miraclejune - Tumblr blog

miraclejune · 3 years

Text

HERO’S SOUP: FINAL CHAPTER

Levanter

"Can someone tell me why Hyunjin's crying in the bathroom for half an hour now?" Woong questioned as he walked down the stairs. He was sound asleep and dreaming, suddenly an inanimate object started crying in his dream so he woke up kinda traumatized only to hear one of his guests was actually crying. He laid in bed for 20 minutes waiting for that person to stop but he didn't.

His bed hair ruffled as he sat across Changbin. "Minho pulled a pretty nasty prank on him." Changbin said that as if it was the most normal thing to happen, sadly, it was.

"Oh." Woong said. He doesn't quite get the weirdness of Chan's friends, yet. "Felix and Jisung made pancakes. Sorry if we took your food." Changbin bowed his head momentarily at Woong.

He felt like it wasn't really enough. They barged in his house to seek shelter, they were provided food and rooms. Changbin wondered if he should kneel down on the floor to bow traditionally but eventually pushed that thought on the back of his head since it sounded a little over the top.

"It's cool. Feel at home." Woong said. They exchanged smiles before he walked to the kitchen to eat said pancakes.

Woojin, Jeongin, and Seungmin were still asleep. After their late night snack, the three collapsed in bed. Believe or not Woojin hasn't moved an inch from his sleeping position, at this point Jisung, his roommate, wondered if the alpha was alive. He placed his ear near Woojin's nose and was relieved to feel his warm breath tickle his ear.

Hyunjin emerged from the stairs, Minho trailing behind him. His eyes were all puffy and red, evident of his crybaby fits. There's only one explanation:

Hyunjin, a gullible idiot > gets pranked by Minho with no remorse > Hyunjin cries > Minho laughs > Hyunjin doesn't stop crying > Minho finally feels bad or forced to feel bad by Chan or Woojin > Apologizes to Hyunjin > Back to the step oneㅡChangbin deduced from their actions. It's a vicious cycle. He had hoped Hyunjin would grow immune to the bullying but it’s like his memory resets the moment that his bully apologizes to him.

Hyunjin looked around, clearly looking for the others.

"Pancakes. Kitchen." Changbin said as he continued fiddling with his phone.

Deadlines were piling up and a few revisions haven't been done yet. His new but not yet opened tattoo shop was already booked by clients for 1 whole week. Work wasn't supposed to matter at their current situation but he can't help but feel... stagnant. Not being able to make music and poke people with a micro blade was giving him anxiety issues.

Changbin was so deep in thought, he didn't notice Jisung walking in the living room.

"The building manager called." Jisung sat beside him smelling like flour and maple syrup, his presence somehow calmed him down. "Music studio?" Changbin asked. He rested his back, turning his head to Jisung as he saw him nod. "She said a couple of managers and artists came. She politely told them we're not there and to contact us personally if they have concerns." Changbin thinned his lips. That's why he's bombarded with messages, emails, and calls from people who usually don't contact them when something comes up or if their artist still sounded bad amidst the amount of auto tune layering they did.

"She kept on apologizing to me. I said it's okay since it's our fault." Jisung sighed, he rested his head on Changbin's shoulder.

The building manager was a really nice person. And she gave them a discount for the monthly rent for 3 months just because Hyunjin dropped by and she liked him. She has a thing for eye candies. Who doesn't? Maybe they should offer Hyunjin to her as thanks for the inconvenience they’ve caused.

"We didn't bring any of our equipment here either." Changbin muttered, the smell of maple syrup clinged on Jisung's fluffy hair. "The files are on cloud. We can buy equipment here but," Jisung licked his lips. His voice suddenly stopped working.

"It's not really the perfect time to work." Changbin finished his sentence for him although his mouth was dry as well. "It'll be bad for our reputation though." Jisung played with his fingers. It was hard to make a name for yourself in South Korea's competitive music industry. It took them a couple of years to do so.

People remembered them as different people from different decades although they worked with the same people at the same studio. It's how the whole supernatural thing works. Really weird I might say.

Human brains can't process all the magical stuff. It'll literally make them go insane if they try to understand. That's why they won't have any problems with their natural selves and also no one notices Chan's vampiric appearance, well, except for his smugness. It was still hard to adapt to the human lifestyle, they didn't want people to think they're 'weird'.

'Just go and buy equipment already, you idiots. We have plenty of time. Do your work.' Woojin’s voice echoed in their heads. Changbin and Jisung's eyes meet. They couldn't help but break into big grins.

Jisung hurriedly changed out of his pajamas. Changbin was already dressed so he waited near the door. "I'll tell them we're leaving." Jisung hopped down the last 3 flights of stairs before sprinting to the kitchen. He heard Felix shouting 'Be careful' before he was dragged out the door by Jisung in a hurry.

90% of it is because Hyunjin had heard what Woojin said as well so they left before he had the chance to invite himself.

Woojin woke up with a heavy head. One of his wolves must be under a lot of stress. The turmoil inside their heads are inter-connected so everyone in the pack knows if something was wrong.

He heard Hyunjin cursing at Minho inside his head. He smiled, it must've been another episode of 'Pranking Hyunjin until he cries'. They might've made up already.

He disregarded that floating thought and focused on Changbin and Jisung's concerns. He sat up from his seat, listening intently to their words.

When they stopped, he finally had the chance to telepathically tell them: 'Just go and buy equipment already, you idiots. We have plenty of time. Do your work.' he waited for Jisung to sprint in and out of their shared room, also engulfing him in a very tight hug, before he decided to go downstairs. The two were long gone even before he stepped out of his and Jisung's shared room.

He peered through Seungmin and Jeongin's slightly ajared door. Both of them were out cold. He smiled softly, gently closing the door. After washing his face and failing to fix his bed hair, he decided to go downstairs.

"Morning, Woong." Woojin greeted the witch as he walked out of the kitchen, munching on a pancake.

"Mornin!" Woong greeted back. "It's weird to see you sleep in."

Woojin stared at him. "It's 9am."

"Exactly."

"How is that sleeping in?" Woong shrugged. Woojin squinted his eyes at the witch, earning a chuckle that eventually turned into Woong choking on his pancake. Felix dashed out of the kitchen offering Woong a glass of water.

Woojin watched as Felix sauntered back to the kitchen. Woojin didn't bother to go in there, god knows how messy it is. He reminded himself to tell them to clean up. They're just guests. He's already so indebted to Woong.

He and Woong settled in the living room. "Chan's still not here?" Woojin broke the impending silence.

"Yes and no." Woong placed his empty plate on the coffee table, downing the rest of the water he got from Felix to avoid any further attempts of suffocating to death. "He popped in for about a few minutes. The others showered him with questions and stuff but he just went straight to the fridge, drank about 2 bags of blood before saying 'I'll be back, don't worry.' then he vanished into what seemed to be snow."

Snow.

"Then he is in Norway." Woojin placed his hand on his chin.

"We were about to rough house the heck out of him but I'm telling you," Woong shivered. "Seeing Chan's eyes as red as the blood dripping down his chin left us all paralized and... traumatized." Woojin laughed. Chan was usually a messy drinker when he's troubled or in a hurry. He must have been fighting someone in Norway.

"He must have a lead. Let's give him time."

"Who do you think he's fighting over there?" Woong said as if he knew what Chan was doing. He did.

"Well..." Woojin paused for a while. It can't be that guy but he's the only one on his mind. "Probably the worst person to be on a frozen island.”

NO ONE expected fighting.

As Clyde turned around, Chan waited for some advanced contraptions transporting them to a different room. But suit guy, he's stuck with calling him that, buttoned his suit and walked out the bar. He felt Chan's stare at his back as if waiting for him to explain. "Shall we?" He turned around and gestured his hand politely for the vampire to follow him.

"O-okay." Chan cleared his throat. He can't hide the embarrassment on his face. He needs to stop watching fictional films with Felix and Lamce. He dashed past Clyde. "Were you waiting forㅡ"

"Shut up." if he was capable of blushing, Chan would probably have red splotches on his face. He prefered them to be another person's blood on his face but you get the idea.

"Apologies. Our main office is not attached to this establishment. If that's what you're curious aboutㅡ"

"DOWN!" Chan tackled Clyde to the ground, his suit finally evident of snow. A ball of fire rocketed to the bar window, showering snow covered glass outside.

A familiar dark wolf came, his eyes fixed on the vampire. "It wasn't me if that's what you're glaring about." Chan helped Clyde up. Another ball of fire shot in between them and the wolf. They crouched for impact, the fireball bombed through the exterior of the bar, the sign fell with a loud boom. When the coast was clear, Chan pushed Clyde towards the wolf.

The quiet and almost lifeless streets of Tromso were instantly filled with curious mortals. Phones out and fingers pointing at the scene unfolding. They must have thought something exploded inside. That's what their minds are capable of conjuring. Limitations.

"Get him out of here. Go. I'll catch up."

"How will you catch up?" the wolf's bitter voice echoed in his head. "You reek. I'll follow your scent." the wolf didn't even have time to decapitate the vampire, another ball ofㅡholy crap that's as big as a truck.

"GO! NOW!"

"Ah, man. I always wanted to roast a wolf. You're ruining my bucket list, dude." Kazuo pulled up on a big bike. He lit in on fire before kicking it to the nearest streetlight. The audience screamed, shifting their gazes to the bike magically hitting the streetlights.

"Nice to see you again!" Chan swore he wanted to rip that smug smile off his face, pull his teeth out one by one and rip his head in half from his jaw.

The 'remnants' of the bar behind him were engulfed in blue flames. The Sofia's are known to possess the power of the Eternal Fire. It's why they're so high up on the list of the 11 families.

Normal red-orange flame is commonly used back by the members of the clan. The higher ups and bearers of the Sofia blood were the only ones capable of using the eternal flame.

"Not surprised at all? Aw, you made me lose a few years for nothing." the redhead pouted, stomping his feet like a child.

However, there are consequences of using the blue flame. You have to offer a bit of yourself to be able to hail it. Which means if your life is based on a calendar, you gotta cross out a few days or maybe weeks.

There was a small circle of visible asphalt on where the redhead stepped on, his feet burning holes underneath him every time he stepped closer to Chan. He hated the winter, everyone in the Sofia Clan did. Wonder how much loathing he feels now that he's in the fucking frozen tundra. Kazuo froze, slowly lifting his head up.

Chan's instinct kicks in. Kazuo stared at him, the fire on his feet blazed. The acrid smell of bloodlust tickled his nose. Killing intent.

"You're here for Jeongin too." Chan snickered. He discarded his padded coat, which didn’t even matter because he can’t feel cold. Kazuo gave him the most sickening smile. "No, dear friendㅡ"

Chan clenched his fists. "I am not your friend." Each word coming out from his mouth was as deadly as poison. He was pissed off. He cursed at himself for thinking that Kazuo was on their side.

The guy had helped them on multiple occasions. He had warned them fairly about what's to come. He wasn't really that specific as if someone was listening to their conversation. Seungmin tried to convince Chan that Kazuo was right on multiple occasions. That they didn't heed this warning to be careful.

What irked him the most was that Kazuo was at the neutral zone out of coincidence. Bastard even helped Changbin and offered to let them stay with the rest of the Sofia clan at the Inn. It didn't make sense, that's why he was so irked by it. He couldn't have warned them if he was behind all of it. But now he's in front of Chan, eyes filled with murder. What the fuck is up with this guy?

Chan took a deep breath. His mind was wandering but he still concentrated on Kazuo's movements. Why was he here? If he was after Jeongin, then he should've been in the Neutral zone. Did he sense that they were out of it? Was the Sofia clan members just a distraction?

There was stillness on both sides. If hatred was visible the air would have been scarlet. Then suddenlyㅡ movement. Kazuo rained blows onto Chan as if he meant to incinerate him in a hearth of eternal fire.

Chan however, held back as much as he could. The amount of collateral damage Kazuo has inflicted within a minute was enough to shake the curiosity out of the people watching them.

The crowd finally cracked and panicked. Hundreds of people felt it. The freezing temperature of Tromso slowly burned up within their reach. They cannot concentrate on anything else they're doing. With Chan's heightened senses he heard hearts starting to beat harder and faster. Adrenaline levels rise. Soon enough their heads won't be able to process what was happening and they would pass out. Worst case scenario: Death.

"What do you want, Sofia?" Chan gritted his teeth in anger. He hated the fact that he had to hold back. He wanted to wreak havoc and kill the idiot redhead in front of him. Damn it, Jeongin made him soft.

Kazuo opened his right hand, palm facing up. He conjured a soccer ball sized fireball. "Oh nothing~ just wanted to give my old pal a nice greeting!" The fireball grew 10x its size within seconds. Kazuo threw his hand back before directing it to Chan as if he was pitching at baseball. But this time, it was a ball on the side of a bus.

Chan fixed his stance. The fireball closed the distance between them in a blink of an eye, but before he was engulfed in it, Chan pivoted his right foot to the left then jumped to that side. He rolled on the slippery melting snow standing right up immediately.

They played a game of dodgeball for 5 minutes before Chan heard police sirens. He cursed under his breath. His sharp eyes glared at Kazuo, who was still laughing like a maniac and was not at least bothered with what he was doing at all. This has to end now.

The vampire bared his claws and fangs at the redhead. "That's all you got?" he taunted Kazuo. And it worked.

Kazuo stopped laughing. He stood still. Eyes foggy of hatred and despair. Chan felt the air thinning around him. That's not good.

Suddenly, Kazuo bursts into flames. His whole body was engulfed by it. The blue flame grew larger, and the heat temperature continued rising. Slowly, the air grew thinner due to the lack of oxygen. Onlookers started passing out one by one, their bodies thumping down on the thick snow. Chan winced, he wasn’t affected by heat as well but this was a different story.

He vaguely saw Kazuo’s figure behind the wall of flame. The vampire’s eyes grew wider as he saw a familiar gesture. He hastily heightened his senses, hearing a soft whisper from the red head.

He clenched his fist, planting his right foot on the ground before throwing himself into the blue flames.

Seungmin watched as the birds perched at the tree near the window. He sighed deeply, growing more and more impatient as the hours passed by. Jisung and Changbin haven’t been back from their shopping and he’s been comforting Hyunjin’s whiny ass because they didn’t take him with them.

“Hey.” he looks to his right. It was Woong. His eyes trailed to his fellow witch’s face down to his extended hand.

“Thought you needed some warm tea.” Seungmin smiled at his gesture, mumbling a low thanks as he took the cup, immediately taking a sip. The warmth of the tea slowly calmed his nerves. He sighs contentedly and looks out the window again.

He felt Woong shift from his position, leaning against the wall. He looks at Seungmin with curiosity. Observing how his lips thinned and his eyes darting around.

Eventually he found out it was because he was staring.

“Sorry.”

Seungmin flicks his forehead, earning a soft groan from his friend. “What do you want, Woong.” he asks, clearly aware of the latter’s purpose.

“Why do you care about Chan so much?” A swiftly unrolling panorama of dreams played in Seungmin’s mind. At least, that’s what they felt like. His memories of Chan. Oftentimes they felt like dreams. Like they only happen when he’s relaxed, clear of worry and… well asleep.

Seungmin gave Woong a glance before looking back again out the window. He fiddled with the warm cup of tea in his hand, trying his best to come up with an answer to Woong’s question.

“I just do. After leaving the academy, Chan was the first supernatural being I became friends with. He’s a twat. Broody. Annoying. But I love him the way he is.”

Woong listened to his words intently.

“I just have to take extra special care that he stays in the range he can cope with. I wish he'd ask for help more often. Makes it easier for me to care for him. Partly because we’re legally binded by a contract with the humans. I’m his official ‘guarding’ you know.” he looks at Woong with a grin. “I need to make sure he follows the rules and doesn’t harm any human being.”

“So you’re just there for him because of the contract?” Woong’s question hung in the air. The birds Seungmin was watching suddenly flew away. His heartbeat quickened.

“Something is wrong.” simultaneously, they dropped their cups. The glass shattering against their feet.

The wind grew wilder. It was right overhead it was so loud they cowed with hands over their ears and still felt like their eardrums would pop from the screaming above.

“HYUNJIN! FELIX! MINHO!” one by one, he called out to them. He was barely holding himself up. The sky was literally screaming.

He felt a hand on his back, Woong had followed him. He pointed to the stairs. Seungmin sees Woojin clutching Jeongin against his chest. He looks to his left and sees Hyunjin, Minho and Felix holding each other's hand.

The beams of the house creaked in a way that chilled their blood and suddenly staying seemed like the dumbest idea they’d ever had. But there was no way they could go out in the open with this kind of disaster.

So they huddled in the living room, sitting down on the floor and staying close together. Seungmin sat beside Woojin, placing a hand on Jeongin’s back. “HE’S OUT COLD.” Woojin shouted, it was the only volume they could hear each other in. Seungmin nodded, he turned to Minho beside him, he clutched his arm tight.

Then it was silent. Absolutely silent.

A heavy oppression seemed to brood upon the air. Woojin’s eyes frozen open.

“We need to get out of here. NOW!” They stood up immediately. Woong bolted to the door, opening it for everyone. He hastily signalled each of them to get out.

“What the hell is that!” Minho exclaimed, pointing up to the sky.

Seungmin was the last one out. His eyes shot up to the sky. Purple clouds looming all over them. There was no wind, no rain. Just the creeping feeling of doom against their feet.

Woojin waits for Jisung and Changbin, he hears their calls in his head. As he sees them appear from the corner.

He looks up. His eyes stared unseeingly. As if the sight in front of him is part of his imagination.

He bit his lip, holding back his tears. This isn’t something they could handle. Whoever was doing this had one purpose.

He tightened his grip against Jeongin. He could feel his soft breath against his chest. Woojin swallows the lump in his throat. He stood his ground. Eyes scanning each and everyone of his pack members.

Woojin tried his best to memorize their faces, for the last time.

His uneasiness did not go unnoticed. He met his beta’s eyes.

Hyunjin was pleading him with his. Full of worry and concern.

All Woojin could do was smile.

Changbin, Jisung faced him as well. Their eyes welled up with tears. Everyone in the pack is connected. They feel each other’s emotions. Physically, mentally. And at this moment. Woojin knew it was time. He felt sorry for the pain and sorrow he’d leave on their shoulders. But--

“You are strong. You are brave. You are all amazing beings. I love you, from the bottom of my heart. Continue to love, care and protect one another. I’m leaving the rest to you all.”

Woojin jumps in front of the impending storm. Carefully handing Jeongin’s sleeping figure to Hyunjin. The beta hesitated, earning a low growl from his alpha.

The rest of them realized what was happening. Minho sprints beside Woojin. Eyebrows furrowed and lips in a thin line.

“I’ll stay here with you.” he said. Woojin shook his head. Pushing him to Changbin who held Minho in a tight arm lock. “LET ME HELP YOU! I CAN FIGHT.” Minho continued screaming, trying to get away from Changbin’s iron grip. Tears fell from his eyes. This isn’t a fight they could win. Actually, this isn’t a fight anymore. There was already a winner.

Woojin glares at Felix who was attempting the same thing. He growled again. “Don’t you fucking dare.” It was the first time they heard this side of him. His alpha side. This was nothing like the Woojin they know. He was terrifying.

“Please, Woojin. Let us help you.” Felix pleaded, his freckles more prominent with the current setting. Woojin stared at him. Telling him to stand his ground.

Their attention was caught by screeching. It was nothing like earlier. This was more deep, more blood-curdling. Woojin felt shivers all over his body. They were running out of time. He turns to them, calling out their attention.

“Minho, Felix, Seungmin, Jisung, Changbin, Woong, Hyunjin.” he called out to them. His familiar soft tone startled them. He smiled genuinely.

“Thank you. I love you. Protect each other. I will survive this and I will do everything to find you.” an empty promise.

He walks to Hyunjin, giving his beta one last hug. Whispering in his ear: “You’re in charge of Jeongin. Treat him as your own. I love you.”

