July 09, 2032 - 08:00

  The Furies were watching the snoring Junkie still sleeping, half bare.

  “Gross.” Yerin commented as everyone glared at her. “What? It’s not like you guys aren't thinking about it too.” Yerin rebutted as she crossed her arms defensively.

  “So?” Minggu whispered, “Who’ll wake him up?”

  “Seohwa, you do it. You’re the closest.” Taeseok nudged Seohwa.

  Seohwa was baffled, “Me? That will be rude. One of the boys should do it.”

  As they argued over who should wake Junkie up. Junkie groaned as he stirred awake from the noise, “Who’s making that noise?”

  Junkie opened his heavy eye-lids as he saw them in his room. He sat up and stretched as he scratched his belly with crazy bed-hair, “What are ya doin’ here?” He then looked at the clock as he swore, “Fuc—! It’s only 8! What are ya doing up so early?”

  “You said we have mercenary training today.” Hwayeon replied as she placed her hands on her hips.

  “And, it's not early, it’s quite late.” Seohwa added with a frown.

  “…” Junkie groaned as he lay back on his bed and pulled his blanket up, “Well for today’s training, learn how to appreciate the good…. Mngh…. Rest days.”

  !!!

  “Is it a rest day today?” Jiho perked up.

  “Yeah yeah whatever so get out of my room and close the door, won’t ya?”

  They soon watched him return back to sleep snoring.

  Seohwa’s lips twitched as she stepped forward and aggressively yanked his blanket.

  “Seohwa!” Hwayeon pulled her back, “I know why! But you shouldn’t do that to our guardian!”

  Minggu and Yerin gasped as they saw the unshaved belly hair on Junkie as they retreated out of the room.

  Taeseok laughed at the chaotic scene as Junkie screamed covering his nipples, “Ya brats! GET OUT!”

  ***

  08:30 - After the chaos earlier.

  Hwayeon gave Junkie some tea as he paused, “I like coffee.”

  Hwayeon melted the metal tray in her hands as Junkie flinched, “Ok ok, I’ll drink! Jeez ya kids are violent.” He sipped the tea and frowned, not liking the taste.

  The Furies watched him finish his tea as he sighed, “Ok first rule in the house, when ya ain’t working, it's a rest day. And on rest days, ya have to use this chance to rest or at least do a hobby or even a party. Ah but if ya party, ya need to be back by midnight.”

  Silence…

  Junkie then looked at the silent kids and rubbed his neck, “Don’t tell me ya can’t do that as well?”

  “We didn’t get any rest days.” Yerin replied, “It was breakfast at 07:30, Training at 08:00, Lunch at 12:00, Training again at 13:00, Dinner at 18:00, Sleep at 20:00.”

  “And so, we didn’t get that much time to explore hobbies, maybe except for Tigress.” Minggu added.

  Hwayeon looked down, “Only thanks to Dr 5.”

  “Maybe Bear knows what he wants…” Jiho commented as they all looked at Bear just casually lying comfortably on the couch already, munching some chips and watching some movie CDs.

  Taeseok felt them staring as he fed himself a chip, “What?”

  “… Point proven.” Jiho chuckled.

  Junkie sighed, “In other words, all… well most of ya don’t know how to rest.” He ruffled his grey clean beard as he slapped his thighs, “God, ya gave me a tough hurdle ahead. Alright, let’s go out somewhere. Ya kids need to learn how to have fun.”

  ***

  11:00 - Ely City Centre, Nevada.

  “We here.” Junkie got some sunglasses on with a black leather jacket as the Furies wore their grey uniforms.

  “…” Junkie sighed, feeling the stares of the people around him, “But first, let’s do some shopping.”

  “SHOPPING?!” Yerin exclaimed as she giggled excitedly, “KYAAAAAA!”

  She ran ahead as she pulled the stiff Seohwa and baffled Hwayeon.

  Junkie’s jaw dropped as he glanced at the boys, “Let’s go to the men’s area, shall we?”

  ***

  2 hours later.

  Junkie and the boys waited for the girls to finish. Jiho yawned, “Why are they taking too long?”

  “Leave it, kid. Girls need time to dress up. Y’all know why.” Junkie stretched.

  Yerin soon yelled, “Sorry for the wait! We’re ready!”

  The boys gaped as the girls looked different.

  Yerin wore a light blue flowery dress as she wore a broad hat.

  Hwayeon had a yellow shirt as she wore denim pants like a rock star.

  Seohwa had her dark green hair down as she wore a light green dress and a yellow hairband.

  Junkie gave a thumbs up, “Not bad, Crane.”

  Yerin rubbed her head sheepishly.

  Junkie smirked as he glanced at the silent boys. “This is when ya compliment them.”

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  Jiho and Minggu looked at him confused as Taeseok walked closer to Hwayeon, “You look good.”

  Hwayeon smiled warmly, “Thanks, that black shirt suits you too.”

  “Like that.” Junkie pointed at Taeseok.

