Chapter Text
Yuta was running across campus trying not to spill his coffee, he decided that next time he definitely won't waste that much time trying to wake up Jungwoo. He entered the room making as little noise as possible, only receiving a curious look from his teacher who didn't stop the class to scold him, Yuta mentally thanked him for that as he sat down at the table next to his classmate.
"You’re late.” Mark muttered. “This is something unusual.”
“Jungwoo's to blame.” He muttered in response.
“Oh.” Mark widened his eyes. “Why didn't you tell me he was there?”
Fuck. Yuta thought. “He is, yes, but it's to keep it a secret.”
“Don't worry about it!” He said smiling.
Mark had a crush on Jungwoo but he only knew him from news and magazines. After all, Jungwoo became the youngest CEO of Kim's famous jewelry company, some people somehow saw him as an idol and Yuta never understood that. Last semester Mark ran into him in Yuta's apartment and then ended up discovering their 'brothers' situation. As much as Mark wanted to get close to the blonde he couldn't because he was always nervous when he was around him, it was funny to see. Jungwoo also didn't cooperate because he loved to tease him and it made him even more nervous.
“Why is he even there?” He asked curiously.
Yuta just shrugged. “He didn't really explain it to me, he just asked to stay the night and that I wake him up before I left for class. He was probably feeling overworked. ” He concludes.
Jungwoo looked a little more tired than usual and that worried him, but he learned that the younger would talk about what's going on when he thinks it's necessary, just like Yuta did with him, it was their dynamic. After classes, Mark and Yuta went to the college coffee shop.
“There's going to be a party at Joy's new house this weekend, you’re coming, right?”
Yuta scowled. "Do I need to go?”
"Of course! You have been my partner since the first day here! ” He said proudly. “I don't want you to miss this. ”
“I don't know Mark, you know I'm not into parties and crowds.”
“Pleaseeeeeeeee…” He begged. “Even if... just to accompany me.”
“In short, you just want someone around to make sure you make it to your dorm after drinking yourself until you can’t stand?” He said, raising his eyebrows.
“If you put it that way it looks selfish.”
“Well, it is.”
“I'll buy you lunch for the rest of the week in compensation.”
Yuta stared at him in disbelief. “The bribe!” Then he laughed. "I’ll accept.”
-
Yuta arrived at the apartment later than he would have liked, after classes they met with Ten who ended up making them go on a small tour of the city to see some reference buildings for his architecture project, the semester had barely started and he already was looking for ideas, Yuta had to admit he was dedicated. Before saying goodbye, Mark tried to convince the Japanese to go back to the apartment with him to see if Jungwoo was still there but the eldest said that the blonde should have gone back to Incheon. That's what he had said to Yuta after all, but as soon as he opened the door he found the youngest still in his pajamas, watching television and with a bowl of ice cream in his hands.
“Hi…” Said with his mouth full.
"Hi..." Yuta replied suspiciously. “I thought you went back to Incheon today.”
“Well…” Said the younger while wiping his mouth. “I did... To say I'm taking a few days off!!”
“And I got late today because of that?” He said in a disapproving tone.
Jungwoo just pouted. "Sorry... "
Yuta just shrugged and sat down beside him. “Okay, you know you can stay here as long as you want.” He said taking the spoon from the blonde's hand and taking a piece of ice cream. “I just hope you're okay.”
“I'm fine, don't worry.” He said hesitantly. “I'm just a little overwhelmed anyway. Taking care of the family business... It's not easy. ”
"I can imagine.”
One of the things that Yuta never really understood was why Jungwoo's father turned the company over to him. The blonde just told him that Mr. Kim had simply decided to retire, after that he bought a boat and went fishing and never came back. Not that he died, but apparently, he just decided to leave out of the blue. Yuta liked to think that maybe he felt sorry for everything he did after Mrs. Kim passed away, but it was more something he imagined to try to understand that man's behavior.
“Did you know that the company’s command is only passed on to those with affinities for witchcraft?”
"For real?”
Jungwoo nodded. “I noted this in the family history. My father often said that our family had many humans, but that was our ‘ancestors’ mistake. ” He said with a shrug. “I don't see a problem with humans, I even think I'd like to be one. ”
“I don’t think you would give up on witchcraft.”
“You know me so well, brother.” He said laughing. “At least one of us is.” He winked his left eye at Yuta who only punched him lightly on the shoulder. "Do you miss it?”
"I don’t really know.” He said thoughtfully. “A little, I think. That's what my life was all about after all, but I've been enjoying this new… life, I hardly think about it these days. ”
“Apparently you really enjoyed college.”
Yuta shrugged. “More than I imagined. I met nice people there so that must have paid off a lot.”
“So… No… Interests?” He asked like someone who didn't want anything.
“Not as far as I remember.” He said indifferently. “But if everyone knows that my brother is the famous Kim Jungwoo, who knows.” He joked.
“Look at you, wanting to take advantage of me!” He laughed. “It even looks like you could handle the attention. Besides, it's not the best of ideas at the moment. ” He said, lowering his gaze.
“Woo…” There was something going on, it was the expression he used when he didn't want to cause trouble. “I know it's not our thing to ask this but…What's going on?”
Jungwoo looked away. “It's not the kind of thing you need to worry about.”
“Woo.” Yuta just made a serious expression at him.
He just sighed. “To tell you the truth, I'm hiding from the council.”
The council, it wasn't the first time the Japanese had heard about it, Mr. Kim used to say that they were the great enemy, but Yuta never really knew what it was and didn't even bother to ask. After all, for Mr. Kim, he just needed to know who was the enemy and who wasn't, he didn't need to know what they did or didn't do. Since the spell, Jungwoo hesitated to talk about witch society or other supernatural creatures, Yuta believed it was to not make him regret the choice he made.
“The council of the three elders.” Jungwoo continued. “They are currently the ones in charge of the laws of warlocks and witches. Everyone must respond to them, everyone must be bound to them. The point is... I'm not bound to them and I don't intend to be. ” he said in a serious tone.
“And you can't just… say no?” He questioned.
“It's not that simple, warlocks and witches must submit at twenty-one and well… I'm already of age. ” He shrugged. “Since then, the council has sent their representative after me to explain the rules to me as if I had no choice...”
