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When Hoseok first moved in next door, Seokjin was undeniably attracted. He may be the most handsome man in the building, but he could admit Hoseok was probably the prettiest. It was a small blow to his ego, but an even bigger one to his poor, gay heart. Even worse is the fact that he’s, well… human.
Seokjin had sighed, heavy and dramatic, when he realised he was attracted to the human. Puny, insignificant humans… most of them were brutish and rude and smelled bad. Too loud, obnoxious and full of themselves. Seokjin wished he could avoid interacting with them completely, but it’s frankly impossible living in the city. They’re like pests, showing up uninvited and difficult to remove.
Hoseok, however. He’s a little too loud, presence big and bright. But he was polite to everyone around him and smelled better than any of the other humans Seokjin has had the displeasure of getting too close to. In fact, he even stepped just a bit closer to the man to get a better whiff, caught off guard by the pleasant aroma. Seokjin was immediately ashamed and stepped back, but Hoseok seemed to think nothing of it, always smiling pleasantly.
After their first initial meeting outside of Seokjin’s apartment, he vowed to stay away from the human. As much as he can, when they’re next door neighbors. But that doesn’t keep him from being able to hear what’s going on in Hoseok’s apartment. And there’s always something to hear. Seokjin’s hearing is naturally impressive due to his vampiric blood, but he thinks even a human would be able to tell that Hoseok likes noise.
It’s easy to tell when Hoseok is home, what with the constant noise of rustling, music, and podcasts. It’s normal behavior, Seokjin supposes, but what catches him the most off guard is the podcasts. Because it’s not just any normal discussion podcasts, they’re mostly about the supernatural. A lot about vampires, in particular.
When Seokjin first heard what exactly the voices in Hoseok’s room were talking about, he was startled. Had he realised what Seokjin was upon their first meeting and hired someone to educate him? Most people may not know about vampires, but it’s also not unheard of to have vampire neighbors… if you know what you’re looking for.
It isn’t until he hears a bright “Well, that wraps up this week’s episode of the V-Pire podcast!” followed by an obvious outro that Seokjin realises what exactly is going on.
“Oh, no,” Seokjin sighs. Of course. His hot neighbor has some type of vampire fetish. Just his luck. He can only hope the young man hasn’t caught onto him being one, though it isn’t that hard. Seokjin hasn’t tried to hide his appearance in so long, what with the slow, underlying movement of normalizing vampires. Hoseok was nice, but Seokjin certainly didn’t want to be treated like… a play thing.
As the days go on, however, Seokjin realises that Hoseok could not be any more oblivious to his vampiric nature. The man seems to treat him as he does all their other neighbors, with his fiercely bubbly attitude and positive ‘vibes’ as the kids these days call it. Seokjin has seen him help one of the old aunties carry their groceries, and heard him coo comforting words to a distraught friend through the walls. And every time they happen to pass each other in the hallway, or coming in and out of the building, Hoseok gives him the same heart-shaped smile he seems to give everyone else.
Seokjin hates just how aware of it he is.
The first few weeks after Hoseok has moved in, Seokjin stays true to his vow to himself. Doesn’t offer Hoseok much more than a polite smile and moves on with his day, not that they see each other too often. It seems that they have opposite schedules, what with Seokjin working overnight shifts at the hospital and Hoseok having… a normal job during the daytime, Seokjin isn’t sure.
The comfortable distance starts to dwindle when they both happen to be on their balconies one evening, separated visually by a wall, but Seokjin can so clearly hear Hoseok’s podcast talking about vampires and he can’t hold himself back.
“-- pay attention to their schedule. Most vampires will work during the night so they don’t have to leave their homes during the day and expose themselves to sunlight, which burns their skin. If you’re still not sure, consider asking them out to eat, or putting them in a situation to eat in front of you. Vampires can’t digest human food, so they’ll always refuse to save themselves from getting sick.”