  Minggu gulped awkwardly as he stared at Yerin, “…You’ve gotten pretty.”

  Yerin smirked as she crossed her arms, ready to tease him, “You’re saying I’m not always pretty?”

  “Just take the compliment!” Minggu huffed.

  Seohwa saw Jiho pale and nervous as she placed a hand on her hips with a reassuring smile, “It’s ok. You don’t need to. Thanks to Yerin, I know l look ok.”

  Jiho paused as he shook his head before breathing in deeply, “That wouldn’t be fair to you then. You look… more than ok.” Jiho averted his gaze bashingly as Seohwa chuckled, “Thank you.”

  Junkie crossed his arms, “Tut Tut! Ya boys need to learn how to flirt. Watch.”

  They watched Junkie going to a pretty young blonde woman as her face turned from neutral to baffled to rage as she slapped him.

  Junkie came back rubbing his throbbing cheek as he shamelessly smirked, “And that’s how to not flirt with a woman!”

  The girls rolled their eyes.

  Yerin scoffed, “Pervert.”

  “Jerk.” Hwayeon added with a nod.

  “...” Seohwa didn’t say anything but her eyes were filled with disdain.

  Junkie wilted inside as he exhaled, “Anyway, let’s head to the Food Courts! I’m famished.”

  After the chaotic start, Junkie showed them how to have fun as they went to all the fun places like the food courts, cinemas, arcades, library and playgrounds as well as the stores the mall had.

  By the end, Junkie looked down at his almost empty wallet as he deeply sighed.

  Seohwa tapped his arm as Junkie glanced at her, “What?”

  “Can I try that?” Seohwa pointed at the lottery powerballs.

  “…” Junkie glanced down at his remaining money, $5.65. He looked at the price of the lotto ticket and it was $5. He cried inside as he gave her the remaining $5.

  Seohwa bought the lotto tickets and chose the random numbers of 1, 6, 20, 32, 43, and 61.

  Junkie waited for the lottery to start as Seohwa glanced at him and secretly smirked.

  When the balls were jumbled, the following numbers were chosen.

  32.

  61.

  Junkie’s hand was shaking as Seohwa asked, “What?”

  “Shush or else ya’ll ruin the luck.”

  43.

  Junkie bit his lips in excitement.

  1.

  6.

  Junkie bit his fists, wanting to scream since even without the last number, the lotto ticket Seohwa bought was still 2nd place.

  And the last number… 20!

  Junkie’s jaw dropped as he stared at Seohwa in belief.

  Seohwa tilted her head innocently as if she didn’t understand what was going on as Junkie whispered, hands trembling, “Ya… ya just won us the lottery prize… ya lucky gremlin!” He cheerfully ruffled her hair as he went to the store keeper and got the winning prize in cash.

  It was a winning prize of $500K!

  Taeseok glanced at Seohwa and asked, “You’re not going to tell him?”

  “Of what?” Seohwa smiled, “Let’s just say… this is a thank you since he paid for all our expenses today.”

  Taeseok shrugged, “Suit yourself.”

  Without Junkie realising it, Seohwa manipulated the powerball results as she used her wind ability secretly to get the numbers on her lotto ticket.

  On the way home, Junkie was humming as Jiho asked while adjusting his robo-toy, “You look happy?”

  “Oh me? Of course I am!” Junkie glanced at Seohwa and patted her head, “This lucky gremlin won us a lottery winning of $500K.”

  “Woah!” Jiho and Yerin gasped. Yerin then asked, “That’s amazing! That means we can do more shopping right?”

  “Oh yes! But not today. We need to head home before it gets dark.” Junkie chuckled.

  ***

  20:00 - Junkie’s House.

  Junkie cheerfully hummed as he saw there was some popcorn and started to heat it in a microwave.

  He then got a bottle of beer as he asked, “Anyone want a beer— actually, no, y’all are underage. Nevermind.”

  The Furies sat in the living room as they played 21.

  “…Seo—Viper, what’s 8+9?” Jiho asked as he showed Seohwa his cards.

  “…” Yerin’s lips twitched as she suggested, “You know, let’s play a different game because buffoon here keeps spoiling his cards to everyone.”

  “HUH?!” Jiho glared, “I’m just tired, that’s all!”

  Junkie then interrupted, “Popcorn anyone?”

  Hwayeon smiled, “Yes plea—!” / “Thanks!” Taeseok interrupted.

  Hwayeon was flustered at the fact Taeseok immediately took one of the popcorn bowls.

  Junkie played an animation movie from the 2000s as the Furies watched it intriguely.

  After the movie, Junkie yawned, “Ok, time for bed. Oh and just in case, Viper here wakes me up early…”

  Seohwa chuckled sheepishly.

  “… Training will start at 10am tomorrow. If ya do wake up early, find something to do, capeesh?”

  They all nodded as Junkie waved them goodnight.

  ***

  In Jiho’s room, he smiled as he played with the robo-toy he got.

  In Yerin’s room, she was plastering posters of kpop idols as she filled her closet with clothes.

