Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Namjoon was tired. So fucking tired that he could get just some warmth of his blankets and drop dead. He had done four exorcisms today and it looked like the digit was gonna turn five soon.

Eyeing his wrist, he saw the time. He should have been home, taking off his shoes and getting into his bed but no, he was on a random person's doorstep, ringing the doorbell.

The neighbourhood was silent, only the sound of fluttering leaves could be heard. It was midnight, Namjoon noticed that the air around the house had no adverse energy. He let out a sigh in relief.

Negative demons or abysmals as they were called; were quite tough to exorcise. It always took a lot of time and effort to do so and he was in no condition to face any abysmals right now. He always ended up feeling overwhelmed after encountering an abysmal. Maybe this demon won't be a lot of work.

The door opened and there stood a woman who looked like she was in her late thirties. Her distress was visible on his face which loosened up at the sight of the exorcist.

"Oh thank god! I don't know what happened but chaewon is behaving very unusual right now. She has holed herself up in her room with all the snacks and isn't replying to me. I think I can hear her playing video games too."

Video games and snacks?

"Are you sure she's possessed by a demon? Or maybe she just wanted to play some games without you interrupting?"

"Believe me! Her eyes were red when I caught her sneaking out snacks from the kitchen"

Namjoon facepalmed. This was going to be a long night.

🌿

"Oh god! I didn't tell you my name, that was so rude of me. I'm hyejoo"

"Namjoon. Kim Namjoon", he said with a tight-lipped smile.

"I'll show you Chaewon's room, please follow me", without even looking back she started hurrying upstairs.

"So do you have any other child or is it just chaewon?", Namjoon asked to break off the awkward silence that engulfed the surrounding.

"Oh, Chaewon's my only child"

Namjoon nodded, he just wanted to get over with this.

"This is her room, it's closed off from inside. I have been trying to get her to open it from two hours but she's not paying attention to me"

"Oh, that's alright. It won't take long. Can you please go to your living room? It will be better if I do this alone", He said with a smile.

Hyejoo nodded hesitantly and went downstairs.

Now, to get this done with. Namjoon knocked on the door twice but heard no answer.

"Hey, excuse me Chaewon. Can you please open the door for me?", He knocked again. A bit louder this time.

No response.

Namjoon was questioning it now. Was there even a demon involved in this? Or this was just a teen going through her rebellious phase?  He did not sign up to tolerate cranky teens.

"Um chaewon?", He asked louder this time.

"What? Who is this?"

Finally, he heard a soft muffled voice. At least she wasn't asleep. Although it didn't sound like she was possessed, Namjoon can not always work on his intuitions.

"I'm Kim Namjoon, a friend of your mom. She asked me to check up on you, can you open the door?"

"Uh, No. Can't you see I'm busy? Go away I'm alright."

Namjoon sighed. He was getting annoyed. He didn't have any time to pursue this child to open the door. Well, this demon asked for it.

He heard some shuffling inside and sound of a switch being turned on, she started playing her video game again he presumed.

Getting his lock picker from his backpack that he kept for emergencies because demons were not always so cooperating, he plopped it into the keyhole.

After struggling for a minute, he eventually managed to open the door and the sight before him was, quite interesting.

Empty wrappers of snacks were scattered around the room and chaewon was sitting on her bean bag with headphones on. She was so much immersed in her game that she didn't notice Namjoon sneaking in her room.

Her back was facing him so he couldn't really tell if she was actually under the possession of a demon or not.

He walked towards her and poked her shoulder. This startled her and she fell from her sitting position onto the floor.

"The fuck? You just made me lost my game. Wow thanks.", He heard her say with a grumpy tone as she turned around to face him.

Namjoon fixed his glasses that rested upon his nose. As soon as her eyes fell upon him, she visibly froze. Namjoon could finally see the bloodshot eyes.

wait, did that demon recognize him? He wasn't that big of a name in the demon world.

The demon didn't seem hazardous, they were for god's sake playing video games while possessing her. It might not be a big task to get that demon to abandon her body so Namjoon settled upon asking the demon politely.

"Uh, hi? Can you like, leave this body? I know you gotta do this to survive but her mom is kinda concerned for her.", He smiled gently making his dimples pop out.

The girl was still staring at him without blinking her eyes, what the fuck? Did he have something on his face?

He consciously touched his face, patting his cheek to check if his face had something on. There wasn't. Was the demon zoning out? Or what?

"Uh"

That finally broke that demon out of their stupor, he saw the demon give themself a light slap to their right cheek and shake their head.

What was that demon doing? Namjoon was more confused than ever.

The demon finally looked at him in the eyes and-

Did that demon just check him out? What?

Namjoon was weirded out. He tried to speak again only to be cut out by a sigh coming out of the girl's lips.

"Whoa.....thighs.....", And she passed out.

What the fuck just happened? Namjoon had his fair share of weird encounters with people but with demons? This was new.

He let out a breath in relief. At least this didn't drain his energy.

🌿

"Oh god! Thank you so much Namjoon-ssi. I was so worried." Hyejoo was beaming at him, she looked stress-free.

"Ah, it's okay. It was not a harmful demon who possessed her and since you said that she was holed up in her room for two hours, it was expected that the demon would have left after an hour or two more. So, no need to get worried, she was not harmed at all. She'll come around after twenty minutes", He said with a faint smile gesturing to the unconscious girl on the bed.

"Do you want anything to drink? We have tea and coffee. At least I can do this much", hyejoo offered.

"Oh no no, I'm done with the work here. I'll be on my way to my home now. Thank you", his senses were practically screaming at him to get some rest.

He bid his goodbyes and got into his car. He turned up the heater as it was getting frosty in the night. The drive to home was quiet since it was night but that still didn't stop his mind from thinking about that strange event.

He didn't even have to do anything, the demon left on their own. Also, he was trying to ignore the fact that the demon muttered thighs under their breathe and left.

After parking his car in his garage, he fumbled in his backpack for his keys and opened the door. Taking his shoes off, he couldn't be bothered to eat. He was tired, he just wanted to sleep it off. He'll eat in the morning.

After changing out of his monochrome outfit into his soft Ryan themed pyjamas, he laid down on his bed and snuggled with his blanket, taking no time to fall into a deep slumber.

🌿

"Oh hey gguk! You are back already? Did you get exorcised again?", Taehyung asked laughing. Everyone was eating on the dining table.

"Please shut up."

Jeongguk was stunned. He had never seen any human this fascinating. He didn't believe in love at first sight but he was sure that he was totally gone for that man. Seeing him for the first time made him act like a teenage girl with a crush.

He plopped down on his chair, put his head on his hand and groaned. His plate filled with food was in front of him.

"What happened? Why are you acting like this?", Seokjin looked up from his meal and asked him, his concerned face made him look even more handsome.

"Nothing happened."

"Yeah, don't lie to us. You got that zoned-out look on your face like you just saw something either unbelievable or terrifying", Now everyone's attention was on him, great.

"Ugh... It's just when I possessed this girl, Her mom called an exorcist and that man was fucking cute", He said embarrassingly and covered his face with his hands.

There was silence on the table, and then jimin giggled.

"Do you have a crush, ggukkie?" Jimin was full-blown laughing at him. Everyone else looked as if they were trying to suppress their laughs.

"If you saw him, you would be the same; okay? He had the softest looking lavender, purple-ish hair with the longest legs I have ever seen, also his thighs were out of the world and he had this honey tanned skin like what the fuck? Also on top of all this, he had dimples. Fucking dimples. Unreal man, literally couldn't believe for a second that he was real and existing and I panicked so much that I left the body after checking him out and saying thighs out loud."

Everyone started laughing at his little speech, even yoongi had an amused smile on his face.

"I can't- did you really said thighs and just dipped?", Hoseok was laughing so much, he almost had tears in his eyes.

And just when jeongguk thought he could never get any much redder, yoongi with a knowing smirk said, "Well, we gotta meet this man who swept jeongguk off his feet."

"Please stop, I'm suffering here."

The laughs just got louder.

Not like Jeongguk would meet that man again.

🌿

Chapter Text

Namjoon never wanted to become an exorcist but his mother being the only exorcist in the city, he had to follow her footsteps. He always knew to be thankful for whatever he had. Rather it is the air he breathed, the food he ate or the path which was chosen for him.

Growing up, he wanted to be many things. When he was 5 and got a new toy airplane, he wanted to become a pilot. When he was 9 and saw pretty people wearing pretty dresses, he wanted to become the one making those dresses and when he was 13 and saw his friend suffering, he wanted to become a therapist.

After that, he was adamant on becoming a therapist, maybe even a psychologist but after his mother's sudden death at when he was 20, just when he was preparing to score a scholarship, he didn't have any other option but to mourn and take up the same path as hers.

She died during an exorcism. Namjoon shuddered, it wasn't a pleasant death. He always thought she would die, old and content but things always don't go the way you want them to be.

He couldn't really recall how she died or what happened. But when he saw her, she was laying bloodied in the middle of their living room and that was when she took her last breathe.

He wondered if he would undergo the same fate as his mother but who would take up the same path after him? He had no one to call his family.

Keeping his now cold coffee on the table, he looked around the cafe. Everyone was there with their friends and family, even colleagues. He was the only one alone, just like it always have been.

He felt just like the cold coffee on the table, no one liked it and was mostly thrown away. Sighing, he picked up the cup and gulped it down in one go. The cold bitterness feeling unpleasant down his throat.

Today was his day off. Well, not really but he hadn't received any calls since morning which was quite rare but welcomed. he needed some time off.

His blog about demon psychology was still half-written on his laptop screen. He was thinking of maybe ordering another hot coffee and actually drinking it when it was still hot.

Calling up the waiter with a polite smile, he ordered a coffee with a chocolate chip cupcake. He finally started typing to complete his blog, the deadline was fifteen days away but Namjoon liked to do his work beforehand.

After typing for a while he heard someone settle down on the chair in front of him. Uncertain as he wasn't expecting someone, he looked from his computer screen to the intruder's face.

wow.

The man had bright red hair with a contagious smile on his face and a yellow-tinted glass resting on his nose. His outfit was so bright that it could battle the sun and Namjoon still couldn't comprehend how the hell that man managed to pull it off.

"Hi! I saw you sitting alone and I kinda came here alone too so I thought we could keep each other company, is it okay? There are no vacant seats here either."

The man had such an optimistic expression on his face that Namjoon couldn't bring himself to say no. He looked back to his computer screen and nodded, not trusting himself to give a verbal response.

"I'm hoseok! But if you want you can call me your hope too!", He winked.

He fucking winked.

Namjoon was sure he was red by now. This human embodiment of sun was just not flirting with him. Wait, was it even flirting? Maybe he was just being friendly.

"K-kim Namj-joon", Namjoon stuttered out, what the fuck? He never stuttered? This man was making him nervous. Namjoon still couldn't look at Hoseok in the eyes.

Hoseok slid his glasses off and kept it in his bag. Calling out for the waiter, the waiter looked at him with wide eyes. Hoseok just smiled gently and told him to bring hot chocolate.

"So what are you doing here all alone?", Hoseok asked, even though Namjoon's eyes were on the screen, he could hear the curiosity in his voice.

Namjoon perked up on this, no one asked him about his work, they thought it was tiring and weird. Just as he looked up to meet hoseok's eyes-

he had red eyes? What? He was a demon? What?

Namjoon did not see this coming at all, wow. He must have gawked at Hoseok for a while seeing his questioning face turn into an amused one.

"Um, Namjoon? You okay?", Hoseok asked in concern? amusement?... fear? Namjoon was sure if he waited to analyse his emotions, he would just humiliate himself further.

"Oh yeah uh, yeah I'm good. I am writing on demon psychology. Yeah, that's it. Um.", Namjoon mentally slapped himself because he just managed to make a fool out of himself several times in these last fifteen minutes.

Hearing this, Hoseok's eyes lit up.

"Oh! Is there any way I can help you? You know because..haha", He chuckled in embarrassment. Namjoon was endeared by this man, fuck.

"Um yeah, that would be cool, thanks. I was stuck on this part anyways ", Namjoon said, he could have denied it since he wasn't stuck at all but he could not bring himself to do it.

And just when Namjoon thought Hoseok's smile couldn't get any brighter, He smiled so big, Namjoon swore he could see a heart in it.

"Okay so let's see here.."

🌿

Turns out hoseok was not just the description of beautiful, he was smart too. He did give some information to Namjoon that he wasn't aware of at all.

Demon psychology was not something that was taught in human universities, it was only taught in the demon realm. So, the information on demon psychology that Namjoon knew was limited.

It helped him in his exorcisms, sometimes when demons were not so willing to leave a body, he had to use these tips as a backup. He didn't add hoseok's information to his blog, but he did write it in his notes.

He didn't want to make the vulnerable information public and potentially put a demon's or a human's life at stake. There were not many nice people out there.

He still didn't understand why hoseok trusted him with this information but he didn't want to break hoseok's trust. He checked his phone and saw that it had been three hours since they were doing this.

"Thank you so much Hoseok-ssi! You helped me a lot, I think I might get this complete by tomorrow", Namjoon smiled warmly.

He wasn't lying, Hoseok did help him a lot.

"Oh it's nothing Namjoon, I'm glad I helped you. Also please don't call me Hoseok-ssi, you can call me hobi or hyung whatever you are more comfortable with", Hoseok said. If he was a puppy right now, Namjoon could imagine him with his tail wagging behind happily.

Just when Namjoon was to reply, his phone started ringing. He excused himself and went out of the cafe. He picked up his phone and answered, "Hello? Kim Namjoon speaking."

"Tha-ank god-d you picke-ed up! I-its my wife-e i-i", the man was on the verge of a panic attack.

"Please call down sir, what happened? I won't be able to help if you won't tell me"

"It's my w-wife! She was possessed and i-i thought that it was not an abysmal b-but after ten minutes s-she started roaming around the h-house mumbling something under h-her breathe and she's getting v-violent now and h-hurting herself, I don't know what to do! P-please, help me!"

This sounded bad. God. He wasn't ready for this yet.

"Please message me your address, also where is she right now?"

"I-i locked her in our bedroom but she's p-pushing the door and throwing herself against it, i-i don't know what to do"

"That's good, just text me your address and I'll try to be there as soon as possible."

Keeping his phone, he suppressed a sigh. He walked back into the cafe and headed straight to his table where hoseok was playing a game on his phone.

"I'm so sorry hyung, I have a work emergency and I need to go now", He sat on his chair and started to collect his belongings that laid around. Hoseok kept his phone in his pocket.

"Oh, no worries! It's okay", Hoseok smiled, Namjoon guessed it was because he called him hyung.

"At least let me pay for this, you helped me a lot already", Namjoon pleaded, he was sure he had his best puppy face on.

"Nu-uh, hyung privileges, it's on the house. Bye Namjoon!", hoseok slid out of the seat and walked into the staffs only room.

Wait a fucking minute.

Was Hoseok the owner of this cafe?

Namjoon didn't have any time to think, he had a place to get to. He kept everything in his bag. Left a generous amount of tip for the waiter and rushed out of the cafe.

🌿

Namjoon was hurt. He was sure he broke his pinky finger when he was slammed into the door. The pain was flowing through his nerves, he felt like hundreds of needles were being poked into his finger.

There were bursts of blues and blacks on his skin. The demon was stubborn. And powerful. Something Namjoon wasn't very fond of. He had already told the man who called him to phone the medic for his wife because he was sure that someone would get hurt by the end of it. Him included.

The demon was at least gone now. The women laid in the middle of the now destroyed room. The sofa was slashed, the bedsheets were torn, there were broken shreds of glass everywhere.

He felt bad, especially for the women. She would wake up not remembering anything, probably with trauma too but at least he was alive. That was what which mattered.

The medic came and took the women. Her husband came and thanked Namjoon, he was sobbing in relief that his wife was safe and sound. Namjoon knew, he too needed to get to the hospital.

Her husband did offer Namjoon to drive him to the hospital but as always Namjoon declined and gave him a polite smile. He never liked taking help from others.

He needed to get to the hospital before he lost his consciousness, his energy was drained because of that demon. He was lucky that it was his left-hand pinky that was injured and not his right.

Driving to the hospital was not tough considering it was just ten minutes away, although Namjoon was extremely close to fainting; he still managed to get there. He didn't want to get into an accident.

He parked his car in the parking lot and just as he was getting out of his car, the sudden change in his position caused a sharp pain to ripple through his head. He could see the faint black spots securing his vision.

And that was when he finally lost his consciousness right in the middle of the parking lot.

🌿

Hoseok was sure something was wrong by the way Namjoon entered the shop with a pale looking face and immediately started to gather his items. He didn't want to pry so he didn't ask Namjoon about it but he was still uneasy thinking about it.

Hoseok could finally see why jeongguk was star struck by that man. He totally understood that jeongguk wasn't exaggerating when he described him.

Entering the apartment, he saw jeongguk sleeping on Yoongi's lap with Yoongi running his hand through the younger's hair. He assumed that Tae, Jimin and Jin were out since the house was quiet except the soft snores of jeongguk.

"I think I might have met gguk's mystery dream boy", Hoseok said with a playful smirk. Yoongi looked up, his hands still weaving through the bundle of hair of the owner who rested upon his lap.

"Really? How did you meet him?"

"You know how I told you, I'm gonna go and check out our cafe today? I met him there. At first, I didn't really think that he was the same man but when I approached him and kind of matched the description gguk gave, I knew it was him."

Yoongi lifted his eyebrow, "And?"

Hoseok dramatically sighed and sat down with a poof on the couch, "He was so cute hyung, awkward but cute also his aura was full of comfort and home, I could sense something else underlying there but I couldn't grasp what was it. He looked so sad and lonely sitting at that table alone, I couldn't help myself but join him. Did you know that he writes about demon psychology? I may or maybe not might have told him some things."

Yoongi was invested now, "Oh?"

Hoseok chuckled nervously, "I didn't tell him anything major just some small things, also I don't think so he'll tell anyone."

"But you don't know that hobi-ah, what if he uses it for his personal gain or something like that?", Yoongi inquired.

"He won't hyung! Believe me! Like he will not, I'm sure."

Yoongi gave a sceptical nod, "whatever you say. Did you even get his name?"

"Kim Namjoon."

"Kim Namjoon."

Two voices simultaneously said. Yoongi looked down to see jeongguk with his eyes open.

"Did you see his dimples, hobi hyung?"

"Oh god yes! They were the cutest little craters ever, I kinda really wanna swim in them? Is that weird?", Yoongi gave hoseok a weirded out look just as jeongguk laughed.

"What the fuck? Yes hobi, that's very fucking weird. He already has two out of six of us wrapped around his fingers? What? Am I the next one?", Yoongi asked with an amused smile on his face.

"Don't jinx it hyung."

Jeongguk and hoseok laughed at their hyung's red face.

🌿

Chapter Text

When Namjoon came back to his senses, he was lying on a hospital bed. His eyes glistened as he tried to open them only to see the white ceiling. He could hear the beeping resounding in the empty room.

Of course, it was empty, who would show up to see him anyways? His throat was sore, he needed to drink some water. The glass which was on the table beside his bed looked too far for him.

Whirling his hand out to the table, he could touch the edge of it. His hand was still far away from the glass. Pushing his upper body a little bit on his bed towards the table, he could finally reach the glass.

just a little more.

Just as he was about to pick up the glass with his shaky hands, the door opened. Namjoon was so startled, he jerked in his position. The glass from his hands met the floor breaking into several unmendable pieces. Pain burst through his head due to the sound elicited by the breaking of the glass, he still felt weak.

Great.

"I'm so sorry! Oh no, I thought you would still be sleeping so I didn't knock, I'm sorry I've didn't mean to scare you i-", Namjoon heard a serene voice say.

"It's okay. I should have just called for help", Namjoon cut the man from rambling. He was still clutching his head in his hands, covering his eyes and seemingly the man noticed.

"Are you feeling better? Is your head okay? I am sorry for making it worse", he heard the man mumble sympathetically.

Namjoon finally looked up, and-

what's up with him meeting two of the most beautiful people he has ever seen in a day alone?