Seokjin scoffs. “That’s blatantly false,” he mutters, not thinking Hoseok will hear him over his podcast. He’s started to enjoy listening in on Hoseok’s podcasts if he hears them playing, curious as to what sort of information this ‘V’ person gives out. So far, almost all of their information has been either completely wrong or adjacent to the truth, but never correct. It’s highly amusing to see what kind of information humans pass along to each other without doing proper research straight from the source. It’s become a bad habit for Seokjin to speak to himself within his own home about how incorrect all the theories are, but he didn’t take into account how they were outside and within hearing range. It’s easy to forget the hearing capacity of a different species when he’s quick to underestimate them.
Hoseok peaks around the privacy wall to look at Seokjin curiously. “What was that?”
Cursing at himself inwardly, Seokjin waves a dismissive hand with a polite smile. “Oh, sorry. I was just talking to myself about nothing.”
The pout on Hoseok’s face is deeply upsetting, and his podcast gets paused. “You just said it was false, didn’t you? Were you listening to my podcast with me?” His face is intensely curious, and very innocent. The poor sap has no idea.
“Ah, I may have been listening along, yes…”
“How do you know the information is false? Are you interested in the supernatural too?”
Seokjin gives Hoseok a long look, mouth slightly open in surprise. How is he supposed to answer that? He’s not sure if he can really trust Hoseok, but… Hoseok’s just an accident waiting to happen. It wouldn’t hurt to correct him, right? And if he happens to find out Seokjin’s a vampire along the way… well, Seokjin can be very convincing when he needs to be.
“I guess you could say that,” he decides to reply with.
Hoseok’s eyes instantly sparkle with fascination. “I’d love to chat! None of my friends are interested, so I never get to talk about this stuff with them. Would you like to come over for dinner sometime? I’m not the best cook, but I know my way around the kitchen.”
His smile is so bright and earnest, Seokjin can’t help but to agree. However, they do decide to schedule for another time since Seokjin has to leave for work shortly. Instead, they exchange numbers, and decide to have dinner on a night Seokjin doesn’t work, two days later. Until then, they don’t talk besides planning, chat empty other than a date and time.
When the day does come, Seokjin feels irrationally nervous. He’s never felt nervous because of a human his entire life, outside of the general discomfort most humans cause him. Most humans except for Hoseok, apparently. It’s the kind of nerves Seokjin isn’t sure he’s experienced before, always keeping a relatively cool head around strangers, usually confident in the way he views and carries himself. However, now that he’s preparing to walk next door to Hoseok’s apartment, he feels the need to double check how his outfit looks and combs his hair to lay nicely. Once he deems himself put together, even if he’s just wearing a comfortable pink sweater and jeans since it’s a casual dinner, he grabs his house key and phone and leaves his apartment.
“Hello again Seokjin-ssi! I’m so glad you agreed to come over for dinner, I’ve been excited since you agreed the other day.” Hoseok opened the door quickly and walked right back into his apartment, leaving the door open as an indirect invitation while he babbles on about how excited he is. This is when Seokin realises Hoseok doesn’t plan on inviting him in verbally, and frowns. There are a lot of misconceptions about vampires, but some of them still hold true. Including not being able to enter someone’s home without an invitation, unfortunately.
Seokjin waits a few moments, not wanting to call for him when Hoseok’s already disappeared from sight into the kitchen, until finally Hoseok grows quiet and comes back into sight. “What are you doing just standing there?”
“Uh… May I come in?”
Hoseok laughs and nods. “Of course! Come right in! You’re oddly formal, Seokjin-ssi, it’s very charming.”
He’s not sure if he should be insulted or grateful that Hoseok is so blatantly oblivious, but Seokjin can’t help a small blush at the backhanded compliment. He decides instead to ignore it and finally step into the apartment, a mirror image of his own next door. The difference is that Hoseok’s is decorated much more brightly. There are colorful paintings on the walls, a shelf full of toys in the living room, a pile of stuffed animals. But overall, it’s surprisingly tidy and organised, which Seokjin didn’t expect. Most humans he’s met have a tendency of being disorganized and a bit messy in his past experiences but he’s pleasantly surprised at how obviously Hoseok takes care of himself and his belongings. It makes Seokjin realise how much he’s stereotyped humans so far, and maybe… just maybe, it makes sense that humans would do the same to them. Perhaps it’s in their natures.
