Archive of Our Own

Disheveled hair, dry lips, a little pale, and the shine in his eyes are gone, Taehyung drops a pinch of pollen of the dried up drosera capensis in his cauldron. He doesn’t have the time to get some sleep since he’s been searching for recipes overnight and brainstorming, using them to make a potion. He can already feel his head pounding, time to time feeling dizzy with the lack of sleep. He’s only eating sweet potatoes to ease the migraine and that is if he finds time to eat. He rarely even drinks, his lips drying up from dehydration.

He’s seated on one of his stools while waiting for his potion to boil as he slowly drifts to sleep. Well, he could have got that little rest, only if the banging on his front door would stop. But he knows who that person is and he won’t stop knocking on that door even if his knuckles starts to bleed.

“What?” Taehyung asked as soon as he opened the door. The man shoves his leather bag to him, the mixed smell of flowers and blood overwhelmed Taehyung’s nostrils.

“I got everything you need. I even crushed the middlemist so you won’t have to spend time doing it. I also made sure that there are no solid particles in the boar’s blood so there won't be any unnecessary elements in the potion.”

Taehyung opened the bag. It’s true, the middlemist is already crushed, and the boar’s blood is safely placed in one bottle. There are other things inside the bag, everything that Taehyung needed for different potion recipes.

You see, Taehyung wants to become a fully-pledged witch. A witch, to be able to use their full potential, needs to have a witchcraft degree. They can’t exercise their abilities if they don’t own one. It’s their license. Being able to use magic doesn’t mean you’re already a witch. You have to know the protocol and morals of witches, and on top of that, be smart and wise. You need to undergo various training classes especially the one where you learn how to control your power because that’s a must.

So what he did of course, was enrol into a witch academy, his only goal is to get the degree and become the witch he’s supposed to be. He’s almost done, so close in getting that degree. He was doing well in every class.  He even aced their practicum in riding a broom. But now that he’s in his last year, he’s already failing his potions class. It isn’t that hard in the beginning. He only needs to follow the list his professor gave him, put all the ingredients in and wait for his mixture to boil, test it on his guinea pigs and when the result is what his professor asked him then he’ll submit it.

Mr. Kim Namjoon, his potions professor, was known for basing the student’s grade on only two things; their practicum grade and their final project grade. Now, you have to memorize all the recipes Mr. Kim gave you as preparation for your practicum. One from all of those recipes will be your practicum assignment where you need to pick one through draws and then make it without any recipe list. Too bad that Taehyung sucks at memorization. He only memorized all the easy ones because they’re easy, and was just hopeful that he picks one of them in the practicum.

Unfortunately, luck was not on his side that day. He was assigned to make a potion that when mixed with milk, it won’t spoil even if it takes forever. Taehyung doesn’t know how to make it, maybe because it’s one of the recipes he blacklisted since they are too difficult to do. So when they checked his results and his professor poured vinegar on the milk, the expected happened. His milk was spoiled and Taehyung received a failing grade.

So now, his only hope to pass this class is to ace his final project. If he failed then he needs to wait another year to get that degree and he doesn’t know if he can even wait for that long. So eye on the goal, he needs to ace his final project.

The final project given to the class was to experiment and develop a new potion that they can add in the potion book of their academy, and they were even assigned with a partner, since experimenting is a little difficult for an individual. But since his professor believes in equality and fairness in the world, you’ll get your partner through draws. Taehyung picked a name, read it in front of the class, Jeon Jeongguk.

Ah, THE Jeon Jeongguk.

Taehyung won’t forget how people congratulated him as soon as they heard his name. Jeon Jeongguk is one of the popular kids. He’s a great hunter despite being a witch, and a great athlete which molded his body into what he has today. He’s handsome, charming, tall, has a honey-like voice, and people say he’s very creative. Taehyung doesn't know a lot about him since he's classmates with him only once or twice every semester and he doesn't really care about the guy. But people say Taehyung’s lucky to be his partner. Taehyung? He doesn’t think so.

“Okay.” Taehyung puts his bag down as he sits on the chair opposite to Jeongguk. “Any idea of the potion we can make?”

Jeongguk shrugged which made Taehyung raise his eyebrow. He’s supposed to give him an idea or something.

“Look.” Taehyung sighed. Maybe he should tell him his situation so he’ll act more seriously? “We need to pass. I failed my practicum and if I fail on this one too then I have to wait for another year to get my degree.”

“Okay.” Jeongguk nods, making Taehyung smile a little because is he finally going to give him an idea? So he waited for Jeongguk to speak again, but he never said anything after that.

“Can you take this matter seriously?”

“I am taking it seriously. But I don’t have any idea on what potion we can do. I’m not great with potions. I also failed the practicum just like you.”

“Wait… What?”

“I was supposed to make a potion that when taken, it will give the subject some abs.”

“And you failed it? That’s a common potion.” Taehyung can even make it with his eyes closed. It’s a common potion since a lot of people buy it, may it be human, witches or anyone you can think of.

“Listen, you don’t get abs just because you drink a potion, you earn them. And all those potions will wear out after days but if you earn it, you’ll have it with you forever.”

“Are you seriously — Okay, you know what, let’s just get this over with. Any idea on what we can do? Even if you don’t know how to do it, we can just search it.”

“How about this? A potion that will give you hair that doesn’t fall out is a good potion.” Jeongguk snapped his fingers, pointing at Taehyung like he just gave him the best idea he can ever think of. Or maybe it is. “You know how our hair falls out and we go bald? But what if people can drink this potion and all the hair they lose will grow back and since it never falls out, they won’t go bald again.” Jeongguk smiled, his two front teeths in display. Taehyung must admit, he can be a great charmer, only if he could actually take things seriously.

“You really don’t like this class, hmm? Mr. Kim has already given us a recipe for that potion. It’s already existing.”

“Oh, it is? Okay. Uh, maybe not the hair that doesn’t fall out but what if this potion only grows to the parts where you want your hair to grow? Like if I wanted a moustache and I drink that potion, I’d instantly get a moustache. And if I wanted to have a beard then a beard it is, without the moustache.”

“A potion that matches where the client wants it to work on?” Taehyung asked, receiving a nod from Jeongguk. “That’s too difficult Jeongguk. A potion is an already-made liquid that when taken will give a specific result. That’s why there are numerous potions, because some of them do the same thing, the difference is where those things happen.”

“But that’s why we’re here. That’s what Mr. Kim wants us to do.” Jeongguk pulled his chair closer to Taehyung. “If we do this one right, I’m pretty sure we’ll get the highest grade. Heck, he might even see past over our practicum grade. Taehyung.” Taehyung nods. “You already said it. There are numerous potions with the same purpose. Just imagine this. If I want to have a beard and a moustache, I have to buy two potions for that, yeah? But if our potion can do both things then bro, I’m buying that shit instead.”

Taehyung looked at Jeongguk’s eyes. He sounds like he’s kidding but he looks serious. Maybe he’s really serious about this one?

“So?”

“Okay, but you get to propose it to Mr. Kim.” Taehyung said. If he’s just kidding and he’s just trying to make Taehyung look like a fool then he won’t fall for it.

“Fine. I’ll tell him.” Jeongguk said, standing up from his seat. So he’s dead serious about it?

Taehyung decided to follow Jeongguk. Maybe he is dead serious about it but how are they supposed to do that if their professor agreed to it?

He was just a meter away when their professor laughed, getting the attention of the whole class. Taehyung immediately closed the gap and stood beside Jeongguk.

“So you’re telling me you’ll make a hair-growing potion that works based on what the drinker wants it to take effect on?”

“Yes.” Jeongguk answered firmly, making Taehyung whip his head to Jeongguk. He’s surely firm with it.

“Okay.” Mr. Kim nods, getting back on his paper. Taehyung had to double look. Did he just agree to Jeongguk’s idea?

He felt Jeongguk poke him, the same charming smile on display as the other gestures for the two of them to go back to their seats. Everyone in the room long gone back to their respective groups, discussing about the potion they will propose.

As soon as the two of them had sat down, their professor stood up, getting the attention of the whole class. “So far, there are at least four groups who have already proposed their project. Let me remind you that you can’t propose the same potion from other groups so this one’s a first come first serve basis. Any potion with the same purpose and concept from the groups that’s already approved will be rejected. Now for that four, I need all of you to pass a written report about your potion. And to everyone else, I will wait for all of your proposals.”

The professor walked to the white board and used a marker as he started writing on it. “This will be your grading system for the final project. The first two groups to pass their working potion will receive the highest grade. The next two groups will get a grade that’s a step lower than the first two. Then the third two groups will have two-steps lower from the first and so on… So if you think you’re failing my class then you better get included in the first or the second two. Almost half of this class failed the practicum, you know what to do. And even if you passed the practicum, it doesn’t mean you’ll pass my subject so you still have to work hard. I wish all of you good luck. You can always approach me to check your proposals or even your potion. Now for the checking of the potions…”

Taehyung felt his excitement rise as he listened to their professor explain how he would check the final project. He has an opportunity to pass. He just needs to be included in the first four groups to pass their potion and he’ll finally get that degree for sure. Maybe passing in the class will be easier than he thinks?

It’s not easier than he thinks. The potion was too hard to make. He’s been looking all over the potion books to see a potential recipe he can use to make the potion but it’s really non-existent. All he can do is follow the already existing recipe and add another ingredient for it to work the way he wants. But what ingredient should he add? There are millions of ingredients in potion making and he has no idea what will work for him.

He tried to ask his past seniors about it but they don’t have any idea on how to do it. In addition to that, the oldest witch library that houses the ancient books has already turned to ashes. Heard that some of the capitalist witches wanted to build a witch mall at the land where the library was, purposely setting it on fire because what can the opposing side do when it's already in ashes? That’s just one of the rumors Taehyung heard in the town. He doesn’t really care back then because a mall is obviously better than a library, but wow. He never thought he'd regret choosing a side since he’s having a hard time finding a recipe to a certain potion now.

Taehyung was pulled back into the present when he heard Jeongguk faked a cough. He immediately closes the bag before whispering a thank you to Jeongguk, the other just nods but not making any move to leave.

“Can I help you?”

“Yeah. I’m just curious about the progress of the project?”

“Do you want to see?” Jeongguk nods. Taehyung gave way so Jeongguk could come in, closing the door after him. They walked towards Taehyung’s potions lab. It’s an extra room back then, but since no one’s using it, he thought of making it his potions lab where he makes his potion assignments and such.

“I’ve tried every recipe you gave me and everything I found too but none of them gives the result we want.” Taehyung said, leading Jeongguk inside the room. He went closer to the table where all of the potions in their containers are lined up. “All of these potions, they can give you hair, but they’re all too specific. That one boiling right now is where I’ll put the boar’s blood. It’s a common ingredient in making hair growing potions.”

“Well, not to pressure you but I heard that a group has already passed their potion. It’s working, of course. They just need to do the paperworks and they’re done. You know that proposal that will erase permanent tattoos and when taken the second time will bring all tats back? That one.”

“That’s okay. We still have three chances.”

“If we don’t hurry, we’ll lose those chances.” Jeongguk replied.

“Well, I can’t find any recipe that we can use. There’s just no way. Even the alumni and the seniors I know who run a potions shop don't know how to do it.” Taehyung said as he went back to his boiling cauldron, pouring the blood in the cauldron before stirring it again. “One of them said maybe I can find the answer in the ancient books, but even those books are non-existent already.”

“Well, books don't have just one copy of themselves. There are at least two of those. Do you think you know anyone who has a copy of even just one ancient book?” Taehyung shakes his head. The people he knows are just like him, young and common. Most of the time, ancient books are owned by rich and old witches because they have the money to buy it or they’re old like those books.

Jeongguk sighed, taking a seat on one of the chairs. Maybe the proposal they had is too ambitious? He's starting to feel a little guilty now since it was his idea in the first place yet Taehyung's the one who's obviously stressed out about it. He really looked like a mess and Jeongguk feels bad since he really can't help with the mixing and inventing potion. He's not made for it.

"Do you still get enough sleep?" It's been running inside Jeongguk's head ever since he got here, not really having the courage to ask earlier. He looks up to Taehyung who's just looking at him, taking the witch a while to process what Jeongguk has asked him and then nodding a little. "You don't look like you do though?"

"I can take all the sleeps I want once we finish this project but for now, I'll just continue working on it." Taehyung replied as he stirred the cauldron once more. A few more minutes when Taehyung turned the fire off to cool off the finished potion.

"You're done?"

"For now." Taehyung says as he goes at the back of the room and gets another cauldron. He went back to his potion and tried to lift the cauldron but he guesses he's too weak to do it now. His head is starting to pound again.

"Can you help me with this? I think I'm too tired." Taehyung asked, making Jeongguk stand from his seat and walked towards Taehyung, working to change the used cauldron into a new one that Taehyung fetched.

"You have two cauldrons." It's Jeongguk's poor attempt to start a conversation.

"It's more convenient that way since I don't need to allot time for washing. I can start with a new recipe right away and while waiting for it to boil, that's when I'll wash the used cauldron." Taehyung said as he poured the potion into a container.

After pouring the mixture in, Taehyung fetched one of his guinea pigs from its glass container. He picks up his syringe and fills it with the recent potion he made, inserting the tip to the guinea pig's mouth as he pushes the instrument for the liquid to flow out. Taehyung then put the guinea pig in a separate glass container.

"It takes time for the potion to take effect." Taehyung said as he walks to the cauldron that he's pre-heating while Jeongguk moves closer to the guinea pig. When Taehyung's satisfied with its heat, he starts putting ingredients again before stirring it.

"Taehyung, the rodent's hair is getting longer." Jeongguk informed the other witch, watching in amusement as the rodent's hair grows longer each second, turning it into a fluffball.

"Yes. It's supposed to grow hair." Taehyung replied as he crossed out the ingredient he just used.

"No, look, he's already a little fluff ball." Jeongguk cooed, making Taehyung look at the rodent. He walked closer to its container, observing the changes that occured.

"Ah, so it grew hair all over its body." Taehyung said, writing down the result on his notepad and the recipe he used. After that, Taehyung grabbed the container and put it on one empty space on the shelf as the rodent continued growing its hair. Jeongguk just watches in amusement.

"But… How would you know if it's already working? Animals can't think where they want the hair to grow?"

"Of course, they can. You just have to ask them." Taehyung answered as he walked back to his boiling potion. "That rodent you're seeing right now was supposed to grow hair on its head only. Since it failed, I need to trim the hair on its body."

"But it's cute being a fluffball."

"It's not what it wants." Taehyung shrugged. "By the way, why did you ask such a question? Haven't you talked to any animal before?"

Jeongguk nods. "It requires magic. I know I was born to be a witch but I really prefer physical labor and effort rather than using magic so I try to use it to a minimum."

"You should try talking to animals though. They're pretty hilarious." Taehyung smiled, making Jeongguk think to actually try to talk to animals. He’s just thinking about it. He’s still not fond of the idea of using some magic.

Jeongguk followed Taehyung around with his eyes, watching as the other witch cleans the cauldron he just used. Jeongguk moved closer to him. “Hey, you can leave this one to me.”

Taehyung looked back at him, staring a little longer before he nodded. He walks back to his already boiling cauldron. He grabbed his wooden spoon and started stirring on it again.

“So… How are we going to present the potion once it’s done?” Jeongguk asked, trying to start another small talk. He’s not used to this kind of awkwardness. Whenever he’s with his friends, they can talk all day long with any topic they can think of. Being with Taehyung, it sometimes feels like he’s alone.

“The guinea pig.”

“But.. Don’t you think it’ll be better if we present the result with a human subject? They’ll be the one who will use it anyway.”

Taehyung turned around to look at Jeongguk, his brows furrowing a little as he thought of the idea. “Well, we’ll have to find a human subject to test it for us then. But since we’re still students with no degree, and this one’s just an academy project, I think it’ll be hard for us to find even one. Even if we tell them our potion is safe, they will still doubt it. Or even if we try to pay them, I think no one would really take it. Potions can be a little dangerous, especially if there’s no antidote to reverse it. If we really want a human subject then we should make an antidote for the potion, you know, in case things go wrong.”

“Or I could just drink it?” Jeongguk asked hopefully. He’s been thinking of ways on how he can help Taehyung, not just with the hunting of the ingredients but also in the whole duration of the project. Hunting ingredients are just the first step, after that, he’s already pretty useless in the whole project duration so he wants to change it. Since he can’t make any potion, and he doubts Taehyung will even let him, he thought of being the test subject. A result with a human is way better than with the animals anyway. And he got to be in the project from the start to the end.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. I’m confident your potion will work out just fine.”

“You don’t understand. I’m not a degree holder yet. If something goes wrong with the potion, I can’t guarantee that I can reverse its effect or even help you.” The worry in Taehyung’s voice is evident.

“Trust me, it’ll work out just fine. And if you really can’t then we can just ask for some help.” Jeongguk smiled but it soon faded as he realized something. “That’s right. That’s it.”

“What is it?”

“I know someone who can help us out. He’s a thousand-year old witch. Maybe he can help us with the potion recipe?” Jeongguk said, wiping his hands after he rushed on washing the cauldron. “I can go to him right now and ask him about it myself.”

“I’ll go with you.” Taehyung put out the fire. He can just continue that potion once he gets home. He’s about to walk out the door when Jeongguk stopped him.

“I think you should just stay here and get some rest?”

“I can’t rest now. And you already said it yourself that you’re not good in potions. What if there’s a crucial instruction you missed because of that?”

“I’m not that type of an idiot.”

“We can never be sure.” Taehyung shrugged. “Let’s go.”

Taehyung looks down on Jeongguk, following his path. He sighed as the other made a turn so Taehyung did so too. If only both of them are riding their brooms right now then they could’ve gone into a shortcut but Jeongguk insisted on his minimal magic agenda and is now riding a horse.

