroom." Jack: "Right! I'll get the bedroom ready with Ji Ho and leave you to your work. Hurry!"

Jack and Ji Ho assembled the beds and put on the bedcloths. Jack decided they would all sleep together in one room. To be there for Ji Ho - and for him, should he have a nightmare again, or dream of the man who ruined his life. Again it was their first night under a new roof. And what you dream in the first night under a new roof will come true . . . Jack: "Make sure to think of something nice before you fall asleep tonight. And - try to let us know if it's too hard for you here, hm?" Ji Ho just looked at Jack and said nothing, as always.

And then Jeb finally called. The potion was ready, that was about time! Jack: "I really hope this works. Drinking even more and having to wait until you brewed another one will make me combust!" Jeb sighed once again: "It works. It always works. Because even though it feels like a curse, Francine insists I'm blessed." Jack swallowed the whole cup down: "Ok Ji Ho, let's run!" Jeb: "Ji Ho needs to go too?" Jack: "Who knows? And he won't tell if, so he's just coming with me."

On their way back to the house, a voice startled them. Neighbor: "Haven't you caused enough trouble? Why did you come back?" Jack: "What are you talking about?" The Neighbor nodded to Ji Ho: "He didn't tell you? I guess you're one of his victims too, huh?" Jack: "No, I'm his friend. It seems Ji Ho lost his memories and doesn't remember much." Neighbor: "Ah well, how convenient after everything he pulled. I hope he at least remembers to stay away from gambling."

And then he stomped off. But not before shooting a spiteful look at Ji Ho.

Jack took Ji Ho back to the house. Where he went back to do the laundry and seemed completely uneffected by what just happened. As if they were talking about a different person - and not him. Jeb, after Jack told him everthing, whispering again: "Gods, what if Vlad was right all the time and you-know-who *he nodded towards Ji Ho* is a criminal and ended up in Dowon since he couldn't stay at Cahaya because of all the crimes he committed?" Jack: "What are you even saying?! We know Ji Ho, he is our friend!" Jeb: "No, we don't know him at all. You found him lying in the streets, in the pouring rain. He never said a single word and no one knows what he is or where he came from." Jack: "He did say one single word, and that was to protect us from the sharks. That's exactly what a friend would do. We're here for a reason, Jeb. We need to find out what happened to him." Jeb: "Have you forgotten the real reason we're here? To forget what happened at the warehouse and . . . and . . ." Jack: "Argh! Don't remind me! Now - don't you agree that finding out more about Ji Ho is the perfect distraction from our miseries? You have to go out and ask your plant buddies what happened." Jeb: "Why me?" Jack: "Because I think the reason why the vendor at the beach didn't want to haggle with us wasn't my potion fading - it was because of what Ji Ho 'pulled' here! I can't go. People here know I'm involved with him. You just happened to have crashed on the island with us. You need to go, just look at him, he's totally innocent - and you know it too!"

Jack shoved Jeb into the bathroom to put on some of the clothes from the boxes Ji Ho hadn't washed yet. They smelled a bit, but they had to do. When Jeb came back, Jack whistled: "Mister Harris! Oh, you look so dashing, I bet all the Boys out there are going to tell you anything! Right, Ji Ho?" Jeb was utterly sure he didn't want to hear anything from those 'Boys'. Jeb: "These clothes are a bit tight though." Jack: "Ji Ho is not such a Big Boy as you are. But endure it, makes you even look hotter - the fabric spanning over your taut muscles and . . ." Jeb interrupted him: "I better go and get this over with."

It didn't take long for Jeb to find one of the denizens that helped him finding the plants earlier. And it seems they already trusted him enough to tell him some of the island's gossip. Jeb didn't want to ask particularly about Ji Ho so he waited until Phil, his 'Plant Friend', brought the topic to him. Phil: "He grew up here with his great aunt, Imo Kim was a gambler. They've been poor, but somehow got along - until the Resort started these Turtle Races." Jeb: "Turtle . . . Races?" Phil laughed: "It's actually more exciting than it sounds. Anyway, one day, it was not long after her great nephew turned 18, she lost everything and even got into debt. So Ji Ho went to the Resort to work off her debts. I don't know if he sought revenge or what had driven him - but he seduced the Owner's partner, got caught and was banned from the islands. That Boy was too enchanting for his own good, but this all wouldn't have happened if Imo Kim had knewn when to fold 'em and her Boy when to walk away - at least she died in her sleep."

'"Every gambler knows that the secret to survivin' Is knowin' what to throw away and knowin' what to keep 'Cause every hand's a winner and every hand's a loser And the best that you can hope for is to die in your sleep"

And when he'd finished speakin' he turned back toward the window Crushed out his cigarette, faded off to sleep And somewhere in the darkness the gambler he broke even But in his final words I found an ace that I could keep

You've got to know when to hold 'em Know when to fold 'em Know when to walk away And know when to run You never count your money When you're sittin' at the table There'll be time enough for countin' When the dealin's done'

The Gambler - Kenny Rogers

Chapter 6 Playlist -> Spotify -> youtube All Chapter Playlists Overview -> here

Previous (Do or Die) - Next (Rose Garden) The 'As if it's your last' Story Hub is -> here Read Chapter 6 from the beginning -> here Chapter 6 Episode Overview -> here Chapter Overview with all chapters so far is -> here

[theboys-inzoi]

🏝️Chapter 6: Islands in the Sun Episode 6: Do or Die 🎧▶️📻 Previous (On the Border) - Next (The Gambler)

Jack and Jeb shoved the barrier aside and the Boys entered the property that now belonged to Ji Ho. Their home for the forseeable future. . . Jack and Jeb also tried their best to not show their dismay to Ji Ho, to not hurt his feelings.

