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Chapter Text

Mama-him

JeongCheol

Yoon Jeonghan could only blame his parents for his fixed mentality wherein his athletic ability could land him into any professional sports. All worked in his favour, all clubs at school scouted him. But Jeonghan did not want to go pro, instead, he wanted to be a field agent and he has all the physicality and brain for it. Once again, all worked in his favour.

He graduated from the institute with exemplary grades and recommendation from his superiors. Great, but when did it go wrong? Why does the surrounding keep turning? Why is his stomach churning? Why can’t he hit that target?

Why is he dismissed?

When things started to fall apart, Jeonghan cannot blame anybody. He didn’t understand, he was perfect for the job. He was perfect!

Part One

The Fall

Jeonghan woke from his sleep with the phone ringing at his bedside table. He missed that call again. Or better yet, it was nice to miss that call. Nobody wants to hear their best friend getting too naggy early in the morning. Oh wait, it’s midnight. Jeonghan remembered that he intended to take a nap late in the afternoon but it looked like his nap lasted a few more hours.

Life was tough recently.

Jeonghan was born with an athletic physicality, or that what his parents have drilled in his mind when they raised him. His parents even ignored an event that happened during his doljabi wherein Jeonghan picked up his own baby shoe, never let go of it, unbothered by the seven items his parents prepared, including; a ball for athletics, microphone for a singer, flute for musician and many more. How did his parents interpret this event? Jeonghan will be a runner, someone with great stamina, in short, athletic.

Well, his parents were not wrong. Jeonghan had the stamina to move around even before his legs formed enough muscle to support his weight. By the time he could stand, he was climbing before he could even learn to walk. He was always ahead of his physical progress. He was the pride of the Yoon Clan.

His parents are more than happy to enrol him in every after school activities, there were no sports Jeonghan has not tried. He was a star among his friends. He enjoyed that. His ego enjoyed that. That was his life from when he was born until he graduated as a top student in a military institute.

But maybe, his parents should have interpreted his doljabi much better. He could have the chance to prepare for this misfortune. His choosing that shoe, when he was a child, could have meant, he will be grounded to the failure that he is now. Because it hurts to fall this hard after flying so high up.

“Jeonghan,”

Jeonghan was not even a bit surprised to hear his friend’s voice along with his footsteps walking up to his bed, “Why did you bother calling me for when you already broke into my apartment?” He eyed his best friend.

“To give you time to at least put a shirt on,” The other replied.

Hong Joshua, a friend from his childhood, followed him around in all his ventures to the athletic world and even to his career as an agent. Poor man, he was not as blessed as Jeonghan when it comes to his physicality, but determination beats all things, he guessed. Because not only that Joshua got far from attaining what Jeonghan was able to, he was also the one who gets to stay and will be the one who would exceed Jeonghan’s mark.

No, Jeonghan was not resentful at this fact. Jealous, yes, most definitely. But he cannot blame Joshua for his own failure. It was not Joshua’s fault that his body started to betray him. It was not anyone else’s fault that Jeonghan started to get sick, so sick that he was bound in bed for many months.

The most frustrating part is, the doctors could not find what was wrong with him. All his medical tests came back fit. His blood tests all came back with healthy counts of cells - no sign of any tumours or cancer cells. His body is as perfect as it always has been.

No one can explain to him where his headache is coming from, his dizziness and the lack of physical strength. He is often so fatigued. Due to this, he got dropped out of his missions. His superiors thought he could just jeopardise the mission. Obviously, he was offered a temporary job in the headquarters, sure, that was an immediate fix. It showed that the agency did not give up on him.

Only that, it did not sit well with Jeonghan. Being in the headquarter and overseeing the field operations tormented him even more - he could have been the one out there. He could have been the one holding those Mac-16 and felt it vibrating in his grasp. He wanted to feel that exhilarating tension of either kill or be killed. He wanted that feeling. Yet, he was bound on his seat hearing only the progress of every mission. That was not the career he wanted.

Jeonghan requested an indefinite leave like this. His depression has gotten the better of him, so bad that even though he does not feel any strange ache anymore, he is still stuck in a slump. It has been three years. He still could not recover.

Maybe the fear that even if he tried to fix himself, get back to that world only to fall ill again, was stronger than his resolution. If that happens, he doesn’t know if he could even wake up from that. He needs to know for definite that nothing will happen. But who would give him such assurance? Nobody understands his conditions! Nobody. Not even himself.

“Get up, let’s grab some coffee,” Joshua instructed.

Jeonghan scoffed, “Who would drink coffee at this time?” He looked at the clock at the opposite side of the room. It is half-past twelve, midnight.

Joshua rolled his eyes, “Think of it as a morning coffee,” Joshua stared at the state of his friend, “You just woke up, I believe.”

Jeonghan scrunches his nose at his friend, “True, but I don’t feel like going out right now.”

“You know I wasn’t asking. I will drag you out if I have to.” Joshua warned him.

Jeonghan knew Joshua was not kidding when he said this. He sighs, inching out his bed, “Does the agency not give you enough things to do? Why do you still have the energy to pester me between missions?”

“I had enough to do in the agency,” Joshua replied as he started opening Jeonghan’s cabinet to pull out a pair of clothes for the man, “But someone had to check on your sorry ass once in a while.” He threw the clothes at the other man. He couldn’t help but grimace at the look of Jeonghan’s built right now. He has lost so much weight and muscle, although Jeonghan has always been on the leaner side even when he was active. But now, he is almost skin and bones. His hair is also ridiculously long, messy and well, unkempt. Hmm, where can he find a rubber band to tie that hair?

“To check on me, huh?” Jeonghan mumbled, “Is that why you forced that poor junior to come here and do all the housework? You know you’re not meant to exploit your superiority like this.”

Joshua chuckled at the claim, “Do you not remember that Junior? He was a rookie in your squad. Poor man cried when he heard that you dropped out of the field operations.”

Jeonghan raised a brow. Is there some dumbass like that in his squad? He actually could not recall. That junior that comes often to clean his apartment and also occasionally cook before leaving is ridiculously tall and big. He’s not someone that one can easily forget. He could have towered anyone, even for a rookie.

“Mingyu. Kim Mingyu.” Joshua reminded him, surprised to find out that the two have not exchanged names after all this while.

Jeonghan gasped, immediately remembering the name but not much how he looked back then. The junior that shows up in his apartment does not fit the memory that Jeonghan has of the junior, Kim Mingyu, from his squad. “No way,”

Joshua laughs, “I can’t blame you. Kim Mingyu is an accelerated graduate. He was way too young to join the squad, especially your squad specialised in raids. So, let’s say, at that time he first joined, his growth spurts late. He has gotten a lot taller and bigger the past two years.”

“Ah, I see,” Jeonghan nodded, “I supposed continuous workout does accelerate growth.” He noted.

“Mingyu-ssi didn’t mind helping out here. He once said he owed you his life. I don't know the details but that boy adored you so much.” Joshua said, “You know, a lot of people still wait for your return.”

Jeonghan’s chest started to hurt and his ears began ringing as if everything about him did not want to listen.

“Jeonghanah,”

Jeonghan breathes in, “Give me ten minutes to wash up.” He stood up and went to the bathroom. Probably spend five minutes just looking at himself in the mirror, despising the reflection that looks back at him. Where is the pride of Yoon in this person now?

-

“I thought we were just going to have coffee?” Jeonghan asked the moment Joshua returned to their table, bringing also sandwiches with him.

“Didn’t I tell you, this is also breakfast?” Joshua sat down, taking his cup of coffee as he leaned back, “You’ve gotten a lot skinny.” He added.

Jeonghan rolled his eyes, “Well, thanks. I work hard on my diet.” He responded. Hardly the case though. Jeonghan has gotten skinnier, thanks to his lack of appetite recently. Depression really hits hard in any part of life.

“Han-ah,”

Jeonghan only managed one bite of his sandwich when the sound of his nickname uttered by his friend already made his stomach leap. He sighs, “What is it now? Are you going to force me into coming back to the field?”