“You okay up there?” Jeongguk half-shouted to make sure that Taehyung hears him.

“More than fine. The breeze is cooler up here, I like it.”

“Don’t fall asleep with the breeze, we’re almost there.” Jeongguk shouted again, making his horse move faster while Taehyung matched the speed.

They arrived into a house right in the middle of a forest. A sign is placed right above the door. Jeongguk opens the door for the two of them, letting Taehyung go in first before him. Taehyung takes in the interior of the place. It’s obviously a potions shop with numerous potions on display at the shelf behind the counter. There are other things present in the place but Taehyung thinks potion is its main product.

“Yoongi! It’s me, Jeongguk!”

A man came out of the curtain behind the counter, looking at the two of them. His eyes have two different colors, blue on his left and yellow in his right, reminding Taehyung of a cat. His skin is as white as a snow while his hair is ash-colored.

“Jeongguk.” His deep voice acknowledges Jeongguk. “What do you need?”

“Your help.” Jeongguk moved closer to the counter. He was about to speak again when Yoongi turned his gaze to Taehyung. “I’m talking to you.”

“Oh.” Taehyung immediately moved closer to the counter too. He looks at Jeongguk who just nods at him. “Uh.. We need help for the potion we’re making. We have no idea how to do it so we’re hoping you can help us?”

“What potion is it? Maybe I have one here.” Yoongi said, gesturing on the display of potions he has on his shelf.

“It’s actually a new one. We’re trying to make a hair growing potion that takes effect on wherever the drinker wants it.”

“Like if I wanted a moustache then it will give me a moustache and if I wanted a beard then it will give me a beard. And if I wanted both then I’ll have both when I drink it.” Jeongguk added.

“So, you want me to make it for you?” Yoongi asked Taehyung, ignoring Jeongguk.

“No. We’d like to ask for its recipe.”

“Ask? But I don’t give things for free.” That’s when Yoongi looked at Jeongguk. The other witch sighed. Yoongi’s always like this so he pulled out a bag of gold coins from his bag, handing it to Yoongi. The witch opened it and started counting.

“This is enough.” Yoongi smiled while he kept the money in his storage. “What you want to do is an advanced potion. Almost no one in the world knows it exists but it does already. Only three people know of its existence. Me, and two other witches who own a copy of this book.” Yoongi said as he pulled out a book. Judging by its look, it seems like an ancient witch book, thick enough to hold the oldest spells and potion recipes. Yoongi pulled out his wand from his sleeve, pointing it to the book as it opened to the page he needed.

“Where do you need this for?”

“It’s for our project in the academy. If we succeed in making that potion, we’ll finally get our witchcraft degree.” Yoongi just nods. He picked up the book and placed it in front of Jeongguk and Taehyung. “That potion, despite having an advanced rating, isn’t really a complicated potion. It only has five ingredients. But what made it have that rating is the ingredients itself.”

Yoongi waved his wand in the air, dust of magic forming an image for Taehyung and Jeongguk to see. It was of an ocean, and a kingdom is right under it. “The first ingredient is a cup of water from Atlantica, the kingdom of mermaids under the Atlantic Ocean. Make sure that it is from their kingdom because a different water will give a different effect.”

“It takes a day just to go there from here.” Jeongguk said, making Yoongi nod. "With a broom like mine, it only takes an hour or so." He waves his wand again and the image changes, showing another kingdom, now standing on land, filled with green.

“That’s the leprechaun’s.” Jeongguk acknowledged.

“You need to get a leaf that’s especially grown in their kingdom’s garden. They can be a little selfish at times especially with their leaves so you should try your charm on them and get it for your project. Now, for the third one, it's a strand of a unicorn’s hair.”

“Unicorns live in the highest mountains, aren't they? I heard the wind is stronger up there?” Taehyung asked and Yoongi nods.

“You have to have the strongest brooms to get there. But unicorns are good creatures. They’ll give you as much hair as you need once you visit them and might even give you a free ride home if they like you.”

“Is that a fairies' meadow?” Jeongguk asked as soon as Yoongi’s wand changed the image they’re seeing.

“It is. The fourth ingredient is a pinch of fairy dust. And the fifth one is a drop of a vampire’s blood. Those two are easier for you since you’re already friends with them.” Taehyung looked at Jeongguk while the other just nodded on what Yoongi said.

“That’s it. Gather all those ingredients and you can make the potion you want.” Yoongi said, closing the book and keeping it back on its storage. “Better to start gathering them now so you won’t get late with your submission.”

“Thank you.” Taehyung bowed while Jeongguk waves at Yoongi. When they’ve finally said their goodbyes, Yoongi comes back to where he went from while the two leave the shop.

“Since we’re already in the forest, let’s go to the fairies’ meadow and get that fairy dust.” Jeongguk said, getting on his horse while Taehyung sits on his flying broom. “But first, we need to get Hobi a gift. He loves flowers so maybe we should get him his favorite flower, what do you think?”

“What’s his favorite flower then?”

“A buttercup.” The two witches looked at the voice. It’s Yoongi, already changed from a usual witch coat into a casual outfit.

“Where are you going?” Jeongguk asked.

“I’ll gather ingredients for my potions. Make sure you bring Hobi tons of buttercup flowers.” Yoongi looked at Taehyung. “And make it magical, so he’ll give you plenty of what you need.”

“Okay.”

“Good luck.” Yoongi waved his wand, turning it into a broomstick. He gets on it and waves goodbye at the two as he goes flying.

“We should go too.” Jeongguk told Taehyung, applying pressure on his horse. Taehyung nods, making his broomstick fly, following Jeongguk. Jeongguk said they’ll pass by a meadow filled with buttercup flowers, both of them rushing towards it.

When they got into the meadow, Jeongguk was the one who picked the flowers since he has a blade while Taehyung waits for him on his magic broom. When the other witch finished picking up some flowers, he gave it to Taehyung, the flowers already tied up into a bouquet. “Now, we should just make it magical.”

“But how are we supposed to make it magical?” Taehyung asked. Jeongguk stares on the flower at Taehyung’s hand, taking in the bright yellow color of the flowers.

“Can you.. Make those flowers change colors? I think it was taught to us in our basic magic class back when we were freshmen? I just don’t remember how to do it.” Taehyung really wonders how Jeongguk is already at the last step of getting a witchcraft degree when he’s this, how would you call it, not-so-great in using magic? How did he pass on his classes when he has this minimal magic agenda? Almost all of their classes require using magic though.

“Do you want to put some glitter in it too so it will shine while Hobi plays with it?”

“Can you?”

“It’s a common magic. Here.” Taehyung pulls out his wand, a not-so-good looking wand compared to Yoongi’s. That’s also the reason why he wants to get that witchcraft degree. He can finally have a customized wand that he really wanted since his current wand was provided by the academy which in all honesty is the ugliest wand Taehyung has ever seen. And he can finally get a driver’s license that will let his wand transform into a broom just like Yoongi’s. Since he’s still a student, he needs to make use of the academy’s broom to get into places too and academy brooms are the weakest brooms of all.

Taehyung showed Jeongguk the flowers he made, every second changing colors like  they’re dancing to a silent music. There are also golden dusts in the flowers’ petals too, making it shine in the moonlight.

“That’s amazing.” Jeongguk's eyes are wide as he gets the flowers from Taehyung’s hold. “I’m sure Hobi will like these too. Thank you.”

“Then we should go and give those flowers to Hobi.” Taehyung redeemed the flowers from Jeongguk’s hold, clicking on his broom that lifts him up from the floor. Jeongguk climbed on his horse, leading the way to the fairies’ meadow.

“Jeonggukie!” A tiny voice called Jeongguk, wings fluttering on its way to the two witches. Tiny hands reached for Jeongguk’s face as the fairy tried to hug the witch. Jeongguk can’t help but giggle to the action. “It’s been a long time since you visited me.”

“I’m sorry. I just got a little busy in the academy.”

“Oh? Another witch?” Jeongguk looked back at Taehyung who’s just standing there, looking at them. Taehyung just smiled and waved his hand a little, saying hello to Hobi as Jeongguk introduces him to the fairy. When he realizes he’s still holding the flowers, he immediately gives it to the tiny fairy. Of course, the small creature happily accepted it, getting pulled down by the flowers that are too heavy for him so Jeongguk had to help him carry it.

“So, why are you here?” Hobi asked as he went from flower to flower. Jeongguk laid it next to Hobi’s house, the fairy has been playing with it ever since. He’s pretty amazed with how it changes color, following the flower that turns green and moving to the other once it changes.

“We need some help.” Jeongguk started. “Taehyung and I have a project and we need some fairy dust to make it.”

“Oh! You need some fairy dust! Then, give me time so I can collect them. Should I deliver it to your academy after?”

“Ah, no, no. I can just pick it up here. When do you think it will be ready?”

“In a day? I can ask my fairy friends to help me gather them.”

“Then I should pick it up by tomorrow night.” Jeongguk smiled, earning a nod from Hobi. “Well, we should get going now Hobi. There’s still a place we need to go to.”

“Where?”

“Seokjin’s.”

“Oh! Seokjinie’s! Take care on your way there. You know how his kind is. They’re a little dangerous.” Hobi reminds Jeongguk. The witch smiled and said his thanks. Taehyung does too. When they’re ready to leave, Hobi goes to sit on Jeongguk’s shoulder. “Make sure to bring him some strawberries. He will love it.”

“I will. Thanks again Hobi. We’ll get going now.” Jeongguk said as he waved goodbye to Hobi. When they’re back to where they left the horse and Taehyung’s broomstick, Jeongguk calls Taehyung’s attention.

“You might want to go home now?”

“Aren’t we supposed to go somewhere else? Seokjin’s, isn’t it?”

“What I meant back then was just me. I should be the only one who’ll go to Seokjin’s while you’re going home. I’m still going to pick some strawberries for him. Also, you’re riding your broom. Vampires don’t like seeing other creatures flying in their territory, just themselves, so it’s better if you’ll go home now.”

“Wait, you’re going into a vampire’s den? Seokjin is a vampire?”

“Yeah. I’ll ask him for his blood. It's the fifth ingredient, right?”

“But wouldn’t it be dangerous? Vampires can be a little short-tempered when it comes to us. They even know if we’re close.” Taehyung said in a worry, making Jeongguk smile.

“I’ll be fine. Seokjin and I have been friends for so long now. He wouldn’t let anything bad happen to me as long as I’m in their territory. But you.. You really should go home now and get some sleep. Don’t make any experimental potions, okay? The recipe is already with us. Let me gather everything you’ll need.” Taehyung nods. He then sits on his broom and it lifts him off the ground.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Taehyung.”

“See you tomorrow too. Be careful on your way.”

“I will. You too.” Taehyung smiled, flying into the air with his broom. When he got home, he did what Jeongguk told him. He took a quick shower, changed into his pajamas and finally laid down on his bed. He sighed as soon as he felt the softness of his mattress. He never knew how he misses sleeping, deciding to close his eyes as he lets sleep take over him.

Taehyung woke up when he heard a commotion outside his room. He slowly gets up while looking outside his window, the sun shining so bright. When he opens his bedroom door and walks to where he heard the noise, he sees Jimin in the kitchen setting up the table. “Oh, hi Tae. You’re awake.”

“Yeah. What’s that?” Taehyung asked as he walked closer to the table, eyeing the paper bag placed on top of it.

“Your lunch. I was worried sick that you’re not eating properly because of our final project so I’ve decided to bring you some food. When I got here, I thought you’re up and busy in your lab but you’re just sleeping. I’m glad that you’re still taking a rest. You know your health is more important than our project.” Jimin said as he unwrapped the food packs and one-by-one put them on the plate. Taehyung just nods as he grabs a pair of chopsticks and starts eating first. He's starving.

“We finally found a recipe for it. Jeongguk is the one gathering the ingredients and he told me I should get some sleep so I did. I’ll get back to work once he has completed all the ingredients.”

“So, how was working with Jeongguk?” Jimin takes a seat just beside Taehyung, grabbing himself his own pair of chopsticks to use for his noodles.

“I found out he’s friends with almost everyone. Did you know? He’s friends with a thousand-year old witch who helped us with our potion recipe. And since we need some fairy dust and vampire’s blood on it, he knows where to go already since he’s friends with them too. I didn’t know a witch can have that huge connection to anyone? He personally knows a fairy and a vampire. I won’t even be surprised if he knows a mermaid or even a leprechaun.”

“Well, he’s a hunter anyway. And you get to meet new people when you go hunting.”

“And another thing but he doesn’t use magic? He keeps saying he doesn’t like using magic or is it because he’s not good at it? Why would a witch not use magic when it’s gifted to you, right?”

“Well, there’s a rumor in our academy that Jeongguk’s magic is too powerful that it can burn the whole academy down if he likes to and that’s why he refrained from using his magic because he thinks he might endanger people by doing so. But it's just a rumor. He never really confirmed anything.”

“But if it's true then why not control it rather than not using it all? We study it in our classes anyway.”

“He’s controlling it by not using it, Tae.” Jimin replied, finally starting to eat his food too. Taehyung just stares at him before he takes a bite from his own food.

“By the way, congratulations on being the first group to pass.” Taehyung even poked Jimin. The other witch thanked him, poking him back. The moment he heard it from Jeongguk, his heart rejoiced in happiness for his best friend but Jeongguk looked a little concerned so rather not show it.

“My mother helped us with our recipe and Nayeon’s great too. She handled the project perfectly. That’s another reason why I came here by the way. I was about to tell you that you should meet mom and maybe she could help you now that she’s not busy helping me. But you already have a recipe of your own, right?”

“Yeah. It’s from an ancient book so I hope it works but if it doesn’t then can I still ask aunt?”

“Of course!”

Jimin decided to spend time with Taehyung for the day. They want to catch up with each other too since they were pretty busy with their final project but now, they have the time. They even decided to play some magic game or just talk, content with the time they have together. As long as they’re together, they’re already happy. Of course, they easily got bored so they’ve decided to go out and maybe eat dinner outside.

They were already seated in this one cafe near their academy, waiting for their food when they noticed their potions professor, Mr. Kim. The other noticed them too, waving at them as he slowly walked towards their table. Mr. Kim is a strict professor whenever he’s inside his class but he’s really friendly with students when they’re outside. Taehyung appreciates it.

“Mr. Kim, did you know Taehyung’s been staying up all night everyday just to finish our project in your class?” Jimin chats while they all eat their dinner. Taehyung had to kick him under the table for that.

“Taehyung-ah, you don’t have to sacrifice your sleep to finish it. You have a whole semester to do that. And I even allowed you to ask for help from anyone you think can help you out, as long as you make the potion on your own. Don’t stress yourself too much about it.”

“He wants to be included in the first four to pass the potion, Mr. Kim, since he failed his practicum.” Taehyung made a face to Jimin. Why does he have to embarrass him in front of their professor?

“Ah.” Namjoon turned his look to Taehyung as  the witch bowed down, avoiding his professor’s eyes. “But how is your project going? I hope you’re making progress?”

“I already have a recipe for it. I’m just waiting for Jeongguk since he’s the one who’s gathering the ingredients for our potion.”

“Then that’s good. But Taehyung-ah, make sure that Jeongguk gets involved in the whole project, not just from the start of it. Being partners will become useless for you if you won’t help each other out.”

“Actually, he volunteered himself to take the potion and present it to you for the result.” Taehyung said, trying to tell his professor that Jeongguk’s helping him in every possible way he can think of. If it isn’t for Jeongguk then he would’ve been stressed out to find the recipe. The other witch even volunteered to gather the ingredients so Taehyung can take a rest. That’s already a big help for him. And he even volunteered to become the test subject so they can present a better result. Honestly, Taehyung is thankful with the trust Jeongguk is giving him.

“I see. Well then, good luck on the two of you. I hope you finish in time.” Namjoon smiled. He gestured for the three of them to continue eating.

After having their dinner, Taehyung and Jimin went back to Taehyung’s house. Jimin decided that he will spend the night over Taehyung’s. It was almost midnight when Taehyung heard a knock from the door. Both witches stare at it because who would visit him at this hour? But Taehyung already has an idea who.

“Jeongguk.” Taehyung greeted as soon as he opened the door to Jeongguk. The other witch raised his leather bag before smiling widely.

“I got them all here.”

“Is that —” Jeongguk nods, handing the bag to Taehyung. The witch immediately opened it, seeing every ingredient they need for the potion. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Jeongguk smiled, slowly looking away. He then raised his hand to his neck and started rubbing it, his face already gaining color.

“Do you need anything?” Taehyung asked when he noticed those actions.

“Yeah, can I.. Can I spend the night over? I’m really tired. I don’t think I can still get home with this condition and I came here with my broom—” Jeongguk pointed at his broom and Taehyung doesn’t miss how it looks different from his. It doesn’t look like just an ordinary broom provided by the academy? It looks stronger and powerful. “—and you know that it requires magic to move that thing, yeah? But.. If you’re not okay with me staying over, I can just find another place to go to.”

Well, that’s something Taehyung doesn’t expect Jeongguk to ask him. But since Jimin’s already staying over then maybe another company wouldn’t hurt, right? “Okay, you can stay here. Come in.”

“Thank you.” Jeongguk's smile is blinding. He’s really tired, isn’t he? And he’s too shy to ask Taehyung for a place since they’re not that close? But since Taehyung lets him stay in, his eyes start to twinkle like there are stars in them.

“Oh, hi!” Jimin waved at Jeongguk as soon as the other came in and the other witch waved back. “You’re staying for the night?”

“Yeah.”

“Jimin is staying—” Taehyung started speaking as soon as he got closer to the two but Jimin immediately cut him off.

“Actually, I think I need to go. My mom should be worried now since I didn’t tell her I’d be sleeping over. So yeah…” Jimin gets up, gathering his things.