After noticing the decorations, and how tidy Hoseok is, Seokjin notices the smell of whatever Hoseok has cooked. Which smells strongly of garlic.
It’s fine, Seokjin thinks. He can stomach a little garlic, as long as he’s not eating whole cloves. And other than the garlic, it smells delicious, and Hoseok’s probably put a lot of effort into this. After all, he can’t seem to stop talking about how excited he is to have Seokjin over which is… incredibly endearing and flattering.
When they do sit down at the table and Hoseok starts serving the food, he jumps right into talking about the kinds of podcasts he listens to and the different creatures he’s curious about. Seokjin listens with mild interest, curious about how Hoseok developed an interest in the ‘supernatural’, not really understanding why the existence of other creatures is so fascinating to humans. He can tell Hoseok is passionate about it, however.
“Actually, vampires are my favorite,” Hoseok admits shyly, after he’s paused to chew his food. “I don’t know why, but their lore is just particularly interesting to me.”
This piques Seokjin’s interest. “What kind of lore?” He gently pushes a garlic clove out of the way before taking another bite, and looks up to see Hoseok watching him curiously, like he didn’t register Seokjin’s question. “Hoseok?”
“Your incisors or so sharp, it’s cute.”
Seokjin looks at him, a tad stunned, before Hoseok answers his last question without elaborating on his comment.
“Oh, well, maybe how human they appear? They look human, and act human, but they aren’t. It’s impossible to tell whether the people near you are vampires unless you pay really close attention, yknow?” Hoseok stops to laugh, apparently finding the idea hilarious.
“Well… it should be pretty obvious, shouldn’t it? I mean sure they look mostly human, but there’s still some pretty obvious signs.”
Hoseok shakes his head stubbornly. “The only thing that would make them stand out is their fangs, but they can retract those to hide them! How are we supposed to know when they can hide their most obvious trait at a whim!”
That makes Seokjin pause, almost offended. Who is spreading such false claims? Do people think they can just magically pull their teeth back into their head? They aren’t snakes, they’re vampires! “Well, that isn’t true at all. Vampires’ fangs are just like any other teeth, they grow in and fall out and then get replaced with bigger ones. There’s not some magical compartment in their jaw to hide their fangs.”
Seokjin can barely believe the sceptic look on Hoseok’s face. “I mean, that’s an interesting theory, but where’s the proof? Wouldn’t we have learned about vampires a long time ago if we could just inspect their teeth?”
“That…” Seokjin doesn’t even know what to say to that. “It’s not like they’re insanely long, they’re just a little longer than a human’s incisors. It wouldn’t be that obvious if you’re not inspecting every single person’s mouth, which would be weird.”
Hoseok seems to ruminate on that for a moment before nodding. “Huh, that makes sense. You really know your stuff, Seokjin-ssi! Or can I call you Hyung?”
Seokjin sighs and chuckles quietly. “Yes, you can call me Hyung.”
Their conversation continues until they’ve both finished eating, and Hoseok looks down at Seokjin’s plate again. “Do you not like garlic, Hyung? You’ve picked around all the cloves.”
“Ah, well, I’ve got a mild allergy,” he says sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.
The admission makes Hoseok look mortified. “Oh my God, Hyung, I’m so sorry!! I should have asked if you had any allergies before cooking for you!”
“It’s fine Hoseok-ah, really. It’s mild, and I enjoy the taste. I’ll just be a little rashy for a few hours. Nothing I can’t handle.” He tries to assure the man, not wanting him to feel guilty. Hoseok seems genuinely sorry, which alleves some of the doubt that maybe Hoseok was trying to somehow expose him for being a vampire. And despite the mishaps of the night, Seokjin can’t say he still has those doubts at all. Hoseok is just… genuinely oblivious.