The man stood there looking overwhelmingly beautiful in his scrubs and a white lab coat with a tag saying 'Dr. Park Jimin'. Namjoon almost mistook him for an angel if it wasn't for his eyes.

"My head hurts, I think I'm sensitive to everything right now."

"That's a common sign, Can you please tell me how you ended in this situation? Did you have any sort of fight? Do we need to involve the police here? I found you passed out in the parking lot and it looked like you drove yourself here", Jimin said with a serious look.

"No, it's not serious. No need to get the police involved, I just...Got into a fight with someone", Namjoon mumbled, he was quite sure that Jimin could see through his lie but let out a breath in relief when he didn't question him more.

"Ah, okay I see. We might need to run some tests to see whether you have any internal injury or not."

"There are none."

"Huh? What? But? You don't know?", Jimin was confused, How was Namjoon so sure he had no serious injuries? Something was fishy.

"Trust me, I don't have any", Namjoon said. The truth was that he didn't have any money to afford those tests. Medical attention was fucking expensive and being an exorcist, he wasn't paid lavishly but it was enough to keep a roof over his head and food in his stomach.

He didn't even take his fees from people sometimes, he knew that the damages occurred to their rooms, homes, and hearts needed it more than him. So much for being a saint, he could go on without a little money.

"i- okay if you say so, but I do need to stitch your shoulder, it has a deep cut. I didn't want to stitch your shoulder without your consent so I just bandaged it to stop the bleeding, please don't say no to this or your shoulder won't heal properly soon enough."

Jimin looked like a kicked puppy.

"oh- um, okay", Namjoon said, at his permission, jimin smiled widely.

Namjoon kinda had the urge to protect this man from everything.

"I'm just gonna go for a minute and get all the things", Jimin said as he walked out of the door.

Namjoon had to get out of here as soon as possible after this. What if someone else needed his help? He didn't even check his phone. What if someone called him and he didn't answer?

Where was his phone anyway?

"You know, you really shouldn't pass out in the middle of a parking lot, what if someone stole your car or something? At least I found you before something like that could happen. Also here's your phone, figured you might need it to call someone to pick you up."

Namjoon didn't have anyone to call but jimin didn't need to know that. He checked his phone and saw that he had been unconscious for two hours, No calls on this phone during this. He visibly relaxed.

"So, let's get started with this, huh?"

🌿

His shoulder hurt like a bitch. Even though jimin stitched it and gave him some pain meds, the pain was still existent. Not that he could do anything about it right now

Luckily he had no broken bones except his left pinky or that would have been a major problem. Now, he was sitting on his hospital bed in his regular clothes waiting for jimin to give him his prescription.

He saw jimin writing on his notepad sitting on the chair next to his bed. Namjoon looked around the room, it was bland. Not that he expected much from hospital rooms anyways.

"Here take this'", Jimin handled him a paper as he tore if off his notepad."Take these pain meds twice a day, don't take more than this or you'll overdose. Also, you need to come after a week to get the stitches out."

Namjoon nodded and took the paper from his hands, stuffing it in his pocket.

"So, are you expecting someone to come here and pick you up?", Jimin inquired.

"uh- no, I'll just drive myself back.", Namjoon fiddled with a bare thread on his shirt.

Jimin must think how much of a loser I am, no one to even drive me fucking home.

"If you want, I can drive you there"

wait, what?

Jimin was frowning with a look in his eyes that Namjoon can't decipher. Namjoon was sure he was looking at jimin with the most surprised eyes.

"Wait uh- if you're okay with that, I mean it's fair you wouldn't want to give your address to a stranger but we don't want you passing out in some other parking lot now, do we?", Jimin laughed trying to lighten the atmosphere.

Namjoon had a slight smile on his face too." you don't have to do that, I think I'll manage. I did drive myself here."

Namjoon didn't need any help nor any charity. He was doing good on his own. He had done this before, and this time would not be the first time either.

"And then you passed out", Jimin deadpanned.

Namjoon laughed nervously. He didn't want to jimin to see where he lived. He didn't want him to see the run-down condition of his apartment or his sketchy neighbourhood. Way to make the first impression.

"Look I'm sure you wouldn't want to get into an accident if you want I can call a cab for you since you are not comfortable with me dropping you off?", Jimin recommended.

Well, that wasn't a bad idea but he already had spent more than half of his saved money for the hospital bill. It was not really smart to spend the money that was left, which would probably go into his rent.

Jimin did have a point, Namjoon wouldn't be able to drive without the chances of getting into an accident.

"It's okay if you wanna drop me off", Namjoon shrugged nonchalantly, well he tried too. He was freaking out from inside.

On hearing this, Jimin smiled. Seeing his smile, Namjoon could feel his serotonin level rising.

"Oh! Great! We can go in my car if you're okay with that? You can pick up your car later from the parking lot when you're shoulder is comparatively better. I'll tell the security guard to not to tow the car!"

Namjoon nodded. For the first time in 9 years, he would have someone drop him off.

🌿

Jimin drives gracefully. Was that even possible? Namjoon was sure it was, after seeing him.

"So, do you have someone waiting at home? I hope there is, you might need some help doing work with your shoulder."

Namjoon was silent. It was obvious that Jimin was trying to make Namjoon a bit more comfortable by picking up a conversation but Namjoon just looked outside.

Maybe the silence gave jimin the answer he never did.

"Oh- um- I'm sorry I didn't want to make you uncomfortable or pry. I swear- it's okay if you don't wanna share. I'm a stranger anyways, I'm-"

yeah, just a stranger.

"it's okay", Namjoon muttered, still looking out at the passing trees through the window.

"You know you say it's okay a lot, I understand if you are angry or uncomfortable. It was insensitive on my part to ask about it, you don't even know me well."

Namjoon wasn't uncomfortable but jimin didn't know that.

"I'm not."

No one said a word after that.

🌿

Namjoon wondered if he came off rude to jimin by not answering him, he didn't mean to. He just didn't want his pity. He was already taking a lift from the said man.

Jimin tried to tone down the quietness and awkwardness by turning on the music. He asked Namjoon if he wanted to listen to any specific thing but Namjoon just shrugged and said, "I'll listen to anything."

After half an hour of glancing out the window and listening to music, namjoon said, "You can drop me here, my house is just here round the street"

The car was still a block away from his street but Namjoon didn't want jimin to drive down his neighbourhood.

"Are you sure? I can drop you at your doorstep if you want."

"No, thank you. You already helped me a lot, jimin", Namjoon hoped his sincerity was visible because he was touched by jimin's kindness or pity, whichever he acted upon.

"It's not a problem, I hope you'll take care and come to the hospital after a week? We might need to get that cast off your finger and those stitches too", Jimin smiled.

Namjoon nodded and got out of the car. He waved to Jimin, Just as he was about to walk away, he heard a timid "Namjoon" coming from jimin as if almost he was uneasy.

He leaned down to the level of the car's window and jimin kept something in his palm.

"You can text or call me if something's wrong, have a good night Namjoon", Jimin said as he waved and drove off. Namjoon stood there, wide-eyed. He finally looked on the object which was kept in his palm.

it was jimin's number.

Huh? That was not expected at all. Did jimin give him his number for scheduling some sort of checkup if he wanted? Or maybe did he want to be his friend? No. It was probably a doctor thing. Jimin just wanted to check up on his patient, nothing more than that.

Whatever the reason was, Namjoon smiled. He felt warm and giddy. He finally had someone's number who didn't just call him to tell him about the deadlines.

Clenching the paper in his hand carefully as if it was made of glass, he walked back home.

🌿

Namjoon unlocked the door and stepped inside his house. Keeping his shoes aside, He saw his two bonsais sitting on the window corner.

His bonsais kept him company whenever he was at home since he couldn't keep a pet. The first reason being that he was only home during the night and the second reason being that having a pet was costly.

He even named them, the blossom bonsai was named lily and his maple bonsai was named buttercup. Although they didn't talk back to him, he could feel them listening to him. It made him feel better than at least someone listened to his ramblings.

He muttered a soft apology as he remembered that he hasn't watered them from a day. After watering his bonsais, he kept his bag aside and took out his laptop and sent his blog to the client. He'll probably get a new topic to write on by tomorrow, a new deadline that he will again complete way before then necessary.

He had no appetite but he knew he had to eat something, he grabbed an apple from his fridge. It was enough, he hoped. After eating his apple, he changed into his nightclothes and brushed his teeth.

As he laid on his bed, all the events of the past 24 hours flashed before his eyes. This was probably the most momentous day in his life for a couple of years. He grabbed his phone and scrolled around.

One named stood out. park jimin. should he text him or not? Would he find that annoying? Namjoon was anxious. He didn't know what to do. He settled upon sending a message.

hey jimin! its namjoon. I reached home safely, without passing out anywhere :p thank you so much for dropping me off earlier, I appreciate your kindness. good night :)

Yeah, that looked good enough. Maybe he should remove those smileys? Were they too much? Or maybe he should just not send them at all.

"Fuck it", he muttered as he sent the message. He hoped that the message wasn't too much as he slept, a foreign warmth enclosing him.

🌿

"Hey jimin"

Jimin was startled. He came around midnight, he wasn't expecting anyone to be awake. Seokjin was sitting on the couch reading a book, his hair slicked back and his reading glasses sitting upon his nose.

"Oh Jin hyung, I told you not to wait for me. You know how my shifts get late sometimes", Jimin said as he moved onto the couch, sitting next to jin and pressing a peck onto his lips.

"I know, I was just worried, you said your shift would end around 10 today but its a bit past midnight", Seokjin said as he held jimin's hand in his own.

"Did you eat? Your dinner is in the fridge, I can warm it up for you if you want to. The others are sleeping right now so they are already done with the food."

"Oh, no hyung it's okay. I already ate some snacks from the hospital cafeteria during my shift. I'm not hungry anymore", Jimin said as he laid his head on jin's shoulder. Jin nodded.

"What happened? Why were you late anyway?", Jin inquired.

"I had to drop off one of my patients."

"drop? did you became a driver or something instead of a doctor?", Jin laughed and jimin snickered at his reply.

"No, you remember Kim Namjoon? The guy jeongguk has a fat crush on?", Jimin said.

"Not just gguk anymore, apparently hobi met him too at his cafe today and he's smitten now."

"What? Really?", Jimin was curious, Namjoon was probably with Hoseok before he got injured.

"Yeah, I came back to gguk and hobi gushing about the cutest and deepest dimples with Yoongi sitting on the edge of the sofa with a red face", Jin explained as jimin laughed.

"He was the one who I dropped off today, he was admitted to my hospital and when I asked him to call someone to pick him up, he didn't so I offered him take him back home", Jimin said as he stared on the wall.

"Why was he in the hospital?", Jin asked.

"He said he got into a fight, but I don't think so. It looked like he got hurt by a demon maybe during one of his exorcisms? But I didn't ask about it, he looked very reserved and sensitive about it. He was hurt quite a bit so I had to use some of my healing powers to calm his pain down."

Jin hummed in understanding.

"Jeongguk was right though, he really was gorgeous. I had this weird urge to wrap him up in a blanket and give him all the love? He spaced out a lot. I might have given him my number", Jimin said as he fiddled with his fingers. A habit that he did when he was nervous.

"Gguk and hobi are gonna be so jealous that you got his number before they could", Jin laughed.

Just when Jimin was about to reply, his phone rang.

"Oh! He messaged me, see hyung", Jimin shoved his phone onto jin's hand.

hey jimin! its namjoon. I reached home safely, without passing out anywhere :p thank you so much for dropping me off earlier, I appreciate your kindness. good night :)

"He seems like a sweetheart. You should reply to him."

"Oh he is", jimin nodded as he typed on his reply.

no problem namjoon hyung! I hope I can call you hyung, right? I saw it in your report that you were a year older than me haha :) and also don't worry about it! I'm very happy I was able to help you, take care! good night :D

"Do you wanna go sleep now Minnie?", Seokjin asked.

"Yeah, I'm very tired now."

Jin stood up from the couch and led jimin to their room. They laid down on the bed and cuddled.

"You know hyung, how you said gguk and hobi have a crush on namjoon?"

Jin hummed in confirmation.

"You might want to add me on that list."

Jin looked at jimin with an open mouth, a look of disbelief plastered onto his face.

"Close your mouth hyung or you'll catch flies with it", Jimin giggled.

🌿

Chapter Text

Seokjin called taehyung impulsive. He said that taehyung acted without thinking. Well, he was right in a sense but taehyung would rather term himself as curious than impulsive.

Then yoongi came in with his line "curiosity killed the cat". Taehyung would always retort with "and satisfaction brought it back".

And that's what he was gonna do now. Jimin met Namjoon five days ago, and he already had his number. To say Jimin was infatuated was an understatement.

Taehyung needed to meet this man asap who had someone as picky as Jimin whipped for him. When Jimin told everyone next morning that he had met Namjoon in the hospital and got his number, everyone was shocked.

Hoseok screeched. Jeongguk just looked at Jimin with wide eyes, taehyung swears he has never seen jeongguk's eyes blown that wide before.

Yoongi had a concerned face on, Jin did not react. Taehyung assumed that Jimin already told him the night before. They bombarded Jimin with questions, which he answered to the extent he knew about.

it was clear as the sky during summers that Jimin was gone for that man too. Taehyung wondered if Namjoon was a witch, maybe he did some sort of magic? Taehyung groaned.

This was going nowhere. He had to meet this namjoon in person and see it himself. He couldn't find jeongguk anywhere. He was always out from the past five days telling everyone that there was a very important photoshoot. if he was home maybe taehyung could have added him to his plan too.

Jimin was in the shower, taehyung sneaked into his room and noted down namjoon's number from jimin's phone. He knew the password, duh they were soulmates.

Now taehyung knew what to do.

🌿

Namjoon was making himself some instant ramen for lunch when his phone rang. He had only gotten about seven phone calls in the last five days, all of them were minor. It was unusual but Namjoon was thankful for it. He was recovering fast since he wasn't draining any energy during his exorcisms.

The past five days consisted of Namjoon sleeping, scrolling through his phone watching cat videos, eating, watering lily and buttercup while talking to them, he texted jimin once or twice a day when he asked Namjoon about his pain and completed his other deadline that he got. Once again, before it was necessary.

Jimin's texts were the highlight of namjoon's day. Although they were short, He never forgot to text Namjoon a good morning along with a message asking him if he felt better. It made a tiny bit of happiness bloom in namjoon's chest that someone wanted to know if he was doing good or not.

Turning off the stove, he washed his hands and wiped them. He then made his way over to the couch where his phone laid ringing. He picked up his phone and accepted the call.

"Hello, is this perhaps Kim Namjoon?", Namjoon heard a voice say.

"Uhm yes, hello."

"My name's Choi yeonjun and my roommate wants to meet you. I mean- not the roommate, the demon inside my roommate wants to meet you I think?"

huh?

"What."

"Hahaha, yeah. Um, look I don't really know what to do? He's throwing a tantrum right now and I have an exam tomorrow that I really wanna pass, so maybe you could come to our apartment. It looks like he'll only calm down when he'll meet you?"

"Um-"

what the actual fuck?

"Please, I really need your help", Namjoon could hear them screaming in the background. Jesus Christ, that was loud.

"Oh- uh- okay. Just send me your address, I'll be there soon.", he said hesitantly.

"Thank you Namjoon-ssi!", and the line went dead.

What the hell was happening?

🌿

When namjoon reached yeonjun's apartment, the first thing he did was call him. He asked if the demon was still demanding to see him and yeonjun very much enthusiastically said yes.

The energy in the apartment wasn't negative, that was good. He didn't want to deal with any negative demon that apparently wanted to 'talk' to him. yeonjun opened the door and mentioned him to come in.

"I don't know what's up with that demon but he literally possessed Soobin and threw a tantrum asking me to call you, apparently he gave me the number too, he had that thing memorized", yeonjun mumbled under his breath. At the revelation, namjoon's eyebrows shot up.

He always kept two phone numbers with him, one for business purposes that were upon his website and the other one for contacting his seniors for deadlines, non-existent friends and now for jimin too. The demon had his other number memorized? What? How did he even get it? Did Jimin give it to him? Or maybe one of his seniors did? Maybe they wanted this demon to help namjoon for his research?

As soon as he entered the living room, A man who was sitting on the couch stood up, a smile gracing his features which made his dimple protrude.

Woah. This man was even taller than Namjoon.

"This is Soobin. I mean the body belongs to my roommate Soobin. Uh- you two can talk now. I'm gonna go and study. Please don't break anything if you two are gonna fight", Yeonjun mentioned towards 'soobin' and walked awkwardly into a room that namjoon presumed was his.

"Hm, you don't seem like a witch."

"Huh?"

"Nothing", Soobin smiled brightly.

Namjoon stared blankly.

"Do I know you? Yeonjun told me you wanted to meet me?", Namjoon asked trying not to show how goddamn confused he was.

"Oh! I'm taehyung! You don't know me but I know you well! Woah! I love your aesthetic, it suits you but please add more colours to it."

That was.....creepy. Namjoon looked around the room, trying to find an appropriate answer to that. Maybe taehyung realised how wrong that sounded, he immediately started stuttering.

"N-not l-like that oh my god, i-i swear I'm not-t a stalker o-or something like t-that-"

"It's alright, don't work yourself up."

It wasn't actually, namjoon was creeped out. very much.

"I'm so sorry if i creeped you out, i just wanted to see who namjoon was that Jimin has been talking to", Soobin- Taehyung said.

"You know Jimin?"

"yes! he's one of my boyfriends", taehyung answered and smiled proudly.

oh. of course Jimin had a boyfriend. why wouldn't he?

wait....one of my boyfriend?

Namjoon was not feeling jealous. No, not at all. It wasn't even his place to feel envious. He was just a patient to Jimin. Nothing else. Even though Namjoon could not see taehyung's actual form, he was sure he would look like a greek god to be dating someone like Jimin.

"One of your boyfriend?", Namjoon asked confused. Poly relationships weren't common, but they were legal. It was just hard finding poly relationships who worked out.

"Yeah! I have five other boyfriends, we have been together for 5 years. You have met four of us, including me actually."

Oh, and did taehyung say that he loved to overshare?

"What? Four? I have just met you and Jimin?", Namjoon had no idea what was even happening. When did he meet the other two?

Was hobi hyung also a part of their relationship?

"Uh, you met hobi hyung in the cafe? And if you remember, about two weeks ago, you met a demon who may have checked you out, said thighs out loud and left the body? That's jeongguk, he met you first", Taehyung explained, sitting back on the couch and gesturing Namjoon to sit on the space next to him.

Namjoon could feel the heat rushing to his cheeks and ears as he sat down to space next to him curled up awkwardly, "Oh- um-"

"Jeongguk couldn't stop talking about you," he paused for a moment. "I think I shouldn't have told you that, he is gonna kill me."

Namjoon didn't know if he should cry, laugh or go redder.

"You are really cute", taehyung blurted out. Namjoon looked at him with wide eyes. On meeting his eyes, he noticed how taehyung (Soobin) was staring at him confidently. He looked around trying not to meet his eyes.

Namjoon never got compliments, except when her mother was alive she would compliment him but in her absence, no one did. He blushed and stuttered, "T-thanks i guess."

Namjoon was blushing a lot from these past few days. Taehyung did most if the talking after that, before he stood up.

"I think I should go now but before that, I wanted to ask you if I could pick you up tomorrow? You had an appointment with Minnie right? He told me about it yesterday, And you don't have your car, so I thought I'll help you with it", Taehyung said hopefully expecting that namjoon would say yes.

Namjoon was hesitant. He didn't know taehyung at all but he was jimin's boyfriend and Jimin was nice but he knew not to trust easily.

"It's okay, I can manage on my own. Thank you"

"Please, Jimin will be very sad if something happened to you on the way to the hospital. Also on the other note, I wanna get to know you."

Did Taehyung also say that he was very stubborn?

"I did come here by myself though", Namjoon said. If taehyung was stubborn, Namjoon could be too.

"Yeah but it's near your place and you just had to walk over here, please let me give you a ride tomorrow?", Taehyung said desperately, a frown settling upon soobin's face.

fuck them and their puppy eyes

Namjoon sighed. Just this once.