“What? But you said you’re staying for the night too.”

“You know mom, she worries a lot. But thanks for today Tae, I’m so glad I got to spend time with you again. I’ll go now. No need to see me off.” Jimin rushed his way out, leaving only the two inside. Taehyung looked at Jeongguk and the other did the same too, both letting out an awkward laugh.

“Is the couch okay with you? It's the only available space in the house.”

“Yeah, it’s okay.”

Taehyung nods, awkward smiling. “You should take a rest now. I’ll be in my room if you need me. And if you ever get hungry, there’s some cookies in the cupboard and water is on the table.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

“Good night, Jeongguk.”

“Good night, Taehyung.”

Taehyung raised a thumbs up, slowly walking towards his bedroom door. As soon as he gets in, he lets out a big sigh. There are times he already let Jeongguk in his house, even let him into his lab but that’s because it’s for the project. Today is a little different even if the reason is still because of the project. This is the first time Taehyung lets Jeongguk in not because he’s checking the progress of the potion but to actually sleep over. There’s really nothing wrong with it. They’re project partners. They already established a new friendship between them, but they’re too awkward together and that's what's making the situation feel bad.

Taehyung has been lying on his bed for an hour or so but he still can’t fall asleep. His eyes already felt sore since he closed his eyes for so long to get some sleep but it never worked. He even tried counting sheeps but those kinds of things only work on children. Even tried to listen to some classical music but it just makes him stay awake. He sighs as he sits on his bed, not knowing what he should do so he can finally sleep. Maybe he’s so used to staying awake until dawn that he can’t sleep anymore now.

Taehyung decided that he should just start with the potion since Jeongguk has completely gathered all the ingredients he needs. The earlier he starts it, the better too. If he ever experiences a problem then he can fix it right away and be included in the first groups to pass their potions. So he slowly opened his door, trying to not make any noise because he might wake Jeongguk up. He made a quick glance to the other witch though, checking if he’s sleeping alright. He just realized just now that he didn’t even give him any pillow or blanket. How hospitable of him. So he quickly grabs a blanket and a pillow in his room, slowly putting the blanket over Jeongguk’s sleeping frame. He doesn’t know how to put the pillow below his head without waking him up so he just left it there beside him.

Opening the leather bag, Taehyung takes every ingredient one by one. Jeongguk didn’t just gather the ingredients they needed, he collected a quintuple of what they will use. If Taehyung ever messes up, he can just make a new one with all those ingredients which made Taehyung curious? How in the world did Jeongguk manage to get all these in just a day? But that’s for another day for him to think about, for now, he needs to finish their potion.

Taehyung sits on one stool as he looks at the three guinea pigs he has put in his glass container. The finished potion is now sitting on its container and Taehyung is just waiting for it to work before he puts it on the shelf. He placed his elbow on the table, resting his face on his palm as he looked at the guinea pigs who are slowly growing their hair.

It was only a time being when Taehyung pulled his chair closer to the table. He even had to pull the container close to him just to see what’s happening on the guinea pigs. Their hairs are still growing but it’s already obvious what’s happening and the result of the potion he fed them. He purposely made three rodents take the potion since he wanted to make sure its result and to make Jeongguk satisfied too.

Taehyung fetches one of the guinea pigs from the container then looking closer at its head, the hair on top of it is growing longer than it looks like the hair of a girl. He fetches another and the hair on its back is now longer while the last one looks like it has grown both.

“It worked. It worked!” Taehyung can’t contain his emotions. He looks at the three guinea pigs in front of him, each of them congratulating him for the working potion. The other animals in that room joined the three in congratulating him. “Thank you everyone. Thank you for your help.”

Taehyung decided that he should clean his potions lab. Now that he has finished their project, he doesn’t think he’ll need to use the room any time soon. And it’s really a mess. He’s thankful he even got to finish the potion with all the mess around him. It can help him pass some time too since he still isn't that sleepy. He’s too excited to even sleep. If he could just wake Jeongguk up now, he would. But the witch needs to have that rest.

The sun had risen up when Taehyung finished cleaning the room. The sunlight makes the room brighter compared to the past days. Or maybe because the room was so messy back then and Taehyung was so stressed out that he doesn’t see the light he’s seeing today. It feels refreshing, calming and soothing. Maybe he can finally sleep now? He’s tired from all the cleaning after all. Or maybe he should cook some breakfast first because he’s feeling hungry.

Taehyung walked towards the shelf where he put the potion in, the only container with the name. He smiled as he read the name of potion, already thinking of Jeongguk taking it and the both of them passing the class. He can finally get his witchcraft degree.

Jeongguk wakes up from the loud thud he heard, making him sit up from where he was lying. He looked at the kitchen where he heard the sound, Taehyung looking back at him while sitting on the floor saying, “I’m sorry.”

“Are you okay?” Jeongguk asked, immediately getting up from the couch and walking towards Taehyung to help him get up. The other witch said a small thank you before saying he’s fine.

“I just slipped on this mango peel.” Taehyung said as he picked up the peel and threw it in the trash can. “I’m trying to make a fruit salad.”

“You should be careful.” Taehyung nods, going back to the counter to continue slicing the fruits.

“How was your sleep? I hope you had a good rest.”

“I did, thank you. Do you need help with that?” Jeongguk offered but Taehyung shakes his head.

“You could just sit there while I prepare this salad and then we can finally eat. I cooked breakfast.” Jeongguk nods, taking a seat on one of the chairs. He’s about to make another small talk but Taehyung beat him up to it.

“By the way, I already finished the potion. It’s working perfectly.” Taehyung tried to sound nonchalant about it. He’s been so excited about it that he feels his heart bursting. They might even end up trashing his kitchen if they got overly excited. And with what Jimin said about Jeongguk, he might have a hard time controlling his magic.

“Wait.. Are you serious?” Taehyung nods, a smile breaking into his face.

“Holy shit. Is that true? Like, fuck. Woah. Okay. I need to calm down.” Jeongguk takes a slow breath, trying to calm himself down. He’s been doing it continuously that Taehyung had to bite his lip just to stop himself from laughing. “I want to drink it now and then let’s go meet Mr. Kim for the checking. Can I have it now?”

“Yeah, okay. It’s in my potions lab. The violet-colored potion in the third row of the shelf right next to the door. You’ll know when you see it.” Jeongguk nods, running a little to get the potion. Taehyung just finished slicing a strawberry when Jeongguk already came back, holding a container with the potion in it.

“Is this the one?” Jeongguk raised the container up. Taehyung takes a quick glance before nodding, seeing that the potion Jeongguk’s holding is of the color he told him. “I’m going to drink it now, okay?”

Jeongguk helped in setting up the table, putting the plates and the glasses while Taehyung placed the food at the center. He also placed the fruit salad he made and some juice in a pitcher for them to drink.

“Let’s eat.” Jeongguk nods, both of them sitting down and starting to serve themselves some food. Taehyung already started eating when he noticed Jeongguk isn’t eating anything.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you like the food?”

“It’s just.. I’m not feeling anything different ever since I drank the potion. Is it supposed to be like that?”

“Maybe? The potion takes time to work on the guinea pigs so maybe it’s longer when a human takes it. We can wait for it, there’s no need to rush. You should eat your breakfast first since you were tired yesterday.”

“Okay.” Jeongguk nods, taking a bite from his food. After he chewed on his food, he made an obvious pause which confused Taehyung.

“Why? Is it not to your liking?”

“Huh?” Jeongguk looks back at Taehyung before he looks at his food and then continues chewing. He shakes his head, taking another bite. “No. It’s good. Actually, it’s perfect. I love it.”

“Ah. I thought it tastes bland for you and you don’t like it.” Taehyung lets out a small laugh, doesn't even know why he's nervous about Jeongguk not liking the food.

“Are you kidding? I really love it, I wish I could marry you right now.” Jeongguk said, taking another bite in his food. He was happily chewing when he realized what he just said, suddenly making him feel like choking. Taehyung is worse. His face is already red and he’s just staring at Jeongguk, his spoon still up in the air. “I mean.. It’s a.. It’s just an expression. I just love how it tastes, really.”

Taehyung blinks, absorbing whatever it is that Jeongguk said. He lets out an awkward laugh, too loud to drown out the sound of his racing heart. First, he's nervous if he hates it and now, it's a different thing. Jeongguk laughs too, even louder than Taehyung's.

“I know that feeling. It’s really good that you just get to tell those things, right?”

“Yeah. Yeah, it is.” Jeongguk lets out a louder laugh that it hurts his throat already but maybe it’s just right for saying such a thing. He doesn’t even know why he said that. He’s not that kind of a person whenever he likes how the food tastes, so why did he tell Taehyung he wished to marry him right now?

After eating their breakfast, Jeongguk helped in clearing the table while Taehyung started on washing the plates. Even though Jeongguk wanted to have a small talk, they’ve really gone awkward that he can’t even let a word slip out of his mouth.

“Hey. I’ll be on the couch again if you need me.” Jeongguk said after putting everything away from the table. Taehyung just nods, facing the dishes instead of looking at Jeongguk. When he knows that the other witch has already left, he lets out a sigh, starting to wash the dishes. He was almost finished with the task when he realized that the potion container he just washed doesn’t have a name on it. It’s impossible that a single wash can erase all the writings on it.

He immediately finishes up, getting the container from the tray before he goes to the living room where Jeongguk is. The other witch is just sitting there on his couch, doing nothing. “Jeongguk.”

“Yeah?”

“How are you feeling? Do you think something has changed?”

Jeongguk shakes his head. “I wanted a beard and a moustache but I don’t think a single hair has ever grown in my face.”

“Is this the container of the potion you drinked?” Taehyung showed the container he was holding. Jeongguk looks at it before nodding.

“Why?”

“I think you got the wrong one.” Taehyung whispered, hurriedly walking towards his potions lab. Jeongguk followed him there too. When they are both inside the room, Taehyung goes to where he left the potion, gasping as soon as he sees that it’s still there.

“What do you mean I got the wrong one?” Jeongguk followed Taehyung to the shelf, his eyes travelling from Taehyung onto the spot where he was looking. That’s when he noticed a violet potion with the name FINAL PROJECT , the only container with that thing written on it. “Is that what I'm supposed to drink?”

“Where did you get this?”

Jeongguk pointed at his right, it's a shelf right next to the door. Taehyung had to make a quick flashback on what he told Jeongguk for him to get a different potion. He told him it's on the shelf right next to the door, right? Come to think of it, there are two shelves that are placed right next to the door since the door is in the middle. So Taehyung walked towards the shelf, counting the rows and seeing an empty space in the third row. He assumes that Jeongguk got the potion he drinked from that space.

“What even is this potion?” Taehyung asked, looking at the shelf where Jeongguk got it. He moves closer to the empty space, picking up the note that’s left on it. Every potion, may it be working or not, Taehyung leaves a note on what ingredients were used in making that and what is the result when it was taken. Did Jeongguk didn’t even notice it? Because if he did then he could've read the note.

Taehyung's hand is already shaking while he reads the paper. The fact that it was on this shelf is already something to be anxious about. He put every failed potion in this one, especially those that have nothing to do with hair growth. Now that Jeongguk has taken it, he doesn’t know what will happen to him. “It’s.. A love potion.”

“A what potion?”

Taehyung gave the note to Jeongguk, the other witch reading it silently afterwards. His whole body obviously freezes as soon as his eyes landed on the result. It doesn’t take a genius to know what’s up with that result.

“I drank a love potion?”

“Jeongguk, I’m sorry. I should have been the one who went in here to get the potion—”

And Jeongguk swears he wanted to give Taehyung some piece of his mind. He’s mad. He feels stupid that he drank a love potion. If he could just hit him, he would. “This is ridiculous. I swear, I could kiss you right now. Just why do you have to make me fall in love with you?”

Taehyung held his breath, and Jeongguk realized the words he just said. He’s professing his love for Taehyung even though he wanted to tell him how angry he is with what’s happening.

“That’s not what I wanted to say. What I meant was..” Jeongguk can feel another confession coming and as much as he wanted to stop himself from speaking, he really can’t. “I love you!”

Jeongguk eyes widen, keeping his mouth shut by covering it with his hands. He did not just say that? He wanted to tell Taehyung how he really felt but he keeps saying those weird things because of the potion. “That’s not what I meant to say!”

“I know. So you need to calm down, okay? You’re already red.”

“Of course I am. I’m supposed to tell you how mad and angry I am but I end up telling you how I’m madly in love with you.” Jeongguk is getting frustrated, Taehyung knows it.

“Jeongguk, calm down. I know what you wanted to say but you’ll end up saying them all over again. I already know you’re mad and I’m sorry so please, calm down. Let’s take a little time to breathe.” Taehyung wanted to believe that he’s only saying those words to Jeongguk but he really needs to breathe too. He knows what Jeongguk really meant and he’s supposed to feel sorry and guilty but when he heard those words, he can’t help his heart to race like crazy.

“We’re going to find an antidote for this, I promise.” Taehyung said to Jeongguk who’s now seated beside him on the couch. They’ve decided to leave the potion lab first and sit outside so they can calm themselves down.

“I’m not going to believe it not until I actually get freed.” Jeongguk tried to say in a monotone. He’s pretty calm now but the feeling of saying another embarrassing thing is making him blush already. “Freed from this cell that is my undying love for you.”

“Jeongguk, I’m really sorry that you had to drink that potion. I didn’t know you’ll get the wrong one.” Taehyung said, trying to ignore the last words that came out from Jeongguk’s mouth. It’ll embarrass the other witch more if he ever reacts to it.

“You told me it was the violet liquid in the third row of the shelf next to the door. I even asked you if what I was holding earlier was the potion and you said yes.” There’s a bite in his words, his hands immediately flying up to his mouth to cover it so he can stop himself from saying anything embarrassing.

“The potion has a name on it so everyone who searches for it will know that it was indeed the potion.”

“But you never told me it has a written name on it. You just told me I would know when I see it. How am I supposed to find the right container if I didn’t know it has scribbles on it?” Jeongguk sighed, licking his lips. “Taehyung, between the two of us, you know better what happens to someone when they drink a love potion. You know how it would affect them and now, I’m one of them. Just look at me. I look like a fool professing my love for you and I can never stop saying that… I love you Taehyung.”

“I’m really sorry.” Taehyung doesn’t know what to say anymore instead of a sorry. He’s really guilty. Guilty that Jeongguk had to drink a love potion and guilty that his heart is beating so fast with a love confession from the love potion.

Jeongguk just shakes his head. He stands up and starts gathering his things. Taehyung stands up too, just looking at Jeongguk.

“Thanks for letting me stay the night and for making me breakfast but I need to go even if I don’t want to leave your side, my love.” Taehyung nods, saying another sorry again as he ignores the last words from Jeongguk. He walked Jeongguk to the door, the other witch turning around to look at him before leaving.

“Just so you know, I’m not drinking our final project while I’m under the effect of that love potion. I already risked it when I drank the wrong one. I don’t know what might happen to me if I drink another potion that wasn’t tested on a person yet. But thanks to that potion too that I finally found out what I feel—”

“Hey. So I forgot to tell you that Mr. Kim already knows that you’ll present the potion result as a test subject. I met him yesterday and it just came out of my mouth. I’m sorry if I’m only telling you today about it.” Taehyung cut Jeongguk, a frown slowly forming on the witch’s forehead. He feels like he wants to say something, maybe he’s mad again, but decided not to since he might say something different once again. But Taehyung already knows what he should tell him. “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you sooner.”

“You know, I want to curse you right now but I might only end up telling you how much I love you. Why do you have to do that without informing me? Would you like it if I tell Mr. Kim that you made me drink a love potion then?”

“Jeongguk, it was an accident. And I just told him that because it’s our project.”

“Is the project the only thing that matters to you? You didn’t even know what I did just to get everything you need in a day. And then you just met with Mr. Kim and you sold me off. If I know you’d do this then I shouldn’t have rushed getting all those ingredients for you.”

“I’m really sorry, Jeongguk.”

“Fix this.. Or I’ll tell Mr. Kim.” Jeongguk stares at Taehyung. He noticed the sudden change in Taehyung's face. He suddenly looked afraid that Jeongguk had to take a double take about what he just said. He never meant to threaten Taehyung but with his frustration, he just can't control his words. So he sighs before he removes his gaze away from him, turning his back to Taehyung and leaving.

“So what you’re telling me is that you made Jeon Jeongguk drink a love potion?” Jimin raised his eyebrows while Taehyung tried to hush him. It’s supposed to be a secret. If someone from the academy hears it then he bet he's doomed.

“I didn’t make him drink it. That was an accident. And I already told you to lower your voice down. If anyone hears and the word spreads out, I’m sure if not Jeongguk then his fans will hunt me down.” Taehyung whispered.

“Oh come on, Jeongguk isn’t even that dangerous. He’s a total sweetheart. But to his followers, that can be true.”

“I know. But listen, Jeongguk was really frustrated when he found out that he drank a love potion. He even refused to drink our final project because of the accident and now, I don’t know how to tell Mr. Kim that Jeongguk backed out. He’s already expecting that he will do it. And then he even threatened me that he’ll tell Mr. Kim that I made him drink that potion. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do now.”

“Wait, he did that? He threatened you? Then tell Mr. Kim the truth yourself. Don’t let Jeongguk threaten you that way.” Jimin said after letting out a gasp. Taehyung can’t help but slap his shoulder.

“And then what? Make me find the antidote for Jeongguk and it will become my final project instead because as he always told us, a witch shall take responsibility for the potion they made.”

“Then you have no other choice but to make Jeongguk drink the potion then. Just to remind you but you’re going to run out of time. Maybe other groups haven't started yet but others are already halfway through to completing their potions. You should really meet Mr. Kim and have him check your potion already. Just promise him that you’ll find the antidote for him afterwards.”

