Chapter Text
“So, this is what happened!” You slowly start to drown out what one of your girl friends are saying. Of course, every time she goes on a date with someone new, she feels the need to spill it all to you.
The group of you didn’t have classes today but still met for tea at a cafe near your campus.
“He sounds so cool.” Your other friends gush and squeal about her almost fairytale-like experience. Honestly, could you really call them friends? They were pretty much self absorbed and thought that college life was perfect with the social parties and cute boys to ogle at.
“(y/n), are you listening to me?” She snapped her fingers in front of her face.
“Huh? Sorry, just have a lot on my mind right now.” You forced a small smile. There it was, the looks of pity.
“Your family again?”
“No... Just tired from staying up late to study.” You lied through your teeth. They were too dense to even notice as they shrugged and continued their conversation. You poked at your fruit in your cup with the stick.
You regret telling them about your family dynamic because now, they think you’re constantly depressed by that.
“You sure you’re okay? Want to go to the nurse’s?” Your friend placed a hand on your shoulder.
“I’m fine, really. Besides, we always go out for drinks after a successful date, right? Wouldn’t want to postpone because of me.” You quickly tried to change the subject. They were all surprised by your words but grinned widely, cheering and hi fiving each other as the girl beside you hugged you. There, you successfully turned the conversation back of them.
“That’s the spirit!” They giggled.
“Where should we go? Let’s try somewhere new this time.” Whipping their phones out, they began to look for new places to drink and have a good time, mainly to celebrate a successful date.
“This place looks interesting right?” A phone was shoved in your face.
“Yeah. Let’s go there. It looks fun.” You smiled again and they all squealed in excitement. Then the conversation shifted to what they were going to wear.
Did you want to go and get drunk in a strange place? No. But did anyone ever ask what you want? No.
Most nights drinking with them usually consisted of you staying by the bar while the others danced on the LED floor and it often led to you taking care of everyone as they got drunk and sending them back to their homes at night in taxis. That was always how it went.
“(y/n), I think your car is here.” Someone called, nodding over to the black car that waited outside the glass, on the road.
“Right.” You gathered your things and stood up.
“We’ll see you tonight?” They looked at you, blinking with smiles. You nodded and they giggled. Sending them one final smile and wave, you headed outside, slipping into the backseat.
“How was your lunch with your friends?” The older, business male asked as he drove.
“It was fine. By the way, I’m going out tonight.” You replied, rubbing your temples. Your father looked at you through the rearview mirror, nodding his head with a soft hum of acknowledgement.
You didn’t really bother to ask your father how his day went since it was pretty much the same every day at the office. It was always him being a good worker, the leader of his division. Besides, your relationship was far too strained and awkward for you to actually ask him. This car ride with him was already gruelling enough.
“Don’t forget about the business dinner this Friday.” Was all he said. You repeated his actions, letting out a hum.
“Stay safe tonight.” Your father parted ways with you as you walked through the front door. You nodded your head and went upstairs as your father headed into his home office.
Your family wasn’t rich but still above average. With your dad’s position and job, he was able to buy a nice car and house for the both of you. But you still insisted on working to earn your allowance and also, get out of the house.
“The weather is nice.” You pushed open your windows. The sky was brightly lit by the sun but it wasn’t too hot. It was a nice warmth, almost like a hug.
“Another night of caring for my drunk friends.” Sighing softly, you headed to your bathroom to shower. After your shower, you stood in front of your closet, trying to decide what to wear tonight. While your friends were always particular about dressing to impress, you just wanted to look presentable.
Not stand out.
*chirp*
Turning your head, you saw a little bird sit on your window sill. A small smile appeared on your face as you softly shuffled over to it, not wanting to scare it away. Even as you stood in front of it, the bird stayed.
“Hello.” You greeted. The bird tilted its head, hopping closer to you. You held your hand out and it jumped into your palm.
“You’re so pretty.” You stared at the red bird nestled in your hands. The bird suddenly flew around your room, letting out cheerful chirps. It landed back on the window.
“You’re lucky you get to be so close to the sky.” You said to it. Casting you one last glance, the bird hopped out and flew away. You left the windows open as you laid in your bed, deciding to just have a short nap before you would have to wake up and get ready for your night out.
“The red bird.” You stared at the tiny creature in front of you.
“Do you like it?” A voice startled you. You turned around to see the faint silhouette of a person. His features weren’t distinct and you had to really squint to actually see him.
“Who are you?” You asked.
“Can you see me, (y/n)?” He asked back.
“A little. I can’t see your face. Who are you? How do you know my name? Where am I?” You looked around you.
“Patience, my butterfly. You’ll find out soon enough. Even if you can’t see me, I’m happy that I get to see you. I can’t wait when all of us get to meet you.” He chuckled and you saw the faint outline of a smile.