"Okay."

Taehyung yelled in joy and started rambling.

When Taehyung left soobin's body by saying 'i will make a group chat for us' very enthusiastically, Namjoon wondered what he just got himself into.

🌿

When Namjoon reached back home, it was evening. He had spent about 2 hours in yeonjun's house talking with taehyung. He liked taehyung. He was loud, chatty but nice. Although Namjoon was a bit weirded out by him at the start but it was clear that the boy only had good intentions for whatever he did this for.

He changed out of his clothes and redid his bandages. His shoulder was still hurting but it was better than before. The bruises have turned to a yellowish colour so namjoon thought it was a good sign, he was healing.

Just as he was about to grab his laptop to work on his blog, his phone received a message.

we met namjoon !
artistae added jimim !
artistae added imurhope !
artistae added directorkook !
artistae added namlovesnature!

imurhope
what's this tae?
who's namlovesnature? why is the group named this?

jimim
its namjoon hyung!
wait, how did you get his number tae?

artistae
hahaha well u see, i may or may not have stolen it from your phone 😽
pls don't kill me i just wanted to meet him

jimim
TAE OH MY GODSKSJDJ !!!! YOU MET HIM???? WHAT????

namlovesnature
uh..hi?

imurhope
omg hi namjoon!
this is hoseok :)

jimim
hi joonie hyung!

namlovesnature
hello everyone! :D

imurhope
.....cute

artistae
where's jeongguk?

jimim
hes sleeping lmao
did u tell hyung about kook too? he will flip out if you did

artistae
no i didn't

namlovesnature
yes he did

artistae
hyung !!!! why are you snitching on me >:[

imurhope
TAE HES GONNA KILL YOU HELPPPDKDK
also namjoon how are you? i heard that u are hurt :(

namlovesnature
im better now thank you hyung! :]

jimim
that's good to hear hyung ! you are gonna come to hospital tomorrow right? to get your stitches out?

namlovesnature
yeah um about that
taehyung is giving me a lift....?

imurhope
HES WHAT????????
i mean, hes what?

artistae
yea hobi hyung
im picking up joonie hyung tomorrow :p

jimim
u okay with that hyung?

namlovesnature
im fine with it! it was really nice of taehyung to ask me about it :D

artistae
SEE HES OKAY WITH IT

directorkook
hey guys
why is this groupchat named "we met namjoon hyung?"
what's happening?
who's namlovesnature?

imurhope
oh no...
kook read the messages

directorkook
huh what?
WHAT
WAIT
OH MY GOD???
WHAT THE FUCK TAE HYUNG??????
OHMSSHSKSKKISNMSKS

namlovesnature
hi jeongguk !!

directorkook
IJSHDIDNDBJDIUDSHSJDNDJFUCK
hi namjoon-ssi !

namlovesnature
u can call me hyung! :)

directorkook
you're so cute
i mean im gonna kill tae
brb, i'll talk to u later hyung!

namlovesnature
okay...?

jimim
just ignore him hyung, he's screaming in his room rn

-

Namjoon was smiling so much, his cheek started hurting. His phone was blowing up with notifications now and then and it wasn't his seniors bugging him. He liked talking to them, it was new that someone texted him but it was nice.

he got called cute two times and it was a lie if he said he didn't almost scream in his pillow. His laptop was left open forgotten on his table as he stared out of the window.

it was raining outside. He liked the rain, he thought of it as a friendly ghost, making sure by patting his window that he was still there. He noticed the wet, fresh scent of the rain. The rain hurls itself violently on the dark and slippery pavement, the trees and his window.

Namjoon could hear the murmuring of rain through the window, like some angry buzzing bees. He always thought that rain held several emotions which were sometimes opposites, love to anger, life to death, calm to chaotic, soothing even.

He felt relief today, could not point out what was it's reason particularly but he felt good just like how a child feels when they sleep soundly with their favourite toy.

He turned off his laptop. Work could wait, he was already ahead of his goal. He laid down on his couch, clutched his pillow to his chest, closed his eyes and,

Listened to the whirring noise of the droplets,

Listened to the fierce thunder sneaking from the clouds,

Listened to the children jumping in the puddles,

And just listened.

🌿

Namjoon was so adorable.

Taehyung could see why Jimin, his soulmate, someone who was not impressed easily was so enourmed by him. Taehyung would be lying if he said he wasn't too. His decision was quite risky but it did end well, at least he thought it went well. He was painting in his room with some sort of lo-fi playing in the background. The atmosphere was quite peaceful but it didn't last for long.

"YAH KIM TAEHYUNG!?", the door opened to reveal jeongguk. He had made the group chat and his phone was still blowing up, probably because of Jimin and hoseok because jeongguk was busy panicking and he excused himself as he needed to paint (and to think too but they didn't have to know about that).

He heard jeongguk scream in his room just some moments ago. Taehyung tried to stifle his laughter as jeongguk marched towards him.

"What do you think you just did?", Jeongguk inquired as his hands rested on his hips. If this was a cartoon, steam would be coming out of his ears right now.

"What do you mean gguk? i just introduced you to him", Taehyung said innocently as he continued painting, not even glancing a look at him.

"And how did you do it?"

"I just told him that you were the demon who checked him out, said thighs out loud and couldn't stop talking about him once you came back", Taehyung shrugged nonchalantly.

"What?!", jeongguk screeched on the top of his lungs before saying, "couldn't you have told him nicer things about me? Why did you tell that to him?"

"I just told him the truth though"

"ugh I hate you", a pout formed on jeongguk's face.

"No, you don't."

"Yes, I do", jeongguk glared.

"No, you don't."

"Yeah, I don't", taehyung was smiling now.

"Honestly saying I'm kinda jealous that you get to spend time with him", there was his cute pout again.

"You can hang out with him koo, you have his number now. I'm sure he'll love to hang out with you."

"Yeah, yeah, I did embarrass myself before him though", jeongguk said with a frown on his face which resulted in taehyung squishing his cheeks and cooing." I bet he found it cute", he said to reassure him.

"Shut up."

"Anyways, I hope you didn't scare him by your overexcited puppy behaviour", jeongguk said as he hugged taehyung from the back, pressing a faint kiss on his head. Taehyung turned around with a scandalised look on his face.

"What did you just say?"

"Nothing", and there was his cheeky smile again.

"Also hyung oh my god did you see his dimples? I wanna poke them so bad."

"I'll poke them on your behalf tomorrow", taehyung grinned.

🌿

The next morning Namjoon texted taehyung his address, there was no need to hide wherever he lived if they were gonna be friends.

Friends. Maybe.

When taehyung texted him that he was just five minutes away from his house, Namjoon draped his old worn out coat over his shoulders. He made sure that he had watered lily and buttercup and went out of his apartment, locked it and made his way out.

He just waited for two minutes before a black car stopped Infront of him. The black tinted windows rolled down to reveal taehyung as he assumed, wearing a very big boxy smile.

woah. is he even real?

Taehyung was insanely beautiful with his tanned skin, a chiselled jaw, a monolid and a double eyelid with a bright box smile that could probably light up the world, Namjoon guessed that taehyung was probably a model.

"Hey hyung! Good morning! Get in the car, we should get going or you'll be late", Taehyung said as Namjoon nodded and entered into the passengers seat.

"Good morning, thank you taehyung for helping me. I appreciate it a lot", Namjoon said as a small smile graced upon his face. Taehyung started the car, looked over to namjoon and said, "No worries hyung, it's my pleasure. I'm just happy to help you."

The car ride went by smoothly, Namjoon got to know a lot of things about taehyung. Taehyung was 25 and had a dog named yeontan. He loved singing and playing games.

When Namjoon unconsciously let it slip that he looked like a model, taehyung chuckled while shaking his head and said," I'm an artist hyung, I'm honoured that you think I look like a model" and winked.

Namjoon widened his eyes and looked out of the window to hide his reddening cheeks, this cheeky bastard.

Namjoon didn't have anything interesting to tell taehyung about himself if he was being honest but he told some things about himself to taehyung too when he asked Namjoon about it which taehyung listened very carefully as if he was enjoying listening to namjoon ramble about himself.

Taehyung was mesmerising to look at, he found himself staring at taehyung's face more than necessary which was rude because he had fucking boyfriends. He brought his car keys this time, no more lifts or taking help. He had to get it back anyway.

As soon as they reached the hospital, taehyung parked the car and rushed out. He opened the door for Namjoon before he could. Namjoon found it sweet, he thanked taehyung and got out of his car.

They entered the hospital with taehyung leading Namjoon. He didn't even ask the receptionist where Jimin was, probably had memorized his schedule. When they entered the cabin, it was empty. Taehyung asked Namjoon to sit down.

"Are we early?", Namjoon asked as he settled himself upon the chair. Taehyung stole a glance from his wrist and said, "yeah, just 10 minutes early though. Min will probably be here by 5 minutes"

Namjoon nodded at this and took out his phone to check for any important message. Just as he was replying to one of his comment on his blog, the door unlocked to reveal Jimin in his scrubs and a white coat on the top of it. Namjoon couldn't understand how the hell he managed to look good in that.

Jimin gleamed at the sight of Namjoon and taehyung, he rushed forward to give a hug to taehyung and pecked him on his lips. Namjoon suddenly felt awkward, he diverted his attention back to his phone and replied to the comments, he felt as if they needed the privacy.

"Hyung, how are you? I hope tae didn't bother you", Jimin asked. Namjoon looked up from the screen to find jimin standing with his hands around taehyung's waist, his white coat now hanging around his chair. On hearing this, taehyung sighed dramatically.

"I'm better and no, he didn't. I like his company, he's very nice", Namjoon said as he chuckled. Taehyung smiled widely at his statement.

"That's good to hear, you'll be having him around often. Let's see your shoulder now?", Jimin said as he gestured to namjoon's shoulder. Namjoon frowned at the reminder but nodded.

"Yeah, let's get this over with."

🌿

"You healed up quite good by now."

Jimin was done, he was telling Namjoon about the medicines that he has to take when his phone rang. He excused himself to attend the call and after some time came back with a saddened face.

"I would have loved to spend some time with you more hyung but there's an emergency and I gotta go, I'm sorry. Tae please take him safely back to his house", Jimin said and put on his white coat.

"Don't be, it's okay. Also no need for that taehyung, I already brought my car keys with me this time. I have been taking a lot of lifts lately", Namjoon said as he shook his head. Jimin smiled at him, "I'll see you later hyung", and went out of the cabin.

"Aw hyung, but you do know that I wouldn't mind dropping you off right?", Taehyung pouted with a disappointed face. Namjoon giggled, making his dimples pop out. Taehyung reached out and poked his left dimple. Taken aback, Namjoon stared at him as if taehyung has grown two heads.

"What? It's not my fault your dimples are so deep and adorable, I just couldn't resist to poke them", taehyung said with a serious manner. Namjoon rolled his eyes but he couldn't stop the smile coming into his face.

"I need to get my car anyways, but thank you for offering taehyung", Namjoon thanked him and stood up from his seat to exit.

"Wait hyung! I was wondering if we all could hang out or something later?", Taehyung asked. Namjoon was surprised, why would they wanna hang out with him? Would he even have some free time in his schedule? But he still nodded.

"Great! We can decide it over text."

🌿

Taehyung had decided to stay in jimin's cabin till his shift which left Namjoon on his own to drive back. The relationship between taehyung and Jimin made him feel warm from inside but he also felt jealous. He also wondered what it would feel like if someone was waiting for you at home. The chances of this happening were almost non-existent, no one liked being with someone like him anyway.

He turned on his radio, shifting through several radio stations; he finally decided to listen to some music. He settled upon listening to Suga's songs from his newly released mixtape. Namjoon liked the faceless rapper's music quite a lot.

His raw lyrics hit right through him, also namjoon would be lying if he said he didn't found his voice hot. He was an inspiration for teenage Namjoon who still had dreams.

He had followed him since he was a teen, he had a phase where he would write and compose music. He still did sometimes but it was hard to find some time to do something else. It was hard for him to find enthusiasm and the motivation nowadays too.

He was halfway through his way back home when his phone rang, displaying an unknown number. He knew what it was for.

"Work never ends? Does it?"

🌿

The exorcism drained him, the demon wasn't physical but it had a very bad aura around them. It took some convincing, words, and chants to get that demon to leave the body of the child. The person who called him thanked him again and again, it seemed like it was their first negative encounter. They insisted on giving namjoon bigger amount; more than his fees as a way to show their gratitude. No matter how much namjoon denied it, he still left with some extra cash.

It was around evening as he was starting his car, he remembered that his fridge was almost empty except for the apples in it. He turned his car towards the supermarket. When he reached there, he parked his car, got out of it, and the arrived in the building.

He got himself some packets of instant ramen, some vegetables, a carton of milk and some eggs. He made his way to the counter and paid the bill to the disinterested cashier who was busying blowing his bubblegum.

He was busy keeping his grocery bags into the back of his car when he heard some sounds coming from the dark alley just some steps away. Okay, so Namjoon knew it was not smart to go into an alley when it was getting dark but the sound almost sounded like a cat meowing and Namjoon was a sucker for animals.

He quickly fished out his phone from his pocket, turned on its flashlight and made his way into the alley. He flashed his phone towards the soft meowing and found a white cat hunched behind some cardboard boxes. As Namjoon took a step towards the cat, the cat hissed and hid behind the cardboard box.

"Hey kitty, I'm not gonna hurt you. Come out here please", Namjoon cooed out as he carefully made his way towards the box. The cat eyed him wearily from the back of the box and cautiously came out of its hiding spot.

Namjoon put out his hand, the cat walked slowly towards his hand and sniffed it. Namjoon almost cried tears of happiness when the cat pushed its head against his palm.

"Are you hungry?", Namjoon said as he petted the cat as he crouched down. The cat meowed loudly in response and Namjoon took it as a yes. He gave it some more head scritches before saying, "wait here, I'll bring you some food."

He rushed back quickly into the supermarket nearby and took 2 tins of cat food. The cashier eyed him weirdly as he paid for the second time in less than five minutes.

Namjoon feared that the cat must have roamed somewhere else, but he was surprised to find out that the cat was still on the same place where Namjoon had left it.

He opened the tin boxes and kept it Infront of the cat, the cat eyed it skeptically before digging in. After the cat ate the contents of the two tins alarmingly fast, Namjoon petted it's head as he said, "are you someone's cat and lost? You look quite groomed and well cleaned for a cat who might be a street cat."

It almost looked like that the cat huffed at his statement." Well, if you have somewhere to go. You should go back to your owner now, I'll get going", Namjoon said as the cat started purring from his head scritches.

He retracted his hand, stood up straight and threw the tins into the dustbins nearby. He waved back to the cat and made his way out of the alley. He opened his car and hear a soft meow behind. He turned around to look that the cat was still following him.

To say Namjoon was shocked was an understatement, animals never really liked him; although he adores them, they were not so fond of him and seeing a cat follow him willingly made him feel over the top.

He scooped up the cat in his arms where the cat curled up on his chest. Namjoon squealed like a teenager, literally.

"Well, you don't have a collar so maybe you really do not have an owner. If you do, I'll just put up an online ad for you. We can live together meanwhile", Namjoon said as the cat purred soundly on his chest.

He kept the cat on his passenger's seat, before starting the car and going back to his house. he made sure to buy some more cat food, the cashier weirded out by him now as he scanned the cans.

🌿

Namjoon opened the door to his apartment and saw snow walk down to his living room. Yes, he named the cat snow. Namjoon kept his groceries as he saw snow walking around his apartment, testing out every corner and small spaces.

After he was down settling down his things, he made himself some dinner and ate it. after washing the dishes, he walked into his bathroom, changed his clothes and brushed his teeth. When he came out, he saw snow dozing off on the bed.

Namjoon almost combusted on the spot, he took out his phone and took some pictures of the cat sleeping on his bed and slid into the spot empty. He let out a sigh of contentment as he went to bed with a little ball of fur warmly purring on his side.

🌿

Chapter Text

"Guys, have you seen Yoongi?" Seokjin asks as he storms into the living room and sees Taehyung in Jimin's lap.

"What do you mean?" Jimin asks as they both give him a perplexed look.

"I went to the music studio and he wasn't there; I called him but he didn't answer," Seokjin says, sitting down with a sigh.

"Maybe he went out for a walk or something?” Taehyung suggests, caressing Jimin's hair, "He does that sometimes to clear his head."

Seokjin nods, his thoughts whirling with all the potential places Yoongi could be. "Yeah, that's probably it. I thought I'd check here first. Should I wait or go look for him?”

"He'll return eventually if he went for a walk. Hyung, try not to worry too much. “Jimin's soothing voice makes Seokjin feel a little less tense.

"But what if something happens to him?" Seokjin's eyes are widened with concern.

"I am sure he's fine, Hyung. Yoongi is powerful and capable. He is the oldest after you. He can handle himself," Jimin assures him, approaching and taking his hand.

Seokjin nods, attempting to ignore his nervousness, "But what if—"

"Hyung, he's a big boy, he can handle himself," Taehyung says, resting his hand on Seokjin's shoulder. Jimin nods in agreement, "Remember when he disappeared unexpectedly in the park and returned with a bouquet of flowers for me?"

Seokjin leaned in, attempting to calm himself down. "That was different, though; he was with us at the time."

"That's true, but I think he's just out getting ideas for his next song," Jimin says with a kind grin.

Seokjin lets out a sigh and tries to tell himself that nothing is wrong. "Yeah, you're right."

Then, with a playful twinkle in his eyes, he looks up at them as though recalling something. "Hey, talking about going out, has Jeongguk told you guys about that exorcist he was crushing on?"

Jimin and Taehyung exchange sly glances, and Taehyung chuckles. "Yes, he's been talking about him nonstop since he met him."

"Is he actually that cute?" Seokjin asks, raising an eyebrow.

Taehyung nods emphatically: "Yes, Hyung. He has amazing dimples and is extremely smart!"

Jimin smiles at Taehyung's enthusiasm, saying, "And kind as well. He is quite the charmer."

Seokjin nods, his eyes displaying a tinge of curiosity. "I see. What's his name again? Did you two already meet him?"

"Yes, his name is Kim Namjoon," Jimin responds, his cheeks flushing slightly. "He's the patient I treated in the hospital. He's very nice and a good conversationalist."

"And I met him the other day," Taehyung says with a wink. "He has a thing for our Jimin here."

Seokjin's eyes widened with surprise. "Really? Jimin, is this true? "Do you fancy him as well?"

Jimin blushes, unable to hide the warmth that has flooded his cheeks. "Well, I can't deny that I've noticed how adorable he is."

"And this Namjoon writes a blog about demon psychology?" intrigued Seokjin.

"Yes, hyung!," Taehyung said with a eager nod. "It's really interesting. Even I could understand the complicated things he explains with ease. And it sounds like he's actually lived it from the way he writes!"

Seokjin became tenfold more interested, his curiosity piqued. "Is that so? I might have to check it out myself." He couldn't help but wonder if this mysterious Namjoon could hold the key to learning more about their species, and perhaps their own relationship dynamics.

"You definitely should, Hyung. His insights are incredible," Taehyung exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with delight. "You're going to love it. He explains the psychology of demons and their interactions with humans so well."

Seokjin leaned back into the couch, his curiosity growing by the second. "I've actually read a few of his blogs before. He has a truly unique point of view. It's as if he understands us in a way that most people don't even try.

Taehyung nodded in agreement: "I know, right? And the way he writes is as if he's experienced it firsthand. You should see him when he discusses it, Hyung. His eyes shine like the Fourth of July."

Seokjin leaned forward, his curiosity turning to fascination. "Really? "How did the two of you meet?"

Taehyung smiled as he told the story of Namjoon's exorcism skills and Jeongguk's confession. "It's a long story, but we've all felt drawn to him."

Seokjin nodded as his thoughts raced. The thought of a human who understood them so well was intriguing. He stood up from the couch, thinking about the situation. "I think I need some fresh air," he said, and walked out of the room without waiting for a response.

