#I’m a furry so it counts ig

[crustycrackhead]

A warm embrace between two lost souls

[lesbiantvfish]

what if i said i liked a *little* early 2000s girl power. would you be mad

[whyse7vn]

DOWN BAD -

[ ot7 x reader ]

JOON4PRESIDENT

8 participants - 8 online

———————————

y/n: hi

tae: 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

y/n: ?

tae: holy fuck ur so fucking funny😭☠️😭☠️😭☠️😭☠️😭☠️😭☠️😭☠️😭☠️😭☠️😭☠️😭☠️😭

jimin: i BEG you let that man hit

at this point it’s embarrassing

tae: pls

jk: i think ur funny too

namjoon: shame is free

tae: idk what that’s supposed to mean

jk: it means shame is free i think

y/n: is that why you’ve been at my house for the last 2 weeks??

cuz you wanna hit??

yoongi: 2 weeks??

jin: down so fucking bad

jk: i thought tae was here cuz he missed us?

tae: I AM I SWAER

but if y/n let me hit in the time i was here i wouldn’t be mad

y/n: ur sick

hobi: why have you let tae stay in ur house for 2 weeks?

y/n: he FORCED his way in here

tae: not true jungkook willingly let me in

jin: jungkooks not even a real person so that doesn’t count

jk: i’m real

i think

jimin: i’m telling you he needed that 100k for rent

yoongi: taehyung homeless era

tae: I HAVE A HOME

y/n: ur not acting like it

tae: home is where the heart is

and my hearts with you bbg

y/n: leave

jk: am i real?

tae: are you a construction worker?

jk: no

tae: cuz ur a building

namjoon: what?

tae: 😉

@y/n

not you namjoon or jungkook

y/n: it’s hard

the life i live

hobi: hard like a criminal hard like the beat

tae: my rizz is out of this world it’s actually insane

jimin: do you know what rizz means?

bcs you can’t be fr

jk: isn’t rizz a type of cheese?

yoongi: this is my competition…

y/n: ur thinking of swiss cheese kook

jk: I AM

how did you know that??

y/n: can one of you guys come a get tae from us pls im begging you

jimin: i can’t read sorry

jin: i’m literally blind

hobi: 🫣

y/n: i fear his stupidness is rubbing off on jungkook

yoongi: i think he’s just naturally dumb as hell

jk: who

yoongi: see

y/n: plS my biggest fear in this life is waking up to furry jk

tae: ummm

that would have nothing to do with my influence

yoongi: call animal control maybe they’ll help you with tae?

tae: ??????

y/n: NAMJOON PLS UR MY ONLY HOPE PLS PLS PLS

namjoon: i’m not here

tae: CAN SOMONE DEFEND ME LIKE OMG???

jUNGKOOK TELL HER HER GREAT I AM

jk: he’s great

tae: UR NO HELP FUCK U

i’m gonna kill myself in front of you all in the most horrific way and change ur lives forever and NO amount of therapy will help you forget or move on

jk: ok i’m ready

tae: i’m leaving

y/n: god bless 🙏🏽

tae: ur obsessed with me get help

i hate you all

losers

gosh

fucking bitches the LOT of you

L

AWOOOOOOO

lone wolf era

jimin: what the fuck

namjoon: are you done?

tae: yeah :/

y/n: do you feel better now??

tae: as better as i can be in a situation like this :/

hobi: what situation?

tae: wdym?

jin: he has to be brain dead or something

tae: right hoseok stupid as hell

jk: i think jimin is talking about you bro

tae: jungkook ur young i wouldn’t expect you to understand

jk: ur right

y/n: they changed the korean age system isnt that crazy

jin: DON’T TALK ABOUT AGE

jimin: it’s a sensitive topic for him cuz he’s still old no matter what

namjoon: please

jk: i’m 25

jin: IDC SHUT UP

y/n: yikes

hobi: jungkook has been 25 for like 10 years

jk: that’s not true that makes no sense

hobi are you bad at maths?

hobi: don’t speak to me

tae: jimin you smell the best in the group

y/n: why are you smelling people?

hobi: furry

tae: after the loml ofc

jk: jennie?

tae: SHUT UP

jk: did you break up again???

tae: KICK HIM KICK HIMMM

jimin: what do i smell like?

tae: like vanilla i love it soOOOO much

it’s like a sweet vanilla but not so strong it overpowers ur senses it’s just right

i could eat you

jimin: i wish bitches i wanted said shit like this

but it’s just you

thx ig

tae: ???????

jin: that’s frfr creepy as hell tbh

why is he actually sniffing people is that not insane

jimin: don’t be mad you don’t smell like sweet vanilla

jin: i’m actually glad

look at what ur attracting

hobi: furries

jin: right

tae: 𝖘𝖍𝖚𝖙 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖋𝖚𝖈𝖐 𝖚𝖕

jk: WOAH

CALM DOWN TAE CALM DOWN TAE ITS OKAY ITS JUST US 😰😨😭

jimin: again what the actual fuck

tae: ur right i’m sorry i didn’t mean to get like that guys

jk: it’s okay

namjoon: they’re actually insane oh my god

y/n: i have seen a real decline in jungkooks mental state since the arrival of tae at our home

yoongi: again i think that’s just jungkook

y/n: no i know jungkook

jk: yeah she knows me

i know her

we have a connection you wouldn’t understand yoongi

y/n: and i know for a FACT he’s not that dumb

hobi: dumb dumb

jk: right i’m not that dumb

tae: WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY RN???

jk: wait

namjoon: tae go back to therapy

jimim: begging you

jin: awoman🙏🏻

tae: NO

I TOLD YOU LAST TIME

SHE LAUGHED AT ME

THE THERAPIST

I WONT I WONT I WONT

you can’t make me

it’s a free world

jk: you can buy the world??

yoongi: what do people see in you?

jk: whom?

y/n: LMAOOOO

namjoon: jungkook are you high rn?

jk: am i what?

namjoon: high

jk: hello

work on ur spelling joon

jimin: who tf is supplying him with this shit

jin: bet it was tae

tae: NO LOL

LOL

LOL

yoongi: so it was tae

y/n: HAVE YOU BEEN GETTING JUNGKOOK HIGH THESE LAST 2 WEEKS TAE???????

namjoon: this explains a lot

hobi: this is why he’s been messaging shit to my phone at like 2 in the morning

crazy

jk: who

tae: NO

LOL

y/n: HOW HAVE I NOT NOTICED???

jimin: right you dumb as hell tbh

namjoon: does it not smell??

jin: namjoon drug expert

tae: MAYBE HES BEEN TAKING EDIBLES

FROM SOMEONE WHEN YOU GO TO SLEEP???

LOL

yoongi: why are you giving ur self away like that

you really are stupid

jk: yeah stupid

yoongi: don’t ever agree with me again

jk: in y/ns bed rn

hobi: fight fight fight

yoongi: been there multiple times

jk: um ur lying

im here every night

i haven’t run into you in the last 4 months

tae: DONR TELL ME YOU LET JUNGKOOK HIT BEFOR ME OH MY GOD I CANT BREATHE RNNNNNNNNNNN

LIKE JUNGKOOK

ARE YOU FR .:’sk

omGGGH

NOOOSODODOD

jk: i’ve never hit a woman in my life

it’s not right pls don’t hit y/n

y/n: he comes to cuddle sometimes

yoongi: he does?

jk: everyday actually

she’s lying

jin: i’m gonna kill 14 puppies in-front of taehyung and see what happens

tae: why me

jin: you’re n need of a personality change

tae: i’m fine the way i am??

love urself and others will love you for you

we made a whole album about it?

jin: i’m not loving you for you tbh

and a LOT of people would say the same

tae: you guys are lucky i’m not sensitive

y/n: i’ve always been a lucky girly

hobi: you literally live with jungkook?

jk: yes?

hobi: nothing

jk: if you remember lmk ^^

tae: y/n do you have ugly man syndrome or something?

y/n: ??

tae: idk you just seem to enjoy being friendly with ugly men

y/n: never once have i said i’ve enjoyed ur company

tae: ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY IM THE UGLY MAN??

y/n: you said it not me…

tae: anything jungkook can do i 110% do it better

unless it’s lack common sense

i’m pretty full of common sense

jimin: that’s actually not true

y/n: maybe that’s what gets jungkook cuddles?

jk: when?

yoongi: being stupid?

y/n: yeah maybe he’s a loser and i find it endearing

yoongi: lol

hobi: me when i’m jealous

tae: IM ACTUALLY THE BIGGESt LOSER AROUND

TELL HER GUYS

namjoon: the biggest!

jimin: HE SOOOOOO DUMB ITS CRAZY

hobi: i feel the need to kick him every time i see him type of loser

jin: he’s such a loser actually i still bully him to this day

tae: not too much now

hobi: okay i can’t do this anymore let’s address the elephant in the room

jimin: namjoon…

namjoon: wtf?

y/n: don’t be mean

jk: are you guys in all in a room without me?

tae: u-um >.<

jin: did he just stutter through text?

y/n: pls stop

jk: where is the elephant??

jin: jungkook go to bed or something ur pissing me off now

jk: sleep well jin

namjoon: gn jin

jin: don’t feed into his shit namjoon

jk: y/n are you with the elephant?

yoongi: y/N aRe yOu wItH tHE eLepHaNt

jimin: what the beef omg?

tae: what is this elephant hobi-senpai ?!!!

i’m sitting on the edge of my seat

♡ (⇀ 3 ↼)

jk: me 2

hobi: tae you need to learn how to get a fucking grip and shut the fuck up

…

FYI JK AND Y/N ARE LIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FUNZIES OKAY? FOR THE GIRLIES THAT DO NOT KNOW

the rest of the members have their own houses and are lonely losers

[simpymf]

𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐈𝐀 pt. 1/3

⌈ UNDERTALE HUMAN!SANS x MONSTER!OC ⌋ (n.) the journey of changing one’s mind, heart, self, or way of life

CONTENT WARNINGS: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE · RACISM · MENTIONS OF ABUSE · MENTIONS OF VIOLENCE · DISCRIMINATION · FAT SHAMING · ANGST · SLIGHT SEXUAL THEMES · ROMANCE · PLOT WITH IMPENDING PORN

Word count: 4,724 words

- - - -

Awh, shii, here we go again.

yup, i'm makin' another fic and it's similar to my previous fic AMATIVE. This fic is considered a "Canon" x OC and not an x Reader, so if yer not into that, I'd suggest skeddaddling now. If you ARE into it... nice.

This is a human!Sans x monster!OC, and the design credit for this human sans belongs to the great @htsan. i know last time i said plz ignore, but y'know what, go crazy wit it this round. maybe i'll become a whore for attention. reblog, like, comment, go ham ig.

please heed the content warnings because the people in this fic are MEAN. and, for the record, the OC does show her side of racism as well, but don't worry. we's fuckin the racism out by the end of this. I've got part 2 finished, but part 3 might take a minute...

That's all I got though! Enjoy part one. Cha cha <3

- - - -

“Bold of you to bring me to a restaurant with a bunch of fish tanks surrounding us,” grumbles a black cat, whose voice is tight and churlish.

Sitting across a plump man—whose clean-shaven head proves well to blind passing monsters and humans alike—is a feminine black cat, her radiant golden eyes squinting sharply at his dorky grin. She sits with her slender and furry arms crossed over her chest, rustling her creamy halter strap crop top.

He chuckles, “didn’t want us ta get stuck de-bait-ing where we should eat, so i thought this would be a fin place.”

“...” The black cat monster says nothing, but her acidic squinting quickly evolves into an unimpressed grimace. “...die.”

“pff- don’t be koi now—”

“Quit it.”

“you finally let me reel you out for once—”

“I said stop.”

“and you’re wearin’ a pretty dress for the occasion...”

“...”

“...” The man grins, his flabby chin resting on the flats of his palms. “it really made my jaws drop when i first craw you.”

Lune’s gold-tipped ears immediately fold back, her nose twitching. Her features instantly scrunch up, regret over saying “yes” to going out boiling deep within. The cat’s pupils shrink into slender threads as she bores her unimpressed stare on Sans’s smug face, her sleek tail swirling beside the curve of her thigh.

“...” Her expression remains sour.

Hehe...

Isn’t he just adorable?

The tightness on Lune’s face loosens on the spot, her lips almost parting to curl back in disapproval, but she stops herself. Instead of staring at the clean-shaven human with affliction written all over her face, the black-furred cat merely gawks back at him in awe, though something tells Sans it isn’t out of fondness.

...hah?

“Adorable”? Him?

Mm-hmm! He was oh-so sweet for asking you to come out for the night!

...he wouldn’t stop saying “please”.

He’s very persistent!

Agitating.

Don’t be mean! He’s trying his best!

Lune’s face becomes pointed, her point of focus veering off to the side absentmindedly. Her golden gaze narrows as she gazes at one of the luxurious fish tanks.

He should stop.

I’m sick of bein’ duped.

Hh-He isn’t duping you! He’s genuine!

With shrewd precision, Lune peers at the human sitting across from the corner of her eye, her lids squinting acutely. She watches the naturally weary human trail his cerulean eyes up to the ceiling embellished with intricate carvings—they remind him of the crashing waves on a seashore—before they fly to another group of humans wrapped in laughter and merriment. The vibrissae stretched above Lune’s squinted eyes furrow.

I don’t see what makes this human any different than the others.

She inhales slowly, the glow of her golden gaze dimming as she squeezes her lids shut. In a habitual temperament, Lune’s tail curls in on itself only to unfold before it curls again. The cat monster slightly digs her yellow-ish claws into the wood of the table, tendons threatening to bulge out from beneath her furry exterior until she releases her grip.

Lune always took June for a fool. A tall, wide-eyed fool. A voluptuous fool. Why did she have to be the one in control of their SOUL? June is as helpless as a toddler stuck in the middle of a mall—which, ironically, occurred once.

June found Sans in the middle of a road, where a car was destined to crash right into his pudgy and stunted body—perhaps it would have killed him; Lune likes to think it would have. After many laborious months of running into each other and pursuing “dates”, Sans unwittingly professed his affections for the bunny monster on a night of celebration. Supposedly, the drinks had a death grip on him, and unfortunately loosened his tongue.

Ever since then, the three two of them lived together with nothing but tranquility and love between them. At any given chance, Lune insulted the human from within the recesses of June’s mind. Never were they addressed by the bunny herself, but Lune was always there. Always nagging about the evident flaws the human possessed. Always pointing out his insecurities as attempts to change June’s mind and get rid of him.

Of course... none of it ever worked. June always looked at the bright side. June always chose to usher Lune’s words away and embrace the human. She always chose to press her amative kisses on his cheeks, his forehead, his nose, his lips, and his body whenever it offered itself. To say Lune abhorred their boundless affections would be an understatement.

She hated seeing both of them joyous. Didn’t she deserve it, too?

No, she hated seeing June joyous around a human.

What good have humans brought us?

All they do is cheat, lie, and hurt everyone.

Th-That’s just not true!

Lune gradually pivots her ears, flashing their soft pink skin. She glares at Sans.

“Why did you ask for me to go out with you? Got tired of June suckin’ up to ya?” Lune questions him, settling the lengths of her furry arms on the ragged wood of their table.

Sans blinks out of his listless stupor, cerulean eyes quick to latch onto Lune’s pointed expression. He spies the skepticism swirling in her narrowed eyes, but he refuses to draw any offense from her cynical query. Instead, the bald man—who actually decided to wear decent clothing for the night—merely cracks a grin.

“why not? you usually come out at night when e’ryone’s asleep... but you just run around the apartment for... whatever reason...” Sans’s grin slightly stretches, almost appearing thinner to the cat lady across from him. His shoulders rise and fall, lids slowly shutting themselves. “ey, i don’t judge. you do whatever makes ya happy i guess.”

Lune gives him another pointed look before turning her head, mildly irritated at his lack of a straight answer. She hates when he gets all elusive with his responses.

A small grumble reverberates within her vocal cords, “And I’m just supposed to believe you’re genuinely interested in a monster like me and June.”

Lune watches him raise a hairless brow, his hands interlacing each other as they sit on the edge of the table.

“...uh... yeah?” He plainly states.

“...”

It appears the bitter monster remains unconvinced. Slowly, her arms slide off the table and return to the height of her chest in order to weave them together. Her tail swishes at her side, brushing off meager speckles of leftover food from—assumably—the previous customers.

“You know I hate humans, right?” Lune bluntly tells him, hardly bothering with maintaining a sugar-coated disposition.

“yup.”

“...and that doesn’t concern you?”

“...should it?”

Lune’s ears veer away from each other before gradually reclining against the top of her head.

“For a long time I wondered why June would pick someone like you,” she grumbles. “You’re not extraordinary. Not conventionally attractive—”

“water y’talkin’ about? i think you should be a little more s-pacific...”

“Kck—” Lune grits her jagged teeth, whiskered brows furrowing as deep as the Mariana trench. “You’re just proving my point-! You got those annoying jokes, and you never take things seriously! How the hell does June put up with you?”

Sans chuckles, utilizing his hands to shrug.

“maybe she’s just not as crabby as you can be,” he answers, his features consumed by another wave of smugness.

“...”

A prolonged groan mixed with fatigue rolls over the cat’s golden tongue, her pupils rising to the ceiling, teasing the likelihood of rolling her eyes. She denies herself the satisfaction and merely returns her impassive gaze back to Sans.

“...tch- whatever. Just keep me out of it,” mutters the monster, who reclines into her seat.

“...”

Aimlessly kicking his feet under the table, Sans stares back at Lune—who remains persistent in not glancing his way—before he pivots his head entirely to half-heartedly admire the atmosphere. A variety of voices fill the restaurant: loud and indistinct, honeyed and brusque, high-pitched and dull. Most struggle with interlacing each other, fighting in a war of sonority within the building.

The stout human and feline monster entered the scene roughly an hour ago, one bitter and irritated while the other was indifferent to the atmosphere before them. Regardless, Sans thought it would be a great idea if he received his brother’s advice and took Lune out on an o-fish-al date, considering she rarely wanted to pop out when he and June started dating. When she first emerged from June’s subconscious, it... didn’t exactly go the way Sans expected it to.

Immediately, Lune sprung at him and pinned him on the floor, her fangs dripping with an abundance of glossy, sinewy drool. Her unrelenting stare held a malice that practically haunted him for the following nights. He didn’t know he would genuinely fear for his life when facing a monster—he hardly ever had trouble with them before—so he thought Lune wouldn’t be so different.

He regretted his words within a second.

June supposedly fought Lune for the control of the SOUL in that moment, overwhelming her with piercing headaches and numbing every imperceptible nerve in her body. Lune fought desperately to maintain her control. Clawed at her own face and wrestled with herself for the authority of her SOUL, but she inevitably lost to June’s strength and retreated to her subconscious.

“Hhaa-... hhf... hmph...”

June slowly turned to Sans. When he really thought about it... that was the first time he saw her drop her smile out of fear... she dreaded what would happen if she ever let Lune out again.

“...maybe-... maybe we should–” June worriedly lowered her eyes–“postpone... an official meeting... with Lune...” she mumbled, anxiously dropping her head between her shoulders.

Now, after enduring a year and six months of facing Lune on several occasions, the two remain seated across from each other. Lune sits with her arms crossed at her chest, wearing a cream-colored crop top with straps running up her chest, over her collarbones, and behind her neck. Situated around her waist is a dark brown flowy skirt with sunflowers sutured around the edge of the fabric. In Lune’s defense, this was the outfit June begged her to go out in...

Sans, however, unwinds in his seat whilst wearing a simple white button up—multitudes of folds practically carved in the material considering it’s been sitting at the base of his closet for an unspecified amount of time—and a plain gray jacket. His legs are dressed in black slacks that easily pass for a pair of dress pants, not that anyone called him out on them yet.

“...”

“...”

Lune’s posture slightly caves in, her glowing eyes flitting back to Sans’s ordinary expression. When the man catches her curious gaze, he allows his grin to widen. She grimaces and tears her gaze away.

...you’re not going to... say anything?

Tch- why should I? He’s just being weird and...

Again, the female monster guides her skeptical eyes to the human across from her. As she suspects, his cerulean eyes remain locked on her facial features, a look of amusement and mirth twinkling across his face.

Staring.

Blankness quickly takes over Lune’s features, her eyes boring into the fish tank just behind the counter of Sans’s head.

He’s trying to be sweet! He likes you!

Ew... I’d rather... not deal with that.

You used to be super mean when it came to humans, but you’ve gotten better at it!

It’s obvious he’s changed your mind!

Tch-

Did you forget that kids used to throw sticks and rocks at us for being us?

...

Did you forget that Caleb can’t see out of his left eye now because of humans?

I-...

Humans killed cats and rabbits for generations. Who’s to say we’re not next?

Hh-He’s different, Lune! He wouldn’t hurt a-a fly!

You’re a fool. He could become a threat just like—

scchhhhhhhhhhhhh-

Mm—

scchhhhhhhhh-

Wh-

schhhhhh-

Lune blinks out of her acrimonious trance when a distinct shuffling takes place before her, her eyes frantically searching around her as if the culprit is a neighboring table. Soon, however, Lune directs her bemused gaze to the only possible suspect. She stares him down momentarily before batting her eyes down to witness his arm gradually stretching across the table.

The space between her whisker brows decreases, her ears slouching reluctantly, a distinct look of perplexity written all over her furry features. She notices his hand remains plastered atop a square-shaped napkin, further inciting her bemusement.

“...?” Lune stays silent, but her lips momentarily part, as if she means to drop a puzzled comment, though nothing ever leaves her.

Sans’s lids squint with childish glee, eyes locked in on Lune’s twisted features, finding her bewilderment utmost amusing. Quickly, he peels his hand off of the plain white napkin only to recoil his entire posture back to his side of the table.

“...hah?” Is all that Lune manages to utter out.

Opting to ignore the evident glee written on Sans’s face, Lune hesitantly lowers her hand and clasps the napkin. Her yellow finger beans run over the floppy material of the napkin, noticing certain characters are etched into the flatness, a faint note of ink drifting across the pad of her sensitive nose. Upon observing the scent of pen ink, Lune sets her attention onto the napkin itself, creasing the fur between her vibrissae as she concentrates on the written message.

“i’d fuck you silly over this table if nobody else was here.”

“...”

Lune reads it again. Then again. Hoping she misread; skipped a few letters, perhaps.

No...

It definitely says “i’d fuck you silly over this table if nobody else was here”.

My... how bold...

Ew.

Reluctance consumes Lune’s movement as she slowly looks back at the ostensibly grinning man before her, his lids barely hanging. Lune is entirely silent, too starstruck and disturbed to come up with a snarky reply. The napkin remains flopped over the back of her twitching digits, the scribbled words gawking back at Sans although upside down—it almost makes his grin widen.

“...you don’t even have a pen on you,” Lune bluntly states. “...so how the hell did you write this?”

“guess you could say i’d be an ink-credible magician, huh?” Sans snorts, his tubby body gradually leaning forward until he can easily set his elbows on top of the table. “i thought it’d be a pretty fine point gag, y’know.”

“...” She parts her lips before sealing them shut. Seconds later, she peels them open again to speak, “You’re fuckin’ annoying, y’know that?”

“yep. my number one hobby,” he remarks, snapping his fingers before finger gunning the aggravated cat. “eyyyy... when’s our food comin’? i’m kinda hungry. you’d expect them ta bring out some bread, huh? that’s the yeast they could do.”

“Kckk—”

Shut up. Shut up. Shut up.

“didn’t you order the egg soup?”

Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Shut up.

“i’m eggs-pectin’ it’ll be out here soon,” Sans chuckles. “if they don’t bring us some food, i’ll just keep makin’ these stupid jokes ‘til you crack up.”

“...”

Stiffness takes over Lune’s facial features, her eyes boring themselves into space while her lips are drawn thin. Her right ear flicks at the air repeatedly, as if fencing off a pesky insect attempting to land on her fur. Soon, the cat’s tail curls repeatedly, swishing and twisting at her side like a snake held in a chokehold.

He’s not a threat...

Her eyes slightly widen, wrinkles itching the subtle bridge of her nose and revealing bits of her fangs as she grimaces at the clean-shaven human.

He’s just.

Really.

A n n o y i n g.

“i’m actually enjoying myself,” he remarks, kicking his legs with a look of satisfaction across his face. “y’know... yer really not that bad to be around. sure, it’s also pretty fun makin’ you mad and watching you huff and puff like a big bad wolf. but honestly... you’re a nice change of pace. yer honest... yer pretty resolute. ‘n... y’know. yer...” Sans smiles sheepishly, finally averting his gaze for once before reeling his eyes back to Lune’s puzzled expression.

“you’re... also pretty... pretty. you and juney are pretty,” he admits, raising his shoulders. “even when you’re pipin’ mad, i think you’re pretty to look at.”

“Wh—” Lune winces, her raven-black fur tingling at the base of each follicle she possesses until suddenly... she appears poofy to the human.

Sans flits his attention to her current state, glancing up and down at her fluffiness, unable to resist the knowing grin from spreading across his lips. He rests his fleshy cheeks into the comfort of his palms, practically getting comfortable in his seat while witnessing the feline monster toil with herself after receiving his words of adoration.

“O-Oi-! I’m not... gonna fall for that. You could trick June with that kind of talk, but yy-you won’t get me,” Lune grumbles, firmly crossing her arms over her chest in the manner of a fussy toddler.

“what kinda talk?” Sans hums, gradually letting the weight of his left cheek take over his palm, leading him into cocking his head to the side. “y’mean like... if i told you i love it when your eyes sparkle like the wishing well star cluster... lookin’ at your eyes feels way better than star gazing, too.”

Lune’s SOUL twists, settling deep within the pits of her stomach (if she technically owned one), where it continues to squirm uncomfortably. She shakes slightly, grumbling curses to herself while squeezing her eyes shut and turning her head away.

“Tch-... you just... sound stupid... a-and corny...”

Sans chuckles, “and you sound a little starstruck.”

What the hell is goin’ on? Did he just turn this all on me?

“Y—”

“You-!”

Lune winces when a voice cuts through the atmosphere, her ears instinctively twisting and folding back to protect her sensitive hearing. Her posture adjusts itself while she remains seated, luminous golden eyes quickly searching the room for the source of the voice.

Pivoting her head the instant she catches movement in the corner of her eyes, Lune faces her left, where she witnesses a short-haired human woman with smooth olive skin march up to their table, her steps clearly indicating she means to address Sans. Lune sees the woman is wearing a juniper dress, the fabric hugging the woman’s body and outlining her alluring curves whilst the puffy material sewn across the bosom of her dress allows enough room for the imagination.

The woman has dark brown hair and keeps her hair styled in a soft pixie cut; a means of displaying her innate confidence and authoritative personality. Her dark eyes fall to Sans’s face, recognizing a momentary look of disbelief mixed with a hint of bewilderment.

Much like Lune, Sans flinches upon meeting eyes with the person he did not think he would ever encounter again... his ex-boss. His hairless brows briefly meet at the bridge of his nose before they part once more, discomfort flaring within the confinement of his SOUL. He was looking forward to this date night, too...

“oh...” mumbles the bald man, his lids hanging lethargically.

“You’ve got a lot of nerve showing your face to me after what you DID-!” The woman shouts, finally stepping up to Sans’s side and slamming her palm onto the surface of their table. “Do you have ANY idea what you did to me?! You and all those other brainless fucking pigeons!”

Lune blinks before she hardens her gaze, eyeing this human with restricted cynicism as she barks at her date of the night. The feline monster’s tail stills its winding movement, lying lax at her side and dangling off the edge of her chair. Now, a persistent agitation scratches at the back of Lune’s mind... likely originating from the white bunny monster grumbling defensively in her subconscious.

What is this human saying? Those aren’t very nice words!

The human woman firmly stabs the table with her finger, glaring down at Sans, whose expression remains rather composed as he gawks back up at his once-supervisor. Her bulged eyes stare at Sans, miniscule crimson filaments snaking into the whites of her eyes, nostrils flared as she angrily huffs.

“You all think you were some righteous gang of heroic icons for getting me kicked off the executive board? It’s not like that company would’ve hurt without those dollars! Ohh, but you ass-kissing saps couldn’t handle getting your feelings hurt every once in a fucking while. Knowing you, you’d have probably needed those bills just as badly as I did!”

“...i was banking on them to fire you sooner cos of that nasty “charisma” you got there. finding out you were involved in some good ol’ embezzlement, though, was actually a bonus,” Sans responds, his smile stagnant, though a devilish color flashes in his eyes.

As much as she refuses to flatter Sans for his dry yet witty remarks, Lune finds herself blinking dumbly—ears unconsciously flattening against her head—a brief urge to snicker at his words rushes through her. Her tail curls with a lively energy, stirring her raven fur on the side of her thigh.

...that was a little funny.

See!

Doesn’t-... it doesn’t mean anything!

Your SOUL did a little flutterrr...

Sh-Shut up!

“You think this is a fucking joke?! I lost everything because of you and your convoluted friends!” The woman hisses, batting her hands through the air. A disgruntled huff flies past her ear, drawing her venomous gaze to the feline monster, whose radiant golden eyes glare back with the same level of venom. “And, of course, you brought your freak of a girlfriend here. I knew only a fucking monster would wanna date an obese smart-ass like you.”

Sans spies a distinct jerk from the corner of his eye, watching Lune defensively twist her head and upper body to face the bigoted woman. Out of concern over how Lune chooses to retaliate, Sans merely lets out a dry chuckle and rests his cheek on his flattened knuckles, peeking up at his ex-boss with one eye open.

“i’m sure you get lotsa dates with that heavyset attitude of yours,” he remarks, cerulean eye twinkling with an underlying mischief.