“All of us?” You tilted your head.
“I can only talk to you because you made contact with one of my creatures.” He explained, making you more confused.
“One of your creatures?”
“I’ll see you soon, my butterfly.” His voice slowly faded and you saw the red bird flying away into a distance. You raised your hand, as if trying to reach out to it but it disappeared from your sight.
When your alarm woke you up, you started getting ready; changing, putting on some light make up, deciding what shoes to wear. By the time you were done, you slung your bag over your shoulder and left your room. As you passed by your father’s office, you contemplated letting him know that you were leaving but decided against doing that and just left.
“(y/n)!” Your friends called out to you, waving as you came out of the taxi. You smiled and walked over to them.
“You should have come to the mall with us just now. Do you like my dress? It’s new.” One of your friend giggled, even doing a twirl to show how flowy the dress was.
“It’s alright. I already have enough clothes, I don’t need more. Besides, I was able to get some rest too.” You rubbed the back of your neck.
“I don’t understand why you’re still working when you get so tired. Your dad can support you.” One shook her head, crossing her arms. You bit your lip, not sure of what to say to that. Luckily, the bouncer was able to cut the conversation and let you into the club.
“This is a good place!” You all entered the bumping club where people were drinking and grinding on the dance floor.
“Let’s sit here.” Luckily, you were able to find a booth. Drinks were ordered and with your glass in your hand, you clinked glasses with them, downing the burning liquid in one go.
“Another round!” They all shouted over the loud music. You slowly sipped your drink as they quickly finished theirs, ordering many more rounds.
“Try this!” Someone took your glass and put another one in front of you.
“Come on!” They encouraged and you picked the glass up. With smiles, they clinked their glasses against yours.
“Good, huh?” They patted your shoulder as you coughed.
“We’re going to dance, want to come with?” They stood up. You shook your head and held up your empty glass, a signal that you would be going to the seek refuge at the bar and get a refill. They shrugged and all split ways, disappearing onto the dance floor to go dance or grind up on some stranger. Standing up, you headed to the bar.
“What can I get you?” The bartender asked as you slid onto the barstool. You gave your order, handing over your empty glass at the same time.
“This isn’t my order.” You said, looking at the colour of the liquid in the glass the bartender just placed in front of you.
“I know, that guy over there wanted to give you this drink.” He explained. Turning your head, you saw a guy at the end of the bar. He looked up, eyes meeting yours as he sent you a smirk and a flirty wave.
“Don’t drink it.”
“Huh?” You turned around when you heard someone whisper in your ear. But with so many people having walked past you, it was impossible to see who it was.
“It’s drugged.”
The same voice. Whipping your head around one again, you were just met by the mass of bodies, dancing on the dance floor and partying. No one was standing behind you, no one was even looking your way. But still, you heeded the voice you heard.
“I’ll have my order, please.” You said firmly and the bartender nodded, going to fix your actual order.
*Good girl.* A affectionate, soft smile appeared on his face as he watched you from the balcony. You received your own drink, sipping it as you kept to yourself.
*She’s so cute. Little lamb.* It was obvious that you were out of place here.
*Stay out of trouble.* He chuckled to himself, picking up his wine glass and disappearing into the crowd.
After all that drinking, you decided to go to the toilet. As most club bathrooms are, it was disgusting in there, with a couple making out in the corner. As long as you didn’t bother them, they won’t bother you.
“Hey.” Someone called as you stepped out. Turning your head, you saw that it was the guy from before, the one at the end of the bar who gave you a drink. The drink that was drugged. Judging by the frown on his face, you guessed that you rejecting his drinks didn’t make him very happy. He came closer to you and you stepped back.
“I don’t exactly appreciate girls rejecting me in front of my friends.” He said, face getting close to yours.
“I don’t see why I should be drinking a drugged drink. You want to get high, drink it yourself.” You frowned. Even in the dark, you could see his face turn red as you scolded yourself for saying that.
“You think you’re all that? I’ll show you-” He lifted his hand. You flinched slightly, waiting for the impact but it never came.
“G-Ghos...” The guy stuttered, his eyes widening in fear.
Behind you, the guy spotted the faint outline of someone. Another male. He stood behind you, glaring directly at this human boy, as if daring him to try to do something to you. You blinked up at this guy, wondering what got him so frozen. Should you take this chance to run?
“Close your eyes, angel. I’ll protect you.”
You heard someone whisper before you collapsed, your vision being filled with darkness.
-
The sun began to rise, that was his cue to leave. After bringing you back from the club, he laid you on the bed, tucked you in and stayed by your side the entire time, making sure no one would disturb you.