Joshua sighs back, “If there is any chance, then yes,” He mumbled but then he knew better than to push too hard when Jeonghan is too far away from coming back up again. Maybe not yet. “I won’t. Instead, I’m just wondering about something.”

Jeonghan sighed in relief, swallowing the bit of food stuck on his mouth earlier. He sat up straight, “What are you wondering about?” Maybe it just has something to do with his recent case that he might need Jeonghan’s opinion?

There’s a look of hesitation on Joshua’s face as he finally asked, “Did you happen to offend anyone while you’re at the force?”

What a weird inquiry. It is not uncommon for someone in their field to offend anybody, may it be someone from the organisation or the ones they put behind bars. “Hm, that’s a hard question. Why do you ask?”

“I detected unusual patterns around your circle. Through my probing, I found out that someone, or maybe a team is looking around for you.”

“What?”

“I did not want to bother you with it. I wasn't sure whether my speculation was right or not. Of course, I did not have to worry. The agency is good at hiding their agents’ identities, even those retired or on leave.” Joshua sighed, “So, I’m sure there is nothing to worry about. But if you notice anything weird, do let me know. Geez, of course, you know the protocol. You don’t need to hear this from me.”

Jeonghan did not really want to bother too much with this information. No matter how he tries to carefully think of any events that can warrant this attention from anybody, he just can’t think of anything. “The only weird thing happening to me is you breaking into my apartment now and then. Do I even bother to change the passcode now?”

Joshua laughs, “I’d say you should. It gives me the thrill before I see your sorry ass.”

“I’d only let you call me that twice in a day.” Jeonghan snarled at his friend, “Call me that once more or I will pull your tongue out.”

Joshua only laughed harder, “You talk big for someone who’s off their gears.”

“You—”

“Yes, me. The only one who bothers with you.”

Jeonghan huffed, tired of trying to make Joshua give up on him. If that made sense. “Hm, hurry up with your food and go home. You haven’t had decent sleep lately, right? Are you guys outnumbered?”

Joshua nodded, “Just usual, as you already know. Not all agents are as crazy as you are to join the field. We are just spread around too thin.”

Jeonghan knew that exactly. That’s why it is a must that all field agents are at their top shape, because no one has the time to haul someone else’s weight when everyone’s in a pinch. “Then, you should get all the rest you need. Don’t be worrying about me. I’ll get back to shape before you know it.”

Lies. Jeonghan can never imagine a day will come where he can be his best once again.

-

Now and again, Jeonghan would find himself enjoying the breeze, especially at night. He may have had a hard time hauling himself out of his apartment, but once he is outside, he takes the time to see the bright lights. Now that he is outside, he asked Joshua to drop him over to the Wonhyo Bridge.

Of course, Joshua was suspicious but knew well that Jeonghan would not do something extreme like jumping off the bridge for example. He knew that Jeonghan strongly opposes the idea of suicides, even then.

It took a lot of convincing on Jeonghan’s part to get Joshua to go home though. Finally, Jeonghan is alone to himself, embracing the cool wind hitting his face. The scenery of the city from that bridge is beautiful. It is three in the morning, so not a lot of cars driving past the bridge, it is still relatively quiet. Just the way that he likes it. The low buzzing of automobiles, the gush of wind and the smell of morning approaching - everything is alive but not chaotic. It is calming for him.

It looks like he will wait for the sunrise here. It is not at all a bad spot to watch the sunrise. Between now and then, he will have ample time to clear his mind. Maybe it is about time to gather himself up and get back to the field he thrives so hard to get into.

Jeonghan reached the middle of Wonhyo Bridge around an hour later, he wasn’t walking fast. In fact, he was just pacing, stopping to gaze at the horizon once in a while. He is enjoying this moment, thoroughly if he can be honest about it. Maybe he should do this more often.

Jeonghan smiled to himself, thinking to himself that this is indeed a progress. Somehow, this is different from his usual mental state. Finally, now, he is starting to plan for something on a much brighter side. Even something this simple. Ah, is this the road to recovery?

Jeonghan isn’t too sure because he knows that deep in his mind, the fear of falling back down again is much stronger. He has or had an illness no one can explain. It can strike again any moment, tonight or maybe tomorrow, or in a few years. Nobody knows.

Jeonghan resumed walking once again, coming past the middle of the bridge. He immediately noticed someone else was walking towards his way. He needed to squint his eyes just to be certain it was going his way. Although the person stopped midway, turned towards the side and started climbing over the barrier.

Jeonghan’s heart thumped harder. He doesn’t need to think much about what is happening right now. It is exactly what it looks like. A lot of bridges were erected along the Han River, but this bridge is famous for this kind of act. Suicide.

Jeonghan didn’t hesitate but ran towards the person, it looks like his instinct to save people is still as strong as ever. Although he can clearly tell how unfit he is as he struggled to match his breathing with the pace of his running. He can run fast, that’s something that comes naturally to Jeonghan.

But man, his chest is about to explode by the time he reaches that person at the most crucial time. He held that person by an arm, pulled back until the two of them rolled back to the concrete with a huge thud.

Jeonghan was not able to say anything because that person stood up, angrily started screaming at him and gave Jeonghan a huge kick on his side. “MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS, YOU DUMBASS!” Is what the person said.

Jeonghan groaned. Sometimes, things like this happen. Not all people you save are grateful that you did. Jeonghan did not say a word as he pulled himself up. He noticed that the person started climbing up again, attempting to jump. 

Jeonghan also noticed how the person is actually much bigger than he is. It was no surprise that his kick is a lot more painful than expected - and Jeonghan is used to receiving kicks like this when he was still in training. He knows a huge kick when he receives it. And this person had to be a man.

Jeonghan inched closer, ignoring the ache from the kick he received, “Hey, let’s talk it out,” He grabbed for the man’s hand, “Come on,”

But the man is even more aggravated than he was and Jeonghan thought that damn, he definitely lost his edge when he noticed that the man turned around, picked him up like a paper and pushed him up the barrier.

It all happened so fast, not a word between them, not even a negotiation or a struggle in his part. All that Jeonghan could remember is the cold breeze hitting his back as he plummeted towards the river down below.

Then brightness.

The last that he saw was the burst of beautiful colors reflecting the edge of the bridge, it was like the colour of cherry blossoms on the surface of the water reflecting onto the concrete bridge. It was a beautiful scene.

At least, the last scene he sees before his death is beautiful.

Part One Point Two

Into the New World

Seokmin stares at the human lying still unconscious on the bed. His brows furrowing wondering if he had seen this person before. Now, he doesn’t have the best memory and pretty sure he is mistaken yet again but his gut feeling tells him he has met this human before. He just couldn’t remember when exactly. Or how exactly.

He has only been in the human world several times so his encounters with them are too little to none. So, if he doesn’t remember clearly, it probably did not happen. Probably.

“Seokmin-ah,”

Seokmin looked away from the slumbering human and welcomed the King’s right-hand man, also the childhood friend, also, the most loyal royal guard, Jihoon. “What do I owe this pleasure, high sir.” He addressed the man. Don’t mistake the said man’s height because this man had slain too many demons during the last war fought together with the King.

Jihoon rolled his eyes at the unnecessary title. Seokmin may have been the King’s attendant but the man is also of royal blood. Titles are unnecessary between them. “How is the human?”

Seokmin pouted, “He is in a critical condition.”

Jihoon eyed him back, sceptical. The human may be unconscious but he doesn’t look that battered to be in a critical condition.

Seokmin chuckled, he could easily understand what that complex look on Jihoon’s face meant. “But of course, critical conditions among you warriors are of different scale.” Once again, Jihoon eyed him pointedly. He laughs at him, “When I said the human is in critical condition, what I meant is not physically. This human is bound with a curse.”

Jihoon’s brow raised. “Curse?”

Seokmin nodded, “Not just any curse.” Seokmin went closer to the bed, pulled down the blanket just a little to show the human’s upper chest. And just a little below the right collar bone is an unmistakable mark, “See this? This is the curse mark of the royal- ack ! I remember!”

“Remember what?”

“I remember, I remember now,” Seokmin’s eyes widened and quickly bent over to closely examine the human’s face, “Ah, he lost so much weight but he is just as beautiful as I remembered him.”