“He said he won’t drink it not until I give him the antidote.”

“Then you should force him to.” Jimin said sternly. “I know it’s frustrating to accidentally drink a love potion but he should abide by his words too. You’re going to fail our potions class if he won’t drink your project.”

“But maybe I should drink the potion myself?”

“Tae, I can drink the potion for you too but you already told Mr. Kim that Jeongguk will do it. You don’t really have a choice but to force your partner to grow up some guts and drink that potion.” Jimin sighed. “Honestly, I liked Jeongguk before but if he’s going to act like this then he’s cancelled.”

“It’s my fault Jimin. I understand where he’s coming from.”

“Still. He volunteered himself so he better do it. Do you want me to help you pursue him? I bet he’ll be pressured when we do it together.”

Taehyung shakes his head. A help from Jimin would be great if it’s not Taehyung’s fault that he is in this position. But Jeongguk is already suffering from the potion, another stress would be unfair for him. And he might get embarrassed in front of Jimin in case the potion works its way to the other witch. They’ll both get embarrassed honestly and what if Jeongguk hates him more because of it? “No. I think I can handle him. Just give me some time.”

“Okay, whatever you say.”

“But I think you can help me with something else?”

“Hit me up.”

Taehyung smiled as soon as he saw Jimin’s mom. She’s a total sweetheart. Her face is so lovely like she never aged anymore when she hits 40 because she did. Taehyung heard that Jimin’s mom has access to the fountain of youth. It is said that any veteran gets access to the fountain as long as they don’t abuse it. There’s plenty of witch cases getting jailed and punished for doing so but that’s not what Taehyung needs to know today.

“How are you Taehyung? You haven’t visited me for a long time.” Jimin’s mom asked while the two of them took a seat on the couch. Jimin went to the kitchen to get some snacks for Taehyung while his friend talked with his mother.

“I’m sorry. I was busy with my studies.”

“How are you doing in your potion, by the way? Jimin here asked for my help. Do you need any help too?” The older lady asked, her smile never fading and very inviting for Taehyung.

“I do need your help but it’s not about the project.”

“What is it then?”

“So I experimented on a lot of potions for the project and I accidentally made a love potion. The thing here is, my project partner accidentally drank it and now, whenever he tries to talk to me, he always has something to say like he loves me or just praises me.”

“You mean, everytime he opens his mouth, he says he loves you?”

“Not necessarily. He always has something to say but the potion changes it to a confession but there are also times where he can freely express himself, if he’s mad or anything. He also knows that he’s under a love potion and he… blushes whenever he says a word about me or just professes his love to me. What I’m trying to say is he’s fully aware of the love potion’s effect and he even tries to stop it from time to time. Sometimes he can, sometimes he can’t.”

“A love potion that sometimes works and sometimes don’t?” Taehyung nods as an answer. That’s the closest explanation to what happened. “It’s a backward love potion.”

“A backward love potion? But a backward potion means it's underdeveloped, right?”

“It is. You know how potions are made, you mix ingredients in and you get a result. A backward potion is caused by missing an ingredient to the mixture.”

“I was supposed to make a more complex kind of hair growth potion. And since I don’t know what to do, I just added some dried up rose petals to the common recipe of a moustache potion. That’s when I developed it.”

“There are different recipes for different potions, right? A love potion isn’t an exception. We have tons of recipes to develop it. You just used one of them, but missed another ingredient that’s why it was underdeveloped.”

“Do you think there’s an antidote for that?”

“There is but it’s hard to make. A backward love potion is a lot harder to cure than the common love potion since they aren't common. It also has elements that can vary based on what they are made of. I haven’t heard of anyone getting cured from a backward love potion ever since.. Ever since Pilwoo left.”

Taehyung remembers the stories about the old man, they loved hearing stories of him. The elder says he’s sweet spoken, has the tenderest voice, and Jimin is a carbon copy of how his father looks. They were still a baby when Jimin’s father left his family. He was a thousand year old witch, with a huge age difference to his wife’s, and people say he was so tired of living his life that he gave up on his magic and immortality. He chose to live in the human realm, a world where people die.

"Do you know someone who can help me make the antidote?"

"I don't personally know them but Pilwoo used to tell me that he's friends with the best witches in town but he never told me their names. All I know is that those witches are thousand years old just like him and can fix anything with their knowledge and magic."

"Thousand year old witches?"

"It's very vague, isn't it? There are too many witches in this world that already exceeded that number. And a lot from them have access on the fountain too so you wouldn't even know who's older and younger. But I've heard that each of them owns a copy of a book that one of them made himself. This book contains all the spells and recipes from the ancient time. Pilwoo showed it to me once before he donated it to the witch library. Maybe that book has a cure on how to fix your problem but the library has been long gone."

Taehyung tries hard to think. The story from Jimin's mom was familiar to him. A thousand year old witch with an ancient book? He just met someone like that recently.

“Yoongi.”

“Who?”

“He’s a thousand year old witch and he owns an ancient book just like what you described. He told me only three of them owns that book. He’s also the witch who helped me with my potion.”

“Oh, then maybe he is friends with Jimin’s father?”

Taehyung stands up, getting his things and bowing to Jimin’s mom. “I should go. Thank you for letting me in.”

“Wait Taehyung, you’re leaving already?” Jimin came in with some freshly squeezed juice and cookies. “You literally just got here. I even made you a juice.”

“I need to go somewhere Jimin.”

“Well, at least drink the juice I made for you?” Jimin said, making Taehyung smile. The witch gave the glass to Taehyung and he finished it in one go.

“Thank you.” Jimin smiled, waving goodbye as Taehyung left the house. He needs to see Yoongi as soon as possible. With his broom and not-so-good sense of direction, he went on his way to Yoongi.

He came inside the shop as soon as he arrived, expecting Yoongi to be behind the counter or anything but the witch was nowhere to be found. Does he need to call him the way Jeongguk called him back then?

“Yoongi?” He started soft, even a whisper. He doesn't want to disturb the witch but he really needs his help. “Yoongi? It’s me, Taehyung. I’m the witch Jeongguk brought here the other day.”

But no one’s really answering. Maybe Taehyung can check up on him behind the curtain where he went out the last time? No. That's considered trespassing. He'll just call him once more and if he's really not there then he'd just leave.

“Yoongi?”

Since no one answered, Taehyung decided to leave. Maybe the witch went out and he just forgot to close his shop? But why would he let his shop unguarded?

“Yoongi!” Taehyung almost fell back from shock when the shop’s door opened when he was about to leave and then Jeongguk came in. “Taehyung?”

“Jeongguk.”

“What are you doing here?” Jeongguk already has an idea. He then looks around but there’s no Yoongi in sight. "Are you here to ask for Yoongi’s help with the antidote?”

“I already asked someone to help me but they don’t know what to do too so I thought maybe Yoongi can—.”

"Help you out.” Taehyung nods. He heard Jeongguk sighed, the other witch walking to the counter and reading up the note that Yoongi left.

“He’s out to get some ingredients for his potions. You didn’t see his note?” Jeongguk asked, waving the paper he found on the counter. Taehyung shakes his head. He doesn’t remember that paper being there.

“See. That’s why we’re meant to be. You didn’t even notice this.” Jeongguk laughs, pertaining to the incident when he didn’t notice the note that's placed together with the potion he took. He went closer to Taehyung to give the paper.

“Have you forgiven me already?” Taehyung asked while he accepted the paper. He doesn’t have anything to do with it but Jeongguk is giving it to him so he just accepts.

“Why would I not forgive the love of my life? You’re the most precious person to me, love. I’m willing to forget everything just for you.” Those words left Taehyung speechless, just him staring at Jeongguk. Soon after, the witch realized the words he just said, the blush starting to creep up to his cheeks. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

“I know. I understand.”

Jeongguk tried to avoid Taehyung’s gaze, walking around the shop that he can use as an excuse to change the subject. He leaves Taehyung from where they were standing to go around the store. Taehyung just lets the silence sink in, not knowing what to say either.

“Should we look for a possible antidote? Yoongi might take a while before he gets back and we don’t have anything better to do while waiting.” Jeongguk proposes when he thinks that he’s far enough from Taehyung. He’s standing in front of one of the potions stands.

“Okay.” Taehyung agreed to not make the situation worse. The atmosphere was already awkward when Jeongguk came in. It became worse when the love potion took its effect on him again.

They both move around the store, trying to avoid each other and keeping a great distance between them. Jeongguk actually doesn’t know what he’s looking for. He’s just pretending he’s looking for something just as to not to talk to Taehyung or anything. He even went behind the counter to keep a greater distance from the other witch. That is when he noticed the book Yoongi used the day they met him.

“It’s here.” Jeongguk looks at Taehyung. “That ancient book.”

Taehyung moved closer to Jeongguk, only the counter keeping them away from each other. He looks at where Jeongguk is pointing and it’s really the book. “Should we open it and find the antidote ourselves?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Shouldn’t we wait for Yoongi?” Taehyung replied but Jeongguk just shakes his head.

“He’ll understand. I’ll explain everything to him when he gets here.”

“Okay.”

Jeongguk smiled softly that Taehyung had to look away from him for a mere moment. Why is he blushing all of a sudden? It’s when he heard a loud thud on the counter, Jeongguk placed the book on top of it so the two of them could see clearly what’s written inside. “Let’s see.”

Jeongguk started opening the book. The first page was blank so Jeongguk had to flip the page to the second and yet, it was still blank. The witch ended up flipping all the pages but the book is a clean pad of paper, no ink in sight.

“It’s blank.” Taehyung voiced out.

“That’s impossible. This is the ancient book we saw, right?” Taehyung nods. “Then why is it blank? There’s definitely the recipe written on it the other day—”

“What are you two doing?” They were interrupted by the voice that came from the door’s direction. Yoongi is standing there carrying some bags that Taehyung assumes holds the ingredients he collected.

“We’re trying to look for a recipe.” Jeongguk was the one who had the courage to answer. The older witch doesn’t look pleased when he sees them. Maybe he’s mad that they touched his things without permission? Even Taehyung will be mad if someone does it to him.

“A recipe for what? I already gave you what you need, right?” Yoongi asked while he put all his bags down on the floor. He pulled his wand from his coat and used his magic to close the book in front of the two witches.

“It's different. We need an antidote for a love potion.” Jeongguk replied back.

“An antidote for a love potion is commonly taught in academies. Why do you have to find its recipe in my book?”

“It’s not just a common love potion. It’s a backward potion and we need a recipe for its antidote.” Taehyung finally speaks up.

Yoongi’s brows furrowed. “Why do you need an antidote for it in the first place?”

“Because I drank one.” Jeongguk answered.

“I’m not helping you.” Yoongi answered as soon as Jeongguk finished his story. They were sitting outside the shop, around a circled table.

“I’m willing to pay.”

“I don’t need your money, Jeongguk. I’ve always helped you with everything. It’s time for you to find a solution for yourself. And wasn’t it Taehyung who made the love potion? You should be the first to know the antidote for it.”

“It was an experimental potion so I don’t really know.” Taehyung replied back.

“And that book doesn’t know it either. Backward potions are considered failure potions. Those kinds of recipes aren’t for the book to get published. Who will try a backward potion, right? And it’s hard to find an antidote for backward potions. Even if they have the same effect compared to common ones, they differ in characteristics depending on how they are developed. So no, I won’t help you with it. Even if I want to, I don’t know how to solve it, same with the book. Or you can just wait for it to wear out."

"How long will it take to wear out?"

"I don't know. A month? A year? Hundred years? No one will know." Taehyung can't wait for it to wear out without knowing when. What if it takes a whole year? It's already too late then. They have to pass their project as soon as they can and finding an antidote is the only thing they can do to fix it.

“You told us that there are three witches that owned the same book and someone also told me that one among those three witches wrote the book himself. My friend’s father was one of your friends, isn’t he? His name is Park Pilwoo. His wife didn’t tell me that he wrote that book so it only leaves you and the other witch.”

“I didn’t write it.”

“Then can you tell us the other witch’s name? Maybe he can help us with the antidote?”

“No. Back in the days, people always sought us. That's why Pilwoo gave up his magic and the other witch had to hide for a long time. Even I am hiding here in the middle of the forest and only few know about my existence. Young witches like you already forgot to take responsibility for what you do. That’s not what a witch should be. They should be ready to find a solution for themselves since they caused it. Don’t rely on others to fix your mess.” Yoongi stood up and rushed towards his shop. The two other witches tried to follow him but Yoongi slammed the door in front of them. “I’m closing my doors to the two of you. You can only come back when you finally understand what I said.”

Taehyung’s shoulders sagged. Only Yoongi can tell them where the third witch is and he refuses to help them. But Yoongi’s right. It was Taehyung who made the potion himself and so it is his responsibility to develop the antidote for it too.

“Now what?”

“Give me time.” Taehyung looked at Jeongguk, his eyes filled with determination. “I’m going to develop the antidote myself.”

“Taehyung, didn’t you hear what Yoongi said? It’s difficult.”

“But I was the one who made that potion so it’s just right for me to develop the antidote for it too.” Taehyung thinks he's not worthy of that degree if he fails on this one. A witch should be responsible, it’s in their morals, and so he will fix the mess he made and that’s when he can tell himself that he’s worthy of the witchcraft degree.

“Let me help you.” Taehyung looked back at Jeongguk, his eyebrows frowning as he stared at the other witch. Did he hear him correctly? “It’s not the potion speaking. I want to help you. This is partly my fault.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“I’m still not drinking the hair growing one though.” Jeongguk said, walking towards his horse and leaving Taehyung.

“That’s okay. We can fix this before the fourth group presents theirs.” Taehyung convinced himself, getting to his broom and following Jeongguk.

It has been days since they went to Yoongi. Taehyung has been trying to find any antidote to the love potion by going to their academy’s library and reading every single book he finds about antidotes and potions, and yet he still can’t find anything that can help him. But hey, there’s tons of books around here and he just hasn’t found the right one yet.

“You’re here.” Taehyung looks up to the witch who sits beside him. It’s Jeongguk. “Have you heard?”

“What is it?”

“The second group has presented. They’re already graded.” Jeongguk says as he opens a book from the pile that Taeyung gathered earlier. “That’s two chances.”

“We still have another two.” Taehyung says, directing his focus back on the book he’s reading.

“Why do you badly want that witchcraft degree? You can still use magic without it. Can even make potions on your own if you like. Ride your broom if you want.”

“Because I want to have an official title of being a witch. Also, the wand and the broom the academy provided aren’t even that good so I’m going to get myself a good set once I get that degree.”

“Just borrow your sibling’s. My brother lets me use his broom all the time. Remember the broom I used when I gathered ingredients for the potion? That broom was my brother’s. It's really powerful that it was able to bring me to the unicorns.”

“I’m the eldest among us so I can’t really borrow anything from anyone.”

“Ah.” Jeongguk nods. Taehyung returned his focus on the book he’s holding when Jeongguk didn’t say anything anymore.

“Let’s visit Hobi today.” The other witch said. When Taehyung puts the book down to look at Jeongguk, the witch’s big doe eyes are already staring at him, waiting for his answer.

“Why?”

“Oh, you know. He’s a fairy. He also knows magic so maybe he can just magic this potion out of me so I can finally drink our final project potion so you can get that degree too.”

“Jeongguk.. What if you drink the potion first and after presenting it then I’ll continue looking for the antidote. At least by that time, we’re sure that we’ll get our degree.”

“That’s a good idea.. If I wanted to die. Look Taehyung, I don’t know what that potion might do to me if I drink it while under another potion. And since it’s a special one, I bet its effects are a lot more complex compared to a common potion. Don’t you think it’s risky to drink it while still under a different potion?”

“Okay, I understand.” At least he tried. Better luck next time, Taehyung.

“Are you still going to Hobi or..?” Taehyung nods.

“Let me just borrow these books from the librarian.” Taehyung said, gathering his books on his arms. He walks towards the librarian while Jeongguk brings both of their bags, waiting for Taehyung to check the books out.

“Let me just bring this to my house.” Taehyung says as he carries all the books in his hands. He looks like he’s struggling so Jeongguk offered some help.

“I can handle this, don’t worry.”

“My love, I don’t want to see you suffering so please, let me help you with those.” Jeongguk says naturally, making Taehyung pause. The potion took its effect on him again. He stares at Jeongguk, waiting for the other to deny his words but nothing left his mouth. Instead, he reached out to the books that Taehyung’s carrying and then carried them himself.

“It was the potion, right?”

“Yeah. Embarrassing, but at least I got all these books from you. Who knew that potion can actually help me with something?” Jeongguk smiled, walking ahead of Taehyung since his face is starting to burn hot. But Taehyung’s not fine either because as soon as Jeongguk smiled at him, the faint blush started to creep up his face, his heart beating so fast.

Taehyung smiled as he looked around the meadow. It was the same meadow they went to when they picked flowers for Hobi. The field was magnificent during that night but it’s also really beautiful during the day. The sun is shining so bright like it’s making the flowers sparkle through the light. Different colors and tons of butterflies are flying like it’s their paradise.

“Taehyung!” Jeongguk waved with his left hand, his right hand already filled with a bouquet of buttercups. “Help me with these!”

“Okay.”

Taehyung holds the flowers while he watches Jeongguk pick some more. “I’m sure Hobi will love these just like the last time.”

“Should I put magic to it again?” Jeongguk looks back at Taehyung before nodding.

“He’ll love it even more.”

Taehyung smiled, pulling his wand out of his coat and waving it on the flowers to give the same effect he did back then while Jeongguk continued his work. When Jeongguk thinks he already picked enough flowers for Hobi, he handed all the remaining flowers to Taehyung so he can use his magic on them too.

“I’m done.”

“Great. Let’s go meet Hobi then.”