"So?”
“My dad explained to me that this would happen, and that I shouldn't submit to them at all.” Jungwoo sighed. “He said like I was special? That I am an unexpected birth in the family, I mean, my father is half an warlock? And my mother was one hundred percent witch so it’s no surprise I’d be one. However, as I said, my family has many humans, this apparently delayed the birth of other warlocks or witches, and when I was born, the council knew on the very first day. ”
“It makes sense.” Yuta said thoughtfully. “So that's why you really needed a bodyguard…”
Jungwoo nodded. “Let's not get into this subject Yuta.”
“I'm not made of glass Woo, I know what I really am even though I've been denying it for two years already.”
The two were silent for a few minutes.
"Anyway. If I deny the council, they'll be on my tail waiting for me to break some random rule to try to punish me and make me submit to the elders. ” He shrugged. “Therefore, I just decided to avoid them as much as possible while I formulate a plan.”
“This plan is not going to work very well considering you are the CEO of your family business.”
Jungwoo nodded. “That's why I'm thinking about passing this position on to my uncle, it’s a lot of attention I don't need, plus he's much more capable of running the company than I am, but nobody says anything probably out of fear.”
"Why fear?” he asked curiously.
“Well, he's a Kim whether he likes it or not, and the humans in the Kim family have some knowledge about this other side of us, understand? Sometimes the best security is not questioning some decisions. ”
"I understand. i guess. I think it's a good idea. ” Yuta shrugged. The truth is that he didn't quite know what to say, it all seemed to be something so far from what his life really is, it was like he didn't have an opinion about it, like he didn't need to.
“As I said before, I'm going to need to stay in this hide and seek until I decide what to do. Sorry, for just throwing all of this, which is probably irrelevant to you, on your back like that, I needed to talk.” He said with his head down.
“Okay, after all, I was the one who asked, wasn't it?” Yuta hugged him. “Just be careful.”
“I'll be. I don't want them to find out about you either and I don't intend to let one more Kim ruin your life.”
“It's not like my life could have been any better if I hadn't been bought, Woo.” Yuta shrugged. “I think in the end it was better that way.”
"I hope.”
-
Yuta noticed that Mark was walking as if he was hiding from someone. The youngest was sneaking through the columns of the college yard. He was only twenty but sometimes he act like he was way younger than that.
“Why are you acting weird?” He asked curiously.
“Donghyuck told me that Ten was looking for us.”
“Hum, do you think he's going to want us to go out with him again?”
"Probably. So I'm just avoiding being seen. ”
“Why can't you just say no like a normal person?”
“Oh please Yuta, you know how melodramatic Ten is. Do you remember when I said I didn't understand how his project worked last semester? ”
Yuta remembered that moment, things like his projects, clothes and hair color. It was better to just nod or he would make a scene. After Mark had said that Ten just started crying saying he was the worst architecture student possible.
“Yeah…I remember.” He said a sympathetic towards Mark. “But I don't think you'll have a choice.” Yuta noticed that Ten was running towards them.
“Hey guys.”
“Oh, Hi Ten, I'm sorry, I have lots of homework to do today.”
"No, you don’t.” Ten replied quickly, raising an eyebrow. “But I don't need company today. I just wanted to give this to you.” He said, handing them a colorful folder.
"What is that?” Asked Yuta as he stared at the folder.
“Well, as you know, the dean wants this year to be great. So, together with some of our teachers, he had the idea of bringing together the college's schools in an event or festival or whatever you want to call it.” He said shrugging. “The point is. They're going to open up limited vacancies for students who are interested in joining the support and preparation team. The good thing about it is that it will count as extracurricular activities, which is great for us."
“Extra activities that will weigh on the curriculum…” Yuta thought. “Sounds like a good idea.”
"Right?”
“Well, I think I'm good.” Mark said with a shrug.
Ten just scowled. “I'm not surprised you don't feel like doing it, you're lazy just like Dejun.”
“That nerd Dejun? Oh please, I will definitely participate in this. ”
Ten smiled in victory. “Well, that was it, I remembered you two the moment they let me know about this, after all, you are my dear friends whether you like it or not.” He said, patting Yuta on the back. "This folder has all the information about the event, but honestly, everyone will end up participating, because the evaluation projects for this semester must be shown in it, but those interested in registering for the support team's vacancies will receive a bonus as they go be supporting other departments. ” He made a sign of silence. “It hasn't been announced yet, so if you want to participate, get ready to apply soon.”
“And how did you get access to this?” asked Mark curiously.
“Well, I'll be part of the event's organizing committee, representing the architecture department.”
“This seems important.” Mark muttered.
"And it is.” Ten responded quickly. “Anyway, I believe that by next Friday this will be announced... Good luck. ”
“Thank you for letting us know about this.” Thanked Yuta. In the Japanese’s mind, Ten was more Mark's friend than his. After all, Mark met Ten at a freshman party in the first semester of college. Moreover, at that time the youngest was already friends with Yuta, which made Ten ended up getting closer to him because of Mark, but he thought it was just for convenience because they’re always together since the younger was Yuta only friend at the time. When the Thai said they were both his dear friends he got surprised a bit.
“I knew you would like that.” Ten said, smiling as he walked away from the two. “Oh and Mark… Homework? Seriously? ” he asked, making a disgusted expression.
"It is true! Yuta can confirm! ”
Yuta just nodded, but Ten had already turned his back to them.
In the Korea National University of Arts, the school of visual arts had four departments, each was a specific course, Yuta and Mark were part of the fine arts department, and the other departments were architecture, design and art theory. There were other school’s too, like the School of Dance, Music, Drama and others, each with their different departments. The idea of the event seemed very interesting from the Japanese point of view, although he is sure that if he has to show his own work in front of other people at this event, he will be extremely embarrassed, but there was nothing to do about it. On the way back to class they bumped into Joy who as usual was the most curious person he knew, being quick to take the folder out of his hand to see what it was.
"What is that?” She asked, ignoring Mark's 'Hi Joy'.
Yuta sighed. “It's the folder about an event that will take place this semester.”