“Who?” Jihoon asked, he was getting anxious at Seokmin’s mumbling. The more that the guy is fussing about the new human, the worrisome it is. He is already dreading what he would hear next.

“Who else? The young prince’s human parent!” Seokmin said, undermining the severity of what he just said.

“Say that again?”

This time, it was not Jihoon who asked, it was another person who happened to just entered the room, surprisingly unnoticed by his two subjects.

“Your Majesty,” The two immediately welcomed the King walking up to them.

His Majesty, the King, Seungcheol, is the older one among the two siblings of the direct lineage of the royalty. He is in his prime, leading the kingdom through countless victories, expanding their territory no other Kings have ever done. He is dedicated and fearless. He is this kingdom’s pride.

“Say, who is this human?” Seungcheol asked Seokmin while his eyes were fixed on the human lying on the bed.

If Seokmin did not feel the weight of his words earlier, now he does because if he thinks about it more clearly, and rationally, he has made such an irreversible mistake. Towards the King and the Kingdom and all his ancestors! Admitting to this, he dropped down to his knees, “I made a mistake! I deserve a painful death.”

Seungcheol sighs, “You will meet your death once you tell me everything about this human.”

“T-that would make me not want to say anything,” Seokmin mumbled to himself. Jihoon rolled his eyes. But the King glared at him so he did not want to add more whipping marks on his body. He wants to die handsome at least. “I made a mistake.”

“Yes, that’s hardly surprising,” Seungcheol shook his head, “But tell me what kind of trouble did you get yourself into now?”

“I thought His Majesty already figured it out? Didn’t His Majesty bring him here because His Majesty already knew?” Seokmin suddenly realised this. Why is the King pressing him into telling him what he already knew? Isn’t he a little too cruel?

Seungcheol held his nape, getting impatient with his attendant, also his younger cousin. Explains the brat’s insolence to talking back. “Do I need to carefully tell you? I had no idea.”

Seungcheol isn’t lying. The moment he arrived in the human world, the very first thing that he saw was a human falling off the bridge and before he could stop himself, he already cast a spell and returned to his kingdom along with the human. In the end, he didn’t get to do what he intended to do in the human world. And it was a very important mission too.

In saying that, he needs to get back to the human world and resume what he couldn’t do.

“I see,” Seokmin nodded, “That proves it even more. His Majesty showing up in that specific spot at the very moment confirms that we are talking about the right person.”

The King raised his brow. Right person?

Seokmin went to show Seungcheol the curse mark on the skin of the human. The King did not like where this was going. And his head is already aching just by the possibility. “Hm, he is the missing mama-him .”

Mama-him - literally means, mother-high, also refers to as the prince’s mother.

Seungcheol looked away as if he could turn away from this glaring truth. When Seokmin said he made such a mistake, and that’s not surprising, Seungcheol thought it was something they can easily iron out. But this kind of mistake is either too dull-witted or too grave. It could have lost the prince’s life, and not only that.

Having everything done so poorly, he bet this human in front of them had suffered so much without even knowing why. How did he put another person in such a state for this long? The prince is already two years old, in human years.

“You really chose a male human to be the prince’s mother?” Jihoon spoke behind the King. Rather, he is more like he was just putting a definite conclusion to this revelation. He eyed the culprit, “You had one job to go to the human world to find the best human mother for the prince. They have a gender ratio of 1:1 in the human world, that's a fifty-percent chance for you to not make a mistake in choosing a male from a female.”

Seokmin screeched back, already knew his grave mistake, “I was choosing carefully. I spent my time travelling back and forth despite the danger at the border. Unlike you two, I have much lesser magic, I can’t transport in a blink of an eye. I had to go through so much hardship,” He wasn’t lying, maybe just overly dramatic, “I even got in trouble with the humans. That’s when this human came to my rescue three human years ago. You wouldn’t blame me if you were in my position. I was near at the death’s door when this human walked up to me like a goddess, so beautiful and strong. I knew then, he had to be the mama-him for our next prince.”

“Can’t you be more honest? Admit that you did not realise the human was indeed male at that time,” Jihoon mumbled.

Seokmin stiffened. That might also be true. He just didn’t think that a male human can be so beautiful.

Jihoon rolled his eyes. For sure, he wasn’t mistaken. God knows if Seokmin is just spouting nonsense. Didn’t matter. What’s done is done. In fact, fast forward to that incident, the prince was born very healthy. Perhaps too healthy to have run away.

Seungcheol sighs, a headache now ten times stronger. When he thought that his biggest obstacle after ending the six-year war at the east was finding out that his only son, the prince, had run away - finding out that he unknowingly ruined an innocent human’s life because of his attendant’s clumsiness is also another.

How is he going to fix this? He owes this human an apology. If an apology could even cut it. Who knows what suffering this human went through just for the sake of their Kingdom.

-

Jeonghan woke up to very fluffy beddings like his whole body is in the clouds. He couldn’t even feel pain or strain in his body, he feels a lot lighter. Maybe this is what it feels like to die and wake up in heaven. Heaven, huh? During his time on Earth, he had sinned, he had killed countless people in the name of justice and peace, no matter what is exactly, he was just following orders. But maybe dying while trying to save somebody gave him the ticket to go to heaven? That’s the most logical thing to explain his situation right now.

Moaning into the pillow once more, he gradually opened his eyes. The view of the room did not fall short of his imagination. Yes, it is a little different but nonetheless, beautiful and a little straight out of a fantasy game kind of layout. But that doesn’t bother him because, in Heaven, only good things happen.

Sitting up, he was more than pleased to feel that he is well-rested, no sign of fatigue at all. Even the reflection staring back at him from the gigantic mirror was his image when he was at his top shape. He’s gained back the muscles he had lost, his skin isn’t looking so dull anymore and even his eyes have the glint of excitement all over again.

Indeed, Heaven only gives you the best of the best.

Jeonghan excitedly went to the window. He could not wait to see what Heaven looks like in its entirety.

Not so heavenly that one.

Jeonghan quickly admitted as he stepped away from the window because outside isn’t covered with clouds and cherubs but flying creatures instead. And were those dragons? Jeonghan felt his heartbeat racing again. Has it turned into a nightmare after all? Is he in Hell instead?

What is going on?

Just as his thoughts started to go wild, a knock in the door along with the screeching of it opening made him leap back. Did he hold on to the closest item to him, which happens to be a really heavy stone-like material in a shape of what-is-this-ugly-thing? Nevertheless, it is better than being defenceless.

“I find you have woken up from your great slumber,” There is another person, definitely human, walking up to Jeonghan.

Jeonghan sighed but didn’t let go of the figurine. If he can even call it that way. “W-here am I? Who are you?”

“Do not be afraid, I do you no harm,” The other person said.

Jeonghan eyed the person pointedly. The way the person speaks is strange. He is clearly speaking Korean, but too textbook-like, if not very old-fashioned. “I asked who you are.”

“You will need a change of garment. I have prepared them on top of the dresser. I will come back within the time it takes the incense stick to burn.” Only that, and the other person left once again.

Jeonghan raised a brow. Who speaks like that anymore? And that person is too serious for Jeonghan to even make fun of. Maybe, he will just go with the flow. Sure, he’s already dead anyway.

A little while later, maybe about fifteen to twenty minutes, the same person returned just in time for Jeonghan to finish changing into the change of clothes left for him. It is a little out of style, too many layers for Jeonghan’s liking but nonetheless comfortable to wear. As long as he can still breathe and move, he’d take it.

“I will bring you over to His Majesty.”

Ow, is that how they call God? His Majesty? Jeonghan could not help but wonder. Nevertheless, he followed the kind person with an old-fashioned Korean. He’d give him kudos for trying.

“My name is Seokmin. Seokmin from Lee Household.”

Lee Seokmin? Jeonghan noted. Maybe this guy retained his name when he was still living. Now, he works in Heaven. “Nice to meet you, Seokmin-ssi.”

Seokmin smiled back. He continued to guide him towards the King’s chamber.

