Chapter Text
“Don’t get too rusty over the break! I better see you breaking your PR by the end of the winter!”
Sunwoo scoffed, “Tell that to yourself. Try not to lose all that muscle mass, there’s no way we’re losing this season to some dumb lions!”
“Ah, I doubt we have a chance against Jaehyun and his muscle pigs if I did,” Haknyeon cackled. “Besides, you’ll get us all the points, won’t you, you little speedy little snake?”
Sunwoo sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he brought over the last of Haknyeon’s luggage. On perfect timing, his head was greeted with a gratuitous smack by one familiar Gryffindor.
“Did I hear my name, dear Sunwoo-ssi?”
Fun Facts of the Wizarding World with Sunwoo #1: Lee Jaehyun is his pseudo big brother who also happens to be his prime bully.
Jaehyun grinned, ruffling the younger’s hair before bringing him into a headlock. He looked warm, all bundled up in red and gold, hand in hand with suitcases plastered with stickers from all around the world. Despite the so-called rivalry between the two houses, it was nothing but friendly (Haknyeon would beg to differ when Jaehyun‘s name came up), Sunwoo always relied on his Jaehyun hyung, and likewise. After all, the British-Korean community in Hogwarts was strong, tightly-knit. It was a rather big coincidence that the majority of the Quidditch teams at Hogwarts consisted of Korean immigrants or international students. After the War from a couple decades back, perhaps it was given that the population would rise.
Sunwoo ducked his head, elbowing the other into the side, “I’m not gonna miss your sorry faces. Now shoo! Both of you!”
With both arms, he pushed Haknyeon and Jaehyun further out of the Hogwarts entrance. “I’ve seen enough of your face for the past four months, I’m sick of it!” Sunwoo said lightly.
Both students chuckled equally as lightly, before bringing Sunwoo into one last tight hug which he (gladly, though he wouldn’t admit it) reciprocated.
“Hey, don’t get too mopey!” Haknyeon jokes, “And promise to write letters, alright? Or at least try calling through the cracked network!”
Ah right, someone found a way around the communication charms. It was a quiet secret but they could use phones on campus with at least 3G connection now. Bless the tech kids.
Sunwoo groaned, “We’re literally seeing each other in like two weeks for the Christmas Ball anyways. And after that, it’s school again.”
“Still, I’ll miss your chestnut head.”
“Take care of Sunyoung, use this time to remind her of your existence again!” Jaehyun brought a finger to his eyes, wiping a fake tear off, “She’s growing so much, she won’t ever need your assistance again!”
Sunwoo grumbled, “Yeah, yeah, alright! Go catch your train or whatever.”
With their two figures, along with the majority of the Hogwarts population, Sunwoo’s retreating figure was only one of a total of 10 returning to the campus. The grey clouds above swirled ominously, indicating the forecasted weather he was informed of prior. The cool breeze sent pinpricks into Sunwoo’s cheeks as he breathed out foggy condensation, puffed cheeks already reddened from the chilling atmosphere. Despite being dressed head to toe in 4 layers, he rubbed his arms in seeking comfort from the weather, shivering as he quickly headed back to the entrance corridor. A sigh of relief released from his mouth as he felt the radiating warmth of the castle embrace him as he finally loosened the striped scarf from his neck.
Sunwoo loved Hogwarts. From the 6 years he had spent 70% of his year at, it was a second home, a sentiment shared by most of his fellow students. Excusing the irony, Hogwarts itself was a magical experience. The grounds were utterly stunning, enriched with dense forests of the ecosystem of Northern Britain, an environment matched by the truly ethereal landscape surrounding the campus. He couldn’t even begin to list all the literal magic elements of the castle and its grounds.
Still, even with the beauty, Sunwoo couldn’t help but feel a little bitter for staying behind for winter break. Sunyoung, his 4th year younger sister, held similar sentiment, though perhaps a little happier knowing she had a small circle of close friends who were staying behind as well.
Their parents were off on vacation to meet some old relatives living in France or whatever. They were second generation immigrants, grandparents having moved here just after the War in search for new prospects, new dreams in the city that held all the hope.