Once Seokjin convinces Hoseok that he’s truly fine, and won't be needing an epipen or a trip to the hospital from a bit of garlic, Hoseok shyly asks if Seokjin would like to stay a bit longer to chat more. He agrees, curious what other kinds of misunderstandings the human has about vampires, but much to Seokjin’s surprise they don’t talk about the ‘supernatural’ any more. Instead, turned to face each other on opposite sides of Hoseok’s rather comfortable couch, they tell each other about themselves.
Seokjin learns that Hoseok is a physical therapist that works with high school athletes, helping them prevent and recover from sports injuries. He talks very passionately about his job, and how much he enjoys working with and instructing the kids, even if a lot of them are hyper-masculine meatheads.
“When they learn to respect you, it’s a lot easier to get through to them that being manly isn’t just about being the biggest and the best, and that it’s okay to slow down to take care of yourself physically and mentally,” Hoseok tells him. He also talks about his sister, how well they get along with each other and keep in touch, and discusses the dance classes he takes every week to explore his hobby more and have time to socialize with other dancers.
The more Hoseok talks the more Seokjin wants to listen to what he has to say. All the curiosity that came from his interests in vampires and the like has taken the backburner, because Hoseok is so much more multifaceted than just the guy who listens to vampire podcasts and is unfortunately misinformed. He’s also incredibly smart and thoughtful, very open about being in touch with his feminine side, and enjoys good literature.
Somehow from talking about themselves, they devolved into discussing some of the books they’ve both enjoyed, different authors they like. That’s what they're discussing when Hoseok glances at the time and curses.
“I can’t believe it’s almost midnight, I have to work in the morning! I’m so sorry for keeping you so long Seokjin-hyung, sometimes I just talk too much,” Hoseok frets. He’s stood up from the couch, and Seokjin follows. The way Hoseok panics makes him laugh, waving his hand at the younger.
“Really, it’s fine, Hoseok. I was enjoying our conversation and lost track of time just as much as you did.”
After an awkward pause, the two smiling at each other politely, they bid each other farewell and Seokjin steps into his shoes and out of Hoseok’s house. His heart is thumping harder than it has in years when he closes the door to his own home behind him. Seokjin feels suddenly lost, in the dark of his own apartment, pressing his hand to his chest to make sure he hasn’t gone crazy.
Vampires have a heartbeat just like any normal human does, of course, but their emotions don’t run as rampant as humans’ do. They’re generally more level-headed, don’t get worked up as fast, so unless he’s exercising Seokjin’s heart rate is consistent. However, he’s not exercising now, only walked the few feet from Hoseok’s door to his own and his heart… it’s racing.
It terrifies him.
🦇🦇
Seokjin has dinner a few more times with Hoseok before the other shoe drops.
“Honestly, I think I listen to the vampire podcasts so much because I’m scared of them.”
Hoseok’s words make him freeze, chopsticks halfway to his mouth with some fresh kimchi. They’ve gone out this evening, to a local barbecue joint that’s been one of Seokjin’s favorites since he moved to his current apartment. Since Hoseok is still fairly new to the area he figured it would be nice to share some of his favorite food spots while spending time with Hoseok. It’s been nice, despite all of Seokjin’s misgivings. And he’s learnt a lot about Hoseok, good and bad, and even how easily he’s… spooked.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise. Seokjin’s seen him irrationally terrified of a bug that got into the apartment, and get startled by loud noises. Hoseok admitted to being afraid of clowns the previous night over text. The next logical step is for him to be scared of vampires, really.
Hoseok doesn’t seem phased by Seokjin’s silence. Continuing to talk. “My parents are really superstitious and have always believed in the supernatural, and I grew up being taught that if someone isn’t human then they’re dangerous. Demons, spirits, vampires… I want to be open minded, but I can’t help but to be scared. Vampires suck your blood , you know? How is that not scary?”
“Mosquitos suck your blood,” Seokjin says without much thought, and Hoseok frowns at him.
“I’m scared of those, too. You had to kill that fly for me the other day.”