She raised an eyebrow as she looked at the folder. “Oh, I heard about it, I was invited to join the committee because of my class prominence but I left the spot to Taeil as he was looking forward to it soooo much.” She shrugged and handing the folder back to the Japanese. “It looks like it's going to be something really big.”
"Right? I'm thinking about joining the support team. ”
"Really? It seems to be too much work and we will have to show our projects and everything. ”
Yuta felt a chill. “Don't tell me. Just thinking about it makes me nervous.”
“Oh please.” She laughed. “You are one of the best in our class, you will do just fine.”
"Right?” Mark said, finally causing Joy to look at him. “I've told him several times to have confidence in his works but he doesn't even listen to me!”
“Yeah, don't even tell me.” Said rolling her eyes. “You’ll come to my party, right?” She asked, looking at Yuta.
“Of course we will.” Mark put his arm around the Japanese's shoulder.
"Great.” She smiled. “Hope to see you there then.”
As soon as she walked away from them, Mark turned to Yuta.
“You’re definitely going now.”
“But I already said I would.”
“I’m just reminding you.”
-
"Look at him. So pretty. ” Provoked Jungwoo.
Yuta jumped when he heard that, sometimes he forgot that Jungwoo could show up there at any time. The warlock had connected the door of the other room to some other place with his door-crossing thing. It gave him free access to the apartment, but Yuta planned to talk to him about it. For him to just show up there unannounced... it would be weird and embarrassing if the Japanese were with someone else there.
“You scared me. Woo, you need to let me know when you're going to do this. ” He said, finishing buttoning his shirt.
“Sorry, I always have fun with your reaction.” The blonde chuckled.
“Thanks anyway, I was going to ask your opinion.”
"You're welcome. Are you going on a date? ” Jungwoo got up and handed the jacket that was on the bed to Yuta.
“Not really, it's just a party at Joy's house. Mark begged me to go. ” He said with a shrug.
“Little Mark wanting attention.” He laughed. “I always thought this girl's name was funny though.”
“Oh it's just a nickname, her name is Sooyoung, but she likes being called Joy, don't ask me why.”
Jungwoo raised an eyebrow. “Sooyoung… as Park Sooyoung?”
Yuta turned to see if there was anything on his back in the mirror. “Yes, how did you know?”
“Well…it's because she's a witch.”
Yuta's eyes widened in surprise at the information. "For real?”
“Unless there's another Park Sooyoung out there. For real. ” Jungwoo shrugged. “But don't worry about it. She probably doesn't know about our connection... But be careful, the Park family is one of the closest to the council. ”
“But what if she knows and that's why she asked me to go today?” Yuta sat up in bed. “Mark knows, what if he told her something?”
“I have my intuition about Mark's seriousness with promises. He would only have told her if she had persuaded him, which is what the Park’s do best. ”
“And how are you sure she doesn't know?”
“Because by now someone from the council would have knocked on your door.” Jungwoo put his hand on the Japanese shoulder. “I shouldn't have said anything. But I thought you might want to know about it. After all, there's no way you can know these things on your own... So, calm down and go have fun. ”
The warlock saying he couldn't know on his own hurt Yuta. Since he abdicated what he was, he could no longer distinguish the 'supernatural' difference between people, while he felt a certain tranquility in not having to care to know that, he was also afraid.
“You scare me and tell me to go have fun?”
"Yes!”
“You are the worst.”
Jungwoo just smirked. “I know, now go. Go to the party, dance, have fun and kiss someone for me. ”
“The Yuta you have in your mind looks like someone who really likes to party.” He laughed.
“Okay, I plan to spend the night here. Do I have Lord Yuta's permission?” He rose and bowed.
“Why are you asking permission? You know you can. ”
“Not ten minutes ago you said I should let you know when I'm coming here.”
“You really are the worst.”
"I know.”
-
Yuta met with Mark at the intended address. Apparently, Joy had bought a new house in a neighborhood not far from college. Therefore, since she finished the move she had been thinking about how to celebrate in the best way possible. She liked to show off whatever achievements she had. The Japanese were a little surprised when he first saw the place, as Joy didn't look like the kind of person that would have liked a house with a facade that recalls something old. He was still nervous about going there because of what he'd discovered earlier. Before Mark could knock on the door, Yuta stopped him.
“Hey, did you tell Joy about Jungwoo?”
Mark looked at him in surprise. “No, do you want me to?”
Yuta shook his head. “It's nothing, forget it, for a moment I thought she knew about him.”
“The secret is safe with me.” Mark smiled. “But I never really understood this secret thing of yours.”
Yuta just shrugged. “Another time I'll explain it to you.”
As soon as they knocked on the door, Joy opened it quickly, almost as if she was waiting for them.
“You came!” She said smiling. “Come in, come in, everyone is already here.”
Despite the sturdier and older facade, her new house was quite 'modern', there was a courtyard with a path on the floor that led to the front door. There were some flowerpots on the walls. He could hear loud music inside the house and lights in the window. Yuta wondered if there was a chance of any neighbors calling the police.
The Japanese managed to spend an impressive thirty minutes in that house pretending that he liked to be surrounded by so many unknown people, talking, dancing and drinking. Yuta wasn't made for crowds, he had to admit. At first he still chatted a little with his other classmates, but nothing that could be kept up for long. Mark had already hooked up with some random group and wouldn't stop drinking, as usual, Yuta took a deep breath and decided to sit in the backyard of the house, near the pool. Joy didn't want anyone to go in because pools were harder to clean afterwards, which left the yard empty, just what he needed. He just folded his pants down to his knees and put his feet in the cold water.
“Oh” He heard someone's voice. “I thought no one would be here.”
Yuta shrugged without turning around. “I'm sorry to disappoint you.”
"Sorry... "
“Well, I don't own the house. You can stay if you want to.”
“I'm glad you aren't.” Said the stranger in a calm tone. “I will accept your offer. I'm just waiting for someone to take him home. ”
He sat on the same side of the pool as Yuta and after folding his sweatpants the guy put his feet in the water, he must have been a little taller than him, his black hair was combed in a way that made a fringe that fell a little bit in his eyes. He was also wearing a grimy black sweater, he looked more like someone who didn't intend to leave his house that day, despite not being something that was suitable for a party, Yuta thought he was very handsome.