The refreshing evening wind caressed his skin as he emerged onto the balcony. His thoughts were racing while the city lights twinkled like far-off stars and the sound of distant traffic soothed him. Seokjin leaned on the railing and gazed into the darkness. This Namjoon persona seemed almost too good to be real. An exorcist who examined them with sincere curiosity and concern rather than out of fear? It was a refreshing change from the typical human viewpoint, which saw demons as nothing more than a nuisance or a threat.

-

Namjoon woke up. The sun shone through his curtains, casting a warm glow throughout the room. He blinked the sleep from his eyes and gazed at his familiar apartment. It was quiet, with only the steady ticking of the clock on the wall. He stretched, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from the exorcism the night before.

He sat up and searched for Snow, figuring he would find the cat either perched on the windowsill or curled up in the sun spot on the floor. But he was nowhere to be seen. He called out to him, his voice echoing through the silence. There was no answer.

Namjoon felt disappointed. He had hoped that the cat had decided to stay with him, but perhaps he was mistaken. Maybe living on the streets offered more freedom than his apartment. He sighed and got out of bed. He had to accept the fact that not every stray he brought home would want to stay.

He made himself a cup of coffee, his thoughts drifting to the cat's gentle purrs and the warmth they had brought to his cold apartment. The creature that had followed him home had seemed to share a strange sense of companionship with him. He hadn't felt anything like it since his mother died a long time ago.

The hectic pace of his job stood in sharp contrast to the tranquility of his flat. The silence was usually comforting, but today it felt unsettling. He went about his morning routine with a heavy heart, the emptiness of the place reflecting his own emotions. The comforting warmth of the shower did little to wash away the sadness.

He grabbed his exorcism kit after changing into his usual attire of a simple white shirt and black pants. The leather bag held a variety of tools, including incense, crystals, and ancient texts. He checked the contents to make sure he was ready for whatever the day had in store for him.

When he stepped out of his apartment, the sun had just begun to rise, casting a soft, golden light on the quiet streets. The scent of the blossoming flowers in the nearby park permeated the crisp, cool air. Namjoon took a deep breath, letting the new day's energy fill him as he walked to his car.

He arrived at the client's house, a charming little structure with a small garden in front that was tucked between two taller ones. There was a small opening in the door, and he could hear hushed sobs inside. He inhaled deeply once more, preparing himself for the impending situation. It was his job, his duty, to assist those in need.

Namjoon pushed the door open, the hinges creaking in protest at the disturbance. Inside, the air was thick with negative energy. He followed the cries into a dimly lit room where a young woman sat huddled in the corner, her eyes wide with terror.

"Thank you for coming, Namjoon-ssi," she sobbed, her voice shaking. "It's my son. "He has been acting strangely since yesterday."

Namjoon nodded and set his bag down beside him. "I'll do everything in my power to help, so don't worry." He walked into the room. He knew the drill by heart: assess the situation, calm the client, and carry out the exorcism. However, each case was unique, presenting its own set of challenges and emotions.

The young boy lay on the bed, his body shaking slightly. Namjoon sensed the demon's approach; a quiet buzzing in his ears intensified with each step. He took out his crystal and started chanting, the words coming out of his mouth as naturally as a river. Each syllable caused the crystal to glow brighter, illuminating the room with a gentle glow.

The boy's eyes abruptly snapped open, revealing the depths of a being far older than his human vessel as the demon's energy became more agitated. With an intense, visceral snarl, the demon glared at Namjoon. "Joon-ah, do you think you can save them all?"

Namjoon's heart skipped a beat. How did this demon learn his name? His hand remained steady on the crystal, his face composed. "I'm here to help; nothing else."

"Oh, you're just like your mother, aren't you?" the demon mocked. "always trying to save everyone."

The mention of his mother made Namjoon's grip tighten on the crystal. He asked, his voice firm even as fear began to seep into his consciousness, "How do you know about her?"

The demon laughed a dark, low laugh. "Well, Joon-ah, I do know a lot about you. Your mother had a kind heart and was always willing to help those in need. But she couldn't save herself, right?“

Namjoon's hand gripping the crystal trembled a little as his thoughts drifted back to his mother's memories. He had always known that her death was linked to her work with demons, but he had never met anyone who knew her so well. "What do you know?" he managed to ask, his voice filled with rage and fear.

The boy's body twisted as the demon spoke, its eyes narrowing, "She was too kind for her own good, wasn't she? Always lending a helping hand to those in need." It paused, taking in Namjoon's reaction. "Her light was blindingly bright. But, in the end, it was her downfall."

Namjoon's eyes flashed as his anger grew. He growled, the crystal pulsing with energy in his hand, "You don't know anything about her!" The demon's words had struck too close to home, awakening emotions he had long since suppressed. He took a deep breath and tried to regain his composure. He couldn't let his feelings get the best of him.

The room felt smaller with every taunt from the demon as his laughter grew louder. Well, yes, I do. She always intruded where she wasn't supposed to, just like you. And see where that led her."

Namjoon's grip tightened around the crystal, causing his knuckles to turn white. His eyes narrowed. There was a child's soul at risk, and he couldn't allow this demon to touch him. He focused his energies and inhaled deeply. The dark aura emanating from the demon was pushed back by the intense light pulsating from the crystal in his hand.

"Your games will not work on me," he said with gritted teeth. "You're just trying to divert my attention from my purpose here."

The demon grinned. "Your purpose? To act as a savior for humans who are afraid of things they don't understand?"

Namjoon moved toward the bed as the light from the crystal grew brighter. Then he corrected sharply, "to protect the innocent from harm."

The demon's smile vanished, and a hint of rage flashed in its eyes, “Do you really believe that you are so noble? But what if the lines between good and evil aren't so clear?"

Namjoon remained unfazed. He'd heard it all before. "The only line that matters is the one that divides harm and help." He began the exorcism chant, his voice strong and unwavering. The crystal's light grew brighter, enveloping the room in a warm, protective glow.

The demon roared, its voice echoing throughout the cramped space as it battled the purifying energy. It tossed the boy's body around, attempting to break free from the force that kept it in check. But Namjoon remained unwavering in his resolve. He had experienced too much loss and witnessed too much suffering for fear to control him.

"Your father," the demon spat out, its voice full of rage. "He started it all!"

Namjoon's focus momentarily wavered as his eyes widened in shock. His father had always been a sensitive subject for him, so the mention of him was like a knife to the heart.

He had never met the man, and had no name or face to associate with the shadowy figure who had abandoned them. His mother had remained silent about him, her eyes welling up with tears every time the subject came up. They'd made the decision to live without that chapter of their history, as if talking about him would somehow tarnish the purity of their bond.

However, Namjoon was now filled with a boiling rage due to the demon's disgusting words still hanging in the air. He directed it towards the crystal, causing the light to pulse in sync with his heartbeat. He spit out, "You're just a low-level spirit," with a rage in his voice that he had never experienced before. "You have no knowledge of my father or mother."

Namjoon snarled as he brought the crystal closer to the boy's forehead, the light brightening. The demon let out a howl of protest as its hold on the child's soul began to loosen. Casting all of his strength into the crystal, he roared, "Get out!"

The boy's convulsions subsided as the demon's hold on him loosened. The air crackled with forces unseen, and the room was charged with the intense energy of the exorcism. The demon gave one last thrashing before ejecting itself with a last, helpless scream and vanishing into thin air like smoke.

The boy's body went limp, and Namjoon instantly touched his forehead to make sure there was no residual negative energy. The demon was gone, but his skin remained cold and clammy. The struggle was over when the crystal in his other hand went dark. He sighed with relief, his heart pounding in his chest.

The mother rushed to her son's side, tears streaming down her cheeks as she saw the calm that had returned to his expression. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice full of gratitude and awe.

Namjoon acknowledged with a nod. The demon's taunts about his mother and father had left him reeling, so he packed up his belongings. The remarks had struck a deep chord, leaving him with more questions than answers. Who was the man who abandoned him and his mother? What had he done in the demon world to incite such deep-seated animosity?

The early morning light seemed to have lost some of its warmth as he left the house. The shadows that had seeped into his heart couldn't be driven away even though the sun had fully risen. Even though he knew he had to learn more about his father, the idea of reopening old wounds was nearly unbearable. He had devoted his life to changing the world and helping others, but now he questioned whether it was all in vain to make up for his father's absence.

The silence inside his car was nearly deafening as he drove through the peaceful streets. His mind was a whirlwind, a tornado of uncertainties and questions circling the one name he'd never been brave enough to say out loud.

The familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods welcomed him to Hoseok's cafe. He took a deep breath, hoping to quiet the storm in his chest.

As he stepped inside, the doorbell jingled, and Hoseok looked up from behind the counter, a smile on his face. "Namjoon-ah, what brought you here so early?" he inquired, wiping his hands on an apron.

Despite his disarray from the exorcism, Namjoon managed to smile. "I just thought a nice cup of coffee couldn't hurt and I needed some fresh air."

Hoseok's gaze scanned him, observing the tension etched on his face. "You look like you saw a ghost," he said, his voice full of concern.

Namjoon succeeded in chuckling a little, his shoulders becoming less tense. "Some demons have a way of getting under your skin," he said, "just a rough exorcism."

Hoseok understood and nodded, his smile disappearing. "Please have a seat," he said softly, pointing to the booth in the corner. "I will make something special for you."

-------------

Hoseok entered the backroom, where Seokjin was stockpiling coffee.

Hoseok called out, "Jin hyung, Namjoon's here," his voice low and urgent.

Seokjin's eyes widened as he glanced up from organizing coffee beans. "Really?" He wiped his hands quickly on his apron.

"Yeah, he looks pretty shaken up," Hoseok said, his gaze drawn to Namjoon's hunched shoulders and distant eyes in the booth.

Seokjin experienced a strange mix of emotions, including concern for the human who had unintentionally become entangled in their lives and suspicion. He took a deep breath and pushed through his doubts.

He walked out to the counter and gave Hoseok a nod. Trying to maintain his composure, he said, "I'll take care of him." Hoseok gave a sympathetic nod, his eyes full of knowledge.

Seokjin approached the booth, carrying a tray with a steaming cup of coffee and a freshly baked croissant. The aroma of sugar and butter wafted up as he placed it in front of Namjoon. "Here you go," he said, his tone softer than usual.

Namjoon raised his head and met Seokjin's gaze. Seokjin felt a twinge of guilt over his earlier suspicions. The exorcist appeared worn out, with darker shadows beneath his eyes than the liquid in his mug. "Thank you," Namjoon said, his voice weary.

"You're welcome," Seokjin said with a small smile and extended his hand. "My name is Seokjin. I don't believe we have officially met."

Namjoon accepted the offered hand, feeling the warmth and surprising strength in Seokjin's grip. "Nice to meet you," he said, peering closely at the demon's face for any indication of dishonesty or hatred. He discovered none, just sincere worry.

Seokjin took a seat across from him, never taking his eyes off Namjoon's. "Are you okay?" he inquired softly.

Warmth spread through Namjoon like a reassuring hug as he took a sip of the coffee. "Yes," he lied, his thoughts still dazed by the demon's disclosure.

Seokjin's eyes did not waver, as though he could see right through the façade. "You don't have to be," he said, his tone soft but firm. "You can talk to us. I am the co-owner of this place along with Hobi."

Namjoon found a peculiar solace in the demon's company. He took another sip of coffee, and the warmth spread throughout his body. "Thank you," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I don't know what to say."

Seokjin reclined in his seat, his gaze fixed on Namjoon. "Talking can be helpful sometimes," he said. "I understand that managing things beyond our control is not an easy task."

Namjoon raised his head and met Seokjin's gaze. He could relate to the demon's words because they were true, and they broke through the fog of his imagination. He had never let himself finish processing his own feelings, particularly in regards to his mother's passing, because he had always been so preoccupied with his work and with helping others.

"Thank you, Seokjin-ssi," he said with a little more confidence. "It's just... today's exorcism was a little... personal."

Seokjin's face became serious. "I understand," he leaned in to say. "Our work sometimes forces us to confront things we'd rather not."

Namjoon nodded. "You know what it's like, then?" he asked, hope flickering in his eyes as he took another sip of his coffee.

Seokjin leaned forward, his face earnest. "More than you know," he said, his eyes full of insight. "Remember, though, that all of us are doing is trying to survive in this crazy world. The best we can do at times is press on and discover happiness where we can."

Namjoon studied the demon before him, taken aback by his empathy. He inhaled deeply, the aroma of coffee blending with the incense that lingered from the exorcism. "You're correct," he muttered, his hold on the mug becoming more firm. "It's just... difficult to let go of the past."

Seokjin nodded, his expression understanding. "It's a part of who we are," he admitted. "But it doesn't need to define us." He paused, his gaze fixed on Namjoon's. "Remember that you're not alone. All of us, humans and demons alike, are simply trying to figure out where we fit in this world."

The bell above the door jingled just then once more, and Hoseok hurried inside, his eyes brightening as he noticed Seokjin seated in the booth. "Ah, I see you've met!" He slid into the seat next to Seokjin, "How's the coffee?"

"It's perfect," Namjoon said with a small smile, genuinely grateful for the distraction. "Thank you, Hoseok-ssi."

"Hey, no formalities required!" Hoseok gave him a friendly backslap and smiled. "Hobi, please. "And this attractive devil right here is Seokjin," he playful nudged Seokjin.

Namjoon's shoulders began to loosen up a little as he laughed at their antics. "Thank you, Hobi," he replied, taking another sip of his coffee. "And Seokjin-ssi, it is a pleasure to meet you.

Seokjin smiled gently and nodded. "Likewise, call me Hyung though," he uttered, a glint of worry still visible in his eyes. "Well, what has led you to our café?"

Namjoon took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of the coffee seep into his cold hands. "I just needed a break," he said, letting his eyes wander to the window and taking in the scenery outside.

Hoseok slid into the booth next to him, his enthusiasm contagious. "Well, you're in the right spot," he said, giving a small wink. "Breaks are our specialty around here."

The tension in the room started to lessen as Namjoon couldn't help but laugh. Feeling the warmth radiate through him, He flicked his eyes to Seokjin and said, "I can see that."

Namjoon's laughter made Seokjin smile a little more. "So, Hobi was telling me about your blog," he explained, changing the subject. "It is quite fascinating."

The mention of his blog caused Namjoon's eyes to brighten slightly. It served as his sanctuary, a place where he could open up about his experiences and wisdom without worrying about being judged. "Really?" he inquired, his curiosity genuine.

Yes, Hoseok replied, his smile widening. "You are like the demon whisperer!" He gave Namjoon a playful nudge. "Everyone's discussing it. It's as if you have a direct line into the underworld!"

Hoseok's theatricals made Seokjin roll his eyes, but he couldn't help but smile. He saw the joy the compliment brought to Namjoon's face. "Very informative," he remarked, his tone sincere. "You have a talent for breaking down complicated concepts into simple terms that anyone can grasp."

Namjoon nodded, experiencing a sensation of warmth in his chest unrelated to the coffee. "I appreciate it," he said sincerely. "People should know the truth about demons. They're not all... awful. “

Hoseok smiled broadly as he slapped Namjoon on the back. "Hear that, Jin Hyung?" he inquired, his mischievous eyes twinkling. "This little exorcist has a soft spot in his heart for us!"

Seokjin could not help but chuckle. "Looks like it," he said, indicating Namjoon with an eyebrow raise.

The exorcist was unaware of the extent to which he needed to confide in someone about his work and the things that troubled him. He had to battle demons on a daily basis as part of his work, but the ones that spoke of his mother became more intimate.

Hoseok's invitation to dinner caught Namjoon off guard, and he felt a twinge of excitement. It had been a long time since he had been invited to a social gathering that did not include a ritual or a ghostly encounter. "In a week?" he asked, his eyes brightening at the thought of a night away from his lonely life.

"Yes," Hoseok said with a constant smile. "It is my boyfriend's birthday, and we are all getting together to celebrate. "We'd love to have you join us."

The mention of a boyfriend caused Namjoon's eyes to widen slightly, but he quickly covered up his shock. "That sounds nice," he said tentatively. "But I don't want to pry."

Seokjin dismissed his concerns with a laugh. "Nonsense," he said, his eyes bright with excitement. "You won't trespass. Also, I believe you'll have fun getting to know the other members of the group."

This aroused Namjoon's interest. "Group?" he inquired, arching his brow.

Seokjin leaned in, "Yes," he replied, lowering his tone to a whispery conspiracy theory. "The six of us. Although we're all... a little different, we're all like family."

Namjoon was intrigued as he examined the demon. "Six of you?" he repeated, his thoughts buzzing with inquiries.

Seokjin nodded, "Yes, we are a strange group, but we look out for one another." He hesitated, looking for any indication of discomfort on Namjoon's face. "However, I understand if you would rather not attend."

Namjoon inhaled deeply as his mind raced. The thought of hanging out with these demons who had been kind to him was unexpectedly enticing, despite the unexpected invitation. Finally, with a cautious tone, he said, "I'll think about it."

Despite feeling Namjoon's reluctance, Hoseok's smile remained unwavering. "Take your time," he advised, his tone understanding. "But I promise, it'll be fun. Who knows, maybe you'll discover something new about us."

Leaning back in his chair, Seokjin observed Namjoon's internal conflict as it manifested on his face. He knew the human was conflicted between duty and curiosity. "It's an opportunity to see another side of demons," he said gently. "One that is not solely about possession and exorcism."

Namjoon's gaze shifted back to the window, lost in thought. "I'll think about it, thank you," he finally replied, his voice measured.

-

The following week was a blur of exorcisms and late nights, with his mind never completely free of the demon's taunts about his father. He tried his hardest, but he was getting more and more worn out from the demands of his work and the unsolved questions about his past. The doubt was most audible in the quiet moments in between cases, growling through his apartment's silence like a melancholy wind.

When the evening of Hoseok's invitation drew nearer, Namjoon discovered himself lost in the streets, trying to find the ideal present for a stranger. He knew very little about the man, except that he was a demon and was loved by someone who had shown him kindness. He pondered what a demon might want, his mind wandering to the various artifacts and talismans he had come across in his work. However, something told him this was not the way to go. This was not about exorcism or the supernatural; rather, it was about celebrating life and friendship.

The smell of worn paper and ink greeted him as he strolled into a charming little bookstore, reminding him of his mother's library. His gaze swept across the spines of numerous books as he browsed the shelves. Then he noticed it—between two dusty books—a leather-bound journal with elaborate gold detailing. It struck the ideal balance between beauty and modesty.

The pages felt heavy in Namjoon's hands as he picked it up. It was the kind of book that cried out to be written in, a haven for the spirit, full of ideas and secrets. It became clear to him as he turned each crisp, unmarked page that this was the gift. It was something functional, something with meaning that went beyond the tangible.

He proceeded to Hoseok's place after purchasing the journal and a bottle of wine at the owner's recommendation. His head was racing, wondering what he would find at the dinner party, and the trip passed in a blur of lights and sounds. He was shocked to discover the address, nestled between two typical homes in a human neighborhood, as he got closer. The apartment was small and comfortable, not the kind that seemed to be able to house six demons.

Namjoon took a deep breath, held the wine bottle in his hand, and knocked on the door. It opened to reveal a cozy, well-lit room full of laughter and the enticing smell of cooking. The moment Hoseok saw him, his smile widened even more, and he moved to allow him entry. "You came!" he said, clapping his hand on Namjoon's shoulder.

The apartment was filled with a mix of humans and demons coexisting freely, with no trace of the fear or hostility that Namjoon was accustomed to seeing. A group was playing a board game, couples were chatting over food plates, and a person was strumming a guitar in the corner, the melody teasing its way through the conversation. It was an ordinary scene that was extraordinary, a testament to the world's increasing acceptance of coexistence.

Hoseok led him through the crowd, his energy contagious, to a small table set for two with a birthday cake adorned with candles. "Jungkookie, look who's here!" he exclaimed, his voice rising above the din.

Wait. Jeongguk is Hoseok’s boyfriend?

Jeongguk looked up, his eyes wide with surprise. His cheeks had turned a deep shade of red as his hand hovered over a slice of cake and the knife was ready to cut. The demon's gaze shifted from Namjoon to the cake, then back again, his mind racing with the implications of the exorcist in front of him.