Sunwoo sighed, glancing around at his surroundings, noting how quiet it truly was. Of course, most students would have returned to their respective hometowns by now, but still there were quite a few students left behind. Notably, many 7th years decided to stay to study through the break for N.E.W.Ts. He could almost bet that Jacob and Sangyeon were in the library, diligently burying their noses in books. Eric was also roaming around as well, (thankfully or else he’d think he’d go insane without his constant stream of talking) going back to America wasn’t quite feasible at the current climate.
Fun Facts of the Wizarding World with Sunwoo #2: Hogwarts was located in Scotland. The seasons were winter for 75% of the year and not winter for the other 25%.
He had yet to grab any breakfast, as he spent the latter part of his morning sending off his friends. With heavy steps and a grumbling stomach screaming at him to put something in there, he dragged his own legs to the Great Hall where he could see the remaining students littered around.
It was a comforting sight, Sunwoo thought. Various teenagers held books open on the side as they ate whilst others sat in groups playing exploding snap and chess. Officially, they weren’t required to wear uniforms anymore. The overall atmosphere was soothing, to see strange and close faces in such a casual manner without regard to any house regulations or perception. In the background, if he paid closer attention, he thought he could’ve heard the first G scale of the oddly foreboding tune of ‘All I Want For Christmas’ playing from the newly installed speakers down the Hall.
Sunwoo headed over to the decorated red and gold table, spotting two familiar heads playing an intense game of Wizard Chess. He leaned over the blonde, his voice muffled as he took a bite out of a toastie, “Eric, you’re failing miserably.”
Eric groaned, palms covering his face as he leaned back, “Juyeon is cheating, I just know it!”
The youngest threw a spare piece at Juyeon’s face, which the other expertly dodged. A stupidly soft smile was on Juyeon’s face as he watched Eric talk non-stop.
Fun Facts of the Wizarding World with Sunwoo #3: Juyeon had been hopelessly pining over Sohn Youngjae since third grade.
Sunwoo wondered how much longer his two friends would take to realise the bubbling emotions to rise up. He hoped it was sooner or later, he didn’t want to lose two galleons to Haknyeon.
“Eric, dude, maybe you just suck ass.”
Sunwoo patted his fellow classmate on the shoulder in an effort of consolation, greeted with splutters of curses and excuses in return.
“I’ll leave you two to it. You guys know if the court is free right now?”
“Thinking of sneaking in some training so you don’t lose so badly to us next semester?” Juyeon bragged without any bite.
“Nah, being smart, actually. You’ll be the one laughing when I return and beat Shuhua’s record.”
Sunwoo bid the two farewell. He wasn’t particularly dressed in fitting attire for exercise, but flying always did manage to take his mind off any remaining bitter, unreasonable, thoughts that were beginning to surface.
The breezy air graced him again, as Sunwoo kicked off the ground, taking into the sky with a firm grip on his own broom. The Slytherin team wasn’t bad in any way, it was just these past year’s Quidditch skill-level were so closely matched it truly was difficult to predict which house would get the next cup. Regardless, he loved practice, and flying itself. Zooming through the light layer of fog, it was a familiar action he sought comfort in.
Ever since he got on a broom for the first time, he knew he wanted to be in the air till the day he died. It was so freeing, to just feel life without gravity weighing down on his shoulders.
Though, his peace wasn’t all that silent, as he felt a sudden whoosh almost blow him off his broom.
Sunwoo quickly swung his broomstick around, turning his head as he spied the culprit.
“Kim Sunwoo?”
Ah, just his luck.
A student, clad in plaid, but wearing the same grip gloves as himself, broke through the fog. A student familiar with Sunwoo’s younger beating heart.
A student he definitely did not expect to be left at Hogwarts through the break. Sunwoo’s puzzled expression wasn’t suppressed at all.
“Changmin?”
Changmin nodded slightly, pulling to the side as he turned his face to meet Sunwoo’s.
“I thought you and Sunyoung were heading back to Brighton?”
“Plans changed, parents wanted to vacay.”
Changmin gave a trifling nod, fiddling with the grip on his own broom. With every word, Sunwoo could see the condensation from each breath. “Well, you wanna train together? Since we’re both here.”