Woojin pushed them all with his force, waiting for them to start running. Everyone hesitated, but with one last deathly glare from the alpha. They ran.

Woojin’s eyes never left the back of their heads as they vanished into the forest. He could hear Hyunjin calling out to him in his head, Changbin holding back his tears, and Jisung barely keeping himself sane. Woojin bit the inside of his cheek, he feels like a total ass. Leaving them without a fair warning. But this was the only way.

Felix and Minho risked looking back.

For the last time, Woojin smiles at them fondly. Transforming to his full form as he was engulfed by the chaos.

“Goodbye, my family.”

#skz straykids skzau straykidsau skzangst skzfluff

0 notes

miraclejune · 3 years

Text

UPDATED/REVISED Hero’s Soup masterlist! (edited as of October 2021)

MASTERLIST (Hero’s Soup)

CHAPTER 1 ㅡ

Antique Shop

CHAPTER 2 ㅡ

Meet the pack

CHAPTER 3 ㅡ

The Creepy Mansion

CHAPTER 4 ㅡ

Bonded

CHAPTER 5 ㅡ

School life

CHAPTER 6 ㅡ

Awaken

CHAPTER 7 ㅡ

Hunt

CHAPTER 8 ㅡ

Coffee

CHAPTER 9 ㅡ

Stay

CHAPTER 10 ㅡ

SPECIAL SKZ CHAPTER! (gift for Stays!)

CHAPTER 11 ㅡ

The 11 Families

CHAPTER 12 ㅡ

Artist

CHAPTER 13 ㅡ

Thousand Hearts

CHAPTER 14 ㅡ

Forest

CHAPTER 15 ㅡ

Old Friends

CHAPTER 16 ㅡ

Arrival

CHAPTER 17 ㅡ

District 9

CHAPTER 18 ㅡ

Pure Heart

#stray kids #skz #skz au #stray kids au

62 notes · View notes

miraclejune · 4 years

Text

HERO’S SOUP: CHAPTER 18

Pure Heart

A figure bundled up in dark winter clothes plowed his way through the thick layer of snow.

He pulled down his mask, gazing at the distance. Across the misty horizon was civilization. Subtle twinkling lights and few visible buildings stood. "About a mile away." He calculated the distance between him and his target place.

While fixing his mask back to his already frosty face, a big black shadow leapt past him. It alerted him. He looked around cautiously but all he could sense was endless tundra.

"What is a vampire doing in Tromso?" Chan turned around to see a man with slicked back platinum hair. He was dressed too formal from head to toe.

He wore a black suit, sharp-looking, and well-fitted. Exactly the opposite of what a person should wear on where they're standing. That was something that made him a bit nervous. It's not that he wasn't also under-dressed by only wearing a thin shirt underneath his padded jacket.

The wolf beside the man wasn't the reason why Chan's bothered. Unlike him, whose black clothes almost turned white because of the blizzard, the man in front of him had no speck of snow whatsoever.

When the man smiled, it was a little bit magical. His insides churned at the sight.

"I'm looking for someone."

"Go look elsewhere. What you seek is not here." his british accent made him sound polite and prim. However, the wolf beside him snarled at the vampire.

"Now now," the man walked right above the snow. Blocking Chan's view of the wolf. "Don't go killing my friend with your stare." he smiled sweetly. Cringe.

Chan sighed. He looked around and heightened his senses. There were a couple hundred people in the city. A few were supernatural beings as well. "What are you doing here?"

The man fixed his collar and patted his right thigh with his hand twice. The wolf stood at his side, lowering itself for the man. Chan wondered how the hell will he sit down without crumpling that dashing suit. His query was answered when the man sat sideways.

"Someone has sent me to find you. If you please," suit guy scooted upwards.

"No way in hell will I ride a wolf."

'I'd rather get dismembered'

"Yeah yeah. Shut up." suit guy smiled. "You can hear him."

"Heightened senses. And please close your mind will you? Your thoughts are annoying." the wolf growled beneath its belly but he did what he was told.

"Misha, you let your thoughts out loose again." the wolf whined as an apology.

"Very well. Follow me, in whichever way you can."

After they shot through the blizzard, Chann pretty much looked like an oversized marshmallow. Snow coated his body from head to toe.

They stopped at a bar. 'Døden'ㅡthe sign read: meaning 'Death'.

"Couldn't be more subtle?" suit guy who was actually named Clyde gave him a smile.

"You know Old Norse?"

"Old Norse is easy. Try learning Chinese." suit guy (Chan would prefer calling him that) chuckled. "Oh, no. That wasn't a joke but, thanks." Chan removed his coat, hanging it near a heater. The water dripped down on a metal bucket beneath the coat rack. He proceeded inside the charmingly old-fashioned bar. Chan expected a very unrealistic setting but the place looked plain but real.

Illuminated only by the age-speckled bar lights, the bar curves into the room, dark in the barely lit room. Through the windows, trickles the sallow light of street-lamps. Somehow enough for the room to be well-lit.

The cabinet behind the counter was tiny but well-stocked with a variety of alcoholic drinks. Velvet chair lined up near the walls. Vinyl records and a few frames of abstract paintings hung at a small expanse of the wall.

The place seemed difficult to find. But when you do find it, you'll surely visit often.

Clyde ushered him to a bar stool. He was obviously the only customer there.

"The place is temporarily private." Chan glanced at Clyde who noticed his silent question.

"What can I get you tonight?"

"Just coffee, please." Clyde nodded politely and fixed up his order.

"So," Chan's voice trailed off as he stood up and walked about the place. "Where's your partner?" Misha (the wolf) disappeared as soon as they stepped in the building. "He's patrolling." Clyde replied nonchalantly.

"Okay. When do I get to talk to your boss?"

Clyde stopped and glanced at him for a second before going back to churning the coffee beans.

"The boss won't be back until tomorrow." That's the hard part. In Tromso, you can't tell if it's really 'tomorrow'. They're in the season where it's 3 months of winter without the sun.

Chan didn't argue. He can't complain about the slightest things if he were to talk to Clyde's boss. He's got to keep his chances high.

"Would you show me your workplace instead?" Chan sat back down in his seat. Clyde settled the coffee in front of the vampire, bowing after he did so.

"It would be a pleasure."

"What's he doing in Norway?!" Seungmin's voice bellowed around the house. "The kids are sleeping. Settle down." Woojin hushed him.

"Bet he's trying to get some help from his connections." Woong said. He twirled a pen between his fingers.

"That's what worries me," Seungmin slumped on his chair.

"His connections are not good people." Woojin continued. Woong stayed quiet. Even he was convinced.

"You guys have any idea where he is in Norway?"

"Tromso." Woojin muttered. "He knows someone powerful from there."

"You mean someone dangerous!" Seungmin gritted his teeth in annoyance. "Okay okay. Let's not jump to conclusions," Woong tried to calm down his fellow witch. "Actually, that person is dangerous."

Woong blinked twice and threw the pen he was playing with, it landed in the drawer that opened and closed by his will. He plopped beside Seungmin at the sofa, gathering his hands together. "Okay, well, then let's jump to conclusions." he said.

"Who's this powerful person he knows? And how did you know about him?" Seungmin questioned.

"I'm not always in the mansion," Woojin looked far out the window. "I liked to go places. And Chan, he knew a lot of interesting places. Interesting," he saw how Seungmin raised an eyebrow at him through his peripheral vision. "And kinda dangerous people." he cautiously continued.

"Nothing bad has happened so far."

"But something did happen." the witch edged him. "Of course, it wasn't always 'hi nice to meet you i'm fine thank you and you goodbye'. We had a few scuffles."

Some nights, the two would arrive at the mansion with a few cuts and bruises. Their torn and dirty clothes are disposed of for no tracesㅡSeungmin recalled. Little do they know, he was lurking around the stairs giving them a death glare through his spell Chan almost noticed he was there.

"So you had date nights with Chan without the rest of us knowing?"

"You knew."

Seungmin guessed that Woojin would take the hint. He's the only one with a functioning brain cell within the group.

"Anyway, who is he meeting there?"

Woojin hummed. His head turned towards the stairs. "Hyunjin"

"Hyunjin? Why the hell would he meet Hyunjin-" Seungmin stopped midway as he glanced at where Woojin was looking.

"Come here."

Hyunjin felt like he was intruding. "It's fine."

The alpha smiled softly, gesturing to the wolf to sit beside him. "Nonsense. Come here."

As Hyunjin settled down, he looked at the two witches. They didn't mind at all. Probably because they’d have this conversation again once everyone is here so, one less person to explain to.

Woojin continued. "An arbiter."

"An arbiter of what?"

"Death."

"Chan needed some information that only they have." he continued.

Woong looked at Woojin and waited for him to say it was a joke. But, he didn't. "They still exist?" Woong was way more interested in this topic.

Woojin nodded at him. "They do. But, I'm afraid they won't last long. New recruits aren't coming in and their numbers have begu=n to decline. As of this century," he paused. "There are only about 100 of them."

"That's too little." Woong thinned his lips. Those numbers wouldn't even make it through a couple more decades."It is. The boss wanted Chan and me to work there before."

"Really?" Seungmin's eyes widened.

"Yeah," the alpha scratched the back of his head. "We lost a barter with one of their superiors." Woojin smiled recalling how he and Chan sprinted away from the scene just before they could seal the deal.

"Then what is that stinkfart doing back there?! He's gonna get himself killed!"

Woojin's face gloomed.

"Chances are... he's already dead."

The room went still.

Woojin straightened up and looked around. Panic sets in. "Wait what no! What I meant is he's already dead now."

"We got that." Hyunjin replied.

"No! He's a vampire, he's dead."

"So," Woojin looked at Woong enthusiastically. Encouraging him to continue. "You're joking?"

He threw his hands in the air. Obviously, he clowned them at the wrong time. "Yes! Yes I am!" he sighed. Geez. No one in this house appreciates his humor. He threw a reassuring eye around the room.

"He's fine. He knows what he's doing. Help will always come."

"A pure heart. That boy's valuable indeed." Woong leaned against the counter of his shop. "Plus, he's Chan's bondmate."

"Damn. So, he's basically a vampire minus the fangs, bloodsucking and other quirks." Woong exclaimed. He just summed up Jeongin as he is. "Where'd you find him?"

Seungmin turned his back on Woong, he lifted himself up the counter to sit down. "We didn't find him." he smiled, looking out at the few people running around outside in the dark moonlight. There are a couple of supernatural beings who dwell in the dark. And this must be the perfect place for them. "He found us."

"That's why she's after him." they heard Woojin's soft vocals from upstairs. After Woong's last statement, they stopped talking. Listening to Woojin serenading the midnight sky.

After a while, the voice stopped singing and they heard the stairs creaking. Jeongin appeared clutching his arm. "Seungmin."

The witch pushed himself off the counter, he smiled at the boy. "I'm off to bed, Woong."

"Alright. I'll turn off the lights and head up in a while. You guys have a good night."

Seungmin walked to Jeongin, linking his hand to his. They descended up the stairs and walked silently to their shared room. "Chan's still not here?" Jeongin sat down on the bottom part of the bunk bed, his gaze following the taller.

Seungmin placed his phone and keys on the desk near the window. "Did you answer your mom's calls?"

Jeongin nodded when Seungmin turned to him. "I did. I told her I'm on a trip with you guys and she just said okay. She didn't even ask about school."

The witch stared at the boy's muddled expression. It's like he had not the slightest of who he was. "Hey," Seungmin sat beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "She knows you're safe with us. And we kinda promised to protect you with our lives, so... that's kind of a thing now." Seungmin squeezed his shoulder. "We've only been gone for about 24 hours. School will be fine. I already talked to the vice president. He's gonna take over for a while. We'll figure something out about your situation in the morning." Jeongin finally broke into a smile. "Okay."

Afterwards, they settled down. Seungmin climbed up the second floor of the bunk bed, his actions rocking Jeongin below. "And about Chan. He'll be back soon. Don't worry about that old fart."

Jeongin hummed in response. The witch peered his head over the bed, he saw the boy's eyes flutter shut and before he knew it, Jeongin was in deep slumber. He flipped the light switch and the room was swallowed into darkness.

A few moments later, the door creaked open, letting a little light seep in.

"Oh hey. Can we talk?" Woojin smiled softly at Seungmin. He silently closed the door behind him, hoping not to wake up the young one. "Yeah." Seungmin hopped silently out of bed, walking towards Woojin who peered over the window. The witch waved his glowing hand. "I put up a spell so he won't hear us." the alpha nodded.

"Is this about Chan?" He said, now not in a whisper.

"No. I'm not even worried about him." Woojin chuckled. Seungmin looked at him intently. "Okay," he threw his hands up in defeat. "I'm a little worried. But, that's not why I wanted to talk to you."

The stars twinkled in the night sky, different beings roamed around the streets cheering, walking around and just enjoying the cold breeze. Woojin paused for a while, he knew Seungmin waited for him to continue.

The alpha turned to him, his eyes illuminating underneath the moonlight. Ah, today was a full moon. No wonder the witch felt so inferior. "You knew about Jeongin's past."

Seungmin shivered. The air suddenly became much colder. He looked behind him as he heard Jeongin shift underneath his blanket. "I did." he croaked. He was scared, he felt like his knees would give up at any second. Woojin's stare made it much harder for him to speak nor think. "Jeongin... isn't Jeongin."

He gathered his hands together. "His family is not really his real family."

Jeongin nodded, encouraging him to continue. "His mom found him in front of their doorstep. There was no letter. No evidence of who he was and why he was there. She just recently found out that he has a pure heart." by that he means; ‘I told her’. That's why she wasn't so worried about Jeongin's disappearance. Well, of course she's worried about him, he's still her son. But she's assured that the others will keep him safe.

"But, how does he look like them?" Seungmin pulled the chair under the desk and sat down. "A pure heart adapts. His face changes as he grows up, taking a few similarities from his adopted family." they both looked over Jeongin's head outside the blanket. "I just wished he didn't grow up with good people."

Woojin crossed his arms, tilting his head. Confusion evident on his face. "What do you mean?"

"Just like I said. A pure heart adapts. If his environment is good he grows up a good person and maintains his pure heart, a few mistakes and lies doesn't taint his heart. However, if it's from a not-so-good family situation,"

"He becomes a normal person." Woojin finished his words for him.

Seungmin sat still. Jeongin is normal. However, as he ages, more danger will arrive. A pure heart is rare. Once news breaks out about a pure heart existing in this century, everyone will try to get their hands on the boy.

"So," Woojin collected his thoughts. This information is like a nuclear bomb. "about him knowing that you and Woong were cursed,"

Seungmin looked up, meeting the alpha's painful eyes. "and the box easily unsealed after he touched it."

"It was not a coincidence." Woojin pieced their words together. "A pure heart has the ability to find out if a person is cursed. He/she also has the power to remove any seal or curse."

"Then why couldn't you still say anything about the expelled students? And," Woojin looked at him hopefully. "Changbin's curse?"

"Jeongin's powers are still hidden. The curse me and Woong have was given by the superiors of a strong witch academy. It's not that easy to remove. And Changbin's... he already accepted who he is. No one can undo it." Seungmin continued.

Woojin pondered on what Seungmin said about Changbin. He was right. Changbin has accepted who he is now. He had a rough time in doing it but eventually, he has no more regrets. Changbin didn't enjoy the abilities and all the plus points.

He enjoyed the company he met during those hard times.

"That being who's coming after us was after Jeongin." Seungmin gripped the sides of the chair, his fists turning white as anger boiled within him. "She already knows about him. We can't risk going back outside." but hiding like fugitives wasn’t the best option either.

Woojin took a closer step, he knelt down in front of Seungmin and touched his face. "Hey, it's okay. We're here. We won't let anything bad happen to him." the witch peered down to him.

He always had this dad figure mixed with a bit of mom and brother which sounds disgusting by the way. Anyway, the strength that holds them up was Woojin.

He's always calm and composed, which is needed most of the time when they're in a fiasco. His presence is so comforting yet he exudes so much power and superiority.

"I'd actually rather die of different causes rather than by an ancient vampire dude." Seungmin finally smiled. "Me too. Chan's scarier than any being in the universe."

They both stood up and the spell went away. "Tell me about it. Even death is afraid of him." Woojin whispered.

They stood there silently. "I don't think I can sleep now." Seungmin admitted. After the revelation, his energy was depleted but his thoughts ran around his head making it harder for him to rest.

They abruptly held their breaths, slowly turning to Jeongin. The boy had shuffled around his blanket but this time he woke and sat up. He blinked a few times, adjusting to two silhouettes against the moonlight. "Seungmin? Woojin?"

Woojin composed himself first and walked to his bed. He sat down near Jeongin's legs and smiled at him. "Sorry to wake you up, kid. We were just talking about Chan and how big of a dickhead he is."

Seungmin stood in front of Woojin. "And how we would rather die a torturous death than be killed by that nutcase." Woojin chuckled. "That too." he agreed.

"Count me in," Jeongin smiled softly.

He searched for his phone underneath his pillow and looked at the time. "I don't think I can sleep now." the boy didn't get any sleep for almost 24 hours. But he just couldn't rest until Chan's out there figuring things out on his own.

"Alright." Woojin stood up abruptly, smacking his head hard on the bed. "Fuck." he cursed. Seungmin snorted, while Jeongin flailed around asking if he was okay before breaking into soft giggles.

"Let's have a midnight snack downstairsㅡow." Woojin winced and wobbled as he walked out the door, spilling light into the room. Jeongin got up from bed, still stifling his laughter.

They trailed behind Woojin.

"And maybe an ice pack for your head."

2 notes · View notes

miraclejune · 4 years

Text

HERO’S SOUP: CHAPTER 17

District 9

Minho and Felix popped inside through the window. A hint of snow wafted around as Felix transformed back into human form. Minho quietly emerged from the dark corner.

Woojin helped Woong from getting some extra chairs from one of the rooms. They settled down and paid attention to the heavy conversation that was bound to happen.

"Jisung got kidnapped. Jeongin met another one of Merlin's apprentices. Changbin almost got killed. And Chan has real friends outside the mansion."

"Really? That's one of the big issues?" Chan rolled his eyes after receiving no response from Hyunjin. "I've heard about all of that except for the last part." Woong chuckled as he spoke.

"How?”

“Rumors spread faster than the plague here. And the Sofia's aren't good at keeping secrets." the vampire couldn't agree more. He heard a lot of chatter before at the clan, mostly some petty quarrels and scandals. Rare cases would be fights and disagreements within their 'businesses'. They spread petty rumors about other people but not even the slightest information from them was leaked.

"So, basically every supernatural being knows?" Woojin slumped down as he saw Woong's soft nod.

"Is it all connected though?" Jeongin asked.

"I hope so. It'll be much easier to deal with." Minho responded. He was right. If the following scenes came from different sources, it would be very difficult to handle. They didn't have the resources nor the time to do so. When it comes to manpower, they do have Jisung and Chan.

"Do you guys think they're tracking us?"

"Jeongin, you watch too many detective movies." Felix chuckled, moving to sit in between the boy's legs. "Well," Jeongin leaned forward and placed his hands on Felix's shoulders. "I do watch a lot of those films but maybe it's possible? No harm in finding out.”

"Let's hear him out." Minho suggested. He nodded at the boy signaling him to continue. "So, Jisung had been kidnapped before, right? Thankfully we all got out alive. Which is weird?"

"How is that weird?" Seungmin furrowed his eyebrows. Woojin put out a hand to calm him down, he noticed his tone was rising for a bit. "Go on." he said.

"O-okay." Taking a big breath, Jeongin calmed his racing heart.

"They let us go so easily. No backup. No follow up attacks. No nothing. It was too peaceful for my liking. A couple of weeks passed by peacefully, except for that one encounter with Ms. Yoo. Do you guys think she was somehow warning us? That something bad would happen soon."

