A Way to Die: Desire
Characters: Yoonjae, Finn, Acacia, Haru (Mention)
Yoonjae had always admired Finn.
It’s no secret, either. Many Employees that had seen the two nearby each other will notice that they would unabashedly gaze at the man.
It’s a feeling that they themself are unsure of. But such a feeling itself captivated them. They had always been sure of themself, knowing their own emotions and what to act out… yet, upon gazing at the man, they became unsure.
The blooming feeling in their chest. They thought it might’ve been a sickness at first, but it’s rare for Employees to get sick… Though they were interested in these feelings, it did bother them whenever their mind could only think about him.
Yes… he is most likely the “strongest”, right? He stood out from the rest of the crowd, despite his lackluster reactions. The Paradise Lost EGO simply made him more shining.
Surely, they aren’t the only one who may view him like this.
///
Yoonjae had always wondered what it would be like if he killed them.
A gruesome murder, a body mangled beyond comprehension… or a swift death, a corpse appearing asleep?
It’s an odd thought, even for them. They don’t think much about what happens to them during death, yet… by the hands of him…
Hm. Would you call this being lonely?
In the past, thanks to him being the Captain of lower Central Command, they pretty much were able to see him whenever they wanted. It’s not like they had many work orders in the first place.
Even if those talks were meaningless, they always felt better whenever they could be with him.
…With him.
Now that he was Architecture's Captain, that distance made it difficult for him to visit. That was fine! They knew that he would take an effort to at least keep the few connections he had. Despite his mostly cold exterior, he did seem to care enough.
They weren’t even angry when Acacia became the new CC’s Team 2 Captain! After all, Acacia is their most trusted ally. Out of everyone, they would never lie to them.
And so, whenever he ends up visiting, they make sure to go out of their way to talk as much as they can with them. After all, who knows what might happen! They know he’s strong enough to handle himself, but they do get worried sometimes!
Sure, they seem to get weird looks from other Employees when they get to him, but those opinions don’t matter.
All that mattered was that he would never judge them by their words.
Still, though. They do sometimes wish that he stayed behind.
///
Yoonjae has always wanted to be closer.
Over time, they did notice that he visited Central Command less and less. They did not mind initially, as it’s most likely his responsibilities keeping him away. Such is the life of a Captain, one that’s in the lower layer no less.
They do start missing seeing him, and talking to him… The only times they’re able to see him is during an Abnormality or Ordeal suppression, which isn’t ideal due to needing to focus on fighting rather than talking.
However, even in the downtime afterwards, he would always walk away before they could get a word in.
Soon… they realize the true reason for his lack of interactions towards them.
It wasn’t him being a responsible Employee. It was because of the other strongest… Welfare’s Captain… the Twilight user…
Haru.
It was by chance that they saw the two talking. Even though his face remained unchanging, they could see that, with the slightest of hints… he seemed more… bright? Joyful?
A type of look on his face that had never been aimed at them.
They understood that. The two strongest Employees, they’re quite similar. So it’s natural they might become good friends. The Welfare Department is technically closer compared to Central Command.
At the same time… The idea of someone else becoming closer to him, someone else being the first to peel back off the layers before them?
The thought might just make them weep.
The fault wasn’t completely in Haru… the one who has changed… was him.
Ah. They see it now.
Back then, they might’ve just nodded and moved on. But they were too invested.
They’ll have to take things more directly.
///
“Yoonjae… What are you doing to Finn?”
“By, what do you mean?”
“It’s just… something strange has been going on. And you’ve been talking a lot about him.”
“Oh, are you accusing me of something? I didn’t do anything to him, if that's what you’re asking.”
“…”
“Hm, what’s with that expression? Do you think I’m lying to you? C’mon Acacia, would I ever lie to you?”
“Yes. You would.”
“…”
“…”
“…I see.
I’m truthful. I did no harm to him. It’s not like I can kill him…”
///
Yoonjae always dislikes those prying eyes.
They couldn’t stand it.
Both her and them. Their trusted ally, and the one who could rival him…
They both won’t understand them.
Him, however. They knew he could be there for them. As he always had.
Yes… this is what they want for him.
It will surely show them.
…
All they needed to do was sneak into the Safety Department and get supplies.
///
Yoonjae had always wanted Finn to have a piece of them.
At first, they did consider giving Finn their flesh… But they recall the time when Acacia mentioned that he didn’t particularly like the taste of human meat, so Yoonjae decided to go with something else.
Something… that’s maybe even more intimate than the taste of their own flesh.
Aren’t they so considerate?
///
Acacia could only look at Finn’s arm in horror. The man looked down at said arm as well, only looking mildly disgruntled.
“What the actual hell, dude… Forcibly replacing your arm with their own…”
“It’s… fine. Don’t worry-“
Acacia grabbed him by the shoulders, “IT’S NOT FINE. You can’t just let this slide.”
Finn was somewhat surprised at them raising their voice. “What am I supposed to do, then?”
They stare long into his eye. “…Do you really not see what’s wrong with this?”
He didn’t respond.
Acacia sighs and lets him go. “Okay. I’ll see what I can do in your stead.” They said, promptly walking away.
Finn had a bad feeling about those departing words, and decides to follow.
Aka, things go downhill from here. But that’s a story for another day.