Jeongguk holds the half of the flowers they gathered while Taehyung carries the rest. Taehyung can't help but look at the flowers they will bring Hobi. It's so beautiful that it already makes him smile. Simple things like this can make a person's heart melt.

"I hope Hobi will be happy to see this." Taehyung says, flying on Jeongguk's height level. He doesn't want to fly up high since the sun is hot that can give him sunburns.

"He will. He loves flowers so much."

"Fairies are so simple, aren't they? They get happy with these simple gifts."

"Well, were you not going to be happy if someone gives you flowers?"

"I will, especially when they're sunflowers. They're my favorites."

Jeongguk nods. "My favorite is the tiger flower since it's my birth flower."

"It's an ingredient for a confidence potion." Taehyung commented that it made Jeongguk laugh.

"Even right now, you're still thinking of potions."

When they arrived at the fairies' meadow, Jeongguk was greeted again with the tiny fairy. Hobi hugged the witch again, his whole body clashing with Jeongguk's cheeks. Taehyung can't help but smile seeing the interaction. The fairy is so cute and sweet.

" Taehyungie !" The fairy greeted as soon as he saw the witch. He flew from Jeongguk going to Taehyung, his whole body hitting Taehyung's cheeks like the clash was nothing to the little creature. The witch giggled as soon as he felt the fairy's tiny hands on his cheeks, trying to hug him.

"Hello Hobi, I'm back. And I brought you your favorite flowers again."

The tiny fairy gasped, looking at the flowers on Taehyung's arms. He went to the green one, hopping from each flower while Taehyung followed Jeongguk to Hobi's house. "You're now my favorite witch! You give wonderful gifts!"

"I give you flowers too!" Jeongguk said when he heard the tiny fairy.

"But Taehyungie makes the flowers more beautiful." The fairy says as he sits on one flower while looking up at Taehyung. The witch noticed how the fairy's lips resemble a heart, making him giggle with the observation. It's cute.

"You're my favorite fairy too, Hobi."

"Really?"

"Yes, since you're the only fairy he knows." Jeongguk teased to which Hobi rolled his eyes. He flew back up to Taehyung, resting on his head. "Your hair is so fluffy!"

Taehyung and Jeongguk sit down just outside Hobi's house since the fairy's home is tiny. They laid the flowers around it which made Hobi cheer in delight. He even said he'll invite other fairies to play with those flowers too.

"You have magic too, right?" Jeongguk replied when Hobi asked him why they were there. The tiny fairy nods as he plays around Taehyung's hair, decorating it with tiny flowers.

"I have a problem."

"You always have a problem." Hobi retorted that it made Taehyung laugh. The fairy laughs too while Jeongguk blushes, faking a cough so the two would stop from laughing. "So I drank a love potion."

"A love potion? Then you're probably in love right now. With whom?"

It was quick. Jeongguk stares at Taehyung, a word never coming out from him. Hobi looked from Jeongguk then to Taehyung. He holds tight on Taehyung's hair, jumping forward so now he's hanging on Taehyung's hair as he looks at the witch's eyes. "It's you, isn't it? Jeonggukie's in love with you!"

"It's not really in love—"

"I don't see a problem here Jeonggukie. If you're in love with Taehyung then aren't you lucky?" Hobi asked as he flew off Taehyung and went closer to Jeongguk, sitting on the witch's knee and looking up to him.

"Hobi, it's a love potion. I'm not really in love with him. And that's why I'm here, to ask for your help. Maybe you can remove it from me?"

"Oh, but it's really not a problem though. You can love Taehyungie. You look great together."

"Well, don't you think it will be better for me to love him with my heart instead of a potion?" Taehyung's eyes widened and Jeongguk realized what he just said so he quickly looked back at Taehyung.

"That's— Hobi, come on, let's talk somewhere else." Jeongguk stands up immediately as he catches Hobi on his palm.

"We'll just take a walk. Wait for us here." Taehyung nods as he watches Jeongguk and Hobi walk away. He lets out a quick sigh, picking up a buttercup from the pile outside Hobi's house. He got his wand and decided to play with the flower to pass time.

Jeongguk doesn't look too happy when they come back. His shoulders sagged and he's pouting. "I'm sorry Jeonggukie but that's all I can do."

"That's okay Hobi, thank you for trying."

"Maybe you should go and ask Jin to help you talk to Yoongi? He can't refuse Jin afterall."

"Yeah, okay. I'll try that. Thank you again Hobi."

"Taehyungie!" The fairy flew from Jeongguk going to Taehyung. He hugged him once more just like what he did earlier. "I already know what happened and I want you to know that it's okay. This will be fixed soon."

"Thank you Hobi." Taehyung smiled, his hand coming up to his face so he can touch Hobi with his finger, his act of hugging him back.

"Take care on your way." The fairy said on the two witches, waving his good bye. The two proceed to go back to the place where they left their broom and horse. They waved their last good bye to Hobi before they left.

"Are you going to Jin today?" Jeongguk nods at the question. "Can I go with you?"

"Why?"

"Well, it's my fault you drank that potion and I told you that I'll find the antidote for you yet here you are, helping me out even if it's not your responsibility anymore. You even volunteered to explain everything to Yoongi and Hobi when I should be the one who's doing those things. And now you're going to ask help from Jin. I want to be there too." Taehyung explains. Jeongguk sighed before nodding.

"Okay. But you need to leave your broom. Let's bring it to my friend's first. Do you know how to ride a horse?"

"I.. no."

"Figured. So here's my proposal, we can ride my horse together or would you rather not go with me anymore?"

Taehyung blinks at that. Them? Riding together? In one horse? Is it safe? Won't they fall when they do that? Taehyung doesn't know how to ride a horse. He's a witch. Why would he need to know how to ride a horse?

"Don't worry. I'll keep you safe."

Even if it's the effect of the potion or not, those words reassured Taehyung, making him nod. "Okay. I'll ride with you."

Jeongguk smiled widely. Taehyung hops on his broom. They're going to Jeongguk's friend first to drop his broom there. He was about to go a little higher when Jeongguk called him, making him go lower again so that his feet could touch the ground once more.

"I picked this one for you. Hobi's meadow has tons of sunflowers growing there and I remembered you said this is your favorite." Jeongguk said, pulling out a small sunflower from his back and giving it to Taehyung. The witch happily accepts it, whispering his thank you. He didn't notice that Jeongguk was carrying something like this though? Anyway, the small act made him happy. He even thinks he's feeling overly happy for receiving a flower. Although a part of him is also sad because maybe this is just one of the other tricks from the love potion. Why is he sad though? He doesn't know.

Taehyung closed his eyes as soon as the horse ran. He lets out a loud squeal, his hands automatically grabbing Jeongguk's clothes. "I'm gonna fall! I'm gonna fall!"

"You're not. Just hold on tight."

Taehyung without hesitation encircled his arms around Jeongguk's waist, closing the gap between them as he kept Jeongguk in a tight embrace. His eyes are still close, and he can feel the sturdy back of Jeongguk in front of him but he ignores it. He can't think of anything else except the fact that he might fall down if he won't hold on tight.

"Slow down!" Taehyung said, holding tighter to Jeongguk. He felt a hand covering his clasped hands, the horse slowing down, letting him breathe.

"Is this okay?" Taehyung opened his eyes, nodding.

"Better."

"You're such a scaredy cat." Jeongguk laughs while Taehyung pouts. "Just hold onto me, okay?"

"Okay." Taehyung felt the hand intertwined with his, reaching out to hold on his other hand. There's still fear in his chest but the sense of security from their intertwined hands are enough to calm him down.

The two witches get past the borderline and have now entered the vampire's village. Taehyung felt the hold on him getting tighter so he looked at Jeongguk. "Hold on tight, we'll go faster. And don't scream, okay?"

Taehyung nods, holding on Jeongguk tighter. He closed his eyes shut as soon as they gained speed, feeling the cold breeze of the village on his skin. It was a quick ride with Jeongguk tapping Taehyung's thigh as soon as they went to a stop. "We're here."

Taehyung looks around while Jeongguk ties his horse to one of the fences. They're in front of a huge mansion and Taehyung can feel his heart race. It's his first time meeting a vampire and he doesn't know what he should do once they meet.

"Stay close." Jeongguk says as he leads the way towards the door. Taehyung just followed him. When they arrived at the entrance, Jeongguk effortlessly opened the door.

"Wait, shouldn't we knock?"

"I know the owner so it's okay."

The interior of the house is breathtaking like it's a museum or something. The path they walk is getting lit up by torches, giving light to the paintings on the wall. It's huge just like how Taehyung expects it to be. And it's really welcoming, opposite to what he thinks a vampire's house will look like.

They arrived at a room that Jeongguk opened. There's a couch, even a TV, and more home decorations that gives the vibe of a living room.

"Sit here while I look for Jin." Jeongguk gestured to the couch. Taehyung hesitantly sits there, trying not to make a sound. Unexpectedly, the couch is so soft that he almost wants to lay there.

Jeongguk left Taehyung in the room a second after he nodded. The witch just sat there in silence, looking around the place. It really isn't bad at all. He would even want to live here if given the chance.

"Boo!" A face suddenly appeared in front of Taehyung upside-down and he managed to let out a scream before covering his mouth, the man who appeared in front of him laughed.

"A human in my house. What are you doing here, mortal?" The man asked as he stands on his feet and he dusts himself off. He looked back at Taehyung with his red eyes before he smiled, revealing his fangs. It's a vampire. It's Jin.

"Ah, maybe you're here to offer me your blood? But I don't just drink any blood, I'm a little picky. Fortunately for you, I will consider—"

"Wait! I'm not here to offer my blood. I'm with Jeongguk!" Taehyung raised his hands to try and stop Jin from getting closer to him. The vampire tilts his head, narrowing his eyes.

"You're with Jeongguk?" Taehyung nods. Soon after, they hear the door slammed open, Jeongguk is standing there.

"Taehyung!" The witch called, walking towards them and checking on Taehyung to see if there's any bite. "You weren't bitten, right?"

"I'm fine."

"Jeongguk, why did you bring a mortal to my house?"

"He's a witch." Jeongguk replied, turning around to face Jin. "And what did you do? Why did I hear Taehyung scream?"

"Nothing. I'm just standing here. Do you see any blood?" Jin answered with a shrug. The witch sighed in relief, looking back at Taehyung to check if he's really okay. "Why are you here anyway? Is my blood not enough for you?"

"No, it's more than enough but I need to ask for another favor."

"And you brought your witch friend as a sacrifice?"

"Jin, he's not here to get his blood sucked. He's here because the favor I'll ask you is connected to him."

The three of them are now seated in front of Jin's huge dining table. He even served them tea that came from his stocks. He doesn't drink them. He bought them so he can serve something for his guests, just like Jeongguk and Taehyung.

The vampire is laughing so hard, even pointing at Jeongguk seconds after hitting the table top. He's already red, giving color to his pale skin. Jeongguk's covering his face now since he's already embarrassed.

"You're such an idiot! How can you drink a love potion and not know it's a love potion?" Jin laughed out again, even drying his tears from too much laughing.

"Have you calmed down now?" Jeongguk asked as soon as Jin stopped. He's still shaking from laughing out but he raises an OK sign. "So yeah, since I drank a love potion, I need you to help me talk to Yoongi."

"And what made you think Yoongi will listen to me?"

"You're friends with Yoongi too. And you've known each other your whole life."

"Are you saying I'm old?" Taehyung's eyes widened with the sudden move from Jin, the vampire standing up as he stared at Jeongguk. How did it escalate to this? He was just laughing seconds earlier.

"Aren't you? If you're not old then you wouldn't even have this house or your power."

"See, you're going to age too. You're immortal like me!"

"By the time I get old, you're already older!"

Taehyung doesn't know what to do. The tension in the atmosphere is heavy. Jeongguk and Jin are staring at each other within the silence. No one's speaking, just the two of them in a competition. Taehyung was about to break them apart when Jin suddenly laughed and Jeongguk did the same.

"Did you see your friend's reaction? He looked so nervous." Jin said in between his laughs while Jeongguk nods like crazy, running out of breath as he laughs too.

"What..?"

"It was a joke. We're just kidding. We just want to see how you will react."

"That's mean."

"But you looked so cute. I want to shower you with kisses. I love you so much." Jeongguk says while still laughing but Jin was quick to hear it, so is Taehyung. Jin has stopped laughing and the two of them stare at Jeongguk, the other is taking his time to realize what he just said.

"Jeongguk." Taehyung called, the other pausing to look at the witch. He looks at Taehyung and boy, does he know what that expression meant. He said some weird things again.

Jeongguk slowly looks at Jin who's just staring at him. He wet his lips before he tried to speak but the vampire was already laughing in his face, making him blush in embarrassment.

"So it's real!" Jin said, trying to catch for some air. "You're really in love with Taehyung and you just professed your love for him again, in front of me! That's hilarious!"

Jeongguk sighed. He could've shut his mouth but he kept it running in front of Jin and so he embarrassed himself more to the vampire. He was the one who's supposed to be laughing right now, not the one who's being laughed at.

"Okay, okay. I'm going to try my best and talk to Yoongi to help you out. But if it doesn't work then I'm sorry but you'll stay like that."

"Really? Thank you Jin!" Taehyung said in delight. He looked at Jeongguk, raised a thumbs up and the witch just gave him a little smile. As much as he wants to celebrate, he knows that Jin will probably bring up that scenario until forever.

Taehyung gathers his things and puts them inside his bag. Their classes just finished and he plans on going back to the library to research again.

"Taehyung, let's grab lunch. What do you want to eat?" Jimin asked him.

"I'm sorry Jimin but I have to go to the library."

"Again? You're always spending your time there. At least allow yourself to eat. It's not like Jeongguk will die anytime soon."

"But I promised him I'll cure him."

"Okay, I understand that but please, don't neglect your health. You have to eat. Come on." Jimin picks up Taehyung's bag and pulls the other witch with him, heading to the academy's cafeteria. Taehyung just lets him since he's feeling hungry too.

They were already having their lunch when Jeongguk went closer to them. "Taehyung."

"What is it?" Jimin asked before Taehyung could even greet Jeongguk back. He's kind of pissed off with Jeongguk for pressuring Taehyung that he's now ignoring his health because of him.

"I have something to tell Taehyung."

"And that is?" Jimin raised a brow. Jeongguk ignored the tone of Jimin and he grabbed a seat beside Taehyung. He's here for Taehyung anyway.

"Jin already talked to Yoongi and he refused just like what he did to us. Though he said he'll try to pursue him again but for now, there's really no news."

Taehyung nods, smiling a little. It's a shame but a little expected too. "That's okay. I'm going to go to the library anyway after my meal. If I get lucky today then we don't need Yoongi's help anymore."

"Okay."

"You know, Taehyung's been skipping his meals because of you and—"

"Jimin! Please." Taehyung reached out to Jimin's hand, squeezing it as his eyes asked him in silence to not talk about it anymore. Jimin frowns and huffs, looking away.

"I'll be in the library if you ever need me." Taehyung says to Jeongguk once he's sure Jimin won't open his mouth again.

"Yeah, okay." Jeongguk nods and the two other witches expect him to go but he just stays there sitting. And that again ticked Jimin off.

"Well, aren't you going to leave so Taehyung can finish his meal?"

"I don't have anywhere to go."

"Then why is your circle looking over here like they're waiting for you?" Jimin asked, even pointing to the group of jocks that were looking at them from a distance. They're all Jeongguk's friends.

"I told them to go first." Jeongguk sighed, standing up. But before he really leaves, he turns around and faces Taehyung, bringing his face a little closer to the witch. "Don't skip meals and call me if it's too much. I don't really care about the antidote if you're not doing well yourself, okay?"

Taehyung hesitantly nods. Why is he acting like it's not important when it's the only thing he ever wants right now? "Okay."

"And don't stress yourself too much babe. I love you." Jeongguk smiled, moving back as he waved goodbye to Taehyung before turning around to jog towards his friends. Taehyung was about to say goodbye but he settled on waving his hand instead.

"Are you actually blushing right now?" Jimin asked, his face resting on his palm as he looked at Taehyung with a blank expression. Of course, Jimin heard everything.

"No. Why would I be? That's the potion talking."

"I know it's the potion's effect but you're seriously blushing right now. And because of what?"

"Jimin, they put a hot sauce in my sandwich and that is what's making me blush." Jimin stares at him blankly. Everyone knows it's a lame excuse.

"Sure, Tae." Jimin says as he picks up his own food while still eyeing Taehyung. The other witch just grabs on his juice and takes an immediate sip, coughing from the sudden movement.

"It's really spicy." Taehyung says as another excuse and Jimin just nods.

"I know." Jimin shakes his head as he sips on his juice too. Taehyung took another sip on his. Jimin isn't buying it.

"Class dismissed ." Mr. Kim says in his class. Taehyung's classmates have started to stand up from their seats one by one and leave the room. He quickly packs his things in his bag so he can finally leave too to research in the library again.

"Mr. Kim!" Taehyung looks at the direction of the voice. His classmate, Sana, just approached the professor with her partner. Taehyung can't help but listen to what she's saying.

"We'd like to present our project. Could you spare us some of your time?" Namjoon nods, answering them okay. As soon as he heard it, Taehyung decided to finally leave. He needs to hurry. That's already the third group and he's far from fixing his problem with Jeongguk.

He's now feeling how heavy the situation is. If he won't rush on curing Jeongguk then another group will go ahead and present their project and they will lose the chance of passing the class. But who is he kidding? He can't do anything for Jeongguk. He's still not on that level to actually fix this mess.

"Taehyung!" He suddenly felt a hand on his wrist, stopping him from walking away. He looks from the hand holding him, up to the owner of the hand. "Are you okay?"