The woman’s fair toned face evolves into a deep shade of red, streaks of her dark hair fall out from her once tidied hairstyle, framing her face. Intricate wrinkles are etched above the bridge of her nose, nostrils flaring uncontrollably, and her eyes now stretched as wide as they can be—blood vessels visibly peeping out within the whites of her eyes.

“WHY YOU PIECE OF—!”

Sans’s smug smile drops, his fist falling down onto the surface of their table. For a moment, he panics, witnessing the woman promptly turn. He expected a punch or a slap at first... having winced the second she moved. Instead, Sans’s panic magnifies when his attention is caught by the sight of her digits curling around a cool glass of water—beads of liquid garnishing the circumference of the cup. With a wall sitting directly beside Sans, the human male realizes his fate is doomed by a frigid glass of clear water mixed with hints of lemon, raising a hand to his face to brace for the shock.

Creeak—

! SPLASH !

“...”

“...”

“...?”

Keeping his eyes squeezed shut, Sans holds his breath in suspense, knowing he is bound for an impromptu shower... though not a drop of water hits him. Astounded gasps and murmurs crash over the atmosphere like a wave, further perplexing the clean-shaven human, who reluctantly guides his hand away from his face.

“hh-... huh?”

Plip...

Plop...

Plip...

Standing in front of Sans, and effectively taking the cold splash of the water, is Lune. Water seeps into the fabric of her top and skirt, gradually clinging onto her fur, which is now just as soaked. Her fur—saturated with ice-cold water—shines beneath the azure brilliancy of the restaurant, unable to cling onto the descending drops of fluid. Lune’s furry cheeks now sag with an abundance of water adhering to each strand of hair on her face.

Lune’s ears slowly unfold, turning in order to reveal their soft pink skin to the red-faced woman, the golden hue garnishing the tips dramatically dimmed along with her eyes.

Sans’s eyes widen, shock flowing through him and sending him into a state of pure silence. His lips remain parted, but no sound ever escapes him. He cannot summon a single thought. Seeing Lune standing before him, drenched in the water that was intended to hit him, stupefies Sans. He was so convinced she loathed everything about him. Loathed him.

Why take this onslaught for him?

“...” Lune blankly stares at the enraged woman, confining any signs of discomfort within her SOUL. She feels water trickle down every thread of fur on her face until every drop congregates at the apex of her chin, plummeting down to soak into her cream-colored shirt.

“Wh—” The woman stands tall, lowering the glass she tightly clasps in her hand.

Sans shimmies himself closer to the outer edge of his seat, hoping to reach his hand out to Lune. He worriedly lifts his gaze, aiming his focus onto the back of her head.

“lu... -ne...?” He tests his voice.

She slightly turns her head, glancing down at Sans from the corner of her eye.

“...still wondering why I hate humans?” Lune utters, paws now dangling at her sides.

Parting his lips, Sans promptly attempts to give Lune a response, though he quickly finds nothing comes to him at the moment. He merely gawks up at her with wide cerulean eyes, awe written all over his face and deeming him silent. His hand hovers in the air. A pitiful attempt to help Lune despite the fact he wields nothing appropriate to help dry her off.

“...i-...”

With disappointment flashing across her eyes, Lune turns away and starts treading on a path to the exit, abandoning Sans and an eerily silent crowd. Her tail dangles behind her, brushing against the rough texture of the black and blue carpet settled beneath her. Nothing the stout human male at the table says behind her breaks her pace out of the restaurant. Every desperate yell of her name or stuttered “waits” goes unheard by the time she pulls the door open and strolls out into the dark streets.

“oof-!” Sans exclaims as he stumbles out of his seat, practically shoving the culprit of this entire fiasco out of his way only to tread the same path Lune took to leave the building. “ll-lune! w-wait!”

“Wh-?! I wasn’t done-!” The woman yells, stomping her foot as she pivots her entire body on one heel. She curls her digits tightly around the glass, its contents now emptied out.

“O-Oi...”

“That was a disaster...”

“Yeah... and that woman was being totally disrespectful...”

“Hmph... honestly, I would’ve been embarrassed if I were her.”

“Ruining an innocent couple’s dinner.”

“What...” The woman hesitantly turns her head, eyeing the numerous tables of monsters and humans alike. She spies several distasteful looks from neighboring tables, unable to understand why her hands now shake at her sides. “What are you—”

“Not only did you harass them, but you practically assaulted that poor woman!”

“Sh-She’s not a woman! She’s- she’s just a-... a stupid mm-monster! Are you people serious?”

“You should be ashamed of yourself...”

“Ma’am, we’re going to have to ask you to leave the premises. You’ve been causing a disturbance and compelled our customers to leave our restaurant. Please, come with me.”

“WH-?! I didn’t do anything wrong! I was entitled to finishing my personal business! Wh-?! Hh-Hey-! Don’t fucking touch me! Wh-?!” The woman shrieks as two waiters extend their arms behind her and gently guide her to the exit of the restaurant, where she happens to match eyes with Sans, who has a gentle smile spread across his face whilst he gives the restaurant one last glance.

“YOU-! You’ll fucking pay for this! YOU’LL FUCKING PAY, I SWEAR TO YOU-!” The short-haired woman promptly shouts, hysterically thrashing between the waiters meticulously restraining her.

Sans lingers in silence for a moment, observing how furiously his ex-boss flails about between the crowd of people attempting to calm her down. He stares before allowing a smile to stretch across his lips.

“guess you got served anyway, huh?” The short man remarks, slipping his hands into the pockets of his jacket. With a suave mannerism he rarely ever possesses, Sans turns away and approaches the exit.

𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝… (1/3)

[mizz-sea-nymph]

🦈Welcome!🌝

☆*:.｡.Introduction.｡.:*☆

Haiii I’m Pani and I like bitting things screaming to assert dominance and being the thing that gives you night terrors 🌝🤌🏼

Names that I don’t mind getting called other then Pani: Panini,Nini,Nani,Lani,Luna!

(I’ve got a bunch nicknames which is why I love em)

What do I do?

I goof around!

Art

Writing (depends on my mood)

Edits

Silly stuff!

Depends on my mood I’m very random and sneaky 🤷🏻‍♀️

☆*:.｡🐚Fandoms🐚｡.:*☆

Cyberpunk edgerunners

Cyberpunk 2077 (the game too)

Call of duty

The promised never land

Inside job

Resident evil

Disenchantment

Apex legends

Shumatsu no Valkyrie/record of ragnarok

Line rangers (only reason why I even played was to get the mini ror Poseidon 💀)

Cookie run

My future diary

Monster

Alice in wonderland (from the books to the live action movies!)

Kurogane no vallhalian

Chainsaw man

I’m into other Mangas and animes like:

attack on titan, toilet bound hanako kun,kny, Jojo,devil man cry baby,Kabaneri of the iron ,death note,kcc, Sailor moon and many more!

Idk if these count as fandoms but I’m really into mythologies, Greek,Japanese,Norse,Egyptian,Mesopotamic etc

History fandom (a history buff since the age of 7 thank you horrible histories and epic rap battles of history 🙈)

And many more! (These just the ones I can think of off the top of my head)

Request info and rules!

♠️Yah ♦️

Oc X canon

Fanart

Ocs

Sfw

Gore

Heavy gore

♥️Nah♣️

Furries

Nsfw (I don’t mind drawing nudity or implied stuff tho!)

Hate art

Incest

Proship

Vomit (literal vomit like the stuff that comes out of you when sick yeah that I can’t stand vomit so ha yeah)

🃏rules 🃏

I f your gonna use my ocs in your writing or just for fanart ASK ME first if you aren’t a close friend! Close friend as in I speak to them daily and they know me personally! :)

Don’t use my stuff without permission

Don’t trace/copy/etc etc I don’t fuck with that

Don’t remove source

☆*:.｡. More info.｡.:*☆

- Im a loony middle eastern gal living in stinky ol cold side of Europe whos majoring in media and the performing arts! 😈

- I like holding hands with the sea god from ror he’s very silly! Iwilleathusbandsskinwhenthedarkharvestisuponus

- always happy to make new friends im horrifically really social and extroverted

- I’m not obligated to make sense to anyone chaos is a must 🦈✨

- I adore and love and nurture sharks like skejssnsn🦈🦈🦈🦈

If ya want to know more then ask ig💀🤷🏻‍♀️

[yeombin]

part i.ii: one day, horns grew on my head

(prev - series masterlist - next)

pairing: beomgyu x fem!reader, soobin x fem!reader, platonic ot5 x fem! reader

genre: angst, fantasy, fluff - adaptation of an interpretation of the txt storyline

section one playlist: here

word count: ~25k (this was a monster of a part omg there was so much to include... it is slightly proofread but also slightly not haha)

chapter warnings: mentions of blood, @pastelsicheng​ commented “furry vibes” so there’s a little bit of that ig, y/n gaslights herself, bullying / mean, manipulation, mentions of food, mentions of an injury, physical fighting 

(if theres anything else that may be triggering that i missed, please let me know!)

a/n: endless thanks to @pastelsicheng​ whose help i couldn’t do this without ❤️ i love you tons

The morning consisted of screaming, sobbing, and bewilderment.

From inside his room, Yeonjun could hear his mother howling at the morning sun while his father stayed silent. Yeonjun didn’t know what to do; he was too shocked to cry and too confused to even attempt to solve the problem. So he listened

Their shadows peeked from under the doorway, revealing two silhouettes becoming one as his father tightly embraced his mother. “She didn’t warn us,” Mrs. Choi whimpered. “What do we do?”

At least, Yeonjun savours, I’m not the only one confused. His father’s silence screams, ringing throughout the house as a testament to his speechlessness. A rare state to witness any competent politician in.

Slowly, his door opened. “You’re going to stay home today, okay?” His father’s tone gave an illusion of choice. From Yeonjun’s place on his bed, his father appeared wary; as if Yeonjun was a puma that would attack at any sudden movement. Yeonjun wanted to cry; tell his father he’s the same person he was yesterday, that he didn’t have to fear him. But nothing came out.

After the door slammed shut, the last thing Yeonjun heard was, “We have to tell the others,” followed by the sound of a lock.

Usually, he begs for extra hours of sleep - especially if it means he doesn’t have to see Principal Kim in the mornings (who constantly holds Yeonjun to higher standards, despite the student in question doing nothing to deserve it except being the son of the mayor). However, he doesn’t usually wake up with horns.

Contrary to the calm blue sky peeking through his curtains, stress and anxiety plagued his mind. The clear sky reminded him of the whole day of solitude he must suffer through. What is happening to me? What will happen when my friends find out? Will they be afraid of me too

He threw his head back. Instead of feeling his skull hit the wall, the tips of his new horns collided against it. 

I’m a monster. 

His thoughts were shrieking, screaming and banging against his skull, begging and pleading to escape. Wailing, his mind lost any sense of peace. His thoughts are in a war zone, and he’s desperately trying to maneuver his way to safety. 

But he isn’t sure if he can.

Because, right now, he is the villain on the frontlines of the other side.

Miraculously, Soobin managed to fall back asleep after his sleep was interrupted by searing pain around his ears. 

However, now he was awoken by a plethora of sounds; the birds outside the window, the glide of his sister opening her cabinet, his brother humming. He even heard the sounds of the furnace’s fire consuming baked goods and his mother whispering to his father amongst the bustling crowd. He even heard it when covering his ears with his pillow. 

How can I hear all this?

Overwhelmed, Soobin couldn’t tell which sound he should - no, needs - to pay attention to. His previous unspoken question was soon answered by the sight of his reflection. It can’t be. 

What he saw resembled the fantasy books in the library about elves and goblins. Prominent, long, and sharp ears now have replaced his normal ears. This must be a dream. Soobin pinched his arm over and over, again and again, until he heard the footsteps he tried to muffle became louder. Then his door opened. 

Soobin could pretend to ignore the sight of his new ears, but he couldn’t pretend to ignore his parents’ screams. Will they still love me? His hands jumped to cover his ears as his father scurried out of his room. Even from downstairs, Soobin could hear their discussion, no matter how hard he tried to drown it out. 

“He looks crazy,” his father groaned from downstairs. What would my friends think? Soobin thought, burying his face into his pillow. What would Y/N say? 

His mother hummed, “He’s our son. He’s the same boy he was yesterday.” His father’s scoff followed. “He should stay home today. Maybe we can sort this out. Maybe we can contact…hm, what's her name again?” 

Each word, despite being said out of ear shot, sounded like it was within the same room. “That’s not even a question. He’s staying home today. We can’t let him out.”

In another Hybehead home, the smell of rust alerted Beomgyu - waking him from his not so peaceful slumber. 

The scent wasn’t there earlier in the night when an itch on his back refused to go away. His shoulder and the lower part of his hair felt wet as if he woke up in a sweat. Maybe this is puberty? Maybe I scratched it when I woke up earlier? 

However, the mere touch of his black hair left his skin stained red. Yeah, definitely not sweat or puberty. If it was, Beomgyu definitely had to go to an apothecary.  By touching his shoulder, the feeling of sharp and rugged rocks greeted his fingers, impaling the top layer of skin and making his fingers drip and drop blood.

He sat up slowly, now realising the numbness rippling from his shoulders. From his shoulders down, his back was littered with small ruptures of rock-looking…bone? Spikes? Thorns? What were they? In a way, they looked like the bones of wings that failed to emerge.

Beomgyu was frozen in his bed, believing this must be a fever dream. I was feeling sick, he reasoned. Closing his eyes, he fell back onto the bed. Unfortunately, the moment his back landed; he heard his blanket tearing. Okay, a really realistic dream. He turned over, lying down on his stomach. 

He didn’t see his parents when they entered, only heard their gasps. When they started to gently apply honey onto his lesions and tenderly wrap bandages, Beomgyu couldn’t deny the sting from the antibacterial remedy. No words were exchanged, even as Beomgyu continued to deny this reality by pretending to sleep. He doubted his parents fell for it. Nevertheless, he was grateful that they went along with it, ignoring his frequent flinches away from their tending hands.

“He needs to stay home today,” his mother sighed, now outside his room. Even without seeing her Beomgyu could hear the clear distress in her voice. “We can’t let him leave.” Whatever communication followed, Beomgyu couldn’t be sure as his thoughts ambushed him. What am I to do? What would my friends think? What would Y/N think? He now jolted up, standing to his feet as he started to fearfully approach his reflection in the mirror. Am I a monster? Am I evil? 

Beomgyu swore he felt his bones trembling from within his skin, begging to escape with the rest of the things on his back. 

Darkness. Taehyun awoke to darkness. 

What time is it? It must be night. But then he rubbed his eyes.

Like looking through frosted glass, his vision was blurred. Someone could hold a sign centimetres away from his face and he wouldn’t be able to read a single word. 

“Mom! Dad!” Taehyun called, his voice shaking as he tried to suppress the anxiety surging through his veins. “I can’t see!” From the sound of the door slamming open followed by a sudden shrill cry, Taehyun knew his parents entered.

“Honey, he’s scared and confused,” his mother hushed, “we shouldn’t scare him anymore than he already is.” He felt his mother’s warm hand touch his forehead, trailing downward. Her fingertips grazed down, closing his eyelids. Any light that broke through the haze was gone. “You stay right here, okay, darling?” Taehyun nodded, leaning into his mother’s warmth. Once she pulled away, the absence of the warmth made him as if he was outside during a heavy downpour. 

It was when he believed they left that he opened his eyes again. In a desperate attempt for something to happen, he continued to rub his eyes. While one side of his vision cleared up by a dismissable amount, he heard someone else come in: his sister. 

“Hi.” Her voice was soft, as if scared that any increase in volume would shatter every window in the vicinity. “Can I see?” 

Taehyun removed his hands from his eyes. He heard a gasp. “What is it?” 

“It’s a star.” Instead of his usual bright brown eyes, his right eye appears to be a dark abyss. His pupil, however, was replaced by an enchanting white star. “How did you do this?” Even if he could read all the dictionaries in the world, he wouldn’t find the words to fathom the situation or how he was feeling. 

Simply put, he felt alone in a blurred world. Literally.

His sister reached forward and held his hand. “Maybe I can try to tell your friends to come by,” she offered. And then he knew he wasn’t alone, with the comforting hand of his sister grounding him in place and the thoughts of his friends being there for him. “You’ll be okay,” she murmured, her comforting words loud enough for her younger brother to hear. “You have us.”

It wasn’t unusual to have long drawn conversations about dreams and powers with Kai. No matter what, Kai ends the conversation with how spectacular it would be to fly. However, when he dreams to glide through the air, he doesn't mean it like this.  

He was grateful that tonight, after waking up to the enormous back pain, he turned to sleep on his stomach - or else it would’ve been much worse. Not just for his back, but to make sure his bed didn’t break. Even in his groggy state, the new wings that sprouted from his back are the first thing he is aware of. Maybe because they tickled, or maybe from the pure white feather that fell onto his pillow side. 

This is one heck of a realistic dream. He grinned as he brushed his hands through the soft feathers. I could get used to this. 

Unfortunately, his reverie was disrupted by his siblings bursting open the door. “KAI!” he heard Bahiyyih scream. “DO YOU HAVE MY - Woah.” The sight of her brother made her freeze at the doorway. “Is this some sort of costume or prank you and your friends set up?” Kai shook his head with wide doe eyes. Frozen, Bahiyyih admired the white wings that seemingly emitted its own light. Her older brother stretched, ignoring her confusion. As he raised his arms, the wings stretched as well. The feeling felt like all the bones in his back just cracked, a truly euphoric sensation. 

“What’s going on?” Lea, who was getting ready for a few nights trip at Beliftam, came into the room. “What the -,” Lea couldn’t even finish her sentence. The two sisters stood beside each other, staring at their brother, who seemed so nonchalant. “Do you realise…?” 

“Of course, he realises!” Bahiyyih’s mouth is agape. How could he not? 

His parents heard the commotion from downstairs, hurrying to calm down their children. “What happened? Why are the two of you yelling?” Instead of a verbal answer, their two daughters just pointed at their son. Unfortunately, the sight they saw ended up freaking them out.

After the initial shock, the heavy silence was interrupted. “Well, he was always called an angel,” his father mumbled under his breath, earning a light slap to his side from his mother. 

“Sweetheart, you stay here,” his mother instructed, before shooing away his siblings and dragging everyone out of the room. “Stay here, okay?” she repeated, before locking the door.

You, in all honesty, noticed nothing. As you sat up in bed, you lazily glanced out the window, basking in the early morning sun creeping into the endless sky. Unfortunately, your head itches. As your hand reaches up, you suddenly… start bleeding? 

Your nails have never made you bleed before. 

You tried to find the reason for the wound, which you believed to be unexplainable. For one, you didn’t hit your head. Second, you didn’t have anything sharp on you… right? 

It didn’t take long, of course, because as soon as you looked at your hand, your heart sped up. Vines were growing from your forearm and wrapping around your wrist - spikes spread throughout with the sprouting leaves. It looked like you reached into a forbidden forest and got gifted a glove forged by mother nature.From the weight of it, your hand was forcibly lowered a few centimetres each time you lifted it. You felt the urge to call for help. You can’t just cut this off… Can you?

Before you could even call for your parents, you heard mumbles slip from the doorway. “I don’t think it could happen to her too, do you?” It was your mother, her voice hushed as if to not wake you up. 

“It happened to the others.” The others? Your mind immediately went to the boys. Is Beomgyu okay? How about Soobin? Taehyun? Kai? Yeonjun? 

Your mother’s anxieties were evident in her shaking voice. “Maybe it’s just the boys. Maybe it’s puberty, and it forced something to happen. Maybe-” She listed more ideas, more possibilities. 

“Love,” your father’s voice interrupted her as she spoke in circles. “We’ll only know once we open the door.” The idea of them entering the room made your heart pound so loud you swore they must’ve heard it. Would they still love me? You couldn’t properly process their entrance as you scrambled to hide your hands. However, once the door opened, your parents spotted you wrapped in your favourite star blanket, your hands sprawled out in front of you as you fumbled to hide them; too scared to tear your only comfort item.

A gasp followed. “Oh, my days!” Your mother sprinted over to you, taking your hand before immediately letting it go as the leaves pricked her skin. “Oh my Dae.” She teared up, wrapping her arms around your shoulders, careful to avoid your hands. 

“Good morning, darling.” Your father’s voice is thick with pity. “You stay here, okay? We’ll just call some people. You don’t need to go to school today.” You nodded, speechless, as your father plucked your mother from your side and left, leaving you to continue staring at your hands and worry. How are the others? Who are the others? How can I let my friends know?

Unlike the rest of you, who were dutifully listening to your parents (even Yeonjun), Kai was buzzing with energy. Maybe it’s from the wings promising new heights or from being full of unlimited energy, Kai just wanted to test out his new wings. Maybe I’m magical, he thought as he jumped up from his bed - immediately knocking a glass of water from his bedside table. All he knew for certain was that he wanted to see his five best friends without having to wait for mail to go through. 

Oops, he tried to close his wings. How does one close one’s wings? He asked, turning so his back was facing the mirror. Do I have to…forcibly push it? He tried to turn, but like a dog chasing a tail, it was a task with no end in sight. 

CRASH! Some of his favourite knick knacks on the table by his mirror landed onto the floor, a glass gift from Blacksmith Choi included. “Beomgyu is going to hold this against me for life,” Kai mumbled to himself, ready to brace Beomgyu’s teasing as he continued to solve the puzzle that is closing his wings to merely fit through the door. Can I just…will it close? He turned his thoughts to focus on the idea of wings closing. Wait, but could it…like go through my skin? If I close it, will it bury itself into my flesh? 

He shivered at the thought and resigned, “I’ll…just do this”. Turning 90 degrees, he prepared to walk through the doorway sideways - watching the edge of his wings to make sure it doesn’t bump into anything else (especially the pot of flowers gifted by one of his friends’ families). Shimmying his way through the door, he had to step back and forth a few times - being closer than he would’ve liked to an extremely fragile antique. 

Once he successfully escaped, he let out the breath he’s been holding - as if his breath helped make his wings smaller. He was grateful his siblings already were shoved out the house, instructed “not to tell anyone” and to act like everything was normal (which…if that has to be said, it’s clear that everything is not normal). Unfortunately, the same people confining him to his room remain in the living room instead of work (where they normally would be at this time). With them is also the presence of a well-known face, pacing back and forth in the room. 

In hushed whispers, he heard them speak. He rushed to hide behind a wall.

“..and Soobin is also affected” Mayor Choi commented, Kai catching onto the last end of his sentence. “I have yet spoken to the others, but I would imagine the same happened to them.” So Soobin and Yeonjun must be affected, Kai deduced. “I know I think we definitely need to try and reach out to Dae again.” Who’s Dae? 

Kai’s mother, who has concealed her frustration with today as best as she could, started raising her voice. “She didn’t say anything about this, absolutely nothing. If we knew! We could have prepared for this!” From his blind spot, he could hear his father trying to calm his mother down through soft hums. He presumed, from the sound of his father’s feet shuffling, that he was standing beside her and rubbing her back. Despite that, he could hear his mother muttering exasperations.  

Kai’s father appeared to be the most put together. Maybe from shock or from resignation, but he was appearing more clear headed than the others in the living room. “I think we have to organise for all of us to meet,” he declared, “can you try to get, well, all the Choi’s together and we’ll call the others? We can meet maybe…” 

His parents have been together for a long time; evident in the way his mother finished his father’s sentence. “At the Choi’s bakery.” She seemed to gain her resolution, following her husband’s footsteps. “We can meet there. Knowing Hwa-Young, she’s probably stress-baking.” Mayor Choi’s hum confirmed her suspicion. Fair, Kai thought, Mrs Choi’s cooking really cures all wounds. He remembered the time he accidentally had broken his arm, and Mrs Choi brought over a platter of his favourite cookies.

“How can we contact Dae?” Mayor Choi asked hopelessly. Mayor Choi remembered the woman from over a decade ago; her ethereal and celestial beauty imprinted on his mind. He never believed in the old religion, but her presence made him believe. “She hasn’t appeared since, despite saying she would try to. Do you think she is…” He couldn’t say the word as easily as she had when warning him of her potential impending doom. 

Kai’s father rejected this. “We have to try.” Kai felt his legs going numb with how still he was trying to be. All he wanted to do now was sit down, but it was too late to go back inside his room. “She did help us in the beginning, do you remember the necklaces?” Wait, necklace? His hand instinctively went to his bare neck, still revelling in the cold feeling from the missing metal, could this be related? 

For a second, Kai was worried he said it out loud as his mother asked the same question. 

If it weren’t for his momentary panic and guilt, he would’ve begged to hear the answer. Instead, the Mayor brushed his mother off - disregarding her question. “We won’t know until we speak to Dae. We should call everyone, like you said.” The politician is slowly getting his act together. In his mind, Kai is praying that resolve was contagious, especially as he trembles with worry about his friends. Despite that, he mentally patted himself on the back. Any doubt he had about running away dissipated at the thought of uniting everyone when you all needed it the most. “Let’s meet in an hour.” He declared, and then the three of them immediately made their way out the door. As soon as the door slammed shut, Kai celebrated the fact that none of them thought about locking it. 

(This action, however, wasn’t immune to Kai’s criticisms; do they do this normally? People could come in and steal our stuff. Were they willing to let me get kidnapped?)

Soobin’s house was Kai’s first stop. Not only due to its proximity, but also because if their parents do bunker down there, it would be a lot harder to sneak Soobin out later. 

The sight of one of his closest friends with strange ears was surprising, but the sight wasn’t as shocking as the pair of wings that greeted the other. “How…have you hid that?” 

“Everyone is at school,” Kai shrugged, “but if an adult asks, I would just say we’re preparing for a costume event.” Who would believe that? The elder one silently scolds the rest of his village for being so oblivious. These wings look so real… and well, they are. Soobin even reached out to feel them. While Soobin is stuck staring at one of his best friends looking like a love child of a bird and a human, Kai is rummaging through his room - creating a huge mess with the expanse of his wings. 

So much for a discreet exit, Soobin knew that as soon as his parents saw the mess Kai was leaving behind; he’d be grounded. His friends always call his parents lovely, but they’ve never seen them after they saw a mess. Heck, his brother has married and his parents are still strict about his mess. 

Soon, a wool cap hit Soobin in the chest. “Wear this.” The cap had ear flaps and was one of Soobin’s most hated hats. Don’t get him wrong; Soobin loves his grandmother, but her cap-making skills leave much to be desired. Particularly, this cap made Soobin’s head look as flat as a table top. When he first got it, his older sister tried to balance a tea cup on his head. Nevertheless, Soobin reluctantly listened and slipped the awful hat on. “Now let’s get the others to run away,” Kai muttered to himself, already prepping his wings to squeeze through the window again. 

Taehyun was next. They needed a brain cell, and out of them all, Taehyun had the most functional ones (at least, when he wants to - Taehyun is no stranger to ridiculous behaviour). Unfortunately, it seemed like Kai’s parents had the same idea. Even from walking the short distance between their houses, Soobin could hear Kai’s parents talking to Taehyun’s. 

“Do you think it’ll get better naturally?” Soobin heard Taehyun’s father ask, harmonised with the creaking of the wooden floor. “Taehyun has lost his sight…. What if he never sees again?” From the eavesdropped information, Soobin let out a gasp. He turned to Kai, expecting a similar reaction - before remembering his new ears and consequent ability. Forgetting the cap currently hiding them, his hands quickly went to cover them. He couldn’t bear to look at Kai. 

Sure, he hasn’t been judgemental since he picked him up but…why did I get these evil ears and he got angelic wings? Is something wrong with me?  He thought about what Taehyun’s parents said and he started to question the permanence of this. Will I have these forever? Can I cut them off?

However, while wallowing in his thoughts, Kai started to take a few steps forward. “Oi, wait!” Soobin stuck his arm out, unshielding his (covered) ears to block Kai from advancing forwards. “Your parents are in there.” Kai felt a shiver run through his body. He was so close to being sent back home. All of this would have been for nothing. After a second, Soobin took Kai’s wrist.  “Let’s go…” Soobin dragged him to the bushes around Taehyun’s house, “here”. The spot was perfect for all intents and purposes; they could see the entrance, they could also theoretically climb up the wooden lattice to…wait

This time, Kai is letting Soobin do all the work. Theoretically, Kai could try to fly to the second storey but Soobin quickly shot the idea down, citing how they ‘don’t know if broken wings are like a broken arm’. Luckily, Soobin also has height on his side. 

Once he got onto the thatched surface underneath Taehyun’s window, he looked inside. Taehyun’s back was to them; he clearly hasn’t moved since he woke up, at least, that’s what the mat at the back of his head told him. Soobin peaked over the roof and gave Kai a thumbs up, before knocking on the window. Maybe Taehyun was safe, he thought, maybe he was just having a bit of morning blin-

His thoughts were interrupted by shock as Taehyun turned around, arms outstretched to feel his surroundings. Instead of Taehyun’s bright eyes that shone throughout the day, his right eye was blacked out as if someone poured ink in them. Instead of where his pupil normally is, a white bright star literally shone. Shine, Soobin remembered the teasing nickname you gave him for his beaming eyes. 

“Who is it?” He heard Taehyun call, and Soobin wanted to smash his head against the glass. Not so loudly, he wanted to scream, they could hear. Soobin tried to force the window open, he tried to speak in a whisper (so as to not alert their prison guards downstairs), and he continued to knock. Luckily, Taehyun stopped calling and started lowering his volume. Can I hear him because of my ears or would Kai be able to hear him if he was here? The eavesdropper started to wonder if he could speak slightly louder. 

So, he did. And he prayed to whatever entity is above them that his voice won’t be heard by the parents downstairs. 

After the miracle that is getting blind Taehyun downstairs (which was going to be down the lattice but as they started their descent, their parents left and ultimately it was safer for the blind Taehyun to walk down the stairs), they made their way to you. 