Seokjin laughs, but it’s a little hollow. “I suppose you’re right. But you can communicate with vampires. Are you scared they’re gonna suck your blood? Or is it just the idea that they consume blood that haunts you?”
“Well... “ Hoseok pauses to think, “both? I don’t like blood very much at all, but the idea that they could take mine…”
He watches Hoseok physically shiver at the thought. Hoseok is terrified of him. Even if he doesn’t know what Seokjin is yet, it’s only a matter of time, and then he’ll be afraid of Seokjin too. Their budding friendship, and the fast pace of Seokjin’s heart whenever he spends time with Hoseok, will have to come to a stop.
Seokjin is subdued for the rest of their meal, but Hoseok doesn’t seem to notice. He’s moved onto talking about something he did with his dance friends while Seokjin nods along and continues eating until they're finished. The only sign Hoseok notices is when they’ve gotten back to their apartment building and Seokjin can see Hoseok hesitate in front of his door, lingering and watching Seokjin enter his apartment without a goodbye.
🦇🦇
For the next week, Seokjin doesn’t respond to Hoseok outside of a text telling him he’s been working overtime. It’s not a lie, but what he doesn’t say is he’s been picking up the extra shifts to avoid seeing Hoseok or hearing his podcasts and music through the walls. It’s easier to throw himself into work than to be at home where he’s constantly reminded of his hurt.
But it’s his seemingly endless work hours during the week that make him careless. Seokjin should know better than to pick up shifts when his monthly delivery comes, needing to be home to make sure it isn’t left unchilled for too long. If he isn’t there to receive his monthly blood rations and it goes bad or goes missing it’s nearly impossible to replace, and he’ll starve within a week. So when he clocks out after a long, busy day at the hospital and sees a notification saying his package arrived, his mind goes blank. It’s been several hours since he got the notification, which means it has to be bad by now.
However… further looking into his notifications and Seokjin isn’t sure if it gets better or worse.
Hey, you got a package that says it needs to stay chilled but I think you just left for work?
And I know you work long hours…
And fifteen minutes after the first two texts, another that worries him even more.
I don’t want it to go bad so I’m going to chill it for you, I hope that’s alright.
There’s no other texts after that, no calls from Hoseok, no questions about the many blood bags that make up his sustenance for the next month. Seokjin feels like his heart is in his throat as he rushes the whole way home, hoping beyond hope somehow, miraculously, his blood and not-so-secret secret are safe. The thought of Hoseok discovering his true nature like this, bags upon bags of blood in a box on his doorstep, is terrifying.
The thought that Hoseok is officially terrified of him even more so.
When he arrives at his apartment he doesn’t even bother going into his own. There’s no package in front of his or Hoseok’s door, which means the human must have brought it in. What he did with it after discovering the contents is the true question.
Seokjin hesitates outside Hoseok’s apartment, fist raised to knock. He takes a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart, other hand clenching in his shirt before finally his fist raps on the wooden door.
There’s a few moments of silence. And Seokjin realises, suddenly, just how quiet Hoseok’s apartment is. Since the day Hoseok moved in his apartment has always been full of noise, constant chatter or music or the general bustle of a man who’s always moving, always dancing. But for the first time since he’s moved in, Hoseok isn’t making any noise inside of his apartment.
When Seokjin hears footsteps coming towards the door, he holds his breath. Listens carefully as Hoseok pauses in front of the front door, sucks in a deep breath, and slides the locks open.
By the time Hoseok is slowly opening the door, Seokjin is wringing his hands together. He does his best to smile but he knows it’s coming out forced, especially when Hoseok’s face comes into view and his eyes are wide, with… with fear. Seokjin knows fear, has seen it coloring so many people’s faces, has even seen Hoseok full of it.
Hoseok is scared of him.
The hurt is instant, and sharp. Leaves a sour taste in his mouth as Hoseok steps back from the door once it’s open, rubbing his arm and looking at Seokjin sceptically. Seokjin almost wishes he had never talked to Hoseok. Wishes he could go back in time to take away all their conversations, because it would hurt less to never have known him at all then to have caught feelings he never asked for only to have them crushed in such a personal way.