“So I guess there are two of us. I'm just waiting for my friend, honestly.”
“Oh.” He shifted a little to the side to get closer to Yuta. “What a coincidence then.” He smiled, extending his hand. The Japanese blushed a bit with his dimples. “My name is Jaehyun, Jung Jaehyun. And you? ”
“Yuta… Nakamoto Yuta. ” They shook hands and then a silence prevailed between them.
“So…” Jaehyun started. “You don’t like parties?”
“Not at all to be honest.” He said looking at his own reflection in the water. “I get uncomfortable with a lot of unknown people around me, I feel like all eyes are on me. You know? ”
"I understand.” He scratched his nose. “I feel something similar too. I actually didn't intend to leave my house today, as you can see I'm not even dressed for it. ”
Yuta laughed lightly. “I didn't want to say anything.”
"You’re kind.” He laughed. “I still have my issues with the owner of this house. I’m sure I shouldn't be here.”
"Really?”
He nodded. “It’s best to not talk about this.”
They continued talking for a while longer, Jaehyun actually didn't even go to college so there was no way the Japanese had seen him around campus before, he was waiting for someone who was there, but he didn't use names. Yuta also found out that he was twenty two years old, the same age as him. He was funny and a bit silly. It was a nice conversation. Jaehyun ended up saying that he had a certain aversion towards Joy from the first time he saw her and that it was mutual. Which surprised the Japanese because Joy always seemed to get along well with everyone he knew. She probably wouldn't get along with Jungwoo but he couldn’t say exactly why. It didn't take long for them to be interrupted by her, calling out to Yuta.
“I think I have to go.” He said getting up and folding his pants again. “I think my friend got into trouble.”
“Bye then. It was a pleasure meeting you, Yuta.”
He just smiled and walked over to Joy who wasn't looking at him with a very good expression.
“Why are you with that…guy?”
“Jaehyun? I was just sitting by the pool and he happened to be there. ” He said with a shrug.
“I know, but I didn't even invite him. He's not even on campus.”
“I know, but he said he was waiting for someone.”
“Oh that must be it then.” She said thoughtfully. “Anyway, Mark definitely needs help. He threw up a lot in the bathroom just now.”
“Now tell me something I don't know. ”
She looked at him for a few seconds. “You look very handsome today.”
Yuta raised his eyebrows at the unexpected compliment. "Thanks. Good to know that at least today I am. ” He joked.
She just smiled and led him to where Mark was. He was sitting next to the toilet bowl in the living room toilet.
“Yutaaa.” He said getting up quickly and stumbling towards the Japanese.
“Hi Mark. Let's go. You've had enough fun by the looks of it.” He put one of the other’s arms on his shoulder and held his waist to keep him from falling. He asked Joy to help him order a cab as he had his hands full with Mark. After a few minutes waiting near the door Yuta managed to put the youngest, who was almost asleep, in the back seat of the cab.
“Who….was that guy with you?” Mark asked sleepily.
"Who?”
“I saw…you with a guy in the pool.”
“Oh, just someone I met randomly. ” He adjusted himself on the bench and laid Mark's head in his lap.
“Yutaaaa… I can't believe you found a date.” He sobbed. “I am so proud.”
“I would like to say the same about you.” He joked trying to look away from the judging eyes of the driver. “What did you drink Mark? You stink. ”
“Please don't hate me…I love you sooooo much.”
"Yes I know... "
Yuta didn't want to have to leave Mark in that state in the dorm in the hands of his roommate, so he decided it would be better to take him to his own apartment. Besides, with Jungwoo there, he could do something for the hangover that would probably destroy the youngest the next day.
The Japanese had a bit of difficulty getting his friend into the elevator. He also tried not to be noisy, but it was impossible, as soon as they arrived at the apartment Mark simply threw himself on the living room floor. It didn't take long for Jungwoo to come running to see what it was.
“Oh it's little Mark.” He made a curious expression and then held his nose. “Damn, what did he drink? He stinks like garbage. ”
"Right?” Yuta said, closing the door. “I have no idea what he drank at that party.”
Jungwoo just knelt on the floor and turned Mark to put his head in his lap and then he made a brief movement with one hand in front of his face and he woke up.
"Oh I think I'm dreamin..." He said smiling.
“No you're not.” Jungwoo smiled. “You're drunk, stinky and in need of a bath.”
“I would like if you gave me a bath.”
Jungwoo just laughed. “I'm sure your sober self won't even believe what you just said.” He got up, knocking Mark's head to the ground. “Well, I woke up the sleeping beauty, now it's in your hands.”
“I would like a little help.” Yuta pouted.
“I've done enough for you!”
"At least I tried.” He said with a shrug. “Come on Mark, Jungwoo doesn't want to give you a bath.” He helped his friend to be on his feet.
“Damn.” Muttered Mark.
After he gave his friend a bath, the Japanese helped him lie down on the couch to sleep and covered him with a blanket. Then he sat in front of Jungwoo on the kitchen island, the youngest had made tea for them both.
"Is he okay?” He smiled when Yuta nodded. “I made some tea.”
"Thanks.” He took a sip of tea, feeling as if that liquid flowed all over his body. "What is that?” he asked curiously.
“Oh it's just an herb, it helps to relax and relieve tension. I thought you'd want it.”
“It's great, thanks.”
They were silent for a few seconds.
“…So how was the party?” Jungwoo asked.
“Well…” Yuta placed the cup on the table. “At first it seemed to be just another party that I would be uncomfortable with.” He shrugged. “I sat close to the pool where there was no one and ended up meeting this…. Dude.”
Jungwoo raises an eyebrow. "I'm listening.”
“It wasn't anything special I think. He was waiting for someone, probably his date or whatever. But he was nice, it was a good conversation. ”
“So…you guys just talked?”
Yuta nodded.
"Hmm.”
"Disappointed?”
"A Bit.” He circled his finger in the cup. “Was he handsome?”
“He was dressed like someone who had been lying in bed all day.” He laughed. “But yes, he was.”
Jungwoo just smiled.
"What?”