"Kazuo has been giving us hints as well." Seungmin added.

Hyunjin rested his chin on his hand. "Ms. Yoo didn't hurt you. But she did scare the shit out of you." Jeongin nodded. To be honest, he did almost piss his pants.

"I tried to find her. But I couldn't get a grip of her. I couldn't ask around because people might question why I, an alpha wolf, is looking for one of Merlin's Descendants with no valid reason to state." Hyunjin turned to the alpha. He was also part of that search team.

"What we know for sure is that she's not our enemy nor our ally. I haven't seen her around the university ever since." Seungmin added. It somehow made sense. After not seeing her at the campus, weird things started to happen.

"We keep on encountering Kazuo though." Seungmin pointed out. Everyone in the room went still. "He's helping us." Chan replied. "We're not so sure about that." Minho retaliated. Chan didn't respond back.

"Two days ago. I received a letter from my former master." Seungmin's confession drew everyone's attention. "It was mostly monthly updates on how the academy is and some special events. But she did disclose a hidden message."

Hyunjin tilted his head. "Huh, as far as I know. No secret code nor language can't be deciphered by your former academy. Everything that comes in and out is to be sorted and searched very thoroughly." It was common knowledge for everyone.

Not only Seungmin's former witch academy but most of the facilities regarding students and workers. "That's the problem. They scrutinize every detail of it except for the very simple ones. They tend to overlook it."

He snapped his fingers and a sealed amazon box fell onto his lap. He reached out for Woojin's hand, who was beside the sofa sitting on a different chair.

On cue, the alpha's nails grew longer. "You just used our alpha as a cutter to open up the box.." Changbin shook his head in disbelief.

"Anyway, it said something about another package that was sent to me via mail." Seungmin ignored the wolf's remarks.

He stopped halfway through opening it.

"Like, normal mailing." what he meant was, normal human mailing.

"Yeah, the FedEx box is a dead giveaway." Felix commented.

"I planned on opening it the day I received it, but I forgot." the rest weren't paying attention to his words. They were excited to see what was in the package.

Seungmin pulled out a bunch of old letters, books, and smaller boxes. "Oh, these are just stuff I left there." He flipped through some of the books, handing one or two to Woong, the rest wondered why Seungmin had Woong's belongings.

"She scares me." Woong thanked him, sighing in agreement with what he said. "Seriously, she knows the exact time and place we would meet. Even when you're gonna open the package."

"You guys went to the same academy?" Jeongin asked.

"Yup!" Woong snapped his fingers, a big book appearing from thin dust. The book floats in front of everyone. It was sort of like a yearbook. Something straight out of Harry Potter. It flipped through the page where Woong's class was featured. "I was in my last year when Seungmin came in. So, we didn't see each other often." Seungmin waves his hand in the air, flipping through the pages once more until it stops at his class photo. "I hated taking these class photos," he confessed.

"Why'd you get the book?" Seungmin asked. "I also got the tablet. But I don't know where I placed it." Basically, their academy offers two options for the 'yearbook' either print or digital. Hey, it's a new age.

Woong threw the books he received at the shelf. They slowed down and squeezed neatly on a few vacant spaces. "Why didn't you just search for her there?" he pointed at the book. "Ms. Yoo is older than both of you.. so, it won't make sense."

"The book shows every class from the beginning of the academy to the last." Woong proclaimed proudly. "Damn, why wasn't I cursed as a witch." Changbin completely forgot about his words earlier. He was impressed.

Seungmin thinned his lips before answering.

"I did."

The book closed. The cover slowly changed into a different color, as well as a year printed on the front. It opened and flipped through a couple of pages stopping abruptly on the last page. "This was Ms. Yoo's class. There were only 10 of them and I heard that all of them were expelled."

They all leaned in to see an empty sheet with only the year printed on top of it, the ink was runny. It looked creepy as hell...

"Why haven't we heard of this?" Chan looked at Seungmin and Woong exchanging glances with each other. "An expelled student is normal but a whole class was definitely sketchy. We have no idea how and why. We were just given a warning not to bring it up if necessary."

The room sat in silence.

Jeongin observed the book, shifting his gaze to the two witches. Woong snapped his fingers and the book disappeared.

As they were settling on their seats, Jeongin spoke up. "You guys are cursed."

Woojin walked across the room, kneeling in front of the boy. "How did you know?" softly caressing his cheek, he asked. "I just know." Jeongin wasn't quite sure as to why he knew. He just blurted out the first thing that came to mind and based on Woojin's actions, he knew also.

"We are." Woong gave a sad smile.

"Cursed not to talk about it." Seungmin murmured.

"But how? You guys just mentioned it." Minho tilted his head after asking. He was boggled by what was happening at that moment. "We can talk about the whole class being expelled, but not the reason why."

"So, you are cursed not to talk about it?" Felix asked again.

"No. We can say what happened but not the details."

"Why not?" Chan asked this time.

As soon as he did, they all shut their mouths. They got it. The witches were cursed. They're just repeating themselves, not really getting anything out of it. It was an endless cycle. It sent shivers down their spine.

Chan recalled Seungmin saying something about a curse he wanted to be removed as he entered the neutral zone. So this was it.

A curse that had a purpose won't be able to break in neutral zones. He glanced at Changbin who searched for every neutral zone in South Korea just to find a way to undo his curse. But it didn't.

"Let's move on." Woojin broke the silence, smiling amongst the agitated faces of his friends. He stood up and went back to his seat. "So, there was nothing special about the package? Why would your master send it through normal mail?"

"Oh, there is something there." Woong implied.

Seungmin emptied the remaining contents of the package.

"Woong, if you mind." he neatly removed the contents of the coffee table, asking the others to hold on to their cups for the meantime.

Seungmin placed the box on top of the table, holding out his hands in the air. Woong walked to the opposite side and mimicked Seungmin's actions.

After a few seconds, the curtains closed and the lights dimmed, engulfing the room in darkness. The box levitated in midair, glowing as bright as the witches' hair.

The rest of them expected some cool outcome or important information. However as they felt the climax reaching its point, the box fell, and the witches fell on their knees as well.

"This sealing is so complicated." Jeongin looked at the box as he helped Woong get on his feet. "She really sent something so cryptic even though she knows we can't remove the seal easily." Seungmin thanked Woong who supported him when he was about to fall.

"Jeongin, don't touch it." Chan was too late. The boy had already picked up the box.

He momentarily stopped to realize what he had done and proceeded to turn it over to its original position. "Chan, it's fine. It's not harmful." Woong reassured.

"So, you can't open it?" Hyunjin mumbled.

Seungmin snorted. "I didn't say we can't." Both went back to their original positions. "It'll be much easier now." Woong continued.

And so, they did. It only took a few seconds before the box was engulfed in flames; no trace of ash nor residue was left.

"District 9." the witches said in unison.

"That place?" Minho probed.

"That's where Origin is." he continued. "Rank 1?" Felix nodded softly at Jeongin answering his question.

The strongest of the 11 families. No one has a clue about them. What they are capable of, who their leader is or where they’re from. Rumor has it they attacked the lower ranked families that’s why they vanished, but no one has proven anything yet. No one even knows how many members they have, or if its just one person.

"Was." Woojin corrected Minho. "They're gone."

"We don't know that." Hyunjin argued. "It's been a couple thousand years." Woojin replied. "They probably perished after getting rid of the other families.” he continued.

“That’s not possible. They can’t just disappear like that!”

“Hyunjin, don’t you fucking dare raise your voice at me.” Woojin's growl left the room in a terrifying silence. Every natural body movement was on hold.

Jeongin could hear his pulse banging in his ears and there was sweat dripping down his back. Even Woong was frozen in fear. He had seen Woojin in a bad mood before. He was not frightened nor was he afraid. What he felt was beyond such mere nouns. And he knew everyone else in the room except Hyunjin was feeling it.

Hyunjin hastily stood up, balling his fists as he stared down on Woojin. Out of all the members, he was the only one who wasn’t scared of Hyunjin. He is the beta. Second in command. And he’s not gonna let his alpha push him around just because he’s second.

“Hyunjin, stop.” Chan demanded. But the beta was not hearing anything else. He only heard the anger in his body slowly rising, wanting to be let out. He hated how Woojin was staring back at him intensely, obviously asking him to cut the crap and just quietly sit in the corner.

Seungmin felt the nauseating atmosphere, he couldn’t bear it. He noticed Hyunjin slowly inching towards Woojin, who was beside him.

He abruptly stood up, creating a temporary wall between the two. “Hyunjin, you need to calm down.”

Changbin walked behind Hyunjin, placing a soothing hand on his back. “It’s not time for us to go against each other.”

“Look, I have zero fucking idea what’s happening, why we’re all getting mad and stuff but it’s not right for us to gang up on each other. We only have each other. I don’t want to be alone again.” all eyes fell onto Felix. His baritone voice had a hint of anger and sadness in it.

Hyunjin's intense stare on the alpha faltered. His eyes fell on the floor. Changbin felt him calming down, so he pulled him into a small hug before going back to his seat.

“I’m sorry.” he murmured. Woojin stood up and kneeled in front of his beta. He lifted up Hyunjin's chin and as their eyes met, he smiled softly. “It’s okay. I know what you’re feeling. I’m sorry.” as they settled back down, the air slowly went back to its normal state.

Chan cleared his throat.

"For now, let's try to find out if they really are tracking us." The next 30 minutes consisted of Jisung refusing to go to the basement with the two witches, Hyunjin detaching himself from Jisung who was clinging to him like crazy, and Felix laughing at the scene unfolding in front of his eyes.

The three disappeared downstairs, leaving the rest in the living room. "We have to lay low for a while. It's almost midnight outside, so the mansion is guarded. However, we cannot go back home just yet." Chan suggested.

It was dangerous for them to continue with their daily lives for now. Jeongin was worried about school. He hoped that this mess would be finished soon.

“I’m leaving.”

“Ok-Huh? WAIT, CHRIS!!” Before Jeongin could process what happened, the vampire disappeared in the middle of the living room.

“Now, what!” Changbin threw his hands in the air as a sign of defeat. "He never changed! Fucking selfish prick." he exclaimed.

Felix and Minho shook their heads.

"Where's the vamp?" Hyunjin pops out from what seems to be the kitchen because of the piece of bread on his mouth. Woojin followed up from behind.

"Lemme help you with that." Felix took some contents out of Woojin's hands. After placing everything on the coffee table, he straightened up and looked around the room. He broke into a small smile. “He left, didn’t he?” Changbin nodded, rolling his eyes afterwards.

The remaining people settled back down the living room. “Is it okay for us to eat Woong's food?”

“You shouldn’t be asking that as you stuff your face with his bread.” Hyunjin coughed and almost choked to death before Minho would give him a glass of water. “Assholes.” Hyunjin muttered, water dripping down his chin.

“It’s fine. He said to help ourselves since we’re probably gonna be staying here for a while.” Woojin answered. “Anyway, let Chan be. He’s not used to fighting in groups.”

Jeongin smiled. “We can tell.”

“I just hope he reaches out for us every now and then. I’m jealous of all the action he’s getting.” Felix proclaimed.

“Chan doesn’t really fall in line with ‘Character Development’. Well, some aspects of him change but not drastically. He’s still the same old vampire we knew." Felix paused and smiled.

"But that didn’t stop us from loving him, right?” he continued.

The silence around him meant ‘yes’.

They talked lightly for quite a while. Some of them grew impatient and tried poking into the witches’ business.

So, now Jeongin's been playing with 2 wolf cubs, 1 baby fox, and a black kitten.

‘Some of them’ included everyone in the room except him and Woojin.

“I told you guys to just wait.” Woojin giggled loudly, he sat beside Jeongin, taking the 2 wolf cubs onto his lap.

“This isn’t really any different from what you guys originally are.” That statement earned him a bite on his thumb, it was pretty deep but healed quickly. “Changbin, how dare you bite your alpha!” Woojin exclaimed in a joking manner as he tickled both of them.

“We’re done.” The basement door opened in a hurry, they looked back just in time to see a disheveled Jisung limp his way to the nearest chair.

“What the hell did they do to you?” Jeongin stood up, grasping the baby fox and kitten firmly on his arms so they wouldn't fall.

Honestly, he would have laughed if the situation wasn’t so dire. “Dude, you looked like you’ve been molested!” Woojin was like 'fuck it' and laughed after what he said. Jisung would’ve glared at him but he was too disoriented.

“These evil fucking sorcerers have defiled me. MY DIGNITY. MY PURENESS. MY LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.”

Talk about being over dramatic.

“Oh, shut up. We thought it was just a hoot and a half.” Woong shook Seungmin's hand, making Jisung more and more annoyed.

“We’ll file a lawsuit later, Jisung. For now, did you find any traces?” Jeongin escorted Jisung to the room upstairs to rest, when he got back. They continued.

“We found a few traces of silver inside his body.” Woojin smiled sadly. “Yeah, that’s been there for a long time.”

Seungmin realized it was a sensitive topic. “O-okay. Other than that, we couldn’t find anything. He’s clean.” He tried disregarding his words earlier. Woojin fell into thought.

“Where’s Chan by the way?”

“He left.” Jeongin said.

“Fucking selfish prick.” The boy almost laughed at Seungmin's familiar insult.

“Well, we’ll figure it out once you guys get enough rest. I prepared all your rooms, sorry but you guys have to room with each other for a while.” Woojin bowed his head in apology. “No! Sorry for coming in unannounced. Thank you for helping us, Woong.” Woojin replied.

Woong ushered them upstairs, clearly forgetting about the little ones.

Changbin pleaded, their little feet couldn’t climb up the steep stairs.

“Relax! You’ll transform back in 50 years.”

Hyunjin cried for a while so they were forced to transform them back.

"Crybaby." Seungmin muttered as he closed the door behind him before Hyunjin could claw his guts out.

9 notes · View notes

miraclejune · 4 years

Text

UPDATED HERO’S SOUP MASTERLIST!!!!!!

MASTERLIST (Hero’s Soup)

CHAPTER 1 ㅡ

Antique Shop

CHAPTER 2 ㅡ

Meet the pack

CHAPTER 3 ㅡ

The Creepy Mansion

CHAPTER 4 ㅡ

Bonded

CHAPTER 5 ㅡ

School life

CHAPTER 6 ㅡ

Awaken

CHAPTER 7 ㅡ

Hunt

CHAPTER 8 ㅡ

Home

CHAPTER 9 ㅡ

Stay

CHAPTER 10 ㅡ

SPECIAL SKZ CHAPTER!

CHAPTER 11 ㅡ

The 11 Families

CHAPTER 12 ㅡ

Sofia

CHAPTER 13 ㅡ

Thousand Hearts

CHAPTER 14 ㅡ

Forest

CHAPTER 15 ㅡ

Old Friends

CHAPTER 16 ㅡ

Arrival

CHAPTER 17 ㅡ

coming soon

62 notes · View notes

miraclejune · 4 years

Text

HERO’S SOUP: Chapter 16

Arrival

"I didn't know Chan had connections other than you guys?"

"Well, he doesn’t really strike as the social type so I guess you would assume that." Changbin pauses.

The sound of the town inching away from them as they head towards the entrance. Bits of rocks crunching underneath the soles of their dirty sneakers. "Like what Kazuo said, he was a part of the Sofia's. A very powerful family."

Jeongin knew about the 11 families. He had a crash course with Jisung and Woojin the other day, so he could be somehow informed of what happened to the supernatural world, now that he was part of it of course.

He quickened his pace to catch up with Changbin. Although the man was on the short side, he was a fast walker. "There are only 5 families left, right? What rank are the Sofia's?"

Changbin smiled sadly. "Rank number 3."

"Even before the other families were killed?" his mouth gaped when Changbin nodded.

So that guy from earlier is the heir of the 3rd most powerful family in the supernatural world. But he was too... ditzy.

"You know what,"

Jeongin fell out of thought when Changbin spoke up. "We knew Chan was part of something big before. We met him when he was still in the Sofia household. But he wouldn't tell us who or what society he was in. Maybe he was afraid that we would leave him for that issue alone. And we were right." he sighs once more. "He didn't tell us because he was afraid to lose us. That dumbass."

"After finding out today that he was part of the Sofia's, there's this small feeling of happiness and pride in my heart. It sickens me." Jeongin stared at the anguish in the wolf's face.

"'Chan must be strong because he came from such a powerful clan.' is what you thought." The boy was spot on.

Changbin hated himself for thinking about something like that. He acted like a child who was protected by an overpowered superhero. "The others thought of that too, Changbin. Don't just blame yourself."

"How did you know?"

Jeongin smiled. And somehow his heart felt a bit lighter after that. "Because I do. We're all glad Chan is really really strong. And it's not wrong to be proud of that. He wants to protect us and I believe we're the source of his strength as well."

"Maybe you're right. I'm overthinking this too much. Thank you." The boy's smile was now returned on his own.

They walk in silence for a while.

"Aren't your parents worried?" Changbin raised the question.

"Actually..." Jeongin scratched his nape. "What is it?"

"After everyone left the mansion, Seungmin helped me with my things." The wolf was puzzled. Where are you going with this conversation... wait.

"Things? Meaning...?"

Jeongin smiled awkwardly, ah he finally spilled it. "Yep. I'm moving in."

Changbin stopped on his tracks, wide-eyed and flustered. He somehow managed to continue walking after that. "And you told me first?" His heart was soft.

"Ohhh boy, am I gonna tease the hell out of those idiots." he knew the rest would envy him. Jeongin chuckles, they're such kids. "It came up so I had to tell you."

"So your parents think you're in the mansion with us, unpacking?" he felt bad. They were in a situation that would probably kill any parent with worry and stress. "Yes. But! Please don't feel bad. This is all unexpected. No one is to blame."

"Well, the one who attacked us is to blame." Changbin candidly said. "True." Jeongin agreed. He would've laughed because the wolf sounded so sassy.

"We'll be out of this soon. I assure you. Then we could have all the time we want together now that you're moving in." Changbin put a heavy hand on Jeongin's shoulder as a sign of comfort. His face was determined as ever. He too wanted to be out of this mess as soon as he could.

"I believe you."

"Oh! There they are!" Hyunjin and Woojin jogged towards them. The alpha’s worried face vanished as soon as he saw the two. "Are you boys okay?"

"We're fine." they said in unison. Woojin gave each of them a long hug, plus inspection. Hyunjin swore the alpha would've commanded the two to strip to search for any wounds or bruises.

"You good, shortie?"

"I will smack you in the face, Hyunjin." Hyunjin laughed. "Feisty."

"I swear to god, I am fully healed and ready to fight." the tension dissipated. Woojin and Jeongin laughed at the two bickering all the way back to the agreed meeting place.

"Chan was part of the Sofia!?" Hyunjin exclaimed. After the 'fighting' which involved an extreme amount of profanities ended, they were now engrossed with Changbin's story about their arrival at the neutral zone up to the scene at the tavern.

Jeongin looks beside him to see what Woojin's reaction was. He was as solemn as ever.

"Why are you not surprised!?" Hyunjin directed his next question, loudly, to the alpha behind him. "Oh, because I knew about that a long time ago." the way he nonchalantly said that irked Hyunjin's nerves. "Dude... Chan seriously needs to open up more."

"Is that the only secret you knew about him?" Woojin smiled. "I'm not gonna tell you that." At this point Hyunjin gave up.

Changbin was not surprised by the revelation, and so was Jeongin. They knew Chan trusted the alpha more than anyone else.

"You contacted Kazuo earlier?" Changbin asked.

"No. Why'd you ask?" Woojin glanced at Changbin.

"Well, he was the one who helped us. Maybe it's just a coincidence." the wolf shrugged.

"Do you know him too, Woojin?" Jeongin was now the one asking questions.

"Yes. I met him a couple of times. One of my staff is his distant cousin."

"The handsome one? Taeyong?"

"Yes, Changbin. Great guess."

"How are we learning about this now?" Hyunjin complained once more. "Beats me." Woojin shrugged, he was teasing the beta.