Seokjin’s throat is tight when he says, “you have my package?”
It seems like Hoseok is surveying him, eyeing him up and down and fitting pieces into a puzzle before he speaks. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
It’s a loaded question. It’s not like Seokjin meant to keep it a secret, really. His nature has never been a secret. He doesn’t hide his features, or the fact that he drinks blood. Hoseok’s seen plenty of his vampire quirks, commented on his teeth even, but he never connected the dots. On the other hand, Seokjin could’ve corrected Hoseok at any time during their friendship. From the time on their balconies, when Hoseok asked if he was interested in the supernatural, he could have told him he was actually a vampire himself.
He could have mentioned it at any time during their meals together, during all the times Hoseok’s talked about his podcasts, and vampires, Seokjin could have told him when Hoseok admitted he was afraid of him. His kind.
If Seokjin’s truthful to himself, and truthful to Hoseok, he could say that he was himself afraid. Afraid of Hoseok’s reaction to the truth. To receive Hoseok’s interest not because of who Seokjin is and his personality, but for what he is. Until he learned that Hoseok’s interest in vampires wasn’t out of interest, but fear. That jarring fact that Hoseok learning Seokjin is a vampire wouldn’t make him more interesting, but could scare him off completely.
Seokjin, however, is rattled. Wasn’t prepared for this conversation, not today, even after the time he spent mulling over Hoseok’s possible reactions on his way home. He knew the question was coming, of course Hoseok would ask, but that doesn’t mean he’s got an answer for it.
Apparently he takes too long to answer, because Hoseok frowns and turns away from him, taking a couple steps back into the apartment. He pauses before going any further. “Seeing the blood makes me feel sick, you can grab it out of the fridge yourself.”
He enters the house and the kitchen, opening up the fridge to see, on the bottom shelf, a towel covering what must be all of his blood bags underneath. The fact that Hoseok must have been freaked out not only by the truth that he’s been spending time with a vampire, but by seeing a whole lot of blood that makes him feel sick, and he still made sure to get it chilled because he must have known it was important for Seokjin.
Seokjin feels sick. If he had just talked to Hoseok from the beginning, he wouldn’t have put him through this. Put them both through this.
“I was afraid,” Seokjin blurts. He’s still looking at the towel in the fridge, covering his food for the month, that Hoseok took care of despite everything. Realising he’s wasting power Seokjin closes the fridge door, but he still can’t seem to face Hoseok. Isn’t even sure he’s really listening, despite still standing a few feet away.
“At first, I was afraid of not living up to your expectations. You were so excited about vampires whenever you talked about them, had all these misconceptions that were so much more interesting than what being a vampire really is, and I couldn’t hold a candle to having no reflection or turning into a bat. Which is ridiculous, by the way.” He laughs humorlessly, not knowing any other way to combat his anxieties. He’s never been good at just talking about his feelings, but it’s the image of the towel in the fridge and the empty box his blood was shipped in that motivates him now.
“And then… I was really enjoying your company and getting to know you, and-” Seokjin bite’s his lip, sharp incisors digging into his skin but not quite piercing it. “And you admitted you were afraid. Of vampires. Of me.”
When the only answer Seokjin receives is silence, he looks over at Hoseok who’s looking at him with a frown. It’s not disgust, at least.
“You know, Seokjin-hyung… I’m not afraid of you.” Hoseok’s voice is steady, and it confuses him.
“But… you looked…”
“I’m afraid of a lot of things. Bugs, heights, blood… and I thought I was scared of vampires, too, but you’re not scary. Even now, knowing what you are, I know you’re harmless. But… it scares me to think that you didn’t trust me. And that this could be the end of what I thought was becoming a really great… friendship.”
Hoseok’s pause make’s Seokjin’s heart jump.
“However… I understand,” Hoseok says with a sigh. His body language relaxes a bit, shoulders dropping from their tense set. “I know I’m a bit overbearing with the vampire thing. And I get how that would be off-putting to you as a vampire. I just… I think part of me is mad at myself for never realising. It was kind of obvious, actually.”