"Yes." He nods, easily pulling his wrist from Jeongguk's hold. People might see and get the wrong idea. "Is there anything you need?"

"Nothing. You just looked so preoccupied. You might hurt yourself if you're not focusing on your way."

"I'm okay."

"Are you going to the library again?" Taehyung nods.

But right now, all he can think of is how he badly wants to ask Jeongguk to drink the potion so they can finally end their project and he could focus on the mess he made. He knows he promised to himself that he'll fix the love potion incident first before they present anything to their professor and it felt possible that time but now, it feels like it's just wishful thinking. Maybe he was too confident of himself since he made a working potion but going back to everything that happened, there's really nothing he accomplished by himself. Everything was because of Jeongguk, of his help and efforts, and Taehyung suddenly felt so small that he couldn't bring himself to desperately beg Jeongguk now.

"You don't really look okay." Jeongguk worriedly said. "What's on your mind?"

"Nothing."

Jeongguk bites the insides of his mouth before he sighed and smiled at Taehyung. He reached for the witch's hand. "Let's eat first before you go to the library."

"But I'm not hungry."

"I am, so go with me and I'll accompany you to the library." Jeongguk says as he pulls Taehyung with him, the two of them going to the cafeteria. He wants to pull his hand away from him but before he could, Jeongguk is already holding him tighter.

Taehyung is now seated with Jeongguk as the other witch eats his pasta. He just looks at him, not knowing what to do. Jeongguk treated him with the same meal but he doesn't have the appetite to eat it. Not when he's stressed over the project, on how he'll convince Jeongguk to drink the potion and then fix this mess.

"And you're back at it again." Jeongguk said, giving all his focus to Taehyung as he rests his head on his palm. "What's keeping you preoccupied?"

"It's nothing." How can he tell Jeongguk what's keeping him unfocused when it's about the witch himself.

"If you really don't want to tell me then I won't force you but you have to eat." Jeongguk said as he pushed the plate closer to Taehyung. He reached for the fork and handed it to the witch. "Or you have to pay me for the meal."

"Ah, yes, okay." Taehyung puts the fork down on the plate before he reaches for his bag and opens it to look for his wallet.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm going to pay you back." Taehyung answered as he searched for his wallet. He finally found it, pulling it out of the bag.

"No. Why would you do that? I'm just kidding. Keep it back."

"But I'm really not hungry and I don't think I have the appetite to eat so let me just pay you back." Taehyung says as he opens his wallet and grabs some bills. Jeongguk was quick to stop him, even holding Taehyung's hands just to stop him.

"I'm not going to accept it anyway so keep it." Jeongguk says as he reaches into Taehyung's bag to open it and gets the wallet from the witch's hand to keep it back inside his bag. "Let me just finish my meal and then we can go. Don't eat it if you're not hungry."

Jeongguk went back to his meal and scooped a large amount of pasta to feed himself. He needs to be quick so Taehyung won't have to wait longer. When he's back munching on his food, he notices that the witch is eating his own meal. "I thought you're not hungry?"

"I don't want to waste your money." Taehyung says in a pout, avoiding Jeongguk's eyes. He just settled on looking at his meal again before scooping another bite. Now that he thinks of it, he's kind of hungry too.

"Has anyone told you?" Taehyung looks up from his meal to Jeongguk, fork is still up in the air as he chews on his food. "You're fucking cute."

"That's—" Taehyung swallowed his food before he looked at him with his wide eyes. Jeongguk froze, realizing what he just said so he raises his hand.

"The potion. I think it's been in effect since earlier when we met at the hallway. You know how it is."

"Yes, of course." Taehyung nods, trying to not look at Jeongguk. He doesn't know how he'll react once their eyes meet.

It went awkward again and the silence embracing them is getting too much but Taehyung can't do anything about it. He just continued eating his food.

"I think the academy's ventilation is getting lousier each day, isn't it?" Jeongguk faked a laugh, even fanning himself because he knows he's already bright red. It's his way of breaking the silence so Taehyung nods eagerly, thankful for Jeongguk for breaking the ice.

"It's really hot today." Taehyung replied, reaching for his drink and taking a sip. He also faked a cough. He thinks that the atmosphere will cool off once they get to the library. "Finish your meal so we can go to the library."

"Okay, you too. But don't force yourself if you don't have the appetite." Taehyung nods, taking another sip from his drink. He doesn't know if his hungriness is still there or his appetite really drained out after the awkwardness. He even thinks Jeongguk is doing this all by himself. It's already embarrassing that way. How can he forget about the potion's effect when it's the only thing that's running in his mind all day? He just let his heart race once again.

They are now in the library and Jeongguk volunteered in helping Taehyung look for the books that can help them. "As long as it's about potions and antidotes, right?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll go look on those shelves." Taehyung nods so Jeongguk moves towards the farther shelf. When he got there, he noticed that he went to the children's books side. Who on earth would read a children's book in this library of teenagers and adults?

He was about to go back to Taehyung when he got a glimpse of a book that's familiar to him. He went closer to pick it up and let out a smile as soon as he read the title. He remembers how this story book was his favorite when he was a child. He flipped the book open and read the first line. He sighed as he reminisced about the times his mother would read the book to him, continuing to the second page.

"Jeongguk, I found two." Taehyung raises the books he's holding, one on each hand. "What's that?"

"Oh this? It's nothing." Jeongguk said, putting the book back on its position. Taehyung went closer and looked at the spine of the book. He mumbled the title, Room on the Broom.

"It's a children's book."

"It is."

"Were you reading it?" Taehyung asked, putting both books he's holding on one hand while the other reaches out for the children's book. He looked at the front cover then to the back. He nods. It's really the story book Room on the Broom.

"No, I was just checking it out." Because what would Taehyung think if he finds out that Jeongguk was actually planning to read that book? That's so uncool.

"You looked like you wanted to read it though."

"No, I don't." He responded immediately, making Taehyung smile. He puts it together with the books he's holding as Jeongguk looks at him in surprise.

"What? I want to read it." Taehyung said before turning his back against Jeongguk. "Come on, let's go back to our seats."

Jeongguk looks at the storybook before he looks at Taehyung. They're sitting face to face and Taehyung is currently busy reading the potions book he found. He's not even reading the children's book.

"Are you getting bored?" Taehyung asked, eyes still on what he's reading.

"No. I'm fine." Taehyung promptly closes the book with his fingers in between the pages. "You can read that children's book while waiting so you won't get bored. I'm not reading it right now anyway."

Taehyung smiled before he opened the book from where he left and continued reading again. Jeongguk looks around. The library is almost empty since a lot of witches in their academy don't read books anymore. Jeongguk picked up the story book and opened it to the first page. He took a quick glance at Taehyung and found the witch already looking at him, scrambling to hide himself in the book he's reading after Jeongguk caught him looking. He smiled quickly before he focused back on the book he's holding. "I'm just reading it to pass time."

"Okay."

Jeongguk is satisfied when he finishes reading. It's the same story his mother used to read to him over and over again back when he's still a child, until he got tired of it that he asked for a different bedtime story, but now that he reads it again, he feels happy. He remembers how much he misses his mother since he had to move with his brother who's working in the capital where the academy is located too. Come to think of it, he's going home at the end of semester and it excites him more now.

"You look happy. The story's that good?" Jeongguk looks back to Taehyung, shaking his head with a smile.

"Not really. I just remembered something."

"Really?" Taehyung closes the book he's holding and puts it down on the table. He's giving his entire focus on Jeongguk now. "Care to share?"

"It's going to bore you."

Taehyung shakes his head. "I need a break from all the reading I'm doing anyway."

"Ah, I can help you with that." Jeongguk even pulled his chair to get closer to the table while Taehyung rested his face on both of his palms while he waited for Jeongguk to speak again. "So there's two things I remembered. First is my mom who always reads this book to me every bedtime and second is this story being one of the reasons why I don't like using magic at all."

"How can a children's story book do that to you?"

"You know, we get old, we age and we develop our own mindsets. I remember when I was a child, I was pretty amazed of what the animals did to help the witch but when I grew up, I realized that she wouldn't encounter those things if she wasn't using her magic at all. If she didn't fly with her broom, her things won't get blown away. She wouldn't meet those animals she'd give room for so her broom won't break and then she won't encounter the dragon. And that's why I tried to develop my physical strength too rather than my magic. So even if I encounter that dragon and I don't have magic or any animals to help me, I can still survive since I'm strong."

"Wow. I grew up reading the same story but I never had the same mindset as yours. You actually made a point."

"Right? But hey, do you want to know what's my other reason for not using my magic?" Taehyung nods eagerly, trying to get closer to Jeongguk. He knows the rumors but Jeongguk didn't confirm anything so today is the day. "Well, other than I want to be popular with the kids, another reason is my older brother. He's a strong witch. My parents are really proud of him. I thought I could never pass his level so I'd do something that he can't do as a witch. Since he's good with magic then I figured I'd excel in everything without using magic. That's why."

"But despite not using your magic, you're still in the academy."

"I came from a clan of witches, Taehyung. And even if I rarely use my magic, I don't want to lose this connection to them. Magic runs in my blood so I'm going to cherish it even if I'm not using it and that's why I'm here." And now that Taehyung thinks about it, the rumors are kind of ridiculous.

"Even if you're not using it and prefer to do everything physically, I know your parents are still proud of you." Jeongguk hummed while shaking his head. "Oh come on. You're a talented witch, Jeongguk. Come to think of it. It was you who found out about our potion recipe. If you didn't know Yoongi then I bet we're still in the dark until today. You also gathered all the ingredients I need in just a day. If I was the one assigned to that task then it would take me two to three days to complete. And you won't even survive our years in the academy if you're not doing good in our classes. If I'm your parent then I would be so proud of you."

"Thank you." Jeongguk smiled widely and Taehyung felt the need to hold his breath. Jeongguk is really breathtaking whenever he smiles that it could knock Taehyung down. Even without the physical work, he could honestly win everyone's heart with just a smile.

"Now, I hope I didn't bore you during your break?"

"No. I'm actually thankful you shared those memories with me."

"Then next time, you have to share some of yours with me too. Deal?" Jeongguk offered him a handshake.

"Deal." Taehyung happily accepted it. He was about to let go of Jeongguk's hand as soon as possible but the other witch had other plans. "I think you should let go now Jeongguk."

"Let's stay like this for a little longer. I just want to hold your hand, please." Taehyung knows it's the potion's effect even if Jeongguk doesn't tell him so. He just nods quietly, holding on Jeongguk's hand. Jeongguk muttered a quiet thank you before he held Taehyung's hand tighter while the other witch opened the book again to read. Later on, Taehyung felt Jeongguk intertwining their fingers and yet, he doesn't say anything and just lets him do it.

" Well, something's missing ." Jimin says as he leans on his chair while sipping on his juice and staring at Taehyung. The other witch just raised a brow at Jimin before he shrugged and ate his meal. "Ah, I see. Loverboy is not here to eat with us."

"Who?"

"Jeon Jeongguk. Where did your boyfriend go?"

"He's not my boyfriend." Taehyung immediately countered.

"Tae, you're spending your time with him more than me. You even go to places together like you're going out on dates. And he eats lunch with us. Take note that I didn't even mention how he calls you babe and love. Like really, the two of you are acting like boyfriends so how will I take it but that?" Jimin shrugged. Taehyung sighed. Jimin has been telling him the same thoughts for the past days.

"First, we're still project partners and he's helping me find the antidote for the love potion that's why we're always together. Second, we're not going out on dates. We go to his friend who can help us out in pursuing the witch we believe can help us. Third, anyone can eat lunch with us including Jeongguk. And you don't really have to mention the endearments because they're all part of the potion's effect."

"Look at you, being defensive as long as it concerns Jeongguk. How sweet." Jimin teased and Taehyung had to hit him since he's being ridiculous. "But speaking of the devil."

"Hey." Taehyung looked at his right where Jeongguk was standing, smiling at him. "Sorry I'm late."

"No, it's okay. I'm just starting to eat anyway."

Jeongguk smiles before he sits beside Taehyung after putting his tray down on the table. He removed his bag and put it on the floor before he turned to look at Taehyung again. "Our familiar summoning class started late so the practicum was delayed too."

"Ah, right. How did it go? Were you able to summon a familiar?"

"I did. I summoned a bunny. Good thing you helped me practice. I don't know if I would even pass that practicum without your help. It's cute but I have to let it go afterwards."

"See? I told you, you can do it. Congratulations."

"You two." Taehyung and Jeongguk turned their heads towards Jimin, the witch is now resting his head on his palm as his eyes go from Taehyung and Jeongguk and Taehyung again. "I'm going to leave now. I have to go or I'm going to be late for my afternoon class. Bye."

Jimin picks up his bag and brings the tray with him as Jeongguk waves his hand to say bye to Jimin. Taehyung frowns. Jimin's supposed to be free this afternoon. He doesn't have any scheduled class from what Taehyung remembers.

"By the way Tae." Jeongguk started so Taehyung looked back on him. "Have you heard? Sana finally fixed their potion and it's already working so the third group is now official. Not to pressure you though."

"It's okay. I'm planning on making the antidote with the recipes we found yesterday at my home tonight. I hope at least one of them works. That way, we can finally submit our potion to Mr. Kim."

"You know, I can really just drink the potion. I'm now ready for whatever might happen to me." Taehyung shakes his head. Despite Jeongguk changing his mind and volunteering to finally take the potion again like the original plan, Taehyung had a change of heart too. He doesn't want to make Jeongguk drink another potion while being under the love potion. It might risk his life and Taehyung won't forgive himself if something bad happens to Jeongguk. He still wants to get that degree on time but if it means risking Jeongguk's life then he's not going to push through. Jeongguk is already his friend. He cares for him more than his degree. Who wouldn't? Before all of these, they were moving in different worlds but time made them meet together. Taehyung has shared enough memories with Jeongguk already and he's ready to share some more with him. He won't let a failed potion ruin whatever it is they build together.

"I'll just join you later then. Is it okay with you?" Taehyung nods an okay.

"Thanks. Now, let's eat because I'm starving." Jeongguk said as he gestures for their meals. Taehyung smiled, reaching for his utensils and continued eating his meal.

As soon as they finished their meal, they decided to head straight to Taehyung's house. The earlier they start, the more things they can accomplish. From time to time, Jeongguk goes out to get some missing ingredients while Taehyung works on the recipes. Taehyung's even making two potions at a time, one is the antidote and the other is the love potion. He can't test his antidotes on his guinea pigs if they are not under the love potion he's trying to cure anyway.

"Taehyung, I bought dinner on my way here." Jeongguk said as he puts the take away bag on the table together with his leather bag that contains the ingredients Taehyung asked him.

"It's night already?" Taehyung looks out of the window and sees the moon shining. He sighed as he looked over the potion on the table. He's been making and making potions and yet there's still nothing that works out.

"Nothing works huh?"

"There's still some recipes I haven't tested yet so let's just be hopeful that something here actually works." Taehyung says as he washes his cauldron and his bottles. Jeongguk decided to help him wash everything.

"Let's eat dinner first before you continue with the next recipe." Jeongguk says while he drys his hands. Taehyung shakes his head.

"I have to finish this tonight so if nothing really works out then I'll find another recipe tomorrow." Taehyung says as he brings his cauldron back to the fire. Jeongguk tssed as he follows Taehyung, getting a large pitcher with water and splashing it on the fire to put it out.

"Jeongguk!"

"You're going to eat dinner first." Jeongguk puts the pitcher down on the table as he grabs Taehyung's hand, pulling him out of the room while his other hand holds the takeaway bag.

"I need to finish tonight. Let me go."

"No." Jeongguk puts the bag on the dining table with a sigh before he turns around to look at Taehyung. "Come on. I know you don't care about yourself but I do. I don't want to see you starving yourself or not sleeping at all because you always want to finish that antidote. Please, I care about you. Don't make everything hard for the both of us. It's just a short break to eat dinner."

"That's just the potion talking right now, Jeongguk. We both know it. So let me go back—"

"I know it's the potion. But with or without the potion's effect, I'd still want you to eat dinner. So please." Taehyung looks at Jeongguk before sighing. He doesn't have a choice so he nods. Jeongguk thanked him, even pulling a chair for him so Taehyung could sit down. When the witch had already settled, Jeongguk left to get some utensils and drinks. When he gets back, the food is already out of the takeaway bag as Taehyung waits for him. He smiled, handing him the utensils.

"I thought I'm going to carry you out of that room again." Jeongguk laughed. He really expected Taehyung to run away and get back to his lab and maybe lock himself away so Jeongguk can't get in. He once did it actually that he had to destroy Taehyung's lab door just to get the witch.

"Because we just replaced my door and it would be another hassle for us if we replace it again."

"See. That's my baby." Jeongguk reached out to Taehyung's cheeks and squeezed them. Taehyung had to roll his eyes before he clasped Jeongguk's face between his hands and squished his face.

"That's the potion talking for you." Taehyung says as he squishes Jeongguk's face. The other witch laughed as he reached for Taehyung's hands on his face and held them in place.

"Excuse me but that's my love talking for me."

"The love from the love potion." Jeongguk laughed before kissing Taehyung's palms. He showered them with kisses as Taehyung giggled, his hand pushing Jeongguk's face away. "Dork."

"I love you." It sounds genuine that it surprised Taehyung. His hands are still in Jeongguk's hand just in front of his lips while his eyes are staring at Taehyung. The witch had to fake a laugh because at that moment, it felt like Jeongguk's words didn't come from the potion but on his own.

"You really have to shut that mouth because the potion is taking advantage of it." Taehyung said with a laugh. No matter how genuine Jeongguk's words sound, they are still the potion's effect. He should never believe them, never think of it as something more. It's just the potion's effect and it's all his fault that he's in this situation. But why is it that calming his racing heart is harder today than the others he felt?