While most of your friend’s houses can be said to be linear from each other, your farm house was at a crossroads. At the two sides of the crossroads were Yeonjun’s place and Beomgyu’s. Kai’s plan was to decide who to get after you when the question comes, or divide and conquer. But Taehyun, after being briefed, realised that Yeonjun’s house is probably the best to hide out for now…to which Kai argued and said they could run away, but that suggestion was heavily ignored. 

Thanking whatever being out there, the trio was fortunate that your house was easier to enter; a blessing of your safe small town. As your family owns the local farm, your home was right next to the shop. Due to your family’s closeness with the village and your frequent in-and-out trips, your door was almost always left open. They were grateful today was also the case. 

Similar to Taehyun, they found you frozen in your bed. You were staring at your arms as if they were foreign entities that would threaten to curse you, your friends, and your whole family. On top of all that, you were wondering how on earth you could scratch the itch beneath the layers of greenery. Unlike Taehyun, however, you had your sight. 

The moment you laid eyes on them, you almost cried. Both from relief and sadness. Relief from being not alone, but sadness from your friends being cursed as well. Instinctively, you ran over to try and wrap your arms around Soobin, Taehyun, and Kai - but stopped yourself. “I don’t want to hurt you,” you mumbled under your breath, “are you guys all okay?” 

“Well I can’t see.” Taehyun was the first to answer, speaking matter of factly as if this was a regular stage of puberty. He couldn’t see how Soobin managed to wrap his arm to hover just above your shoulders and pull you close. If the thorns on your hand were digging into him, no one could tell.

Kai, after Taehyun’s statement, immediately took over. “Let’s run away, right? After picking up Gyu and Jun, let’s go and hide forever.” He unconsciously held his arms out, going to hold your hands as you two normally do, but your lack of reciprocation made him pull back. You just didn’t want to hurt him.

For you, the idea seemed great. You get to escape and be with your favourite people. For Taehyun, however, his realism was often irreplaceable. Normally, he’d bring up the logistics; what about food? Clean drinking water? 

Today, however, it seemed to be taken over by optimism. His newfound unwavering optimism that there will be a cure has been the only thing motivating everyone. The cynical realist was providing optimism, which hardly happens. Maybe it means that the cure is real, Soobin’s previous worries were being replaced by Taehyun’s hope. 

Beomgyu was the next to be ‘kidnapped’ (as Taehyun lovingly called it). Similar to yours, Beomgyu’s abode was connected to his father’s workplace. So while his front door was locked, the door that leads inside from his father’s workspace was unlocked. Kai was happy Taehyun was with him to help criticise how irresponsible your parents were amidst their crisis.

(“Is being bad with crises genetic?” Taehyun asked, directing his eyes towards Kai and Soobin to exaggerate who the comment was targeted to. 

“Shh, they do the best they can,” you excuse them, making Taehyun roll his eyes and Soobin to smile at you.

Even with your attempts to distance yourself, Soobin stuck to you like glue. You were certain he had been scratched at least once by the vines spread across your hands. “Which happens to not be great, but still!” Soobin pushed off of you, leaving to jokingly sulk a few feet apart.)

At this new distance, Kai (and Taehyun) immediately jumped to Soobin’s side as the three boys started to make their way into the home. You lagged behind, trying to see if you could spot any scratches on Soobin’s arm. You counted at least ten small ones. 

Taehyun, who was holding onto Kai’s arm with his life, screamed. “Gyu!” he called. “Come out!” The only confirmation Taehyun had that he was in the right location was his trust in you guys and muscle memory. 

You were the first to go up the stairs, quickly trying to get to his room. Why isn't he responding? You worried, is he out looking for you guys too?  A sudden sense of panic filled you as you touched the door knob. Before, you felt a bit of fear with relief from being together. Now, as you tighten your grip on the wooden door knob, you feel your knees buckle and your palms sweat. 

Why am I suddenly so scared? You felt debilitated. “What?” Taehyun, who had left Kai to fend for himself, was about to make a snarky comment, but then his hands landed on your unscathed elbow. He felt you quake with fear. “What’s wrong?” His voice was barely above a whisper, as to not raise the attention of Kai and Soobin (who are currently discussing if Kai would have to shampoo his wings). 

“I…I don’t know,” you croaked out, “I…just feel…terrified…alone…” Something was asking, no begging, you not to open the door. Why am I feeling like this? You feel as if that as soon as you open the door, you’ll feel ashamed. But why would I feel ashamed? “Tae…” your voice has never been so small, “I don’t think Beomgyu wants us to open the door.” Taehyun’s arm remains on your elbow, careful to not touch the intruding vines on your forearm, as he dragged you away from the door. 

With his usual excellent timing, Kai quite literally pushes you aside to open the door - trying to rush everyone so that you all can “escape faster” (to which Soobin scoffed). Once the door opened, you spotted Beomgyu. 

He was in the corner, his legs pulled to his chest. He no longer was pretending to sleep. Once he heard your voices, he wanted to hide - he even tried to hide under his bed. Desperately not wanting to face your reactions, he turned his head to face the wall. “Why are you guys here?” 

“Gyu, are you okay?” Everyone spoke at the same time, but Gyu paid attention to your voice above everyone else. He still refused to look back. Despite listening, he refused to answer but then he heard stumbling…and tripping… and then he felt someone’s hand on his shoulder. 

“You’re not alone.” It was Taehyun whose other hand was on your elbow. Beomgyu looked into his right eye, falling into its abyss, and his jaw dropped. 

It was your comment who took him out of it. “I would put my hand on your shoulder, but…” He spotted your hands and had to fight his urge to hold them, “I don’t think that’d be great for you.” Nevermind that, he thought. He wanted to hold your hand; he’d do absolutely anything just to do so. 

But he held back. 

He looked at Soobin and Kai. Based on Soobin’s most hated hat (one Soobin tried to pawn off to Yeonjun a few years back), Beomgyu can only assume that Soobin had something on his head. Kai’s wings, however, are the elephant in the room. Mine definitely aren’t wings then, he confirmed. In the last hour of being alone, he convinced himself that maybe he wasn’t a monster; his wings were just growing. But Kai’s wings grew so fast, it must not be the case for him. 

“Come on,” Taehyun, sans the snarkiness, reached for Beomgyu’s hands. “Kai’s commentary on every turn we make is starting to annoy me, and Y/N’s hands hurt. Can you guide me?” he asked with a dry chuckle, trying to lighten the already tense atmosphere. 

The fear that once plagued you soon turned into a sense of determination. Beomgyu quickly stood up and hooked Taehyun’s arm to wrap around his arm. 

After growing up with Beomgyu, you’d like to say you were fluent in reading Beomgyu and your friends …but there is no way you’re physically feeling what Beomgyu is feeling…right? You start to question it, purely based on Beomgyu’s change of expression that coincided with the feeling that seemed to accompany your actual feelings. That’s impossible, you thought, Kai can’t fly…I think. My hands wouldn’t give me powers either. Your suspicion was pushed aside as you followed Beomgyu and the group out. 

As you walked towards the familiar home, you were relieved. Our last stop, you thought - ready to hide away from the world with your saving graces. However, you felt an itching desire to leave - a feeling that is certainly not your own. You looked at Kai - the very person who's been proposing to run away for the millionth time this morning. He was bouncing in his step, happy that you are almost complete. Stop being ridiculous, you told yourself, I cannot physically feel someone else’s emotions. 

You turned to continue your conversation with Taehyun and Beomgyu, although words fell flat. What do you say in this situation? What can you talk about? It’s not like you can distract yourself from these physical manifestations, staring you straight in the face. Conversations consequently were limited while most of you eyed each other, trying to familiarise yourself with your friends’ new looks. 

Beomgyu especially was burning holes into your hand as he guided Taehyun.  He wanted to reach out and hold it, but you were holding your arms close to your chest; despite the obvious pain you felt from the pricks. Is it crossing the line to reach out? Holding your hand always calmed him down, but maybe he could finally calm you down for once. I’ll just hold it, it’s just a few pric-

Kai and Soobin, who finally caught up with you three, went to either side of you. While Kai kept his distance, Soobin carefully hooked his arm with yours and tugged you close. His shoulder was like a magnet to your head, letting it drop and rest onto his shoulder as you shivered in fear. Beomgyu has to admit - he’s noticed you’ve been skittish, jumping every once in a while. You’d constantly look around, frantic, as if trying to find a pin in a haystack. 

Sighing, Beomgyu moved forwards - now focusing on bringing the half-blind Taehyun forward. Maybe it is a good thing Soobin held her, he was reminded of the spikes on his shoulders that surely would’ve hurt you. He also couldn’t forget how Soobin’s shoulders remained tense throughout their time together; his eyes were frightful and wide. He needs more comforting than I. 

Within metres of the door, you fell onto your knees. Screams foreign to you soar through your brain. These screams were not your own. Monster, it called, monster. Your hands went to your brain - the thorns growing from your hands grazing against your scalp. He’s not okay. 

“We have to go inside.” The boys looked to turn to you, your voice panicked. “Now.” 

Beomgyu quickly followed your instructions, lunging forward and trying to turn the door. “It’s locked.” 

You shook your head wildly, desperate to get in. “It’s never locked. Check the key there.” You dragged your arm out of Soobin’s, scratching him in the process as you scurried to try and save Yeonjun from himself. The third potted plant to the right on the window sill, you reminded yourself. If they ever did lock their door, which was rare as Mrs Choi was always home, they’d leave their key there. Something you learnt when they had to take a day trip to Beliftham and you had to deliver milk.  It isn’t here. 

Hopelessness filled your soul. I need to get to Yeonjun, you were scanning the entryway. It must be somewhere. The group observed your breaths increasing rapidly. Before anyone else could react, Beomgyu grabbed your hands. You tried to flinch away, trying to protect him from you but he couldn’t care. He just cringed at the pain. Holding your hand was worth it. 

Soobin was quick to stare at your interaction. 

Kai sighed, stealing everyone’s attention. “Time to climb.” 

“How about someone try the backdoor or a window and then open the door?” Taehyun quickly suggested, “I seriously cannot climb like this.” He used his spare hand to motion at his eyes, which to him, revealed just blurred wood and figures moving. 

Soobin nodded as his lips became a straight line. “That’s probably a better idea.” 

“Stay here.” Beomgyu told you, letting go of your hand as your tremors returned. Your frustration was building up. Yeonjun wasn’t okay, every second you were spending here, you were wasting time. You nodded and immediately used your elbow to nudge towards Taehyun, providing him a source of support as Beomgyu left the both of you. 

Just a floor above them,  Yeonjun was standing centimetres from the mirror. Staring at himself in the mirror, as if once he looks away - his reflection would attack him. His hands went to feel the smooth surface of his horns that easily resembled the antlers of the many deers that roam the woods. Anger started bubbling in his stomach. I’m a monster. What is happening to me? Why me? 

Why me? Am I a monster? I’m a monster. 

Words flew around like ammunition, adding fuel to the fire. His grasp around the antlers tightened. This has to get off. Why me? Why me? With all the strength he was exerting, he started to shake wildly. The first tug didn’t work. I’m not strong enough.

He moved his right hand and left hand to focus on one side. The grip was too strong; the anger added adrenaline, giving him more strength than he thought he could have. Why me? With one tight squeeze that could suffocate someone in an instant, he heard something fall onto the floor. 

His hands were bleeding. But one horn was off. Well, most of it. His stained hands, continuing to leak blood, went to feel the lump that was left behind. I’m a monster. An animal. 

Before Yeonjun could begin to do this again on his other horn, his overwhelming emotions drowning him as a waterfall begged to spill from behind his eyes. 

SLAM! The door that once was locked was forced open by his five friends, Soobin flinching at the intense sound. Yeonjun looked up; mustering up the courage to face his friends. 

“What,” he sniffled, “a-are you doing here?” His voice was shaky, uncertain as he desperately tried to wipe the blood off of his hands on his pants. It was a side to Yeonjun they’ve never seen before.

“To visit our favourite grandpa.” Tae tried to lift the mood, obviously ignorant to the blood in front of him. Yeonjun’s shaky voice even let the blind one infer the troubled state of mind Yeonjun was in, although he couldn’t see to what extent.

You thought the sight of Yeonjun would comfort you, but even stepping foot into the familiar room that would normally bring warmth, you felt cold. Once more, you were brought down to your knees. You felt pain. 

Pain. Fear. Anger. Shame. Rejection. Hate. 

The feelings that surrounded Yeonjun; whose eyes were almost as red as his hands. 

You jumped up, quickly sprinting forward and wrapping your arms loosely around Yeonjun - careful to keep the spikes away from the already bleeding boy. “What did you do?” you croaked out, now spotting the broken antler on the floor. 

Following your action, the other four quickly surrounded him, taking him in their arms and holding them. The silence embraced the six of you as you all wept everything that goes unsaid.

As much as you tried to keep lighthearted on your journey here, it was a day full of emotional turmoil. Rejected by your families, feeling isolated and alone, having to escape from your own home - you wouldn’t wish these feelings on your worst enemy. 

Kai decided to break the silence, “Let’s run away.” He could tell the five of you were going to protest; he heard it from Soobin throughout your walk; to where, how about food, how do we survive, and what about our families? “No, no, before you say no, let’s run to the forest. We can grab enough food for now. There’s even food there. We can come back when it’s all gone.” 

“What if it never goes away?” Yeonjun sniffled, his voice sounding like broken glass. 

Taehyun stepped in; “It will. It has to.” 

The forest at night wasn’t foreign to them, but this was the first time they’ve seen the sky starless. Luckily enough, they were able to start a bonfire before it got too dark. 

Since arriving at the forest earlier, they have set up a little camp. Again, it wasn’t unfamiliar; they’ve been camping in the very same forest since they could remember. However, unlike last time, they moved further away from their usual spot; somewhere their parents couldn’t track them down. 

“Maybe it’s just starless because of our angle,” Soobin commented, trying to comfort the sudden nerves that trickled down everyone’s minds as they sat in darkness with only a flame keeping them company. It most definitely wasn’t a result of their angle; Yeonjun had just taken a walk around and couldn’t see anything. 

With all his brilliance, Taehyun normally corrects or informs his friends. However, this time - he decided maybe it’s best to believe the impossible. “What does the moon look like?” He asks, trying to see the world despite his half-blindness. If he couldn’t see, then he might as well imagine. Taehyun has always loved the moon, ever since the first time they camped. It was a core memory; the six of them playing around under the moonlight as their parents slept in the tents, either chasing each other or playing in the river. In fact, learning about the moon was one of the first times he fell in love with reading; the books about the moon cycle, teaching him that life is a cycle of changes; but there will always be a new day. 

You looked up at the sky, ready to answer his questions. Taehyun always doodled with you and he would always draw the moon stages, constantly reminding you of the names. “It’s a new…” you started before you could even process the sight - you wished you stopped yourself and told him the moon was clear in the sky, “... moon.” 

“So no moon, technically.” Taehyun snorted. A starless and moonless night. You were truly alone in this universe. 

“At least,” you thought out loud, almost never feeling the need to censor yourself around them, “we’re all exhausted.” Taehyun hummed. You wouldn’t have to feel alone for much longer as you’d wake up to the sun, and spend another day out in the forest with them. 

The day itself was quite enjoyable. Once the shock wore off, the emotional exhaustion was replaced with excitement (“It’ll be a non-planned camping trip!” Beomgyu cheered before turning to Yeonjun, “Sorry grandpa, I know this ruins your sleep schedule”). While all your eyes were tired and dreary with your bodies sore from both the physical changes and the adventure, the flowing water from the river seemed to revitalise you. It was a day full of swimming, chatting, discussing hypothetical scenarios, and so on. None of you mentioned the elephants in the room; even when Kai accidentally shook his wings so harshly that he sprayed everyone with water after they finally got dry. 

However, now you were faced with the consequences of your actions. Soobin could hear the animals within the forest wander, you have yet to be able to scratch the itch in your hand, Yeonjun’s horns and Kai’s wings made it hard for them to lie down, Taehyun was still unable to see - especially now through the dark where even light couldn’t pave the way, and Beomgyu - well, he just has to sleep on his stomach (something he could never do). 

“The best thing about this,” Beomgyu started, “is that Taehyun probably doesn’t need to close his eyes to sleep.” A few of you chuckled while Taehyun started to whine as a response. 

You, however, acted offended. “The best thing isn’t spending time with us? What a jerk move, Tae!” 

“I didn’t even say it!” As Taehyun defended himself, you made eye contact with Beomgyu, who - using his facial expressions - told you to ‘keep the act going’. “Beomgyu was! Get mad at him!” 

Beomgyu let out a dramatic sigh. “All I’m hearing is that our friend doesn’t appreciate our company.” He turned to Yeonjun, “don’t you agree? You have so many years of exp-'' He didn’t even have to finish his sentence - Yeonjun was already covering Beomgyu’s mouth and threatening him. Beomgyu squabbles, his voice muffled. 

“I will get you!” Yeonjun whispered, loud enough for everyone to hear. The air may have been tense, but the conversation and jokes right now lightened the load. It felt normal again as if nothing happened. “I will make it look like an accident too!” 

Soobin chuckled from his spot, “I’ll gladly help Yeonjun.” He stands up and walks toward the two fighting, ruffling whoever’s hair he could reach. “Don’t forget, Beomgyu, no one knows we’re here.” Soobin let out a fake maniacal laughter, before Beomgyu started fighting back. 

“Oh shoot…” You fell back onto the ground, falling away from the fire. “No one knows where we are.” Soobin’s comment hit you like a brick. Sure, it was a fact that you accepted at the beginning - but it never really dawned on you until now. “How do you think our parents are reacting?” 

Taehyun thinks of his sister, of his mother, of his father who were so supportive this morning. Yeonjun, Beomgyu, and Soobin would think of theirs - if it weren’t for the sudden chase Beomgyu started once he escaped their grasp. “I already miss Mrs Choi’s cookies.” 

Thoughtlessly, you grabbed a stick and drew in the ground - trying to stop yourself from reaching out to grab Taehyun. “I wonder who will do the deliveries tomorrow morning.” Regardless of your efforts, Taehyun reached forward to hook his arm with yours. His head fell onto your shoulders. 

“Don’t worry,” he soothed, “we got each other.”

Back in town, the group of parents were ignorant of their children’s whereabouts. Dae, with her celestial appearance, looked almost human. It’s been just over a decade since they have last seen her and she only appears to have two strands of white hair. Her skin, however, seemed to have lost it’s colour; as if she was being drained. Maybe it was from tiredness, exhaustion, or maybe it was from the darkness of the silent night. Otherwise, she barely changed. 

“It’s the necklaces,” she simply stated without hesitation, her omniscience knowing all. “The necklaces were made to contain their powers. Once they took it off, they were vulnerable to the physical manifestations.” 

Taehyun’s father blubbered, “They didn’t take it off though! At least Taehyun didn’t. He’s a good kid, he wouldn-” 

“It’s a necklace,” Soobin’s mother retorted. “They grew up. It’s a weird request, and for most children - it’s harmless to take off the necklace. It’s a simple mistake. We should’ve expected this.” 

Mayor Choi chimed in, “A mistake that could never happen again.” He turned to Dae, “How do we make the necklace’s effect more permanent?” 

“It’s impossible.” Dae’s voice, however, still could be distinguished as inhuman. It was whispered yet echoed around them, filling the space - entering their lungs - their thoughts - their entire being felt lifted by the voice. “Nothing is wrong with these physical manifestations, of course. If they were born in my time, it’d be normal. However, I understand magic is no longer mundane here.” 

Your mother decided to ask the next question, “How do we fix this?” 

“I found them.” Dae stated, no quiver in her voice. “However, I must warn you. These necklaces were supposed to muffle their powers. Now that they’ve had it off for a while now, they have revealed themselves; the deity who had killed their biological parents may be able to locate them.” 

The parents shivered in fear. Kill? Would he come after you? Taehyun’s mother voiced the question out loud, and unfortunately, Dae couldn’t be certain. While her omniscience allows her knowledge of all human activities, she could not track down Ki. To Ki, the only threat Dae posed was protecting those he aimed to find; be it corrupt presidents or these children. She has no knowledge of his current whereabouts or plans; but she can surely feel his presence in the world. It was why Gi and her created the necklaces; when the children were born, their energy as half-deities could be felt by all of them. They were uncertain of where it could lead, so Gi and her worked together to create something to suppress it; to help them live more normally among the mortals. “How could we protect them?” 

“We can’t keep them apart anymore.” Soobin’s mother sighed, “They love each other too much. It’ll be like separating them from us.” 

Dae’s silence flooded the room. She wishes Hye-Ji was here to help her know what to do, or Kwang was here to help comfort them despite their fears. If Jum was here, maybe he’d be able to take control of the situation. Or even if Won-Shik or Aera was here; they’d fill them up with hope and love that they could feel certain that everything would be okay. 

But Dae cannot promise certainty. She can only promise the truth. 

“There’s not much to do.” It was simple really. Ki would have felt their energy already. Dae felt it this morning and immediately went to search for the necklaces, to which she still has to repair the last one. Even if she repaired them immediately, she couldn’t have come down during the day to give them back - her power was weak, she couldn’t muster her human form until nightfall. “Keep them on the down low. Make sure they never remove the necklaces again. Hopefully, Ki hasn’t tracked them down to this village yet.” Her words were calculated - careful to prevent more panic, but that didn’t stop the fear trembling the room. “I will go now.” 

Her announcement was followed by her gliding to the other side of the room, facing the wall. She turned her head and announced, “Your children aren’t home. They are safe. I will tell them to go home tomorrow morning.” 

“Where are they?” Mayor Choi quickly demanded, raising his voice at a deity who didn’t even flinch. Her elegance and composure was as stable as ever. 

She smiled as her body started to disappear into the wind, her human form retreating as she turned into her spirit form; an orb of blue energy. “It is their secret to keep,” Dae was fully gone now, but her voice resonated throughout the room, “but they will return tomorrow.” 

Her departure left the parents in silence. Immediately, they went to comfort each other - after a bit of arguing, of course.

At the dead of the night, Soobin startled awake. Or was he awake? 

He couldn’t be certain. For one, the stars had returned. Instead of the empty sky, the moon was staring back at him. 

Soobin sat up and around him, everyone was asleep. Taehyun, who was previously holding Soobin’s arm, shuffled and reached over to Kai - his tight grasp an effort to find an anchor in the dark night. Kai’s other arm (the one not being held by Tae’s death grip) was splayed out in your direction, obviously trying to reach you. You, however, were facing Beomgyu who was facing you back. His legs were tucked tight to his chest, one arm wrapped around them and similar to Kai, his other arm reaching towards you. Yeonjun was at the end - he had chosen his spot as “the eldest male”, promising to protect you from anyone who may come across you all (“Everyone will see a monster, that’s great - at least they don’t know the monster is old and frail'' were Beomgyu’s last words before being tackled to the ground).

“You have to be careful,” A whisper seeped through the gust of wind. Soobin shivered, “He can find you now.” Soobin looks around; who's talking? Is it someone nearby? Is it my imagination? He looked back and forth, trying to find the source of the sound. “Go home. Make sure to never take it off again.” The noise must be from someone in the forest, right? He tried to think of any reason for there to be a voice from the forest or where it could be coming from. Trying to use logic, he can only think the voice was coming from the sky…but how? As he was trying to figure it all out, wiping the sleep away from his eyes...

It was morning again. The sky was a beautiful orange, the hue dawning on all of you - embracing you in its warmth. When Soobin woke up, he was certain that it was a dream. It had to be, he concluded. 

Nevertheless, it was a beautiful day. The smells of char from the bonfire, sure, was suffocating - but the fresh grass around them combined with the beautiful sunrise revitalised him. He could feel the soil beneath his fingers, taste the odd feeling of saliva from waking up, and he could hear…wait. He could no longer hear the river stream that kept him up for hours. Crickets and birds were merely faint background noises, not alarms ringing through his head. His hands quickly jumped to his ears and at his realisation; he felt all the weight on his shoulders vanish.

He sits up and looks around. If I am free of this curse, the others must be too, right? Yeonjun - the furthest away - no longer had his horns. There was not even a trace of it. The only physical remnant of yesterday was the dents in the dirt of where the horns collided. Other than that, there was no bone, no scarring, no blood. 

Beomgyu, next to him, no longer had his spikes. He was no longer sleeping on his side but comfortably on his back. He was free. 

From Soobin’s angle, he couldn’t see your hands - especially as they were covered by Beomgyu’s. It’s fine, Soobin ignored the gnawing at his heart - you always instinctively reached out for others during your camping trips, if I was in his place, she’d be reaching for me. However, his eyes gleamed at the sight; your hands were released from the thorn restraints. 

Kai’s lack of wings, however, was the most obvious disappearance of them all. Soobin expected to wake up in the morning and have to help Kai clean the dirt off the pure white feathers. The wings themselves seemed to emit their own brightness with how white they were. However, it didn’t pain him to look at Kai’s sleeping form - so either it’s really dug and hidden under the dirt or had completely disappeared. Based on Soobin’s previous observations, he knew it disappeared. 

He quickly looked to the one beside him. Unfortunately, Taehyun’s eyes were still closed; still in dreamland. 

So Soobin shuffled over, as quiet as possible (which admittedly wasn’t too quiet), and was immediately thankful that Taehyun has always been extremely easy to wake up. During his shuffling, Taehyun had already started to awaken; his eyes blinking through the haze of a morning blur. 

It’s not black. Surely enough, Taehyun’s eyes were shining - but not due to the star that temporarily found a home there, but from his wide doe eyes. Soobin had to hold himself from screaming, from celebrating loudly. But he was faced with a dilemma.

It wasn’t a dream or a shared delusion - our parents reacted, he reasoned, so what was it? Despite his overthinking mind, he relished in the silence he sorely missed yesterday. 

“Did you wake me up just to stare at me, creep?” Taehyun groggily asked, voice still heavy with sleep as he looked at Soobin. 

He must’ve not realised. “Taehyun…” Soobin trailed off, his grin uncontainable, “Can’t you see me?” 

Taehyun jumped up immediately. He was basked in the orange sunlight; he could see the trees around them. The sight of life made him want to crash right back onto his knees in relief. “I told you guys it’ll come back, I told you!” He almost cried, startling and waking everyone else. 

The moment all of you woke up, everyone (metaphorically) kissed the ground you walked on. You couldn’t care less for the spiders surrounding you, the lady bugs crawling up and down your arms, the fireflies flying around as they seek refuge from the daylight. All of you were overwhelmed with relief, with happiness, with freedom - your immediate reaction was to hug each other. You were finally free from the imprisonment that was your oddities. None of you had to worry about hurting the other with the touch of your thorny vines, Beomgyu’s spikes, or Yeonjun’s antlers getting in the way. 

With the profuse amount of blessings overflowing through your veins, a realisation sprung to mind. “I guess it’s time to go home then, huh?” Taehyun asked, scratching his head as he stepped back from the embrace. Despite being grateful for life to go back to normal, part of you will miss the idea of living with the boys. In the future, you reminded yourself of your promise to each other; living together in the same house here in Hybehead.

“We can leave after we eat all this.” Yeonjun motioned towards the food you bundled together for your escape from Yeonjun’s kitchens before you left (as well as the food Soobin and Taehyun were forced to buy for you guys, as the only two people with more discreet changes). Although the food was planned to last you at least a week, in hindsight it maybe could only last you two days or so. 

Beomgyu set up the blanket for the six of you to eat; “A celebratory feast!” he basically screamed as the rest of you got the paper plates out. “We can eat as much as we want!” 

As you all sat down, Taehyun remained just a few steps away; staring holes through Kai’s back. “You know,” he commented, “it’s great that we no longer have all of…that…but I wish I saw Kai’s wings.” You hummed in agreement. Out of you all, Kai was definitely the most happy - his wings were, well, angelic to be simply put. 

“You should’ve seen my back,” Beomgyu chewed loudly from beside you, “maybe you could’ve identified what they were.” You chuckled to yourself; smiling at Beomgyu absentmindedly. For someone who felt so much shame the day prior, he certainly seemed to be basking in pride now. He turned to look at you, and caught your stare, immediately flustering you both. Beomgyu, however, wore his reddening cheeks with a smirk. 

Yeonjun spoke up, humming as he ate his food, “I think they were thorns”. 

“It kind of looked like bones.” Kai contributed. You looked sadly at Yeonjun, who although was joining the discussion, had among the worst of you all. Unfortunately, due to his brash actions yesterday, his hands are still scarred from ripping the bone from his head. Shifting away from Beomgyu and closer to Yeonjun, you hook your arms with his non-dominant arm so as to prevent him from eating.

He screwed his eyes shut, squinting at you “What do you want?” he asked sceptically, pulling his plate back away from you as if you were going to steal some of his food. 

“I can’t just show my friend my appreciation through affection?” 

Yeonjun shrugs and continues eating, until he hears Beomgyu start whispering loudly. “Y/N, good job…” It was obviously a joke; Beomgyu pretending to have orchestrated a plot for you to distract Yeonjun while he does something evil. 

Yeonjun shrugged you off,  pretending to be sceptical of you now. “What did Beomgyu make you do?”

Beomgyu was quick to defend himself; “HEY! I was doing nothing.” Yeonjun aimed his intimidating glance towards Beomgyu, as if trying to silently get information from him. The younger one sighed, “I guess my friend’s don’t understand me now, huh?”. He looked at you and playfully glared, “Traitor.” 

As the offended boy playfully and roughly turned his head, he heard a CLINK. Confusion filled him, making him put his food down and find the clinking noise.

I thought this broke…

Beomgyu’s sudden silence grabbed everyone’s attention. “Wait, I have the same necklace,” Kai quickly commented, “but I lost it...” Kai looked down, only to spot the same necklace he swore he left behind. He took it out, showing it to everybody. 

