See You On Monday! (Don't Forget)

Secret Lovers And Teary Eyes

The Higher Ups.

Theoretically, they run the Afterworld.

Except, not quite.

See, Death does not have a "Boss". It is its own being; it can rule over numerous other creatures, but there's no entity that can compare to its value. However, Death isn't as incontestable as one might think it is. The Scythe is what makes Death, "Death".

And it is the Scythe that chooses its owner. So, according to one of the first basic rules of the Afterworld, the current Grim Reaper could be replaced at any given time - it all depends on whether a successor has been spotted or not.

Taking this into consideration, one can't exactly say that Death does not require any kind of supervision; it does, and it is extremely important. And that's what the Higher Ups are for.

They're responsible for making sure the Grim Reaper is doing its job properly, and most importantly, for being ready to replace it as soon as possible. Which is the reason why most creatures see them as something to be feared, something that can control even Death itself.

Of course, Donghyuck does not agree.

Donghyuck has always been doing as he pleases, and he has been holding the spot of Death for centuries on end, with no one daring to question its methods.

Sure, the Higher Ups aren't all that crazy about him - they've been calling him reckless and "just a brat" for as long as he can remember, but that has never stopped him from being the best at what he does.

That's why even now, sitting right in front of all of them while they look down on him, he's not afraid.

"Death."

"That would be me."

"Do you know why you've been summoned?"

The Grim Reaper shakes its head, bony fingers busy trying to smooth out the folds in its robe. "I do not. If you could please enlighten me..."

The oldest member of the council, the one Death has recently started to enjoy calling "Taeil", is about to speak, when the one sitting next to him jumps in. "You've been slacking and you know it. Stop acting clueless."

"Ugh, what do you mean slacking? I told you, I've just been feeling a little under the weather. Can you really blame me? How many centuries has it been? I've always worked hard, I think it's about time I take it easy for a little!"

"Death is not allowed to take it easy." Doyoung glares at him, brows furrowed and arms crossed over his chest. He's never liked Donghyuck, and it shows.

"Oh come on... Recently it's been hard. I'm gonna get over it soon, alright? Jeez." And even though that's not the complete truth, it also isn't a mere lie. After all, Donghyuck truly has been feeling under the weather; but the real reason cannot be told.

Ever since he met Mark, he started seeing humans as more than just objects to collect; more than just blank souls. And maybe yes, that's why he feels so reluctant ending their lives. He loves humans, as much as he loves Mark. He can no longer stand the thought of destroying all that's been done by them, for all he can think of is the day it will be Mark's turn.

He can't look in the face of the dead without feeling guilt, without feeling like he's betraying his best friend.

But that, neither Mark nor the Higher Ups can know. Not yet.

Also, Donghyuck is not lying when he says "recently". It might not show, but five years aren't a long time in the Afterworld. Something along the lines of calling in sick from work for a couple days. Or at least, that's what he has come to understand after spending so much time in the world of the living.