Taehyung feels Jeongguk's lips on his hand again. The other witch gave it another kiss before smiling and letting go of his hands. He even winked after replying "Yes love."

"Okay. Let's eat dinner now because my short break is getting longer." Taehyung said, facing his meal. He just hopes now that he won't choke on his food because it's more difficult to swallow when your heart is pounding so hard.

It was past midnight and Taehyung is still at his potions room making the antidote. He's waiting for the potion to boil before he could test it out. Jeongguk isn't in the room. He told the witch that he should get some sleep. Jeongguk doesn't want to but Taehyung pushes him to. He still can't get over the scene earlier in the dining room. He can't forget how Jeongguk words got into him and how his heart pounded like it wanted to escape from his chest. So he figured it would be better if Jeongguk is not around since that would help Taehyung to move around comfortably. If Jeongguk stays there then he doubts he could actually function that well. He can take care of everything now anyway so good thing that Jeongguk let him be.

But Taehyung himself is exhausted and he knows it. He's been at this since the afternoon and the break he only had was when they ate dinner and nothing else. He's also not used to staying late at nights anymore that he's now beginning to doze off while waiting for the antidote. Maybe it won't hurt to get a little nap? He would just close his eyes for a good five to ten minutes and then continue on working again. That little rest can even help him to function better than right now when he's tired. So he did just that, sitting on a chair as he lays his head on his arms above the table. He's just going to nap for ten minutes.

Taehyung flinched in his sleep, suddenly opening his eyes when he felt his body floating. He's not really floating. Jeongguk is carrying him. "Jeongguk."

"Hey. I'm sorry, did I wake you up?"

Taehyung looks around. They're still in his house and Jeongguk's carrying him in his arms going to his room. "Put me down. I'm just waiting for the potion to boil."

"It's done Taehyung. I already checked it too. It's not working."

"Then I'll do the other recipes." Taehyung said as the two of them went inside his room. "Jeongguk."

"You need to rest."

"But the antidote—" Jeongguk puts him down on his bed, laying him there. He pulled the blanket over to Taehyung to cover him up.

"Don't worry about the antidote. You have to sleep."

"I can't stop now. I need to check them all. What if something's working there?" Taehyung says as he sits on his bed.

"Taehyung." Jeongguk sits on his bed too, reaching for his hand and squeezing it before he brings it up close to his cheek. "Would you like me to join you in your bed and sleep together?"

"Are you kidding me?"

"See, you don't want to." Jeongguk lets go of Taehyung's hand before standing up. He pushes Taehyung gently to lie down on his bed, covering the blanket over him again. "So sleep now or I'm going to lie down next to you."

"Okay, fine." Taehyung's only letting him because if he actually lies down beside Taehyung then he might feel his racing heart.

"Good. I'll leave you here then. Don't ever try to go back to your potions lab since I will just be outside, okay?" Taehyung nods. "Good night Taehyung."

"Good night." Jeongguk smiled before turning around. He was about to go out when Taehyung called him.

"I'm sorry."

"Why would you be sorry?"

"Because you're in this situation because of me." Jeongguk frowned before he let out a small laugh. He walked back to Taehyung's bed, sitting again from where he sat earlier. "Is that why you're doing all these? You're not eating or sleeping. It's because you're sorry to me?"

Taehyung nods quietly. "I know it's my fault. If this didn't happen then we could've passed our project already and then you can go back to your normal life, hang out with your friends and do your usual. And you won't be stuck with me with no guarantee when you'll get cured."

"And all this time I thought you're doing this because you wanted to get that degree so bad. Turns out I'm the reason why you're self neglecting."

"I'm not self neglecting." Taehyung pouts.

"Yeah? Well, if I didn't put you to bed then will you lie down on your own?" Taehyung paused before he shaked his head. "See? Don't be sorry Taehyung, you don't have to be. Shit happens. And it's not even that shitty since I got to spend time with you. Weren't you happy you're now friends with me?"

"I am happy. And thankful."

"If that's the case then don't be sorry. You didn't do anything wrong. You even made everything better. So good night now and go to sleep. Don't ever think about anything but your happy dreams, okay? And when you wake up, I promise everything's going to be fine." Jeongguk pulled Taehyung's hand and he linked their pinky fingers together. Taehyung smiled as they sealed their promise with their thumbs.

"Good night Jeongguk. Thank you for taking care of me."

"As long as it's you. Good night." Jeongguk stands up, smiling back at Taehyung before he finally leaves the room. As soon as he left the room, Jeongguk had to take in the deepest breath he could. He wanted to hold him so badly, console him, make him happy but he doesn't want to surprise him with the act. So he took another breath before he nodded. He knows what to do to make Taehyung happy.

Taehyung woke up having the best rest he thought he had. Surely getting a good night's sleep can boost someone's energy. He's ready to face the challenges in his life again but now, he's going to make sure something will finally get right. But first, he needs to eat something.

When Taehyung went out of his room, he looked around to see if Jeongguk was still there. No one's around so he assumes the witch has gone home. He's not in the potions lab either. But when he got to the kitchen to prepare himself something to eat, he saw someone's already there cooking.

"Jeongguk?"

The man turns around, looking at Taehyung, his widest smile on display. "Hey. Are you hungry? I'm almost done here."

Taehyung walked closer to the witch. It's really Jeongguk but something looks different in him. Something has changed. And Jeongguk notices how hard Taehyung has been staring at him. "Why?"

"You look different." The other witch just frowned in confusion. Taehyung just continues to stare, thinking what could've changed from Jeongguk and that's when he noticed it. His hair that used to cover only his brows are now longer enough to cover his eyes and more. His hair got longer.

"Your hair is longer."

"It is. Does it look bad?" Jeongguk asked as he twisted one end of his hair that was right in front of his face.

Taehyung shakes his head. "It looks good on you but how did you grow them overnight?"

"What do you think?" Jeongguk pointed at the washed bottle that's sitting on Taehyung's cupboard. It awfully looks familiar. His blank ink is still on it. Taehyung walked closer to it as he read what's written. It's the name he wrote on their project potion.

"No way. Did you drink it?" Taehyung's eyes were wide when he looked at Jeongguk.

"In front of Mr. Kim. Good thing it worked even if I drink only a portion. Mr. Kim made me drink it again and again just to test the results. He wanted me to grow a moustache and then a beard. Then this is the last result he wanted to see. Look."

Jeongguk walked towards the table and his free hand picked up the envelope laying on it. He handed it to Taehyung. With shaky hands, he accepted the envelope then opened it. It's like a certificate addressed to him and Jeongguk.

"I didn't know he gave that certificate to the groups who already passed. He told me it's the proof that our potion is already submitted and graded. Though he's keeping records on himself, this one is like the receipt of our work. He even signed it in front of me."

It's the thing that Jimin showed him too back then, almost the same certificate, the only difference is it's named for Jeongguk and Taehyung. Holding it with his two hands gives a feeling of happiness and relief, excitement because getting that degree is actually possible now with the situation. But it was immediately taken back when it dawned on him that Jeongguk took the potion, not just once but many times, and while under a backward potion. Taehyung harshly looked back at Jeongguk.

"You're fine, right? You don't feel anything bad when you take the potion?"

"Yes. I'm perfectly fine. Just my hair changed."

"Thank goodness." Taehyung lets out a sigh of relief, his shoulders sagging as he lets out a smile. They've been restless over nothing. They thought the hair potion will have a chemical reaction once Jeongguk takes it while under the backward potion and might put the witch's health in danger but he's perfectly fine. Maybe they rushed things out and put in more effort than they should have but knowing that Jeongguk is fine still makes Taehyung's heart at ease.

Taehyung covered his face up when he realized that a tear escaped from his eyes. He's so happy when he realizes that they're finally graduating and so happy that Jeongguk is perfectly fine. The feeling is so overwhelming that he can't stop himself from crying with so much happiness. Of course, Jeongguk noticed. So he put the plate down on the table and pulled Taehyung in. "Hey. Why are you crying?"

"I'm just happy." Taehyung answered, his hand is still covering his face. Jeongguk pulled his hand downward and Taehyung's teary eyes stared back at him. Jeongguk's worries evaporated and it was replaced by a smile so soft.

"How can you look so pretty even when you're crying?" He asked as he wiped Taehyung's tears away, pulling him through his nape so he could rest his forehead on his right shoulder. His hand travelled down from Taehyung's nape to his back, patting it softly. He turns his face towards the crying witch, his lips touching the other's temple while his other hand goes up to the other's waist like an embrace. He murmurs, "You deserve it Taehyung. You deserve to be happy."

They were in that moment when they heard a loud rumbling noise and Taehyung had to stop himself from crying. His tear-stained face moved away from Jeongguk's shoulder, looking at the other witch with pure embarrassment. Jeongguk just smiled before pulling Taehyung's hand and leading him to the dining table, making him sit down on one of the chairs. Jeongguk moved around the kitchen preparing everything while Taehyung just watched him since the witch doesn't want him to help, saying he's going to starve himself more so it will be better if he just waits there to eat. "Here it goes. You can eat now."

"Thank you." Taehyung is still red from the scene his stomach made, making it hard for him to look at the other witch. And Jeongguk is thankful enough that Taehyung can't look at him or he'll find out he's been staring. He can't help it. Taehyung is really the prettiest man he's ever seen.

Taehyung is growing nervous as he gets closer to Yoongi's shop. He decided to visit the older witch once more and ask for his help. He made sure that Jeongguk won't know about this. His partner has sacrificed enough and worked hard. Taehyung thinks it's his time to finally do something for Jeongguk without dragging the witch with him. He's going to ask Yoongi for help again, maybe beg, just so he can know the name of the third witch and meet them and surprise Jeongguk with the antidote. That's the perfect plan but Taehyung knows it'll be difficult with the first step. He doesn't know if Yoongi would finally entertain him or still lock his doors, but it's always worth a try.

The shop was opened when Taehyung arrived there and Yoongi was right in front of the counter, tending to a customer. He stood outside the door, not knowing if he should get in or wait for Yoongi outside. But when his eyes landed on the older witch, he was already looking at him. He then looked back at his customer and handed him the bag of items they bought. Taehyung decided that he can go in since he never locked the door on him.

"Thank you so much. Please come again." Yoongi bowed to his customer as they went out. Taehyung waited for the customer to actually leave the shop before he walked towards the counter where Yoongi was waiting. "What do you want Taehyung?"

"The same thing."

"You're still on that? I thought you already stopped since Jeongguk and Jin stopped bugging me about it."

"They stopped?" Why would he stop? And he also didn't inform Taehyung about it.

Jeongguk, of all people, would be the first person in the list that wants to cure himself from the love potion. There's no way he's going to stop like that without a reason and then not tell Taehyung about the decision too. Is that also the reason why Jeongguk doesn't meet with Jin too?

"Taehyung." Yoongi called and Taehyung blinked as he heard his name. "Would you like some tea?"

The two witches sat outside as they sip on their tea. Yoongi was the first to break the silence. "So you still haven't found any antidote and it hasn't worn out yet?"

Taehyung nods. There's still no antidote and the potion hasn't worn out yet. Jeongguk will tell him if it has already worn out but just the other day, it was still in effect in Jeongguk. He even said— Okay, this is not the time to think about it.

"We tried looking for it in the academy's library but there's nothing that works."

"And that's why you're still seeking the name."

"I believe the third witch is the only witch that can help us with this problem so please. I can pay you if you want. I'm just really desperate now. I owe everything to Jeongguk. He sacrificed a lot for me and I wanted to give back by making the antidote on my own. That's the only thing I can do for him."

"So Jeongguk doesn't know that you're here?" Taehyung shakes his head. "I see. I'll give you the name and where you will find him then."

"Really?" Yoongi nods. "Why?"

"I know you've been working hard to find the antidote and you're trying to take responsibility for the mess you made. Unfortunately, hard work isn't enough so now, I'm going to help you. I just hope that giving you the name will be enough of a help?"

"It will." Yoongi stares at Taehyung before he smiles at him. Back then, he thinks he's just one of the people who do things for their own sake and not really care for anyone who's around them. Knowing that he's doing this for the sake of Jeongguk made Yoongi change his mind. For the past month, all he met was Jeongguk and Jin, making him think that it's only Jeongguk who's finding a way to end everything. But when he saw Taehyung, he saw how tired he looks, his aura is weak and the magic around him feels almost non-existent. Witches look like this when they don't get enough sleep and when they pour their magic out to something, which in Taehyung's case, Yoongi assumes that he poured his magic on making potions after potions. Since a potion doesn't really require a huge amount of magic, he probably made tons to be like this. Yoongi can't help but question himself how he was able to go here with only that amount of magic in him. Is it because of his want to cure Jeongguk?

"So the third witch, you probably know him."

"I do?"

"Yes. His name is Kim Namjoon. I believe he teaches in the academy where Jeongguk is enrolled so you probably know him too." Yoongi says as he sips on his tea. Taehyung eyes widened, trying to find the right words.

"Mr. Kim is my potions professor. We passed our project potion to him." Yoongi nods. So he's right that Taehyung knows him.

"Me, Namjoon and Pilwoo used to be classmates and friends. Namjoon was the brightest among us. He knows a lot, he studies a lot. He made experimental potions and listed them down. I told him he should make a book with it since no one really owns a recipe book that time and so he did. When we were about to process the credit documents for him, the academy where we were enrolled objected saying he doesn't have a degree yet and so the book wasn't published. Our professors can't accept the fact that a mere student knows all those potions so they forced him to hide the book or he'll never receive his witchcraft degree. But Pilwoo and I know Namjoon deserves the recognition. He tried to stop us, said we're going to get expelled and will have to give up being a witch. We insisted for it to get published but to keep ourselves secured, only the magic from either the three of us gets to open and read it. When it goes to the hand of someone who is not within us three then they can only see blank pages on it so they'd think it's not a book and we won't get in trouble. I believe you experienced it what I'm saying on your own?"

Taehyung nods. "Jeongguk and I were confused since nothing was written in the book when we opened it. We were sure something was there because you showed the recipe to us. But why are you hiding? Is it because of the book?"

"You've heard about the civil war, right? When the dark mages tried to take over our world." Taehyung nods. "Namjoon's book became handy when it happened. He developed potions that can boost a witch's magic and strength and he provided it to our soldiers. There's also potions there that can help instantly heal wounds without using magic, of course, so they won't waste their strength in healing. When the civil war ended, people heard about the book and they started to seek Namjoon to ask for a potion they wanted so we hid him. But then they found out that me and Pilwoo have the same book so we were forced to hide too. We lost communication until I heard the news that Pilwoo fell in love and they bore a son. He stopped hiding so his son won't have to live hidden. When people heard that Pilwoo came back, they sought him again and that's why he gave up on being a witch, leaving his family. Before he left, I heard that he donated the book to the ancient library to protect his son. Since he's Pilwoo's child, there's a possibility that he can open the book because they have the same magic wavelength. The book was then burned in ashes with the capitalists' influence."

"And Mr. Kim?"

"Namjoon only stays inside the academy's premises since your academy has rules. It has barriers to keep outsiders out. And that's why he lives there. He only leaves the academy for an hour or so to eat but I've heard he lived his life there."

"Wait. What do you mean he lives there? Our academy's dorms are located somewhere else outside of it."

"Ask him and you'll know."

After finishing his tea, Taehyung thanked Yoongi. He swore that he'll come back with gifts for Yoongi as a thank you for helping him out. The witch just smiled sweetly at him, waving a goodbye. Taehyung feels the excitement in him rise again. He's going to meet Mr. Kim and find the antidote for Jeongguk.

Of course the excitement died down as soon as he arrived at the academy. It's the usual scene from when he goes there to study. Only right now is his vacant day, he doesn't have any classes but he's inside the campus. A part of him wishes he'd bumped into Mr. Kim and half of it is nervous. Asking for Mr. Kim's help means telling him the mess he made and he doesn't know how the professor will react. What if he gets mad and decides to fail Taehyung for being careless? He doesn't know how he would approach the professor if that happens.

But it's now or never. All he needs to do is look for the professor so the first thing he does is to check if he's in his office. And lucky for him that Mr. Kim was there.

"Taehyung? Come in." The professor gestured to him when he knocked on the door. "Why did you suddenly visit? You have already passed your project, right? Jeongguk told me you weren't able to join him because you're taking a rest since you made tons of experimental potions. Groups should really present their projects together but I made an exception to you since I know yours was tough."

"Mr. Kim, I need to talk to you about something."

Namjoon frowns. He put the document he was holding on his table, resting his hand on the table as he gave his full attention to Taehyung. "You look serious. Is there a problem?"

"I caused a mess and had Jeongguk involved in it. What happened is that.. Jeongguk took a love potion because of my carelessness and he fell in love with me. I know that a witch should take responsibility for the trouble they caused so we tried fixing it but we don't know how. We sought help from people we know and one of them, Yoongi, told us that maybe you can help us."

Namjoon raises his brows before he smiles softly back at Taehyung, showing his dimples. "Who's Yoongi? And did he tell you how I can help?"

"Mr. Kim, I know you're the one who wrote the ancient book of potions recipes. I know you're friends with Yoongi and Park Pilwoo. Yoongi told me about you."

Namjoon's eyes averted from Taehyung, looking outside. He sighed before he smiled again but this time, it's a small one. "I was about to go home. Do you want to go with me and talk over there? It's going to be risky for me to talk here."

"Okay. I understand." Taehyung nods. He waited for Namjoon to gather his things and then they're out of his office.

"It's just near." Namjoon says as he leads the way. Taehyung looks around. They were going to the opposite direction of the academy's gate. Are they not going outside? So he really lives inside the academy?

"Here." Namjoon opened the door to a certain room. It's the potions labroom. Taehyung frowns as they go in. He thought they're going to Namjoon's home but why are they going to the labroom? "You'll go in first, okay? I need to close it so I'll go after you.