Jeonghan quietly followed the other guy. The hallway was long but huge, it was like the size of a tunnel, only it was beautifully decorated with gorgeous paintings and also portraits of handsome people. Those people in the portraits are too handsome they couldn’t be real people. Where do they find inspirations for these men in the portraits? Even that Seokmin guy can make any Korean idols run for their money. Heaven does know how to select good-looking people.

“We have arrived,” Seokmin announced as he pushed the gigantic door.

Yet, Jeonghan did not have to wonder for too long because the moment he entered that room, he was welcomed by the sight of a man that could only verify that yes, men that looked as gorgeous as those in the portraits do exist. What an unfair world. What did this man do in his life on Earth to ascend to Heaven with all the visual glory a man can get?

“Your Majesty, I have brought the human guest.” Seokmin once again announced.

“Would you mind asking the kitchen for a refreshment?” The King replied to Seokmin. He also turned his head to the human guest, “Are you famished?”

Jeonghan was not able to respond. He knows the question was directed at him, the handsome guy with heavy long lashes is looking at him with undivided attention. Of course, he was asking him! The problem is, he can barely understand what he meant.

If Seokmin speaks old Korean, then this other, gorgeous, person is talking in broken Korean. Some of his words are in Korean, but only the oldest term that Jeonghan doesn’t even know still existed in a modern dictionary. 

“His majesty is inquiring whether you would desire any nourishment,” Lee Seokmin rephrased.

“Y-yes, sure, nourishment .” Jeonghan quickly replied, still slightly taken aback by the choice of words. But he understood that one. “I’m a tad bit hungry.”

Seokmin laughs, noting the new words to add to his vocabulary. Sure, and tad bit hungry sounds cooler to say. It rolls perfectly on his tongue. “That is to be expected, our human guest. You have been in slumber for two long months.”

Jeonghan’s eyes widened. “T-two months?” How is that possible? Is this what they call forty-nine days of senseless wandering before going into the light after death?

“Oh my, sorry to have startled you,” Seokmin also gasped, “I must have forgotten that human time and our time in the Kingdom runs differently. What I meant is, you have been slumbering for one human week.”

Hm. Jeonghan still couldn’t respond. He doesn’t know what to make out of that. Everything is becoming too confusing for it to be an afterlife. In the afterlife, he wanted to do nothing but laze around and hear nothing as complicated as this.

“Although one human week is approximately ,” Seokmin grinned proudly at that term, he picked that up quite recently in his last travel in the human world. However, he continued, “two months in here. It was enough time for our healers to help your body recuperate. That could explain why you woke up in such a glorious state.”

Jeonghan unconsciously nodded to that. He did notice that he is in much better shape now. It was as if he was never sick. But that’s because he is in the afterlife now. You’re not meant to feel burdened.

“You are as beautiful as I first met you, our dearest human.” Seokmin later added.

Jeonghan raised a brow at this statement, “First met me?”

Seokmin nodded, “Yes,”

How come? When? Jeonghan wanted to ask but the door in that room opened up, and a procession of servants….? Jeonghan wasn’t too sure about that part, but these people in uniforms came in bringing trays of what looked like nourishments and started setting up the center table. They disappeared after quietly doing the chores.

“Ah, Jihoon-ssi, I was about to go and ask the kitchen.” Seokmin grinned, scratching his nape in an embarrassed manner. “But I am glad that you did.”

The Jihoon guy that Seokmin called stood right next to the King, his face is as passive as compared to Jeonghan’s scary superior back in the agency. The only difference is that, this Jihoon guy is on the shorter side. Standing right next to that person Seokmin called as His Majesty, only emphasised how short he is. He doesn’t even reach past His Majesty’s shoulder.

“Have a seat,” His Majesty finally gestured towards the center table.

Jeonghan may not have fully understood what the tall dude of His Majesty had said but he got by understanding the gesture. Besides, don’t mind if he does. The food looks so heavenly - no pun intended. This is exactly how he imagined food in Heaven’s banquet would look like. He also noted that his appetite seemed to return. He could not wait to eat!

Jeonghan quickly took a seat. His eyes couldn’t leave the food but still had the decency to wait until the other people also took a seat, apart from Jihoon who insisted to stand right next to the King, who had sat down.

“May I ask for your name?” His Majesty asked, glad that the human did not shy away from feeding. He did look like he was starving.

Jeonghan eyed him confusedly, unable to reply.

“Your Majesty,” Seokmin hissed, “Weren’t you studying the human language the past two months? You’re still communicating with him in our tongue.”

The King, Seungcheol, thought for a while. Well, yes, he did make an effort to learn human language during the time this human stayed in bed. It was not much of a problem, really.

The Kingdom’s language derived from the same source as the human language - later down the line, this same language advanced separately based on the people that speak it. But some words remained the same. The King sighs, rephrasing himself in words that he expects the human to understand, “Can I get your name?”

Both Seokmin and Jihoon couldn’t help the twitch on their faces hearing their King speak in a manner so unlike him. Seokmin found that hilarious, while Jihoon just couldn’t decide what he feels about it.

Whereas, Jeonghan was the least surprised. Instead, he was relieved. He didn’t expect that he would be able to communicate with His Majesty, aka, the God of Heaven. “I thought you already knew?” Jeonghan responded.

The King shook his head, “I am afraid not.”

Jeonghan eyed him, confused, “My name is Yoon Jeonghan,” He responded, nonetheless. He also added, “Don’t you have all the names of the dead folks ascending to Heaven?”

“Dead folks? Heaven?” The King repeated, slightly surprised and confused. He understood the concept, that’s not the problem here. He just did not expect that the human would be in that mentality as they converse right now. He sighs, “You’re not dead, Jeonghan-nim. And this is not Heaven.”

“Jeonghan-ssi is fine, Your Majesty,” Jeonghan responded but the rest of what the King had said yanked on his sanity like a boomerang. “THIS IS NOT HEAVEN? THEN, IS THIS HELL? YOU’RE A DEMON? SATAN?”

Seokmin almost fell back on his chair, surprised by the big reaction coming from the human. Whereas, Seungcheol was surprised but hid it well.

However, Jihoon did not take it lightly. “How dare you compare His Majesty to those vile creatures?” He snarled.

Thankfully, Jihoon does not speak the human language. Seungcheol was relieved at that but it does not mean Jihoon sounded less threatening. Thankfully again, Jeonghan seemed to be in the middle of a mental crisis to even bother with the Royal Guard’s statement.

“Jeonghan-ni — Jeonghan-ssi, please calm down,” Seungcheol said calmly. Did he expect this much, did he not? This is why he made the effort to update his human vocabulary. “You’re neither in Hell.”

“Then, purgatory…?” Jeonghan winces, dreading the answer.

“Neither, Jeonghan-ssi,” Seungcheol sighs, “Why do you have the impression you have died, may I ask?”

Jeonghan pouted, “Didn’t I fall off the bridge? I saw the light…?”

Seungcheol nodded, “Yes, you did fall off the bridge, but the light you have seen is my portal.”

“Hm, portal.” Jeonghan nodded, sounds plausible. He closed his eyes, thinking about it all over again. This time, he concluded nothing seemed plausible at all. Nothing made sense just like his illness no doctors can explain! What is this mysterious event again? Why is he suffering this much in his life? “Can I just be dead?” He whined.

“Jeonghan-ssi, you must not have such thought,” Seokmin interrupted this time. “That would break the Prince’s heart.”

Hm? Prince?

Seungcheol glared at his ever clumsy attendant. It is already complicated to go through this calmly without upsetting the human. Can he just stay quiet and not make everything even harder?

But then again, how is he going to attain that intended result?

“Jeonghan-ssi, I have no better way of explaining to you your situation, but know this that we did not mean any harm to you or other humans. Something like this has not happened before.” Seungcheol tried to say, while he gave Seokmin that eye to remind the attendant of how one mistake can result in this. “Please, would you care to listen?”