"Nothing.” He shrugged. “It's not every day that you talk about someone's handsomeness.”
Yuta shrugged. “But I'm hardly ever going to see him again, he's not even on campus and I didn't get his number.”
“Really Yuta?” Jungwoo looked at him in disbelief.
"What? I didn't even think about it at the time and I didn't even have any second intentions like you think I have. ”
“You are an amateur in relationships!”
“And you are talking like you're an expert.”
They both laughed.
“Well I'm going to sleep, I'm tired and thanks to this tea my eyes are feeling heavy.”
"Okay.” Before Yuta entered his own room, the blonde said: “If you have a strand of his hair, give it to me so I can locate him for you.” He said with a smirk.
"Woo!"
The next morning.
“Ugh my head is killing me.” Mark said upon waking up.
“Poor thing.” He heard a familiar voice, as he turned his face he saw Jungwoo in his pajamas reading a book with a serene expression. He panicked and covered himself with the blanket, because he wasn’t wearing any shirt and just being close to Jungwoo made him nervous by itself. Yuta was a demon.
“H-hi...”
“Don't be shy.” Jungwoo looked up at him. “It's not like I don't like what I'm seeing.” Teased.
“A-ah, Now I need more blankets!” Yuta patted his head.
“Why, Mark? You were so happy to come here yesterday. ”
“It's a shame he doesn't remember waking up in my lap.” Jungwoo said with his eyes fixed on him.
“I…I what?”
“That's what you heard, Mark.” Jungwoo winked at him from the corner of his eye.
“I-I-I need a shower! Excuse me.” Mark got up wrapped in the blanket and ran to Yuta's room, and they both laughed as they heard the bathroom door close.
“You’re such a tease Woo.”
“What can I do if his reaction always makes it irresistible?” He burst out laughing.
“These tea herbs of yours… Does any of that work on headaches? He will probably need it. ”
“I must have something. He'll be fine.” Jungwoo shrugged. “Oh, I forgot to ask you something… How were things with Joy?”
Yuta's eyes widened, he had completely forgotten that she was a witch. He should have been at least alert. However, the moment he walked into her house it was as if his mind had gotten hazy around that topic. How? He thought.
“I-I… forgot?” He blinked.
"You forgot? How? ”
“I didn't remember about it at all during the time I was inside that house. I just remembered now because you asked me about her.”
Jungwoo watched him warily.
“I don't feel anything over you… She didn't do anything, it must have been something she put in the place. ” He closed the little book. “Some kind of veil. She probably wanted to hide something. ”
"What?”
“Veils are only put on when someone wants to hide something. She probably knew that someone who knew about her was going to that party, so she put the veil over the house to avoid the situation. ” He said thoughtfully. “It couldn't have been anything aimed at you, like I said… But I don't recommend setting foot there again. ”
A shiver passed through Yuta's body.
"I won’t.”
-
The announcement about the big event of the semester was announced the following week, just as Ten had said. The “Arts Week”, as it was called by their teachers, would be the evaluation of all schools in that first half of the semester, aiming to encourage freshmen to show their talent as well as giving veterans the opportunity to show everything they learned. Yuta actually liked that idea. He signed up for the support team, his semester didn't have many classes because in the past he anticipated some, so it would be a calmer semester in theory, so he didn't have a problem joining.
The first week he didn't have to do much, he just attended a few meetings because Ten insisted on dragging him along. Saying it was important for him to know what was going to happen each day. Although he was on the support of the visual arts school and its departments, he didn't need to know exactly what each school was going to do. One thing he noticed was how Taeil, the fine arts representative, acted more like a great leader of everything as everyone apparently followed the schedule of reunions he had created for the event and approved most of his ideas. He already knew him by sight, he was three years older than him and was one semester ahead. He always stood out in and out of class, which must be why people just approved of his ideas.
-
Yuta was walking carefully with a column of books in his hands, it was a request from Taeil, as he was the only one of the support team that the eldest found, so he asked for his help. He had quickly explained to him why he needed it, but Yuta didn't pay much attention. He tried his best not to drop anything. Dejun would probably kill him if that happened. He had understood why Mark didn't like him after meeting the guy for the first time. But his care was all in vain when some stranger bumped into him in the hallway causing him to drop everything.
"I’m sorry. I'm a little lost. ” The stranger bent down to help him pick up the books. “Oh, hello… Yuta? ” asked Jaehyun.
“Oh hello, and you are Jaehyun, right?” He nodded. “I didn't expect to find you around here.”
“It's an unexpected surprise for me too.” He laughed. “I just came to meet someone.”
"Oh I see.” He said getting up already holding the books again.
“B-but I'd like if we talk later... What do you think about giving me your number? I forgot to ask that day.”
Yuta looked at him thoughtfully. This time Jaehyun had his hair properly combed. The bangs he was wearing on the day of the party had the image of some nerd he had seen around campus. It was funny and cute, but now he had his hair parted and he could see his forehead. That hairstyle definitely made his smile more charming than cute.
“Of course, but I have my hands full here.” Yuta shrugged. “If you can help me... ”
“How about I help you take this to wherever you need?”
“Ah it's my job at the moment I couldn't ask you for it.”
“It's not like I'm going to find the person I'm looking for anyway, apparently.” He shrugged. “At least there's someone I know here.”
“Okay, get half of them please.”
Yuta's back thanked him when half the weight was removed from his hands.
“Are you some kind of librarian here?”
“Actually, no, this is just something I should take out into the hall.” He tried to nod. “There's going to be an event on campus soon and apparently one of the organizers needs this for some reason I don't remember.”
“That sounds cool.” He smiled. “I mean. The event.”
“Yeah, aside from when they need the hard work. But I signed up for it so…”
Jaehyun laughed. “Wait… is the organizer Moon Taeil?” he asked curiously.
"Yes he is, how did you know?” Yuta looked at him in surprise.
“He's the person I'm looking for.”
It didn't take long for them to be greeted by him as they entered the hall.
“Oh there you are!” Taeil came running towards them and quickly grabbed Jaehyun by the arm.
“Careful I don't want to drop this a second time.” He warned.
“You can put it over there on that table.” He pointed and then watched curiously. "Do you know each other?”