He laughs at himself, and the air feels lighter. It was genuine, although small. Seokjin can feel a smile creeping up, and an overwhelming rush of feelings for Hoseok bubbling in his chest. He should have never doubted Hoseok, should have trusted him and told him the truth.
“I’m so sorry for not trusting you, Hoseokie. I should have told you. I guess I just thought running from it would be easier than talking to you about it. The last thing I wanted was for you to be afraid of me.”
Hoseok shakes his head. “I forgive you, for not telling me. It’s not like you exactly lied, anyway. I’m just glad it’s out in the air now. Even if… finding out this way was a little scarring.” His face pales at the thought of all of Seokjin’s blood bags, and Seokjin rubs the back of his neck sheepishly.
“I’m sorry about that, too. I was so busy running away from you and my own apartment along with it that I forgot I was getting my delivery today. But… if it had been sitting out there all day I would’ve been dead meat. You really saved me today Seok-ah, even though you must have been shocked.”
They smile at each other for a moment, and Seokjin realises he can’t just leave it like this. If he wants to be truthful with Hoseok, he should tell him the full truth. Seokjin takes a deep breath, but before he can say anything Hoseok’s speaking up again.
“Go on a date with me.”
Seokjin sputters, surprised by Hoseok’s sudden question. He can feel his neck and ears get warm, and he wishes he could hide them from Hoseok’s curious gaze.
“D-Date?”
“The reason I was so scared of losing you is because I like you, Seokjin-hyung. In a romantic way.”
Seokjin huffs, indignant at Hoseok’s sudden confidence. But if there’s one way he knows to get through embarrassment, it’s to power through it. “Yah, when did you get so bold!? You could barely look me in the eye earlier.”
Despite Hoseok’s serious look while he asked Seokjin out a moment ago, Seokjin’s shouting makes him laugh brightly. “Come on, Hyung, answer me.”
“You didn’t ask me a question, Seok-ah, you demanded I go out with you. What am I supposed to answer to that?”
“You know what I mean!”
“No, I want to hear you ask me properly! If you ask someone out on a date you should do it romantically!” Seokjin’s voice has raised quite a bit at this point, ears burning, but at this point he refuses to back down. He doesn’t care about the way Hoseok asked, not really, but that doesn’t mean he can’t deflect.
Hoseok’s face is red too now, and he’s pouting at him, but he relents.
“Seokjin-hyung, my vampire hyung who isn’t so scary, will you please go on a date with me? I won’t make you eat garlic this time, or tell you I think you’re scary. You can even tell me how ridiculous I’ve been to not realise you’re a vampire after all of the signs pointing to you being one.”
Seokjin can’t help from laughing as Hoseok reaches his hand out, palm up. He places his hand in Hoseok’s and nods, hands clasping together and heart racing.
“Of course I’ll go on a date with you, silly human. I’ll even tell you all about how wrong that podcast is, and teach you about what being a vampire is really like.”
Hoseok laughs at that, and Seokjin can’t help but to lean forward and press his forehead to Hoseok’s. It seems to amuse Hoseok more than surprise him, and they enjoy the intimacy for a moment in silence.
“I can’t wait,” Hoseok says.
🦇🦇
“Jinnie,” Hoseok says from the other side of the couch. He’s laying across it, head against the armrest while he scrolls through his phone and listens to a podcast with one earbud in. His feet are resting in Seokjin’s lap on the other end while he plays a game on the Switch.
“Hm?” He hums, not looking away from the screen.
“You know that podcast I listen to, V-Pire?”
“The one that gives out false information, you mean?”
“Yeah, that one! His newest podcast episode is the hundredth one, and for the first time he talked about himself and revealed his identity…”
“So?”
“Well, his name is Kim Taehyung, and he’s a vampire himself. Apparently he made the podcast as a joke.”
Seokjin pauses, and finally looks at Hoseok. “You’re kidding me.”
Hoseok shakes his head and laughs. “I’m not. But apparently he was.”