Jeonghan wanted to refuse. Of course, this supposed King sounded like a doctor about to tell his patient about cancer that they found and it is in stage four. Jeonghan watched enough dramas to know where this is heading. But then, this gorgeous doctor, well, he meant His Majesty asked oh-so-nicely. How can he refuse? “Go ahead.” As if I can run away from this anyway. He thought. And didn’t he say that he did not mean any harm? Given Jeonghan’s situation, that’s good enough for him.

“Our worlds used to be one,” Seungcheol started, examining any reluctance in Jeonghan’s face but the human remained impassive. The human even started to sip on his beverage. So, Seungcheol continued gingerly, choosing only the best version of the entirety, “At some point of our history, our worlds divided into many timelines, one of them is the world you’re living, the human world. We call your world ‘Pyeong-on’, as this world is the blessed one, free from all the evil,”

Jeonghan wanted to differ. The human world is not that free from evil. Otherwise, Jeonghan wouldn’t have to join the agency if the world is indeed as serene as what this person, His Majesty, called it. Pyeong-on means Serenity, a peaceful place.

“In contrast, this world, my Kingdom is commonly known as the Seok-yeong. It is neither peaceful nor chaotic. To remain peaceful, we have to continuously patrol the border. But that should not be any of your worries.”

Jeonghan took another sip on this floral tea, which he may add suited his palette perfectly. Seok-yeong means crystal, or to be more precise, quartz. And if Jeonghan would look around to start taking in fine details of the embroidery he can see anywhere he looks, a flower or to be exact, a rose seemed to symbolise this kingdom. He can also see it embroidered onto the King’s coat. Quartz and rose, huh. Rose Quartz? Jeonghan couldn’t stop his deductive skill to flare at this moment, no matter how maddening this all sounds.

Now that he thinks about it, that was the colour of the bright light he sees as he falls off the bridge. Cherry blossoms.

“Jeonghan-ssi,”

“I’m following,” Jeonghan waved him off, much to Jihoon’s displeasure. Such an act of insolence in front of His Majesty. “I just don’t know where I fall in this situation, I’ve got to be honest.” He mumbled.

Granted he entered a different dimension, that on his own is enough to make anyone lose their shits but Jeonghan had reached that point where the world could produce dragons or unicorns for all he cares, and he couldn’t be bothered. At least, someone has an explanation for this bizarre event. Unlike the illness, he seemed to have but no one can explain. He’s exhausted trying to negate what seemed to be a natural order at this point.

“Yes, of course,” Seungcheol realised he is getting ahead of himself there by explaining unnecessary details to the human. He continued, “I will get to the point where you come in relevant.”

“Oh great,” Jeonghan didn’t mean to sound sarcastic, but who could blame him? And is that tiny guy has a permanent scowling face? Jeonghan could not ignore him anymore. If he wasn’t scowling, he could look so adorable as a puppy. And Jeonghan is a cat person, although he has never owned one. He just knows.

“I could not go into details but my Kingdom, even from my great-great grandfather’s generation, have been dealing with a common issue of the lack of female population. Some say our Kingdom has been cursed and is due to vanish in existence soon enough. To this day, our race can only produce males.”

Hm, straight off a fantasy webtoon. The perverted harem type. Jeonghan wanted to comment but too flustered to say anything. The longer they are having this conversation the more that he wanted to punch himself. Can he finally wake up from this? But then again that should explain why there are only males in the portraits in the hallway. But that’s the least of what’s making sense now!

“Our ancestors, who are in contrast to yours in Pyeong-on, have been blessed with the knowledge of magic. And before our race could cease, they have created quite a strong form of magic wherein we could reproduce by borrowing a female human’s energy - I am lost for a better way to describe this process.”

Jeonghan is listening. Of course, he does. He is just busy trying to make a straight face because His Majesty is telling him this ridiculous tale with the most serious face. His handsome face made it even harder for Jeonghan to react the way he would have if it was his friend, Joshua, telling him this same story.

“This process has become a norm. I am too, a product of this magic. My mother is human, in a sense. We call this human, mama-hon, soul-mother .”

Jeonghan stared at His Majesty, trying to see if there is any hint of human characteristic in him. But of course, the answer is yes. Besides the fact that these people’s beauty is ethereal to be humans, they do look like humans. Only superior in beauty. They don’t have horns or tails just how a webtoon of this level of ridiculousness would depict. “Good for you.” He mumbled.

“However, we may have used female humans for this magic, but we kept everything in secrecy. The chosen soul-mother does not recognise this process. The duration of what you humans call as pregnancy does not hinder the female’s daily life. Our ancestors made sure that while we gain from this process, we do not harm humans in return.”

“It looks to me you guys simply just steal egg cells,” Jeonghan mumbled.

“Egg cells?” Seungcheol asked, dumbfounded. He does not recognise that term. Is that a reproductive organ? And stealing organs would have been unlawful. Even for a thriving country.

For the first time, Jeonghan laughs. He couldn’t help but find the Almighty King’s expression funny. “I don’t know whether I’d be thankful that at least you guys do not just kidnap women, impregnate them and leave them for dead.”

“Ow, that would be definitely disastrous,” Seokmin this time is quicker than the King to react. “We don’t condone such barbaric ways. Our reproducing magic is designed to not harm the soul-mother.”

“That’s good enough for me,” Jeonghan mumbled and now looked at the King straight in the eye, “So tell me, where do I come in the picture?”

Seungcheol pursed, unsure how to return the human’s stares. He has never exchanged this kind of stares from anybody at all. Everyone, since from the day he was born up to now, has never dared look at him with those eyes. They always look down. This is new to Seungcheol. However, he owed this human an explanation, and apology if ever he gets a chance after it is over.

“Six years ago - that would mean, three human years,” Seungcheol quickly corrected himself for the human’s comprehension, “The elders have decided that the Kingdom is due a prince, that prince would become my heir.”

Three years ago. This is already making Jeonghan feel sick just the mention of it.

“As I have been caught up in a war, my attendant, Seokmin here,” Seungcheol eyed the said male, who glowered to his seat, “Was sent to Pyeong-on to find a soul-mother for my child.”

Jeonghan doesn’t feel like listening anymore. Everything seemed to turn grim the more that he listens. He has the feeling he will not like where this is going.

“He happened to make a mistake of choosing you.”

Jeonghan closed his eyes as he carefully put down his cup. He’s trying to process what he just heard, taking only the most plausible part of this whole mess. He did say he wanted an explanation for his mysterious illness that started three years ago. But he never thought that this is what he is going to get.

Never.

And he isn’t sure whether he liked this better than not knowing about it at all. Is it better to be ignorant, after all?

“Jeonghan-ssi?” Seungcheol worriedly called out. It is as he was expecting, or afraid of. The human would have a hard time taking it all in. If Seungcheol has any other way to deal with his son on his own, he would not even dream of involving Jeonghan at all. He has done him enough damage already to put him through this too.

“So, in the end, that pain and discomfort I had for a year were me going through pregnancy?” Jeonghan asked, his eyes widened, unable to keep his emotions anymore.

“Well, you can lay it out that way.”  His Majesty nodded.

“I… I…,” Jeonghan’s fists are forming with the surge of emotions, mostly anger at this point. And he didn’t even know which point of this whole situation he finally accepted that this is all real to have this raw emotion of anger and frustrations. “I thought this magic is safe? I thought the human mother is not meant to even feel this all happening and would not affect their daily lives? Dude, my life has turned upside down!”

Seungcheol looked away, never once in his life did he feel sorry or had the feeling that he should be kneeling on the ground asking for forgiveness because this human deserved that. His anger is to be expected. Seungcheol may not have the full scale of how much this situation had caused Jeonghan’s life to fall apart, but he did not deserve any of this.

Seokmin noted the King’s silence so he took the part to explain, “You’re right that the chosen soul-mother should not be harmed. The magic is designed that way. But Jeonghan-ssi, the magic is created towards females who have a natural disposition to carry a child, with or without magic. However, in your case as a male, the magic had to redesign itself to suit your predisposition. In other words, it made some necessary changes for the whole process to succeed. That explains the discomfort that you may have felt.”

“I’m at loss for words,” Jeonghan groaned, “Why did you guys allow this to happen? Did you not realise the mistake?”