They responded at the same time, but Yuta regretted it right away because while he said 'no', Jaehyun had said 'yes'.
“I mean…” The Japanese tried to find an excuse, but Jaehyun continued for him.
“Well, actually it's the second time we've met and on both occasions we've talked a little.” He winked at Yuta. “We can say that we know each other, right?”
"I guess so.” He replied, embarrassed.
“Yuta. Right? ” Taeil asked.
He just nodded. The older one soon slapped Jaehyun's biceps.
"Excellent! You two will see each other a little more from now on as Jaehyunnie here will join the support team. Hehe. ”
“Is that why you called me here?” Jaehyun raised an eyebrow.
"Yes! You owe me a lot of favors and it's not like you have anything better to do.” He laughed. “I couldn't stand to see you unoccupied at home anymore so I got you something to do. ”
“But he's not even...”
Taeil made a sign of silence. “I found a way.” Then he winked at Jaehyun. “Besides, a ride every day would be nice.”
"Is that so?” Yuta raised an eyebrow at Jaehyun who had rosy cheeks. For the Japanese it was clear that they were in a relationship.
"Yes!” Taeil replied. “Don't you think it's going to be interesting for people to see me arrive with a handsome guy like that?”
“Taeil, please stop.” Jaehyun pleaded.
Yuta just laughed.
-
After that day, they started to see each other very often through campus during the afternoons. The representatives didn't seem to agree on how the hall would be organized or the types of workshops that will take place, as it will be an event beyond the campus students, they want to draw as much attention as possible to the schools. Workshops should be the best possible way to present some of the courses. There was still a lot to do, they had only one more week to make the decisions before the stage preparations and decoration began to be organized and produced. Taeil passed through some of the campus classes to understand what kind of projects the students were working on for the presentations on the days of the event. Yuta couldn't help but admire the older one determination.
During those days he could barely see Jungwoo, the youngest was busy in Incheon with the family business, which he had started to introduce his uncle as the new head of the company just as he had told him. Yuta was irritated because with this the news began to be reproduced that the blonde was incompetent for the position. However, he tried to ignore it since Jungwoo didn't care what humans said about him. Sometimes he forgot that the two were no longer part of the same world, and that's why the youngest didn't like interfering so much in Yuta's life and that ended up making them fall apart a bit. If Yuta wasn’t an omega, things might be totally different for them. But he pushed the thought away whenever it came to his mind.
Yuta thought he could still have Mark's company since the two had joined the support team, but the younger said he was being a 'slave' in the architecture department, it was probably Ten's doing and since the Japanese was helping Taeil directly, the two weren't seen each other much on campus outside of classes. Then Jaehyun enters, since he was also helping the eldest, the two ended up talking a lot. He was a good distraction. Yuta had to admit. He always tried to keep a conversation going even if it was on some silly topic, but his smile was dangerous for the Japanese. Sometimes he thought Taeil was lucky to have someone like him around. To be honest, Yuta never dated anyone, but it wasn't something he was looking for. Not that he never hooked up with anyone, he had his moments with boys and girls in the past, but nothing he could consider special. Jungwoo always liked to ask him about this subject, and said that he should give someone a chance. But in Yuta's mind, he didn't need to hurry.
In some meetings Yuta could share some ideas that pleased Taeil, since then he liked to hear what the Japanese had to say about the event and what they were planning, so they could organize an interesting schedule more quickly. However, sometimes they ended up just making small talk, Taeil sometimes liked to talk about Jaehyun and it made Yuta a little embarrassed, for him it was as if the older was saying Jaehyun was his or something like that. The thing is, in the end it was just something in his head. Because when he asked if they were dating, the older just looked surprised at him.
“Oh my god, you thought me and Jaehyun were dating?”
“Well… you guys don’t?”
"No!? We are just friends! ” He laughed. “Oh my. I can’t believe this. ”
Yuta blushed. “Can you blame me? You act as if you are. ”
“Okay, I can be really clingy sometimes!” He laughed again. “But we're not, we just live in the same house actually.”
“And yet you don't date?”
"No! Just because we live in the same house doesn't mean we date Yuta! ”
"If you say so.” Yuta shrugged.
“He was a bit depressed because he lost his job recently, so I thought if I got him something to do he could leave the house, I kind of managed it so…” He shrugged. “Plus, I must admit that his eyes shine a bit when he is around you.” He gave the Japanese a curious look. “I hope he finds something interesting in the event, it would be good for him to go to college, you know?”
"I think so.” Yuta said, trying to show disinterest by looking at the notes they took. But he still felt the weight of Taeil's curious gaze on him.
“What are you going to do now that I'm not a threat?”
He almost dropped the notebook. “N-nothing, I just asked out of curiosity.”
"I’ll pretend that I believe in you.”
-
The week before the event was the most tiring. He needed to finish his assessment and presentation work, as well as help with stage construction and decorations. At least there were plenty of people to help in that matter so he felt relieved, but they still needed to hurry to get everything ready in time. Jaehyun knew well how to put together the platforms, he wasn't surprised since in their conversations he had said that he knew how to do all kinds of work that were useful. He had to learn to be able to give the best care for his little brother. That day he was wearing a tank top that definitely made it impossible not to look at his arms, but Yuta tried not to make that obvious.
Since the other schools and departments still needed help, the people on the support team would help each other, as long as they had completed their assignments with the department they were assigned to help with. As Taeil accelerated preparations for the visual arts school, they were free to support other schools. Later that week, he and Jaehyun ended up staying late helping a department at the dance school. Joy and Mark had called Yuta to crack a pizza later that day but the Japanese wasn't in the mood to go out so his distraction at that night became cleaning up a large dance hall that would be where some students would show off their skills at the event and Jaehyun.
"Whew, I can't believe we're done." Jaehyun said, sitting in the corner of the room next to Yuta.
"Neither do I, I can't even believe that next week will be the event, it seems we've been at it for years." He joked.
"Right?" Jaehyun laughed. “But despite not studying here, it was a very rewarding event so far.”
"Is that so?" Yuta felt his ears sting.
Jaehyun nodded. "I wasn't in a good place before starting here, I have to admit, it was good."