One by one, everyone looked under their shirts to reveal the very same items they lost weeks ago. Each necklace was practically related to each other; while the chain and metal hook looks the same, the marbles the metal secures all differ. From the material itself, it is obvious that the marbles were not any that they have seen before. Not only that, but something about the touch of them, now after reuniting with it after so long, felt strange - powerful, almost reinvorigating as if you were restoring something deep inside of you. 

Firstly, Taehyun’s marble had the same chestnut colour of leather bound books, however, with golden stripes. Kai’s marble, on the other hand, looked like it contained the whole ocean with the variety of blues layered together. Similarly, Soobin’s marble’s colour and design could be likened to the allium flower, cascading over each other in different shades of purple. Yours was a royal green; beautiful and rich in colour with a series of lighter swirls wrapping around it. Beomgyu, with all his knowledge of different materials, could easily compare his own marble’s appearance with the one of an orange-red zircon. Lastly, while Yeonjun’s marble was the least vibrant of them all; ivory white, it still demanded attention as it appeared to catch light even if the light was nowhere near it. 

 “This has to be a coincidence,” Taehyun swore, not yet believing in magic despite the very same events he first hand experienced the day before. 

“Bro-” Kai appeared gobsmacked, “we woke up with literal fantasy novel stuff, how else can you explain it? It has to be magic.” At the mention of magic, Yeonjun started to chuckle - magic? Impossible. “No, seriously though. Soobin, Taehyun - you also have older siblings, did they experience this?” 

Soobin’s eyes were wide with fright. Magic can’t be real, he tried to reason with himself, if it is real - what else can be out there? He wanted to say yes to Kai, tell him that ‘yes it did happen to them’ to try and push back the idea of magic. If magic was real, then they didn’t know as much as they thought about the world around them. But he didn’t want to lie. Not to Kai. 

“Maybe it’s a delusion.” Taehyun simply shrugged. “Maybe we all imagined it.” 

Soobin, playing advocate for Kai, jumped in - despite the fear he held close to his heart of the unknown. “But our parents also saw it, like, they couldn’t have been deluded.” 

Beomgyu cut in, “Let’s listen to Kai and Soobin, they might be onto something.” You looked at Beomgyu, whose eyes had a glint to them. I don’t think he believes this, you thought, he might be just entertaining him. In an attempt to lock eyes with him, you nudged him with your foot to try and read his genuine reaction. Despite the many years you’ve known him, this expression was almost unreadable. The only thing confirming your suspicion was the small cocky smile playing at his lips. 

You, on the other hand, were conflicted. Yesterday’s circumstances certainly were odd and not mortally possible. But there have been no records of magic in the past…what makes us so special? It’s not like we’re the protagonists in one of those fantasy stories.

“I mean,” Soobin shyly glanced at you, “I don’t believe it, but hey - maybe.” He was stuttering, tripping over his words. “We have faced a lot of impossible things in the span of 24 hours so maybe magic could be real.” And it means there’s so much out there we don’t know, he stopped himself from adding before continuing to list some of his fears, monsters, villains, gods and goddesses, vampires, shapeshifters …what else? 

Kai took over once more, “All I’m saying is this cannot be explained by science, so something has to have done it.” In the corner of your vision, you can see Taehyun shake his head - although his usual unshaken expression wasn’t present. It was clear that the events of the catastrophe that was yesterday had changed his mind, altered his perspective. 

“Let’s just say,” Yeonjun said, trying to change the perspective, “it’s something weird and unexplainable.” He looked around at everyone’s face, who was nodding along - not wanting to start an argument or get too into the discussion. “We finally got rid of it, so let’s forget about it.” Soobin, however, was still biting at his lip. “What’s on your mind?” 

Soobin shook his head, refusing Yeonjun’s invitation to speak. Unfortunately, he was pushed forward - everyone knew his worried expression (after being so easily scared) and this surely meets the criteria; his arms unusually close to his body, his lips slightly parted, his usually innocent eyes plagued with worry as he searched for something to distract him. It was only when he reached towards your hand that he started to answer. 

“I overheard something last night,” he shared, “I’m not sure how serious or how real it was, but I don’t think we should take off our necklaces.” Kai was quick to agree, interrupting Soobin as he mentioned how he overheard his parents discussing it with Mayor Choi. “I really think it’s important for us to keep these necklaces on, we can hide them easily and it’s a small thing to be doing.” 

You agreed immediately. It truly is a simple thing to do, and you can tell the others agree by how everyone quickly nodded along. “Let’s all pinky promise?” you proposed. “Touch thumbs too.” Everyone held up their pinkies, reaching to whoever is on either side of them. Immediately after, you all started to pack up to go home - everyone was nervous about what awaits them with their parents.

“Hi kitty-kitty!” Yeonjun cooed, a black cat curling up by his feet. It was the same black cat that seemed to have captured the village’s heart by storm. Hybehead wasn’t a stranger to animals, often dealing with lots of foxes and forest animals, but this cat was distinctive in its nature. 

In the village, a household animal like a cat or dog is always accounted for. Stray kittens would quickly find their homes. However, everytime people try to offer this cat residence; it never stays. Odd. Due to this, the village has been holding up posters - even sending some to Beliftham - in search of their owner. Nevertheless, the cat remains distinctive for another quality - a quality that seemed to have captured Yeonjun. This cat had one blue eye and one green eye. Other than that, the cat seemed to have been pampered it’s whole life. 

It’s been a few months since the incident. When Yeonjun looks at this wonky-eyed cat, he thinks of his horns. As much as he tried to forget that day, he could never; the faint scar that remains on his palms are a constant reminder. This cat may think of itself a monster, he sighed sadly as he went to carry the cat to put onto his lap. It looks so sweet...so innocent. 

Mrs. Ho, a neighbour who tried to take care of the cat a few days back, walked by, “Wow Yeonjun”. The seventeen-year-old’s head shot up. He immediately smiled and was greeted by the town’s jeweller, Mrs. Ho, who has always been friendly to everyone in the village. “That small one really took a liking to you.” 

“Pardon?” Yeonjun politely asked. He always appreciated Mrs. Ho, especially after the one time he was grounded and forced outside. Mrs. Ho had helped him find games to play with his ‘punishment’ of tending to one of the town’s treasured statues. Sometimes, when Yeonjun would be grounded and only be allowed to ‘go to school and go home’, she would help Yeonjun evade his father’s strict eyes - often by asking for Yeonjun and his friends’ help at her shop. 

“This little one,” Mrs. Ho reaches out to pet the cat, only to receive a guttural snarl from the cat with two eye colours, “really doesn’t accept anything but food from people.” Yeonjun furrowed his eyebrows. Wouldn’t this cat want a home? He secretly took pride in being someone the cat took a liking to. “They like you.” 

He sadly looked at the cat on his lap, “I won’t be allowed to take them home though.” Still stroking the cat, who has shown no particular dislike for his touch, he explained to Mrs. Ho that his mother is allergic to cats. “Maybe I’ll ask one of my friends.” 

“How are your friends, my dear?” Mrs. Ho inquired, looking around for them. It was rare to see them without each other. “Are you grounded again?” Her tone immediately shifted to be more light-hearted, teasing him. 

Yeonjun immediately shook his head, laughing. “No, no, not at all.” He quickly cleared up, “My class ended early.” Mrs. Ho hums, implicitly asking him to elaborate further. However, Yeonjun also recognizes that tone from his father; ‘are you sure you’re not just skipping class?’ but he can’t be mad at Mrs. Ho. If Mrs. Ho learnt that he skipped class, she’d help him cover up. “Students in my career path were asked to volunteer to help prepare for the town anniversary event, but I already helped with that and well…” he motions towards the paper that is placed beside him on the wooden bench. 

His elder sits next to him. “Ah,” She murmured, “I must admit, I always look forward to your speeches.” Yeonjun turns to face her, a bit surprised. With speeches full of humour and youth, Yeonjun always manages to capture the younger audiences at the events; it’s why his father wanted him to start speaking. However, he was surprised to hear someone relatively older appreciates his speeches. “You are a natural-born leader, I can tell.” 

Yeonjun awkwardly chuckled, avoiding eye contact. Well, I don’t want my father to hear this. Choosing to pursue the civic path of schooling wasn’t his choice. Luckily, he only had to do one year worth of it; a consequence of the curriculum being implemented in the second to last year of his mandatory school years. To be frank, he wanted to pursue the minstrel or knight career. Now, a few months into the beginning of the year, he’d hate to admit to his dad he actually enjoyed the civic career. However, he’s certain his father has noticed his significant decrease in troublesome behaviour since the start of this year. 

“Well, thank you.” He smiled, now finally looking up. “If you’d like to see them, they’ll be here in a bit!” Mrs. Ho is no stranger to their talks, in fact, sometimes she makes them a bit more wilder. She was always one to pose hypothetical situations or strange ‘what would you rather do…’ questions to them when she bumps into them. 

She waved it off, dismissing herself. “It’s okay, I have to go to Beliftham to grab some materials for a new design I want to try.” Mrs. Ho excitedly explained the design; a necklace with a small pendant in the middle. “I want it to be a marble pendant, you know?” She motions with her hands to demonstrate how big she wants the marble to be, before explaining how a lot of metals can’t carry that weight for long (and Mrs. Ho always wants to guarantee long-life necklaces). Yeonjun’s hands immediately left the cat in his lap and went to the one around his neck. 

How was this made then? It was just around the same size she demonstrated and the necklace has yet to break in the last seventeen years. “Do you mean like this?” He released the necklace from the confines of his school shirt, lifting up to show Mrs. Ho the design. 

Both of them were ignorant of how quick the black cat looked up at Yeonjun and the necklace. 

“This is absolutely beautiful!” She immediately gushed, her hand quickly going to feel the material. “What is this made of?” Her question falls upon deaf ears; Yeonjun unsure himself. “It reminds me of moonstone. Is it?” The boy shakes his head and shrugs before admitting his ignorance. “But this is exactly what I mean! Do you know what metal was used? The weight of the marble? How long have you had it for?” She was shooting questions miles per minute.  

Yeonjun, of course, told her as much as he could…which really was only that he had it since he was born. “This is like magic.” She awed, continuing to closely observe the necklace. “Do you mind if I borrow it for today? To show at the shop?” Mrs. Ho took a step back, letting go of the necklace. 

Without thinking, Yeonjun lifted his arms to take it off until he remembered the day after the incident, the promise you all made. “Oh, I’m sorry. I would, but I really can’t.” Mrs. Ho nods understandably, although the disappointment was evident on her face. “The others have the same necklaces though. I bet you they’d be open to come by and stay with you while you create so you have a working model to base it on.” He always hated to disappoint his elders. 

The cat in his lap’s ears twitched, as if fine tuning the conversation. 

“That would be amazing!” She quickly exclaimed. “It’s also a great excuse to spend time with you guys again. Maybe get your free labour again?” She teased Yeonjun, both of them chuckling. 

“Of course, of course, we’d be happy to.” 

Mrs. Ho went to touch the necklace for the final time that day, trying to decipher what materials she should be on the lookout for in Beliftham. However, as she thumbs at the object - the cat lifted its paw and scratched her. 

She laughed while Yeonjun looked at the cat in shock. In the ten minutes he’s been sitting with the cat, it hasn’t demonstrated any of this behaviour towards him. “They were like this the whole time they stayed with me, which happened to be about ten minutes for food.” Mrs. Ho then gives Yeonjun a quick hug, despite the cat’s obvious protests, and leaves him to wait for his friends. 

Suddenly, the cat became much more…affectionate, if you can call it that. The cat’s small black paws start attacking the necklace around Yeonjun’s neck, although with how much force the cat puts into it - Yeonjun wasn’t sure if the cat has a personal vendetta against it…as if it was possible for that to happen. 

“Okay, okay,” Yeonjun chuckled, smiling softly - ignoring the rough feeling of the cat’s nails on his chest, “I’ll put it away.” He hummed as he snuck his necklace back down under his shirt, but the cat’s onslaught persisted. “Look kitty,” he started, trying to gently push the cat to be sitting down on his lap again, “I promised my friends and family I can’t take it off. I even almost got grounded last time, okay? If i could take it off to make you stop, I’ll gladly-” 

His one-way discussion came to a halt when he heard his name get called from down the street. He spotted Beomgyu leading the group, next to you who was looking back to talk to the other three. Yeonjun immediately lifted the cat and placed him on the bench; an action that cat sincerely didn’t appreciate with how it tried to sink their nails into Yeonjun as a feasible attempt to become physically attached to the hip. 

“Skipping class again, I see!” you called, gleefully skipping ahead to hug him. Yeonjun scoffs at the implication. 

Putting on a higher tone of voice, he emphasised his facial expressions, “Don’t you know, I’m a changed man.” 

“Don’t you mean grandpa?” Taehyun earned a light shove with that comment. 

Beomgyu, however, did his usual and started mocking Yeonjun. “Changed man,” he scrunched up his face as much as he could, “as if you don’t swear in front of us every ten minutes.” 

The eldest shrugged, “Because it’s you. How can someone…” Yeonjun reached over to pinch Beomgyu’s cheek aggressively, “not want to swear at you?” 

“Well, I can swear with you.” Soobin held out his pinky finger, immediately making Yeonjun snort. 

Kai immediately added onto teasing Yeonjun. “I drew you a good luck picture!” Today, for Kai, was a quiz for the sailing career path. They had to draw a series of fish and list the distinguishing qualities. Kai, ever the genius, finished early and grabbed an extra sheet of paper. Yeonjun took one look at the picture and wanted to strangle him. It was a drawing of a pedestal with ‘Kai’s portrait of Yeonjun’ (aka a circle for a face, some sort of hair, and then three dots; two for his eyes and one for his mouth). “A good prediction for your speech today!” Kai motioned towards the ‘audience’ (aka circles) who were ‘clapping’ for him. 

It was as if all of you ripped a page out of the ‘How to Annoy Yeonjun Handbook’, a book that Yeonjun swears would be written by Taehyun with the help of Beomgyu once Taehyun becomes an official scribe. “How can I hit all of you at once?” 

Almost as if planned, you and Soobin both smiled and wrapped your arms around Yeonjun - your arms clashing with each other in the process. “You can’t!” tou sung. Admittedly, you didn’t know what the plan was today - something evident in how you tried to step forward before realising you had no clue where you were going. 

As if reading your mind, Soobin posed the question for you. “Where are we going?” 

Everyone turned to Yeonjun. “I was thinking we could actually go around the preparation area for the event tonight, yeah?” Your interest was piqued at the mention, although you weren’t sure why. You were curious, for sure, but not interested. However, this feeling seemed to confirm your assumption from the last few weeks; Yeonjun is enjoying the civic duty path. Of course, for another reason you were uncertain of, the statement and idea was full of shame - so you’d never say it out loud. 

While everyone else blindlessly agreed, not thinking too much about it - Taehyun was always curious. However, his curiosity was also paired with intelligence - even emotional too. “What do we do there?” To Taehyun, he thought it was a genius question - one that could weasel out why Yeonjun wanted to go there without making him explicitly uncom-

“Stand around, I guess.” That definitely was what I wanted to hear, Taehyun silently laughed at himself, of course Yeonjun would be able to not fall for it. “Oh!” Yeonjun’s eyes widened as he remembered what he had to say, the six of them now commencing their walk towards their destination. “I told Mrs. Ho we’d stay in her shop for a bit, is that okay with you all?” 

Soobin grinned widely. “I love Mrs. Ho!” Mrs. Ho would always come to the bakery at varying times each day. Each time Soobin would be behind the counter during her visits, he’d be elated to see her. To him, Mrs. Ho brought an immediate sense of comfort; the words she’d say were always those of complete honesty or humour. Nevertheless, everything she says drips with affection. “I’d love to help her around the shop again.” 

“Why’d she ask?” Beomgyu asked, curious. While they do visit her from time to time, and always see her at big events (like today), it’s been a while since they spent a few hours at her shop. 

Yeonjun motions to his necklace. “She was saying this type of design was impossible to make, and I showed it to her.” 

Kai furrowed his eyebrows, “Are our necklaces not like…a secret thing?” Everyone looked at him - this was the first they heard of this. “LIke…why did we never mention our necklaces before? Why did we always wear it under our shirts?” Admittedly, most of you froze on the spot. Why did you? Was it just instinctive? 

Taehyun, however, dismissed these questions, “It’s just a necklace. Plus, we trust Mrs. Ho. If the necklaces were something we had to keep secret, Mrs. Ho wouldn’t be blurting it out to everyone.” 

Looking back, Yeonjun motioned to the cat, wanting to take the mick out of Yeonjun. “They also heard.” 

Immediately, Taehyun rolled his eyes. “Okay, tell me what a cat would want to do with our neckla-,” he interrupts himself, “no, no, tell me how a cat would spill the secret.” 

Not wanting to talk much about the cat longer, the black cat giving you a bad feeling - the weird invisible and inexplicable scratching feeling around your wrists, you changed the subject. “Will we see Mrs. Ho tonight?” 

Yeonjun nodded, and before he could open his mouth, Kai jumped in. “I’m so excited for the events of tonight. Can you believe it? It’s been a hundred years since our village was formed.” 

“I can’t believe that before that, this was part of a bigger city in a bigger kingdom.” Soobin sighs, remembering the story of the creation of Hybehead you’ve been taught since you were five. “Can you imagine how long a walk from one side of the city to the other was?” 

Due to the heavy rain earlier this morning, the dirt roads were still quite moldable. With your eyes set on the destination in front of you, the six of you left six pairs of footprints in the wide road towards the town centre. Creeping behind these footprints were a pair of paw prints, the wonky-eyed cat following behind.

While Taehyun severely missed being in the same class group as Kai, he knew from the moment he started the specialised curriculum that Kai would’ve hated being a scribe. Firstly, Taehyun’s classes are central about learning the pedantics; what type of paper for what type of story, what type of ink for the paper, what type of font, and so on. Secondly, most of his lessons were inside. 

On the other hand, Kai - pursuing the sailors' curriculum - would often be by the sea side or taking short trips to another port for the day. So while Taehyun may miss Kai, he was happy that Kai was happy - especially considering the long process it took him to decide choosing this curriculum. His father was happy, as he believed his son would be following his path, but Kai secretly had an ulterior motive; he wanted to leave Hybehead and sail as a merchant across the seven seas. Of course, he’d want to come back to Hybehead as his homebase - as, …well, who else will annoy his friends? 

Fortunately for them, there were days for their general classes and as the same age group, they were together. But those were once a week at most. 

In a village of maybe one thousand people and only 300 or so school-aged children, only seven people wanted to be scribes. Due to the amount of teachers actually available, this meant those pursuing the scribe curriculum all shared one class; no matter the age. 

This also meant Taehyun was the youngest in his class. 

It wasn’t a surprise to the administration, of course. What teenager would want to stay inside today, mostly practising their handwriting and reading books that can be as heavy as a farm animal? 

Moreover, as Taehyun was without his friends in this class, his more introverted tendencies would take over. Coming to class in the morning, after briefly meeting up with you all in the park you’d always eat lunch, he immediately started to practice what they learnt yesterday on spare paper. 

Calligraphy, his teacher called it - a text style to be used for poetry and fiction novels about magical worlds. The strokes were careful and calculated, yet expressed a melodious quality. If calligraphy was a person, Taehyun thought, it’d be manipulative - a liar as the harmonious font could say the most malicious words under disguise. Despite the font looking beautiful and free, it required a lot of skillful effort and expertise - upward strokes were to be-

His thoughts are interrupted as Professor Lim grabs the attention of the class. “Everyone, let’s welcome our new student Oh Ki-Hoon.” A monotonous chorus of ‘hello’s echoed throughout the small section of the village’s library. “Oh Ki-Hoon is new to town and moved here to be with…” The teacher turned to the new student, who quickly answered the question. 

“My grandmother.” Ki-Hoon, for someone who looks quite young, was full of confidence. He appeared to have no self doubt; no quiver in his voice, no double take - he held his head up high without hesitancy. 

Professor Lim tilted his head as he tried to think of anyone with the last name, “I didn’t know Oh -” 

Ki-Hoon was quick to interrupt, although his eyes remained trained onto the students; not caring about the teacher’s reaction. “My grandmother lives just outside the village, but she goes into Beliftham for work - not here.” The abrupt student took the teacher’s nod as a sign that he won’t push for more details.

Professor Lim scanned the room, “You can sit next to Taehyun.” Ki-Hoon silently was grateful he didn’t have to make a fuss in order to sit next to the boy in the back row, quietly scribbling away. “He’s in the same age group as you.”  

Taehyun’s head popped up with that comment. Yes! He silently celebrated. It wasn’t that Taehyun needed people, he does have some introverted qualities - however, he largely is an extrovert. If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t be able to deal with his five friends who brought all sorts of chaos everywhere they went. Everytime he thinks of this fact, he silently pities Soobin. 

“Hello!” Ki-Hoon quickly greeted, plopping down beside Taehyun. Taehyun was able to get a good look at the boy beside him. Nothing in particular shouted ‘look at me’ besides, maybe, his definitive and dark eyebrows, and…okay, definitely his eyes. 

Taehyun has heard about it before, only in stories. Heterochromia. A name with green origins. Hetero, or different, and chroma, color. While Ki-Hoon’s right eye was a dark brown that feels as deep as an abyss, his left eye was largely an electric blue with pieces of emerald floating through. Creeping in from the right side of his pupil was more brown. Partial heterochromia, if Taehyun remembers the term correctly, but it’s weird - he thought - I thought it’d only be two colours. In all reports he read about heterochromia, it was only two colours - not two and a bit of anoth-

Ki-Hoon motioned towards Taehyun’s practice sheet. “What is that called?” 

Pulling himself back into the moment, Taehyun smiled and introduced himself properly. “Oh sorry, I zoned out.” Ki-Hoon chuckled understandably, “it’s called calligraphy. We learned it yesterday.” Wait, he’s coming into the course a few weeks after…and he missed a year. “My name is Taehyun, by the way. It’s nice to have someone my age here.” 

“Taehyun,” It was as if Ki-hoon was tasting the name, ensuring to imprint every syllable in his memory, “it means great or honour.” Ki-Hoon motioned towards the sheet once more, “The greatness definitely shows up in your work.” 

The boy in question let out a chuckle, not denying the compliment. He has been working on his strokes since class yesterday. “Yeah, thank you.” He held up the piece of paper, holding it out to appreciate it from a distance. “Do you want me to help you catch up?” 

Through whispered conversations during class ‘silent times’ and spending lunch together, Taehyun learnt he and Ki-hoon had a lot in common. Both of their parents worked in journalism, Ki-Hoon aspires to be a part of the Hye-Ji association, and both love to swim (to which Taehyun invited him out to go to a nearby river rather than your secret spot). 

It was at the end of the school day where he decided and was determined to introduce Ki-Hoon to the rest of his friends. By now, all your schedules would be finished, meaning there were no longer any schedule conflicts preventing him from seeing you all. 

Turning to Ki-Hoon, Taehyun started to pack his stuff. “Do you want to meet my friends?” Taehyun was grinning wildly, excited to invite him into the group. He can imagine you all bonding well with Ki-Hoon to the point he can imagine the new kid being invited to your next camping trip. 

Ki-Hoon cunningly grinned.

When approaching the park where you meet up in the mornings, Taehyun could even hear the four of you bickering from a distance…to be fair, mostly Yeonjun and Soobin bickering. 

He turned around to face his new friend, “I promise you…they’re always like this -”. Part of Taehyun wishes you or Yeonjun or Soobin were there with him at that moment; you three were always amazing at reading even the blankest of reactions. Ki-Hoon was practically unreadable; no distinguishing features that highlighted any sense of emotion. No furrowed brows, no widened eyes, no grin. Just blank. “But they’re really not scary, they’re all super lovely.” 

The lack of emotion turned Taehyun into a leaking faucet, rambling and giving him brief introductions to you in advance. “Taehyun!” Soobin called as Taehyun was now just a few steps away, “Beomgyu and Yeonjun are saying a butt is one, but I think it’s two.” 

Taehyun turned to look at you, silently apologising for the plight of dealing with them alone. “This is Ki-Hoon,” he ignored the question, motioning to the boy beside him, “he’s new to town.” 

Everyone waved back, introducing themselves and eying him up and down. You, in particular, feel an itch crawl up your arm, as if a spider was crawling underneath your skin. “Your eyes look so cool,” Kai awed, before immediately bringing the conversation back up. “Now, what is your opinion, Ki-Hoon? One or two?” 

A full three weeks at Hybehead and Ki-Hoon has been settling in…well, adequately. To say that he got a good start off with your group was also questionable. 

One of your favourite activities was spending time with Yeonjun. Of course, you can say that about all of your friends, but you and everyone else in your group haven’t had alone time with Yeonjun in a long time, especially as he is preparing to enter the adult world next year. Not only that, but he has been putting a lot more effort into his civic duties as mayor’s son. 

It usually would be a group hangout, but after Ki-Hoon was introduced to you earlier today, you really didn’t want to spend time with everyone. 

You were lucky you had frequent alone time with Soobin due to bakery hours. During your shift today, you and Soobin spent the whole time talking about the odd aura that seemed to swarm Ki-Hoon. It was clear that Kai and Taehyun really liked him, Beomgyu was a bit sceptical in the beginning but started warming up to him towards the end once they started speaking about blacksmith-related things, but Yeonjun and Soobin were hard to read. 

The conversation you had with Soobin convinced you that it wasn’t just a feeling you experienced. Like Soobin, you’d consider Yeonjun amazing at reading people; you always were impressed with his instincts. Not unexpectedly, this was just your cover as a reason to get him to stop studying - your ulterior motive was to have alone time with one of your best friends. 

“No, you’re right,” Yeonjun hummed, agreeing with you. “He reminds me of those stories we read in books…you know the one with the shapeshifter?” You laughed at the allusion, especially when you remember the images drawn with the story. The story of the shapeshifter was a famous one in the village; it was told to children to teach them the importance of honesty…or the brilliance of creativity. It’s been so long since you last heard the story, you can’t be certain what the moral was anymore. 

In the story, Ki-young was an all powerful man with the ability to create illusions. He was a storyteller beloved by everyone. One day, his stories lost the interest of the town as a new storyteller came, one from another town, who told stories of monsters and creatures the town had never heard of. So, Ki-young started telling stories - or ‘prophecies’ as he called them - of creatures no one, not even the stranger, had seen before. Everyone believed the warnings, and believed the monsters would be coming. Ki-young wanted to bring it to them, to show them that his stories were the truth. So he shape-shifted into the creature no one has seen before. However, due to the stories, the town was prepared; they were able to trap him. Ki-young was never seen again.

“Are you saying we’ll never see Ki-hoon again? Because that’s the dream,” you joked, wanting nothing more than the icky feeling to disappear. “Talking about dreams…” You trailed off, and Yeonjun groaned - falling back onto his mattress as you sat on his desk chair. “You seem to be really enjoying civic duty.” 

Yeonjun covered his face with his hands, but you felt an overwhelming sense of pride. “I guess, yeah.” 

“Come on! You know you can trust me.” 

“Fine, but you can’t tell the others.” Not looking at you, he held his pinky finger up in the air. You took the signal and approached him, locking pinkies before falling onto your back beside him. “I really admire my father now.” You nodded. You gathered as much. 

Based on Yeonjun’s record - especially regarding how he chose a curriculum he tried to make you all believe he hated, you would have predicted he would be grounded every other day. Instead, he was the top of the class. He started doing extracurriculars, and most importantly, he seemed happier. 

“I really would like to be mayor one day. Not based on nepotism, of course, but a proper campaign.” The last you’ve heard Yeonjun speak so dreamily was when he told tales of unicorns and dragons. “Maybe even a larger city.” 

You smiled. His face lit up as he spoke of how he’d like to be a mayor; how he’d follow his father’s footsteps. The town he’d be a mayor of would be lucky. They’d have frequent community events, even more frequent town halls to submit issues and suggestions, and Yeonjun would make a personal effort to get to know everyone. 

“Why don’t you want to tell the others?” you inquired. All of you wanted to see each other happy, you know that - especially as seeing Yeonjun’s excitement made you feel elated. 

“Because what if the town for me isn’t Hybehead?” Yeonjun sighed, and you remembered the future plans you all discussed. “Because what if I can’t live with you guys?” 

Admittedly, the thought saddened you. “It won’t be the end of the world.” Your voice was a low murmur as you realised how close the future actually was. It felt like you waited your whole life to be an adult, but you weren’t even sure what being an adult even means. “We can visit each other, there’s boats and horses. We also can send mail.” 

Yeonjun nodded, “It won’t be the same.” 

“We’ll be adults.” You turned to look at him as he continued to stare at the ceiling. “Nothing will be the same. Can you imagine Kai as a merchant? Or Beomgyu running the blacksmith shop? Or Soobin creating new bakery dishes? Or Taehyun as the head scribe?” As you listed each job, you realised one thing. More than half of you may have to leave Hybehead. 

To be head scribe, you’d have to live in the country’s capital - and Hybehead is nowhere near that. Kai would frequently be on the seas, going port to port. Sure, he’ll be here for a day or two - but he can never be here for long. Afterall, Hybehead wasn’t a popular port. Most people just go to Beliftham. Now Yeonjun wants to be a mayor of a bigger town. Where does that leave you, and Beomgyu, and Soobin? The future was so uncertain but there’s so much you have yet to achieve, so much you want to achieve. 

“What about you then?” Yeonjun asked, dropping his head to return your stare. 

You shrugged. “Healer, I guess.” 

“You don’t sound too certain.” 

“Well, I’m not,” you chuckled. “But I rather not run the farm.” 