“Of course. You go keeper then, and I switch to beater?” Sunwoo, himself, nodded albeit a bit too fast.
Changmin hummed, a small smile tugging at his lips, “I’d like to see you try being a beater.”
Sunwoo gasped dramatically, “Are you suggesting I’m weak? Dude, not cool.”
The other’s smile stayed, “We’ll see.”
See, here’s the thing.
Sunwoo had a slight, slight obsession on one certain Slytherin Seeker.
Ever since Sunwoo entered those Quidditch trials back in second year, with his bubbly exterior yet to be tainted by the horrors of teenagehood, with the pureness of the long 11 years of living, emotions only beginning to come alive, his eyes laid on a certain other Slytherin and decided he was definitely the love of his life. Okay, maybe not to that extent, but Sunwoo’s mind was clouded in old nostalgia as he fondly remembered the first time he laid his eyes on his hyung. It really was more of a crush than anything else, the first love. 11 year-old Sunwoo thought he was adorable, but he brushed it off as soon as trials truly started.
How could he not? How could anyone not have fallen for 12-year old Changmin? His cheeks were full, still squirrel-like and plump with boy-ish charms. His eyes sparkled at anything as if they were reflecting the Great Hall’s stunning ceilings. Not to mention that adorable expression that was permanently fixated on Changmin’s features for a year or two.
Of course, as time passed, both emotionally and physically, they had changed drastically.
Blame puberty, and such events that occur as a result.
The initial wonder only lasted for a few weeks, before his hormone-addled brain obsessed over some other classmate. First crushes were like that, and he accepted it readily.
The newfound obsession itself wasn’t a crush, per say. He just found himself extremely, extremely, intrigued with the other’s existence.
Sunwoo brushed off the surfacing memories as he gripped onto the Quaffel tightly, rubbing it out of habit as he watched Changmin take one more lap before floating right in front of the goalposts. Regardless, the two of them were no more than friends of proximity, teammates, acquaintances, however you put it. It was hard to tell, especially in the past year.
Sunwoo could always catch Changmin attached to the hip by Younghoon and Chanhee, either third-wheeling. Oftentimes, in the dormitories, he’d chat up Kevin and they’d study together. Of course, Sunwoo also managed to hold conversations with the others. He felt they were definitely better friends, up to fifth year.
Then after that, it seemed as if they returned to the idea of being close acquaintances. Their friendship wasn’t lost. Rather, Sunwoo felt like that spark had diminished, and was only beginning to recover as the two of them began 6th year. It was a story he’d rather unpack at another time.
It was weird. Changmin was weird.
“Kim Sunwoo, are you paying attention?”
Changmin’s voice echoed across the barren field. Sunwoo shook his head, shouting a confirmation before bringing himself closer to the handle of the broomstick with one arm, and the other locking the Quaffel tightly into his side as he zig-zagged in formation, cutting through the crisp winter air as he neared the goal post. This familiarity, the muscle memory taking over as his eyes darted from side to side, carefully watching Changmin’s position before throwing the Quaffel through the temporarily empty goal post.
The other had just missed the ball, a finger’s distance from an interception.
“Aish, Sunwoo, you’re getting pretty good.” Changmin chuckled softly, slowing down his broom as he watched the other do a small victory flip.
Sunwoo cracked a grin. This familiarity, it was nice. Comforting. But of course, Sunwoo’s stubborn brain believed otherwise. This whole confusing bundle of emotions, it had to be just because they started talking again after almost a year of radio silence.
Sunwoo whistled lowly as he watched Changmin ride around the goal posts with that confidence and pride of the Slytherin’s slithery Seeker. Though Changmin was faster than him (he was built for speed), Sunwoo made it up with his technique and strategy mid game for the attacking wing. For the next few hours of what remained of the morning, till past noon, the two of them played back and forth in familiarity. The chilly atmosphere only built up, fog beginning to settle where the white mist began covering the Quidditch house stands and bleachers. Gone was the clear sight of the oval, Sunwoo was only glad that he had his goggles charmed to let him see through such conditions.