"I hate you." It worked.

"The offer still stands." The heavy tavern door closes behind Seungmin. "We appreciate it but we're fine on our own now. Thank you." Seungmin bowed his head and moved out of the way for Jisung. Chan, on the other hand, had no intention of saying thank you nor goodbye. "Sorry about him."

Kazuo smiles. "No biggie. I'm used to it. Well, if you need any help. You know how to contact me. And please be careful." They bid their goodbyes and separated. Chan watched as Kazuo disappeared in the crowd. He nodded at him as a sign of thanks and Kazuo understood that. He had warned them yet again. What's coming?

"Where do we go now?"

"Follow me." Chan leads them out of the bustling heart of the town, they pass by different shops ranging from restaurants, weaponry, witchcraft and more.

He knew the two were itching to visit some of them as they looked at him with hopeful eyes.

"Just go." On cue, the two went on different paths leaving him near a rustic library. It looked quite dainty but knowing it would take a while for the Seungmin and Jisung to come back, he decided to take a look at the place.

Although it maintained that dainty look on the outside, it had quite a massive interior. And it wasn't just a library, it was a cafe also.

Near the entrance were a few white gothic tables and chairs, a few heads turned to him and went back to the books in their hands. He could see the endless rows of bookshelves further back in the cafe, there were a few lights but the place was well lit.

Chan walks up to the bar on his right. "I'm so sorry, we don't offer blood here." the small elf bowed her head in shame. "It's quite alright. Can I get a coffee? A lot of cream please, thank you." the little elf hopped in glee, as a bright smile on her face was seen as he turned his back to Chan and fixed up his order.

He placed his empty cup on the saucer, handing 3 dollars to the elf. "Here's a dollar for your troubles. The coffee was great." Chan smiled at how her pointy ears perked in glee. "Thank you, sir! Please come again!" the bell chimed as he opened the glass door.

"Satisfied?" he muttered at the two who stood in front of him with obvious smiles on their faces. A handful of paper bags on their arms. They could only nod.

"Let's go."

Jisung handed him a few bags before they started walking.

"I got a lot of snacks too, is that okay?"

"It's fine. Just share with the others." Jisung gets snacky, he always needs snacks wherever he goes or else he gets pouty. And he knows he gets pouty, he does it on purpose to get what he wants. A bit spoiled, you can say, but it's only snacks so they don't mind.

"I texted Jeongin where to go."

"Does he know where to go?"

"Jisung, snack later. You're gonna trip."

"I told him to show it to Woojin, he'll know."

Later on, they arrive at another shop.

"Chan. We're already outside the neutral zone." Seungmin looked around. He felt them teleport to a different place. Chan looked back at him. "Yeah, the neutral zone we were in was the only entrance to this place. Woojin knows the way. Don't worry. I got it covered."

There were a few buildings but they were situated far from each other. They enter the shop and the person on the counter automatically jumps over it, greeting them with an eye smile.

"Woong! It's been a while."

Based on their hug, he was the same height as Chan. He had platinum blonde hair and multiple piercings. His droopy monolid eyes smile at the sight of Chan. He had a prominent nose and thick lips.

"It's so good to see you." and apparently, a heavenly soft voice.

"You guys must be his friends. Please, come in!" Woong escorts them further into the shop. There was a spacious living room on the left side of the first floor. "I'll go flip the sign first." he zooms out of the room turning the 'Open' sign to 'Closed'.

"What brings you, fellas, here?" he gently places the tea set on the coffee table, serving each one of them, except for Chan.

"It was a long story." Jeongin whispers a soft 'Thank you' after receiving the cup of tea from Woong. No one noticed his stare lingering for a while at the boy.

"Hey, I already closed the shop. I think I have plenty of time." he smiles. He didn't look like a bad person. He was quite friendly to say.

"Is it okay to wait for the others before we start?" Woong nods, sitting beside Chan on the sofa.

"Meanwhile, let me introduce myself." he shifts on his seat, looking around the room. "My name is Woong. I'm friends with this sassy vampire beside me and your alpha, Woojin."

The saucer floats in midair and he places his half-empty cup on it. "I'm also a witch. Not as strong as Seungmin here. But a witch."

"How'd you know my name?"

He smiles like it was obvious. "Of course I do. Chan told me all about you guys. He gets a bit chatty about it." Chan gives him a glare.

"What! You know I can't lie!"

Woong laughs along with the rest. But stops abruptly, "No, seriously. I'm cursed not to lie."

"So like, Pinocchio?"

"You could say that. But it’s not my nose that grows longer."

Jisung choked on his tea. Seungmin was holding in his laughter and Chan, well Chan was welling up in tears as well.

"GUYS NO. THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT. NOTHING 'GROWS LONGER' OKAY?" Woong panicked, he almost dropped his cup.

"I told you you're gonna get along well."

"I KNOW, CHRIS. BUT NOW'S NOT THE TIME. Please, let me explain."

Before they could die of laughter, Jisung stands up and turns to the door. "They're here!"

Woojin, Jeongin, Hyunjin, and Changbin heads pop out from the doorframe.

"I heard your dick grows when you lie. You must've purposely lied a ton of times." Woojin's smile made the joke way worse, earning loud laughter from the rest. While Woong sits on the couch in shame.

"I seriously regret helping you guys."

He was happy about the company though.

5 notes · View notes

miraclejune · 4 years

Text

HERO’S SOUP: Chapter 15

Old Friends

The grass scrunched from their footsteps, coming back up as they walked on. Encountering the red haired pyrokinetic somehow made the situation worse than it was.

Jeongin looks up to Kazuo, gazing at him while they walk side by side. He was much taller than him, his red hair continued to amaze him and at some point, he wanted to ask if it was his natural hair color. "It's not. I just color it. Pyrokinesis. Red hair. You know the gist." the man glanced at him through the corner of his eyes.

"Can you read minds?"

Kazuo chuckles, running his hand through his hair. "I can read faces."

Chan pulls Jeongin to his side, giving Kazuo a stink eye.

"And it's still very much creepy that you can, Sofia." the redhead laughs out loud. He can’t actually read faces as an ability. He’s just very observant, which later on gave him a lot of benefits. "It's been decades and I still can't figure out why you hate me so much."

He looked at Chan, his face was calm and neutral. He was the only person he couldn't figure out. It didn't annoy him at all. It's just.. he was curious.

How much has this person been through all these years? He never knew why Chan never opened up to him, although they spent decades together at the Sofia's mansion. He opened up easily to the others. But he does know that the vampire doesn't hate him. The perfect word might be 'resent'.

"Shut up."

"Aw, come on. We go way back!"

"...thank you."

Kazuo stares at the vampire's back as he walks past him. He smiles.

Chan doesn't resent him either.

He speeds up, pacing himself with the vampire. "For what?" He saw how Chan’s tense demeanor slowly relaxes. "For saving my family."

"When we escaped the building, Changbin gained consciousness but he was losing a lot of blood. His wound was healing way slower than normal. I remember Chan saying that if ever something really dangerous appears or we have gotten into a really tight situation, we were to go to any Neutral zone that's nearby. And the closest was this place."

Seungmin pulls Jeongin before he gets run over by a coach harnessed to 2 horses. They had walked for what felt like an hour until they reached a town in the center of the neutral zone while Jisung was explaining what had happened.

The place looked like you're in the beautiful streets of Rome.

The narrow streets are paved with small, square, black bricks. They walked past maybe a dozen bakeries, the smell of fresh bread made Jeongin's mouth water. Most of the buildings that line the streets have so much character, they are worn looking and earthy colored. Seungmin swore every building they pass by has a fancy rustic balcony.

There were no cars or anything that emits hazardous smoke. Instead, bikes and coaches were the modes of transport within the town. But what littered the streets the most were people, different beings to be exact.

The crowd is a river of them, the only difference is that it flows in different directions. You will see different faces only to be forgotten once they pass by. Some were enjoying their alone time while others moved in groups staying together with fingers entwined or shoulders close to each other.

All of these people are supernatural beings that try hard to fit in the human world. Most of them might be centuries old, used to adjusting themselves with different people. The burden for the young ones is big, but the prize of being able to move freely outside neutral zones is worth it.

None of them were mad about the fact that it was they who needed to adjust. None of them ever regretted doing good outside for minimizing the risk of being caught. They were grateful. Plus, human beings are way scarier than any being out there. The capacity of their minds and actions were far more superior, leading to a lot of negative effects outside.

"How did you manage to sneak Jeongin in? He's human." Jisung glanced at Seungmin for a second before fixing his coat.

"Oh, that. The old lady let us in. She stared at Jeongin for a while before letting us through." he shivered, recollecting the scene from earlier. "She's one scary gatekeeper alright." Changbin couldn't agree more.

He was half-aware of what was going on but he could still feel the immense amount of power being contained by a frail and wrinkled old lady.

"Says the one who got recognized by that old lady." Jisung shrugged. Seungmin, on the other hand, wondered what Chan meant by that. Recognized? As in, she knows Jisung personally before or what?

"But as soon as we entered the area, Changbin collapsed. He was pretty much gone." Seungmin and Chan both looked worryingly at the said wolf. His state now was so much better than earlier.

The wolf laughed softly. "I was seeing double even before we got in. I just had to hold it in before we got into the safe zone. I had to protect Jeongin and Jisung. But, I was weak."

Jeongin steps up and gives Changbin's shoulder a squeeze, making the wolf look back at him.

"You aren't weak. You're the strongest.''

Those words were cliche but it made him feel a whole lot better. He continued. "What pulled me back into consciousness was Woojin's howl. He was miles away but I still shivered as if he was just right beside me. It was almost as if he was crying. Calling out for me. Telling me to keep it together. Help is on the way."

Jisung put a hand around Changbin's shoulder. "I heard it too, so I knew I had to stay strong for these two." he said, giving a glance linked with a smile at Jeongin in which the boy returned back.

Help was on the way? So that means, Kazuo knew about Changbin getting hurt and them entering the neutral zone? Seungmin looked at Kazuo, did he expect them to arrive at the right moment because Woojin told him?

“Did Woojin tell you?"

Kazuo smiles. Ushering them inside a huge tavern with a sign outside that says 'Forest and Fauna Inn'. The question hung in the air unanswered as they entered a ramshackle, weather-worn wooden building situated in the northwest part of town.

Upon entering the place, it looks quite more pleasant than the outside. The smell of smoke and stale ale welcomed the bunch. Surprisingly, it was much quieter than the usual 'bar' or 'inn' you see in movies or read in books. People huddled around wooden tables, the tinkle of glass on glass wipes the awkward atmosphere for unacquainted people. Quiet murmurs and occasional cheering made the place... quite lively enough.

This tavern draws in people of all sorts. Witches, wizards, orcs, wolves, spirits and rare ones like high elves, multi-headed creatures, human-born beings, goblins, and vampires.

Each race or being has their own system or we can call them "agencies" that manage each and every type of being. They provide order and laws to be followed promptly by everyone. Surprisingly, there are humans who work within those agencies. Of course, they're bound by a pact that won't allow them to talk outside about what sort of work they do and who their superiors are. Such offices are located everywhere and are often camouflaged as normal offices.

The vampire population is quite huge as well. Most of them are populated in Europe and on glacial places like Alaska, Mongolia, Finland, Greenland, Russia, and even the inhabitable Antarctica. There are also a few of them in South Korea and neighboring countries like China and Japan.

That's how Seungmin was assigned to Chan to make sure he doesn't cause any harm or drink blood from a human being, which is far from happening at all. He was in it for the money at first, but somewhere along the way, he enjoyed nagging the vampire and sometimes caring for him.

"Well, I be damned. Someone give me a neck to offer. Looks like we got ourselves a vampire." a distant voice cheered from behind a crowd pooling near their table.

A mysterious man leered down on Chan as soon as they sat down at a table near the bar.

Oily voice, greased back hair, hunched back, piercing black eyes, and a false smile.

The atmosphere was suffocating. Seungmin peers from the opposite side of the table, as his view was blocked by Changbin who sat in front of him. It surprised him to see all eyes were on them.

The buzzing sound of talking and loud cheers vanished as everyone's attention was on them. He angled his head more to see the barkeeper wiping the counter, not minding the situation at all, was he used to rumbles in here?

In the middle of all the tension, his eyes caught a redhead coming up to the counter. Is that? Kazuo? Getting a drink?! Is he not concerned about what was happening?

"Woah woah woah."

The rest of them panic, when Chan stands up and turns to face the man. Jeongin was clinging to his right arm, almost begging him to not start a fight.

He caresses the boy’s hand, as if cue, Jeongin lets go. Chan was not planning on making a scene at all and he got the message clear. Seungmin, on the other hand, grew way more anxious.

“You’re a sight for sore eyes.” Alas, the heavy atmosphere was broken by the two men hugging each other, the contrast between their bodies was unimaginable, it was like Hercules hugging a dwarf.

“Long time no see, Uiane.” Uiane patted Chan's back before removing himself from the vampire. His yellow teeth are on full display as he laughs out loud.

“Ye fuken bellend, ye ne’er came back!” His weird accent was a mixture of what seemed to be either old English and Scottish? And his name? Was it Um-ya? U-ya?

Chan chuckles, shaking his head in defeat. Uaine moves away from him, letting the rest of the people behind him greet an old friend.

“Okay, what is going on?”

Their confused faces looked at Chan laughing and hugging the men who looked much like pirates, before landing on Kazuo who got back from the bar.

“Oi, wait. Chan? Wha-where are yo-and there he goes!” Seungmin threw his hands in the air, the rest of them felt sympathetic towards the witch. They were all confused as much as the next person.

Seungmin was now lost.

Everyone was shaken up by what happened earlier, someone got injured badly, they lost track of them, and now they’re sitting inside a tavern owned by the Sofia’s! That’s not the worst part of it! The old lady still gave all of them the creeps.

The redhead snuggled beside Jeongin. Way too close for personal space. And when did they get all chummy? How on earth did they become all buddy-buddy with each other that fast?

Knowing Jeongin, he was the least likely person to be comfortable meeting an unfamiliar face for the first time, given the circumstances that had happened before. Seungmin's anxiety shot through the roof.

He scoots over to Jeongin a bit more, circling his arm around his waist. “Care to explain, Sofia?”

Fiery red hair shifted as he took a sip from a tall glass of beer. He wished Seungmin would be more subtle in protecting the boy from him. The rest waited for him to respond. He sent the thought to the back of his head and something flashed beneath the surface of his calm expression, it was as if he was reminiscing good memories.

He rested his elbows on the table, clasping his hands as a faint, transient, wistful smile lit his face. “As all of you guys know. Me and Chan go way back. Centuries back.” Jeongin looked at Seungmin, his face questioning if he really heard what Kazuo said correctly, centuries? Plural? More than a hundred years?

Seungmin leans in to tell him it was true before they both turned their attention back to Kazuo. “He wasn’t really the type to join a group or be involved in a system, I thought he hated being lower than someone. Turns out he’s just a loner.” He chuckled. “It was hard to approach him. He was…” his voice trailed off, he was thinking of the correct word to say. “Intimidating.” He shifted his gaze and met Jeongin's eyes. He smiled at the innocence behind them. “Yeah. He was intimidating. Back then he was way more guarded than he is now. Not gonna lie, huge difference.” all of them agreed with that one.

“To put it briefly. He joined our clan. He joined Sofia.” heavy oppression seemed to brood upon the air as soon as he finished his sentence. He knew it was a secret and Chan would probably kill him but there was no other way to explain the situation.

His fingers played with the, now empty, glass. Picking his words carefully. “I did try to stop him. Believe it or not, we were friends even before he joined the clan, well... As far as I know, that is.” Kazuo’s eyes found Chan amidst the crowd hovering about his location. “He never really verbally acknowledged me but hey, it’s Chan we’re talking about. A man of few words.”

“He was trained by my grandfather. The head of the clan. He would have private sessions with him at the family dojo guarded by the strongest men. No one would lay a foot at that wing, not because of the guards but because it had this ominous feeling of fear and death itself."

"How can you measure death?" Jisung asked with a matter-of-fact tone in his voice.

Kazuo fell into thought, striving to find the correct way to estimate the feeling. "AH!" he snapped his fingers.

"Remember that old lady at the entrance?” they all nodded. Kazuo thinned his lips. “Multiply her presence by 100.” Jisung's breath hitched. Changbin clinged to him. He too was very much shaken by what Kazuo said.

He shouldn't have asked that now it's gonna be giving him nightmares for the next few weeks, which means Hyunjin's gonna have a roommate for the next few weeks as well. “Your grandfather must be really strong.”

Kazuo wished that was the case in Changbin's question.

However, as he held his breath in admiring silence, his eyes never left Chan. His gaze was full of wondering interest meddled with pain and fear. No one at their table noticed it, thank god. “I guess you could say that.” The tone of his voice was vague. Seungmin thought.

It wasn’t the right answer to the question. He would’ve accepted it if Kazuo responded with silence. “Chan wasn’t that cold-hearted bitch you assume he is. He was just aloof, always had a hard time socializing because he doesn’t know how to act. He stayed with us for decades and I can tell you that Chan is more than a blood-sucking vampire who has a knack for vintage stuff.”

His smile was linked with a sigh. “I can’t believe the day will come that I would tell you guys this but, Chan is the nicest, most loyal and resilient person I have ever met. Everyone in the mansion acknowledged him as the strongest, but he remained rooted. He was humble. Never used his power for something stupid or would hurt the people around him.”

“He’s something else alright. Accepting not 1 but 4 ancient wolves into his life was like hitting death in the face hard. A cursed one too. You've been through a lot, I can tell.” Changbin forced a smile, the thoughts of his past prickling on his heart and mind.

"Yeah, it's been... hard." worry washes over Jeongin. He hadn't quite paid attention to the wolves as well. But, he didn't want to seem nosy and ask about their past if it hurts them like this. He sat upright when Changbin glanced at him, a sad smile and sad eyes. Jisung leans on his shoulders and he looks away from Jeongin. He clears his throat.

“Felix told me he was afraid of Chan at first. Minho also. But all of their doubts and misconceptions of him vanished as soon as they made eye contact with that idiot. Chan is… he’s great.” Seungmin knew Changbin had more to say. But he felt like the wolf couldn’t find, no, the words he thought of were not even enough to describe how he felt about the vampire.

“That’s why everyone in the clan admired him. They admired the way he would pass the halls to lowkey watch over the rookies. We always caught him red-handed but he had an excuse without fail, denying that he was just passing by. We let him be because it's how he shows that he cares. He was caring in his own way and my boys felt that.” What he meant by ‘my boys’ were the people recruited under the Sofia’s family.

“What really surprised us was when he was 3 months in the clan and the most unexpected thing happened.” He leaned back, he was so immersed with the story.

“He has his own stash of blood containers in his room, staff would deliver fresh batches every Sunday. However, one day he silently popped up in the mess hall. I still remember the exact same words he said when everyone looked at him standing in the entrance ‘What the hell are you dumbasses looking at? Never seen a vampire before?’ before plopping down next to Uaine.” That sounded like Chan alright. He was really hard to read. And sometimes you might come up with misconceptions about him in certain situations but in the end, you get the total opposite of all of it. Oh and they finally got the pronunciation of the name: Oon-ya.

He chuckles deeply, staring at the empty glass in front of him.

“Who told you you could go around and blab about my past, Kazuo?” all eyes were on him as he settled down beside Jeongin.

“Looks like someone’s in a good mood.” Chan rolls his eyes at Changbin, making the latter and Jisung giggle.

"So, you boys probably already know about my angsty past. Thank you by the way.” no way in hell Chan wasn’t being sarcastic with that thank you directed to Kazuo.

“Now, I’m the one asking questions.”

“We haven’t even heard the full story yet!”

“Jisung, sweetie. Would you do me a favor and shut up?”

Jisung pouted. “But, thank you." The wolf's pout was soon replaced by a gummy smile.