Namjoon's gaze scanned the room, catching the stares of the other guests. He cleared his throat, attempting to ease the tension. "Happy birthday, Jungkook-ssi," he exclaimed, his voice slightly too loud in the suddenly quiet room.

Jungkook's gaze met Namjoon's, and the demon's eyes widened even more, his hand shaking as he gripped the knife. His voice was hardly audible above a whisper as he stammered, "T-thank you."

Namjoon's shock was palpable, his gaze flickering over Jungkook's face, attempting to read his reaction. He wasn't expecting the demon to be so... human. So nervous and sweet, more like the boy next door than a creature from the underworld. The exorcist took a tentative step forward and extended the gift in his hand. His voice was soft as he said, "I brought you this."

Jungkook's pupils dilated as he took in the book and wine. "F-for me?" he stuttered, gripping the knife tighter.

Namjoon watched the demon's response with a mixture of amusement and concern before responding, "Of course," with a tiny smile. "After all, it's your birthday."

But before Jungkook could respond, his eyes rolled back into his head and he collapsed to the floor.

The room fell silent, the laughter and chatter gone in an instant. The only sounds were the clatter of the knife against the floor and Namjoon's racing heart. The guests around him gaped, their expressions a mixture of shock and concern, and he stared in horror.

Oh no.

Chapter Text

Fuck. He just made a fool of himself in front of the most delectable man he'd ever seen.

Jungkook's mind raced as he lay on the floor, his head spinning from embarrassment and disbelief. The room above him was filled with concerned faces, but he could only focus on Namjoon's, who was currently frozen in shock. He was certain that he had never been more mortified in his entire life.

Jimin was the first to react, racing over to check on him. "Kook, were you hurt?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern. Jimin's hand was lightly caressing the back of Jungkook's head as he assessed the damage.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Jungkook mumbled, his cheeks still flushed as he sat up, his gaze avoiding Namjoon's. He could not believe he had fainted in front of the man. "I... I just got a little lightheaded, I guess."

Namjoon offered his hand to help Jungkook get up. "Are you sure?" he inquired, his voice full of confusion.

Jungkook took Namjoon's hand and shakily stood up, reassuring him, "Yes, I'm okay. I am sorry; I did not mean to scare everyone." He looked around at the worried expressions, his own cheeks burning even more.

Namjoon felt a pang of guilt when he realized Jungkook might have fainted due to his presence. After all, he was an exorcist, and demons were not always at ease in the presence of people who had the power to send them back to the other world. "It's alright, really," he said, his voice gentle. "But I'd better leave. "I don't want to cause any more trouble."

Panicking, Jungkook looked up and further gripped his hand. "Don't, please," he muttered. "I swear, it's not your fault. It's just... I drank a little too much.“

Namjoon scanned his eyes for evidence of dishonesty, but all he saw was sincerity. Everyone was waiting for his response in the still-quiet room. He nodded to Jungkook, released his grip on his hand, and inhaled deeply. "Okay, if you say so," he said, attempting to relieve the tension.

Seokjin approached them, his smile soft and comforting. "Come on, Kookie," he said, placing his hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "Let's cut your cake." He added, glancing at Namjoon, "Please stay. We are glad to have you here."

Jungkook paused to collect himself before nodding. "Yeah," he replied, his voice slightly shaky. He took the knife and moved towards the cake, his gaze still avoiding Namjoon's.

Seokjin clapped his hands together, the sound echoing through the room. "Alright, everyone, gather around," he exclaimed, his voice full of excitement. "Time for the birthday boy to blow out his candles!"

The crowd thinned, allowing Jungkook to make his way to the cake, his cheeks still flushed from his earlier stint. He inhaled deeply and tried to block out the weight of Namjoon's stare while concentrating on the task at hand. He took the knife in his trembling hand and began slicing into the delicious-smelling cake.

"Make your wish!" Hoseok exclaimed, his eyes beaming with excitement. Jungkook stopped and briefly glanced at Namjoon before turning back to the cake. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, forcing himself to think of something other than the exorcist standing only a few feet away.

He expressed his silent wish. Jungkook inhaled deeply before blowing out the candles. The noise engulfed him like a warm embrace as the room erupted in cheers.

"Alright, everyone, grab some food," Taehyung yelled, breaking the tension that had grown around the table. "Don't be shy—it's all for you!"

-

It gets pretty late soon.

Taking a quick look at his watch, Namjoon realized that he had lost track of time due to their shared stories and laughter. He felt a twinge of guilt for overstaying, his mind whispering that he should leave.

"Looks like it's getting late," he said, his tone hesitant. "I'd better get going."

"Already?" Taehyung's eyes were wide with surprise. "You can't leave right now; we're just getting into the good part of the night."

Seokjin nodded in agreement, his gaze resting on Namjoon with a smile. "That's correct," he said in a low rumble. "We were going to watch a movie after everyone left. You should stay and join us."

Namjoon appeared slightly taken aback at the invitation. He started, "Oh, I don't want to intrude," but Seokjin dismissed him with a wave.

"Nonsense," Seokjin firmly uttered. "You are already here. Besides, we picked a great film that I think you'll enjoy. I'd also like to introduce you to Yoongi. " A hint of mischief twinkled in his eyes, something Namjoon couldn't quite place.

Namjoon hesitated, his gaze drawn to Jungkook, who was chatting with the guests. Despite his earlier embarrassment, the demon appeared cheerful, surrounded by his friends.

He looked back at Seokjin, weighing his options. The warmth of the room and their presence was surprisingly comforting, despite his exhaustion. He hadn't felt this relaxed in a very long time.

"All right," he eventually uttered in a quiet whisper. "I will stay for the movie. just for a little while."

Namjoon felt an odd warmth rising within him as the demon gave a cheer. He'd never felt so accepted before, not even by humans. He found himself looking around the room as the guests started to leave, saying their goodbyes and giving each other hugs.

The party's chaos was fading into the background as the apartment gradually returned to its typical state. Plates of half-eaten food were cleared away, and the sound of laughter faded as the door shut behind the final guest. With just him and the other six people, the room seemed smaller and more personal.

"Come, sit," Taehyung called to Namjoon, patting the spot on the couch next to him. The soft glow of the TV cast a warm glow over the living room, with the movie playing quietly in the background.

Jimin smiled slyly as he leaned over the armrest. His eyes glistened with anticipation as he whispered, "You're going to love this."

Yoongi emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands with a towel. He was smaller than Namjoon had imagined, with brooding feline good looks that could make anyone's heart skip a beat. He had a calmness about him that was almost eerie, contrast to Hoseok's energy and Jungkook's nervousness. Yoongi held out a hand to greet them as Jimin gave them an introduction.

He said in a velvety voice, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Namjoon." His grip was firm but gentle, and the knowing look in his eyes made Namjoon feel both exposed and curious. "The others have told me a lot about you."

Namjoon pulled his hand back, blushing slightly in the process. "Similarly," he managed to say, a little shaky in his voice.

Yoongi looked straight into his eyes, as if to probe every detail of his soul with a silent questioning. Still, there was a delicacy to his handling.

Yoongi gestured to the couch and said, "Please, make yourself comfortable." His gaze never left Namjoon's, offering a silent invitation to trust.

Namjoon sat between Taehyung and Jimin, the leather couch sighing under his weight. Although the room's warmth helped to calm him down, he couldn't help but feel like he was being examined under a microscope.

"So, what's the movie?" he asked.

"It's a classic," Hoseok said, smiling from his seat on the floor, surrounded by cushions. "One of Yoongi's personal favorites."

Yoongi nodded, his gaze fixed on Namjoon. "It's a psychological thriller," he explained, his tone reserved. "It centers on a man who begins to doubt reality."

Namjoon felt a shiver run down his spine, not from the plot of the film, but from the way Yoongi was looking at him. The demon seemed to see right through Namjoon, as if he knew every secret he had hidden deep within.

Yoongi's gaze never left the screen, and yet his presence was palpable. Rather than focusing on the movie's plot twists, his questions about them were pointed, piercing Namjoon's mental state. He asked, his voice a low murmur, "What do you think the protagonist's next move should be?"

Namjoon sipped from his tea and glanced at the demon before turning back to the television. "Well, it appears he's trapped in his own mind," he said thoughtfully. "He needs to figure out how to separate reality from his delusions."

Yoongi simply nodded, his gaze never leaving the screen. "What if the line between reality and delusion isn't clear?" he inquired, his voice softly challenging. "How would you approach this?"

Namjoon was aware of Yoongi's scrutiny, but he was accustomed to handling difficult situations. He said in a calm voice, "I'd look for patterns. Alternatively, something more... authentic. The most unexpected places can occasionally hold the truth."

Yoongi reclined, his gaze remaining fixed on the display. "Interesting," he remarked, reflecting in his tone. "And what if the illusion is based in the patterns?"

Namjoon inhaled deeply as his eyes narrowed a little. His voice remained steady as he said, "Then you look for inconsistencies. Or things that are inconsistent with the story he has written for himself.“

There was tension thick enough to cut with a knife, and for a moment the room was silent. Namjoon sensed Yoongi's stare, as though he was the true puzzle that needed to be solved, while the others watched the film.

A quiet chuckle then broke the tension, and Yoongi turned to face him, his rare smile falling short of his eyes. He said, his voice carrying an edge Namjoon couldn't quite identify, "You're quite perceptive, aren't you?"

Namjoon's heart raced, not knowing if the sudden change in the demon's attitude should make him feel flattered or scared. "It's simply what I've learned through experience," he said, hoping to keep the conversation light.

Yoongi's smile broadened, revealing a hint of fang. "Ah, experience," he replied, his eyes gleaming. "It's always the most valuable teacher."

Namjoon sensed the weight of Yoongi's words hanging in the air despite their light conversation during the film. The film ended, leaving the room in a contemplative silence. Namjoon felt a strange combination of excitement and anxiety as the demon's gaze stayed fixed on him.

"All right," Hoseok said, breaking the silence. "What did you think?" His eyes sparkled with curiosity, but it was clear that he was also paying close attention to Yoongi and Namjoon's interactions.

Namjoon turned to the group after collecting his thoughts for a moment. "Thank you for inviting me," he said with sincerity. "I don't get to interact with demons outside of work very often."

The room was quiet for a beat before Hoseok clapped his hands together, jolting everyone out of their thoughts. "Don't worry, Joon," he said with a smile. "We aren't just about scares and possessions, you know."

Jungkook, who had remained mostly silent since the cake incident, perked up, his cheeks still flushed. "Yeah," he replied, his voice slightly too loud in the quiet room. "We're just like you guys, but with a few extra... skills."

Namjoon couldn't help but smile at Jungkook's attempt to appear normal. It was endearing, actually. But Jimin had different plans.

"So you're telling me that you don't scare people for fun?" Jimin nudged Jungkook with his elbow, taunting him while his mischievous eyes gleamed. Jungkook rolled his eyes, his cheeks darkening even more.

"I do not," Jungkook protested, his voice slightly defensive. "I am a good demon."

Jimin's teasing laughter filled the room, and even Namjoon couldn't stop laughing at the exchange. "Oh, seriously?" Jimin smirked as he leaned closer to Jungkook. "How about the time you convinced that little girl that her teddy bear was alive?"

A deep red tint appeared on Jungkook's ears as he scowled at Jimin. "That was a misunderstanding!" he protested, raising his voice slightly. "I just wanted to see her happy,"

The sound of Namjoon's uncontrollably deep laugh warmed the room and seemed to release the last of the tension. The demons gave him a surprised and delighted look as they looked at him. It was a sound they hadn't heard from him before, and it seemed to calm everyone down.

Seokjin seized the opportunity, amusement shining in his eyes. "Ah, the infamous teddy bear incident," he said, mockingly horrified. "Jungkook's botched first attempt at playing a guardian angel."

The others started laughing as well, and even Jungkook laughed, momentarily forgetting his embarrassment. Jungkook ducked and giggled as Taehyung lightly swung a cushion at his head.

"Come on, Kook, you can't deny it was a little funny," Taehyung said, his voice filled with affection.

Jungkook stuck his tongue out at Taehyung, but his protests were feeble. He was grinning now, unable to contain his own laughter. "I was just trying to be nice," he explained, his voice full of playfulness. "It wasn't my fault she had such a vivid imagination."

Namjoon smiled as he watched the banter, feeling an odd sense of belonging in this strange group. He took a deep breath and met Yoongi's gaze. The demon's expression was unreadable, but something in his eyes made Namjoon's pulse race. "Thanks for a wonderful night," he said, his voice slightly too loud in the sudden lull.

The laughter died down in the room as the demons turned to face him. "You're already leaving?" Hoseok pouted, his eyes wide and disappointed.

Namjoon nodded, his smile continuing. "It's getting late, and I have work tomorrow," he said, his voice full of reluctance. He had more fun here than he wanted to admit. "But I had a really good time."

Jimin softened his gaze and placed a gentle hand on Namjoon's shoulder. "We are glad you came," he said, his voice warm. "You are always welcome here."

Namjoon felt a strange warmth spread through him after hearing Jimin's words. It was a feeling he hadn't realized he craved—he had never felt so accepted. "I appreciate it," he said, sounding a little raspy. "I'll remember that."

Taking off the blanket that had covered him during the film, he stood up and spread his legs. The room felt strangely quiet as he gathered his belongings; the laughter and conversation from a few moments earlier only echoed in the back of his mind.

Jungkook and Yoongi stood beside him, their expressions unreadable in the dim light of the living room. Jungkook took a step forward, looking at Namjoon's face. "Do you want me to walk you home?" he inquired, his tone tentative.

Namjoon felt a warm sensation spread through his chest at the offer. "I'll be fine," he replied, his smile gentle. "Thank you, Jungkook. It isn't very far."

But Jungkook insisted. "It's late," he admitted, his eyes pleading. "Please let us walk you home. It's the least we could do after you stayed for the party.”

Yoongi nodded in agreement, his eyes intense. "Jungkook's right," he said with a low rumble. "We'll make sure you arrive safely."

Namjoon felt his cheeks warm from their scrutiny. Their concern was strangely touching, even though he didn't need an escort. "Okay," he gave in. "If it is not too much trouble."

Everyone in the room sounded off as they said their final goodbyes, with the others waving. Taehyung threw a cushion at Jungkook's head, telling him to behave. Hoseok made a lighthearted remark that made Jimin laugh. The warmth of the apartment vanished into the cool night air as the door closed behind them.

They began walking back to Namjoon's house, only the silence between them. The city was quiet at this hour, with only the occasional car passing by, casting long shadows on the pavement. The streetlights cast a soft orange glow over the world, making it appear more mysterious and inviting.

"I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable," Jungkook finally said, his voice low and genuine. His gaze remained fixed on the ground, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his sweater.

Namjoon turned to face him, taken aback by the abrupt apology. "What are you talking about?"

Jungkook's eyes briefly met his and then fell back again. "Back at the party," he muttered. "When I fainted... I did not mean to make things awkward."

Namjoon let out a sigh as the events of the previous evening flashed before his eyes. "Jungkook, don't worry," he said in a soothing tone. "You didn't mean to, I know that."

Jungkook nodded, his gaze still downcast. "It's just..." he trailed off, his voice barely audible. "I have had a fat crush on you for a long time, and I didn't want to scare you away."

Namjoon felt his heart stop. "Crush?" he repeated, his voice barely above a murmur.

Jungkook nodded, his cheeks flushed red. "Yeah," he answered, his voice barely audible. "I didn't intend for it to be this obvious."

Namjoon felt a pang of confusion. "But... I thought you were with Hoseok," he exclaimed, his thoughts racing. He'd seen how they interacted at the party, how easy and comfortable they were together. It had appeared so natural, so genuine.

Yoongi chuckled, a low purr that seemed to echo in the quiet night. "Ah, he is," he replied, his gaze meeting Namjoon's. "But does love really always fit into these cute little boxes?"

Namjoon's eyes widened as the realization hit him. "You mean...all six of you?"

Jungkook nodded, blushing deeper. "We all make it work together," he murmured, his gaze fixed on the sidewalk.

Namjoon's mind raced while they walked. They had exchanged tender looks and tender touches, but he had written them off as simple friendship.

He recalled the celebration and how everyone had surrounded him, wanting to assist and be nice. He'd met only a few of them that night, but even so, they had all known his name. The way Taehyung had insisted on showing him around the apartment and the way Jimin had offered to drive him home.

They had all leaned in closer when he spoke, and there was something more than just admiration in their eyes. It was subtle. The way Hoseok had hovered around him, making sure he had everything he needed, and the soft pressure of Jungkook's hand on his arm. Even Yoongi's intense gaze throughout the film, as if he was a puzzle that needed to be solved. The way Seokjin comforted him.

For a short while, they strolled in silence, and then Jungkook finally spoke up again in a hesitant tone. "May I ask you something?"

Namjoon nodded. "Of course."

Jungkook took a deep breath, and his gaze finally met Namjoon's. "Do you—do you believe in soulmates?"

Namjoon blinked, perplexed by the question. "Well, I've heard of the concept," he replied cautiously. "But I haven't really... experienced it, I guess."

Jungkook's eyes were earnest, searching Namjoon's face for something. "We do," he replied softly. "Soulmates are... they're like the missing piece of a puzzle. And we believe you might be ours."

Namjoon froze in his tracks, his heart racing. "What do you mean?" he inquired, his tone barely above a whisper.

Jungkook looked at him, his eyes bright and hopeful. "I have the gift of prophecy," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "It is unusual, but it is a part of who I am."

Namjoon's chest tightened as he looked at the demon before him. "Prophecies?" he repeated, his tone skeptical. "But these are just... stories."

"For some, maybe," Jungkook replied, his voice a little shakier now. "But for me, they're real. And the one I had about you... it was different."

Namjoon's skepticism waned as his curiosity piqued. "Different how?

Jungkook's eyes were full of hope and apprehension. "It was clear," he explained, his voice barely above a whisper. "More than any other prophecy I've received before. It proved to me that you were... special to us. That you were meant to be a part of our lives like no one else."

Namjoon could feel his heart stutter in his chest. "But... I'm an exorcist," he said, his voice wavering. "How could I be your soulmate?"

Yoongi intervened, placing a gentle hand on Jungkook's arm as they approached Namjoon's apartment building. "Let us not overwhelm him," he said, his gaze flickering to Namjoon with a knowing smile. "Jungkook can get a little... intense when he's excited."

Jungkook flinched, his eyes widening with embarrassment. "Oh, right," he murmured, dropping his gaze to the ground. "I apologize, Namjoon-ssi."

Namjoon experienced an odd feeling of letdown, as though he had been cheated out of learning a secret he so much desired. He took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself. "It's okay," he said, his voice slightly too bright. "I will think about it."

Yoongi nodded while keeping his eyes fixed on Namjoon. He said in a calm voice, "Jungkook, go back. I want to speak with Namjoon by myself."

Eyes wide with surprise, Jungkook turned to face Yoongi. He began to object, "But," but Yoongi's stern expression cut him down. His shoulders drooped a little as he sighed. "All right," he mumbled. "I'll... I'll go back."

He turned to face Namjoon, his face displaying a mixture of fear and hope. His voice was hardly audible as he said, "Goodnight, Namjoon-ssi. Thank you for coming."

Namjoon nodded, his throat quickly drying. He managed to respond, "Goodnight, Jungkook," and watched as the demon turned and vanished into the night.

Yoongi's expression changed as soon as Jungkook was out of sight, his smile turning into a harsh line. "Namjoon, I have to be honest with you," he stated, his gaze narrowing. "I do not trust you."

Namjoon's heart dropped. The warmth of the evening vanished like mist in the face of Yoongi's accusations. "Why?" he inquired, his tone tight.

"You're an exorcist," Yoongi stated, his voice cold. "Your job is to rid the world of demons. How can I believe you won't try to harm us?"

Namjoon's face heated up with defensiveness. "I'm not like that," he replied, his voice firm. "I don't hurt people; I help them."

Yoongi looked straight ahead. He retorted, "But you exorcise demons. How can we be certain you won't consider us to be nothing more than... unwanted guests to be dealt with?"