Fun Facts of the Wizarding World with Sunwoo #4: Changmin was a crazy good flyer.
Seeing how Changmin would relentlessly dive through and cut the fog as he sped around looking for the golden ball, he figured he did as well. Sunwoo chased, granted a little behind, after the other as he shouted typical taunts as if it truly was like any regular training match.
All of a sudden, Changmin decided it was a great idea to perform a feint, dropping into a nosedive towards the ground. Sunwoo, being the extremely rational player he was, followed along blindly. In no way was he going to give his fellow teammate an easy win. With hands clutching the beating bat, he swung fast and hard with a stray bludger right in the direction.
“Changmin! You better let up sooner or later or you’ll crash!” Sunwoo yelled, suddenly feeling extremely concerned at the speed at which Changmin was still diligently diving at, accelerating by the second. He shook his head, pulling his broomstick up knowingly, his other arm holding the bat laid limply by his side as he watched Changmin continue his manoeuvres without any sign of stopping.
Breaking through the fog, only then did he see that familiar figure barrelling into the muddy Quidditch field at full speed, rolling over multiple times as their broom was tossed aside from the pure force of crashing. Sunwoo cursed under his breath as he flew to the ground at lightning speed.
If Changmin had gotten himself hurt again, in such a stupid manner.
Sunwoo more or less jumped off his broom, throwing it to the ground as he raced across the field to the older student curled upon themselves lifelessly on the ground. His once clean cotton plaid shirt was drenched and muddled into unrecognisable patterns, splattered with the moistened black soil. Changmin’s hair was dishevelled with pieces of grass intertwined between the locks, his black gloves glistened with the condensation from the ground.
Sunwoo hastily dropped to the ground, shaking the unmoving figure with rapidly growing anxiety, disregarding the disgusting feeling of every movement forcing out squelching moist noises from the marshy field.
He shouted, “Changmin! Changmin you stupid bastard of a Seeker! What the fuck?!”
Sunwoo’s brows furrowed deeper as both hands grasped the other’s shoulders, pulling the lethargic upper body from the ground. He felt his own anger grow by the second as he continued spewing out curses out of frustration.
He felt a damp feeling on his cheek, lifting his head up to meet the other’s eyes. Sunwoo’s mouth shut instantly as his own eyes traced the Seeker’s face. Changmin, of course, had a shit-eating grin plastered across his face as Sunwoo's own expression morphed from distress into betrayal, and all that existed in between. Changmin’s eyes crinkled with laughter as he opened his palm, letting the still perfectly clean and sparkling golden ball fly away.
Sunwoo, in short, wanted to throttle the older student.
“What kind of stunt was that, hyung?! Huh?!” Sunwoo laughed humourlessly, punching the other in the stomach lightly, and in the arms not so much. His voice rose with every word as he began switching into a jumbled mix of Korean and English with anger, “Do you have no concern for your dongsaeng’s emotional state!”
“It’s nice to know you care about my wellbeing, Sunwoo.” Changmin chuckled, letting out short gasps on impact of each punch.
“I care about beating the prideful lions into dust next season! Don’t get that confused, hyung.” Sunwoo scoffed, pushing the older student back into the marshy field forcefully. “That's for making me worried.”
Changmin spluttered at the sudden coldness running down his back. With each breeze, he felt another shiver wreck his body from the damp clothes he wore. Quickly, in retaliation, Changmin hands circled Sunwoo’s wrists with newfound strength before pinning them to the ground. He shoved the other’s face into the muck, forcing Sunwoo’s hair to also be tangled up in the slushy ground.
Sunwoo spluttered out the disgusting mud from his mouth. “Yah! How dare you, Ji Changmin! I literally just showered this morning!”
Changmin cackled before throwing a fistful of mud into the other’s direction, before jumping back up to his feet. Sunwoo wiped off the remnants on his face, mumbling harsh curses that he wouldn’t dare repeat in front of a professor, before getting up as well. He closed his hands around the ground, pulling out a mushy bundle of first.
This meant war.