The vampire couldn't help but snort. "Thank you for thinking fast. I wouldn’t even have thought of this place given the situation earlier. You did great.” Chan felt proud. He compliments all the members quite equally but this time he wanted to thank Jisung with all of his immortal life. If it wasn’t for the wolf, Changbin would’ve been in grave danger.

“And, you.” Before the boys could go all mushy and cringy, he directed his index finger at the redhead. “You’re an idiot and I hate you so much but I'm saying this again. Thank you again. For saving my family.”

To all the misconceptions and harsh words given to Chan. Seungmin wants all of you to know that you can go suck his fluffy ass because the vampire is nothing like that.

“Fucking hell man.”

“Yikes, I know. I didn’t have a choice!”

“That shit disgusting. You’re disgusting.”

"I've become like this because of these stupid wolves, fox, cat, witch and awkward college kid."

The two of them shivered in horror of what Chan just proclaimed. They were the only ones feeling that way because even Seungmin's heart grew warm as he saw and felt the way the vampire thanked Kazuo. Minus the insult to everyone in the mansion though.

It was like they were looking right into Chan's past with the Sofia's.

“Moving on, Changbin's wounds didn’t look like they would close up anytime soon during the encounter earlier. How did he heal so fast? Did you take him to the doctor?” Jisung explained to Chan how they managed to drag Changbin to the healer. Seungmin double checked Changbin's body for any hint of pain or injury but he was as good as new.

Jeongin was partly listening because another thing bothered him. He tugged Seungmin’s sleeve as soon as the witch finished checking the wolf. “There are doctors here too?”

“Yes. They’re more or less like the doctors outside, but a bit more advanced. Their knowledge is extensive because of the variety of beings here. Herbal Witches are the strong ones.” Jeongin nodded. Seungmin, on the other hand, felt like he had boasted about his entire life's work. And he did. He was proud to be a herbal witch as well.

Jeongin thought he had to write a book about this. It would sell loads for sure. By the time he directed his attention to the conversation, they were already discussing what had happened this afternoon.

“It gave me the creeps as soon as I stepped out of the room. It looked like an old guy but the power emitting from it was almost nauseating.” Changbin recalled the scene from earlier. Jisung started worrying about Chan who has not come back from the restroom for quite a while, although he’s probably the scariest being on earth, they couldn’t help but to go out and check on him.

“What even is that thing?”

“Wasn’t that the guard of your building, Changbin?”

“Wait, you guys have seen it before!? And what guard?” Jisung panicked.

“You guys haven’t?” After seeing the puzzled reactions on their faces from Jeongin's follow up question.

Seungmin concluded the worst. “No, Jeongin. I don’t think they did,"

The boy looked at him curiously.

"Because there was no guard in the first place.'' Jeongin connected all the puzzle pieces. The guard was fake.

They argued endlessly.

However, Kazuo sat there completely still. Upon hearing the exchange of information in front of him, he may have a clue on what was going on and who the attacker was. “Chan.” the vampire put up a silencing hand, sensing there's some sort of important information about to be revealed.

“There’s news about a weirdly shaped being attacking people and other supernatural beings. And what I mean by attacking is killing. It killed even the strongest who have ever existed. According to the ghosts, it may be able to wipe out humanity within days.”

Chan closed his eyes shut along with his lips. He took a long deep breath, roughly caressing his face with his palms. To think that she would go to this extent just for him. This is getting out of hand. Way out of hand. “Is it after you?” here he goes again with his face-reading. “Y-”

“No.”

“Seungmin, don’t butt in. And what do you mean no? You were there.” Chan glared at him tirelessly. Seungmin's face was stern, but his eyes jumped around the room. He wasn't quite sure if he's supposed to say this. But it's now or never.

“You said it, I was there when you’re being gobbled up. It wasn’t after you Chan.”

“It was after Jeongin.” Chan stood up from his seat, his eyes burned in anger. The inn grew dark and cold in just a second.

“Chantopher, sit down.” his breath continued to mingle with the smell of alcohol and smoke. The cracking sounds of his fingers echoed around the spacious tavern now that it grew quiet.

“Chan, sit down or else you’re gonna end up wiping out another neutral zone again.”

“Fine.” he sat down begrudgingly but the air was far more suffocating than earlier.

'Another neutral zone' Jeongin never doubted Chan's power. He remembered the mental notes he made from before ‘Never make Chan mad’, he meant that in a way that he should never get the vampire mad because he might end up being tickled or cussed to death. Not to the extent that Chan can be a killing machine when he’s enraged.

“Look, all I know is that it was after Jeongin. Because when Jisung moved out of the way to pick up Changbin and escape, IT had a great view of Jeongin who was hiding. That’s why you had the chance to attack it. It was distracted. You killed it for now but it seems like it will be coming back for more.” Seungmin's mouth grew dry even though he drank almost 1 liter of water from the bar. The group’s words ceased. The agitation was slowly building up.

"Killed it for now? You mean it's difficult to get rid of?" Kazuo's question was given dirt so that means he was correct on his assumptions.

He leans back on the wall and sighs deeply. It was great information, useful indeed. But he seriously regrets asking about it. This wasn't some low scale issue. This might threaten the 11 families. He has got to tell his old man about this. "Chan." he looked at the vampire hopefully. "Tomorrow. Let the kids rest, for now, please. I'll be there." The vampire knew it was inevitable to stay away from the Sofia's lane. He had no choice but to swallow the pill.

“Has anyone contacted Minho and Felix?” Chan redirected the topic.

“Yeah, they sent Eric home in a flash and are on their way here too.”

“Updates on Woojin and Hyunjin?”

“They said they’re near. I’m gonna go pick them up at the entrance.” Changbin stood up from his seat. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

He smiled and flexed his muscles. “Hah! You underestimate the power of these bad boys." the rest of them cringe as Changbin kisses both his biceps.

"For the love of satan, just let him go!" Jisung pleaded, moving his eyes away from the horrific scene.

"Vote on 'we should've let him die'. Agreed?"

"Agreed."

Changbin gasped in betrayal. "Fucking sons of bitches."

The mood somehow grew brighter. Kazuo thanked the heavens for Chan calming down. He saw Uaine at the corner of his eyes earlier, ready to strike.

His big figure shook not in determination to kill but in fear. He and the rest of the crew had no choice but to defend the Boss (Kazuo) no matter where they are, who they are facing and how many lives will be taken. It's part of the fucked up rules made by Kazuo's ancestors. Really, why can't they stray away from tradition just once?

"Let Jeongin go with you."

"Chan, are you hearing yourself?"

"Jisung, I can hear the ants walking in the counter over there so I guess that's a dead giveaway."

Jeongin stood up and fixed his shirt.

"Chan, are you really really sure?"

The vampire shrugged, chugging down his drink. "Yeah, no harm in letting him into some adventure. Besides, this is called a safe zone for that reason."

"But... it's Jeongin we're talking about. Your baby boy. Are you a hundred percent sure about this? What made you think this is the right choice?" Seungmin's voice trailed off.

"He's with Changbin." the wolf swore he could cry right at that moment.

"Wait." Jisung stood up, placing his hand on Chan's obviously cold forehead. "You don't have the vampire chills, do you? Are you okay? Where does it hurt?" he swatted Jisung's hand away.

Gosh, he was so embarrassed by them making a big deal about this. "Changbin just please go and take Jeongin.'' The wolf wanted to join in with the fun but Woojin and Hyunjin might be waiting outside. Plus, Hyunjin's a scaredy-cat so he might've peed himself upon seeing the old lady at the entrance. And so they made their way out of the inn, chuckling underneath their breaths as they did so.

Seungmin scoots closer to Chan, looking straight at his eyes. "Are we sure you're Chan? That bitch wouldn't have let Jeongin go out without him? Who are you? What did you do to our idiot vampire leader!!!" shamefaced, Chan let Seungmin poke his face a dozen times and shake his body harshly.

"You should've just left me to die earlier as well. This is humiliating."

7 notes · View notes

miraclejune · 4 years

Text

HERO’S SOUP: Chapter 14

Forest

"We have 2 hours before Woojin comes back."

"I thought they just left for Busan?"

Seungmin nodded, pulling Chan down a small alley as a shortcut.

"Traffic was stop-start by the time they turned around."

Chan clicked his tongue. "Shit, I really can't sense where they are." Each one of Chan's strides were worth at least two of Seungmin’s. With the slightest of effort, he outran him, barely breaking a sweat and not panting in the least.

He noticed Seungmin was having a hard time catching up, making him level his speed with the witch.

"Let's go up there," Chan glanced up to where Seungmin was pointing. "It's the tallest building in this area, if we make our way up we can have a wider scope. It'll make them easier to track." Chan nodded, he grabbed Seungmin's hand.

"Hang tight." the witch nodded as he attached himself to the vampire's back.

With one swift movement, Chan leaped in the air. Seungmin made sure to put up a spell to make them unnoticeable to the people around the area. Chan landed on his feet softly, Seungmin proceeding to initiate the search.

"Recon, now." Seungmin was already on it.

"They couldn't have gone too far." he murmured underneath his breath as the ritual began. "Just a small one would suffice." Chan squatted down in front of him, waiting for him to finish drawing on the rooftop floor. "Step back." Chan did what he was told.

Suddenly there was a cold breeze tickling their skin. He stared intently at the witch whose hair and eyes were glowing brightly. He looked down to see the sort of summoning circle, doing the same thing.

Seungmin's vision was whisked away by the wind, his eyes were everywhere around the perimeter within the search spell. "Let me find what I seek.'' As he said those last words, his vision was now inside a dark place. "What?"

Chan tapped his foot on the floor. He was growing impatient by every passing minute. He rushed to Seungmin when the witch turned back to normal. "So? Where are they?"

"I-I can't pinpoint their exact location but," Seungmin pointed southeast. "They're in that part of this area."

Chan’s eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean you can't find them? You're the one who put that goddamn spell that won't let other people track them!" Seungmin had to admit it was mainly his fault.

Earlier, before Jisung escaped with Changbin and Jeongin, he made sure to put some safety measures just in case he and Chan won't survive. He didn't really bother to tell Jisung because of how dire the situation was earlier.

But he's not a complete idiot to not know how to undo the spell.

"I know. I made sure make that spell undoable-"

Chan turned around and sat on the edge of the rooftop, massaging his temples as he tried to control his anger. Seungmin stopped his sentence midway and stared at the boiling vampire.

He stood up and took a deep through his nose, forming his lips into a thin line. "Then why can't we find them!"

Seungmin put up a silencing hand.

"Chan, yelling doesn't help the situation. But-"

"But what!"

"JUST LISTEN FOR ONE FUCKING SECOND YOU OVERGROWN TOENAIL!"

Chan's mouth hung with lips slightly parted and his eyes were as wide as they could stretch.

He did not expect Seungmin to flip out. The witch rarely loses his cool, only when situations are dire or... when Hyunjin becomes unbearably annoying.

"You gotta let me fucking talk."

Chan had to admit he would have his tail between his legs if he had one. He cleared his throat and composed himself, throwing his hands up in the air as a sign of defeat.

He doesn't want to be turned into whatever Seungmin could think of hexing him to.

Seungmin took a deep breath, calming his nerves down. Woah, he really kinda lost his cool right there. But it did work on making the vampire stop flipping out.

"Okay, I already removed the spell but they entered an area that doesn't allow me to find them." Seungmin stared at Chan. Good, it looks like he'll listen now. He walks by the edge of the building, pointing southeast.

"They're somewhere in that area." he looked back at a fidgety Chan. "You may speak now."

"What do you think happened to them?" even Seungmin couldn't answer his question. He knew the boys got away. But he lost track of them when he lost consciousness. And when he got woken up by Chan, he already lost them. He can't find them anymore.

Earlier, after Chan talked to the people who would clean up the hall, he dragged the vampire out of the building. Chan was puzzled why Seungmin was in such a hurry, but he did mention Changbin was heavily injured so he did not raise any questions and they sped off down the road.

"They probably wandered off to an off-limits area."

Chan tilted his head. That is possible.

In cities, there are more neutral zones than rural places. In Seoul in particular there are about 50 of them.

'Neutral Zones' are areas that are basically 'No Powers Allowed'. Any spell or hex no matter how powerful they are will be dispelled as soon as the person sets foot in a neutral zone. Supernatural abilities will temporarily be weakened to the point that it would eventually be useless.

Creatures that can transform or shapeshift will go back to their original forms and a gold bracelet will automatically appear on their left wrist, sealing their ability to transform. The said sealing bracelet would disappear as soon as they exit the area.

But, there are areas where their abilities work normally. They're just hidden.

"Jisung must have gone to one, he knows there's help there. He doesn't know a lot of neutral zones but..." Chan's voice trails off, he appears beside Seungmin, overlooking the area where he was pointing to. "I know where they are. Let's go."

Gazing straight ahead, only half-aware of a world outside the claustrophobic comfort of the car, Woojin hands impatiently taps the wheel. The almost soundless changing of the gears, the pattern of traffic lights. He just couldn't help but worry about the boys, especially Changbin.

He knew something bad happened when he felt a sudden strike of pain on his back, it was as if he was thrown to a wall. The impact was softer but he knew whoever it was, the impact was more than what he felt.

1 hour into the ride, he received a call from Seungmin. His head throbbed dangerously. Woojin tried to calm himself, saying it was just Seungmin asking for souvenirs or checking up on them about the trip. Although the last statement is already a dead giveaway. Something bad has happened.

"Woojin? What's wrong?" his consciousness slowly came back as he looked at Hyunjin stirring up from his nap.

Shit, he was mindlessly panicking, he forgot about Hyunjin.

Woojin felt guilty for waking the tired wolf up, and the fact that he had no clue why they were going back. He found himself gnawing on the inside of his cheek.

"Woojin?"

Hyunjin winced at the humming in his ear. He was woken up because of Woojin's anxious voice inside his head and his worry altogether. Hyunjin is the beta, he is more connected to Woojin than the rest of the pack.

Hyunjin couldn't decipher the jumbled words inside his head but he can tell something is wrong just by looking at the alpha. Woojin went back to his stunned state.

"Woojin." Hyunjin's questioning tone had vanished. He put a hand on the alpha's thigh, squeezing it a little bit. A small smile formed on his lips when he saw his tense shoulders soften under his touch.

"Pull up. Let's talk." It was as if Hyunjin had Woojin underneath a spell. Before he knew it, he was slowing down eventually into a stop to the side. He sighed deeply, from a kind of mental depletion. His eyes dilated with pain and fear. "There was an attack."

Hyunjin's lips hardened, so the subtle pain on his back wasn't just because of his weird sleeping position. But he didn't show any of the fear he was feeling. He needs to be there for Woojin right now.

"Okay. What happened?" Woojin's smile was linked with a sigh. What the hell is he doing? He can't be all weak and pouty. He has to be strong for his family. Seungmin's voice was monotonous as ever but his last words made him so... vulnerable.

"Changbin is extremely hurt. They're nowhere to be found. Chan was almost taken. And and... I-I just don't know anymore. Woojin, I need you."

Alas, he gave Hyunjin his eye smile in which the wolf gladly returned.

Woojin took Hyunjin's hand in his. His eyes never leaving the beta's. "Chan got attacked at the studio. Seungmin, Jisung, Changbin, and Jeongin were there with him."

"Do they know who attacked them?"

"I'm not sure. Seungmin wouldn't give me the full details earlier." Hyunjin felt his heart lighten when he heard about Seungmin calling Woojin. As much as he loathes that know-it-all witch, he was worried something bad happened to him.

"Is everyone alright? No one got hurt for sure, right?"

Hyunjin's voice, with a tentative question in it, rested in the air. His agitation came back and increased drastically as they sat in crushing silence. "Changbin protected them. He's hurt." Woojin's voice trailed off. He knew he had to be honest with Hyunjin because he will know when he's lying.

"Severely hurt."

Woojin winces as Hyunjin squeezed his hand a little too roughly, he felt some broken bones slowly healing. Hyunjin's thoughts were clamoring inside his head.

"Hyunjin."

"Huh?" Hyunjin escaped the anger eating him up inside. He must've blanked out when Woojin said Changbin was hurt. He realized he was gripping hard on the alpha's hand. "S-sorry."

"It's okay. Now, Changbin is hurt. But, Jisung is protecting him. Jeongin's there too. He's gonna be okay." Hyunjin nodded. Changbin is strong. He will be okay, he'll heal up in no time. "What about the rest?"

"Thankfully, everyone else is okay. Seungmin and Chan are on their way to find the rest who escaped earlier." Hyunjin looked at him in confusion as Woojin started the engine and slowly drove into traffic.

"They didn't kill the attacker? Knowing Chan, he wouldn't let anyone escape if they dare to lay a finger on any of us."

That's what Woojin was worried about. He had no clue at all about the attacker. Seungmin was rather dodgy about the topic. He said they'll tell him once he gets there. It was skeptical.

"I don't know. Jisung, Changbin, and Jeongin got away. I asked if they needed help but Seungmin said we have to just go get Minho and Felix." Hyunjin adjusted himself on the seat. This is troublesome. Who would attack them? And Chan couldn't kill him/her? How strong would that person be? Is it why Changbin was not healing like normal?

"I'm worried."

Hyunjin gazed at Woojin through his lashes. He felt a bit of weight on his shoulders lift off as soon as he saw the alpha's reassuring smile. He held out his left hand and Woojin already knew he had to fill in the spaces between with his. "I am too. But I know they're strong. You believe in them, right?"

"Of course."

He does. With his whole heart. But there's this unsettling feeling in him that he couldn't quite explain.

Seungmin followed suit as Chan jumped from building to building. Their feet landing softly on the cement rooftops without a sound. Chan guided him to where they would be going.

His feet fell onto the damp ground between a small alleyway. It must have rained in that area. "Watch out."

Or not. A splash of water came showering down on where he stood just a few seconds ago before Chan pulled him, quite harshly, to his side. "What was that about?"

Both of them looked. "I'm so sorry! I didn't know you guys were there!" An obscure face popped out of one of the building windows. A girl? They weren't sure, but that person's hair fluttered against the mild wind.

"It's okay. Please carry on!" Chan shouted back, he knew Seungmin would say something really inappropriate.

"Let's get going."

Chan flicked his head to the exit knowing Seungmin would follow him from behind. It was a weird habit of the witch. Whenever they would walk or run, he would always stand behind Chan. Just an inch of space between them was enough as long as Chan was in front of him.

"So, are you that overpowered character from movies and comics?"

"What are you talking about?"

Seungmin jogged right beside Chan. "You know. That one character hiding their powers from everyone else then suddenly in the middle of a fight or crisis they come out of nowhere and defeat the villain with just their stare. That sounds so much like you." Chan gave him a baffled stare. "What the hell have you been watching?"

Seungmin mused a little while in grave thought. Chan, on the other hand, suppressed every sign of surprise in his face.

"Are you really pondering on this so seriously?"

Seungmin stopped abruptly, and Chan had no choice but to look back at him.

"Yes. And I've been watching those movies with Hyunjin and Jeongin from time to time."

"Wh-"

"Jeongin hates those kinds of characters."

The vampire didn't know how to respond. It was a stupid topic and they shouldn't really be arguing about it but somehow he felt extremely annoyed.

"Why are you saying this? Are you on crack or something?"

"Nevermind. Let's just go." Chan turned to his heel and led the way. Seriously, what the hell did they just talk about? Complete utter bullshit.

After a few minutes, they stop at a normal looking townhouse. Seungmin eyed the place from every corner. His anxiety grew wide as they stepped in an unfamiliar atmosphere. Everything looked normal. Which is why it creeped him out so much.

"Are you sure this is the way in?" Seungmin stepped closer to Chan. In which the vampire responded with a smirk.

"What?" the vampire's smirk grew wider as he saw the annoyed look on the witch's face.

"Well now, look who's clinging to me. You scared?"