Namjoon's eyes widened as he stepped back. "I've never seen any of you that way," he argued, his voice rising. "I've always respected everyone, no matter what they are."

Yoongi's eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms over his chest. "But it is in your nature," he said, his voice low and growling. "You are a hunter. You've been taught to regard us as... inferior beings."

Namjoon felt a surge of rage at the accusation. "I am not a hunter," he said, his voice firm. "I am an exorcist. There's a difference."

Yoongi's eyes remained cold, and his stance unwavering. "Is there?" he asked, his voice low. "You've visited our home, eaten our food, and laughed with us. Yet you have the ability to end our existence with a single spell."

Namjoon felt his jaw tighten. "That's not what I do," he explained, his voice tight. "I help people who are in pain. I do not go around exorcising demons for fun."

Yoongi moved closer, his gaze piercing Namjoon's. "But you could," he replied, his voice a dangerous whisper. "You hold the power. And now you've learned about us."

Yoongi's implication pierced Namjoon's heart more deeply than he had anticipated.

"I would never do that," he replied, his voice shaking with emotion. "I care about each of you. I don't see you as mere demons."

Yoongi's face did not soften. "Words are easy," he stated, his gaze unwavering. "However, actions speak louder.

Namjoon felt his patience dwindling. "I don't need to prove anything to you," he stated, his voice firm. "If you don't trust me, that's fine. But don't let the things I do lead you to believe that you know me. Please go. If you don't want me to be with your group, I won't, but please don't make false accusations."

Yoongi studied him with a piercing gaze. Namjoon thought he saw a glint of doubt in the demon's eyes for a split second. "I'm not making accusations," Yoongi finally stated, his voice softening. "I am just... protecting my family."

Yoongi turns and walks away without saying anything else, his retreating figure a stark silhouette against the streetlight's glow. The night feels colder now, as if the warmth was only an illusion. Namjoon watches him leave, his heart heavy with anger and disappointment. He didn't expect the evening to end like this.

Namjoon finally lets out a sigh and turns to go inside his apartment, the door quietly closing behind him. After the vibrant chaos of Hoseok's place, the room feels eerily empty. He tosses his coat onto the chair, the sound echoing throughout the silence. His mind is disorganized as he attempts to comprehend the disclosure that Jungkook provided and the accusations that Yoongi leveled against him.

His sudden need for a shower compels him to go to the bathroom. The night's stress washes away as the hot water flows over him. He makes an effort to concentrate on the sensation of the water on his skin and the aroma of his soap filling the tiny room, but the party memories won't go away. He can no longer shake the memory of that Yoongi's skeptical stare and Jungkook's hopeful gaze are ingrained in his memory.

He dresses in his favorite t-shirt and sweatpants, the soft fabric feeling good against his skin. As he slips into bed. He lies down, staring at the ceiling.

Namjoon couldn't shake his feelings about Yoongi's accusation. He had felt accepted and understood by them, and now this. He had no idea how to reconcile the warmth of their friendship with the coldness of Yoongi's words. He sighs heavily, his thoughts swirling like a tornado in his head. He'd felt a pull towards Jungkook since the first time he met him, and it had only gotten stronger tonight. Jungkook's attraction to him was both flattering and terrifying. But it wasn't just Jungkook. He had connected with all of them on a strange level, beyond the typical dynamics between an exorcist and a demon. His heart had been unexpectedly wormed into it by Hoseok's excitement, Taehyung's charm, Jimin's generosity, and Seokjin's unwavering resolve. Additionally, Yoongi... Yoongi had been a puzzle, but he had also sensed something there, a spark of something more than friendship.

He closes his eyes, attempting to ignore the ache in his chest. Could he truly be their soulmate? It appeared too good to be true. However, he had to admit that the idea had some attraction when he thought back on their exchanges and how they had all made him feel seen and understood. He had never felt this way about anyone before, not even in his most private and unspoken desires. They all seemed to fit perfectly into his life, filling in gaps he had no idea existed.

He knew it was stupid of him to be so open with them. In the end, he was an exorcist. His job was to help people, not to develop attachments to the very creatures he was supposed to protect them from. He was aware of the dangers, and he understood how his emotions could lead to trouble. But he couldn't help it. They had all burrowed their way under his skin, leaving him wondering if he had made a terrible mistake.

Chapter Text

Namjoon woke midnight to scratching sounds on his door.

The warmth of his blankets clung to him like a lover's embrace as he stumbled out of bed bleary-eyed. The cold seeped into his bare feet as he padded over to the door. He opened the door to find Snow staring at him with her piercing emerald eyes. The feline's fur was puffy and the tip of its tail twitched with excitement. It mewed softly, purring a greeting.

Namjoon felt a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He had never expected to see the cat again after it had disappeared without a trace. "What are you doing here?" he asked, stooping to pick up the creature. It seemed like a lifetime ago when he first met the cat, when his world was much simpler and less messy.

Snow purred contentedly, arching its back while Namjoon stroked its fur. It was almost as if the animal sensed his inner turmoil and offered silent comfort in the form of warmth and her companionship. He carried the cat into the kitchen, setting it down gently on the counter as he rummaged for some food.

He put down some food for her. As he watched Snow devour the food with delicate grace, he couldn't help but wonder how Snow had a perfect timing.

He picked up the cat and carried her back to his bedroom. He gently placed Snow on his bed, watching as it curled up into a ball, its eyes half-closed with contentment. He climbed in beside it. The cat's steady purring was a soothing lullaby, a rhythmic beat that helped to calm the storm in his mind as he went back to sleep.

-

It had been a week since Jungkook's party.

Namjoon had gone radio silent. He had not responded to Hoseok, Jimin, Seokjin, or Taehyung's messages. He received a variety of texts, from lighthearted jokes to friendly check-ins, but he was unable to read them or respond.

The days went by quickly, filled with work and solitude. He stayed away from the cafe. The thought of seeing their faces and having to explain the abrupt change in his demeanor was too much to bear. Snow had kept him company all week, arriving at night and leaving at dawn.

And then one evening, as he was leaving a client-recommended art exhibition, he noticed Taehyung standing by the entrance, staring at a vibrantly colored painting. In the sea of subdued hues that filled the gallery, it was like a lighthouse.

Their gazes met, and time stood still. Taehyung's eyes widened with surprise, and a smile began to form on his lips. But before he could say anything, Namjoon's heart raced, and he turned to leave. He felt Taehyung's gaze on his back, but he didn't dare look back. The crowd swallowed him up, and he became lost in it, his breath coming in shallow gasps.

He could hear footsteps behind him, fast and purposeful. His eyes darted around, searching for a way out as his heart pounded in his chest as he pushed through the crowd of art enthusiasts. The gallery's walls encircled him, the sculptures and paintings blending into a vibrant mist. He didn't want to talk to Taehyung, didn't want to share the confusion and guilt that had been eating away at him ever since the party.

But the footsteps didn't falter. They grew louder, closer, until they were right beside him. "Namjoon!"

Namjoon's legs froze mid-stride, his heart skipping a beat. He didn't have to look to know it was Taehyung. The sound of his name on the demon's lips was like a warm caress, a gentle reminder of the connection they had all shared. He took a deep breath, steeling himself, and turned around.

Taehyung's smile had faltered, his eyes searching Namjoon's face. "Is everything okay?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern. "You've been avoiding us."

Namjoon felt a lump form in his throat. He didn't know how to explain the tumult of emotions that had been swirling inside him since that night. "I've just been busy," he said, his voice tight. "Work, you know."

Taehyung's eyes searched his, and Namjoon could see the disbelief in them. "We've missed you," he said softly. "Is there... something you want to talk about? Jungkook told us that he told you about the prophecy thing."

Namjoon sighed, his shoulders dropping. "I don't know what to think," he admitted. "It's all just... too much."

Taehyung nodded, his expression gentle. "I understand," he said. "It's a lot to take in."

Namjoon looked down, avoiding the demon's gaze suddenly remembering what yoongi said. "I just... I don't know if I can handle it," he murmured. "Being around you all, knowing what you are, and what I am... it's complicated."

Taehyung's hand reached out, resting lightly on his arm. "We understand," he said, his voice a soothing balm. "We're not asking you to change who you are or what you do. We just want you to know that we're here for you."

Namjoon's eyes met Taehyung's, and for a moment, the weight of the world lifted. "Thank you," he murmured. "But I think it's best if I go now."

Taehyung's hand dropped to his side, his smile fading. "Okay," he said, his voice a little sad. "But we're still here if you need us."

Namjoon nodded, his throat tight. "I know," he said. "Thank you."

Taehyung's eyes searched his for a moment longer before he nodded, understanding. "Take care of yourself," he said, before turning and disappearing into the crowd.

With a heavy sigh, he turned and walked out of the gallery, the cool night air hitting him like a slap in the face. He needed to clear his head, to think. He wandered the streets, the city lights blurring into a rainbow of colors. The night was alive with the hum of traffic and the murmur of distant conversations, but it felt eerily quiet to him.

-

Getting a call for an exorcism in the middle of the night was not common.

Namjoon bolted upright in bed, the shrill ringtone piercing the quietude of his apartment. The sudden movement startled Snow, who had been curled up at the foot of his bed, her emerald eyes snapping open with alarm. She sat up, her fur ruffling as she stared at him, tilting her head quizzically.

He grabbed his phone from the nightstand, the screen glowing like a beacon in the dark. The number was unfamiliar, but the late-night hour and the sense of urgency that seemed to radiate from the device told him it was another call for his exorcist services. He swiped to answer, his voice gruff from sleep. "This is Namjoon. What's the problem?"

Snow jumped off the bed with a soft thump, her eyes wide and alert. She padded over to him, tail flicking nervously as she sensed his tension. He could almost hear the words of his client through the line, their voice trembling with fear and desperation. It was a sound he knew all too well. He threw on his robe and slid his feet into his slippers, the coolness of the floor jolting him fully awake.

"I'll be back soon," he murmured to the cat, who was now sitting by the door, watching him with those unblinking eyes. He grabbed his bag, the weight of his sacred tools a comforting presence against his side. The door closed with a soft click, leaving Snow to prowl the apartment alone.

The chilly air outside was a shock to his system, the quietness of the night a stark contrast to the chaos he was about to step into. He could feel the energy of the demonic presence even before he arrived at the address, a pulsing hum that grew louder with each step he took. His heart raced, not just from the anticipation of the exorcism but from the sudden realization that he was about to face something that was more stronger than he cared to admit.

When he reached the house, it was a typical two-story building, the lights flickering in the windows, casting eerie shadows on the lawn. The door was ajar, and the sounds of a struggle echoed through the hallway. He stepped inside, his eyes immediately drawn to the figure in the living room, thrashing violently on the floor. The family was huddled in the corner, their eyes wide with terror.

"Please, help my son," the father pleaded, his voice cracking. "We don't know what's happening."

Namjoon's gaze focused on the young boy, his body contorted in unnatural angles, eyes rolled back in his head. This was an abysmal possession, a high-level demon that could wreak havoc if not dealt with quickly. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the battle ahead.

The demon's eyes snapped open, a malicious grin spreading across the child's face. "Ah, the famous exorcist," it hissed, its voice a guttural growl that seemed to resonate through the very fabric of the house. "Come to save the day, have you?"

Namjoon took a step closer, his eyes narrowing as he studied the demon's aura. It was dark, almost black, with tendrils of malevolent energy snaking around the room. "I've seen worse," he said calmly, his voice steady despite the fear that was starting to creep into the room.

The demon's grin grew wider, the child's features distorting grotesquely. "Is that so?" it taunted. "Then you must have quite the taste for the dramatic, don't you, Mr. Exorcist?"

Namjoon felt a shiver run down his spine. The demon's tone was too... personal. It knew him. Or at least, it knew of him. "Why are you here again?" he demanded, his hand already reaching for the amulet around his neck.

The demon chuckled, a sound that was eerily out of place coming from the child's mouth. "I've come for a little reunion, my dear exorcist," it said, its voice a sickening parody of sweetness. "You see, I missed you."

Namjoon's hand tightened around the amulet. This was not a random possession. This demon had a vendetta, and it was using innocent people to get to him. He had to end this now before it hurt anyone else. "Tell me what you want," he said through gritted teeth.

The demon's grin grew even wider, revealing sharp teeth that hadn't been there before. "Oh, it's been so long since we've talked," it crooned, the boy's voice now a mockery of its former self. "Remember the last time we met, how I talked about your mother and father? don't you wonder what happened with them?"

Namjoon's heart clenched, but he kept his face neutral. "You're wasting your time," he said, his voice low and firm.

The demon's grin didn't falter. "Ah, but you see, I've come prepared," it said, and with a dramatic flourish, it gestured to the room. "I've brought some... friends."

Namjoon's eyes darted around, and he saw it then - the other figures, shadowy and indistinct, lurking in the corners of the room. His stomach plummeted. This was a trap, and he had walked right into it. He had to keep his cool, had to keep the demon talking while he figured out a way to banish it and its cohorts. "What do you want from me?" he asked again, his hand still on the amulet.

The demon chuckled, a sound that sent a shiver down his spine. "Isn't it obvious?" it hissed. "I want what your mother took from us."

Namjoon's mind raced, trying to piece together what the demon could be referring to. His mother had been an exorcist too, but she had passed away when he was young. He knew she had made enemies in her line of work, but he had never heard of any demons seeking vengeance. "What are you talking about?" he demanded, his confusion growing with each passing second.

The demon's grin grew wider, relishing in the moment. "Ah, so the apple does fall far from the tree," it said, its voice filled with spite. "Your mother was quite the thief, you know. She took something from us that we want back."

Namjoon felt a knot form in his stomach. He had always known his mother's work was fraught with danger, but he had never considered that her enemies might come after him. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his voice strained.

The demon leaned in closer, its breath hot against the child's skin. "She stole a piece of our world, something precious to us," it whispered. "We want it back, and we're willing to take it by any means necessary."

Namjoon felt his anger rising. He knew better than to trust the words of an abysmal, but the thought of his mother being vilified in this way was too much to bear. "I don't have anything," he said firmly, his hand tightening around the amulet. "My mother is gone, and if she took something from you, I know nothing about it."

The demon's eyes narrowed, the grin slipping from its face. "Don't play coy with me, human," it snarled. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. The artifact that lets you control the very fabric of the spirit world."

Namjoon's heart raced. He had no idea what the demon was referring to. His mother had never mentioned anything about an artifact, let alone one that could control the spirit world. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said, his voice shaking slightly. "I don't have anything like that."

The demon's eyes flashed with fury. "Lies!" it roared, the child's body convulsing with the force of its rage. "You think you can hide it from us? We know it's with you."

Namjoon took a step back, his mind racing. "I swear, I don't have anything," he repeated, his voice stronger this time. "My mother didn't leave me anything of that sort."

The demon's eyes searched his, trying to read his soul. "You're lying," it hissed. "We can feel its power."

Namjoon took another step back, his hand tightening around the amulet. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said, his voice calm despite the fear that was slowly starting to take hold.

The demon's eyes narrowed, and the shadows in the room grew denser. "You will tell us," it snarled. "Or we will make you tell us."

The room grew colder, and the air thick with malice as the other demons began to emerge from the shadows. They circled around him, their forms twisting and contorting into grotesque shapes that sent the family cowering further into the corner. Namjoon's eyes darted around the room, trying to find a way out, but there was no escape. He had to act fast.

He began the exorcism ritual, his voice steady as he recited the ancient incantations. But as he did so, the demons grew more aggressive. The child's body began to convulse even more violently, and the other demons started to advance on him, their eyes glowing with rage.

Namjoon had encountered aggressive demons before, but never so many at once. The pressure was immense, and he could feel his energy waning. His heart raced as he tried to keep the incantation going, sweat beading on his forehead.

The abysmal in the child's body grew stronger, its eyes burning with a fury that seemed to fuel the other demons. They closed in, their twisted forms reaching out with clawed hands and snapping jaws. The room grew colder, the air thick with the stench of brimstone.

One of the demons lunged at him, its sharp nails raking across Namjoon's cheek. He grunted in pain, feeling the warmth of blood trickle down his face. But he didn't stop chanting. He couldn't. The incantation was his only defense, the only thing keeping them at bay. He focused on the warmth of the amulet, the symbol of protection that his mother had given him before she passed.

The demon in the child's body cackled, its laughter echoing through the room. "You think your little trinket can save you?" it taunted. The other demons grew bolder, their shadows stretching and snapping like living things.

Namjoon felt a searing pain as another demon's claws dug into his arm, tearing through his robe and into his flesh. He gritted his teeth and continued chanting, the blood from his wound staining the floor beneath him.

The demons grew bolder, their auras pulsing with dark energy as they surrounded him. One of them reached out and grabbed a hold of his hair, yanking his head back and exposing his throat. "You will tell us," it hissed, its foul breath hot on his skin.

And then, like a bolt of lightning, someone burst into the house, yelling his name. "Namjoon!"

Seokjin.

The sound of his name had never been so welcome. He looked over to the entrance to find Seokjin and the rest standing there, their expressions a mix of anger and concern. Relief flooded through him, but it was short-lived as the demons around him took notice of the new arrivals.

"You!" The abysmal in the child's body snarled, its gaze locking onto Seokjin. "How dare you interrupt our little party?"

Namjoon's eyes widened in shock as he saw the rage etched on Seokjin's face. He had never seen his usually cheerful friend look so furious. The air in the room grew even colder, and the other demons paused in their advance, sensing the shift in power dynamics.

"Release him, now," Seokjin's voice was a low growl, and his eyes burned with a fiery intensity that sent a shiver down Namjoon's spine. He had never seen such anger from him before, and it was clear that he was not someone to be trifled with.

The abysmal sneered, its grip on the child tightening. "Or what?" it taunted. "You think you lowly demons can match us in power?"

Seokjin took a step forward, his eyes never leaving Namjoon's. "You don't know who you're dealing with," he said, his voice a promise of retribution.

The abysmal sneered and yanked Namjoon's hair, causing him to cry out in pain. The sharp pull sent agony shooting through his skull, and he felt himself stumble. "You think you can threaten me?" it hissed, its grip on the child's body tightening even more.

But before it could act, the air in the room changed. A blast of icy cold wind slammed into the demons, sending them reeling back. The abysmal lost its grip on the child, and Namjoon felt himself being thrown into the corner of the room, his body colliding with the wall with a thud. The impact sent stars dancing before his eyes, and he slid to the floor, his breath knocked out of him.

Seokjin took the lead, his eyes blazing with a power that Namjoon had never seen before. "You dare to harm him?" he roared, his voice thunderous and filled with rage. The demons hissed and snarled, but they did not advance. Jungkook, Jimin, Taehyung, Hoseok, and Yoongi, rushed in to stand by Seokjin's side, each of them emanating their own aura of power.

They rushed to stand infront of him, The six of them formed a protective barrier around Namjoon. The demons snarled and hissed, their shadows stretching and retreating as they faced the new threat. "You think you stand a chance against us?" the abysmal in the child's body sneered, but there was a hint of fear in its voice.

Jungkook stepped forward, his eyes burning with a fiery determination. "You have the guts to hurt what's ours?" he snarled, his hand clenched into a fist at his side. The room grew even colder, and the demons' shadows flinched back. Jungkook's eyes flashed a dangerous shade of red, and the air around him crackled with power.

The abysmal in the child's body looked surprised for a moment before it let out a furious scream. "You think you can intimidate us?" it roared, and the other demons began to circle the group, their forms solidifying into terrifying monsters.

The fight was on. The demons lunged forward, their claws and teeth gleaming in the flickering light. Seokjin's eyes flashed with power, and a shield of light formed around the group, deflecting the first wave of attacks. The abysmal in the child's body shot a blast of dark energy at them, but Yoongi was quick to respond, countering with a spell that sent the energy ricocheting back.

The room was a whirlwind of chaos, the air thick with the smell of burnt ozone and sulfur. Jimin danced around the demons, his hands a blur as he cast a series of binding spells, while Hoseok and Taehyung focused on attacking the weaker ones that dared to come too close. Jungkook's eyes never left the abysmal, his fists clenched tightly as he waited for an opening.