  In Minggu’s room, he fed the pet-rat he named ‘Berry’ before going to study.

  In Hwayeon’s room, she began to write a copy of Dr 5’s blueprints from her memory since she wasn’t able to bring them here.

  In Taeseok’s room, he stored his snack collection in a treasure chest.

  In Seohwa’s room, she lay in her bed as she fiddled with her new heightened powers after awakening the Hidden Stage…

  Her fingers twirled the wind, small rocks and a purple poison mist around.

  She dispersed them as she sat up and looked at the starry night outside her room’s window.

  She stood up and walked out quietly in the corridor, silencing her steps, using her wind steps.

  As she went down the stairs, Jiho opened the door to head to the level 2 bathroom when he saw her leaving the house quietly.

  ***

  Seohwa ran to the grasslands as she flew up and laughed, savouring the wind in her face as the stars dazzled in the dark coat of the night sky.

  She then saw a lake nearby as she stopped and rested. She smiled softly as she dipped her finger gently into the lake, causing a gentle ripple on the still water.

  “What are you doing?”

  Seohwa gasped as she made an earth pillar at the interrupter only to realise it was Jiho.

  Jiho used his lightning and destroyed her earth pillar.

  “You scared me!” Seohwa clutched her chest.

  Jiho crossed his arms and frowned, “You know you shouldn’t leave without anyone knowing right?”

  “… Sorry.” Seohwa looked down.

  Jiho sighed as he sat next to her, “Couldn’t sleep?”

  “Yeah.” Seohwa glanced at him, “I just feel different… ever since…”

  “Your rampage?” Jiho nudged her.

  “Well, yes.” Seohwa huffed as she nudged him back.

  “… Taeseok-hyung said we awakened the Hidden Stage that day.” Jiho chuckled.

  “Speaking of that day, I forgot to thank you.” Seohwa smiled warmly at him.

  “For what?”

  “…When I was on my rampage, I saw your hair… it was glowing like the sun and I realised it was you so I was able to calm down… if you hadn’t shown up then, I would’ve died.”

  “…” Jiho smirked, “That’s what friends are for, right?”

  After that, they no longer spoke as they savoured the tranquil scenery before them.

  ***

  July 10, 2032 - 10am.

  Junkie yawned as he came down and saw the kids were up already, “… Y’all seriously need to sleep in more.”

  “Morning Junkie.” Jiho waved at him.

  “Good morning.” Yerin and Minggu, who were busy last night, also came down and greeted the rest.

  “I made breakfast.” Hwayeon placed their plates down the dining table.

  “Sup.” Taeseok nodded his head.

  “You’re late. You said training starts at 10am. Not wake up and eat breakfast at 10.” Seohwa huffed as she wore her training gear.

  Junkie ignored Seohwa, “So, today is also another rest day. But, you’ll be finding your hobbies.”

  “Oh, if that’s the case, I’ll watch some movies on the couch.” Taeseok perked up as he got his breakfast and began lying on the couch.

  “Tae—Bear! Stand up! You’ll get indigestion at this rate!” Hwayeon scolded.

  Minggu asked, “Junkie, what do you mean hobbies?”

  “…Anything and everything except for studying, learning and training. Anything that makes you happy.”

  “What if we like learning?” Minggu tilted his head.

  Junkie pondered before asking, “What specifically?”

  “Herbs and plants.”

  Junkie smirked, “Then go farm for me and tend to my crops.”

  “… What?”

  “Ya heard me.” Junkie chuckled as he ate his breakfast, “Tigress, this is one killer sausage.”

  Minggu sighed as he went out in the sun. Yerin followed after him, “Don’t forget to sunscreen to prevent skin peeling.” She gave him a huge sunscreen bottle as his mouth twitched.

  Yerin hummed cheerfully as she said, “Well, I’m going to paint my walls light blue, do you have some paint, Junkie?”

  “In the garage.”

  “Garage?” Hwayeon’s ears perked up, “Is there a smithy there too?”

  “An old one but… ya can use it.” Junkie nodded and gave them permission.

  Junkie glanced at Jiho and Seohwa, “So? What do ya guys like?” Junkie already felt a headache knowing these two are the more troublesome ones.

  “Train—!”

  “How about we design your bed frames?” Junkie interrupted Seohwa as Seohwa sulked.

  Jiho shook his head, “Seohwa and I discussed it last night and we would like to train.”

  “…”

  Junkie rubbed his temples, “Then what’s the point of rest day if ya don’t rest?”

  Seohwa replied, “Jiho and I attained the Hidden Stage… and we both felt the need to learn more about it.”

  Junkie was baffled, “The Hidden Stage? Ya two?”

  Seohwa and Jiho nodded. Seohwa then realised, “Right, we didn’t tell you during the boat ride since we were pretty tired.”

  Junkie then laughed, “Ya should’ve said so from the start!”

  ???

  “Let’s go to the training hall.” Junkie smirked as he slapped his thighs in excitement.