In nothing short of 5 seconds, the two students chased one another, in the middle of the desolate Quidditch field on a winter morning. The sky had yet to clear up, rather the grey atmosphere decided to reign throughout the whole day. Both Changmin and Sunwoo had gotten increasingly filthy with mud and grass stains, brooms abandoned on the side as they fought without any bite behind the actions as they continuously shoved each other around.
Even after hours of flying, the two had lost track of time. Sunwoo was, reasonably, out of breath. He doubled over with exhaustion as he half-heartedly attempted to rub off the mud of his exposed forearms.
Sunwoo looked up from the ground, to see the other lay by his side, likewise also from fatigue. Changmin brought up his wrist, wiping off the glass of his watch. His eyes widened, body immediately brought to sit up again.
“Sunwoo, we’ve been out here for four hours. It’s 3 pm.”
Sunwoo huffed, “No shit.”
“Sunwoo, we should get inside.”
Sunwoo groaned, rolling over on the grass, “Drag me.”
Changmin hummed, “I’m heading to the showers and changing. We should at least get something to eat, right?”
Sunwoo nodded listlessly, basking in the frigid temperature. “Forgot a change of clothes.”
“Idiot.”
Sunwoo snorts, “You fly too risky. Who’s got the brain cells here?”
Changmin snorted indignantly, “I get us the win, why does it matter?.”
“What happened two seasons ago begs to differ.”
Fun Facts of the Wizarding World with Sunwoo #5: Changmin did indeed catch the snitch a whole 85% of the time. The statistics changed when they matched Gryffindor.
Changmin threw his dirty gloves at Sunwoo’s face, “Shut up, pull yourself up. I’m pretty sure I brought an extra change of clothes.”
Sunwoo raised an eyebrow, “You’re kinda small, hyung, you sure they’ll fit?”
Changmin scorned, “Take it or leave it, Kim. I’m offering my humble help, and this retaliation is what I get in return?”
Sunwoo shrugged. He did want to get out of the cold, there wasn’t any use in continuing the bickering.
Changmin had offered his hand out, which Sunwoo graciously took to stand up. With that, the two of them grabbed their respective brooms with a simple Accio charm. The two figures, both shivering ever so slightly with each gust of wind, huddled together, walking back to the locker rooms from the stadium. Thankfully it was only a short walk, but it was nice, Sunwoo thought.
Nice to be in this proximity with Changmin. He still wanted to throttle his hyung though.
Turns out, Changmin finds comfort in wearing oversized clothing that made his own figure drown in such clothes. Sunwoo, of course, had barely noticed his casual choice in clothing as Changmin opted to constantly wear robes during the school period. Even on weekends, Changmin would either be seen in Quidditch gear or stuck up in semi-casual robes. Eric theorised it was because he had no fashion sense and was shit at dressing without his countless maids back in the manor, Sunwoo, rationally, believed it was just because he was born into the wizarding world.
Sunwoo’s cheeks flushed slightly at the sight of the other trying to pull his sleeves up higher, as his arms didn’t reach the full sleeve length. It was an endearing action, knowing that his borrowed sweater was a perfect fit. Truly, the two of them weren’t so different in clothing size, Changmin was just cursed to be a few centimetres off of Sunwoo. Adding to it, the older student possessed a lean structure, only strengthened by the insane leg strength of constantly being on a broom and core stability. Sunwoo, regrettably, had been indoctrinated into the cult of working out with the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw team.
Changmin dressed warmly, wearing a woollen blue coat and an oversized beige cashmere sweater. He wrapped a plaid scarf tightly around his neck, all bundled up and ready to face the lowering temperature.
The two of them trudged the journey back to the castle grounds. Sunwoo was glad they were back to normalcy.
-
Sunwoo’s eyes never left the head of a fellow second year student, likewise, clutching a broom nervously and fiddling with gloves two sizes too big. He suddenly felt the gaze reciprocate his own, causing Sunwoo’s face to burn ever so slightly. With the entire emotional capability of a 11 year old, he could feel his little brain chemicals start conjuring up all sorts of ideas in his head.