The demons were relentless, their numbers seemingly endless as they threw themselves at the group. Namjoon could feel the power of the incantation slipping from his grasp, his strength waning as the demons' blows rained down on the protective barrier. Seokjin's face was a mask of concentration as he held the shield in place, sweat beading on his forehead.

Jimin's spells grew more intricate, his movements a dance of power as he bound the lesser demons, their forms writhing in the glow of his magic. Taehyung and Hoseok's attacks grew more precise, their coordination flawless as they worked together to cut through the demonic horde. Yet the abysmal remained elusive, dodging their efforts with a grace that seemed almost mocking.

Namjoon struggled to his feet, his vision blurry from the impact. He had to do something, had to help his friends. He knew he didn't have the power to fight them all, but maybe he could finish the exorcism and free the child from the demon's grip. He stumbled back to the center of the room, his hand shaking as he raised the amulet once more.

As he began to chant, the air grew thick with the scent of sage and incense. The abysmal's eyes widened in surprise, and it screamed, its form shifting and distorting as it fought against the power of the incantation. The other demons turned their attention to him, their eyes gleaming with malicious intent.

Suddenly, a brilliant flash of light filled the room, and the abysmal in the child's body was thrown back with a screech of rage. The child collapsed to the floor, unconscious, and the demon's form dissipated into nothingness. The remaining demons hesitated, their forms flickering in and out of existence.

The other demons looked at each other, their malicious grins fading into snarls of fear. They had felt the power of the exorcism and knew that their leader's defeat spelled doom for them. With a collective howl, they turned and fled, their shadows retreating into the darkness from which they had come.

Namjoon staggered, the incantation fading from his lips. The exhaustion of the exorcism combined with the attack from the abysmal left him drained. His legs gave out beneath him, and he collapsed to the floor, the amulet slipping from his grasp. The room spun around him, the edges of his vision going dark.

-

Namjoon laid unconsciously on the floor of the house.

Jungkook and Jimin, their hearts racing, rushed to his side. Jungkook was the first to reach him, his eyes scanning Namjoon's bruised and bloodied body with a fierce protectiveness. "Namjoon, hyung," he whispered, his voice shaking with concern. Jimin followed closely, his eyes wide with fear. They had never seen their exorcist in such a state before.

"Is he okay?" Taehyung asked, his voice tight with worry as he and Hoseok stepped closer to the group.

Jimin dropped to his knees beside Jungkook, his hand reaching out to feel for Namjoon's pulse. "He's alive," he said, relief flooding his features. "But he's lost a lot of energy. We need to get him home."

Seokjin nodded, his eyes still blazing with the power that had sent the demons retreating. "We'll get him to safety," he said firmly.

Without wasting another moment, Jungkook gently picked up Namjoon in a bridal carry, cradling him close to his chest. The warmth of Jungkook's body was surprisingly comforting.

Yoongi, noticing the worried looks on the faces of the young boy's family, stepped forward and gave them a reassuring smile. "Everything is normal now," he said calmly, his eyes meeting theirs with a gentle confidence that seemed to ease their fears. "Your son will be okay."

The family watched as the group made their way out of the house. Hoseok and Taehyung had already started cleaning up the mess left behind by the battle, while Seokjin kept an eye on the still-unconscious Namjoon.

"Thank you," the mother whispered, her eyes brimming with tears. "I don't know what would have happened if you weren't here."

Yoongi nodded solemnly, his eyes never leaving hers. "It's our duty to maintain the balance," he said gently. "Don't worry, we'll make sure this doesn't happen again."

With that, Jungkook turned and started carrying Namjoon out of the house, his steps swift and sure. The rest of the group followed, the tension in the air slowly dissipating with each step they took away from the chaotic scene they had left behind.

Once they reached their house, Jungkook laid Namjoon down on the couch, his movements gentle despite his urgency.

"He's lost a lot of blood," Jimin said, his voice tinged with worry as he took out the med kit from the shelf. His hands trembled slightly as he unzipped it, his eyes scanning over the various items inside. He had seen Namjoon hurt before, but never like this. He knew that exorcisms could be dangerous, but he had never realized just how much until now.

He pulled out a clean cloth and pressed it against Namjoon's cheek, the fabric immediately staining red with blood. Jimin took a deep breath and closed his eyes, focusing his energy. His hands began to glow a soft blue, and he placed them over the deep gashes on Namjoon's face and arm. The wounds slowly started to close, the flesh knitting back together as if it had never been torn apart.

The room was silent except for the sound of their combined breathing and the faint buzz of Jimin's healing magic. Jungkook watched with bated breath, his grip on Namjoon's hand tightening with every passing second. He had never seen his hyung this weak, and it scared him. He hoped that whatever Jimin was doing would be enough to help him recover.

Jimin's eyes fluttered open, his breathing evened out as the magic took effect. He leaned back, his own energy depleted but satisfied with his work. "He'll be okay," he murmured, his voice hoarse. "He just needs rest. They drained his energy."

Seokjin nodded, his gaze never leaving Namjoon's peaceful face. "We'll take turns watching over him," he said, his voice firm. "We can't risk another attack."

Yoongi took a moment to study each of them, his expression unreadable. "Before we do anything else, we need to have a talk," he announced, his tone serious. The others looked at him with a mix of concern and curiosity. "This isn't the first time we've encountered a group of demons working together like this, and it's definitely not the first time they've targeted Namjoon."

Taehyung frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. "What do you mean, 'targeted'?"

Yoongi sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "I mean, we can't ignore it anymore. This isn't just random. It's almost like... they know him."

Taehyung's eyes widened. "What? That's not possible. How could they know him?"

Yoongi's gaze was sharp. "Tae, remember what I said before? That we're all connected in some way? I think it's time we consider that maybe there's something about Namjoon that makes him...different."

"I heard one of the abysmal asking him to give something back," Jimin said.

"What could they possibly want from him?" Jungkook's voice was low, his eyes never leaving Namjoon's still form.

Seokjin looked at each of them gravely. "We need to find out," he said. "But for now, let's focus on getting him better."

The group nodded in unison, their gazes lingering on Namjoon. They had always known that being an exorcist came with its share of risks, but seeing him like this brought home the reality of the danger he faced every day. They had to be more vigilant, more prepared.

As they sat in the living room, the silence was palpable. Each member was lost in his own thoughts, contemplating the gravity of the situation. It was Hoseok who broke the silence, his voice filled with a mix of anger and concern. "Yoongi hyung, I can't believe you doubted Namjoon," he said, his eyes flashing.

Yoongi looked at him, his expression unchanged. "It's not that I doubt him, Hoseok," he replied calmly. "It's just that we can't ignore the pattern here. And we still don't know everything about his past."

The room grew tense, and Jungkook spoke up, his voice low. "What do you mean, Yoongi hyung?"

Yoongi looked around at the group, his eyes finally resting on Jungkook. "Jungkook's prophecy that Namjoon is our soulmate. It's not something we should just accept without question."

Jungkook's grip on Namjoon's hand tightened, his eyes flashing with a mix of anger and defensiveness. "Hyung, you know my prophecies are never wrong."

Yoongi nodded solemnly. "I know, but that doesn't mean we should trust him blindly. We need to be cautious. If these demons are after him, it could be because of his past, or because of something he's hiding from us. My first priority is all of you, and I'm not going to let you all in danger. We need to be cautious."

The room was silent as they took in Yoongi's words. Jungkook looked down at Namjoon, his heart racing. Could it be possible that Namjoon was keeping something from them? That his very existence could be a threat to their safety? He didn't want to believe it, but he knew Yoongi had a point.

Taehyung was the first to speak up, his voice filled with confusion. "But, what could he be hiding? And why would that make him dangerous?"

Yoongi looked at them all seriously. "I don't know. But we need to be prepared for anything. We're dealing with powerful forces here, and we can't just assume everything is going to be fine because of a prophecy."

Seokjin took a deep breath, his eyes scanning over the room before landing on Namjoon. "I think we should investigate his past," he suggested, his voice firm. "We need to understand what we're up against and why they're after him."

-

Namjoon opened his eyes.

He felt groggy, like he had just woken up from a long, deep sleep. His body was sore and stiff, as if he had just run a marathon. He looked around, trying to make sense of his surroundings. The room was dimly lit.

The walls were painted a calming shade of blue, with a few small candles flickering on a nightstand beside him. The bed was soft, almost too soft for his liking, and the sheets were light and cool against his skin. Where was he? The last thing he remembered was fighting off those abysmals.

As his vision cleared, he saw a figure sitting in a chair beside the bed, reading a book with a gentle expression on their face. Seokjin. The memory of the fierce battle rushed back to him, and he bolted upright with a gasp. "What happened?" he croaked, his throat dry.

Seokjin looked up, his eyes filled with relief. "You're awake," he said, placing the book on the side table and reaching for a glass of water. "Here, drink this."

Namjoon took the glass gratefully, his trembling hands making it difficult to hold steady. He took a sip, the cool liquid soothing his parched throat. "How did I get here?" he asked, his voice still weak.

"We brought you back to our place," Seokjin said, his eyes never leaving Namjoon's face. "You were in no condition to go anywhere else."

Namjoon nodded, his mind racing as he tried to piece together the events of the night. He remembered the demons surrounding him, the overwhelming power of the abysmal, and the feeling of his own energy draining away. And then, nothing.

He looked around the room, noticing the others scattered around, their expressions a mix of relief and concern. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "For saving me."

Seokjin offered a small smile. "It's what we do," he said, patting Namjoon's shoulder gently. "But we need to talk about what happened."

Namjoon nodded, his gaze drifting to the others in the room. "How did you know I was in that house?" he asked, his voice still weak but filled with curiosity.

Yoongi looked up from his phone, where he had been scrolling through various articles and information. "It was because of Snow," he said, referring to the fluffy white cat that had been sitting by the window, watching the snowfall outside. She is my familiar."

Namjoon's eyes widened in surprise. "Your what?" He had heard of some demons having familiars, but he had never encountered one before.

"Snow is my familiar," Yoongi repeated, nodding towards the cat. "She has a knack for sensing disturbances. She led us to the house where you were."

Namjoon stared at the cat in astonishment. "So, you're saying this cat... saved me?"

Yoongi nodded solemnly. "In a way, yes. She's quite intuitive. But we're more concerned about why the abysmals were so insistent on you. They spoke as if they had a vendetta."

Namjoon's eyes narrowed, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. "You think I'm hiding something?" He accused, his voice a little stronger now.

"I don't think you're hiding anything, hyung," Jungkook said quickly, placing a hand on Namjoon's forearm. "But Yoongi's right. We need to be careful."

Namjoon pulled away from Jungkook's touch, his eyes flashing with anger. "So, you sent your little spy to keep an eye on me?" He nodded towards the cat, his voice laced with accusation.

Yoongi raised an eyebrow, not expecting Namjoon to be so confrontational. "Snow is not a spy," he clarified. "She's my familiar. She senses energy disturbances, which is how we knew you were in trouble. She came to you willingly. We didn't send her anywhere."

Namjoon's expression softened slightly, his breathing evening out. "I'm sorry," he said, rubbing his forehead. "I didn't mean it like that. I'm just... tired."

"It's okay, hyung," Jungkook assured him, his voice gentle. "We're just worried about you."

Hoseok stepped forward, his expression earnest. "But why would those demons be after you? Do you have any enemies in the demon world?"

Namjoon sighed heavily, his eyes drifting to the floor. "They kept talking about some artifact," he murmured, his voice low. "They wanted me to give it to them, but I don't know what they're talking about."

"An artifact?" Taehyung repeated, his curiosity piqued. "What kind of artifact?"

Namjoon shrugged, his eyes never leaving the floor. "I don't know," he said. "But i dont have anything either."

Jimin's brows furrowed, his gaze going from the ground to Namjoon. "But they seemed so certain," he said. "They kept insisting that you had something they wanted."

Namjoon looked up, meeting Jimin's eyes. "I swear, I don't know what they're talking about," he said, his voice stronger now. "I've never even heard of any artifact that would be worth their time."

"Well, we're going to have to find out then," Seokjin said firmly, crossing his arms over his chest. "We can't just ignore this. If they're coming after you, then it's a problem for all of us because now they know you are with us too."

Namjoon nodded, his expression grim. He knew they were right. He couldn't keep putting them in danger because of his past. "I'll look into it," he said, his voice determined. "But for now, I should go home."

Yoongi set his book down and looked at Namjoon intently. "Actually, I think it's best if you stay here with us," he said firmly. "Until we figure out what's going on, it's not safe for you to be alone."

Namjoon stiffened, his eyes flashing with a hint of rebellion. "I've been taking care of myself for years," he said, his voice steady despite his weakened state. "I don't need you guys to babysit me. Yoongi-ssi, you don't trust me anyways so why are you asking me to stay here?"

Yoongi's expression remained calm, his eyes never leaving Namjoon's. "Yes, I still don't trust you," he said slowly. "But we're in this together now, and if there's something that could threaten our peace, I need to know about it. And if it means keeping you close so that we can protect you, then that's what we'll do."

Jungkook stepped forward, his eyes filled with concern. "Hyung, please," he begged. "We just don't want anything to happen to you. Stay with us, just for a little while."

Taehyung nodded in agreement, his hands fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. "We can help you figure it out," he added, his voice earnest. "We're your friends, we won't let anyone hurt you."

Jimin stepped closer, his eyes filled with sincerity. "Please, Namjoon," he pleaded. "We care about you. Let us help you through this."

Taehyung nodded, his voice gentle. "We're here for you," he assured. "We won't let anyone harm you."

Namjoon looked at each of them, his expression torn. He knew they were sincere, but the guilt gnawed at him. "I can't let you protect me," he finally said, his voice filled with pain. "Not when I have nothing to offer in return."

Seokjin stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on Namjoon's shoulder. "You don't need to offer anything," he said firmly. "But if it makes you feel better, we can think of it as a trade. We'll provide you with safety, and in return, you give us your company."

Namjoon's expression softened, and he let out a small laugh. "That's a terrible trade," he said, his eyes shining with a hint of amusement.

But despite his protests, he knew that he didn't have much of a choice. He was in no condition to argue, and the thought of facing those demons alone was terrifying. He nodded slowly, his eyes scanning the room before landing on Jungkook.

"Okay, I'll stay."

Chapter Text

Namjoon stepped into the room, feeling a bit awkward. He wasn't used to accepting help, especially not from demons. But he was also tired, both physically and emotionally, and the thought of facing whatever was coming for him alone was too much to bear.

The room was surprisingly neat, not at all what he had expected. The walls were painted a soothing shade of peach, and the furniture was modern and minimalistic. In one corner, there was a large bookshelf filled with books on various subjects, from history to cooking to fiction. On the bedside table, there was a small vase with a single, white lily. The scent was faint, but it filled the room with a sense of peace.

"Is everything okay?" Hoseok asked from the doorway, his eyes searching Namjoon's expression for any sign of discomfort.

Namjoon nodded, taking in the unfamiliar space. "It's fine," he murmured, his voice still weak from the exorcism. "Thank you."

Hoseok hovered for a moment, his gaze flicking from Namjoon to the bed and back. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask," he said, his smile genuine. "We're all here for you."

With that, he left Namjoon to his thoughts, closing the door gently behind him. Namjoon looked around the room again, his mind racing with questions and doubt. What had he gotten himself into?

Just as he was about to lie down, there was a knock on the door. "Come in," he called out, expecting it to be one of the demons with something they had forgotten.

The door opened to reveal Hoseok, holding a steaming cup of tea in his hands. "Thought you might need this," he said, his eyes searching Namjoon's face for signs of discomfort. "It's chamomile, for relaxation."

Namjoon took the cup, the warmth seeping into his palms, and took a tentative sip. "It's good," he murmured, surprised by the sweetness.

Hoseok's eyes lit up, and he stepped into the room, his shoulders relaxing. "I'm glad," he said, his smile growing. "I know it's not much, but it's the least I can do."

Namjoon took another sip of the tea, letting the warmth spread through his chest. "No, it's perfect," he said, his voice a bit stronger now. "Really."

Hoseok hovered by the bed, his eyes never leaving Namjoon's face. "Is there anything else I can do for you?" he asked, his concern palpable.

Namjoon shook his head, feeling a little overwhelmed by the demon's attentiveness. "No, thank you," he said, his voice a whisper. "I just need to rest."

Hoseok nodded, his eyes never leaving Namjoon's. "I understand," he said, his voice soft. He took a step closer to the bed, his hand reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from Namjoon's forehead. "But if you need anything, anything at all, you just have to call for me, okay?"

Namjoon nodded, his eyes closing slightly at the gentle touch. It had been a long time since someone had taken care of him like this, and it was more comforting than he cared to admit. He took another sip of the tea, the warmth spreading through his body and lulling him into a sense of calm.

He murmured, his eyes opening to meet the demon's concerned gaze. "I appreciate it."

Hoseok took the empty cup from his hand and placed it on the nightstand. "You should get some sleep," he said, his voice a gentle command. "We'll talk more tomorrow."

Namjoon nodded, feeling the weight of the last few hours finally starting to take its toll on him. He lay back against the pillows, his eyes drifting shut. As he felt the warmth of the blankets envelop him, he heard the door click shut.

-

A knock on his door woke Namjoon up.

"Hyung, it's Jungkook. Can I come in?" The voice was muffled, but the urgency in it was clear.

Namjoon groaned, pushing himself up from the pillows. His body protested with every movement, a stark reminder of the battle from the previous night. He nodded, not bothering to speak as the door opened and Jungkook stepped inside, his eyes wide with excitement.

"Hyung, you won't believe it," Jungkook began, his words tumbling over each other. "Snow found something in your house!"

Namjoon's eyes shot open, fully alert now. "What? What is it?"

Jungkook held up a small, leather-bound book. "It's a diary, or something like that," he said, his voice low and urgent. "It's in an ancient language, maybe it was your mother's?"

Namjoon took the book, his heart racing. The leather was old and worn, the pages yellowed with age. He recognized the handwriting immediately - it was his mother's.

"How did she get this?" he murmured, his thumb tracing the pages. "And why did she hide it?"

Jungkook's eyes widened. "You didn't know about it?"

Namjoon shook his head, his mind racing. "No, I didn't," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "My mother was always secretive about her work."

Jungkook nodded, his eyes full of understanding. "We think it might have something to do with the artifact they were looking for," he said. "Yoongi-hyung is looking into it."

Namjoon opened the book, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar script. His mother's handwriting was elegant and flowing, but he couldn't decipher the words. He felt a pang of regret for not pushing her to teach him the language she used in her work.

"I'll be the one to figure this out," he said, his voice firm. "It's my responsibility." He knew he had to protect her secrets, even if it meant delving into a world he had long tried to ignore.

Jungkook looked at him with admiration and a hint of surprise. "But hyung, it's in an ancient language," he reminded him. "We don't even know where to start."

Namjoon's jaw set in determination as he took another look at the diary. "I'll find a way," he said, his eyes glinting with resolve. "It's my mother's, I owe it to understand."

The demon's expression was a mix of awe and concern. "We're here to help," Jungkook insisted. "We all are."

Seokjin walked into the room, his footsteps silent on the soft carpet. He held a tray of breakfast foods that smelled heavenly. "How's the headache?" he asked, setting the tray down on the bedside table.

Namjoon winced, his hand rising to his forehead. "It's still there," he replied, his voice gravelly from a lack of sleep.

Seokjin's eyes narrowed in concern, his hand reaching for the diary. "Maybe it's best if we leave this for now," he suggested. "You need to eat something and rest."

Namjoon reluctantly nodded, his stomach rumbling at the tantalizing smell of the food. He took a bite of the toast, the butter and jam melting on his tongue, and realized just how hungry he was.

Seokjin sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes never leaving Namjoon's face as he ate. "How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Namjoon swallowed a mouthful of eggs before responding. "Better," he said, his voice still a bit raspy. "Thank you for the food."

Seokjin's smile was warm. "It's the least we can do," he said, patting Namjoon's arm. "Now, how about we watch a movie together?"

Namjoon looked up from his plate, his eyes meeting Seokjin's. "A movie?" he asked, his voice still a bit hoarse.