“I’m pretty sure you can’t stay in your family home then.” It was almost true. Hybehead only had one farm; right next to your family home. If it doesn’t go down to you, it’ll go to another family pursuing the farm life. 

“I think we can, actually,” you corrected him. “The house will just have a fence between the farm and the house.” 

“So you will have no rewards for the cow manure you smell on a daily basis?”  

You snorted. “I mean, I’m pretty sure I’m stuck with that smell for the rest of my life.”

He laughed, “Hey! We don’t know that. Ki-Hoon may eventually leave.” 

Your jaw dropped at his joke, immediately bursting out in laughter. 

Nevertheless, Ki-Hoon and Taehyun were getting along quite well, potentially a consequence of having essentially the exact same schedule. “So what does your grandmother do, if you don’t mind me asking?” 

Ki-Hoon quickly responded, “She weaves.” Almost as if planned, Kai came by. 

“Oh my mother does that too!” He cheered, excited to have something in common with the new kid - especially one that Taehyun has been getting super close to. If Taehyun is his friend, surely he’d be mine too! “Maybe they know each other?” 

One thing Taehyun noticed about Ki-Hoon is that he was either immediate with his answer, or super slow. No matter what, his words showed no sign of hesitation; never stuttering and certainly no pauses between thoughts. “She works at Beliftham.” 

“My mother goes there quite often for fabrics. Wow, how cool would it be if they knew each other?” Kai was oblivious to Ki-Hoon’s tone that was urging him to be quiet.

Taehyun, however, noticed it. “Where is everyone else?” he asked, inviting Kai to sit down next to them. Kai is first, he told himself, Ki-Hoon is no one to me compared to Kai. 

“Yeonjun and Y/N have their lunch period at one, and Beomgyu and Soobin had one earlier.” Kai answered - he was always on top of everything regarding where everyone is. He was the one who’d ask everyone for their schedules and try to memorise it. 

Taehyun smiled as his best friend got comfortable, unwrapping his lunch from his mother. “We haven’t spent much time together lately, huh?” Although disguised as a question, Taehyun said it more like a fact. And it was true. 

Since Ki-Hoon has been in his class, Taehyun has been spending much more time with him instead. Even in general classes, Ki-Hoon would save a seat for Taehyun and not for Kai so Kai hasn’t been spending time with him in those classes either. 

“Yeah, do you remember the last time it was just us?” As same-age-group friends, Kai and Taehyun had many memories with just the two of them - from class ‘quiet times’ to doing homework together (of course, after harassing you guys for the answers). 

Taehyun grinned at the memory. It was a few weeks ago, the week before Ki-Hoon came into their lives. To bask in the sunshine, Taehyun and Kai decided to ‘borrow’ some canvases from the scribe's storage room and paint the forest. With their canvases and paint brushes at hand, the two adventured to their secret spot and painted - quite terribly - the river and waterfall. Kai had even included their rope swing. 

As the two reminisced and caught up, Ki-Hoon was sitting in the background - smirking, plotting. “Do you remember the time we had exams?” The two burst out laughing. Kai was stressing out about mathematics, constantly rewriting his solutions. Taehyun, of course, was his saviour - but to get back at Yeonjun for not giving his old notes, helped Kai with a prank. 

“How are you finding sailing classes though?” Taehyun asked, genuinely curious to hear how the days are going. 

Kai smiled faintly, making Taehyun question if he was enjoying. “We’re having an immersion trip soon so we’ll be gone for three days, which will be weird.” Taehyun nodded, understanding how odd it must feel to be without his parents. “But it’s so far, mostly manual labour, some language learning - but only essentials. We’ll learn some cool stuff like financial trading later on, if you decide to specify merchants.” The youngest’s voice picked up as he spoke, making Taehyun happy. Kai deserves to be happy, he thought, he was really at a crossroads when coming to his decision. 

“Sounds quite simple, really,” Ki-Hoon butted in, shrugging nonchalantly. “Taehyun does a lot of detailed information, Yeonjun does a lot of political studies, Y/N does health and healing, Soobin is learning how to manage a culinary business, Beomgyu is learning how to forge…and you’re tying knots?” 

Kai felt an arrow go through his heart. Taehyun was confused - he’s never heard Ki-Hoon sound so cruel, especially to someone who definitely didn’t deserve it. “Well, more than that. We’re learning some languages and finances and -” 

“But not yet, right?” Ki-Hoon prompted, making Kai’s eyes go wide and mouth to shut. 

“Sienks neosu keml si mu.” Sounds quite simple to me, he said in Stauzic. 

“Yai'lo tiado kink dankulok da avail dlaovkk.” Sounds like you’re quite dumb, he said in Jisnada. 

"Cuiaftgn's a'an shunk shas naxfta Taehyun hat ftaan a'uugung xuia.” You didn’t even consider that maybe Taehyun was avoiding you this last week, he continued in Yummosa. 

Taehyun’s ears perked up. While he was knowledgeable and could read the languages, he was still behind in understanding spoken and modern languages. “I heard my name. What did he say?” 

“Nothing,” Kai interrupted, his smile gone as he tried to diffuse the situation. Just because he doesn’t like me doesn’t mean he’s not a good friend to Taehyun,“Nothing bad.” 

“That’s so cool though!” Taehyun expressed. “You guys can practice together.” 

Ki-Hoon continued, persistent to push forward - not caring that Taehyun was now curious about what he was saying. “Us guatn's taan ftuka xuia ha'a a lftatha un shut g'uial,” the new kid continued to speak in Yummosa, now saying ‘it doesn't seem like you have a place in this group’. 

“In ny ulunuun, xuia a'a huftgung a'a'xuna fouxu.” In my opinion, you are holding everyone back. 

Kai stuttered, packing up his meal to sit somewhere else. “I think I’ll sit somewhere else…um, I’ve made some friends in my curriculum and I see them…” He pointed to the distance, nowhere in particular, “over there.” 

“Wait, Kai-” Taehyun called for him, but he was already skipping to the other side of the courtyard. “Why was he in such a hurry?” 

Ki-Hoon shrugged, and when Taehyun looked away to try and find Kai in the courtyard, he smirked. One person down. 

Out of respect for the community, Mayor Choi had made a rule that most things will be closed on Sundays - save for some restaurants and of course, the mayor’s office. As a result, Sundays would often be used as family days. Similarly, one Sunday every month; your families all come together for a big feast. 

For your friend group, this means Sunday were the days where you often have dinners with your parents but lunches with each other. Your parents knew the drill; they’d pack small picnic items for you to bring.

Today, however, Kai didn’t particularly want to come. Something about feeling sick. When you all insisted on visiting him to help him take care of himself, he pleaded with you all to stay away and that his mother could help.

Consequently, instead of meeting at his place due to its proximity to your favourite picnic spot (a small greenspace by the port), you all decided to meet at Beomgyu’s. 

“Oh, so you told me an earlier time to get me alone?” you teased Beomgyu who was flushing red as the two of you wandered throughout the blacksmith’s shop. It wasn’t true at all, you chose to come early when Beomgyu gave you his available times. 

Beomgyu smirked back, ignoring the redness of his face. “More like you wanted to spend some alone time with me.” You rolled your eyes, lightly flicking his cheek. “I know, I’m just such a good sight to look at.” Not wrong, you thought despite you pretending to vomit. 

“I didn’t realise I'm friends with such a narcissist.” 

He responded by putting his fingers to his chin, as if stroking it in deep thought. “Didn’t Yeonjun come with a narcissist warning?” 

“You’re so lucky Yeonjun isn’t here to beat you,” you laughed. “You’d be six feet under.” 

Beomgyu flirtily smiled, “I wouldn’t mind being six feet under if it was with you.” 

Based on your face recoiling, Beomgyu froze. “You want me to die?” His eyes widened - oh shoot, I said something wrong. He was stuttering to fix his mistake, especially as you looked offended. It was after a minute of his useless apology that you started to laugh. “I’m kidding, of course I knew what you meant.” 

A sigh of relief never was so loud, at least in Beomgyu’s perspective. “You really fooled me, you kno-” Beomgyu tripped over his words as he tripped over a table leg.  

Your arm quickly reached forward, pulling him backwards. Unfortunately, the motion of pulling him forward harshly pushed you forwards. 

“Shot!” There is no doubt that there will be a mighty, ugly, deep purple bruise on your knee for the next few days. “I mean…” You looked up at Beomgyu, who was now leaning down to check your knee. “I guess you could say you fell for me?” From the strain in your voice, Beomgyu could tell it was painful. 

Not wrong at all, Beomgyu thought before continuing his onslaught of apologies. “I’m so sorry, I should’ve been more careful.” 

“Better me than you.” Lifting your arm up, you motioned for his help to drag you to your feet. “You do,” you grunt as he pulls you back to your feet, “have to stand up for longer hours than me anyway.” His strength was unexpected - something he probably earned from hours of blacksmith practice. Even he was surprised by it. 

The strength of his help dragged him for your face to be millimetres apart, making all the playful flirting you were doing earlier suddenly feel real. If you just lean in… that could change everything. The atmosphere around you felt heavy, like you could throw a coin into the air but it would immediately drop onto the floor. 

“My pabooooooo!” Yeonjun sang, swinging into the open-air workspace. Like a puppy, Soobin follows behind. “My pabo boyyyyyy Beomgyuuuuuu!” He continued to sing, forcing you and Beomgyu to jump apart - acting ‘nonchalantly’ as if nothing happened (which means he was whistling and you were staring at the…forge? Great ‘acting natural’). 

Instead of arguing back at the insult, Beomgyu just awkwardly coughed. “Okay, what happened?” Yeonjun asked, unsure why the younger one wasn’t fighting back at his insult. “What did you two do?” The eldest eyed you two suspiciously, as if you had ripped up Soobin’s forsaken hat. 

Locking eyes with Soobin, he immediately distracted Yeonjun’s narrowed focus. “What happened to your knee?” Eyes widening, Yeonjun bursted out laughing as he saw Beomgyu’s reaction to Soobin’s concern. 

“It was you, huh?” He asked throughout his cackles, “You caused Y/N to fall? That’s why you two were so weird?” He isn’t wrong, you thought - glancing at Beomgyu who seemed to be thinking the same thing. “Always so clumsy, maybe we should wrap you in cloth.” The eldest hooked his arm lightly around Beomgyu’s neck, rubbing his hair aggressively. 

Beomgyu shrieked, trying to escape his grasp, “Ow!” 

Still tending to your knee, Soobin was checking if anything was broken - as if you weren’t already standing. “You do realise I would know, right?” You teased, “I am the one studying medicine.” Sheepishly, he stood up and apologised. So endearing, you thought before chuckling and leaning against his tall frame. 

“I’m just saying, Beomgyu may need to get his eyesight checked.” Yeonjun argued, now holding his hands up as Beomgyu was freed; his hair a mess from Yeonjun’s attack. 

Reactively, Soobin turned around as if finding something in the distance. It was strange; it was as if he picked up on a noise no one else had heard. “Well, speak of the Ki-chul.” Coming around the corner, from an angle you couldn’t even see, Taehyun appears with Ki-Hoon. 

You turned to Soobin, silently asking him how he knew they were coming. He just shrugged, his lips slightly parted. You couldn’t hear them? He thought to himself, wondering how on earth he was able to.

“I hope you don’t mind that I brought Ki-Hoon!” Taehyun gleefully announced. Well…you did mind, but Taehyun was too happy with his new friend and you didn’t want to intrude on his happiness. Ki-Hoon remained silent, just lifting his hand up for a silent wave. 

Until his eyes trained on you. His gaze made you smaller; he was a hunter, and you were the prey. 

Beomgyu didn’t fail to see you shrivel up under Ki-Hoon’s stare. Soobin wrapped his arm around yours. Yeonjun glared at Ki-Hoon. 

“Let’s head out?” Yeonjun asked, trying to ease the tense situation and get you in an open space. Grabbing the basket Soobin had given him on the way there, he motioned for everyone to follow him. Admittedly, the pain in your knee started going away quite quickly - disappearing like a rock dropped into a pond. 

While Yeonjun’s plan was to get you into a larger space to distance yourself, Ki-Hoon didn’t get the hint. As Taehyun trailed ahead to talk to Yeonjun, Ki-Hoon lagged behind to stay around you - like how flies hover around honey. 

“So Y/N,” He looked you up and down, “you look so amazing today.” Something about his voice wasn’t like the way he usually spoke, it wasn’t straightforward or uptight. In fact, he even deepened his voice. “It must’ve taken you all morning.” 

Both you and Soobin seemed to draw back. Glancing at each other, you both pulled your faces - trying to contain your laugh. In a silent exchange, it was clear both you and Soobin were asking the same question; was that supposed to be a compliment? 

“When I first met you, I didn’t think that I’d find you attractive at all.” Despite the fact you had to hide your laughter from his…what you can assume was a terrible attempt at flirting, it stung. It stung real deep. “Especially as Taehyun called you one of the boys. But you know what? You’re actually quite attractive.” 

You continued to avoid his eyes, continuously staring at Soobin as if he was your lifeboat. “Thank you?” 

“Obviously none of the boys here like you,” Ouch, you weren’t sure what hurt more; Soobin’s grip tightening on your arm or the sting that came with the comment. “So I think you’d be really lucky to go out with me.” 

Looking around you, trying to see if anyone else is hearing what he was saying, you spot Beomgyu lagging behind. His stare was directed at the back of Ki-Hoon’s head. Unaware of the smirk on Ki-Hoon’s face, you were certain from Beomgyu’s clenched jaw that it was a good thing Beomgyu couldn’t see the intruder’s face. 

“I think our first date will have to be-” He was persistent, you’ll give him that. You started to tune him out; this is just Ki-Hoon being annoying, no one else. Unfortunately, the spider underneath your skin - crawling up and down your bones had returned. All you wanted to do was leave; especially once it started feeling like an even larger colony of bugs started infesting your body. 

Despite always providing warmth and comfort, your friends were unable to make you feel safe in his presence - even with Beomgyu’s watchful eye and Soobin’s tight grip, even with Soobin silently asking for permission to defend you. 

“Hey guys!” You called, trying to keep your voice from trembling. “I think I’ll head home, I’m not feeling too well.” The excuse felt filthy on your lips; but it wasn’t wrong. Ki-Hoon was making you feel sick, your stomach threatening to vomit up whatever you had in the morning.

You rather leave and have Taehyun enjoy his time with his new friend. He’ll have his whole lifetime with me, you decided, but how long will Ki-Hoon be here? You have been friends with Taehyun for your whole lifetime, and if you had the choice - many lifetimes more. One afternoon won’t harm that. 

“Are you sure?” Soobin asked, his eyes looking deep into your soul as if digging for how you were feeling. 

You nodded. In hindsight, if you could go back to this moment, you would’ve said ‘no, it’s not okay for Ki-Hoon to come’ or ‘let’s cancel this whole thing and meet later’. 

What you actually said was, “Yeah, go on without me.” 

“So, Soobin…” Ki-Hoon started, startling Soobin. In all the time he’s known Ki-Hoon (which admittedly isn’t long), he hasn’t shown any interest in getting to know Soobin. Parasitic, that’s what Soobin heard you and Yeonjun call Ki-Hoon; latching onto Taehyun and never letting go. Unfortunately, that meant today, during Soobin’s lunch with Taehyun, Ki-Hoon joined. “You and Y/N, huh?” 

Confused, Soobin stared at Ki-Hoon with his lips slightly agape. Didn’t he…flirt with Y/N in front of me? Where was this coming from? “What?” 

Taehyun chuckled awkwardly, unsure of if Ki-Hoon was teasing or teasing. At the sight of Soobin’s annoyed expression, he stopped. “No, they’re not dating,” Taehyun answered for Soobin, who started to suck in his cheeks - a habit he developed whenever he was annoyed.

The question wasn’t out of nowhere, per say - it was more that everything Ki-Hoon had said prior to that moment insinuated he didn’t think any of them were in a relationship. Specifically, you had dropped him off between classes - especially as your last classes were beside each other. When dropping him off at the table, you would’ve preferred to stick by for a minute  or two, but the moment you saw Ki-Hoon sitting there you instead gave a quick hug to Taehyun and Soobin before sprinting off. 

Looking back, the benefit of having classes near each other means waiting for each other between them. Soobin now sees a downside is that someone might make that assumption. 

Ki-Hoon groaned, “Can you understand English?” He started speaking slower, “How is your relationship with Y/N?” After each word, he nodded as if making sure Soobin understood each and every syllable. 

Taehyun chuckled awkwardly, unsure of if Ki-Hoon was teasing or teasing. At the sight of Soobin’s annoyed expression, he stopped. “No, they’re not dating,” Taehyun answered for Soobin, who started to suck in his cheeks - a habit he developed whenever he was annoyed.

“Yeah, that makes sense,” Ki-Hoon agreed far too quickly. What is with this boy? Soobin asked himself. It was as if he would swap ideas every ten seconds, like he was a match. He’d change his mind and opinions, constantly counteract himself. 

Stifling another awkward chuckle, Taehyun’s eyes went wide as he looked at Ki-Hoon. Soobin was too confused to speak…what is he on about? “What do you mean by that?” The younger one coughed, Soobin still sitting silently with his meal wondering what on earth is going through his mind. One moment he says this, the next…that? 

“Just that Y/N is way above Soobin’s league.” The instigator shrugged it off, as if it was a fact everyone should know. “I can see her dating someone like Beomgyu, or me, of course.” Remembering how tense you were under Ki-Hoon’s critical gaze, Soobin felt angered by his insinuation - but Ki Hoon moved on swiftly. “Are she and Beomgyu dating? 

Taehyun quickly turned to Soobin. He may be bad at reading people, but Soobin wasn’t exactly subtle with his affections - especially considering Taehyun saw the change in behaviour towards you firsthand. “No, they aren’t dating either. Y/N’s single.” 

The smirk tugging on Ki-Hoon’s lips didn’t go unnoticed; it was sinister. “So I’m free to ask her out?” 

“You think she’ll say yes?” Normally, Soobin had a great filter - he would think things through before saying them out loud, even the most corniest of jokes. He doesn’t know why he said that, the words leaving his mouth snappy. 

Ki-Hoon turned to look at Soobin, glanced him up and down, and then turned around as if dismissing him. “It’s not like I have much competition.” The troublemaker starts grinning cockily, as if he was better than Soobin. Gritting his teeth, Soobin’s anger wasn’t unnoticeable to even the most oblivious person. However, Ki-Hoon is attentive; he knew he was mad from Soobin’s tightening grip on his meal. “Why are you mad?” His voice slithered into Soobin’s ears. “It’s not like you had a chance. You’re too much of a coward.” 

“Ki-Hoon!” Taehyun yelled, appalled at his so-called friend. 

“Why would she like you?” he continued, ignoring Taehyun's persistent protests. Ki-Hoon now rose to his feet, attempting to tower the tallest boy in all of school. “You’re lanky, you’re just someone she leans on for support. Do you think she actually cares about you?” 

Not wanting to be idly standing by, Taehyun stood up. “Stop!” He knew perfectly well Soobin could defend himself, but he seemed frozen in place - as if the words Ki-Hoon was spitting out were a paralysing toxin. The younger one turned around to check on Soobin, his arms outstretched as if his palm was the one thing keeping Ki-Hoon’s mouth shut. 

One can dream. 

“What?” Ki-Hoon scoffed as Taehyun continued to interject, now putting his arm down as the ‘power’ proved inexistent. “I’m just speaking the truth. Tell me, do any of you actually care about him?” Taehyun tried to protest, tried to overtake Ki-Hoon who spoke louder with every word - who spoke faster than he could understand. “Soobin is just Y/N’s little toy, huh? You all keep him around for the jokes?” 

Taehyun shook his head wildly, refuting every point. But the words had been said. And he couldn’t take it back, as much as he wished. He only wished he sensed this was going to happen. He would’ve never introduced Ki-Hoon to his friends. 

Silencing Taehyun, Soobin’s usual smile was gone. “I’m not hungry.” Without even packing up his plate, Soobin walks off. Even from behind, Taehyun sees Soobin’s head hanging - his slower steps. 

“Good job,” Taehyun glared. “Do me a favour and never talk to me or my friends ever again.” While Taehyun hates seeing Soobin dejected, he thanked the stars that Soobin was walking slowly - it made it significantly easier to catch up. 

None of what Ki-Hoon said was true, Taehyun knew, and it’s important for Soobin remembers that. 

Remaining, Ki-Hoon sits at the table and grins at the ground. His body energises itself; the power he once had is returning. 

Scribe classes used to be his favourite thing about school, especially as Kai had become more distant - even avoiding him during general knowledge lessons. While he enjoyed it before Ki-Hoon crawled into their lives, Ki-Hoon made scribe classes more exciting; shared jokes, someone to discuss content with. He enjoyed the practice that came with tutoring Ki-Hoon. 

But now? After watching his “friend” harass his family? No, that’s never okay. 

Luckily, today’s lesson was in a new room; a larger room. I can be free of being next to him, Taehyun savoured as if that was his lifeline. If he were to sit next to Ki-Hoon, he didn’t know how he could focus on class. There were so many unsaid words weighing heavy on his tongue; words he wanted to shout, to scream, to yell at Ki-Hoon. In fact, the weight of the words made him tremor with anger; even as he saw Ki-Hoon saunter into the classroom like nothing was wrong. 

Unfortunately, Ki-Hoon didn’t get the message. Instead, he sat beside Taehyun and turned around; an ever present smirk tugging at his lips. With his presence, Taehyun immediately groaned and stood up to move. 

“Taehyun!” Professor Lim called, “Please sit down. Class is about to start.” Taehyun nods, and starts to turn around to sit at the empty table. “And you will have to work in pairs.” Begrudgingly, Taehyun sat back down; planting himself in his seat. 

“You’re stuck with me.” 

The snigger leering on Ki-Hoon’s face infuriated Taehyun with all of him. This is just a game to him, Taehyun realised. He wonders if Ki-Hoon had many friends at his old school, or if anything he told him was true. “Only for today.” Taehyun retorted, denying the reality that his professor pairs them together all the time. 

Ki-hoon suppressed a laugh, “I was only telling the truth.” From the unimpressed look on Taehyun’s face, it was clear he disagreed, a result of Ki-Hoon’s statements being untrue. “Soobin has a hopeless crush on Y/N.” The newfound enemy was aware Taehyun had no clue what he and Kai had exchanged the other day, and hid it behind, “and your friends obviously see you as a know-it-all, not in a good way though.” 

Taehyun turned his head, as if prompting Ki-Hoon to speak more. It can’t be true, he thought, he doesn’t talk to anyone else but me. “You act like you’re so smart, but I wonder - why do you hide behind all these facts? Don’t you see how annoying it is?” Ki-Hoon then snorted, “you’re not even that smart.”

The conversation was under his breath, just loud enough for Taehyun to hear while the Professor started to speak. Taehyun didn’t even want to speak; once the Professor turns around and sees Ki-hoon speaking - Ki-Hoon would get in trouble and I won’t. “I’ve seen better than you since day one, I just wanted to give you a chance.” 

Taehyun fought the urge to roll his eyes, preventing the words of protest from leaving his mouth. He just wants a reaction, it’ll give him power. So Taehyun bit his tongue. 

“I don’t think they’ve ever even trusted you, have they?” Ki-Hoon continued endlessly. Even when the Professor turned around, it seemed as if he didn’t notice…how? Taehyun wondered, it’s so silent here… Am I the only one who can hear? 

Admittedly, Taehyun questions if he’s going insane. 

Nevertheless, he dealt with the class full of cruel words being thrown at him, aimed straight for his insides. At the beginning, the words broke through the shield he put up. 

Towards the end, he managed to tolerate it. Because now he knows Ki-Hoon’s character, and this means he knows he can’t trust a single word that leaves his mouth - no matter how much it hurts. 

“Kai!” Beomgyu called, chasing after his younger (yet taller…the world truly is unfair, he thought) friend throughout the courtyard. “Kai! Wait up!” It’s been a while since Beomgyu spoke to Kai, just the two of them - but he knows you’ve been checking in on him. Especially since he’s started avoiding group hangouts. Of course, Beomgyu wanted to talk to Kai about other things - what’s going on in his life, how sailing is going, and about general news. 

But his father was discussing starting an arrangement between him and a family from another village, Jin-young’s Port. At age seventeen, Beomgyu’s parents were anxious about his future relationships. They wanted him to have a wife, to have a family that he loves, and to thrive. Unfortunately, Beomgyu was also hesitant to explain his feelings to them - especially as he had already expressed his interest in you. Did they think it wasn’t going to work? He thought, or did they think I’d never ask? 

Why would they try to set me up when dad knows I have interest in Y/N? 

Beomgyu finally caught up, which honestly - he was impressed by (especially as Kai had started walking fast the other way, making it extra difficult for Beomgyu to catch up with Kai’s long legs). “What?” Kai was exasperated; that was clear through his breathy voice and his shoulders dropping. 

“I need your advice, please.” Kai didn’t have anything special in his eyes. What happened? Beomgyu thought, as he remembered Kai from months ago, who would look at all of them so warmly. Now it feels cold. So Beomgyu mentioned Kai’s soft spot. “For Y/N.” 

Kai sighed and nodded, following Beomgyu to the closest yet most discreet table. “Are you finally asking her permission to court her?” 

The elder nodded. “I really would like to court her. And soon.” 

Even Kai felt constrained. He wanted nothing more to do than celebrate; to hug Beomgyu, and to run up to you to tell you to get ready. Kai wanted to be involved in the planning, in the celebration - he wanted to be involved. However, Ki-Hoon’s words haunted him every second - especially when surrounded by any of you. I’m not good enough. “It’s about time.” Kai settled on that response, leaving it with a breathy chuckle. 

“What do you suggest I do?” Beomgyu asked, “Do I create a song for her? Do I serenade her in public? Do I bring her flowers? Do I give her the ring,” he takes out an enchanting black ring, “immediately or after a few courtings?” 

Kai interrupted Beomgyu’s incessant rambling, “You know, Y/N is always Y/N. It doesn’t matter if-” 

“Oh hello!” Before even motioning to the seat or asking for an invitation, Ki-Hoon sat down in between them. “What’s that?” Frankly, Beomgyu has always (mostly) gotten a bad feeling around Ki-Hoon, especially when having to observe him flirting with you. Similarly, Beomgyu has no expectations for Ki-Hoon to be kind or polite. However, the way Ki-Hoon’s focus solely shifted onto the ring made Beomgyu unsettled. 

He quickly put it in his pocket. 

“What was that?” Ki-Hoon insisted, his voice becoming as rough as an uncut gem. 

Ki-Hoon’s presence meant it’s time for Kai to leave, at least in Kai’s perspective. “Nothing.” Kai brushed off, before standing up immediately, “I’ll talk to you later, Beomgyu. But you can do this.” Before Beomgyu could even respond, Kai skittered off into the distance. 

“You can do what?” Beomgyu didn’t respond, and that’s how Ki-Hoon knew exactly what they were talking about. To him, it was obvious. “Y/N doesn’t like you. She is interested in Soobin, not you.” Menacing. If Beomgyu were to describe Ki-Hoon’s disposition, he’d describe it as menacing. This description never applied more to a moment than this, Beomgyu decided. 

As someone who usually knows how to sarcastically retort, Beomgyu was uncharacteristically quiet. He often fought back, sure, especially if it was a friend who was teasing. But with Ki-Hoon? He was unsure if he was friend or foe. “Is that ring for her?” Ki-Hoon’s eyes narrowed down into the pocket he saw Beomgyu slip the ring in. Immediately, Beomgyu covered the pocket with his hand. “She’d never appreciate it.” 

But Kai is right, Beomgyu thought, Y/N is Y/N. She’d appreciate anything that was thought out. Ki-Hoon’s words meant to dissuade him seemed to push him more. She would love this. 

“Unless it came from Soobin.” Shattered into a million broken pieces, the invisible shield protecting Beomgyu from Ki-Hoon’s voice was now rendered useless. “Why do you think they spend so much time together? Do you think she really wanted to work at the bakery? Beomgyu, really think. I know it’s hard for you, but you need to.” 

He dropped his hand from the pocket, and Ki-Hoon felt some hope. For the first time in Ki-Hoon’s life, he wasn’t the one who had all the cards. Beomgyu had them too. 

“So give me the ring. I’ll make good use of it. I’ll pay you…100 nato.” 

Beomgyu shook his head. While he was uncertain about your feelings for him, he was certain in two things. One, you were his friend. You’d appreciate this ring as a friendly gesture, unaware of the romantic intentions behind them. Secondly, he made that ring and he loves it. He would never give it to Ki. Out of all the work he’s made, even the more recent ones that were created with more skill and expertise than the ring, it could never compare to the ring. 

Something about it seemed to make Beomgyu feel whole. It felt like a missing piece to a puzzle that he didn’t even know he had. “I made it. 100 nato won’t be enough.” 

“Money isn’t an issue.” Ki-Hoon smirked, huffing as he tried to convince Beomgyu. This normally always works, he thought, why isn’t this working? 

“And I can say the same.” Beomgyu’s expression was unreadable as he forced his gaze upon Ki-Hoon. Taking Ki-hoon’s introspective silence as a cue to leave, Beomgyu walked off as Ki-Hoon stared at him. 

Ki-Hoon wasn’t sure if he was completely successful in this case. Sure, he angered Beomgyu - he caused these frantic and chaotic feelings to emerge from inside him. However, he can also argue they’ve been there for a while. The ring was definitely a source of insecurity and chaos for him, so Ki-Hoon was left wondering a variety of questions. 

What did Beomgyu have? Why was he able to resist my persuasion? And most importantly, would the ring be better in his hands? 