"Taeil said something about..."
"Oh." He looked away. "It’s just the past, I don't want to talk about it."
"Okay, you don't have to say anything you don't want to."
"It's not that, it's just... I don't want to waste your company on things like this." Then he turned to smile at Yuta again. "You know, when I was younger my mom taught me to dance to slow songs, I think she was a dance teacher, I don't have a lot of memories of her but I always remember that light music and a place like this."
"Really?" Jaehyun nodded. "Well my..." Yuta thought for a moment, would it be right to consider Mrs. Kim, his mother? Aside from her, the Japanese didn't have any maternal figures in his life. “Mother…” The word barely left his throat. "Taught me how to paint and have a certain appreciation for art, that's why I'm here today."
"I would like to see your paintings one day."
"Well, next week I'll be showing one of them in the hall, if you're interested in seeing it."
"I would love to." Yuta felt a little twinge in his heart whenever the dimples formed in Jaehyun's cheeks when he smiled. "Since you promised to show me your art..." He stood up, then he made his cell phone play a slow song and then put it in his own pocket, after that he bowed to Yuta. "How about a dance?"
Yuta just stared at him. "First, I didn't promise, second, I don't know how to dance..."
"I'll teach you." He said pulling the Japanese by the hand leaving him very close to his body, then he intertwined his fingers with Yuta's and placed his other hand on his waist. "Now, you put your free hand on my shoulder."
"I-I..."
"Relax." Jaehyun took a deep breath, implying that Yuta should do the same. "Now you just follow me, okay?"
"O-okay." He placed his hand on Jaehyun’s shoulder.
"One-Two-Three" Jaehyun started to move slowly, guiding Yuta who had a bit of difficulty at first because he was trying his best to not to step on the other’s foot. “One-Two-Three” Jaehyun looked at the Japanese graciously as he started to keep up with his pace. "You're pretty good at it."
"I might be a fast learner." He replied proudly.
"I noticed." He smiled. “Dancing makes me feel free, you know?”
"I can feel it too." He agreed.
Jaehyun brought Yuta even closer to his body. "I can't deny that I'm happy to be your first dance."
Yuta blushed. Their faces were terribly close, the Japanese could feel his heartbeat falling in rhythm with his own. Jaehyun was so compelling, should he surrender to that guy's enchantment? That doubt was more like a defense mechanism, the truth is that he wanted this closeness. When Jaehyun broke that distance between them, Yuta just surrendered and the two kissed passionately.
-
The following week arrived quickly. On the day Yuta and Jaehyun kissed, the other insisted on leaving him in front of his apartment building, they even kissed again after saying goodbye but that was it. Unconsciously, he waited for the other to send him a message, but it never happened. He just observed the little emoji he had sent the last time they spoke. Yuta didn't want to send a message because for him it's like he was pushing things, so the two ended up not talking to each other the entire weekend.
On the first day of the event, people from the support team who didn't have work to present should just keep monitoring and see if everything was ok, to be prepared for any unforeseen events that might occur. But as everything was going according to plan the Japanese allowed himself to relax a bit, he even talked to Mark and Donghyuck in the coffee shop, he made the mistake of telling them both about Jaehyun. It didn't take long for him to be approached by Ten that same day, unlike Mark, Donghyuck loved to gossip, it didn't take long for that information to reach the ears of the Thai who seemed very excited about the situation. He even proposed a double date, but when Yuta said they hadn't spoken since they kissed, the Japanese only received a look of disbelief.
“Oh.My.God." Ten looked at Yuta as if he had committed a crime. "Why didn't you send anything?"
"I didn't want to force anything."
"I can't stand amateurs!" Ten was pacing. "Well, you'll have to deal with this or my double date idea will go down the drain."
"Well, I can't do anything if he isn't interested."
"Oh please, I've been able to see you guys around campus a couple of times these past few weeks and honestly, I liked what I saw." He smiled. "Well I don't want you to ruin it so..." He gave the Japanese a little push. "Fix it." He turned quickly and left the scene.
Yuta's back hit someone, he turned to apologize but was met with that familiar smile.
“Hi.” said Jaehyun.
“Oh. H-hi.” Yuta looked away in embarrassment. "You were there for how long?"
"I just got here." He said, raising his hand to put a strand of Yuta's hair behind his ear. "How was your weekend?"
"It was okay." He shrugged. “I actually…hum, nevermind. And yours?"
"Terrible. I found out I had left my cell phone in the dance room and couldn't get in touch with the guy I'm interested in for the entire weekend, can you believe it?”
Yuta laughed. Suddenly that idea about not wanting to force anything seemed so silly in his mind.
"Well… did you get it back?"
"Yes, and I intend to make it up with this guy, you know?"
"Really?" Yuta raised an eyebrow.
Jaehyun nodded. Since there were still a few hours before the first day of the event ends, they still had to go around the place one more time but Jaehyun said they weren't the only ones on the support team there so no one would notice if two of them disappeared for a few minutes. The taller then pulled him to a corner where no one could see them, just to kiss Yuta, who tried to resist but it was in vain since he just melted on the other's lips.
The following days of the event were extremely satisfying and well received by the public, some news sites spoke extremely well of the event and the college, the japanese could see Taeil jumping happily around the campus. Yuta was afraid of being nervous on the day of his presentation, but he just took a deep breath and could speak without stuttering or losing his posture, something he was truly afraid of but his friends were always there for him, it was no different that day since Joy was there to watch. Even by knowing that she was a witch, he couldn't deny that she always was a good friend.
"Great job Yuta, as always." She smiled. "I always said how talented you are so I'm not surprised." Yuta thanked her but his eyes were focused on finding Jaehyun among those people who were walking in and out of the campus. He had said he was going to see Yuta's presentation but it was a few minutes away from his turn to end and there was no sign of the taller around. Joy just stared at him curiously. "Unfortunately it's not from me that you want to hear this, is it?"
“Oh I don't know how to thank you, Joy. You've always been so supportive.” He said looking at her who just shrugged.
"I'll accept that, I guess."
They said their goodbyes and she ran to see another department's work. Joy's presentation would be on the same day as Taeil so she was free to see the other works, sometimes Yuta forgot they only attended a few classes together.