"Yes," Seokjin said with a nod, his eyes warm with concern. "It's a classic, something to help take your mind off things."

Namjoon felt a twinge of guilt for his earlier thoughts about being a burden. These demons were genuinely trying to make him feel at ease. He took another sip of the tea, the warmth of the liquid mixing with the comfort that their care brought him. "Okay," he agreed, his voice still a bit rough. "But only if I don't fall asleep halfway through."

Seokjin chuckled, the sound light and airy, a stark contrast to the tension that had filled the room moments ago. "Don't worry," he said, patting Namjoon's shoulder. "If you do, I'll just carry you to bed."

Namjoon couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up from his chest, the first genuine one in days. He took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of the room and the camaraderie that surrounded him. It was strange, but somehow comforting. He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Alright," he said. "Let's do it."

Seokjin beamed, his eyes lighting up. "Great," he said, standing up and taking the tray from the bedside table. "I'll grab the movie. What's your favorite genre?"

Namjoon shrugged, still feeling a bit overwhelmed by the situation. "I don't have a favorite," he said, his voice still a bit hoarse. "Surprise me."

Seokjin's smile grew wider, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Alright," he said, his tone teasing. "But don't blame me if you hate it."

The living room was already filled with the group when Namjoon and Seokjin emerged, feeling a bit more human after the food and tea. Jimin and Taehyung were sprawled out on the floor, surrounded by pillows and blankets. Hoseok was fiddling with the TV settings, his eyes glued to the screen. Jungkook was perched on the armrest of the couch, his legs swinging with excitement.

But there was one person missing.

Yoongi was nowhere to be found. Jungkook's eyes darted around the room, his brow furrowed. "Where's hyung?" he asked, looking to the others.

Seokjin looked up from the DVD case in his hand. "Yoongi went out," he said, his voice calm and even. "He said he had some things to take care of."

Namjoon's heart skipped a beat. "What kind of things?" he asked, setting the diary down on the couch cushion next to him.

Seokjin shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "I'm not sure," he replied. "But he said it was important. He said he would be back by midnight."

The room was filled with an awkward silence as Namjoon took in the information. Yoongi was the most guarded of them all, and for him to leave without mentioning anything specific was unusual.

"Well, let's not worry about it for now," Taehyung said, trying to lighten the mood as he grabbed a handful of popcorn. "The movie's about to start."

Namjoon nodded, his eyes still on the spot where the diary lay. He knew he couldn't let it go, not now. He had to find out what it meant, and why it was so important to those abysmals.

The movie started, and the group settled in, the sound of popcorn popping and the smell of buttery goodness filling the room. maknae's laughter at the funny scenes echoed through the room.

But Namjoon couldn't focus on the film. His mind was racing, trying to piece together the puzzle that was his mother's diary. The diary was like a key to a door he never knew existed. He glanced around the room, noticing the way the demons interacted with each other—so casually, so naturally. It was as if they had been together for centuries.

During a particularly tense scene in the movie, Taehyung jumped, his hand landing on Namjoon's leg. The sudden touch sent a jolt through him, and he found himself looking into Jungkook's wide, apologetic eyes. "Sorry," Jungkook murmured, his hand retreating quickly.

Namjoon cleared his throat, his heart racing for reasons that had nothing to do with the film. "It's okay," he said, forcing a smile.

The ringtone of his phone pierced the quiet, and everyone's heads snapped in his direction. It was a number he didn't recognize, but something told him it was important. He excused himself, standing up from the couch.

"I need to take this," Namjoon said, his voice laced with apology. The room was silent as he walked into the hallway, the sound of his footsteps echoing off the walls. He answered the call, his heart racing.

"Hello?"

Namjoon's voice was tentative as he answered the call, his back pressed against the hallway wall. The line was static at first, and he could hear distant murmurs, as if the person on the other end was in a crowded place.

"Hello?" a female voice repeated, sounding anxious. "Is this Namjoon? The exorcist?"

Namjoon's grip tightened on the phone. "Yes," he replied, his voice a low murmur. "What seems to be the problem?"

The woman on the other line took a shaky breath. "It's my daughter," she said, her voice trembling with fear. "She's...she's not herself. I don't know what to do."

Namjoon's mind raced as he processed her words. He hadn't expected to get a call so soon, especially not one that sounded so urgent. "Okay," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "Tell me what's happening."

The woman spoke in a hushed tone, her words tumbling out in a rush. "It started with nightmares," she said. "Then she started talking about things she couldn't possibly know. And now...now she's getting violent."

Namjoon felt his stomach twist. This was the part of his job he hated the most—the fear in a parent's voice when their child was in trouble. He had seen the damage possessions could do, especially to the innocent. "I'll be there as soon as I can," he promised, his voice firm.

The line went quiet for a moment before she spoke again, her words barely a whisper. "Thank you," she said, her relief palpable.

Namjoon hung up the phone, his hand shaking slightly. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he knew he had to do. He couldn't ignore a cry for help, especially one that might involve an innocent.

He turned back to the living room, the sound of the movie playing. His eyes scanned the group, each one of them looking so relaxed, so...normal. It was hard to believe they were demons, that he had made a pact with them.

"Guys, I need to go," Namjoon announced, his voice cutting through the laughter. The room went quiet, all eyes on him. "I got a call. There's an exorcism that needs my attention."

Jungkook's eyes widened, his hand tightening on the popcorn bowl. "Now?"

Namjoon nodded gravely, his eyes scanning the room. "It's urgent," he said. "A child."

Hoseok was the first to stand, his face a mask of concern. "You can't go alone," he said, his voice firm.

Namjoon looked at him, surprised. "But it's my job," he protested. "I've done this before."

But Jimin was already shaking his head, his eyes serious. "Not with the abysmals involved," he said. "They're dangerous, and we don't know what they're capable of. It's not safe for you to go alone."

Namjoon hesitated, weighing their words. He knew they were right; the abysmals had proven to be more than just a nuisance. They were powerful, and their vendetta was personal. But he was an exorcist; this was his duty.

Taehyung stepped forward, his eyes serious. "One of us will go with you," he said, his voice firm. "We can't let you face them alone."

Namjoon felt a surge of emotion. "But you guys don't need to—"

Hoseok cut him off, his voice gentle but firm. "We're not just demons anymore," he said. "We're your friends. And friends look out for each other."

Namjoon looked at Jungkook, whose expression was a mix of determination and something else—fear, maybe? But Jungkook didn't waver. "I'll go with you," he said, his voice unshakable. "I can help."

Seokjin nodded in agreement, "We can alternate and switch places on different days to go with you."

Namjoon felt a swell of warmth in his chest. He never expected this kind of support from demons, let alone a group of them that had initially approached him for their own gain. "Thank you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "But for now, Jungkook, let's go."

Jungkook nodded solemnly, setting aside the half-eaten popcorn and standing up. "Let's go," he said, his eyes determined.

The two of them headed out into the night. Jungkook was silent beside him, his hand occasionally brushing against Namjoon's arm in a reassuring gesture. Namjoon felt a strange comfort in his presence, despite the circumstances.

They arrived at the house, a quaint little building with a garden that was eerily quiet. The mother was waiting for them, her eyes red from crying. She led them upstairs, her hand trembling as she held onto the banister.

-

"God, I am so tired after that."

The words left Namjoon's mouth without much thought as he and Jungkook stepped out of the house, the moon casting a soft glow on their faces. The exorcism had been more draining than usual, maybe because Namjoon still hadn't healed completely yet. the malicious spirit fighting them with an unyielding ferocity that had left Namjoon's head pounding and his body feeling like it had been through a marathon.

Jungkook nodded in silent understanding, his hand still firmly wrapped around Namjoon's wrist. "You okay?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern.

Namjoon nodded, though the weariness was etched deep into his eyes. "Yeah," he managed to say, though every part of him screamed for rest. "Thanks for being there."

Jungkook's grip tightened for a brief moment before letting go, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's what friends do," he said, his tone gentle but somehow sad.

Namjoon couldn't help the warmth that spread through his chest. Friends. The concept of a demon being his friend was still foreign, yet here they were, fighting side by side against malevolent spirits. Although, He still felt a pang in his chest.

They walked in companionable silence for a few moments before Jungkook spoke up again. "You know," he said, his voice tentative. "You don't have to do this alone anymore."

Namjoon looked at him, his eyes reflecting the moonlight. "What do you mean?"

"We can help," Jungkook said, his voice earnest. "We know how to handle ourselves. And with the abysmals... it's only a matter of time before they come for you again."

Namjoon took a deep breath. It was true, the abysmals had made it clear they weren't going to leave him alone. And having the support of them... it could be beneficial.

He sighed, the weight of his decision pressing down on his shoulders. "Alright," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But we need to set boundaries."

Jungkook nodded, his eyes never leaving Namjoon's. "We'll work it out," he promised.

-

Namjoon and jungkook come home to find Yoongi sitting on the couch.

The atmosphere in the house was different when they returned from the exorcism. The lightness from the movie night had dissipated, replaced by a palpable tension that seemed to hang in the air. Yoongi sat on the couch, his eyes glued to a book in his lap, but the furrow in his brow suggested he wasn't reading.

"Hyung," Jungkook called out as they entered. Yoongi looked up, his expression unreadable.

"Welcome back," he said, his voice low. "How was it?"

While Jungkook retold everything, Yoongi's gaze never left Namjoon's face. Finally, when he had finished speaking, Yoongi closed his book and stood up. "Namjoon, can I talk to you alone?" he asked, his voice serious.

The words hung in the air, heavy. Jungkook looked at them both, his eyes questioning, but he didn't protest. Instead, he gave a small nod and headed towards the kitchen, leaving Namjoon and Yoongi in the quiet living room.

Namjoon felt his heart race as he took a seat on the couch opposite Yoongi. The silence stretched between them uncomfortably.

"What is it?"

Yoongi took a deep breath, his eyes flickering with something Namjoon couldn't quite read. "I went to your place today," he began, his voice measured. "To check up on things."

Namjoon's eyes widened. "My place?" he repeated, his heart racing. "What did you find?"

Yoongi leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. "I found something," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper.

Namjoon's eyes searched Yoongi's, looking for answers. "What do you mean?"

Yoongi hesitated for a moment before speaking, "There were... signs of someone being there. Someone who wasn't supposed to be."

Namjoon's stomach clenched. His apartment was his sanctuary, his one safe space in this world filled with nothing supernatural. The thought of someone, or something, invading it filled him with dread.

"What kind of signs?" he pressed, his voice tight.

Yoongi's eyes met his, and for a moment, Namjoon saw a flicker of something—sympathy, perhaps? "The wards you set up as an exorcist were tampered with," he said. "And Snow noticed a scent—something I've never smelled before."

The room felt suddenly too small, the air thick with unspoken fear. The abysmals had found him—or at least, they had found where he lived.

"What are we going to do?" Namjoon asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Yoongi leaned back into the couch, his eyes thoughtful. "We'll need to be more careful," he said. "And I have strengthened the wards, that's what I was doing today. But most importantly..."

He paused, looking at Namjoon with a seriousness that sent a shiver down his spine. "We need to find out what they want from you," Yoongi finished.

Namjoon nodded but then felt his anger spike. "And you think you can just barge into my place without asking?" he snapped, his voice harsh. "You had no right!"

Yoongi's eyes flashed with something akin to surprise before his features smoothed out into a calm expression. "You're right," he conceded. "I should have talked to you first."

"Damn right," Namjoon said, his voice shaking with the intensity of his emotions. "You've been questioning me from the start, treating me like a suspect in your own little world, and then you do this?"

Yoongi held up his hands in a peaceful gesture. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice sincere. "It's just... we're worried about you."

Namjoon took a deep breath, trying to rein in his anger. It was true that Yoongi had been more skeptical than the others, but he had also been one of the most protective. "Worried?" he echoed, his voice laced with doubt. "Or just suspicious of what I might do?"

Yoongi's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

"You've been watching me like a hawk," Namjoon said, his voice rising. "You don't trust me, do you? You think I'm hiding something!"

Yoongi's eyes widened, and he took a step back, holding up his hands. "That's not what I—"

"Don't lie to me," Namjoon cut him off, his voice sharp. "I've seen the way you look at me, the way you hover. It's like you're waiting for me to turn into some kind of monster."

The room grew colder as the silence stretched out between them. Jungkook poked his head out of the kitchen, his eyes wide with shock at the tension in the room.

"I know we have a pact," Namjoon continued, his voice low and dangerous. "But that doesn't give you the right to invade my privacy like that. I'm not one of your possessions, Yoongi."

Yoongi took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving Namjoon's. "You're right," he said finally. "I'm sorry."

Namjoon felt the anger drain from him, leaving him feeling exhausted and more than a little shaky. "Look," he said, his voice softer now. "I get it. You guys are demons. You're used to... doing things differently. But I'm a person. I have feelings, and I deserve respect."

Yoongi nodded, his eyes never leaving Namjoon's. "You're right," he said again, his voice low. "I've been too paranoid. Too protective. It's just..."

He trailed off, and Namjoon felt his curiosity spike. "What?" he prompted.

Yoongi took a deep breath. "In the demon world," he began, "our bonds are... intense. We protect what's ours with everything we have."

Namjoon's heart skipped a beat at the words. "What do you mean by 'what's ours'?"

Yoongi's gaze was unwavering. "Our lovers," he said simply. "Our mates. It's instinctual for us. And when we care about someone, we can't help but want to keep them safe."

Namjoon felt his cheeks flush, the admission hanging in the air like a confession. A sense of longing stirred within, What would it feel like to have someone care for him like that too?

"I understand," he said, his voice shaking slightly. "But I need you to respect my privacy, Yoongi."

Yoongi nodded, his eyes dropping to the floor. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice genuine. "I'll try to do better."

Namjoon sighed, the tension in his shoulders finally beginning to ease. "Thank you," he said, standing up. "I'm just... I'm going to go to bed."

The room was eerily quiet as he made his way to his bedroom, his mind racing with thoughts of the evening's events. A sense of longing, a yearning for something he hadn't realized he needed until now hit him. He closed the door behind him, leaning against it for a moment before making his way to his bed.

As he lay there, the darkness of the room seemed to wrap around him like a blanket, offering a moment of solace. But the comfort was short-lived, as the reality of the situation crashed back into him. He was an exorcist. He couldn't afford to get too attached to demons. He had to keep his focus, had to figure out what the abysmals wanted with him, and what this all meant for his future.

-

Jungkook steps out of the kitchen once Namjoon leaves Yoongi alone.

The moment Jungkook emerged from the kitchen, Yoongi felt the weight of his gaze. The younger demon looked at him with a knowing smile, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You heard everything, didn't you?" Yoongi asked, his voice gruff.

Jungkook shrugged, a cheeky glint in his eyes. "Couldn't help it," he said, his voice teasing. "You guys were pretty loud."

Yoongi rolled his eyes, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips despite the seriousness of the situation. "Well?" he prompted, his eyes searching Jungkook's face.

Jungkook's expression grew serious. "I'm glad you apologized," he said, his voice sincere. "Namjoon's been through a lot."

Yoongi nodded, his gaze dropping to the floor. "I know," he murmured. "It's just... I can't help but be paranoid of everything."

Jungkook stepped closer, his hand reaching out to gently cup Yoongi's cheek. "I know you do," he said, his voice soothing. "But you need to learn to trust him."

Yoongi sighed, leaning into the touch." Without warning, Jungkook leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Yoongi's lips. It was a gentle, comforting gesture that seemed to melt away the tension in the room. He relaxed, his eyes fluttering closed as he deepened the kiss. Jungkook's arms wrapped around him, pulling him closer, and Yoongi felt a warmth spread through his chest, something he hadn't felt in a very long time.

When they broke apart, Yoongi's eyes searched Jungkook's, looking for answers. Jungkook's smile was gentle, his eyes full of understanding. "We're in this together," he whispered, his breath warm against Yoongi's skin. "All of us."

Yoongi nodded, his heart racing. Jungkook was right—they were all in this together. And maybe, just maybe, they could find happiness in the unlikeliest of places.

-

The following week, Namjoon spent his time holed up trying to decrypt the diary.

He had found a pattern in the script—it was ancient, definitely demonic, but not something he recognized from his studies. It was frustrating, but it also meant that the diary was potentially a key to something significant. The symbols danced before his eyes, a language that seemed to be speaking to him, yet remained just beyond his understanding. He was so engrossed in his work that he didn't hear the door open, and he jumped when Seokjin's hand landed gently on his shoulder.

"You're working too hard," Seokjin said, his voice a soft murmur. "Let me see."

Namjoon handed over the diary with a sigh, rubbing his eyes. Seokjin's eyes scanned the pages, and for a moment, Namjoon thought he saw a flicker of recognition. "What is it? I just know it is something demonic and ancient." he asked, leaning in.

Seokjin's expression grew thoughtful as he traced a finger over the script. "It's... it's not something we use anymore," he said finally. "But I know someone who might."

The following day, they found themselves in a dusty, dimly lit bookstore, surrounded by tomes that whispered of forgotten lore. Seokjin had brought them to an old acquaintance of his, a demon named Hyunjin, who was rumored to have knowledge of almost every language, both human and demonic.

He took the diary from Seokjin with a flourish, his eyes lighting up as he began to read the pages. "Ah," he murmured, his voice a purr. "This is old, very old."

Namjoon leaned in, his heart racing. "Can you translate it?" he asked, hope in his voice.

Hyunjin looked up, his eyes meeting Namjoon's with an intensity that made him feel like the room was spinning. "It will take time," he said, his tone cryptic. "But I believe I can."

Seokjin stepped forward, his eyes filled with a mix of hope and apprehension. "Thank you," he said, his voice sincere. "We really appreciate your help."

Hyunjin smiled, a knowing look in his eye. "Consider it a favor," he said. "But I'll need a week. Come back then, and we'll see what secrets this little book holds."

Namjoon nodded, feeling a knot in his stomach loosen slightly. A week. It was a long time, but at least they had a lead. "Thank you," he said, his voice earnest.

Hyunjin waved them off, already lost in the pages of the diary. Seokjin led Namjoon out of the store, the bell above the door jingling merrily as they stepped into the cool evening air.

-

The week passed in a blur of anticipation and unease. Namjoon found himself checking his phone constantly, counting down the hours until they could return to the bookstore.

Finally, the day arrived. Seokjin looked as nervous as Namjoon felt, his grip on the steering wheel tight as they drove back to the bookstore. They walked in, the same dusty scent of old pages greeting them as before. Hyunjin looked up, his eyes bright. "Ah, you've returned," he said, holding out the diary. "And just in time."

Namjoon took the book, his heart racing as he opened it. The pages were filled with Hyunjin's neat, precise notes. The demon had not only translated the script but had also managed to piece together a story, a history that seemed to resonate with something deep within Namjoon.

"What does it say?" he asked, his voice shaking.

Hyunjin leaned back in his chair, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "It tells the story of an artifact, a powerful one, that was lost to time," he began, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "An artifact that could change the balance of power between our worlds."

Namjoon's eyes widened, his heart racing. "What kind of artifact?"

"One that can control the abysmals," Hyunjin said, his voice low. "And it seems... it's linked to you."

The words hit Namjoon like a sledgehammer. "Me?"

Hyunjin nodded, his expression serious. "Your family line has been protecting it for generations," he said. "And now, it's up to you to find it before it falls into the wrong hands."

Namjoon felt his stomach drop as he stared at the pages of the diary. "But... I don't know anything about this," he protested. "I'm just an exorcist."

Hyunjin's smile grew more cryptic. "Ah, but you see, that is where the mystery lies," he said, his eyes gleaming. "The diary speaks of a chosen one, born of a lineage that has been safeguarding this artifact for centuries. And yet, the most crucial portion of the text remains hidden."

He handed Namjoon the diary open to a page with a series of symbols that looked almost like a lock. "This," he said, pointing to the symbols. "It's a seal. Without the key, I cannot unlock its secrets."

The room spun around Namjoon as he took in the information. "But how do I find the key?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Hyunjin's smile was sly. "That, my dear exorcist," he said, "is for you to discover."