The ring he made a year ago was burning a hole in his pocket at this rate. In his defence, Beomgyu never found the right time. He couldn’t just do it in front of all your friends; not only can that add unnecessary pressure onto you, force you into saying yes - the side of him that makes rings for those he was…fond of… was something he wanted to keep private from everyone else. 

“You know,” a meek voice started, “you should just tell her.” Beomgyu flinched at the voice, not expecting Kai to come see him now. 

“When did you get here?”

Kai pulled back his smile, shrugging limply. “I guess I’m always at the right place at the right time.” He motioned towards you, who was about to have lunch. “You should ask her now.” 

“Now!?” Beomgyu exclaimed, “Why now?!” 

Kai didn’t let Beomgyu’s obvious panic get to him. In fact, he acted like his suggestion was just normal advice like ‘oh we should go on a walk now’ or ‘you should drink some milk with that’. He made a face, emphasising the fact that he thinks this is no big deal (while Beomgyu feels the world shaking underneath him). “It feels like a good time, you know.” 

Beomgyu scrunched up his face, “Define ‘good time’ because this feels like the opposite.” 

The younger one didn’t elaborate, instead just stared. Is he even paying attention? Beomgyu asked himself as Kai remained unfazed. It took him everything to not wave his hand wildly in front of Kai’s face to regain his attention. “Oh look! She’s coming!” Kai warned. 

Locking eyes, Beomgyu regrets turning around to face your direction. You waved. He freaked out. 

Turning around, he tried to find Kai - who had seemingly disappeared. Perfect. 

What can he do? Run away. Beomgyu was determined to run away. Y/N will just think I have class, it’s all okay. I just got to go-

“Oi!” You called, jogging slightly to get to Beomgyu faster. “Why are you avoiding me? Have I suddenly become Ki-tae?” 

The story of Ki-tae was another folktale that was lost throughout time as more stories populated the town. While the story has been long forgotten, Ki-tae has become a popular saying. Simply put, Ki-tae responds when you call to grant a wish. Sometimes, his wishes come true - but most of the time, he puts an evil twist to the stories; wreaking havoc on everyone involved. 

The loverboy’s eyes couldn’t look at you; his eyes darted back and forth from the ground, a pillar, a classroom door, and…oh look! Is that a pigeon? 

“Hey,” You chuckled at his failed attention, “we haven’t seen each other in ages.” Following his constantly moving line of sight, you bent - trying to be constantly what he was looking at. “What,” - you moved upwards, following the directions of his pupils - “is” - now downwards - “up” - to the right - “with” - to the left - “you?” 

Frustrated, Beomgyu wanted to chuckle at your actions. He wanted to lean forward and pinch your cheeks or give you the biggest hug. How can someone be so beautiful? So sweet? So cute? His questions went unasked as he tried to find his lifeline. “I have to get to class.” 

As simply as you could, you called him out for lying; “Wrong.” Over the last few weeks, you reached out to two of Beomgyu’s friends from Hybehead who also take the blacksmith curriculum. Specifically, Yang Jeong-in and Lim Jimin have told you about Beomgyu in class as well as their schedules. You were actually waiting for this week; you were able to figure out that this is your first coinciding lunch time in a while…or at least, that you managed to find out about. “I.N. and Jimin told me about class.” 

Huffing, Beomgyu makes a mental reminder to get mad at them. They know about his feelings for you, they better not have told you that much. 

“And,” you continued, “they told me everything about how you are in class. Like how you finish exams significantly early and how you are acing everything? You can miss five minutes.” 

If Taehyun had heard you say that, Beomgyu was certain there’d be an argument. “You’re lucky Tae wasn’t here.” 

You rolled your eyes, chuckling at the thought of Taehyun being (not seriously) upset with you. “If you’re really in a rush to get to class, explain yourself to me.” Dropping your hands to your side, you felt a weight simultaneously lift off and then add to your chest now. Lift off, as you’re finally able to confront him. The new anxiety? Because you’re finally able to confront him. What would he say? To urge him to speak, you spoke up once more. “The faster you tell me, the faster I’ll let you go.” You knew Beomgyu and his ability to avoid things forever, so if you didn’t do this now - it may never happen. 

The boy in front of you physically stooped. From his heavy breath and downtrodden eyes, you felt both fear and relief. Relief, purely, from the fact it is evident that Beomgyu will tell you why he has been keeping away from you. However, the fear is in finally knowing why. Does he not want to be friends anymore? What changed?

The silence was thick; resting upon your shoulders and engulfed you. So heavy, you felt the urge to curl up into the fetal position. “Right, okay, so I like you…like, like-like you but I know you have feelings for Soobin-” Beomgyu was speaking almost too fast for you to process, but even then - the information being given to you was also a bit difficult to process. “-and I was planning to court you with this ring I made but Ki-Hoon was telling me how you like Soobin-” Part of you was glad Beomgyu wasn’t a scribe; you wouldn’t know if he’d ever end a sentence. 

“Stop.” You held your hands out, placing them on his shoulders to make sure he heard you. “First of all, Ki-Hoon?” Ki-Hoon was the least trustworthy person in your eyes, especially after you heard what he’s said to some of the others. Moreover, Taehyun - his closest friend - had even stopped hanging out with him now. “You know I don’t like him. Why would I tell him who I want to be courted by? He doesn’t know anything about me.” 

Oh. Right. Beomgyu flushed red, embarrassed. Where was my rational thinking? 

“Oh, and for your information,” You dropped your hands from his shoulders, putting them into your pocket. It’s now or never, “I am interested in you too, pabo.” In all honesty, you weren’t sure what you were expecting but it definitely wasn’t silence. 

Beomgyu’s eyes bore into you, making you feel smaller. You want to leave. “Don’t you have class?” Any confidence that you had seconds ago disappeared. Leave, you wanted to tell Beomgyu - I’ll talk to you once I’m no longer embarrassed. “I’ll go and let you-”

“You are interested in me?” Beomgyu’s voice was full of surprise. 

“Wasn’t it obvious?” 

“No!” He exclaimed, incredulously. 

Should I be happy about that? It’s good that you weren’t obvious. Yet, certainly, if your interest was more obvious from the beginning -  all the drama and uncertainty that came from the thoughts of an unrequited romantic interest and Beomgyu avoiding you might’ve never happened. 

“Let me court you. Officially.” Beomgyu proposes. “We’ll go to the forest by ourselves, we’ll have a picnic, I’ll serenade you - do I have permission to court you?” 

You raised an eyebrow teasingly. “Don’t you usually have to ask my parents for permission?” 

His hand waved at the air, as if wiping away the question from the universe. “Do I have permission to ask them for permission?” 

Bubbles and butterflies filled your stomach as you envisioned the future. “You always had it.” Beomgyu bit his lip before reaching out to hold your hands. At his mere touch, you swatted him. “Now go to class! I am having lunch with Soobin, not you.”

None of you saw Soobin in the cloisters, not too far away but not too close either. Yet your conversation ran through his head and smothered him. It was always Beomgyu, wasn’t it? Making his way towards the opposite direction, he looked down at the ground; trying his best to hold back his tears. Maybe Ki-Hoon was right. 

The eldest of the group was never one to have a direct mission. Often, he would find longer and more enjoyable ways to reach the goal. Consequently, it grabbed everyone’s attention when Yeonjun practically marched forward with rage - his eyes set on one thing and one thing only. 

“Hey!” He called, making multiple students turn their heads around. Yeonjun in general didn’t get mad - often playfully with his friends, but never truly mad. Everyone in town knew him for being so friendly, so his gruff tone was a sinister stranger in Hybehead. “Hey!” His angry calls bounced back and forth against the walls and swerving through the trees. The town seemed to shiver.

“Oh Ki-Hoon, you levereter!” Yeonjun growled, now in front of the boy in question. “What on earth do you think you’re doing?” People who use ‘all bark, no bite’ to describe those who are harmless have never seen Yeonjun right now.

Ki-Hoon tried to play innocent, he really did, but his pride wanted the spotlight. “I have no clue what you’re talking about.” Plastered all over his face was a smile that screamed ‘so what?’, one that challenged Yeonjun. Yeonjun clasped at the younger’s collar, tightening his grip as he tugged him forward. 

“You have ruined my friends.” The eldest snarled, “you have made Taehyun and Kai ghosts of who they were. You broke up my family.” Each thing he listed made Ki-Hoon more proud, smiling smugly. While Yeonjun was fuelled with anger, Ki-Hoon felt pride. Chaos, he fed on it 

“Are you sure it wasn’t you?” Ki-Hoon’s voice dripped venom, slithering through Yeonjun’s ears. “Are you sure it wasn’t your lack of leadership? Weren’t you the one who got them in trouble all the time?” 

Yeonjun felt guilt tug at him. What Ki-Hoon was saying was true, but they were happy. “That doesn’t matter! They were happy. Can they say the-?” 

Ki-Hoon’s grin only widened. “Are you sure about that?” His eyes flickered over to the other side of the courtyard where Beomgyu had just arrived outside your classroom door. “Did that happen when you two were there? Maybe I unveiled the truth,” Ki-Hoon leaned forward, leaning into Yeonjun’s chokehold, “Maybe they never needed you.” 

Yeonjun showed his teeth, “You’re just a kid. You don’t know anything.” He let go and turned around, wanting to leave. His smirk; it was painted in Yeonjun’s head. He wanted to wipe that smirk right off, stomp on it, and bury it deep into the ground. He had no right. We welcomed him. 

The angry fox started to march away, retreating to his next class. Eyes still followed him like magnets.  “What are you then?” Ki-Hoon called back, making Yeonjun stop in his tracks. “Impulsive, for sure. Unrespectable.” Yeonjun’s fists tightened by his side, “Definitely not leader quality.” It was as if Ki-Hoon was reading his mind, fishing for all his bad thoughts and bringing them to the front. “Definitely not good enough for your friends, your family, or a town.” I can walk away, Yeonjun reminded himself, I can walk away and leave. He isn’t worth my time. 

“You know, Taehyun and Kai and Y/N-” Yeonjun ran back as Ki-Hoon cockily and smugly sung his words, trying to instigate Yeonjun. He tried so hard to hold back, but he couldn’t now. 

“Get their names out of your dirty mouth.” He seethed, hands back onto Ki-Hoon’s collar. “You do not even get to speak their names.” 

Ki-Hoon snarled, “Oh, and you’re so high and mighty?” Ki-hoon practically spat at Yeonjun, “Look at your record, dimwit.” A smirk soon took over Ki-Hoon’s scowl, “Oh, wait, I have to respect my elders right?” 

Yeonjun wanted to retaliate, he wanted to scream back. “How can I respect you? There is nothing good about you but your last name. The only reason you’ve made it this far is from being Mayor Choi’s perfect son, but that’s not true - is it? It couldn’t be further from the truth.”

 Every word was vicious in nature, perfectly calculated yet careful in it’s aim. Coming out fluidly, it was almost as if he rehearsed this; as if the words were a part of a malicious melody. His friendly disposition was all a disguise, Yeonjun settled.

“You corrupted your friends - I didn’t ruin them. It was all you.” Yeonjun’s grasp tightened even more. From their distance apart, Yeonjun could feel Ki-Hoon’s spit against his cheek as if it was burning his skin. “Just like how you have been ruining your father’s reputation from the day he adopted you. Do you think he signed up for that? For you to ruin his reputation? He worked so Jum-hard for his spot, only to have you mess up all the time?” 

It wasn’t that which was Yeonjun’s final straw, in fact - he could barely process what he fully said. Jum-hard? He’s never heard that saying before. But it was Ki-Hoon’s next sentence that threw Yeonjun off a cliff, forcing him to lose all his restraint and self control. 

“Your father must regret having you. An imbecile to follow him. Maybe he’s a terrible leader himself.” 

He didn’t know what happened next; it all happened so fast. Soon, Ki-Hoon was on the ground, nose bleeding as students around him gasped. 

“Yeonjun!” Footsteps quickly came to Yeonjun’s side, quicker than Yeonjun could even process what he even did. “Yeonjun, what are you doing?” Beomgyu asked, slipping between the two of them - blocking the elder’s view of Ki-hoon. 

Ki-Hoon was attracting the attention of students and teachers, holding his nose and crying. But you saw the smirk he hid under his hand and you certainly saw the glint in his eyes that screamed ‘I won’. 

Yeonjun couldn’t hear or see it though; all he could hear was ringing while his vision was pure red. 

Yeonjun didn’t process you picking up his fist, wiping away (Ki-Hoon’s) blood from his knuckles. 

“Yeonjun-hyung,” You tried to grab his attention, but Yeonjun was filled with rage, anger, regret. It isn’t true, he had to repeat internally, what he said isn’t true. But then he internally resigned. If it is true, it’s better safe than to be sorry. 

Yeonjun shrugged you both off. “Leave me alone.” He’s never spoken to you that way. You froze as lee left the two of you, surrounded by the new taunting laughter of Ki-Hoon.

Later that day, as he entered his home, all he heard was his parents’ disappointment through a hushed discussion. “I don’t know what he was doing.” 

“It sounded like he was defending you and his friends.” 

Mayor Choi’s head fell onto the table, “he was doing so well…so well. What happened?” Yeonjun could hear his father grasping for hope, as if this was his final straw. “I thought he could lead after me, the whole town loves him…but can he? If he gets so angry over ill-intended words?” 

His mother sighed, “He’s your son, he can do it.” 

“But is he my son?” 

Yeonjun quietly made his way up the stairs, locking the door behind him as he fell onto his bed - hoping it would swallow him whole. 

It’s been a few weeks since Yeonjun punched Ki-Hoon. With the blessing that was Ki-Hoon suddenly disappearing from the town (to which piqued Taehyun’s interest but frankly he couldn't care about him anymore), there was the curse of Yeonjun becoming distant. The curse, unfortunately, was especially prominent at this very moment. 

You, Taehyun, and Soobin luckily all had the same lunch period today. Yeonjun did too. A few weeks ago, he would sit beside you guys and joke around, start a debate, or just discuss what has been going on. Now, from your usual seats, you waved over to Yeonjun - who immediately looked the other way. 

“Whatever Ki-Hoon said to Yeonjun…” You trailed off, trying to imagine what could have been said to shake who you have always perceived as unshakable. Yeonjun, like all of your friends, was a source of comfort. You greatly admired his unquestionable sense of what is just and not. It was his support and advice that calmed you down. Unfortunately, you couldn’t prove the same - as much as you wanted to - as Yeonjun was determined to shut you out. 

Apparently, he shut everyone out. 

Before, if he couldn’t sit with you due to schedule conflicts, he often sat with his other friends like Wooyoung. Today, even Wooyoung wasn’t beside him. 

Taehyun drops his head low, “Not just Yeonjun, but also Kai.” At the ripe age of sixteen, Taehyun already faces his biggest regret; letting Ki-Hoon infiltrate his friends. Why did I offer to help him? The same night he met Ki-Hoon, he dreamt of an evil force with mismatched eyes. A coincidence that Taehyun then rationalised it as dreams being influenced from his experiences.

Maybe it was a forewarning, he now realised. A cynic potentially becoming a believer, he couldn’t help but be wary of the dream he had of Beomgyu a few nights ago; his brown eyes were like ponds with ripples of blue and green corrupting and infecting the pools of brown. “Beomgyu also doesn’t seem to want to hang out anymore.” You didn’t notice that Soobin stopped his mindless humming. 

Your attempts to get Beomgyu to rejoin the group were futile. He’d always back out and insist you stay with him, on top of trying to persuade you to quit the bakery. As a friend, Beomgyu was never possessive so you question what changed his personality. Was it because of you he was so possessive? Is his isolation your fault? 

Instinctively, you started to fiddle with the ring on your finger. Since Beomgyu gifted it to you after a few dates, it has become one of your comfort items. Luckily, unlike your blanket, you can take it everywhere. You wonder how long it took him to make it. It was clear something was special about the material ever since he found it on the cliff. Magnetic then, but in the ring - it seemed to contain a million universes. 

“We could try and ask Mrs. Ho if she still needs us around?” you suggested.

Soobin quickly shook his head. “I went by the other day. Yeonjun went on his own already.” 

Taehyun let his head fall onto the table, “I’m sorry.”

Both you and Soobin spun around as if he just revealed that he’s failing class. “What for?” 

“For introducing you all to Ki-Hoon, this wouldn’t have happened without it.” You felt a surge of pity from the amount of guilt he must be feeling, especially if he’s blaming himself for another’s actions. “I feel so terrible about it all, like, life feels so weird.” 

Soobin was quick to jump in, essentially stealing the words from your mouth. “You didn’t know. He could’ve been an amazing friend.” You nodded along, trying to comfort Taehyun. “We all fell for it.” 

You were so tempted to say ‘not me’, you really - 

“Not her though.” Taehyun sighed into his arms, holding back his tears. 

Well, you were trying not to say it so that he won’t feel worse, but you guess self-sabotage is a necessity to be in your friend group. “Yeah, but that’s because he was flirting with me.” At least, that’s what you think gave you the bad feeling. Honestly, you couldn’t pinpoint it; you felt it the moment you laid eyes on him. “You wouldn’t have known, unless he was flirting with you too.” 

Like Yeonjun, Taehyun was unshakeable. It’s not to say that he didn’t get insecure, but he was always confident in his knowledge and his actions. To him, every action is carefully planned and thought out. Even his most impulsive actions had a short pros and cons list before it was enacted. “I guess.” 

Seeing Taehyun like this and seeing your little chosen family broken up - you wanted nothing more than to hurt Ki-Hoon. You’ve never felt this amount of rage for anyone. Now, you understood Yeonjun’s actions - you understood the urge to send a fist straight into that cocky face, wipe that evil smirk off his face, and never see him again. At least the last part is true, you relished. 

You placed your chin on his back, wrapping your arms around him as you tried to comfort him. Soobin jumped in, holding Taehyun’s hand and hugging the arm closest to him. Let it out, you wanted to say, it’s okay to cry - but the school bell rang. 

Taehyun, at the sound, jumped up. If it wasn’t for his puffy eyes, it appeared as if nothing happened. “What classes do you guys have today? I have publishing.” 

A part of the school curriculum means different classes every day. At the beginning of each week, the advisor of your curriculum will hand out schedules for the week. It was purely to make sure you advance in the career path, a decision that the school justified with wanting to ‘ease students into adulthood’. 

“Shoot,” you sighed as you thought of taking off your comfort item, “gardening is today.” You didn’t want to lose the ring in the sea of dirt. Over the last few months, you’ve learnt to identify each plant from one another and to distinguish their healing properties. Now, you must learn the best conditions to plant it. “Tae, I think we’re in the same direction. Should we walk together?” Taehyun nodded, before turning to Soobin to silently ask for his answer. 

Soobin jumped off the table, “I have finance keeping.” Unfortunately, there was no specific baking curriculum, so he took the combined culinary and business curriculum. “Are you in the greenhouse?” 

You looked up as you slipped your ring into the bag. You stood up once the ring was securely placed, stretching your arms to hug Soobin to say goodbye. “I’ll see you later - I think we’re in different dir-”

“HEY!” Beomgyu’s voice rang loud and clear. Even without seeing him, you felt a wave of terror crawl down your spine. A hand wrapped around your upper arm, pulling you back and making you crash into another person; Kai. In front of you, you now see Beomgyu corner Soobin against the wooden table.

“What in the universe are you doing?” Beomgyu pushed Soobin back, making Soobin flinch and hold his hands up. 

“Nothing!” Soobin quickly exclaimed, Taehyun stepping forward to try and intervene until he saw your frightened eyes. 

“Then why is my girlfriend taking off her ring? Why is she hugging you?” Your heart dropped. All this because you wanted to protect the ring? 

“Gyu -,”  You tried to stop this from escalating, but Beomgyu brushed you off by continuing to yell at one of his best friends. 

“Why were you flirting with my girlfriend, you puterelle?” 

“Gyu-” you tried to get him to stop. 

“I wasn’t!” Soobin defended, and you nodded - trying to show Beomgyu that what Soobin was saying was correct, even if he wasn’t letting you speak. Suddenly, you felt dizzy with…anger? Confusion? Even the dizziness was preventing you from thinking clearly. As you lost your balance, you had to thank whatever was out there for Kai; he’s the one thing keeping you on your feet.  

“I know your intentions,” Beomgyu seethed, still cornering Soobin into the table. They’ve been this close before, but only when Beomgyu would tackle Soobin into a hug. Now, he’s tackling him to fight. “I thought we were friends.” 

“Beomgyu!” Taehyun tried to intervene, now noticing how Kai was your pillar of support. “Nothing was happening. But look at-” 

In all your years of friendship, you’ve never seen Beomgyu like this. He was visibly shaking with fury. “How does it feel, huh? Trying to steal your friend’s girlfriend? Are you happy?” Beomgyu was in Soobin’s face and he pushed him one more time. 

That push hurt, the table’s wooden splinters poking into his back. “Do that again and you’ll regret it.” Soobin scowled as he pushed back, although not to the same amount of strength as Beomgyu was exerting onto Soobin. 

“If you do that again,” your boyfriend motioned towards the ring in your bag, “you’ll regret it.” He pushed. And it set Soobin off. 

Soobin exerted his full force in pushing Beomgyu off of him. You became speechless. You can’t sense the words coming. You wanted to look away as Soobin and Beomgyu glared at each other, both of them balling up their fists. With the new positions, Taehyun quickly went over to you - supporting your other side. 

Kai, however, took that as a sign to get involved. He jumped in the middle, “You guys stop!” 

“You don’t know anything, Kai,” Beomgyu growled, “You’re just a kid. And you’re not realising how much of a traitor your friend is.” 

“Nothing was happening!” Soobin insisted, stepping forward to try and make Beomgyu flinch. He didn’t flinch, not at all. Taehyun was still observing, trying to provide you support. It surely won’t get more physical than this, he was certain. These two boys were best friends; they spent endless time together before. 

They’ve shared pillows during camping trips and stole midnight snacks from the bakery during sleepovers. Both of them were like brothers from another mother; consistently helping each other, supporting each other, and challenging each other. Of course, these challenges were friendly - but this can’t be said about the fight in front of them. 

But then Beomgyu threw a punch, making Soobin shell-shocked as he held his cheek. 

“SOOBIN!” you called, about to jump in and stop the fight - but Taehyun held you back. 

“Beomgyu, nothing was happening!” Taehyun emphasised, “He was going in the opposite direction! We were going to class!”

Beomgyu gritted his teeth before glaring at Soobin’s, “Are you sure Soobin wasn’t going to go and try to get with her?” Soobin’s jaw was now clenched, his fists were clenched even tighter. 

“I told you, nothing happened,” Soobin snarled. “Why don’t you believe me?” 

“Believe you?” Beomgyu scoffed, before dryly chuckling. You felt air escaping your lungs; you were scared, angry, regretful, confused, conflicted - you were feeling everything and anything. “How can I believe you?” 

“Then believe Taehyun, or you know, listen to your girlfriend!” 

“Don’t get him involved too,” Beomgyu cautioned, approaching Soobin again. “You already got enough of us involved.”

Now directly in front of each, Soobin’s height almost towered over Beomgyu’s. Soobin glanced at Kai, who like you and Taehyun, was unsure what to do. “You’re the one who brought Kai.”

“That’s a different story.” 

Soobin let out a dry chuckle, his anger conquering his love for the boy in front of him. “No, it’s not. And, if you even care about Y/N, you’d listen to-” 

“Don’t question if I care about her!” Beomgyu pushed Soobin again. Beomgyu is never violent, and that was a fact that all of you were thinking. He didn’t even like to hurt a fly. Once a bug flew onto his forehead and he refused to move until it did, not wanting to injure it and prevent it from going home to his family. “I’m her boyfriend. You’re nothi-” 

“What is going on here?” Yeonjun’s voice, despite being cold and distant, was a warm embrace right now as he stepped in the middle of the two. “What ridiculous nonsense are you guys on?” While his voice was a welcoming sound to you, it was sharp like a knife for Beomgyu and Soobin. “Answer me.” Yeonjun demanded. Both of them scrambled to answer, overlapping each other. Bits and pieces could be heard, but ultimately - Yeonjun needed a clearer answer. 

He turned to you, knowing he can trust you. “Y/N.” His voice cut through their blabbering, creating another silent tension as you tried to catch your breath. You’ve had anxiety before - especially before tests, but never like this. It felt too suffocating, as if you were feeling everything at once. 

Taehyun and Kai, both by your side, helped you with your breathing - rubbing your back calmly and counting your breathing. Now that the attention was all on you, both boys looked at you with their eyes wide; shoot. They caused you to feel this way. This was my fault, both of them blamed themselves. The two of them reached forward, but Soobin stepped back once he saw Beomgyu leap towards you - not wanting to instigate anything further. Unfortunately, Taehyun and Kai stopped Beomgyu before he could get too close to protect you from his new found violent tendencies.  

“I was putting my ring into my bag because I have gardening class and I didn’t want to lose it or dirty it.” Despite finally having your breath back, you were still gasping for air - the feelings now crashing like a fading wave onto sand. “So, I put it in my bag…and because….” You were repeating yourself, trying to understand what happened while speaking, “...Soobin was going the other direction, I was giving him a hug to say goodbye.” 

Yeonjun furrowed his brow. “So what started this fight?” 

The two boys cowered under his gaze, something you’ve never seen them do before. 

Taehyun stepped in. “Beomgyu came in and accused Y/N of cheating.”

Beomgyu was quick to defend himself, “Not Y/N, but Soobin! I know he has feelings for her.” You turned to look at Soobin, who was staring at the ground - refusing to look you in the eye. He has a crush on me? 

The eldest sighed. “Do you not trust them, Choi Beomgyu?” Beomgyu shivered.

“I do, I do, but -” 

“There’s no buts.” Yeonjun, despite the annoyed facade he was putting on, was confused. Beomgyu was anything but violent. Sure, he can be impulsive - but he’s trusting and he’s kind and he’s attentive. “Just go to class, or lunch, or whatever.” 

Silence followed. The six of you stared at each other like strangers, not like people you know like the back of your hands. But then Kai left to sit at another lunch table, not wanting to be here any longer. Soobin left next, after silently asking you for permission through a soft glance, wary of Beomgyu’s next move. You, Yeonjun, Taehyun, and Beomgyu remained. Taehyun’s sole purpose, however, was to support you and see if you will still walk to class together. 

“Y/N,” Yeonjun’s voice was quiet, as if unsure of his own voice, “I’m not sure if you will listen to me,” Of course I will, you thought, “but you need to be careful and wise.” Yeonjun decided to whisper the next part, “It may be wise to not let them spend time together.” 

Your heart shattered. You wanted to yell at him; he already left you guys, now he wants you all to leave each other? Before you could contest, Yeonjun walked off - itching to leave. 

Taehyun noticed your downridden expression. It was clear you didn’t want to be here. “Y/N, let’s go.” The younger one nudged and you were grateful he was still holding you up. 

“Tae, wait,” Beomgyu stopped him, making Taehyun turn around and stare at Beomgyu. How dare he call me my nickname now? Analytically, Taehyun looked at him as if he was an opponent; someone aiming to harm his loved ones. “Can I…talk to Y/N?” 

“No.” Your pillar of support was ready to bring you somewhere he knew you’d be safe. He couldn’t be certain of your safety around Beomgyu anymore. 

“It’s fine. I’ll talk to him. You go to class.” 

A silent glance asking are you sure? 

Followed by a subtle nod, yes. 

The moment Taehyun disappeared, Beomgyu wrapped his arms around you tight. His warmth, despite the frosty behaviour minutes ago, surrounded you. Like a summer following winter, Beomgyu was back to his old self.  “I’m so sorry,” he practically cried, “I do trust you, I don’t know what came over me.” His words came out quickly, unfiltered. “You mean the world to me and the idea of Soobin stealing you away from me-” 

“He won’t steal me away, I’m not property.” You sighed, pulling away- heart heavy from the events of today. Beomgyu looked sheepish, but you chuckled - trying to hide your disappointment in his actions. “I’m with you, okay?” 

His voice was meek as he hesitantly asked you his next question, “May I walk you to class?” Like a whisper from a prey to it’s repenting predator, you agreed. Beomgyu’s heart shattered at the docile sound. “I didn’t mean to-”

You turned to him, your eyes scolding him for what he did. Maybe it was never Ki-Hoon, you thought, maybe it was us. “What did you mean, then?” Your question seemed to be squeezed out of your vocal chords. 

“I…I just don’t want you to leave.” Two hearts - one sentiment, yet you don’t know if leaving is maybe what’s best. You want to be with him with all your heart - and you can tell Beomgyu feels the same from his doe eyes and rapid heartbeat. But does being with him mean losing the rest of your chosen family? 

Interlocking your hands, you smiled. You and your harrowing guilt can drown in your sorrows later. For now, Beomgyu is here. With you. And you want to hold his hand, and tell him you’ll never let go - even when the stars explode. 

After classes ended, Soobin waited by your usual meeting spot. He waited and waited, until an hour passed and he was late. Maybe you were already there, he hoped - only for your absence to scream at him as he entered the bakery. 

His mother and father were quick to swarm him, asking what happened to his face - but he brushed it off. He didn’t mention Beomgyu’s name once. ‘I fell on my way to class’, he said. His mother understood he didn’t want to indulge any further tonight, so she changed topics. 

“Where’s Y/N?” Soobin wanted to know the answer, he really did - but he didn’t even know the answer. Throughout the night, Mrs. Choi spotted him continuously staring out the window between customers, waiting for something, well, more like someone.

Knowing her son, Mrs. Choi knew he’d deny that he was waiting for you. 

He certainly wasn’t waiting for anyone else.

taglist: @de0nu @pastelsicheng @kpopworldwide​ @rebsmoonn​ | send a message to be notified of updates! 