"I'm clinging to you because you're that overpowered protagonist." Chan's mouth hung. He did not just bring that up now.

"Now come on you dingus. Lead the motherfucking way."

"You seriously need to tell me where you learned that way of speech."

Chan went further in the house, passing by an old lady. He bowed politely at her, Seungmin followed suit. They passed by 2 adults before Chan opened the back door and pulled Seungmin inside.

It took a few steps in a pitch-black hallway, that doesn't really have a permanent form, before they were spat out of a rustic room.

Seungmin patted the dust of his jeans, reaching out to fix Chan's crumpled hoodie. The vampire snapped his finger and they were instantly teleported to a different hallway.

The rooms changed their order in the stack daily, as if they got bored of being in the same position. Inside ladders dangled from holes in the ceiling as the only way to get to the higher rooms. Clocks ticked, deformed cats stared, windows kept popping up out of nowhere, changing shape a few times and disappearing with a sudden bang. Doors changed on the walls they were on in a whimsical fashion.

Seungmin took it all in. The entrance to neutral zones don't have permanent structure nor shapes. Their locations change every 5 seconds to avoid being discovered by, well, no one really knows who.

He's been to a few and this was probably the most unsettling so far.

"Chan, that old lady."

Both of them recalled the moment they neared her figure.

What you should learn about this fantasy world is never judge a supernatural being by their appearance, age, height, color, job, and well, any aspect of their life. It's all just a lie. A way to hide who they truly are. They have learned to adapt to modern society in order to find peace.

"That was one powerful gatekeeper."

"I honestly hate going to this place just because of her."

Seungmin couldn't remove the feeling of the gatekeeper's power. It was like her magic flowed rampant and wild as soon as they stepped in that room she was in.

"You've never been to this neutral zone?"

Seungmin shakes his head. "No. I've been to only a few. There's a lot of juicy information in places like this. And I needed some curse to be removed, only to fail." Chan hated the idea but he didn't argue. And what curse? He noted to himself to ask the witch about that later on.

Neutral zones have a lot of hidden secrets that you usually won't be able to attain that easily outside. It's a dangerous task nonetheless. Patrols are everywhere. They see, hear and feel everyone.

"You think you can beat her in a fight?"

At this point, Chan just gave up. He knew the conversation would lead to him being the 'most powerful' one.

"Oh just shut the fuck up."

After a dizzying walk, they pop out of a huge cave. "A forest?"

The place felt so alive. The forest was ancient. The trees are thick and old, roots that were twisted. The sun was up as if it was the middle of the day, however, its rays felt softer and less harsh on the skin. The place did seem like it wasn't artificial at all.

Seungmin looked at Chan. His eyes were full of unspoken words. The vampire smiled, he understood.

"That's why Jisung likes it here. It feels like home." Seungmin eyed him. He sighs deeply.

"Jeongin hated the overpowered protagonist."

Chan looked at him with hard staring eyes. Again with this crap? Great, his moment was over.

"Because he felt bad for them." The vampire's face was torn with conflict. He didn't know if he should speak up and stop the witch. But half of him wanted him to continue.

And that side won.

"He said why would they create a lonely character like that. A person shouldn't bear all that responsibility alone. They shouldn't be sacrificed in order to attain peace or protect someone. That burden is too heavy to carry alone. You're strong but that doesn't mean you have to go out there and be the hero. Your strength is not the measurement of who you should be. It's your choices that make you up as a person. And Jeongin hopes you choose to ask for help. Because help is always here."

"Chan! Seungmin!"

Their attention was snatched away by a distant call. "Jisung! Changbin! Where's Jeongin?" the boy sprints to them. All of them looked fine and well.

With a deep sigh of relief, Chan fell on the ground. All his worry and anxiety ate up the strength on his knees. "You boys will be the death of me."

The boys came running at them, throwing themselves onto Chan. He didn't mind the weight at all. He was just glad that everyone was okay.

"What happened? I thought Changbin was injured." Seungmin squatted down from behind Chan ruffling Changbin's hair. "Hey, I'm older than you!" the wolf pouted. They laughed at his behavior.

"He was healing pretty slowly so we kinda got help." Seungmin helped Chan off the ground. Turning to Jisung who spoke up.

"From whom?"

"You should watch over each other more carefully."

The curious look on Chan and Seungmin's eyes vanished. The breeze became somewhat hotter.

"Kazuo."

13 notes · View notes

miraclejune · 4 years

Text

HERO'S SOUP UPDATES

Chapter 14 update next week! Fri or Sat probably :>> Just a bit busy because of thesis huhu thanks!

#hero's soup

0 notes

miraclejune · 4 years

Text

updated masterlis for Hero’s Soup!

MASTERLIST (Hero’s Soup)

CHAPTER 1 ㅡ

Antique Shop

CHAPTER 2 ㅡ

Meet the pack

CHAPTER 3 ㅡ

The Creepy Mansion

CHAPTER 4 ㅡ

Bonded

CHAPTER 5 ㅡ

School life

CHAPTER 6 ㅡ

Awaken

CHAPTER 7 ㅡ

Hunt

CHAPTER 8 ㅡ

Home

CHAPTER 9 ㅡ

Stay

CHAPTER 10 ㅡ

SPECIAL SKZ CHAPTER!

CHAPTER 11 ㅡ

The 11 Families

CHAPTER 12 ㅡ

Sofia

CHAPTER 13 ㅡ

Thousand Hearts

CHAPTER 14 ㅡ

Coming soon!

62 notes · View notes

miraclejune · 4 years

Text

HERO’S SOUP: Chapter 13

Thousand Hearts

Monday morning. The mansion was in chaos.

Hyunjin was running late again because he ‘overslept’. Woojin had to drag him out of his warm blanket earning a low groan from the Beta.

Changbin left first with Chan and Jisung, the only people who weren’t busy for the day, they volunteered to help Changbin with his studio. Well, he had to buy them each a new pair of sneakers next week so it’s not quite volunteering if you might ask.

“Minho? Felix? Where are you guys headed?” Felix adjusted the strap on his backpack before turning to Woojin. “We’re gonna head out for a while. There’s a popular new spot for busking down at Hongdae. We’re gonna check it out.” Minho tapped his feet letting them snuggle in his shoes perfectly. “Eric’s outside.” the two of them dashed out the mansion yelling their goodbyes.

"Remember to stop by the cafe later!" Woojin reminded them with a shout as he closed the front door.

“I didn’t even get to say hi to Eric.”

Woojin rolled his eyes, tugging the towel around the wolf’s waist. Almost revealing a damp and stark naked Hyunjin. “DUDE! What the hell.” Hyunjin gasped and tried to cover his body. They were the only ones left in the house but he was over-dramatic without fail.

“You could’ve exchanged your pleasantries if you weren’t so busy reading each fucking comment in your Instagram posts last night.” Hyunjin huffed, fastening the towel as he stormed to his room. Woojin chuckled, Hyunjin was the second easiest to tease. The first place would always be Changbin. Hands down, that idiot is so gullible.

He looked at the clock, ah they’re terribly late. It was 9 am, and their call time was 1 pm. We can’t really see any problem with that, as a matter of fact, they had plenty of time. However…

“Hwang Hyunjin don’t you fucking dare do your tedious make-up routine. Busan is not a 5-minute drive.” Hyunjin shot up from his vanity table’s seat as he heard the alpha’s growl at the end of his sentence. Woojin was in full-on Manager mode.

He made a break for it. Snatching his backpack behind the door, simultaneously combing back his damp hair. He hopped the last 3 flights of stairs stopping in front of a brooding Woojin. Hyunjin suddenly remembered that one time Chan said Woojin looks like a hostile bear when he's mad. At that time he couldn't quite see it but now, Woojin kinda did resemble his description.

"Why can't we just take the train." Hyunjin eyed Woojin fastening his seatbelt, he earned another deathly glare. The terrified wolf gulped and decided to put his feet down from the dashboard. "Sorry."

Woojin pulled into the road. "It's better to have our own car just in case we finish late."

Hyunjin quietly nodded. "Plus, you're a head-turner. It's gonna be a pain in the ass." Woojin might've done what Chan told him not to. Actually, there were too many to list but this one thing is on the top. "Hm."

Hyunjin likes being praised. His confidence and self-esteem shots up. It's good, Chan said it's fine to praise the boys every once in a while. But, Hyunjin's a lost case. "Wouldn't want to get chased for hours by scouts." Woojin caught a glimpse of Hyunjin's face from his peripheral vision as the wolf said those words.

Oh gosh, he's done it now.

Seungmin didn’t have council work today, nor Jeongin had class. It was their University's anniversary so the school decided to let the students rest for the holiday. Leaving the two college students with nothing to do.

"Hey, can you get the door!"

"Okay."

Seungmin stood in front of the open door, his head moved about figuring out who opened the door. "He's in the kitchen." Seungmin's eyes fell on the boy who looked much like a smaller version of Yang Jeongin. He gave the kid a smile before following suite inside the house.

He calmly made his way to the living room, sitting down on the left side of the sofa near the window. Jeongin's little brother comes back from upstairs, a switch on his right hand. Seungmin eyed as the boy sprawled on the carpet. He spotted the pile of snacks on top of the coffee table. Seungmin smiled, it seems like someone's enjoying their free time.

"Hey, Seungs!" Jeongin appears from the kitchen wiping his soap ridden hands on a strawberry shortcake apron. "Can you wait for a while? I'm just finishing up with the dishes."

"Seriously? Strawberry Shortcake?"

Jeongin's eyes blinked at the blinding light of a camera flash. "Don't you dare---"

"And... sent! This is gonna leave them in stitches." Seungmin tipped back his head and roared with laughter. Jeongin looked at her with disbelief, Seungmin did the exact opposite of what he was about to say.

"What on earth are you laughing about now? Delete it! And this isn't even mine! It's my moms!!"

Seungmin abruptly stopped laughing and looked Jeongin dead in the eyes, "Nnnnnnnnno." he made sure to enunciate the 'N' just to irk Jeongin's nerves before resuming his laughter.

"You look ridiculous." Jeongin's little brother got ahold of Seungmin's phone that fell on the carpet next to him. "Ugh. I hate you all so much." he groaned and stomped his way to the kitchen.

"Ma'am, what do you think of my friend? Isn't he adorable?"

"Oh my! That's a very cute apron he's got there haha! Here, take these fish cakes, it's in the house for making my day!"

"Thank you so much!"

"Jeongin, where are your manners?"

"T-thank you." the boy bowed his head. His blush seared through his cheeks and for a minute he thought her face was on fire. Jeongin suddenly felt embarrassed and delicate; even going as far as attempting to hide his rosy features behind his slim fingers.

He eventually took action and dragged Seungmin outside the small snack shop. Jeongin swears he could see Seungmin smiling from behind him. The witch picked up his pace and walked beside the blushing boy.

And there he was in his arrogant triumph, Seungmin smirked - just a small pouting of the lips; a narrowing of the eyes and a tilting of the head. It was so subtle, it was even more infuriating for Jeongin who caught a glimpse of it after making the foolish mistake.

"You don't have to show that photo to EVERY person we meet today!" face the color of an overripe tomato and annoyance boiling inside, Jeongin could only groan. "No way. It'd be a shame to devoid the world with this gem. Plus, we get free food." Seungmin held up his phone in front of the boy, irking Jeongin's nerve some more.

After a few minutes of Seungmin annoying Jeongin and at some point his phone was thrown to the pavement, they reached Changbin's studio. Well, where the building was located to be precise. It had 4 floors and looked fairly new. The paint on the walls was still fresh and some windows don't have 'windows' on them yet, just the frame.

"3rd floor. 2nd door to the right." Jeongin recalled what Changbin told them yesterday. "Let's go, strawberry shortcake." Jeongin disregarded the nickname and followed Seungmin inside the building, they headed towards the door with the stairs logo on it. "Elevator's working." the old guard chirped. They turned around and met with his wizened eyes. "Thank you." he gave them a smile and went out of the building.

Chan, Changbin and Jisung or 3racha as the others would lump them, didn’t know they were coming so they decided to surprise them with some chicken, rice rolls and spicy rice cakes (of course they bought it lol don’t let these kids near the kitchen). All in which Seungmin showed his photo to.

As they opened the glass door, Seungmin expected the place to be an utter mess. It was plausible. The building smelled new inside too. So renovations are most likely on-going.

However, both were surprised to see the place neat and tidy. A few boxes were neatly piled on the corner, there was no hint of renovation at all. Surprisingly enough, the AC blasted on the side.

"Looks like it's fully operational now."

"Yeah." Jeongin took a look around. The place looks nice.

Seungmin yelled over and walked towards the adjacent room. "Hello, dweebs. We have brought you some snacks." Changbin hit his head under the tattoo chair. "Fuck! Dude what the hell. You scared the crap out of me."

Seungmin pursed his lips "Mm. Then you better check your diaper, you big baby." he put the paper bags on the small coffee table near the wall, before offering a hand to Changbin who was massaging his sore spot. "Where's the old dude and the squirrel?" He carefully sat down on the chair Changbin was fixing. "It's fixed. You can sit." Changbin said, turning around to gather the tools. He closed the toolbox with a click and placed it near the door.

He noticed Jeongin looking around. A smile automatically crept on his face. "Jeongin." the boy yelped and found Changbin leaning on the door frame smiling at him. He smiled back. "Changbin! The place looks so cool." he was naturally pulled into a tight hug.

'Always so warm.' the boy thought as he hugged the wolf back. "Did Chan help with the designing?"

"Of course he did. This place looks like the black hole itself." Seungmin muttered from inside the room. Changbin and Jeongin chuckled. "Yeah, he has this aesthetic that's suited for a tattoo shop."

"Can't deny that."

"You didn't answer my question Changbin." Seungmin whined. "They're out buying some stuff needed. They'll be back soon." he turned around and went back into the room. "Just stay there, Jeongin. It's still dusty here." Jeongin sat down on the chairs provided. So, Chan and Jisung are out.

The room is like a perfect magazine cover for an aesthetic tattoo shop. Jeongin was afraid to sit, worrying he would wrinkle the fabric or stain it with something he doesn't know on his pants. The leather couch is inlaid with rhinestones; placed so delicately. The white curtains are linen, the kind of white that is untouched by hands and devoid of dust. Those types of curtains that leaves the room in complete darkness even in mid-day, it stood out the most because of the black walls. Jeongin's eyes fell on the velvet walls they were decorated with stripes, which he thought he was just hallucinating but they really do reflect when you move around. The floor is a high polished wood, dark and free of either dust or clutter. The photographs are black and white, arranged to look like such by a professional, must be photos taken by Seungmin. One photo caught his attention. He stood up and sheepishly walked towards it.

It was their group photo from when Woojin showed him his room in the mansion.

The door shot open. "We're back--Oh Jeongin you're here!" Jisung instantly dropped the contents on his hand and engulfed the boy in a tight hug. Little did he know Chan was right behind him. "FUCK!!! Dude my foot!" Chan sat on the floor, the sudden pain weakened the back of his knees.

Jisung didn't care at all. He detached himself from Jeongin for just a second before putting an arm around his shoulder, looking down on Chan. "Has anyone told you, you look great kneeling down like that?" A very annoyed vampire looked up to both of them. Color drained from their faces.

"W-we brought food! You guys must be hungry, it's in the tattoo room!" Jisung cleared his throat, pulling Jeongin away from a fuming Chan. "Cool! Let's go! We're starving. Right, Chan?" that must be the stupidest question he has ever asked and do note that he asks a lot of halfwitted questions. Jeongin could've sworn he saw Seungmin face-palming hard inside his head.

They gathered inside the tattoo room, Jeongin swept the floor a bit while the others moved the boxes and other stuff outside to make room. "Pull the table near there." Jisung did what Chan told him. His grudge only lasted a few seconds. They're back to normal as if Jisung never made a snarky remark earlier.

Seungmin sat on the floor with Changbin while Chan and Jeongin situated themselves on the leather couch fit for two. Jisung, on the other hand, went out of the waiting area and grabbed one of the ottoman chairs provided.

Changbin watched in disgust as Jisung stuffed his face with rice cakes. Shaking his head, his right hand became busy. Seungmin fought with him for the tuna rice rolls. Changbin turns to Jeongin with a smile on his face, "You kids don't have school today?" obviously Seungmin lost. He pouted and took a plain roll, angrily putting it in his mouth.

"Nope. It's our school's anniversary so we're on a break. Only for today though." the boy replied. He turns to Chan who was offering him a piece of the rice roll. Jeongin opens his mouth letting Chan feed him. "Like a baby chick." Jisung said before scarfing down a chicken leg.

"Am not!"

"Yeah, he's not." Jeongin was thankful for Changbin siding with him. "He's not only Chan's baby. He's our baby!" ...nevermind.

Within a span of a few minutes, all the food was gone. The four of them finished everything. It would've been gone within a second if everyone else was there. Oh, Chan excluded.

They talked about the place for a while. Seungmin was suggesting a few things here and there while Jeongin and Jisung played with Chan's switch. The vampire went out to the restroom.

"Hey, Wooj. How's the trip so far?" Chan's voice echoed a bit inside the empty restroom. Since the building was fairly new, there were only a few tenants. And today they were the only ones there. "It's great. Hyunjin complained for 10 minutes straight before I knocked him out." Chan chuckled, he knew what the alpha meant by 'knocked him out'. "He blabbers nonsense then falls asleep after eating a snack. Like a baby." Woojin laughed on the other end. There was a short pause as he switched lanes and shifted gears. "How's the shop going?"

Woojin heard the sound of the faucet being opened. He waited for a while for the vampire to respond. "It's pretty much done. We just have to recycle the boxes and clean up a bit. Seungmin and Jeongin are here too."

"I know." Chan complained about why he didn't tell him. "Because they said it was a surprise! I don't wanna spoil it." Hyunjin stirred in his sleep, the blanket he pulled up fell on the side. "Hang on, Chan."

Woojin fixed the blanket, making sure to glance on the road every once in a while. "Did you find out some info about the Sofia's?"

"No. Man, those guys have a shit ton of people yet we can't get ahold of any useful information. They're too secure." Chan couldn't agree more on what Woojin said. He lived at that place for decades yet he hasn't heard of a spy nor a mole from outside. The information he knows about that family was only their rules and regulations within the clan. He was not given a word on how they manage their operations and business.

Although he did only live there because of Kazuo's grandfather who trained him. It was strictly just training. Chan would wake up, be served breakfast in his room, clean up and train. His free time outside would involve 5 guards and 10 undercover guards as he roamed the streets of Tokyo.

"Maybe I should go stop by. Can you book me a flight to Japan tonight?" he closed the restroom door behind him. Chan dawdled a bit at the hall. He should finish this conversation before going back inside the shop.

"Tomorrow. I'll go with you."

"Alright. Drive safely."

Woojin's voice vanished. "Okay, maybe another call." He dialed a new number, after a few rings Chan could hear the bustling sound of a busy street. "Felix? Where you at?"

"We're at Hongdae with Eric." Chan could hear Minho and Eric arguing in the background, he smiled. "You guys found a new spot?"

"Yeah---hey save some for me, you dickheads. Oi fuckwit!!!---Hey, we're just waiting for our turn." Felix's accent comes out when he's preoccupied too. Chan should note that.

"How's the shop going?" Felix reached out for Minho but he already has the phone to his ear. "Oh hey, Minho. We're almost done. Just cleaning up a bit."

The phone was passed around for a while. It was impressive of Chan to know who he's talking to. Maybe because this happens on a daily basis when it comes to phone calls.

"We'll drop by Woojin's cafe later. Are you guys coming by?"

"Yeah. Since you mentioned it."

Chan smiled, hearing Felix's deep chuckle.

"Alright! See you there!"

"Bang bang chan chan see you~" was Minho.

"I'll come by the mansion on Saturday! I'm so gonna own these idiots in Mario Kart." and that was Eric.