Seokmin pouted, “It was my fault. His Majesty and the whole Kingdom did not know of this situation until very much recently.” He admitted. “If Jeonghan-ssi is not aware yet, you’re very pretty. I have mistaken you for a female three years ago.”

Jeonghan scoffed, whether to take that as a compliment or die in frustration. It is true, isn’t it? Beauty can be a curse. He never knew that his handsome face can lead him to this path.

“Other than that, we would have never thought that a mistake was made because the Prince was born very healthy. In fact, if I’d be so stubborn to mention this, the Prince is as gorgeous as you are, Jeonghan-ssi. He has taken after you more than His Majesty.”

Jeonghan was speechless, dumbfounded. Whereas, the King glared at Seokmin once again. Seungcheol may dislike that thinking but he is not entirely opposed to it. Now that Jeonghan is sitting in front of him, he could see similarities between him and the Prince. Perhaps, Seokmin is right. The Prince has taken after Jeonghan-ssi, his face, his skin and even his smile. Even the way he holds that cup.

“Okay, granted this is all real,” Jeonghan sighs, “Where is the kid?” He has to see for himself this child who has become the product of his pain throughout the last three years. Come to think of it, that child is his child!

Seungcheol quieted.

“Gone,” Seokmin admitted.

Jeonghan’s eyes widened, his head almost snapped towards the King’s way, “Y-you lost the child? Is h-he dead?” What happened to all his hardships? How can they let this happen?

“You’re mistaken,” Seungcheol finally responded, “The child is not dead. He simply just ran away.”

“What?” Jeonghan once again was left dumbfounded. “A two-year-old toddler running away? Are you kidding me? What kind of crazy shit is this? Haaa, I’m baffled!” In fact, what isn’t crazy anymore?

“I’m beginning to dislike the way this human speaks.” Jihoon finally couldn’t restrain himself from speaking. No matter if he hardly understood what the human had said but one can tell he is cursing at his King right now. He has never seen his King this beaten before, not even in front of a hundred centaurs of the North. And that was a tough battle. But why in front of this human does the King look pathetic?

“The Prince may be two-year-old in human years but here, he is four years old.” Seokmin interjected once again, “Admittedly, that would still be a bit too young to run away. But our Prince is accompanied by his royal guards. His royal guards are in no position to disregard a Prince’s command. That is just how it is.”

Jeonghan knew that. That’s just how royalty works, anywhere, even in dramas. “So, what prompted this Prince to run away?”

“Oh simple,” Seokmin laughs, “To find you, of course.” He also noted that the more he converse with Jeonghan, the faster his Korean evolve. This is also true towards the King’s.

“Me? To find me?”

Seokmin nodded, “You see, Jeonghan-ssi. Normally, when the child is born, we cut the ties with the soul-mother, that’s just ending a contract,”

“One-way contract, you meant,” Jeonghan corrected. Need him to remind that all this is happening without the human knowing.

Seokmin grinned, “Yes, you may say that. Nevertheless, things like that have to be done to guarantee that the child would not crave for the maternal parent. But in your case, we never found you.”

“Ha?”

“Well, because of so many reasons,” Seokmin was embarrassed to continue but he did anyway, “When I went to look for you, obviously I was expecting to find a woman. I did not even consider that the mama-him is in fact a man. It also did not help that you somehow vanished.”

Is that when he took an indefinite leave? The agency made sure they don’t provide any leakage on their agents’ personal information. Also, during Jeonghan’s depression, he barely left his apartment. He is basically living as if he was dead. So, he understood what Seokmin meant about him disappearing.

“So, that is the main reason why the Prince has run away. We failed to cut ties with his soul-mother, so from the day he was born up to now, he’s got an irrepressible desire for maternal care. And that of course a first. We’ve never made this mistake before.”

Jeonghan breathes in. Going through everything in his head once more. He’s slowly trying to get the gist of all this and surprisingly he did not find this revolting. The only thing that is nagging at him is, how can one fucken lose a child? He sighed to himself, “Were you even trying to find this child?”

Seungcheol’s ears perked up. That’s ridiculous to even assume that he did not. And he didn’t like the feeling of seemingly having been called out as an irresponsible parent. “We have. I have tried to track him personally for the last two months while you’re recuperating.”

Jeonghan raised a brow, “And did you find him?”

“I’m afraid no,” Seungcheol admitted. “If I have, I would not have dragged you into this mess-“

“Sorry, what?” Jeonghan interrupted, “You expect me to not get involved? Kinda too late for that now.” Jeonghan doesn’t know where this sudden desire to get involved in this mad situation is coming from. Maybe just desperation to find meaning for his downfall.

“Do not be mistaken, Jeonghan-ssi.” Seungcheol sighs, “I must protect the Kingdom and its code of secrecy. I have intended to reverse the strain on your body caused by our magic. I have already done so. You can already tell that there is nothing wrong with your body anymore. The only thing left is to return you to the human world. So, you can return to your normal life as if nothing has happened.”

“What…?”

“That was my original intention.” Seungcheol admitted, “As you can tell, I took all the trouble into explaining to you everything. Simply put, I still intended to trouble you once more.”

“Of course you need me!” Jeonghan finally could tell he has lost it. Before all of this nonsense, he would have been jumping around to find out that he is fixed and he can resume his normal life where he is the finest of them all. But why is he regressing from this mentality? Why is he pushing himself into this fictional reality? Has he gone mad?

“I have realised that my connection with my son is insufficient to track him. You see, the guards that have accompanied his venture are one of the best guards in the Kingdom. They are equipped to redirect their tracks.”

“Meaning, they're untraceable.” Jeonghan rephrased it.

Seungcheol nodded, noting the choice of words. He didn’t know you could use that term. “I believe that the Prince is relying on his connection in finding you. So, I thought of instead of trying to senselessly finding—”

“You will just lie in wait using me as bait,” Jeonghan knew where this was going. Of course, whatever is the case, wherever it will be -  operations of baiting is always going to be the same. He’s got to give it to the King though, this is a rather smart move. Why bother jumping around when you can just sit? “So, do you have any general idea where the Prince is?”

“In the human world,” Seungcheol answered.

“Oh,” Jeonghan did not know why he bothered asking. It only figures why the Prince could be in the human world. If the child is looking for him, he would have to cross dimensions. “Well, that is handy.”

“I’m glad you think so,” The King responded. He is getting impatient. It is not at all safe for a Prince to be out there in another dimension. As he said, there are other dimensions present, no matter what the case, everyone will be up to grab a Prince of other dimensions, especially one from Seog-Yeong, where the citizen is packed with raw magic. Especially for royal blood, his son could entice all the danger where he goes. He just hopes that the Prince’s guards will live up to their reputation and keep the Prince safe. Or their heads would be rolling.

“So, say, what’s your name?” Jeonghan finally had the right mind to ask. He kept calling the King by his title. It gets really tiring for his tongue.

Seokmin chuckled under his breath, Jihoon at least understood what the human asked and scowled at it almost instantly. If this human isn’t the Prince’s mother, he would have sliced him by the neck already.

“Choi Seungcheol.” The King was a little flustered as he said his name. It was definitely a first for him to provide his name. Everyone in the Kingdom is expected to know his name, even the ones he crossed paths in battles. All of them could have heard of him and his legacy before meeting him. This is the first to have to exchange names.

“Cool, it suits you.”

Choi Seungcheol once again was left speechless. That has happened way too many times than Seungcheol would like to admit.

-

Whereas back in Pyeong-on, or the human world, one of the Royal guards that the King has put his faith into has his arms tied behind his back. Not that he is in trouble or something, he just thought that it would make his job easier if he let these humans capture him. His Highness had insisted that one of these men carries the scent of his soul-mother. 

Although it had been three human days since he got captured, there is no sign of a lady showing up in this man’s tiny house. So, he is beginning to wonder if the Highness was mistaken. Is it a waste of time, after all? And is the Highness safe? He should be, right?

He left him in the care of Myungho and Jun, the two of them have always been reliable. There is also Hoshi. That feline might have a different agenda accompanying them in this world, but he is of Seok-yeong, he will protect His Highness in a heartbeat.

“Mingyu, any progress?”