The other student, who’s name he learned later was Ji Changmin, was called up next to line up for the trials. Sunwoo’s eyes lit up, hearing that the smaller student was trialling for seeker. The previous seventh year was preparing for N.E.W.Ts, and Slytherin needed a new talent to even think about keeping up with the prodigy, Lee Juyeon, from Gryffindor. A few fifth years, also in line for Seeker trials, watched in disbelief as some kid half their size stood behind them.
Even Sunwoo was a little concerned. Changmin looked like the type to get harassed by the higher year levels for his puny stature. As much as Slytherin had changed over the years since the Great War, there were always a few gangs existing amongst the older students, waiting to terrorise poor kids. He was subjected to such experience just a few weeks after first arriving, he grimaced.
Sunwoo heard from hushed, worried voices from the current captains about Slytherin’s situation. With both a lack of numbers and motivation from last season’s loss, the house needed to get an entire revamp of players. Haknyeon, by his side, was ecstatic.
Even as a mere 12 year old, his friend was built sturdy from the years of working at his family’s farm and helping out. He would definitely get the beater position, easily. Sunwoo had all the faith. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Chan, a third year beater, come up to Haknyeon to usher him to trial. Sunwoo decided to let the two be.
Instead, his eyes fell back to his hopefully-soon-to-be teammate, Changmin, as he readied for take off.
And by God did he take off.
Changmin disappeared in a flash, with only the bustling wind left as evidence of his previous position. The grass beneath where he stood had been kicked up, revealing and uprooting weeds from the field. The second year whizzed around, turning corners with such speed that Sunwoo could almost swear he saw the other’s broom almost break from the pure force it took for Changmin to swerve and loop around. His small stature was probably more of a benefit than anything as he held himself lightly through the sprint.
Yuqi, an established chaser of Slytherin, cheerfully smiled at the speeding Seeker-hopeful. She held up the timer in her hand, waving it to the Slytherin captain below.
Changmin, endearingly with those gloves a size too large for his small hands, pulled off the bulky goggles, letting the elastic tighten again around his head as they rested in his long, wavy hair. Sunwoo’s mouth was agape, from the show of pure talent in front of him, and perhaps, a smidge of infatuation growing as he watched the other run their hand through those soft, brown locks. Even after a lap, he was barely sweating.
“A lap done in less than a minute and a half. New record for a Slytherin Seeker.” Haechan spoke in disbelief, another second year and his fellow potions buddy, muttering behind him. He took in a quick breath, “Damn, I think he even matches up to the new lion recruit, Lee. Hey, Sunwoo, what are you thinking about going for?”
Sunwoo perked up, eyes tearing off the older student, who had finally touched ground after whirling around the field. “Hm? Oh just- you know, Chaser. I got pretty good aim and reflexes, from years of soccer.”
Haechan clapped him on the shoulder, “You’d probably have me beat then, I’m kinda uncoordinated at this stuff but Taeyong’s a legendary member. It's an obligation, I guess. But also, flying’s super fun!”
“You think Slytherin has a chance?”
“Hell yeah, we’re cool as heck! Big bro thinks this new team’s gonna be epic as hell.”
With that, after Sunwoo was also trialled, the full team was established. Half of the original graduating team had been replaced by second year hopefuls and talents that, quote on quote from the current captain and keeper of the team, Mark Tuan, will eventually bear the fruits of labour with a bit of luck.
It was nice to be in a team full of familiar faces and friends. To be able to play with Haknyeon and Haechan was a dream come true, and he couldn’t wait till practice properly began.
And maybe a small part of him cheered when he saw Changmin appointed as the new main Seeker.
From before Hogwarts, he only had his eyes set on becoming a soccer star, knowing he wasn’t too interested in whatever education held for him. His parents even got him all the equipment and club memberships to play extra, graciously supporting his every step to achieve his dreams.
Of course, with the arrival of a certain parchment letter embossed with fancy embellishment, all hope for such a dream vanished in an instant. Regardless, it seemed as if many components of soccer skills translated perfectly through to flying, and even more so to Quidditch.
He never really noticed the other student’s existence. Haknyeon told him it was because he had only just transferred a week ago. Even at the dormitories, he barely saw the other. Rather, Sunwoo would only ever catch the other in the presence of two others flanking his sides, walking to and from the library.