"Okay."

Namjoon looks back once more to where they entered before he walked towards the stock room. This is where they place the tools and instruments they use in their class. This is also where they put the materials and potions they do. Namjoon opened the door, giving way to Taehyung.

"I will just go in?" Namjoon nods. Taehyung looks inside the room. It is the stock room they use in their class. Why does Namjoon have to go after him? Is this a trap to lock him up since he revealed his disguise? Or is this a punishment for causing trouble to Jeongguk?

"Go on Taehyung."

Taehyung took a deep breath before he walked. He needs to be alert and be ready to push everything if Namjoon actually tries to lock him up.

When he's under the doorstep, he took another breath and looked back at Namjoon. His professor sighed, pushing him forward so Taehyung shut his eyes and let out a yelp. He tries to stand on his feet, opening his eyes again, turning around to see if Namjoon was actually locking him up but all he sees are trees. He looks around. There's only one house that is in front of him and then the whole place is surrounded by trees. When he looks up, the moon is already shining with the stars. He looks at his wristwatch. It was still afternoon but the sky was different there. He also hears the soft gush of water like there's a falls nearby, and various animals are singing in the night. The breeze is cold but it's still comfortable. The night is quiet and the place is calming.

"What are you doing just standing there? Come on in." He heard Namjoon call him. His professor is already at the house's door, opening it and going inside. Taehyung rushes to follow him. The scent of mixed jasmine, rose and vanilla hit Taehyung's nose as soon as he got in. It's how his professor smells. "Sit here while I get you something to eat."

"There's no need for that. I already had tea with Yoongi."

"Still." Namjoon says as he leaves Taehyung in the living room. The house isn't that big, just a one story. It feels warm inside unlike when he was outside. The wall is painted in ivory and different species of framed plants are hung up. There's a TV and there's a couch for one person and another enough for two to three people to sit. The bookshelf is filled with books and there's a single door beside it that Taehyung thinks is his professor's room.

Namjoon came back with a tray of biscuits and lemonade. He put it on the table in front of Taehyung as he sat on the other couch beside him. "So Yoongi.. He told you about me. How did you know him?"

"Jeongguk introduced him to me. You know our project, right? We asked help from Yoongi in making the potion. He gave the recipe to us from the book you wrote."

"I see." Namjoon sadly smiled. It has been so long since he met Yoongi.

"Back when we're just giving our proposal, I was a little hesitant and nervous about it. I thought you're going to reject it because it wasn't feasible and you won't accept something like that. But you accepted it and I always wondered why. Now I know. You already did it. It's just that people don't know and this way, it's going to be in its existence."

Namjoon nods, sighing. "That's one thing to take. You already know about the book I wrote, right? I've always wanted to publish it, waiting for the right time. I thought the right time was when I became a professor in our academy. But I was too late. Pilwoo gave up his life because of the book. Yoongi is hiding in the forest because of me. I thought I don't need to go out of the academy if I published a book but when I realized what happened to my friends because of it, I gave up the idea. I can still share my knowledge to witches like you anyway." Taehyung nods. "But enough talk about me. That is not what you're here for. So what happened? You said Jeongguk drank a love potion?"

Taehyung sits straight, nodding. "He did. Back when I still haven't met Yoongi, I do experimental potions for the project and I developed a love potion in the process. It has the same color as our project potion and Jeongguk was excited to drink it so I just told him where he can find it and get it which I should have done myself. I forgot to tell him I labeled the potion so he just grabbed the violet-colored liquid he saw, which turned out to be the love potion. He asked me to check it but I just nodded on his way. I just noticed he took an unlabeled container when he already drank it and it's too late. I swear I tried to fix it but I really don't know how to cure a backward love potion."

"A backward love potion?" Taehyung nods. "Do you have it with you?"

Taehyung nods again, reaching for his bag and handing the bottle to Namjoon. "It's not the same potion that Jeongguk drank because he bottomed it up but it's made with the same recipe."

Namjoon opened the bottle and reached for the glass that sits on the table with the lemonade. He poured the potion on it until it's half full, putting the bottle down on the table. The next thing he did made Taehyung's eyes widen since he suddenly drank the potion. "Mr. Kim!"

"I must say.." Taehyung looked in horror as his professor laid eyes on him. What if he falls in love with him too? "This is the weakest love potion I drank."

"Wait, you're not affected with it?"

"Of course not. I'm a thousand year old witch, Taehyung. Do you think I'll survive the civil war if I get easily affected by a backward love potion? I understand though that for you younger witches, it's really effective. But despite its effects, it's still weak. How long has it been since Jeongguk drank the potion?"

"I think, maybe almost two months?"

Namjoon frowns. "Two months? And it still hasn't worn out yet?"

"What do you mean? Was it supposed to wear out in two months?"

"No, this kind of love potion is supposed to wear out in a month. It's a love potion, yes, but it's too weak and the fact that it's a backward potion made it weaker." That's impossible. The potion hasn't worn out yet. Taehyung saw it in its effect the other day.

"I tried to ask other witches how to cure it and they made it seem like it's hard to do."

"Because they don't know how it was made. And no one really cures a backward love potion, they just wait for it to wear out."

"But didn't Mr. Park Pilwoo cured a backward love potion?" That's what Jimin's mom told him, right?

"Ah, well that. Some of those from rich families do that. They pay for a cure instead of waiting for it to wear out. It was a trend back then. Servants made their masters drink a love potion to get money from them. But since actual love potions can be expensive, they use the backward potions which are cheaper. Once they get money from them, they flee afterwards and the victim seeks for the cure because that would affect their image in any way possible. So if you heard someone got cured from a backward potion, it's because they're not patient enough to wait for it to wear out. Have Yoongi not told you this? He knows it too."

"He told me we can just wait for it to wear out but he doesn't know when it will so we didn't really rely on it."

"Still, you should've expected it. Didn't I tell you in class that all potions wear out? No potion in the world doesn't wear out. Even if it takes a thousand years, it will still wear out."

"But Jeongguk is still under the love potion. He just.. professed his love to me the other day."

"Maybe it's an act. I don't know. He's the only one who can answer it." Namjoon suddenly stands up, walking towards the TV. He reached for the eyeglass that sits beside the equipment. After picking it up, he went back to his place and handed the eyeglasses to Taehyung. "Wear this and look directly at Jeongguk's eyes. It can tell you if someone is under a love potion or not. When you look at the victim and his eyes change color then the potion hasn't worn out yet. But if Jeongguk's eye color doesn't change then it means he's already free from the potion's effect."

"Why are you giving this to me?"

"Because maybe I'm wrong. Maybe this potion lasts longer than a month to wear out. So I want you to use it and find out the truth."

Taehyung held on the eyeglasses tighter. "Thank you."

Since his business with Namjoon is complete, Taehyung decided that he should go. The professor nods, smiling back at him, his dimples on display again. The older witch told him that once he steps outside the door, Taehyung will be back to the academy. "Your house is beautiful. Thank you for inviting me here. I hope to have a house like this one when I finish my degree."

"You know I'm hiding that's why I'm here. Just find a new home and make a portal to bring you to places. That would be enough for you."

"Thank you again. I'll see you at the academy, Mr. Kim."

"See you and good luck."

When Taehyung stepped out of Namjoon's door, he found himself back at the potions lab room. It's afternoon again. He looks at his back and the usual things found in the stockroom are there. He even tried to go out and back in but he never travelled back into Namjoon's house. He guesses it only works when the older witch is with him. Anyway, that's not what's important today. He needs to see Jeongguk and find out the truth.

Taehyung is seated with Jimin in the cafeteria having their lunch together. Of course, he already told the other witch about Namjoon and the eyeglasses he's wearing today. The day he got it, he never really had the chance to meet Jeongguk. He doesn't have the courage to anyway. He's afraid and confused. Is Jeongguk just lying to him? Has the potion already worn out? Maybe he wanted to get revenge on Taehyung so he's acting like the potion hasn't worn out yet so Taehyung would waste his time finding the antidote. And maybe that's also why he was fearless to take their project potion because he's no longer under the influence of the love potion. But times spent with Jeongguk and the way the witch takes care of him makes him think that he won't ever do that to Taehyung. But then again, he has taken a love potion to be that way.

"Are you sure about this? What if he's really lying to you?"

"Then at least I would find out."

"Tae, I'm up for finding out the truth but I'm worried if you're ready. I know Jeongguk grew close to you already and if he turns out to be lying then what would you do?"

"I don't really know."

Jimin sighed, finally noticing that Jeongguk's coming. He can feel his heart beat fast even if he's not Taehyung. He's worried for his best friend. He doesn't like seeing him getting hurt.

"He's here, Tae." Taehyung looked back and Jeongguk was walking towards their table. He's smiling brighter today that makes Taehyung think if he even wants to continue what he's planning to do. He doesn't want to spoil the witch's mood.

"Hey. I just finished class." Jimin nods quietly to Jeongguk as the witch takes his seat beside Taehyung who averted his gaze away from him.

"Something's new with you today." Jeongguk said as he looked at Taehyung. The witch tries not to look at Jeongguk's eyes. Despite making himself believe that he's ready, now that the real one is here, he perhaps wanted to take it off so he can finally look at him. "I like your glasses, it suits you. But given that you're you, it's obvious that everything you wear suits you."

"Thank you." Taehyung whispered, still not looking back at Jeongguk. He turned his face to Jimin and the witch gave him a reassuring smile. Of course. Jimin is there, he's always with Taehyung. If Jeongguk actually turns out to be lying then he could just go to Jimin. He's his best friend.

"Hey, why are you not looking at me? Are you mad?"

"No." Taehyung took a deep breath. This is it. "I'm just a little conscious about how I look."

Taehyung turns his face to look at Jeongguk and the witch is already looking at him. He stares at his eyes. Jeongguk smiles at him. "Why? It suits you. You look beautiful with it. In fact, you're the most beautiful person I've ever seen in glasses."

As soon as he made eye contact with Jeongguk, Taehyung froze. He wanted to speak but he couldn't find his voice.

"Taehyung? Hey." Jeongguk's smile faded as soon as he saw the tears in Taehyung's eyes. "Why are you crying?"

Taehyung immediately removes the glasses in his eyes, putting them down on the table. He turns away from Jeongguk and abruptly wipes his tears away. He heard Jimin call him, his tiny hands holding his forearm. He continued wiping his tears away when he felt a larger hand touch him. It's Jeongguk and he's trying to make Taehyung look back at him. "Baby, did I do something wrong?"

"Don't call me that." Taehyung quickly stands up, grabbing his bag and briskly walking away. He expected it. He prepared himself for the worst. But it really hits different when you find out that a person you trust would lie to you. And for what? For making fun of him? For revenge? To waste his time? He doesn't know and he doesn't want to know. He's afraid to find out the truth that he was toyed around. Maybe Jeongguk spends his days laughing with his real friends and talking about how he enjoys playing with Taehyung's heart.

"Hey, hey." He felt a hand on his arm, stopping him from walking away. He looks back at the witch and Jeongguk is already frowning, concern is obvious in his face. "Did I upset you? Why did you walk out?"

Taehyung looks around. They're already out of the cafeteria and there are only a few people walking around. "I already know the truth, Jeongguk. You lied to me. The love potion has already worn out."

Surprise registered in Jeongguk's face. Taehyung noticed that the witch was still holding him so he forcefully pulled himself away from his grip. "Taehyung—"

"Don't deny it! Please, I already know. What I don't get is why you'd have to do that? Why do you have to act like you're still under a spell when in fact, you're not anymore? Is it just a game to you? What? Are you trying to make fun of me?"

"No. No, I would never make fun of you. Please, let me explain."

"I will never listen to you—"

"Just. Please! Please Taehyung, please hear me out." Jeongguk reached for his hand and even if Taehyung tried to pull away, Jeongguk was strong enough to keep him. His eyes are starting to water again but it took him by surprise that Jeongguk is already crying too. "Please, I have a reason."

"Talk." Taehyung says when he noticed that Jeongguk had finally calmed down. They are now seated on a bench at the open field since no one really goes there at times like this. Despite trying to run away from Jeongguk, other than the fact that he can't get away from Jeongguk's strength, he also softened when he saw him cry. Seeing Jeongguk cry hurt him more than finding out the truth. It's something that his heart can explain more than his mind can.

"Can we move it to another day?" Jeongguk asked while he looked at the ground, not really trying to look back at Taehyung. He doesn't think he can do it today. It's so sudden.

"I'm already giving you a chance to explain. Now if you can't then I'll just leave and forget about you." Taehyung was about to stand up but Jeongguk grabbed his hand again.

"Wait, please, I'll explain." Taehyung bit his lower lip as he looked back at Jeongguk. It's not the right time for this. Jeongguk looks like a kicked puppy that he suddenly wants to hug so badly.

"I'm waiting." Taehyung says after he sits down. Jeongguk removed his hand away from Taehyung when the witch eyed it, shifting a little so he could sit straight.

"It's uhm.. I think it's really not the right time." Taehyung was about to stand again but Jeongguk raised his hand to stop him. "But! I think it's your right to know. So Taehyung... Listen. Wow. This is harder than I thought."

"Just tell me why." Taehyung asked frustratedly and Jeongguk looked back at him with the same expression. Taehyung gasped silently. Why is he frustrated too? This is his fault. He was lying to him.

"Okay. Just.. please listen to me." Jeongguk gulped, a little louder than usual that Taehyung heard it. The other witch didn't notice the action he just did or the reaction from Taehyung. Maybe he is really that nervous? Maybe he really needs time to explain. Should Taehyung give him the chance and—

"I love you Tae. And I'm supposed to tell you that in a romantic way but I don't want you to hate me for lying."

"Wait, what did you say?" He's supposed to hear he enjoyed toying up with Taehyung and that's why he did that and he wanted to impress his friends by being a jerk but what did he say?

Jeongguk looks back at him, the same frustrated expression is still in his face. Taehyung did nothing but look back at him. He thinks he heard him wrong that's why he's asking but Jeongguk thinks he's just making fun of him. Regardless of that, Jeongguk takes another deep breath.

"I love you. I've liked you ever since you flew on that broom in our sophomore year. You just looked so cool and witchy. I tried to stop and forget about it but day by day, it only keeps on growing until I've felt like it's already love. No one knows about it. I was planning on keeping it a secret forever but I suddenly became partners with you in our potions class and then I accidentally drank the love potion and every single thing I've been keeping to tell you starts coming out of my mouth everytime I see you. I wanted to cure it so bad because I can't accept the fact that I'm telling you all those things under the effect of the potion when I should've been telling you those with my own heart."

"But why are you telling me this just now? Why didn't you tell me a little earlier?"

"Because I'm a coward. I told you I'm not supposed to tell you. I don't have the guts to tell you how I really feel. And how can I tell you that it's the truth? You'll only think it's the potion's effect on me." Jeongguk lets out a sigh that he's holding. "Anyway, I grew close to you because of that. I got to spend time with you. I developed the courage to finally confess. I was about to do it on our graduation day. For the meantime, all I want to do is stay by your side. But the potion wore out and if I told you then I wouldn't have a reason to stay with you. So I've decided to fake it. Not entirely fake it, everything I told you after the potion was true. I only faked being under the potion's influence."

"So the last time you said you love me, is it true?" The time that made his heart race a thousand miles. The day that Taehyung realized that Jeongguk isn't just a friend for him, that he sees him as something more. The day he cried himself at night because he doesn't know what to do because Jeongguk and him live in different worlds. How can he feel something like this to someone who's far from even liking him? It was the day he told himself that something like this should be kept with him until his grave.

"Every single day that I say those words to you, they are real to me."

"Don't lie. I can make you drink a potion that will force you to say the truth only." There's no way. There's just no way that the reason he was crying that night is what's in front of him right now.

"Okay. But its effect would be the same with the love potion's. I'm still going to end up telling you how much I love you." Jeongguk shrugged, smiling, and Taehyung can't stop the blush from creeping up to his face. Jeongguk didn't even spare it and he pointed it out. "You're blushing."

"How do you expect me to react then?"

Jeongguk scrunched his nose before he moved closer to Taehyung, the little space between them is now gone. "Hey, there's no potion influencing me to say this but you're really cute and.. I love you."

"Shut up."

"Okay, but let me ask you a question first." Taehyung raised his brow at Jeongguk. "Now that the potion has worn out, would you still let me hold your hand, even just for today? I think it really fits with mine."

"Well, you've been holding my hand for several times already and I let you so there's really no difference today, just that I already know what you really feel."

"Does that mean..?" Taehyung smiled before he reached for Jeongguk's hand, intertwining their fingers. Jeongguk lets out a huge smile, squeezing Taehyung's hand. He raised their intertwined hands to his mouth, kissing Taehyung's. The witch shakes his head, pushing Jeongguk's forehead away.

They spent time on the field together, hands are intertwined with each other. Every now and then, Jeongguk squeezes it. His thumb is caressing Taehyung's skin. He lets out a sigh of relief. He feels content. Both of them can't erase the smile on their face.

"I guess our classmates were right."

Jeongguk looked at Taehyung, moving a little away from him so he could clearly see the witch. "About what?"

Taehyung smiled widely. He brings his face closer to Jeongguk, whispering, "That I'm lucky to be partners with Jeon Jeongguk."

Being a witch is not all glam and glamour. You don't just get to hop on your broom and fly around or talk to random plants and animals. Before you can do all that, you need your degree for witchcraft which means Taehyung is on the brink of failing if he does not get a decent mark for potions class.

Taehyung is desperate and it shows when he accidentally gives his potions partner, Jeongguk, a love potion instead of the hair growth one. He thought he's going to regret it until the time he gets old. But who would have thought that the same mistake will bloom into something he didn't expect to find?