The Royal guard paid attention to the other human coming into that room, asking the guy that had been left in charge of him. He gathered that the first guy is called Mingyu and the other guy is Joshua. Both of these guys carry the mama-him’s scent, according to His Highness. So, definitely, these men are somehow close acquaintances with the mama-him.

“No, he has not spoken a word. I’m starting to believe he doesn’t speak Korean, sunbae.”

“That’s impossible. He looks Korean to me.” This Joshua guy responded. “No matter, we need to make him talk. He should know where to find Jeonghan. He was snooping around for him before Jeonghan disappeared. So, he must know where Jeonghan went. Does he not speak any language you know? You’re multilingual, aren’t you?”

“I spoke to him in all the languages known to man,” Mingyu sighs, “I got no reaction.”

The guard sighed, never has he been this frustrated. He cannot understand anything at all. Maybe he should have let Myungho do this? Myungho speaks a little bit of human language after all. He should be able to understand what these men are saying. But, he couldn’t put anyone else in the pack in danger either. He didn't think his infiltration would take this long. He was expecting the mama-him will show a few hours into his capture. But it has been three human days.

He’s getting tired of playing stare with this man called Mingyu. Although the meals he brings are delicious. He also did not like that for a human, this Mingyu is much bigger than he is. And he is quite tall himself! Wonwoo did not like that one bit.

Chapter Text

Mama-him

JeongCheol

Yoon Jeonghan could only blame his parents for his fixed mentality wherein his athletic ability could land him into any professional sports. All worked in his favour, all clubs at school scouted him. But Jeonghan did not want to go pro, instead, he wanted to be a field agent and he has all the physicality and brain for it. Once again, all worked in his favour.

He graduated from the institute with exemplary grades and recommendation from his superiors. Great, but when did it go wrong? Why does the surrounding keep turning? Why is his stomach churning? Why can’t he hit that target?

Why is he dismissed?

When things started to fall apart, Jeonghan cannot blame anybody. He didn’t understand, he was perfect for the job. He was perfect!

Part Two

The Royal Mark

Jeonghan did not have to validate how real the situation is. He literally just walked out a portal and straight back into his apartment. This time he is not alone though, he is accompanied by His Majesty, Choi Seungcheol and his royal guard, Lee Jihoon. By the way, he did not know he would be coming too. He eyed him.

Seungcheol seemed to notice Jeonghan staring at Jihoon so he quickly explained, “He has his own business to come here in Pyeong-on,” He slightly leaned over close to Jeonghan as he added, “You see, one of the guards that accompanied my son is his husband. So, he would like to give him a beating.”

“H-husband?” Jeonghan repeated.

Seungcheol nodded, aware of the tone of surprise coming from the human. “It figures, no? Since our Kingdom’s population is only composed of males. It is more than common to marry between males. It is even more so with werebeasts.”

“Werebeasts,” Jeonghan repeated but hardly wanted to hear more about it. Whatever he had heard was already too much for him to take. He has his limit up to how much he can accept in a day. Diving into the world of werebeasts will be a tipping point for him. He would appreciate it if this endless information would slow down at this point.

“Jihoon, are you heading out already?” Seungcheol noticed that his guard is getting ready to set off.

Jihoon nodded at his King. “I better start tracking them.”

“Already?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Jihoon looked around, “That feline was here recently. If I don’t follow his scent, I’ll lose them.”

“I see. It looks like your husband and the others were close to finding out about Jeonghan-ssi. They have come this close.” Seungcheol commented, “Do you want me to come with you?”

“No, Your Majesty.” Jihoon quickly said, “It would be best if you stay here just in case they come back to check. Especially when the mama-him is back here personally. His scent will be all over the place again.”

“Hm, that makes sense.” Seungcheol again.

“Also, the human looks like he needs to rest. Unlike us, travelling through portals is taxing for his body.”

Seungcheol returned his gaze at Jeonghan and true to what Jihoon had said, Jeonghan looked like was about to fall asleep. He couldn’t even resist yawning. “Yes, of course. I will let the human rest while you check the territory. We will head out tomorrow once we know where to start looking.”

Jihoon nodded. “Of course, Your Majesty. Well, then. I will head out now.”

“Ah Jihoon-ssi,” Jeonghan may not understand what the two men are talking about but he kind of guessed through their gestures. Besides they used a few of old Korean words, so he thinks he got it. “Are you leaving?”

Jihoon looked at His Majesty, wondering what the human had asked him. Seungcheol translated it for him. He then replied with a nod.

“Oh, are you going out looking like that?” Jeonghan asked. Jihoon and even Seungcheol were not exactly dressed like how humans would in this dimension. He would look suspicious-looking like that. Unable to speak the language is not even the most worrisome part.

Jihoon did not understand so he looked at his King once again for clarification. This time Seungcheol replied instead, “Does he need a change?”

“Definitely!” Jeonghan instantly answered. “No one dresses like that anymore. People would think you’re cosplaying or filming a movie or something. Come, I’ll lend you my clothes, Jihoon-ssi.” He quickly grabbed Jihoon’s arm, who gave him a scandalised look but too surprised to resist.

A little while later.

Jeonghan and Jihoon both came out of the room. Seungcheol could not imagine how Jeonghan managed to get Jihoon to wear the clothes that he wears now. Never did Seungcheol ever thought, or dared to think that he would see Jihoon one day clad in anything else other than his uniform.

How would Seungcheol describe this new outfit? First, it is a few layers short. Their Kingdom is rather colder than Pyeong-on, so their usual outfit has many layers. The one that Jihoon wears now is just a thin, loose red stripe shirt. The trousers he wears are tattered, maybe it is a style but for Seungcheol it looks like it needs to go to the trash. It is also white - he has never seen Jihoon wear white before. He would often say that the blood will just stain it anyway.

So, this is definitely a strange view for him. Nevertheless, it was not an awful sight to look at. Knowing well, the one suffering more inside is Jihoon. If this is what it takes to find the Prince, then, it has to be done.

“Thankfully I still keep my old clothes. I wore them when I was still in the institute.” Jeonghan smiled, “See, Jihoon-ssi, I knew you would look adorable.”

Jihoon did not react. No matter what the human said to him, he has the feeling he would not like it at all. And his King did not even bother translating that one. That look on the King’s face meant that it would be best for him not to know. “I will head now. I will be back before sunrise.”

“Be careful.” Jeonghan said, beating Seungcheol to it. When Jihoon left, Jeonghan sighs, “I think we should go with him.” He later told Seungcheol.

“Yes, after you have rested,” Seungcheol said.

“Me? Why? I am fine.” Jeonghan was confused. He is a little tired, or wait… Is he jet-lagged? “Going through the portal gives you jet-lagged?”

“Jet-lagged?” Seungcheol repeated, “I’m sorry, Jeonghan-ssi, but I don’t understand the term.”

Jeonghan sighs, “Nevermind. I guess it only made sense that I will feel fatigued.”

“So, you are not fine.” Seungcheol pointed out. “Have a rest. It will help you heal.”

“How about you?”

“I will keep guard.”

Jeonghan raised a brow, “Do you have to? It is not as if someone is out to get us.”

Seungcheol laughs, “Maybe not and hopefully not.” He looked out the window, “Jihoon said that his husband was here in your house. You see, Jihoon is of a different race,” Seungcheol stopped as he noticed that Jeonghan pouted at another yet new information or probably another shock. He laughs at this again. “Apologies, no more of these what you find weird. But what I’m trying to say is that the Prince’s guards have gotten this far on their search for you. They left their scent here so Jihoon can trace them back with that.”

“Oh, sounds like our search K-9.” Jeonghan commented.

“Right. Jihoon is from a canine race.”

“I regret saying that,” Jeonghan sighs, “My life has turned from mystery to fantasy all of the sudden. And now I have become a mother without me knowing,” Jeonghan laughs, “What else is in store for me, Your Majesty.” It was a rhetorical question, of course. He did not want to know the answer to that.

Even though Jeonghan got all the proof that he needed to verify that this is all real and happening, of course, a part of him still denies it. These are all not normal. But then, this abnormality perfectly explained the biggest mystery in his life. So, he guessed this must be his new reality now.