[acourtofsnakes]

Solus - Rogue, Chapter 1| Mandalorian x Force Sensitive! Reader(F)

Summary: So I don’t want to give too much away, but a rough outline - You are Force Sensitive, and after being hunted your whole life, you’re not surprised to find another Mandalorian on your tail. What you didn’t expect, was THIS Mandalorian. Nor anything that happen’s after. And so begins a journey of two Rogues (three if you count the womp rat). 

Warnings: Not many in this chapter as it’s an opening but, mentions of death, angst?, swearing, fighting, my rusty writing after I haven’t done it in years, let me know if there’s anything else!!

AN: So, I think this might be a little messy in terms of tenses. It jumps around from the past to present a little too, so I’m sorry if its confusing… Let me know what you think!! And if you want to be added to the taglist!

Word count: Just over 4k.

Rogue Masterlist | Introduction| 1: Solus| 2: Arir | 3: Tor | 4: Gaa'tayl

Rogue Taglist:  @snipskixandbeskar​ @weirdowithnobeardo

Mando’a translation: Solus - Alone

Alone.

That word had come to change its meaning over the years. When you were a small child, alone meant you were outside, playing in the grass and flowers with your parents just a few metres away indoors, within sight of you still. Close enough to come running should anything happen to you. Including that time you got stung by a bee and screamed so loudly the neighbours thought you were being raided.

A few years later, alone meant being shut away inside your room, windows closed, door firmly shut.

“It’s for your own safety, honey, you know what will happen… We don’t want this for you, we hate this, but we must keep you safe, my darling.”

You understood, of course. It was your own fault; you didn’t mean for it to happen… But just because you understood, it didn’t mean you had to like it.

A year on, alone changed properly for the first time.

The true meaning of the word hit you like a speeder when you were kneeling in the mess on the dusty ground.

Blood had soaked your knees, staining your tunic. It had coated your hands, your arms as you frantically shook the shoulders of your mother, willing her to open her eyes, to sit up and hold you. To stroke your hair and tell you it was okay, it was all just a bad dream. To take you home, where you could forget this whole thing.

It didn’t truly sink in until you heard your fathers strangled scream as he ran around the corner…

And then the sickening hiss and sizzle as the blaster hit him square in the chest. The way he tried to crawl across the ground to you and your mother, but there was a heavy white boot planted firmly in his back, a gloved hand yanking his head up and a vibroblade sliced across his throat.

His blood had coated your own bare feet as you ran to him.

You were only 12.

From that moment on… you were truly alone. No family. No more friends, they had all left when you showed them your power. Such a beautiful, natural thing, being in line with the Earth, the energy that connected all living things. It was rare, meant to be celebrated…

Instead, it just bought death upon those you loved.

So, as you ran from the horror scene within the market square, your parents blood baking onto your skin in the hot sun, you buried it. Deep inside, locking it in a box, surrounding it in darkness and keeping it hidden.