In the midst of the night, he’d hear someone sneak out of the dorm. Sunwoo could almost swear the voice muttering Alohamora was one certain hyung of his.
Sunwoo would muster the courage he prided himself in, tapping the young Seeker’s shoulder after a calmer training, asking whether he would like to stay behind and practice. At first, he was met with an incredulous expression, but agreement was still voiced as the older pulled on his gloves once again, brushing off stray pieces of grass off his broom.
Sunwoo couldn’t tear his eyes off of Changmin’s eyes, hair, hands, lips, everything. He gulped cautiously as he watched Changmin shake his head, shaking off remnant dry dirt from an earlier failed attempt of dodging bludgers. His wavy, probably permed, brown hair curled at the base of elongated neck. His fringe was slightly too long, getting in the way of Changmin’s eyes, and causing him to consciously attempt to blow the strands away.
Sunwoo’s face blushed as he watched Changmin’s soft, supple and rosy cheeks enlarge with the intake of air. He looked almost exactly like a squirrel, as he kept blowing till he was satisfied. In the end, the older student would keep his hair out with the goggles. Nevertheless, Sunwoo couldn’t help but let his little first crush begin to grow as he watched the other prepare for take off again.
Changmin’s eyes were filled with nothing but pure determination. Brazen with confidence and conviction that he would fly flawlessly each time. He was overflowing with passion with every step of the way, even more so when he was in the air. Sunwoo’s eyes were glazed as they mindlessly followed the older. He shook his head, knowing there wouldn’t be much point to a practice if he didn’t get on his own broom.
And with that, the two of them trained various flying manoeuvres, going in and out of posts and passing a worn Quaffel between the two of them. The summer breeze was welcoming as both began to tire from the constant flying.
Eventually, they descended and headed back to the castle. Changmin spoke little, careful with each word. Sunwoo habitually stared into the other’s hazel eyes, barely paying attention to his actual words.
Changmin was ethereal to this world. An angel carved by God themselves.
Of course, this level of infatuation never found itself deepening beyond surface level. Rather, Sunwoo blamed Changmin as his own gay awakening he underwent the next month as his own emotions began colliding against one another in an attempt to make sense of such chaos. His identity was questioned by himself as he began to truly discover who he was. He moved on from the crush quickly, with the name doodling only happening twice through the three weeks of fascination in newfound emotions and responses.
By then, Changmin was just a reliable teammate he could fly with. Sure, he was still attractive and far too stunning for his own good, but Sunwoo blamed such feelings for the surface level trivial details.
-
Even with the years that went by, they never were more than reliable teammates to each other. With every advance of friendship Sunwoo attempted since 5th year, Changmin would take a step back, only ever giving the bare minimum in return. It didn’t really hurt Sunwoo at all at the time, he knew Changmin enjoyed alone time far more than others. He found a little comfort in knowing he was equally as distant to others around him, other than Chanhee and Younghoon (Though he’d see him with Kevin and Jacob sometimes as well). He was content with their current relationship.
A buried part of his brain disagreed.
His opinion changed only slightly as that old infatuation began to creep into his brain again after seeing a sixteen-year-old Changmin return from his manor at summer break. Fuck puberty.
They sat in silence, eating leftover lunch in a mostly barren Great Hall. The occasional shouts or groans of defeat from board games echoed through the cathedral-like dining area, quickly shushed by professors standing by who definitely should be at home instead of chaperoning a bunch of hormonal teens.
“So, stuck here for Christmas?”
Changmin looked up, nodding slightly as he shoved another spoonful of soup into his already puffy cheeks. Sunwoo felt a bit of his heart melt, some things just never changed.
“Upcoming election, parents are crazy busy at the Ministry 24/7. I would just get in the way if I went home.” Changmin chewed for a bit, shrugging before returning to shoving food in his small mouth, “Besides, Hogwarts feels more like home.”
Fun Facts of the Wizarding World with Sunwoo #6: The Ji family were crazy rich with old money and legacy. Both parents and many members of the family held important positions in the Ministry and its many departments.