The three boys on the other line argued for quite some time. Chan waited for Felix to end the call before slipping his phone inside his pocket.

He sighed, recalling his talk with Woojin. They had no lead on why Kazuo knows about who Jeongin was. Maybe it was just him? Maybe the guy's just messing with him? Kazuo always did that when he was part of their clan. Chan rested his hand on his neck, he could feel the mark of the Sofia underneath Seungmin's spell.

It was a flame-shaped mark burned into your skin by the existing leader of the clan. It takes weeks for the wound to heal (even for Chan) but the scar will never fade, even if you rip your skin off it will still be embedded in your flesh. Not even a tattoo can cover it up. Chan had Seungmin put a spell on it to make it disappear from the eyes. But if you touch that part, you would still feel the mark on your hands.

Flashbacks from the Sofia's mansion played in his head. He was rather fond of those memories, although only handpicked ones. He had no idea of what that place was and what they were doing behind closed doors. Every time he would ask the staff responsible for him, they would turn a blind eye and excuse himself/herself for a stupid reason. The next day, the staff would be replaced by a new one. It happened a couple of times until Chan realized that it was his fault, so he completely stopped asking anyone and just went his merry way.

"What are you thinking, boy?" Chan felt his heartbeat in his chest, pounding, banging, trying to get out. His breath hitched as his head snapped at the end of the hall.

Standing near the window, an old man wearing a security guard uniform. The smile on his face was calm and warm. But Chan knew otherwise. It was just one of her disguises. Underneath that was a demon. Skin almost translucent, blood-sucking fangs bared at him, her small waist was bound by a tight corset showing off her inhumane figure. Purple and red eyes devoid of emotion, pitiless. Her face is every woman and man's desire.

But Chan was rather focused on what was running through her veins. The blood flowed like a lazy river. It flowed like so much red gravy across the slaughterhouse floor. The metallic scent wafted through the air right into his nostrils.

He ran forward, every second craving for the woman's blood, he felt as though his own blood were on fire. His limbs were moving on their own. He was disconnected from everything but the ever-present sound of his drumming heart.

'I need it. I need it. I need it.' He spoke those words like a mantra. Again and again and again.

The figure didn't move, she stayed there. Her hands were open, almost like a trap. As Chan plunges, he was pulled into a hug. The old man vanished, there stood the woman underneath it.

"Hello. It's been a while, boy." Chan was shaking, his blood-red pupils dilated, claws scratching at the woman's back, his body trembled all over. Chan was no longer himself.

"Let's go home, shall we?"

"LET HIM GO!" Changbin's voice roared. It was almost as if the building itself shook. One by one they all stood across the unknown person holding Chan. Jeongin could see how Chan shook underneath his grip. "Isn't that the guard from earlier?" Seungmin nodded, he pulled Jeongin from the front. "Stay behind Jisung."

He stood behind Jisung who gave him a reassuring smile. Somehow Jisung was trembling too. Jeongin didn't know why. He was not strong nor have abilities but he wanted to somehow help Jisung. Jeongin snatched Jisung's right hand and filled the gaps with his own.

"Thank you." Jisung felt calmer. He could feel Jeongin's thumb caressing his hand to distract him from his fear. He knew he had to be strong for the boy.

"What do you want from him?" Seungmin asked in a cold tone. But his head was filled with mindless thoughts.

The old man stared at them. No words were uttered between them. His lips slowly formed into a menacing smile.

"He asked you a question." Changbin growled. In a split second, he transformed into his wolf form. The old man's smile grew wider and wider until it literally reached his ears, his pupils turned white and blood came out of his eyes. It was a disgusting sight.

Jeongin shivered. The chills on his spine won't go away. The back of his knees were giving up, his hand gripped Jisung's tighter.

They breathed in as the old man started chuckling. His laughter filled their ears almost as if he was standing right beside them. Changbin growled so loud. He was pissed. Chan wasn't trying to escape at all. What are they supposed to do? Woojin wasn't there. Jeongin is probably so scared and this... this being is giving him all sorts of scary feelings. It's as if he was staring right at the devil himself.

Changbin growled once more. He had to do something!

"Changbin!" Jisung shouted.

In the blink of an eye, Changbin's battered body fell on the floor. Before he could even take one step, he was already banged against the wall. They didn't even see what happened.

The crumbs on the wall fell on his fur. He may have broken ribs and legs. He could feel a gush of blood underneath him, but he remained conscious. Struggling to get back on his feet only to fall back on the wet floor.

The rest of them were left in utter shock. It was as if the scene had knocked every wisp of air from their lungs, and they stood there struggling to inhale, to exhale, to do anything.

"Jisung, get Changbin and Jeongin out of here." Seungmin's voice went an octave lower. He loosened his tie. "But, Seungmin!"

"NOW!!!!!!" his hair turned white and his eyes were a striking shade of purple. With a snap of a finger, 3 spell books emerge from thin air, floating around him. Seungmin had no time for Jisung to put up a fight.

Jisung's head hung low, he knew he had to do something. But after seeing Changbin almost killed within a fraction of a second, he chickened out. He wanted to run. He wanted to get out of there. But as he saw how Jeongin's eyes looked at him in fear, he wanted to kill the living shit out of the old man across them.

He wanted to claw the man's organs out.

"Jisung. Today's not your fight." Jisung looked up to see Seungmin staring at him with his purple eyes. They were pleading him to go.

"Please." he bellowed, snatching Changbin, who went back to human form, he put the injured wolf on his back. "Jeongin, gimme your hand." he said to the boy sitting on the floor, trembling in fear.

No. He doesn't want to go either. He can't leave. He doesn't even have the energy to stand up. "Jeongin, I'll get Chan back. I promise." tears formed in his eyes as he looked up to Seungmin.

Jeongin took a deep breath and stood up. He took Jisung's outstretched hand. "Please stay safe, Seungmin." the witch can only give him a half-assed smile. He turns his head back after seeing Jisung, Changbin, and Jeongin disappear out the window.

Suddenly the air became heavier. The building felt like it was gonna collapse any second. And there he saw the old man was just a mere figure drenched in blood. The smell was gut-churning. Seungmin could feel the vomit behind his throat. This is insane.

"You..." the witch couldn't make out the words the monster was saying. It was only like a rumble.

"You found him."

Found who?

"SHIT!" the monster started shrieking. It was so loud. Seungmin could feel his ears bleed. He couldn't see where Chan was anymore. His vision was blurry. He eventually fell to his knees, screaming in pain.

"Seungmin. Wake up." the witch felt a light tapping on his cheek. He groaned. Was it a nightmare? But as his hands felt the cold wet floor, he knew that horrific scene really did happen.

His eyes slowly adjusted, he saw a bloody Chan. "A-are you okay?" seeing Seungmin in that state, Chan felt like he could cry. "Yeah." he supported him, letting the witch rest his back against the also bloody wall. "What happened?" As Seungmin looked around, he realized it wasn't only Chan who was bloody. The hall was covered in thick, pungent blood.

"I took her heart." Chan held up his right hand. Confined in his sharp claws was a heart, beating only once a minute. A spellbook flew beside Seungmin, he glanced at it for a second before holding up his hand on the heart. His eyes and hair glow white and as he closed his hand like a fist, the heart burst, painting Chan's face with its blood.

"So it's done?"

"No. I only got two." Seungmin nodded. They had a long way to go, indeed.

"I never thought she would show up, Seungmin. Not in this century. Not with you guys in it." Seungmin can feel the weight underneath Chan's words. In front of him was a very vulnerable vampire.

"Woojin's coming back." Seungmin said. Woojin was the only one who knows what to do in these types of situations.

"He knew something was wrong."

Chan balled his hands into a fist. He wiped the blood from his face. "Thank you for making the right decision."

"Jisung's a bit stubborn but he's a big softie when it comes to promises. Just like Jeongin."

Chan somehow managed to smile at Seungmin. "But, Changbin's in critical condition." the smile vanished as if it was never there. Changbin always thinks he has to take action whenever a dire situation comes up. He doesn't want to depend on other people even if they offer him help.

"Let's go find them. I'll call someone to clean this up." Chan stood up and pulled out his phone, thank god it wasn't crushed. "Do you have the strength to fix the wall?" Seungmin was already on it.

After the last piece of crumbled cement vanished into the wall, Seungmin turned to Chan. "Did you lose yourself?"

Chan stopped from his tracks. His head hung, he stared at the blood-ridden floor with an empty gaze. "Yeah."

"How much blood did you get?"

"None. I couldn't reach that heart."

Seungmin nodded mindlessly. So it was the old man's blood. He walked towards Chan, not minding the blood pooling on his shoes. Seungmin put a heavy hand on Chan's shoulder making the vampire turn to him.

Chan likes cuddling with them. Whether they were watching a movie or just hanging out in the living room. His hugs were warm because he adjusts his temperature to make them feel comfortable.

But as Seungmin held him in his arms, the biting cold chilled his fingers into clumsy numbness, cold seeped into his toes and spread painfully throughout his feet as if it were his bare feet on the pristine icy whiteness rather than sneakers on a blood river.

Chan was cold.

30 notes · View notes

miraclejune · 4 years

Text

No More

“Chan.”

“Mira.”

We stood there in the hallway. Face to face. Only an arms length away. I wanted to yell at you, I wanted punch you in the face and ask all my unanswered questions. But all I can do was give you a small smile and reached out my hand. Your eyes traveled from my face to my outstretched hand. You sighed, reaching out..

“It’s nice to see you again”

“You too.”

—-

Footsteps barged inside my boyfriend’s frat house. I was sitting next to him at the sofa. His right arm draped over my shoulder and my head leaning against his chest. 7 boys came rushing in, most of them were drunk. I chuckled at the scene. They soon spotted me and made their way towards our position. Hyunjin snickered beside me, clearly annoyed that our alone time was once again ruined by his frat mates.

“Come on you fuckers. It’s date night. I thought you guys aren’t gonna be back until tomorrow!” he whined, the boys ignored him, making him whine more. One by one they all found their seats. Jeongin, the youngest, made his way towards my legs, he sat in between them while I started to caress his hair. Hyunjin’s hand disappeared from my back and was now gripping Jeongin’s collar. “Hyunjin, come on. Let the kid be, he just likes me.” I said in a worried tone. Jeongin on the other hand remained calm and was just giving him a smug look. Hyunjin, not really having the choice, let go and crossed his arms beside me. All of us laughed at his behavior. His annoyed face slowly softened over time. Jisung shifted from his position and walked towards Hyunjin’s empty space, he let himself fall there, his head resting on Hyunjin’s lap.

All of us started to talk, Woojin excused himself so he could make coffee for the drunk Minho and Changbin who are cuddled together on the yellow beanbag. Seungmin volunteered and left for the kitchen too. The door creaked open, the leader and last member of the group has just arrived. He was welcomed by everyone. “CHAN HYUNG” they all said in chorus, a big warm smile formed on his face as he walked towards Minho and Changbin. Both of them were sitting on the floor so Chan sat beside them. Our eyes locked and he gave me a small smile, “You’re here, Mira.” I smiled at him and waved my hand. Hyunjin shifted at my side. He was clearly uncomfortable with the situation.

Woojin and Seungmin came in with a big pot of noodles, a few side dishes, and… more beer. Woojin placed the pot on the coffee table, allowing everyone to smell and see it. My mouth watered, Hyunjin and I haven’t had dinner yet so we’re both hungry. We all sat around the table, chopsticks on one hand and a spoon on the other. “LET’S EAT!” Felix shouted with his baritone voice. We begin to dig in. Hyunjin serving me a few side dishes while I open a can of beer for him. “It’s weird that you don’t drink but we still hang out with you.” Changbin, who is now a bit more sober, said. I chuckled. “Well, thank you, Binnie.” he blushed at the pet name. Minho on the other hand, snorted while his mouth was full of noodles. One particular strand came out his nose, making everyone crack up. Our cackles echoed around the big house.

“OMG, Minho hyung, you fucking retard!” Jisung exclaimed, wiping a few tears that escaped his eyes. Our high went down and eventually the pot became empty. After clearing the table, the boys decided to play truth or dare (yes, very original and mature), using an empty soju bottle that was hidden underneath the couch. How the coffee table was moved? I don’t know, suddenly the living room center was empty, as we formed a circle around it. I was sitting on Hyunjin’s lap, his hands circled around me and his head rested on my shoulder. Jeongin, who was in the bathroom, came back and stood in front of us. Hyunjin and I both looked up to him as he whined, “That’s my spot~~” he pouted and started stomping his feet. Hyunjin was about to retort when Chan spoke up, “What Jeongin means is, that’s unfair, because what if the bottle points to the two of you, who will be chosen.” spoken like the true leader, Jeongin had no choice but to sit on my left side while Hyunjin slid over to my right. As soon as he settled down, he reached out for my hand and filled the spaces between them with his fingers.

My eyes found Chan, whom I caught staring at our intertwined fingers. His gaze fell onto the marbled floor, ‘you still can’t stand it huh’ Woojin stood up and began spinning the bottle. The top part landed onto Jisung while the bottom part was pointing at Minho. Minho grinned, making Jisung gulp. We laughed at his reaction. “Jisungie~” Minho said in a flirtatious manner, no one can deny the sexual tension that we’re feeling right now. “Y-yeah?” he stuttered, making us all laugh louder. “Dare or dare?” he smirked, Jisung’s eyes went wide and he began to argue. “H-hyung!!! That’s not the only optio—” before we all know it, Minho started crawling towards Jisung. I cling onto Hyunjin arm while he did the same to me. Jisung had no other choice but to pick dare, and when he did, Minho was already on his lap. “I dare you to make out with me.” the room burst into laughter and cheers. Jisung was as red as a tomato while Minho was still smirking at him.

And there you have it. An endless night filled with “no homo” making out and truth bombs. During the last round, Hyunjin began spinning the bottle. A silent tension was building up. It was weird, my hands began to sweat and my heart paced faster. Soon enough, the bottle started slowing down.

“Thank God, Chan hyung finally got picked, who is—” Felix stopped, the room went dead quiet, as I stared at the bottle pointing at me and Chan. Hyunjin cleared his throat making everyone break free from the awkward silence, “It’s late. We should end the game—” before he could stand up, Woojin who was beside him, gripped his arm and forced him down. “No, this is the last round. Let’s end this now.” his voice was stern and authoritative, at times like this I could tell that he really is the oldest. Hyunjin’s face become emotionless as he sat back down beside me. Woojin smiled and proceeded to speak up. “Okay, Mira. Go ahead?” he gave me a reassuring smile. I looked at him and then looked at Chan. His eyes made holes on my face, I gulped and tried to find the words I wanted to say. “Chan, Truth or dare?” Woojin asked for me. My eyes fell on the floor, this is just a stupid game and I can’t even ask him a simple fucking question.

“Truth.” that one word echoed inside my head. Truth. I breathed in, saving up all the courage I could find and looked at him, ignoring the intense stare of my boyfriend beside me. “Why?” I almost laughed at myself. 5 minutes of silence just for ‘why?’ and what’s sad is, he knows what I meant.

His head fell, shoulders slumped, everyone could hear him sigh. “Because…” his voice trailed off as he found my eyes. We just stared at each other. Trying to find the answers ourselves. But all I could see was sorrow, pity, and… love. I tried my best to hold back my tears as he continued. “Because, I don’t want to continue anymore.” biting down my lip, I tried to process what he just said. What a vague fucking answer. It doesn’t even make fucking sense. I let out a bitter laugh, making all of them look at me. Including Hyunjin.

Before I knew it, I was a crying mess. “Because you don’t want to anymore? What kind of fucking explanation is that, Chris? Am I just a piece of gum, you chew and then spit out when I don’t taste good anymore?” his gaze never left mine. “And you even have the fucking nerve to look at me like that? With love and regret?” his eyes didn’t falter, I could feel Hyunjin shifting beside me. Woojin is probably holding him back. “Am I just a fucking joke to you Christopher?”

“No! No you weren’t Mira. I loved you—”

“Then why the hell did you leave me?” his mouth agape, he couldn’t speak. My tears continued to stream down, I balled up my fist trying hard not to punch him in the face. “I didn’t leave you.” his voice was low. I looked away. “Liar.”

“I’m not lying to you! I just did what’s best—” my head clouded in anger, all our memories came gushing in, my vision blurred as I look at him. I was shaking. I couldn’t contain it anymore. I couldn’t care less about the 8 pair of eyes observing us.

“What’s best? I WAS YOUR FUCKING FIANCE, CHRIS. WE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE MARRIED TOMORROW. THREE WEEKS AFTER YOUR CHEESY FUCKING PROPOSAL, YOU BAILED OUT ON ME. LEAVING ME ON THE FUCKING STREETS IN THE GODDAMN RAIN. I HAD NO FUCKING CLUE WHAT WENT WRONG. AND YOU’RE SAYING YOU DID WHAT’S BEST? GO FUCKING KILL YOURSELF.”

The room went quiet. My loud sobs and hitched breathing were the only sounds that filled the suffocating silence. We all sat there for 15 minutes. Everyone knew, they all knew what happened between us. Chan and I dated for 2 years, on our 2nd year anniversary he proposed at the same place we met. In front of the gymnasium, where he saw me for the first time, soaked in eggs and flour (he did it). A smirk plastered on his face while the other members and everyone else who saw that scene, laughed their asses off.

We were supposed to get married tomorrow, but three weeks after his proposal. He suddenly picked me up from my house, wearing only my pajamas. He was clearly in distraught, so I had to go. I didn’t even bother dressing up or getting my phone and wallet. I went straight into his car as he sped off.

The rain started pouring and I was getting worried because we’ve been driving for 30 minutes, and he hasn’t said anything. I tried reaching out for his hand but he hurriedly put it on the steering wheel. I felt a pang of pain as I withdraw my hand. Sitting there mortified, thinking about what have I done wrong. He made a sudden sharp turn. The car came to a halt, he shifted from his seat. My face lightened up and I opened up my hands for him. Thinking he was gonna come in for a hug.

But, I was wrong.

He unbuckled my seat belt, opened the door, pushed me into the wet ground, throwing our promise ring beside me with a grim look on his face. “It’s over.” and with that, he left me. My eyes followed his cars tail lights until it disappeared in the distance. Sitting on the wet ground, I was still trying to process what just happened. Crawling at a half lit position, trying to find our ring, as I do so. I didn’t cry, I didn’t know why.

The nightmare melted away into my head, a commotion started, I looked up and saw my boyfriend’s back standing in front of me and Chan lying on the cold floor holding his jaw. My eyes went wide. Woojin and Minho were holding back Hyunjin while Felix and Seungmin tried to help Chan up. Chan swatted the hands away and stood up himself. His gaze momentarily fell on mine. “C-come on guys, we were just playing a few minutes ago.” Jeongin spoke up. He was clearly shaking and nervous by what was happening, but he tried his best and went to my side and started caressing my back.

But no one listened to his words. Hyunjin started shouting, and throwing his fists into the air unable to hit Chan, because Woojin and Minho were gripping him sternly. While, Chan stood there, holding his jaw as his eyes traveled to my position. This, this was the Chan I fell in love with. His eyes were soft, it was full of love and support. The situation was so fucking bad, but it didn’t matter to him. He just stood there, admiring me as if I was the only person that ever existed.

I stood up shaking and tried my best to speak up, “H-hyunjin no, stop it.” but my words only seem to pass through his ears. I hugged him from behind, I did it because I was scared. And also to block out Chan’s piercing gaze. Hyunjin was shaking in anger, I can feel his emotions gushing all throughout his body.

I couldn’t cry. I didn’t know if I can. It hurts so bad I just wanted to die. All at once, my emotions broke free. Hot tears came streaming down my face, wiped away by the cold rain.

As I crawl around the ground, my hands roamed, my vision was blurred by both my tears and the rain. When a sudden light from a car blinded me, I shielded my eyes with my right hand while the other still tried to find something. Not even bothering if I get ran over, that would be nice right now. My head was a mess, I was cold, I was hungry… I was terrified.