Jack went inside: "Ah, gwenchana gwenchanayo!* We can tackle that bit of trash, hm? The house might be old, but it's sturdy and dry, no mold. We'll be fine." Jeb echoed weakly: ". . . fine . . ."

(gwenchana 그웬차나 = it's fine)

They sat to make a proper plan, but Jeb was too shocked and had no idea where to even try to start to clean up this madness of a landfill and make this messy place halfway inhabitable. There was one problem that needed his immediate attention anyway. Jeb: "The glamour is fading - I should go out and look for ingredients to adjust the recipe. You two stay here - before you give us away." Jack: "Ok, Ji Ho and I will do our best here. And when you come back, you won't recognize this place, right Ji Ho?" Ji Ho said nothing, as always. Jack tried to keep the spirits up but he also didn't know where to start. And so they stared into nowhere for a while. . .

Eventually Jeb slapped his palms on his thighs, stood up and left. Jack had asked him how he knew the ingredients he'd gather would be the 'right' ones and they would have the same effects. But Jeb had no explanation for him. Francine always claimed he was 'blessed by the Moon Goddess' . . . But how 'blessed' could he possibly be to end up here - in a nightmare of a house at the end of the realm - with a shattered heart. Soon he chatted with the locals and learned a lot about their plants and their effects.

These people here were the actual blessed ones. A lot of the local plants bore strong medicinal benefits. Much stronger than the herbs he knew. And they all grew here - out in the wild. So he went to the rural areas of the island to collect the leaves, roots and fruit he needed for the potions and also a few seeds and cuttings to plant for future harvests.

In the meantime, Jack and Ji Ho carried the trash out to one of the sheds and cleaned up. Jack: "I can't wait to take a shower! It's been - what - two days since we left Dowon? Ouf. And I'm so hungry, did you find something to eat?"

Jeb found everything he needed to get started and went back. To find Ji Ho and Jack - skirmishing? Naked? What was going on here? Jeb cleared his throat.

Ji Ho hurried into the 'kitchen'. Jeb: "What is going on here?" Jack: "Omg, I'm glad you're back! I'm so hungry - and Ji Ho wanted to comb my hair! Oh, there he is! We found cans with Yukgaejang, almost still good! Hurry with the shower so we can finally eat!"

Jack: "I wonder why these old houses have the shower outside. Was the same at Hwanung's house. Ah well, at least we have water here, right, Ji Ho?" Jack almost had to wrangle Jeb under the shower: "Oh, come on! You have nothing on you we haven't seen before - and the food is getting cold." Eventually he gave in. . . . When he stepped out: Jack to Ji Ho: ". . . What do you think? Almost 7 inches?" Jeb: "You promised you weren't looking!" Jack: "We weren't! We were talking about the fish caught at the Deserted Island, it was huge! But now that you've admitted it - really?" Jeb: "I did not admit anything!" Jack: "Whatever, let's eat already."

Boki and mysteriously popped-up Byeong Ari never promised anything ^^'

Jeb: "Where are our clothes?" Jack: "We're soaking them before washing and we'll hang them up over night. They should be dry by tomorrow morning." Jeb: "We are going to be naked until tomorrow?" Jack: "We are not naked. We would be if I hadn't borrowed these swimming trunks from a clothesline nearby." Jeb: "You've been outside? And you stole clothes?" Jack: "No one saw me and we are going to bring them back before sunrise. If it bothers you, I'll bring them back right now." Jeb: "What? No!"

* -> Here is a compilation of every time Min Ki says 'gwenchana gwenchanayo! from my favourite drama 'Modern Farmer', ' It also shows that it could have been far worse! hahaha You can watch 'Modern Farmer' on youtube -> here

'Even if people point at me, calling me a fool Even if they glance at me, calling me crazy I’m better than all of you who pretend to have it all, who pretend to be smart I’m a brave performer

I’ll keep stepping on you so keep watching me (Die! Die! Do or Die!) I’m gonna do what I want so keep watching me (Die! Die! Do or Die!)

Nobody can understand your life Live your life be alive do it or die! Throw away all complexities I will overcome everything, just watch'

Do or Die - Excellent Souls

The fictive Band from Modern Farmer. Min Ki (Lee Hong Ki) is the only one of them who is in a real band (F.T. Island ;) and it's his actual voice. There is no clip from the scene with the concert on youtube, but if you like, you can watch the first episode on youtube from the beginning (= the crazy minutes before the concert) or skip to ~4:39 when they start to play. The link above, beneath the lyrics, leads to the song on youtube with a compilation with the best scenes from the drama.

Chapter 6 Playlist -> Spotify -> youtube All Chapter Playlists Overview -> here

Behind the Scenes

It happened again! Back in October 2022, after Vlad had died for the second time, Jeb fell in love with Jack (autonomously, but I went along with it, as so often) which lead to Saiwa and Jeb's first breakup.

And now, almost 3 years later, after I logged in today, they fell in love again - right out of the blue ö.Ö' None of them ever tried anything remotely romantic. I have turned autonomy completely off. Weird. What are you trying to tell me???

Previous (On the Border) - Next (The Gambler) The 'As if it's your last' Story Hub is -> here Read Chapter 6 from the beginning -> here Chapter 6 Episode Overview -> here Chapter Overview with all chapters so far is -> here