“Sleep well.” With a last kiss to your forehead, he jumped out the window, landing on his chariot before he chased the last bit of darkness from the night. Even if he wasn’t able to stay by your side for the rest of the day, he was glad he was able to stay the night by your side. A small smile appeared on his face as he rode past the clouds.
“Hyung! You’re back!” He was greeted by the younger gods.
“I shouldn’t have left her.” Someone said from the side. The god was still dressed in his suit, sipping his never ending glass of wine.
“Not your fault. What’s most important is that he is safe.” The Moon god shrugged, yawning from having been awake the whole night. With a wave of his hand, his chariot disappeared.
“Remember your duties. Don’t neglect them.” He reminded the younger ones as he headed to the grand staircase.
“What did you do to the human?” One asked.
“Goodnight.” He ignored the younger and went up to his quarters. Back in the foyer, the younger that got ignored sighed, shaking his head.
“Where are you going today?” His best friend asked.
“I’ve got watch duty again.” He replied.
“Sucks to be you, hyung. I’m going down today! There’s a big festival going on and I’ve been called to make sure that it goes smoothly.” The younger grinned as he wore his disguise, making the older roll his eyes with his arms crossed. The maknae opened the portal and got ready to head down to the Earth plane.
“Check up on her, if you can! Make sure she’s alright!” They heard the voice of their brother slowly fade away as the two gods stepped through the portal.
“Where are you going?” He asked as he landed on the ground of Earth with his older brother.
“Somewhere, no where, anywhere.” The nature god replied with a smile and a shrug, walking away and leaving the younger one there dumbfounded, blinking in confusion.
You gasped as you sat up in bed, looking around your surroundings. You held your head as it pounded slightly, making you wince.
Was everything that happened last night a dream?
Looking down, you saw that you were still in the dress and your shoes neatly lined up by the closet door.
“How did I get home?” You frowned as you tried to remember just what happened last night. The confrontation with that stranger in the hallway about rejecting his drink. But before he was going to attack you, he started acting really weird and you passed out after that. There was a voice that whispered something before you passed out.
*KNOCK KNOCK*
“Come in.” You replied softly.
“I’m heading out to work now. I’m assuming you came back late because I didn’t even hear you come in.” Your father said stoically.
“Uh, yeah.” You said with a small frown, you didn’t even know when and how you came home. He nodded his head and closed the door, not bothering to ask about your ‘wild’ night out.
*RINGGGGGG*
“Hello?”
“(y/n)! Where did you go last night? You disappeared from the bar and totally bailed on us!”
“Sorry, I just... wasn’t feeling well.” You rubbed your forehead.
“We thought something happened! I had to take care of the others’ drunk selves all on my own, as well as look for you! Totally not cool. I thought someone drugged you or kidnapped you.”
“Sorry.” You could only apologise, not sure of what else she wanted you to say. She didn’t even seem genuinely worried about you, it seemed that she was just annoyed that she had to take care of the others getting drunk because that was usually your job to do.
“Hmm, alright. Feel better soon, I’ll see you tomorrow in class.”
She hung up. You went to brush your teeth and change out of your dress, opting for a hoodie and some shorts instead. As you brushed your hair, you stood in front of the mirror, cringing at your reflection.
“Ugh.” You grunted and looked away, leaving the room. The entire house was quiet and you were glad to have the whole place to yourself.
“Food, food, food.” You chanted as you shuffled into the kitchen, leaning into the fridge to see what there was to eat.
“Ramyeon it is.” Even with a fully stocked fridge, all the food still kind of made you feel sick to the stomach, which you attribute to the alcohol from the night before. With a sigh, you grabbed eggs to cook your noodles with. Classical piano music played in the background as you cooked. You carried the hot pot over to the dining table.
“Thank you for the food.” You whispered with closed eyes. Grabbing your chopsticks, you began to dig into your piping hot ramyeon. The spicy, hot soup seemed to be the only thing that could comfort you now.
*Tap tap*
You heard tapping on the kitchen back door. No one usually went to the back door since it was closer to the backyard and you would have to go to the side of the house.
“Who is it?” You called out, to no reply.
“Hello?” You opened the door but there was no one there. Peeking your head out further, there was no one there.
“Oh?” You looked down and saw a bouquet of daisies there. Bending down, you held the bouquet. There was no card, note or anything. Nevertheless, you picked up the bouquet, cradling it in your arms gently before you headed back into the house.
You placed the bouquet down on the table, clearing up your used cooking utensils. With the bouquet in hand, you went back up to your room. The sky was beautiful yet again, not a rain cloud in sight.
“Two, three... hours.” You checked your phone to see when you were scheduled to work that night. Taking your planner out, something fell from it.
“Yesterday?” It was a red feather, the same shade as the bird that visited you in your room and in your dream yesterday.
Your fingers brushed against the soft feather.
“I’ll see you soon, my butterfly.”