“I get it.” Sunwoo hummed, pushing his plate forward as his eyes wandered to the rest of the winter decorations the hall wore. The professors this year had outdown themselves in preparations for the winter season. To add to the mood of the season even more, the Charms professor had decorated the castle columns with sparkling lights and bunches of white and silver ornaments hanging off strings in light of the upcoming Christmas season. The warm lights lighting up the Great Hall contrasted beautifully to the white snowy clouds above them.
Out of the corner of his eyes, he could’ve sworn he saw Changmin’s eyes staring at his own, only to hurriedly wander back down to his half-finished plate.
Sunwoo turned his head, tilting his head, “Hm?”
His eyes were definitely playing tricks on him. The older student’s face must’ve still been cold from the weather outside, explaining the slight pink flush that appeared on the apple of his cheeks.
Changmin cleared his throat, “Nothing. How’s Sunyoung?” Sunwoo choked on his bread at the sudden mention of his sister, “Need any help with her new subjects?”
“Why are you offering assistance?” Sunwoo’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.
Changmin chuckled, leaning his face on an open palm as he played absentmindedly with his food with the other hand. “I tutored her in Herbology, Charms and Care for Magical Creatures for half of this year. Just wondering if she still needed that help throughout the holidays.”
Fun Facts of the Wizarding World with Sunwoo #7: Changmin’s smart. Comes with the privileged upbringing.
Sunwoo gasped in offence, “Huh!? Since when?”
“I said half a year, weren’t you listening?”
“WHY DIDN’T SHE SAY ANYTHING?!” Sunwoo stopped in his tracks, “Why didn’t she ask me? Sunyoung and I do the exact same subjects?”
He scowled, rubbing the back of his neck. The other’s voice was full of mirth as he took one more bite from his bread, “I was recommended by a teacher for her. Your parents agreed, by the way. It’s good to have a little pocket money on the side. Turns out she also thinks you suck at teaching when you, quote on quote, barely grasp the fundamentals of anything but DADA and potions and, also quote on quote, have nothing but a broken Quaffle for a brain.”
Sunwoo couldn’t believe the words he was hearing. Betrayed by his own sister, this was his ultimate demise.
“Close your mouth, Kim, before you attract flies.” Changmin poked Sunwoo with a clean pair of chopsticks, a shit-eating grin broadening on his face.
“I can’t believe my own sister dumped me for you. Is this why she’s never free for sibling game night on Fridays?.”
Changmin grinned and nodded, confirming his suspicions, “Just get good, like your hyung. I think she likes me better actually.”
Sunwoo groaned, dragging his palm across his face as he rubbed his temples, “I miss when she wasn’t so crafty. Where did my little innocent baby sister go? What savage replaced her?”
“People change, Sunwoo-ah.” Changmin wiped his mouth with the provided tissues, before tidying his own area slightly.
Sunwoo sighed, changing the subject and keeping note to talk to Sunyoung later. “Are Chanhee and Younghoon both gone for this break?”
“Chanhee and his family have gone to the froggy nation for vacation. Younghoon’s helping out at his mums’ bakery over the winter.” Changmin sighed.
Sunwoo, out of nowhere, was overcome with a sense of conviction and determination. It was really just them this break. Well, of course other than Eric and Juyeon (and also Kevin and Jacob), but he knew they’d be stuck in their own world, whatever couples, or whatever those two were, did on Christmas wasn’t his business to pry in.
This year, he’d break into Changmin’s locked up heart, and at the very least, gain a real friend (again) from the other.
Sunwoo's mouth contorted with a suspicious smile as he faced the other, who gave increasingly quizzical expressions at Sunwoo. He rubbed his hands together, small chuckles escaping his breath as he began to formulate a plan within his head.
“Sunwoo, you okay in there?” Changmin tapped his head, legitimate concern on his face at Sunwoo’s sudden weird behaviour.
“Nothing hyung, nothing at all.”
“Okay?” Changmin turned around, “Anyway, I’ll see you around then, I gotta go do some errands.”
Sunwoo nodded again, “Of course.”
Changmin hurriedly cleaned up, wiping his mouth before pushing himself from the desk and tidying his sweater down. He watched Changmin’s retreating figure in the distance.
He will become besties with Changmin over the break.