Yuta waited for Jaehyun but he never came. It wasn't a big deal though, but the Japanese couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed. But still, he was surprised by a tall, blond warlock with a familiar face hidden by a hood.
"Hey!" He waved at the Japanese, while looking with care to his surroundings.
"Woo?" Yuta ran towards the youngest who nodded to make the Japanese follow him. The two walked outside the campus. It had been a while since the last time they had seen each other or talked, he wanted to be able to talk to the blonde but he didn't respond to his messages so the Japanese just believed he was too busy.
"Hi Woo, I missed you." He said hugging the warlock.
"I missed you too." He said in a hesitant tone. "I saw your presentation back there, you were great."
"Thanks, I didn't expect you to show up here."
The youngest pointed to the hood. "A simple veil like this hides me easily." Said proudly. "I thought of a dramatic entrance but there's a lot of witches and wolves around here, I need to be careful." He shrugged. "I only came because... I needed to see you again... I'm going to be away for a while..."
Yuta felt a chill. "Is it because of the council?"
The blonde nodded.
"I don't like this Woo..."
“I know, but what can I do? What... Can you do?"
And there was that line, the one that bothered Yuta.
"I hate when you talk like that, it makes me feel useless."
“N-no... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." He hugged Yuta. “I just wanted to say that you don't have to worry. I'll be back, you won't even notice, I promise.”
"There's no way I won't worry Woo, but like you said, I can't do anything." He looked away. "Just be careful, okay?"
“I'll be, Yuta. And when I get back, you'll have to tell me everything that's been going on.”
Yuta laughed lightly. "There's a lot to tell."
Jungwoo just hugged him again. "I love you brother." He said in a cracking voice.
“I love you too, Woo. Be careful with whatever you are planning to do.”
Jungwoo just nodded and walked away, Yuta just watched until the warlock was no longer in his range of vision. It didn't take long for him to be surprised by a hug from behind.
"Who was that?" Jaehyun asked right next to his ear. Yuta felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, he hadn't even noticed the taller approaching.
"A-ah, don't do that!" He said letting go of Jaehyun's arms. "You scared me."
"Sorry." He pouted.
Yuta just sighed. "It was my brother."
"Oh I see." He scratched his nose. "He..."
"What?"
"Nothing!" He walked over to kiss the Japanese on the cheek. "I just didn't know you guys were so different."
"So you were spying on me?" Yuta made a serious expression making Jaehyun blush.
“Of course not, I just watched you from afar, I didn't want to interrupt. It looked serious.”
Yuta shrugged. "It was, but I'd rather not talk about it."
"Will you introduce me to him another time then?" He said putting his hands on Yuta's waist.
"Hum, I don't know, Jungwoo might be a bit jealous."
Yuta stopped at that moment. Fuck. He said the name. Jaehyun raised an eyebrow curiously.
“Jungwoo…by Kim Jungwoo? That famous rich guy who was the youngest CEO of a jewelry company?”
Yuta felt some relief with the answer but he was still tense. It wasn't common for him to say Jungwoo's name that easily. Besides when he is with Mark. But he was so calm around Jaehyun that he didn't even notice. He just nodded in response.
"Oh, I didn't know you were that rich."
"I'm not." He shrugged. "Really."
"If you say so." Jaehyun pouted sadly. "Sorry for being late, I had to sort some things out at home."
"It's okay, it was just a silly presentation anyway."
"I doubt it."
Yuta just laughed.
The rest of the week went by pretty smoothly. The event was considered a great success, and the dean himself praised the students on the last day. Yuta felt a little sad about the end of the event, now that he didn't have an 'excuse' to see Jaehyun every day, even if it wasn't anything serious, of course, they just kissed occasionally in between conversations. He wondered what their relationship would be like from that point on. He thought about asking Jaehyun but he wasn't brave enough. Sometimes the Japanese could just overthink too much about the same subject and end up taking no action at all. In the days after the event they just exchanged a few texts, Jaehyun liked to ask how his day went and things like that, it was nice. They continued with that dynamic for about two weeks before Jaehyun actually asked him out... on a date. Yuta was extremely nervous and Mark was the worst possible person to advise him, luckily, Ten was simply his savior, but the Thai couldn't help but complain about how slow the two were going. But Yuta liked that, to be honest. That day they went to a movie, followed by a short walk in the mall and then to a nearby park. Only when they arrived at the building where Yuta lived that things got… intimate.
Even before entering the apartment they couldn't take their hands off each other, Yuta had a little trouble opening the door with Jaehyun grabbing him from behind with his face in his neck making his body shake with the heavy breathing of the other. As soon as they entered they took off their coats and left it on the floor, Yuta turned to the taller and they went back to kissing fiercely as Jaehyun was practically carrying the Japanese. The two didn't make it to the bedroom, Jaehyun just laid down on the Japanese in the couch, Yuta didn't complained, he just wrapped his legs around the other's waist and ran his hands over his back, scratching lightly. Jaehyun held his hair with one of his hands and was kissing his cheek, he went down and took a deep breath on his neck making the Japanese shiver, after that he started to kiss there and taking small bites. Yuta lowered his hands from his back to the base of the other's shirt to make him take that off, Jaehyun just smiled from the corner of his lips and raised his arms allowing the Japanese to take it off completely and throw the shirt in any direction without seeing where it would land. He took a brief look at Jaehyun's pale body, his muscles, his abs, he wanted to touch him, feel him. The taller laid down on him again holding his waist with strength causing him to mumble an 'Ouch' between kisses. But after that Jaehyun just stopped suddenly, and quickly rose off Yuta with a scared look.
"I'm sorry, I can't do this." Jaehyun said hurrying to put his shirt back on.
"What? Did I do something wrong?"
"N-no you didn't, it has nothing to do with you."
"So what is it?" Yuta got up from the couch with a worried look.
"I'm sorry... I-i just need to go... maybe we won't work out... that's it."
"But we..."
"I gotta go."
As soon as Jaehyun put his coat back on, he ran out of the apartment without looking back. Leaving behind Yuta who didn't understand what had gone wrong and just watched as the door were closed in front of him.