And that’s where it had stayed for the last 20 years.

~~~

Sorgan was a good place to be for a little while.

The air was breathable, the forests thick and lush, providing good cover, and the inhabitants were spread few and far between. It was quiet, the only habitable planet in its system, in fact, so it was… safe?

Well. That’s what you had told yourself when you made the split decision to come here after somehow managing to stow away on a ship that just happened to be going there.

You’d just been attacked by a Trandoshan bounty hunter, chased halfway across the planet you were on and forced to dump most of the belongings you’d managed to acquire for yourself in an effort to get away. The green lizard humanoid was… beyond eager. Hunting was their way of life, they thrived on the ritual of it and this one was no different. He was relentless. Constantly tasting the air for your scent with that disgusting flickering tongue. He’d even licked your neck once and you thought you might throw up all over his weird, scaly body. 

It had gone on for more than a week before you decided to try and get the jump on him. You laid a trap, using his eagerness against him and it had worked…. Mostly. You fought, hard, managed to sever his arm and you were just going in for the kill when out of nowhere the tables turned. Knocking away your weapons, he’d pinned you to the ground, a wickedly sharp blade pushing into your shoulder and scraping bone.

He took one look at you, battered, exhausted, blood soaking your shoulder and burst out laughing, preening in glee that he’d finally caught you, finally managed to capture the girl everyone wanted (you hadn’t bothered to ask if he was employed by the Republic or the Imperials. At this point, it didn’t matter anymore).

What he failed to notice in his gloating, was the vibroblade you pulled from the sheath on your thigh. One moment, he was laughing, the next, his head was thudding onto the ground next to your own, mouth still open in glee, reptilian tongue lolling out.

The next hour or so had been a blur, making your way through the town again, cloak pulled up over your head and over your shoulder to hide the wound. You’d managed to steal cloth and a tincture from a street vendor, binding and cleaning the knife wound whilst hiding in a small alley. It was there that you saw the ship, only a small cargo ship, the door left open. You’d slipped in like a ghost, settling between some crates of unidentifiable objects and let yourself slump, adrenaline leaving your body, leaving it shattered and full of pain. Too close. You’d almost been caught and taken back Maker knows where. Luckily you had that blade, one you’d stolen from an Imp a couple years back after he’d tried to capture you.

As you hid in the cargo hold, you heard the co-pilot ask about the turquoise planet.

“Sorgan? Why Sorgan? That place is beyond boring. I’m surprised the people living there haven’t started a war just for something to do.”

The pilot had laughed, “You’re right there. Barely anyone comes out here anymore. Most people don’t even remember it’s here.”

That suited you just fine then. A mostly empty planet with a krill-fishing village that kept to itself, swamps and forests… hey, maybe you’d finally get a chance to relax.

Since then, you’d found a little place in the forest, up high in some clustered branches, near a source of running water. It was high enough to stay out of the way of predators, but close enough to the ground that you’d be able to spot any enemies – and get away quickly.

You’d even made a friend here.

Well… sort of.

Your first night on the planet, you were trekking through the forests when your legs had just… given out. You were spent, mentally and physically, blood pooling through your fingers from the knife wound which had since opened up again. As you lay there, staring through the canopy, you decided that maybe this was it now. Maybe it was time to give up the fight.

You had been running for so long, it was a way of life now. Had more injuries than you could count and been hunted by twice as many people. Hunters and mercenaries of all species and origin, IG-11 droids, the occasional Imp or New Republic official, even a Mandalorian once – that one had been bad. You’d had to give in after you killed him and go to a hospital, he’d left a blaster hole in your thigh so deep you could see bone.

It was quiet here, peaceful, you remembered.  The treetops had begun to blur and swoop under you as you came to your decision.

I’m sorry, mumma, I’m sorry, papa. I tried, but I can’t do it anymore.

You had closed your eyes, giving into the darkness with a final goodbye and letting it wash over you like a tidal wave.

Only to be woken up what felt like seconds later by a wet nose and furry face pushing against your hand. Lifting your head, you’d blinked away the blurriness to find a rounded, big eared head resting on your hand. A Loth cat. It appeared that you’d gotten yourself a little friend.

Since then, she hadn’t left your side, following you everywhere, climbing up the trees and curling up on your lap of a night. You weren’t sure what had drawn her to you, but… it was the first companion you’d had in such a long time, and her warm body against yours was such a comforting feeling that you couldn’t bear to part with her.

That was a few weeks ago.

Nothing had happened in those few weeks. No fighting, no threats, no beeping of tracking fobs waking you in the night and sending you hurtling for the trees.

Nothing but trees, swamps and your furry little friend that you’d called Duru, after a childhood friend.

The only thing bothering you at this point, was your arm. You’d managed to smuggle some herbs from an apothecary hut in the fishing village, but it wasn’t healing properly. The wound had sealed, but it ached. Insistently. Some days it wasn’t too bad, but most of the time, it caused you enough grief that you struggled to grip anything. It was just lucky it was your non-dominant side.

A small groan left your lips as you rubbed at the skin around the wound, perched on a low branch, watching the village. The string of your bow dug into it, sending small shockwaves down your nerves and making your hand spasm. You shifted the bowstring, curling your hand into a fist and releasing it again to get some feeling back into it, an absent action as you just watched the day-to-day life of the village.

It soothed you in a way, just watching people go about their daily lives, how each person had a part to play. Even though you hadn’t met any of them and doubted they knew you were there, you liked and respected them nonetheless. So, whenever you snuck into the village for supplies, you always left something in return. Prey you’d shot down in the forest for food, herbs you’d gathered, fish you’d caught. Just a small way to say thank you to the for keeping you safe, even if they didn’t know it.

You weren’t sure how long you had been sat there for, eyes closed, one leg dangling from the branch and just enjoying the sunlight on your face, the cool and faintly briny breeze when Duru suddenly shot to her feet, a low growl rumbling from her throat. Your eyes snapped open in an instant, bow drawn and pointing into the forest, ignoring the lick of pain as your shoulder protested.

You scanned the branches, the ground below but… nothing. There was no-one there, but Duru was still staring, eyes fixed on something you couldn’t see. You huffed, leaning back against the trunk. She probably just saw a bird or a bug or something.

Still, you remained on edge for the rest of the afternoon, your hand flying to the hilt of your knife at every little crack of branches or whisper through the trees.

It took you a long time to sleep that night, but your body eventually gave in and fell into a somewhat fitful slumber, hand still resting on your bow just in case.

---

Beep.

Beep.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Beep. Bee-

Within seconds, your eyes shot open and you were bolt upright. You knew that noise.

Instinct took over and you grabbed Duru, urging her still sleepy body onto your shoulders as you scrambled down the tree trunk… only to fall the last metre because of your shoulder.

Stifling the cry of pain, you shot back to your feet and took off running, in the opposite direction of that noise.

You’d been too relaxed, let your guard slip down too much here. You should have left the second Duru went on alert last night. Of course, her instincts were so much better than yours, but you ignored it. Like a fucking fool.

The curses kept slipping from your lips as you ran, not daring to see who was behind you just yet. Maybe you’d get lucky, maybe it was just a normal hunter, looking for a big job, not realising the countless that came before him or her. Or it.

You almost laughed to yourself as you zig-zagged through the trees, feet flying over the undergrowth.Maker, you had to get off this planet, it was making you too lax.

The predator’s presence was like a dark cloud behind you, slipping through the trees, lapping at your heels every time you thought you had gotten away. Trees and branches whipped past your face, stinging but you didn’t have time to brush them away. You didn’t even have time to turn your bow and shoot an arrow, the hunter was just that close. Your brain worked frantically, seeking for a way out, an escape, a distraction, anything.

Wait.

A distraction.

You cursed yourself again, drawing in a ragged gasp of air into your aching lungs as you fumbled at your belt. You had a small flash grenade in a pouch on your belt. You used to have three, you’d had them for years and only used them for dire situations. Like this one, you just need a distraction, even for just a few seconds to get up into a tree.

Duru dug her claws into your shoulders for grip – ow, claws -  as you activated the grenade and threw it over your bad shoulder without even turning around. The hunter was so close behind you, you knew it would work no matter where you aimed.

As the grenade exploded into light, you shielded both your eyes and Duru’s with the hood of your cloak, putting on a burst of speed and adrenaline and you bolted for a tree to your left, practically flying up into the canopy. Without hesitation, you began to make your way through the trees, almost sobbing with relief to the Maker that the branches intersect and cross over so that you can make your way across them.

After about 10 minutes of moving through the air, you stopped, hunkering down against the trunk of a huge willow tree as you tried to haul air into your lungs, whilst staying quiet. The pain in your shoulder nearly brought tears to your eyes, the ache in your chest but you stayed still, breathing in through your nose slowly, then out through your mouth, massaging the stitch in your side.

Was the hunter still all that way back? Was he looking for you on the ground? Maybe he was in the trees too, opposite you, watching and waiting to-

“You can’t hide from me.”

The voice came from below and somewhere to the right, a few metres away. On the ground then. The voice sounded male, a little distorted, but that may have just been the roaring of blood in your ears.

You barely breathed, scanning your surrounds and slowly rising to a crouch on the branch, calming your body into a hunters pace of your own. Slow, even movements, balancing your weight as you crept around the tree to a branch on the other side.

Even Duru was silent, hunkering around your neck, her head barely peeping out of your cloak.

“You might have evaded all the others, but you can’t run. Not from me.”

Typical. You rolled your eyes as you slipped along the branches like a phantom. Another hunter thinking he’d get the glory because he captured you. The faint call of fear in your blood quietened as you realised he was just like the others.

Let him gloat, you thought. He could be dispatched as easy as the ugly reptile last time. And his tongue. 

You kept your ears pricked as you eased over to the next tree, but you couldn’t hear him. Obviously trying to get the jump on you. You let out a silent laugh as you reached the adjoining tree and began to descend.

“I can bring you in warm. Or I can bring you in cold.”

You froze, going rigid, praying the leaves would hide you as one foot dangled in the air. He was right underneath you.

You dared a glance down, finally looking at your current attacker and…

Nearly fell from the tree.

Standing on the ground below you, pulse rifle pointed at you was a tall figure. Decked out in beskar armour so shiny you could have done your hair in it, the infamous helmet covering his face, tilted in an almost casual, cocky expression.

A Mandalorian.

The Mandalorian.

You’d heard whispers of this one. That beskar armour, more than any other Mandalorian has ever laid their hands on, paid for by the collection of a high-stakes bounty. A bounty which he stole back, from the hands of The Client and Stormtrooper bodyguards, breaking Guild code and going on the run. Wanted by The Galactic Empire, The Guild, and countless others, he became a rogue, travelling the Outer Rim with his little green child in tow, completing jobs and missions for normal people, all the while being hunted himself by Moff Gideon. He was relentless, one of the best, not hesitating to kill if someone threatened him or the Child.

Someone obviously wants you very, very badly, to call upon a wanted man to track you down.

And he obviously wants to bring you in just as much, to take the risk of this hunt. You briefly wonder just how much he’s being offered.

Fuck. You’re really screwed now, aren’t you?

All of this flashed through your mind in an instant, as your arm shook with the pull of your body weight on the wound. You made as if to move, put suddenly he’s there before you’ve even let your foot drop, a gloved hand grabbing the bottom of your cloak and yanking you to the ground with a thud. Duru made a yowl of protest, springing off your shoulder and into the trees, which you were relieved about because at least she’d be safe.

Twisting to avoid putting weight on your bad shoulder, you bared your teeth at him in a grin, “I bet you use that line on all the ladies, don’t you?”

Really?? This man, this Mandalorian was going to either kill or take you, and you were trying to flirt with him??

Shaking your head at yourself, you rose to your feet, grabbing your bow, thankful you spent 4 years saving the credits for it. It was made of a strong but flexible metal, perfectly shaped for your height, as familiar to you as your own arm. Its edges were razor sharp, a knifes edge. You spun, swinging it toward him and it lightly clanged as it met the armour on his forearm, the vibration skittering down your arm.

The Mandalorian lifted his other hand, a knife in it that he guided toward your side, “Only the ones that have a bigger bounty than I’ve ever seen on their head.”

You quickly jumped back, but not before he caught you, cutting through the fabric of your tunic and opening a small cut just under your ribs. “Ooh, now we’re onto flattery so soon? Careful, Mandalorian, I’d think you were trying to woo me, not kill me.” You flung out with your bow again, only to have him grab it, yanking it out of your grip and throwing it to the side.

Mandalorian made a faint noise, whether it was disgust or exasperation you didn’t know, “You talk too much” He came at you again, a flurry of fists and kicks that were almost too quick for you, making you realise that you weren’t just fighting some cocky hunter.

This was possibly the most dangerous Mandalorian out there, save for Boba Fett. He wasn’t going to let this go. You were a good fighter, excellent, even, but as you both danced a routine of attack and defence across the clearing, you realised… you just might not walk away from this.

You panted, ducking under his arm as he swung for you. Maybe… maybe you could go and seek help in the village, you could hide in a hut or a boat, beg them to take you in.

It was like he read your mind, seeing what you were planning to do, “Really? You’d lead me into the villages? Haven’t enough people died for you already?” His voice was like a rasp as it come out through the modulator, cutting straight through the clarity of the fight and into your heart, making you pause.

How did he know that? Your parents were common knowledge within the hunters of course, nearly everyone knew, but everyone else, those that tried to hide you…

~“Run!!! Y/N, run. Don’t look back, whatever you see, whatever you hear you must promise me you will not look back.”~

A hard impact to your jaw made you stumble backwards, dragging yourself back to the present. Asshole. He’d distracted you. “You’re talking to me about death? How many have you killed, Mandalorian?” You kicked out at his knee, your boot connected just under the plate that covered his thigh and he partially went down.

The Mandalorian grunted as he rose back to his feet, “I’ve killed, yes. But criminals. Murderers. People who deserve it. I haven’t killed innocent people.” He came for you again, fists up and his blaster out this time

You couldn’t help the shocked laugh as you avoided his advances, slashing out with another small knife, grinning when it found home in his shoulder, “You haven’t? What about all the Jedi your little clan murdered?” You spat out the word clan, punching him hard, ignoring the protest your knuckles made at the impact of the beskar. “You didn’t understand a people, so your first instinct was to slaughter them like animals.”

You could almost feel the frown behind the T-visor of his helmet, “That was before me, I was never a part of the war. And why do you care about the Jedi?”

~“Mumma!! I’m not leaving you!! I’m sorry, I’m so so sorry, this is my fault, I shouldn’t have done anything, I’m sorry!!”

“Shhh, shhh, my darling. It’s alright. They just don’t understand you, that’s all. Which is why you have to run, you must go and find your father and be safe, please.”

“There she is!!! Over there! Kill anyone that tries to protect her”~

You hesitated, lost in memories of the past, explosions, screaming and blood. So much blood…

He shot out a grappling line from his vambrace and it wrapped around your ankle and he pulled you off balance and to the ground, again. Weapons made specifically to combat Jedi, people with the same abilities as you, reminding you just how hunted you were. He rose to his feet, walking over to you, “I don’t know why they want you. I don’t know what you’ve done. I don’t care. I just know that you’re a criminal, you’re wanted, and the price on your head is nearly as big as mine.”

You snarled at him, reaching for your vibrobrade and pulling it from your thigh.

He just sighed, kicking it from your hand with one foot easily and at the same time he jammed the end of his rifle against your shoulder, already having marked it as a weakness.

A howl of rage and pain ripped through your gritted teeth, and the edges of your vision started to go black. It was broken by the helmet coming into your eyesight, the moon bouncing off the surface, “Give in. You can’t win. Even if you beat me, more and more people will just keep coming after you.” His voice had turned to honey on a knife edge, persuasive. Wrong.

Right.

You shook your head, as if trying to shake off his words, deny the truth of it even as tears started to burn the back of your eyes. You arched your back from the floor, trying to get up, trying to shift his knee off of you but he was like a damn rock on you, pinning you to the floor. “Fuck off, you’re just as heartless as the rest of them.”

Your power cried out to be used, begged form that place buried deep within you, but you pushed it down. You wouldn’t, couldn’t. Instead, you swallowed, lifting your head and opening your mouth to scream.

Only for his hand to wrap around your throat, his fingers lightly pushing against you. It wasn’t enough to strangle you, or cut off your air supply, but the squeeze of his fingers was enough to warn you that he would do it if you tried to alert the villagers. The Mandalorian leaned down, close enough that you could see your reflection in the black visor. More honey dripped from that voice, worming into your head, your defences.

“More people will die for you. And I don’t think you want that. I won’t touch those villagers, but anyone after me might not be so lenient.” He tilted that stupid helmet, merely watching you struggle with another light squeeze around your throat, another slight prod into your shoulder.

~Explosions lit up the market, local people screaming and running for cover as spices and fruit flew through the air. You choked, searching through the smoke, until your bare feet landed in something warm and wet. Blood.~

As you glared up into the unrelenting metal, you caught your own reflections eyes. Bruised. Battered, snarling. A danger to anyone you came near. How many people had died because of you? Either directly or indirectly? All because you kept running. Maybe you just didn’t deserve it. Deserved to live freely. And hell, you were so tired. 20 years on the run, more if you count the years with your parents. Always having to look over your shoulder, never being able to completely trust another living person. The closest thing you’ve had to a friend in the last 5 years is a Loth cat, and even she left.

It was time to just… give in.

~“Mumma? Mumma wake up, please wake up. You have to, you have to get up, please mumma, PLEASE!!”~

You couldn’t do it anymore.

I’m sorry.

The Mandalorian saw the defeat in your eyes, the way your body slumped into the ground, your muscles relaxed. As a tear rolled down your cheek, you took one last glance at the stars, so you didn’t see him hesitate for just a second before using the shock of his rifle to knock you into darkness.

Next chapter

[i-need-air]

bruh i almost really only if you’re okay with it wanna part 2 of kiri’s but like it has a married life and kids because dog hybrid kiri with kids or normal puppies too just sound adorable

That sounds so cute so I decided to mix both things. Here you have Kiri with doggos and kiddies 🥺💕

In here reader can get pregnant and ig goes by "mommy", I wanted to make it like this bc imagine smol lil kirishimas running around with smol black tails and wiggly ears and;;;; I'm soft—

Word count: 1.4k

[ Main Hybrid!Kirishima HCs ] [ Masterlist ]

× since we've established he starts as a dog trainer, expect to have doggos around the house all the time

× but it takes some good months for him to ever consider adopting one with you

× he's really aware of both of your financial situation so he'd need his business to boom before considering it, and maybe renting a bigger apartment

× what was good was that his internet fame got him sponsors and extra-cash

× whenever the time comes to consider it and talk it with you, he'd sit you down and mutter a cute "I was thinking—" while he's cuddling into your chest

× guess who's ready to do at the next shelter to adopt? Kiri is so eager to help another life 🥺

× adopts a big pitbull that's the sweetest thing in reality and in a few days he takes the doggo with him at work

× seriously loves seeing you cuddling big soft furry baby but gets jealous playfully; dog's in your lap? lifts you both up and now you're all in his lap, don't question it

× calls it Dynamo or something, saying he wants to honor his friend that he still had to find 🥺🥺🥺

× they're inseparable and look so intimidating together ajdjkejs until he smiles brightly and dog starts jumping around happy to exist; they both wiggle their tails and i swear just the cutest ever omg

× now before he considers children [ daydreams about it around 2 hours a day but sure ] he wants to be able to give you more

× saves up for a promise ring a few months in the relationship

× "My heart will forever be yours and someday I want to officially be able to call you mine" manly speech but he's tearing up while he puts it on your ring finger

× marriage between species was still a dicey issue, although it was legal some people still protested about it daily

× still believed in your relationship and was willing to take whatever came your way

× wants to do it the right way because he's a firm believer you deserve the best and wants to give it to you

× you did have to have a very small wedding but it did not matter to him and hopefully to you either

× KIDDIES!!!! skfjsljdhs I'm melting bc

× you guys planned it, right? it had to be a good time for both of you and had to have space for a smol little pack

× yeah, he calls it a pack; it seems it comes from his old days where his closest friends called themselves that and he now wants his own

× when you're settled and surprise him with the news???? falls on his knees, puts his forehead on your belly and sighs, taking his shaky hands to place them there too

× it's happening, it really is

× both him and Dynamo get very protective of you

× they've always been but it's as if the dog actually feels his owner on the edge protecting his mate

× from the day you've told him you're expecting he's gonna carry you around

× i mean, he likes to do it, leave him have it

× but he's fucking embarrassing as hell; once your belly starts getting bigger and let's say you find each other on the street, he's gonna pick you up bridal style and walk you home

× all the neighborhood simps for you both

× [ unrelated but everyone has a crush on him and are jealous of u, i don't make the rules ]

× doesn't matter if you scold him all flustered bc he's just going to laugh wholeheartedly and say some cheesy stuff like "It's just that I'm too happy right now" and he makes you shut up and boil of embarrassment

× oh my god; he puts his head on your belly and listens to two heartbeats [ has very good hearing ] and gets soft as fuck

× when the bundle of happiness arrives he's crying

× like he cries cries

× holds the baby and cries

× baby cries and he cries

× you're washing the baby and he observes the scene, crying

× absolutely adores both of you

× hear me out; smoll bby has an even smoler tail

× that they wiggle whenever they see their momma or dadda...

× yeah, from the first few weeks baby does that and it kills you

× [ imagine: ] it's 3 A.M., baby woke you two up crying and he kisses your forehead, urging you to go back to sleep; he goes to the baby's room and picks em up softly, holding them close to his chest and singing a sweet lullaby in his deep raspy voice, just above a whisper; Dynamo is a self-proclaimed bodyguard so the dog is always by the baby's door... you get up to see what's taking him so long and he's just sitting on the armchair in the room, kissing your baby's forehead tenderly...

× i really love the idea of Kiri having a daughter just because he'd be such a great dad; pick cute clothes, do her hair, play with her, have tea-parties; 🥺 strong big man with cute daughter? 💘💖💘💖💘

× gets so soft for his pup; calls your kid a pup; pup responds with wiggly tail

× she starts learning the puppy eyes from his dad and now, for sure, it's the death of you

× you're gone now, one of those looks and you can't argue anything and give in

× i feel he'd post about his family online and that's when his following would just explode, basically turning him into an advocate for hybrid lives and showing the world they're not different from normal humans; still keeps his privacy cuz people are mean mfs sometimes

× can we just accept the fact that they're both a mess? loud, clumsy and sunshine-y?

× her first words are Mamma and he instantly jumps in her face to ask "Hey, what aBOUT DADDY?!?!?!?"

× will get out of his way to make his smol sunshine giggle and her adorable cute laughs are his life juice

× gets energy to eat the world afterwards

× has this exagerated way of talking just to entertain the baby; even mundane things like: gasps —and I— dramatic pause to look around —made a MILKSHAKE! throws his arms in the air, making bb giggle and clap

× ridiculous dad;

× places your daughter on Dynamo's back and makes it carry her around like a horse

× gives her a paper made sword and roars a battle cry

× adorable squeal-like roar in response from his daughter

× also will have her be on his shoulders if you guys walk anywhere, keeping her in place by holding her chubby legs secured

× dumb songs for everything while they walk; "We're going to the mall, WE'RE GONNA BUY IT ALL, WE WANT SOME CHICKEN NUGGETS AND MAYBE GET SOME MUFFINS"

× "No."

× insert puppy eyes

× "... fine..."

× "WE'RE GOING TO THE MALL—"

× will want more children; like i said, he wants his own pack

× is more than happy to adopt hybrids too; he knows specially the youngest ones are treated badly so if you can't have children, please consider it

× because he will love them with all his heart and he has so much love and care to give

× just think about how he'd be surrounded with two, three children, all trying to climb on him, one hanging on his beefy arm, another clawing his leg, one on his shoulders; such a sight~

× every time he sees his kids doing anything he watches them carefully then turns to you with love in his eyes

× "You make me the happiest man alive"

× you gave him a new life, such happiness he only dreamed about in his darkest days and is thankful every single day;

× sometimes forgets how incredibly amazing he is, yet your words help him

× if your children call him the best dad ever?

× beams

× brighter than the sun itself

× will give it all for your family

× now and forever

[crustycrackhead]

*Throws my swampcat brain rot at y’all*

Swampcat MorningKrem (Morning Frost x Kremy Lecroux)

I’m in literal rare pair hell man, no one understands me nor my freak. I’m gonna be the crazy one that draws them like crazy (draws them only once)

Clean Freak 4 Clean Freak, they both particular and shit okay?!?? SIGH, they would prolly even hold hands but to me… they can be silly (do taxes togther)

[vixenpen]

Fuck A Fan (Bakugo x Camgirl reader pt. 1)

You had gotten the idea from one of your best friends in the cam industry.

“You sure this will work?”

“Trust me boo,” he had replied, “sometimes the best motivation for a man is a little friendly competition.”

Your bestie had insisted that a fuck a fan contest would be the perfect way to get CallMeKing to finally make good on his unfulfilled promise to see you.

Putting the finishing touches on your flyer, you finally posted the announcement to all social media. You knew CMK was still lurking. So he’d definitely see it. Hopefully, this little contest would be enough to spark his interest, if this failed, you were going to scream.

Because for the first time in your cam career, a man had you chasing him.

The audacity!

To be fair, he did say that he wanted to see you too, but had to keep a low profile due to his career. He promised as soon as worked dialed down you guys would meet up.

Well that had been over a year ago, and not only had you guys not met face to face; he also didn’t seem to check in on you as much anymore.

He still tipped and re-subbed to your page. He had even cash-apped you money for Christmas and your birthday.

But aside from that, there were no more late night, sexting sessions, no more random check ins, no more nude trading.

At first, you brushed it off.

He was apparently a very successful man. Successful men were busy. They couldn’t give you every second of their time. As a successful woman, you could relate to that.

Not to mention, you were a bad bitch and bad bitches did not pine over any man.

PERIODTTT.

Buuuut...when the man in question was fine as hell with boulders for biceps, a big dick, and long money, well...you’d like to think the City Girls, Meg the Stallion, and all the other bad bitches you looked up to would understand your thirst.

“Alright, King,” you sat back in the furry, white computer chair and glared at your laptop screen. “Ball is in your court now.”

“Mr. Ground Zero, can I get a picture too?”

A precocious looking blue haired kid asked. He stared up at Katsuki with wide, hopeful eyes.

Katsuki grimaced.

“Whatever kid, c’mon.”

He leaned down, attempting to keep a safe distance from the walking germ pool, while keeping in the lens of his camera phone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Thanks a lot, Mr. Ground Zero!”

The kid giddily ran back to his group of friends.

Kirishima slung his arm around Bakugo’s shoulder, weighing down on his slightly shorter friend.

“Wow, Bakubro, looks like those public relations training classes have really been working, huh?”

“Whatever, I just don’t need anymore shitty press with kids.”

“You still have energy for happy hour with Sero and Me tonight?”

Bakugo replied with a noncommittal shrug. He scrolled absentmindedly through his phone as he and Kirishima headed towards their agencies to call it a day.

He decided to check in on (cam name’s) IG page to see how she was doing.

A pang of longing tugged at him. He missed her. A lot. Sure, she was a cam girl, and being friendly and flirty was her job, but she always brightened his days. With crime picking up steadily over the past year, Bakugo could use her presence in his life now more than ever, unfortunately, nothing in his schedule would permit it.

He was researching a new threat that had been developing in the crime world. Apparently the new mob of villains seemed to have some connections to the crime world in America, and Bakugo found himself flying back and forth to the west for meetings and to make media rounds to help put the public at ease.

His sleep schedule was completely out of whack with all the stress he was under, so any spare moment he wasn’t working, he was sleeping. Which meant no time for his virtual boo thing. Though he did try to make it known he was thinking about her with bill money.

As he flipped through her newest posts, something caught his eyes.

Fuck a fan contest? Winner gets to make content with me at secure location!

What the fuck was this shit?

Whatever it was, he was certainly going to get to the bottom of it when he got home.

CMK: Hey, (cam name) what’s this all about?

Y/N: what does it look like? Fuck a fan contest

CMK: fuck u mean? You don’t do meet ups!

Y/N: 🤷🏾‍♀️ first time for everything.

Anger hummed beneath Bakugo’s skin. Since when did y/n start doing meet ups? She had always told him she didn’t trust her fans as far as she could throw them.

He had encouraged her to not be forthcoming with personal information and never feel like she had to meet up with randos online for money. He would take care of anything she needed before it came to that.

So what was the meaning of this? Had he not been taking good enough care of her? Keeping her bills paid? Her nails and hair done?

Y/N: u entering or what? 👀

CMK: hell no im not entering and neither is anyone else. Now take that shit down.

Y/n: (voice note) first the fuck of all, you don’t tell me what to do. Second the fuck of all, do you know how much money is in this? You ain’t stopping my bag boo. Period! 💅🏾

He was practically seething. Who the fuck did she think she was talking to like that?

Who the fuck did she think she was saying no to?!

His dick stirred in his pants as he re-listened to the voice note of her cursing him out.

CMK: how much does it take to win?

Y/N: just whoever has the most.

CMK tipped $150,000

CMK: now take it the fuck down

Y/N: nobody else has entered yet.

CMK: nobody else up here has the money I have.

Y/N: if you’re not meeting with me, I ain’t takin it down.

CMK: god fucking dammit y/n. Tonight. 9pm. Text me the addy. I’ll have my driver pick you up.

True to his word, CMK had his driver pick you up an hour and a half before the time he had mentioned.

Your knee bounced, causing the black mini dress hugging your shapely thighs to ride up. You pulled it down absentmindedly.

You could count on one hand how many times you had been flown out by one of your fans. It certainly wasn’t a weekly occurrence for you the way it was for other models.

Fear and excitement fluttered in your stomach.

You wondered what the driver thought of you. Heading to this rich and powerful man’s house in the middle of the night.

You had tried to dress up as if you were going to be taken on a fancy date. Your hair styled, silver chandelier earrings dripping from your lobes to match the long silver necklace that dipped between your pushed up cleavage.

If the driver gave two shits, you at least hoped he thought you were going to get a nice meal before getting dicked down.

The community where CMK lived was on the outskirts of town; hidden in a forest of natural and manicured foliage. One could go literal miles between each home before they saw the next one.

You pressed your forehead against the window to take in the flora and fauna, manicured lawns, and huge mansions. So. Many. Styles. Of mansions!

“Here we are ma’am.” the driver announced.

He drove you up a looping, stone drive way that led to a very modern home that reminded you a bit of abstract art what with its odd angles, jutting sides, and square architecture.

The driver stepped out and opened your door. Once you were faced with the massive stairs and wooden doors before you, the song: Pretty Woman blared in your mind. You certainly felt that way.

Before you could knock, the door swung open revealing a pair of red eyes that were devouring your body head to toe.

“Oh my god...”

“Wasn’t expecting to hear that before I even touched you, beautiful.” He chuckled. His lips quirked into the cocky half smirk you’d grown familiar with from his interviews.

Was this real? Call me king was Ground Zero?!

“C-call me king?” You managed to stutter out pitifully.

“I would prefer to call you by your real name.” He joked. “Come in, beautiful.” He grabbed your hand gently and pulled you through the door.

You couldn’t even appreciate the high ceilings, polished wood floors, and tasteful stone wash colored furniture as you followed Ground Zero through the door.

He took leggy strides into the airy kitchen taking out a couple of glasses from a cupboard. You could only gawk.

He looked good as hell in his short sleeved denim button up shirt and ripped black jeans. His physique flexed under the well tailored clothes showing off the broad chest and bulging biceps you’d seen in the Nudes. His spiky Blonde hair looked soft and a bit damp.

“You wanna drink, beautiful?”

“I don’t accept drinks from new people in new environments.”

He looked up to shoot you a half smile. The usual mischief was missing from his red eyes, replaced with genuine affection.

“Of course you don’t. My (cam name.)”

“F/N,” you replied.

“Bout damn time you gave me a real name. Mine is Bakugo, babe.”

He strolled over with a glass of water for himself.

“So, f/n,” his ruby colored eyes darkened with a predatory gleam as he stepped right to your face. “Why don’t you have a seat? I promise the couch won’t bite.”

He brought a hand down to smack your round ass, making you jump.

“Can’t say the same for myself though.”

Licking your lips, you lowered yourself into the couch. Bakugo settled beside you so close the sides of your bodies touched. He draped an arm around your shoulder.

“I know you got a camsona and all, but damn, y/n, where’s my feisty little c/n? Huh? Lil Ms. Period!” His voice took on a lighter tone as he tried to imitate your twang.

The attempt earned him a giggle.

“Well excuse me, sir, but I wasn’t expecting the number two pro-hero in Japan to be my biggest fan.” You snapped back, playfully rolling your eyes. “Forgive me if I’m still wrapping my brain around it.”

“There’s that smart ass mouth I love so much.” He tucked your chin.

This close to him, you could feel his warm minty breath fanning against your lips. A familiar warmth was already growing between your legs.

Pulling away you asked: “Why me?”

“Hah?” His brows knit in confusion. “Fuck kinda question is that? What do you mean why you?”

“I mean, I’m a bad bitch or whatever, but I’m just...me and you’re...you.”

“Tch. You just answered your own damn question, dumb ass.” He tilted your face back towards him. You felt his other large hand roam the bare skin of your thigh and shivered.

“You’re a bad bitch. You don’t seem to forget that any other time, don’t fuckin’ forget it now, got that? Your confidence is what’s sexy about you.”

A smile tugged at your lips as heat flooded your cheeks.

“You know, when you’re not being a fuckin’ asshole, you can be pretty damn charming when you wanna be.”

“And when you’re not being a defiant little brat, you can be real fucking cute.”

A moan slipped from your glossy lips as his hand crept steadily up your thigh

“Please,” you leaned closer to him, “you love my brattiness.”

He scoffed, amused.

“I’ll show you just how much I like it.”

Without warning, Bakugo scooped you up. His large, rough hands dug into the soft flesh of your round ass as he straddled you on his lap.

Your wet, bare pussy pressed into his bulge as he stole a greedy kiss. Your gasp quickly morphed into a moan as desire burned in your core and flooded your entire body.

His tongue overtook your mouth effortlessly.

“No panties, huh, brat? I can feel you leaking through my jeans.”

“I hate panties,” you managed between kisses. “And bras.”

That little confession just inspired more arousal in Bakugo. He deposited you on the long couch and let his hot tongue snake along every sensitive bit of exposed flesh he could find. Goosebumps rose on your skin.

“Damn, beautiful,” he managed between kisses, “can’t wait to taste the rest of you.”

His bulge rubbed your aching clit deliciously.

You tugged his shirt up over his mess of blonde hair.

He grabbed the deep ‘V’ of your dress and ripped it open, drawing a gasp from you.

“Now we match.” He grinned

“You ass—“

“You’ll have a new outfit by tomorrow afternoon, now shut up.”

True to his word, Bakugo tasted every inch of you. He nibbled your ears making you shiver, licked your nipples making you hiss his name, and devoured your toes like blow pops.

Your body was trembling from sensory overload.

“God..” you moaned.

“You look like you want something, babe,” Bakugo smiled wickedly as he hovered above you. “What is it?”

“Eat me.”

[everything-y-nothing]

Bonnie moves to Berkeley. 

Rating: T Word Count: 724 Character(s): Bonnie + Caroline Summary: After returning from her tour of Africa, Bonnie moves to the West Coast. Caroline is not taking it very well. __________

Bonnie believed, with absolute certainty, that the universe conspired to relocate her to California. Starting with a tarot reading, then a couple of premonitions, her admission to Cal Berkeley and the timely sale of her childhood home – all of it fell into place so effortlessly. Perhaps the ancestors had bigger plans for her, or maybe it was a reward for saving the world. Whatever the case she appreciated the opportunity. What she didn't appreciate was the constant stream of new messages from the friends left behind in Mystic Falls. Well, one person in particular...

“Hey, Care,” Bonnie manages to answer her cellphone upon crossing the threshold of her sunny 1930s apartment.

“BONNIE BENNETT!! Have you completely forgotten the primary function of a mobile phone?—You must have because it’s not Instagram!! Why haven’t you returned any of my calls or texts in the past five days!?" The sound of Caroline’s shrill voice echoes against the half-decorated walls and hardwood floors.

“Calm down, mom,” Bonnie chuckles, her front door magically shuts and locks itself. She inwardly thanks herself for enchanting the door for moments like these where her hands are full. Caroline's ranting continues as Bonnie sets down her purse along with a couple of new plants acquired from a nearby nursery. Next, she untangles herself from the leashed dog at her ankles. It's not until she hears Caroline mention 'serial killer' and Weekend at Bernie's in the same breath that she decides to interrupt her friend's insane diatribe. 

“—Do you need a glass of wine? A Xanax? Or maybe—I don’t know—a big fat blunt? I’m gonna need you to dial it back several notches.”

The blonde vampire gasps at the meaningless insults, “1) How dare you. Abby could never... and 2) Seriously!? Gross. The devil’s grass and I don't mix and you know this. Why would you even suggest—wait, are you becoming a pothead now!? What is happening to you?”

Bonnie eye-rolls at Caroline’s ridiculous inquisition, toeing off her shoes and removing a delicate stack of protection bracelets and rings from her person to rest atop a rounded selenite charging plate.

“Caroline, that's it!! I'm calling 'Piglet,'" Bonnie exclaims. Named after the Winnie the Pooh character, 'Piglet' became the childhood safeword Bonnie would use to save Caroline from her manic thoughts and keep both of their sanity intact. Her frazzled friend offers a quick 'sorry' followed by a deep calming breath.

"And FYI, the weed out here hits different—they got the good shit,” the witch releases a sigh and flops down on the bed with her new furry rescue companion, Ziggy, sitting happily beside her.

“Anyway...you’re obviously keeping up with my IG stories, so I know you know that I’ve been settling into my new place and becoming the best new dog mom to Ziggy. What’s going on? How are the girls? Sorry I missed our regularly scheduled FaceTime sesh this week.”

“The girls are great—just missing their Aunt Bonnie. I apologize for flipping out on you. It’s just that…Mystic Falls isn’t the same without you, B. We have never lived this far apart before and I kinda/really hate it. This adjustment sucks,” Caroline whines in frustration but resigns, “but don’t get me wrong because I completely understand why you felt the need to break out on your own and I fully support you shining your light and finding your happy, and living your best life wherever that may be.”

Bonnie hums knowingly. “Thanks, Care. I miss you, too.” 

A pregnant pause threatens to settle between them. It consists of Caroline’s grief over Stefan and the 3,000 miles between her and her soul sister, mixed with Bonnie’s bittersweet memories of the hometown she both loved and loathed, and topped with the creeping guilt of leaving behind her closest friends during a period of their collective mourning. But this was not the time for emotional unpacking.

Brushing away the negative feelings before they can permeate, Bonnie shifts the conversation, “So, I’m beginning to understand why they call it Berzerkely. Today I saw the most bizarre house. It was mollusk-shaped and had like...fins?”

“That is some hippie-dippie shit and I am officially intrigued. Tell me everything!”

Bonnie laughs heartily in response to Caroline’s enthusiasm and starts to detail the architectural anomaly, grateful to save heavy topics for another day.

End.

__________

Note: This moodboard has been sitting in drafts for a bit, but I felt like it needed some context and I was uninspired too lazy to develop something until now 😅 Thanks for organizing Bonnie/Klonnie Week, @24kmagiic​! Lastly, the house Bonnie refers to is called the Fish House by architect Eugene Tsui.

[towerofgodscreamblogwink]

readin s3 ep 54-57 but i simp for khun (like usual), bam is mad cause he’s a fairy, then he proceeds to roast kallavan and kallavan sad, hansung and evankhell have a very cool flashback, and we’re giving siu kudos in terms of writing

this is the fourth time father-child relation were mentioned in latest arcs

first, bam and jinsung

then louie and his father

then that canine chick with her father

now this

this is leadin somewhere

are these outfits a joke-

fucking-

ᵃⁿᵈ ᵖᵉᵒᵖˡᵉ ʷᵒⁿᵈᵉʳ ʷʰʸ ᶦᵗ'ˢ ˢᵒ ʰᵃʳᵈ ᶠᵒʳ ᵐᵉ ᵗᵒ ᵗᵃᵏᵉ ᵗᵒᵍ ˢᵉʳᶦᵒᵘˢˡʸ ˢᵒᵐᵉᵗᶦᵐᵉˢ

HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE AGUERO altho he’s weirdly drawn here lmao, i skipped few panels when i noticed he’s in the room just to see my boy <33

this braid was a wonderful choice <33

also wowowo i’ve just read what he’s sayin and df, i need to reread few panels

OHHHHH SO THEY’RE GATHERING THE SHOULS FOR WHITE

me: 😐

to be fair he did say he’ll get bam to top (ehe) of the tower in most sneakiest way possible

but it still won’t save his ass if they’re gonna have an argument about it, and you know it

also sweetheart you can’t say things like that with such pretty face, everyone’s gonna fall for that <33

*spits out tea* uh oh, they *are* making it somewhat of a point

ohhhhhhhhhhhh

ohhh

oh someone’s gonna get his ass kicked (and i’m talking about khun because i dunno how bam’s gonna react)

also eyyyy khun’s full outfit

Looks like on my latest drawing bam’s pants colour wasn’t the only thing i got accidentally wrong, but also khun’s shoes - but to be fair i wouldn’t change them just like bam’s pants, since they were too, fitting colour balance & pallette 

also tbh at some point i fucked up and closed the tab while making this post, so some reactions got lost 😑

gOD he couldn’t look BETTER even if he TRIED

this -- is a perfect universal reaction image to your mutuals for example

...

my followers @me 

hnnnnnnnnnn mom i’m gonna cry, i saw a man so pretty....

bro... i legit had vocaloid song going “aaaaaaaaaahhh” right at THIS very moment so... seeing the purple guy furry screaming with miku’s high pitched voice was fun... ig

also this is the second time smth similiar to this happened

well maybe third if you count megalovania playing from auto play the very moment karaka appeared on panel

exposition exposition exposition expo

“yummy”

“what”

“what”

I’m not gonna tell you who said what

OHHHH???? oh FUCK this is LOVELY. Huge kudos to Siu in terms of writing.

So...what am i looking at?

...?

Okay, the flashback with evankhell and hansung was wonderful

“AIGHT HWARYUN TIME TO WORK OUT”

“no thanks i’ll pass-”

“NONSENSE SOLDIER, COME HERE AND COMMIT PUSH UPS, ONE TWO, ONE TWO”

Bam: I will literaly choke Dowon with her own throat and feed her to your family.

Cha cha: i-

take 2

nice save

CHA CHA AND BAM BAM REAL SMOOTH

[spideymarvelws]

What The Eyes Can’t See

Prologue 

Steve Rogers x Reader, Bucky Barnes x Reader (Royal!au)

Series Masterlist / Main Masterlist

Warnings : death of an animal, mention of injury, some violence

Series Summary : 

People are afraid of change, afraid of the impossible, afraid of things that are not known. But how can they not be curious? How can they stay in the kingdom grounds, knowing that they live everyday on a repeat until their grave? Aren’t they curious to what lies beyond the forests? Whats hidden behind the trees? The wonders that lie outside the harsh walls that are set around them?

“The king be dammed,” you muttered, the rules that where set upon you the furthest thing from your mind. Riding your horse out of the borders, you did what you have always done best, you ran, the only thing keeping you going was being back with you family, your home. You could hear the guards quickly approaching, the shout of your betrothed growing closer. You can’t give up, not yet, not when you have your own love chasing you, looking for you, waiting for you.

But yet, you couldn’t decide which direction they were coming from....

Word Count : 1.3k

...

“Never take your eyes off the target. Keep your eyes open to every movement and trust your instincts when aiming the arrow to pierce the enemies skin,” your father whispered from behind you, staring intensely down at the clueless animal, nibbling on some grass.

“Rabbits are our enemies?” You whispered back, fixing your posture while sticking out your tongue.

“Figuratively yes,” he said, poking your side making you suppress a giggle, “Now concentrate firefly, you could do this,”

Digging your feet further into the ground, you straightened your back and shut one eye giving all your attention to the furry creature. You held your breath as you realised the arrow, watching closely as it cut threw the air and pierce through the rabbits neck. 

“Yes!” You shouted, pumping your fist into the air, jumping around, “I did It father! I did it! Did you see?”

Your father let our a loud chuckled, bringing you into his side and ruffling your hair, “I knew you could do it firefly,” he pushed you playfully, “Lets go get dinner shall we? All thanks to you of course,”

You nodded cheerfully, bathing in the complements. Tugging at your father’s arm, you pulled him along to collect the kill.

“Okay, okay firefly, how about you do this one hmm?”

You nodded eagerly, grabbing the gunny sack from his satchel and running down the hill. Your father smiled at your joyous behaviour, letting out a heavy sigh at your antics. You were growing up to be like your mother with every growing second.

He watched as your small hands grabbed the animal by the legs, stuffing it in the bag, nearly falling down with its weight, but never giving up in getting its body fully inside. You turned you head to face him when you finished, determination glowing in your eyes as they meet his soft ones.

“Can we go deeper into the forest father?” You asked innocently, tilting you head to the side, “I’m sure we could find the rest of the group and have a big feast for the whole town!”

Your father froze for a bit, his expression turning cold for a second before he forced a smile, bending on his knee in front of you, tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear.

“You know we can’t do that firefly, we’ve already traveled too far from home, we have to get back before sun down,”

“But that didn’t stop us last time!” You desperately, crossing you arms. “Last time was a mistake,” He responded harshly, taking a deep breath, “Last time won’t happen again, now let’s get back okay?”

“Yes father,” you said faintly. His tone left no room for discussion, leaving you quiet for majority of the trip back. 

Only a few yards away from your cottage, your father stopped you with his arm turning around to face you with a sad smile, kneeling in front of you once again. He grabbed the necklace your mother gifted you with the same engravings as your bow. His other hand rested on your arm. 

You kept your gaze on your shoes and the grass at your feet.

“Look at me firefly,” he murmured, grinning as you slowly raised your head, “Do you know why we couldn’t go further?” 

You nodded shyly, “King’s orders, to keep us safe from the outsiders,”

“And do you know why we must obey those rules?”

“To keep the town and us safe,” you looked off to the side.

“And that,” your father turned your head to face him, “Will always be my number one priority, your safety is above everything else good in this world, and I will do everything I can to ensure that. I know you’re curious as to what lies beyond the stakes, but trust me, your time will come,” he placed his hand on your cheek, wiping away a tear, “And when it does, you’ll be the best of us,” “But when will it father?” You questioned, “I’m tired of waiting, Im tired of waking up to do the same thing every day,”

“Soon firefly,” he pulled you into a hug, “I promise,”

You sighed, relaxing into his chest as you resting your head on his shoulder and closed your eyes. But the moment was short lived, interrupted by rough voices, shouting in the distance.

“Where is he!” It shouted, “Where is he!”

Pulling away from your father, you both whipped you heads around in the direction of the sound.  Looking back at your father, you took notice of the panicked look on his face.

“Father?” You whimpered, “Father are you alright?”

“You know that I love you firefly?” He said frantically, “I love you so much okay? I need you to trust me and stay behind that tree okay? Don’t move for anyone or anything alright? Don’t let anyone see you okay?”

“Father? Whats going on?” You asked, grabbing on to his arms, not wanting to let go, “Father?”

“Y/n,” he said seriously, the low rumble of horse hooves beating against the ground could be heard in the distance, “Go behind the tree, stay, and don’t trust anyone,” he grabbed at the necklace again, “Trust your instincts okay?”

“Yes father,” 

“Now go,” he said, “And whatever happens, run,”

With that, you ran behind the thick trunk, peaking your head out to see what was about to happen. 

Three horses with heavily armed guards on the saddle came riding in, surrounding your father. Catching a glimpse of the kingdoms emblem on his sleeve, you watched helplessly as one of the men jumped from his horse, grabbing your father roughly by the arms and tying them behind his back. You silently cried when he showed so sign of fighting back.

The guard whispered something into his ear, kicking him in the back of the knee causing his to fall when he didn’t respond. You let out a small cry, directly covering you mouth, pressing yourself against the bark, but it was too late.

“Don't forget to run,”

You sprinted off, resisting the urge to grab you bow and practise your skills of the man who played a hand on your own blood.

Leaves and branches crashes against you body, blinding your sight, but you kept running, the one thing that stayed on your mind. So many other emotions tried to make its way to your thoughts. Fear, betrayal, confusion, curiosity, but you pushed it all away, shaking you head, trying to hold back the tears.

With your vision slightly clouded, you tripped on a rough break in the ground, sending you toppling down a slope. You bit your lip, struggling to grab on to loose roots or bushes to stop your momentum but you continued your downfall. You landed on the flat ground directly on your right shoulder, sending a searing pain throughout your body. But you had no time to acknowledge it, gritting your teeth you tried to find your footing again, the voices drawing nearer feeling your fear and will.

Struggling to stand, you heard the sound of an arrow being released, being sent in the opposite direction, distracting the guards a bit. A boy around the same age as you ran up to you, helping you up and pulling you behind a thick bush. The blond boy held his pointer finger in front of his mouth, signalling you to be quiet. You focussed on the voices that came from the guards that were dangerously close to your hiding spot.

“Where is she?”

“I don’t know sir,”

“Then find her! You have till dawn to bring her to me.”

“Yes sir,”

“Don’t let me down, or else both of us will be answering to the king,” After a few moments of boots crunching the shrubbery beneath it, the man made its way away from your hiding spot.

“Follow me,” The boy whispered, taking your hand in his, tugging you to stand. You stood up with him, but pulled your hand from his grasp.

“How do i know to trust you,” You sniffed, hugging your right arm tightly. The boy immediately pulled out a chain, similar to yours, hanging around his neck. At the end, it held the same pendent as yours

“Because I’m one of you,”

...

A/n : I’m sorry for posting this so late, shit just happens ig but i hope you enjoyed the prologue! In the first chapter, things will defiantly start to pick up the paste a bit, maybe get a little steamy as well, i don’t know...

Taglist: @jadegill​ @bluevxnus​ @learisa​ @supernaturalwintersoldier​

[slightly-gay-pogohammer]

ok i decided to at least write down the list of disney sequels i think are worth watching in order of release not pixars bc theyre all Important ok lets go:

rescuers down under is better than the original in every way. i personally already think the rescuers is cute but this is better in every way, 10/10, best sequel. my friends still make jokes about the fuckin iguana

aladdin 3 bc like. i mean this comes from someone who isnt particularly into aladdin but. its the best movie im sorry. im just saying. i really like the golden island and aladdin’s dad

beauty and the beast enchanted christmas just because im nostalgic. it’s bad and corny and cheesy and not NEARLY as good as the Best Disney Movie Ever Made but the villain and its motives are actually very good and belle and the cute lil angel’s song about christmas is also good shut up 

the lion king 2 is just Very Good. it misses the good animation of the first one but 1) im biased bc the lion king is my favorite and 2) the songs are very good and its clever they took it from another shakespeare tragedy and i really like vitani and nuka. the only Sad is that theres no nala and simba is kind of hmmmmm a dick but the rest is very good

does the buzz lightyear movie count??? yes it does and its good

lady and the tramp 2 is miles better than the original and this is a hill i’m willing to die on. source: the backyard gang is very dope and their song fucking GOOD and angel is CUTE

peter pan 2 is good. it’s very good. for once having to prolong the copyright is for a good cause and i stan. also i dont want to break peter’s neck this time so thats a plus

cinderella 2 but only the final segment with the stepsister and the baker. its adorable and good and well written and i cry everytime. the rest is garbage. but also theres a britney-like pop remix of bibbidi bobbidi boo and it unironically slaps

the 102 dalmatians movie and 101 dalmatians II are Very Good. theres not anything else to say theyre just good. i think i watched them more than the original asdng

...........yes the lion king 1/2 is good. i HATE the scenes where they shit on the original movie but its very VERY funny. you’re now singing dig a tunnel

bambi 2 is very cute and bambi’s dad make kids question if theyre furries the same way lion king 2 did with kovu ansdfmsnag

cinderella 3 is just good. it just is. radiates chaotic energy and i stan

also apparently everyone confirms the tinkerbell movies and sequels are very good and they look very cute and i remember being a fan of the comics so them too ig despite not watching a single one

[adam-is-suffering]

What I know about the "Beta Kids”

JOHN EGBERT 

- He kins blue, or basically has a theme of blue as I can see from his tracksuit

- He doesnt like his dad?? I don’t think??? So he has daddy issues??

- I think there’s a trans thing about him which is real dope, saw something on Twitter about it

- The game makes him have wind powers so he’s essentially Aang

- Big Nerd, likes games, computers and mullets since I think he grows one in the future or smth

- His uncle is Obama

ROSE LALONDE

- She has the most fanart from what I’ve seen so I am guessing she is a favourite to either draw or in general and I support

- Ah yes, kins the colour purple

- H.P Lovecraft enthusiast, I am just waiting for her to summon some demons in Homestuck and every one of her friends goes through the trials and defeats of their own inner minds that they cannot escape nor control. And yes I am referring to Inception. Because wouldnt that be dope?

- She’s either preppy or goth and everything is pointing to both at the same time

- A probable lesbian with the other lesbian character

- Also mommy issues, I’m pretty sure

- Alcoholism? oh shit is that alcohol? Isn’t she supposed to be like 12?

- In conclusion, she’s Stella from Winx Club, idk same vibes not that I’m suggesting Stella from Winx Club is an alcoholic lesbian with mommy issues tho

DAVE STRIDER

- Oh god its him, its the one everyone fucking loves

- I feel if I don’t end up liking him, I’ll be shunned by the fandom and sacrificed for fun

- Man, I just tried looking up some images of ONLY dave but apparently his page differs from everybody else because he’s made into fanart with…. wait let me count

- 5 people, Jesus christ, he’s shipped with 5 people? He gets around, ig

- If he’s not at least bisexual, I’m not sure what the author is doing with themselves

- Giving me douche vibes but I’m pretty sure he’s just chill

- So he also kins a colour since I don’t see one image where he DOESNT have some sort of red on him which is valid, red is cool

- I’m pretty sure I ironically bought a shirt with that symbol on it without realizing it could have most certainly been a Homestuck shirt

JADE HARLEY

- She’s a furry

- She’s like a ray of sunshine, I don’t think I’ve seen one picture in which she is either frowning or angry…. this is concerning, is she okay? Or is she genuinely happy 24/7? Because let me tell you, nobody is and this is Homestuck which I heard has death at some point I think, so RIP Jade Harley I bet you she just snaps and becomes this badass who doesn’t think anything is funny anymore whilst being a furry.

- Wait, scratch that, I found one frown and she’s talking to a 69 now that’s also an issue who wants to willingly choose 69 as a symbol on their shirt, I say, as I scribble my first fan-kid into typing only using 69′s in place of binary.

- She likes to wield guns and overall fight people, you know what I respect this furry, she is cool

- Okay so while looking at pics I found an MLP Homestuck character and I’m not too sure I’m in the right section anymore

- So she’s also a witch, wow, she has a lot of hobbies, oh god thats a lot are those puppets?

- Okay so her infobox has Big game trophies, mummies, rude trolls for things she hates and that is.. such an odd thing out of context. Like I’m sure I’ll understand it one day but goddamn. Mummies? Honestly hun, same tho.

[boywizard-moved]

10,20,30,40,50,and60 for the ask thing!!

:OOO thank you for all the asks <3

10. What were you doing at midnight last night?

listening to Manic Street Preachers, doing homework supposably, and texting my friends lol

20. What is your best physical attribute? (showing said attribute is optional)

hmmmmm i dont really know. maybe my hands, they're pretty big and i have long-ass fingers, so they're good for shit ig lol 

30. Your house is on fire, holy shit! You have just enough time to run in there and grab ONE inanimate object. Don’t worry, your loved ones and pets have already made it out safely. So what’s the one thing you’re going to save from that blazing inferno?

my guitar probably. my best friend gave it to me, it belonged to her grandpa and its like 28 years old. it was handmade in michocán soooo yeah. i love that guitar, and the sound is fucking awesome

40. Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?

sunsets i think. they're cooler, and though I'm usually up to see sunrises every day, i’d rather not be lol

50. What is the most unusual conversation you’ve ever had?

i’ve had a fuck ton of weird conversations. i think the weirdest one was where i made my friend realize that he was an anarchist and then he tried to convert me into a furry lol. 

60. Do you believe in aliens?

there is definitely other life, so yeah. like even if they're bacteria, they're aliens and so that counts