Footsteps and the pitter patter of the rain melted into the scene. A pair of feet stood in front of me, the person squatted down and picked up a shiny metal holding it in front of us both. It was our ring. My eyes found the owner of the car, his usual stoic face was replaced by a soft and concerned one. He was crying small tears, but he found a smile, opening his arms.

I was going to kill myself that same day and time, Chan was my whole world. He was my only family. But, I was too fucking blinded by my love for him, I didn’t notice the person who was always there for me whenever Chan is gone. My facade slowly fell as I jump into his arms. He held me tightly, never wanting to let go. His hand caressed my back as I my cries grew louder. “Sssh, I’m here. Hyunjin is here. I will never let you go.”

“No, I won’t fucking stop. I won’t fucking stop fighting for you, for us. Because you chose me. And I promised you I won’t ever let anyone hurt you, again.” his voice was an octave deeper, and by the end of the statement his voice cracked. Hyunjin was crying. Hyunjin rarely cries, he always wanted to be someone who is seen strong and brave. But whenever he cries, you can see how much he cares for you and how much he’s hurting because of you.

“Then if you don’t want to hurt me, then stop this. Please don’t hurt, Chris.” my hands slowly unwrapped themselves from Hyunjin as I sunk down the floor. I realized what just said. The next words he said pierced right through me, “You still fucking love, this asshole… don’t you?” my sobs grew louder, I wasn’t just crying. I was wailing, I was shouting, I was breaking down. I want to deny it, I want to deny the fact that I still care for Chan and that I’m hurting every single soul in this room.

I was instantly lifted up from the ground, Hyunjin’s hands around my collar. His eyes were filled with anger, hate, and regret. “Answer me, Miracle.” my first name gave me the goosebumps. He never calls me that. I was running out of air, but my eyes were fixed on his face. Taking in every detail I could. I wish he could just kill me now because that’s what I deserve.

My body suddenly broke free from his grip and fell down, Jeongin caught me. Hyunjin was on the floor. My eyes found Woojin, his expression almost made me faint. This is the first time I have ever seen him so angry. His nose flared, his eyes were sending daggers to Hyunjin, and there was blood on his fists.

Woojin just punched Hyunjin.

“Don’t you fucking dare hurt her, Hwang Hyunjin. What the hell are you thinking?!” he growled, his usually friendly tone was long gone. It was terrifying. Jeongin held me close, he too was clearly afraid of Woojin. No one dared to interfere, not even Chan. “I wanted this fucking feud to just end, that’s why I continued the game.” my tears won’t stop. This is all my fault, they’re the closest friends in the world and I just came prancing in ruining everything.

I stood up and freed myself from Jeongin’s grip. I couldn’t care less if I was barefooted and that I left all my belongings at their house. I just wanted to escape from everything else. I just… want to kill myself. I ran and ran and ran. My feet were bleeding because of the rough ground, and the cold air was painful against my skin.

I thought everything is okay, I thought we’re all okay. I thought I can finally settle down… why is this happening, huh? My feet came to a halt, obviously tired. My knees crashed into the pavement. I was in the middle of the park, the moon shined brightly, reflecting on the tears that are streaming down my cheeks. It was the same park where me and Chan had our last date before he abandoned my like a fucking cat in the streets. Balling my fists, I shouted. “Why is this happening? Huh, God? I thought you wouldn’t give me challenges I can’t overcome? I thought I finally went through it all? Why the hell are you doing this to me?”

Thunder roared and soon enough, the rain started pouring. Laughing bitterly I helped up both my middle finger up in the air. “GIVE ME A GODDAMN BREAK!” my voice went hoarse. Both my arms fell onto my side. I was in so much pain, I’m even questioning God.

He gave me this life and now I want him to take it back, just please take it back.

But before I give up in life, a hand clasped my shoulder. A familiar ring wrapped around his finger.

“Woojin, let’s all calm down for a while. Can someone go after Mira—” Minho spoke up, he was the 3rd oldest and he had to do something because Chan couldn’t think straight. But, his words were cut off.

“I’ll go.” all of them looked at Chan. Hyunjin’s anger flared again and he hoisted himself up. Woojin shielded Chan. Hyunjin started smiting at Chan, his spit flew everywhere but he didn’t care.. None of them cared. “What the fuck are you saying? Now? You decided to chase after her NOW?! I’m gonna fucking kill you.” Woojin didn’t budge, he was the strongest out of them. He pushed Hyunjin down on the floor. Ordering everyone to do so or else he’s gonna start throwing punches again.

They sat down, the usual playful air was long gone. Sure they had a couple of fights before, some were bad and some were not so bad. A few faces bled here and there but nothing a good talk and a few can of beers couldn’t fix.

But at that moment, their friendship mattered. Their bond was on the line. “Chan hyung, can’t you just tell us why?” Felix spoke up. A hint of worry was found in his baritone voice. All of a sudden, Jeongin started crying. His eyes darted everywhere. He was scared. Seungmin jumped up and went to his side. Jeongin instantly curled into Seungmin’s arms. He held him close as he looked hopefully at Chan. “Hyung please, just tell us. Jeongin is scared, all of us are. If you could only tell us, please.” not only did he begged with his eyes, his voice was downright pleading. Chan started massaging his temples. Hyunjin waited anxiously, as much as he wanted to beat the crap out of the leader, he also wanted to know the truth.

The room went quiet, the suffocating ambience was not present anymore. Instead, it was surprisingly calm, as if they’re just telling their usual stories to each other. Chan breathed in.. he had no other choice. It was already a dead end, and who can he trust more in the world than his friends? Whom he hand picked himself. Whom he took care off, made tons of memories with, cuddled with, laughed and cried with.

“I never wanted to leave her. All of you know, it was all just a prank when I first met her. The usual start of our new semester, we always wanted to do something fun,” he smiled. “Coincidentally, she was our target. I really thought she would run away and cry or even drop out. But…” his voice trailed off. “But instead we each earned a kick on the groin and a slap on the face.” Changbin continued, they all let out a small laughter. Including Hyunjin. “Yeah, never thought she would fight back. Damn, I could still feel the pain in my balls.” Jisung included. Their laughter grew louder.

Chan continued feeling a bit less burdened.

“But as she whipped the asses of the boys (with a broom) who were bothering Jeongin, I looked at her for the first time with a different feeling. Did you guys know what went through my head during that time?” Chan looked at each one of them. Gaze lingering a little longer on Hyunjin. He smiled warmly, recollecting that moment.

“I saw her walking down the aisle as I cry like a fucking baby in front of the altar”

His voice grew softer and softer. No one could deny the fact that Chan loved Mira with all his heart. They all remember that time when he was about to propose. Chan was crying, his eyes were puffy while the other members teased him and tried to calm him down.

Seeing Chan so happy, made them feel happy too. Chan has made a lot of sacrifices for their group. He went through hell just to keep everyone together. And they can’t wish for anything else than seeing Chan feel loved and happy.

“After our first date, we just… clicked. Everything connected. It’s like we’re each others missing puzzle piece. Every single time spent with her were the same. It’s as if I fell in love with her every day of my life. And I didn’t want anything more than that. She made me feel the things I have never felt before.” His eyes, once again, looked at his precious members with love. “And I was fucking elated when she met you guys and all of you loved her like she was our own.” all the members smiled. Chan was right, the moment Mira stepped inside their frat house, everyone wanted to be cuddled and spoiled by her (especially Jeongin).

They treated her like she was family.

“But I fucked up,” the atmosphere suddenly grew heavier again. Hyunjin’s fists were all balled up against his thighs, as if waiting for Chan to mess up so he could hurt him. “Sangyeon suddenly called me, telling me he knows where my precious bride to be is and that he’s gonna hurt her if I don’t break up with her. I just laughed and dared him. His proposal was fucking childish and he won’t benefit anything at all. However, I was wrong.” his gaze fell onto Hyunjin. “He knew Hyunjin liked Mira, and he wanted to use it as an advantage and destroy our frat.” the room went still, everyone was mad. Sangyeon was a member of another frat from their rival university. They always hated each other. Seungmin broke the silence. “Why didn’t you tell us in the first place?” Chan’s gaze fell on his fidgeting hands.

“Because I was scared, and I don’t want anyone to bother you guys. You’re my only family here in Seoul. I wanted to protect all of you. I wanted to stay the same as before.” his held back tears were now lose. He sobbed before continuing,

“Even if it meant losing Mira.”

the whole room was thrown into a trance. Not long after, Hyunjin bolted up. Woojin who got caught by the moment was a step late on tackling Hyunjin.

But what Hyunjin did, shocked everyone.

He went straight to Chan, engulfing him into a warm hug. Chan too was at lost. He couldn’t believe Hyunjin was hugging him. He melted into his embrace, and both of them cried all the held back tears and emotions.

Soon, everyone huddled into a small pile in the center. All of them sobbing and throwing apologies here and there.

“Never lie to us, Hyung. Just like you said, we’re your family. And being family means sharing the burdens of one another. Not just you shouldering all the weight. Hyung, we’re always here to help. Always here to support. Always here to love and care for you. Because we are your members and you are our leader.” Jeongin’s words shocked everyone. The kid grew up from being a nerdy math major to a mature Dean’s Lister and member of their frat.

They all agreed and started scolding Chan about not telling them about his concerns. Hyunjin zeroed in to him, his hands clasped onto Chan’s as his eyes made contact with his. “Hyung, I’m sorry. I never thought this would happen, I could—-” but he was cut off by Chan’s words. “Hyunjin, I’m sorry.” Chan’s hand, cupped Hyunjin’s cheek. Those were the only words that were exchanged but it meant a whole lot more to the both of them.

Hyunjin tried to compose himself before pulling Chan to stand up. “What—” Hyunjin started pushing him towards the door. Hyunjin knew he lost. He knew he was never enough in the first place. His relationship with Mira has been okay, but it was just okay. Unlike Chan, he never saw himself marrying Mira. It was just not the right time for him to think about it. But Chan, was different. Hyunjin bit his lips, trying to hold back the tears. Chan looked at him. All he could give was a smile of defeat.

“Go get her, Hyung.”

11 notes · View notes

miraclejune · 4 years

Text

HERO’S SOUP: Chapter 12

Artist

“Give me my helmet, Seungmin.” the sound of the motorcycle engine slowly deteriorates under the wind. Seungmin was being stubborn again and Chan was not in the mood for any of it. "If I do, will you not follow them like some sort of serial killer?"

Chan clicked his tongue in annoyance. He wasn't having any of this. "Stop wasting my time and give me my damn helmet." his fangs bared as he glared at the witch. Raw anger shot through Chan's veins. Seungmin looked calm but on the inside, he was definitely terrified by the being in front of him. "You know how I fucking hate when someone messes with you guys." he growled breathlessly. Seungmin swallows the lump on his throat. Can’t this person ever think of himself first? Geez.

"As dumb and chaotic as our friends can get, believe me, we know." Seungmin gave his most sincere look, he was being honest.

With a sigh of defeat, Chan turned the key and pulled it out of the keyhole of his bike. "Fine."

“You really need to control your anger sometimes.”

Seungmin smiled from ear to ear making Chan all soft and fluffy inside his dead body. He can’t stay mad at any of the boys. "Let's go home. Jeongin's coming over." Seungmin almost snorted as he saw Chan's cheeks dimpled. Caught off guard, the vampire cleared his throat and proceeded back in the shop. Seungmin tailed him. "Alright, cool." he stopped and turned to his heel. As soon as he made eye contact with Seungmin, who wore a smug look on his face, Chan turned away and tried to find a distraction on the counter. "I'll clean up here, um you go ahead."

"Chan, there's literally nothing there." it was late before he realized it. The counter was as clean and smooth as a baby's bottom. He hadn't meant to do it, he could tell by the look of mild shock on his face and the way his arms floundered. Again, if he was capable of blushing he would be a very vivid shade of red by now.

His ears perked up as he heard a chuckle. That slowly turns into a loud cackle. Seungmin was laughing at him. He faced him, but the witch was already on the floor. He was literally rolling on the floor fucking laughing like a lunatic. In normal circumstances, he would've whooped his sorry ass or yell at him but instead, Chan smiled.

Seungmin was not really a 'warm' person. When they first met, Chan didn’t like the deadpan look on the witch’s face. But as soon as Seungmin entered the room, he started bowing at everyone who greeted him, he's always full of respect. Chan always thought that a person who lowers his head for others will one day reach the highest peak of their life. And that’s when he knew he could trust his life with the witch.

However, there is one bad thing about him. Seungmin was always too serious. Too focused on his career or his goals. The only time he had some good fun was when he visits the vampire and annoys the living hell out of him.

Chan wished he would be more chill. That the witch should do something he likes. Not bury himself under a mountain of thick spell books in his apartment. His wish sorta came true. And he was thankful for it, he may not express it as well as the others but he cherishes Seungmin the most.

“Come on, you crazy fucker. Let’s get going.”

“I still can’t understand why we can’t use your magic transportation thingy.”

“Don’t you have a spell like that?”

“I do but it requires a shit ton of energy.”

“So, my ‘magic transportation thingy’ doesn’t?”

“Chan, you’re a vampire. You’re an immortal idiot that can only be killed with a wooden stake.”

“That doesn’t make me have an infinite amount of energy, and just so you know, it’s a wooden stake through your heart. Name one person who doesn’t die from that, I’m gonna suck my own dick.”

“That’s gay.”

“I’m only gay for myself.”

“Narcissistic nincompoop.”

“Right back at ya.”

Seungmin rolled his eyes and went past Chan who opened the door. He had only taken a few steps away from the entrance when Chan grabbed him by his wrist, alarming him. “There’s something wrong.” An eerie feeling creeped on Seungmin’s spine as he looked back at the vampire. “Oh wait, nevermind.” Chan shrugged and went on his merry way to the living room. Although puzzled by the vampire’s actions he followed suit.

Now that he was well aware of his surroundings, it was quite rowdier than usual. Seungmin snickered, ‘He can tell what’s wrong with just a little change on what he’s used to, what a creep.’

“I heard that.” he looked up and saw Chan eyeing him from his shoulder. Seungmin giggled. He walked to the living room, sat beside Felix and threw his arms around him. The fox involuntarily leans it to the touch. Chan sighed, putting his hands on his waist. Seungmin being all chummy with the others baffled him at first.

The witch wasn’t the type of person who liked skinship, he lacked friends for that aspect too. But, oddly enough, Seungmin grew more and more comfortable with all the touching. It scared the bejesus out of Chan when Seungmin hugged him.

He looks up and smiles at the sight before plopping down the beanie bag.

“So, what’s chaos about?” Seungmin asks. Changbin appears from the kitchen, a cooler on hand. “We’re having a barbeque.” Jisung pops up from behind him, cheeks filled with what seems to be food. He goes to the living room while Changbin saunters to the backyard.

“Weyf wahs dah oksacion.”

“Seungmin, chew or talk. Just pick one.” He rolls his eyes at Hyunjin and takes another bite off the corndog offered by Jisung. “Jisung looks like a squirrel when he eats.”

“Felix, I don’t think that’s what Seungmin said.”

“Aren’t you looking at him? Jisung is a squirrel.”

Minho and Felix bickered at a distance. “I said, what’s the occasion?” he vanishes into thin air after repeating his question, baffling the people around him. Chan shakes his head “You guys either need to get used to Seungmin vanishing mid-sentence or Seungmin should just stop doing it.” He stands up and walks to the backyard, abruptly followed by Minho who was running away from Jisung because he stole the wolf’s corndog.

Chan's statement was agreeable but that didn’t answer their question.

“He went to get Jeongin!” Chan shouted informing the others. “Ah.”

After a short while, Seungmin reappears in the kitchen, Jeongin emerges from behind him. “Jeongin!” Before Hyunjin can even think of throwing himself at the boy, Woojin pulls him by his shirt. “Let’s go!” The rest of them laughed as the alpha literally dragged the poor wolf towards the backyard.

“Why is there a tent?”

The said tent shifted and Chan appeared from the entrance, his clothes were disheveled and his hair was a mess. Jeongin gasped, while the rest of the boys laughed. “Can someone please fucking help me-” 2 sets of hands attached themselves to Chan's upper body. “No, oh god please no.”

“Chantopher, get back in here~ we’re not done yet!”

“Yes, we have a lot of cuddling to do! You're ice cold! You need more cuddling!”

“CUDDLE SOMEONE ELSE AND I'M A FUCKING VAMPIRE I'M SUPPOSED TO BE COLD FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE!”

Chan vanished again. Seungmin laughed so hard he had tears in his eyes. Hyunjin can’t even breathe.

“But, Chan is weirdly warm.” Jeongin thought.

The rest of them agree. “Well, he can change the temperature of his body. He usually does that when around normal humans, or when some of us feel chilly. Oh, and when he just drank fresh blood.” Jeongin looks at Woojin cutting up the meat on the grill. The alpha’s face was calm and filled with content. It warmed him up.

While Jisung, Chan and Changbin are ‘busy’ inside the tent, the rest of them settle down. Woojin was in charge of the cooking. No way in hell would they let the younger ones cook. The last time they did, Changbin almost set the living room on fire. Heaven knows how the fire ended up there instead.

Jeongin was denied any help and decided to sit down on the grass.

“Wait.”

He stumbled on his butt, pouting up to Minho who offered him a hand. “What? I can’t sit on the ground too?” Minho chuckled and swiftly pulled him up. He unfolds the blanket from his other hand. “Oh.” The boy eventually helped him by flattening the blanket on the grass. Right after he softened the edges, he was tackled. “Changbin!”

He vaguely saw a very scruffy Chan pop out of the tent before Changbin and Jisung enveloped him.

“It’s your turn!” Jeongin whined from underneath, he was not struggling or whatsoever. The guys weren’t putting on a lot of weight on him. What scared him was the figures looming above them.

“Oh god, please no pilling!”

“It’s weird.”

Felix puts a pile of meat on Jeongin’s plate looking at the boy in confusion, “What’s weird?” the fox asked.

Jeongin pauses and looks around. “How human-like you guys act?”

Felix smiled. “Well, we weren’t like this at first.” Jeongin stares at the fox’s freckled face, waiting for him to continue. Felix sighs and sits down beside him, crossing his legs, their knees touching.

“At first, we didn’t know how to act. Especially Minho, who wasn’t used to close contact with humans that much.” his eyes shift to Chan's position. “After we met Chan, he taught us how humans live every day. Even to the smallest detail.” Felix looks down and chuckles. “Minho and I were really sloppy in the first few months. There were multiple occasions where we almost got caught. Chan was always there to pull our ears out of trouble. Oh, and humans can't really process all the magical stuff so that helps too.” the fox let out a deep chuckle.

“Still, no one told me what the occasion was?” Seungmin was right. No one answered his question. “Because you disappeared, you dumbass.” the witch shrugged and eyed them for the answer.

Woojin puts down the tongs with a soft clang. “He asked what the occasion is, Changbin.” all eyes settled onto the wolf, while Changbin’s wary eyes found his alpha’s. The corners of the alpha’s lips were lifted into a soft smile. Changbin scratched his head.

“Well, I kinda found a place for my tattoo shop.”

A lot of cheers and shocked reactions emerged from the crowd. “When are you gonna tell us about this geez!” Ha can’t wrap his head around it. Changbin let out an awkward laugh. “Also, the renovations are done. I just need to install the equipment so I need your help.”

“WHAT?”

“Dude, are you serious?”

“It’s been THAT long!!!!”

“I’m actually offended right now.”

Changbin clings to Jeongin, “B-but! I did ask you guys for your help!”

“Unbelievable.”

“Aren’t we friends at all?”

Changbin cowered onto Jeongin’s arms, the boy chuckled and cooed at the bullied wolf.

“My gosh, Changbin.” even Woojin was in it.

“I’M SORRY OKAY!!!!!”

25 notes · View notes