“You must have really missed the Prince.” Jeonghan belatedly said.

Seungcheol nodded, “I haven’t spent a lot of time with the Prince.” He admitted, “During the time he was born, I was stuck at the border fighting a long battle that started three years from then and lasted six years in total. I have been there until recently.”

“What? So, have you ever met your son?”

“I have,” Seungcheol quickly responded, “I make sure I routinely come home to see him.”

Jeonghan eyed him, sceptical. “Are you sure?”

Seungcheol nodded.

Jeonghan winces his eyes at him, this time almost teasing, “Do you even know how he looks?”

Seungcheol scoffed, “Of course. He looks like you.” He replied before he could stop himself. Well, normally he would have better control for his words than now. But there is just something with this human that made him anxious, that he didn’t want to look bad. Is it pride? It is only natural to defend yourself. He didn’t want to sound like a bad parent. Especially towards the mama-him. Does he really care this much how this human thinks?

It should not matter. When they find the Prince, as promised, he will return Jeonghan to his normal life as if all of these did not happen. It is just the right thing to do. It should have happened this way. No one from Seok-yeong should get involved with the soul-mother. No one.

“Ah, I see,” Jeonghan was flustered, whether because the King was honest or to find out that the child had taken after him. He felt like a part of him is already laid out in the open in front of the King. He suddenly felt exposed. What else does the Prince do that he inherited from Jeonghan? Does he climb the couches too before he could walk? Or does he outrun anyone? Or was he as cheeky? Was he able to lie his way out of anything and everything?

Funny, the very fact that the four-year-old child has managed to sneak past the whole Kingdom, and even into a different dimension already answers his very question. Yes, the Prince may have taken after him by quite a lot. That spunky child. Realising that, what part of the Prince’s character did he get from his father then?

Jeonghan peeked at the King. Sure, the King is breathtakingly handsome. He has that pair of beautiful eyes, adorned by dark long lashes. He has that prominent tall nose and red plump lips. He also has a strong set of jaws. Come to think of it, the King is a perfect representation of that handsome protagonist King from any fantasy webtoon. He really does look the part. It’s not even funny. Jeonghan thought, shivering at this fact. Not only does Seungcheol look the part, he, in fact, play the part too.

“Jeonghan-ssi?” Seungcheol noticed the human quieted, although he could feel the stare, he was worried more about what the human could be thinking. So, he tried to ease his mind. “I promised to give your normal life back. So, please, don’t be worrying.”

“Ha?” Jeonghan responded, a little lost but upon further thinking, he understood what the King had said, “I see. Of course, you guys with magic can erase someone’s memory, huh?”

“It is how it has always been done.” Seungcheol honestly replied.

Jeonghan nodded. Not that he wasn’t told about this. This part was discussed along with the effort of explaining everything to him, and how the King had pleaded for his help to find the Prince. Jeonghan really admired the ethics of the King. The King has magic, he can use this means to find the Prince so quickly but the King explained how he did not want to disturb the normal order of Pyeong-on. If he can find the Prince without taking advantage of his magic in this dimension, he would do so.

This is one of the reasons why Jeonghan chose to help. He knew he could not escape this new reality anyway, he might as well do his part. He will get what he had always desired in the end anyway - a way to live his normal life.

But you see, that is always easier said than done. Along with knowing all of these, it had felt like he had always belonged in this reality. Perhaps he got ahead of himself. He may have embraced this situation all too quickly but was he even wanted? The King was clear about his proposition, once this is all over, he gets to go back to his normal life. That could only mean, the King did not want anything to do with him.

Indeed, it was all in his head. Jeonghan is the only one who is getting the idea that he is part of this. Yes, it was upsetting to think that a part of him had been taken away and not just anything - there is a living person with his - is he even allowed to think this way? But he got to be honest with himself.

There is a child, and that child was created with a part of him. No matter how that happened. But it is a fact. That child was a part of him and that’s upsetting to find that he should not have anything to do with him. And he cannot whine about it either because this did not just happen to himself.

This is an occurrence that has been going on for centuries, a strange order for the likes of him, but natural for the others. Who is he to question this? He was not meant to be involved in this to begin with. Seokmin just happened to make a mistake.

Ah, it was a mistake from the very beginning.

“I will not retract my promise,” Seungcheol said, “I have already caused you enough trouble. I will fix it. I promise you.”

Jeonghan looks at Seungcheol, and he doesn’t know if his face could hide the trouble inside him right now. He is obviously confused but the King clearly isn’t. Seungcheol knows what needs to be done and he will see to it until the end. Jeonghan doesn’t know whether the King is just pure at heart or cruel. Seungcheol just does not mind considering that Jeonghan might want to keep it this way.

Which is the more baffling to even consider really. Who wants to live this kind of life? There is more to this life than what he knows so far, and for sure there are all not just rainbows. But why can’t he make terms with himself? Why is he endlessly processing this? Why is he even thinking too much into this? Maybe forgetting is the only way.

Hm, that could be the only way. He’s already this troubled and he has not even met the child yet. How is he going to live through this?

-

It was a couple of hours later when the King realised that the human had dozed off. They have spent the first hours talking about how different their worlds are. When the human first asked him about what Seok-yeong is in its entirety, at first he hesitated but the human insisted on hearing about it. For Seungcheol it would not matter in the end for Jeonghan would not remember about it after their deal is done.

It was also nice to hear Jeonghan’s reactions to his stories. Seungcheol has always wondered how people from other dimensions would see their world. Through this, he found out that there is a lot in both worlds that are the same. That’s very interesting for him to find out.

They have also briefly talked about the Prince and Seungcheol thinks that that was the highlight of the whole conversation. The whole time that Seungcheol talks about the Prince, he could not count on his fingers anymore how Jeonghan resembled the Prince, from his giggles down to his reasonings. Now, Seungcheol is convinced that it is Jeonghan to blame for the Prince’s sharp tongue. Seungcheol has always thought that it might be because of Hoshi, who just doesn’t know when to shut up, or Myungho who is too honest with his words especially when agitated.

Seungcheol had decided to bring the human to the bed. Jeonghan had fallen asleep on the couch and was looking uncomfortable. Seungcheol may have not spent enough time with the Prince but whenever he was home in the Palace, he personally cared for him. This is how it was natural for Seungcheol to respond like this. He responded the way that he would when tucking the Prince to bed.

As soon as he placed Jeonghan on the bed, the latter groaned, turned to his stomach and mewled into the softness of the pillow. Seungcheol was speechless once again. No wonder why the Prince sleeps lying down on his stomach like this. The nurses were in distress when they could not correct this sleeping posture, a prince should not have this bad sleeping habit after all. Even Seungcheol worried about this too, he thought that it would cause breathing problems and the Prince was too young to realise it in his sleep.

Now, Seungcheol understands. The Prince cannot help it. His soul-mother is basically sleeping the same way. This really goes to show that a soul-mother holds a huge part in the child’s characteristic, and this is something that has always been overlooked. But then, how would they know? They never had the chance to know their soul-mothers. It was only fortunate for Seungcheol to have actually met and spent time with his son’s soul-mother.

It is both strange and enchanting. It is almost as if he wanted to spend more time learning about the mama-him. He just doesn't know whether he thought of this for the sake of the Prince or simply just to fulfil his own curiosity and desire.

One thing for sure, leaning towards these thoughts could make everything harder to end. And that would not do anyone any good.

-

The next day, Seungcheol found out to himself that he could not escape Jeonghan’s control over this matter. Well, he now understands how it went with Jihoon last night. Because Seungcheol is now clad in quite a humbling choice of garment. He is wearing a plain white shirt that is bigger than his built, he briefly wonders who owns the shirt. It couldn’t be Jeonghan, right? If this shirt is big for Seungcheol himself, it will be even more for the human.

“Not that I hate your royal clothes or anything,” Jeonghan grinned, “But I wanted to see you in a plain white shirt. The black jeans suit you too.”

“It is a bit…” Seungcheol wanted to say something like uncomfortably breezy but Jeonghan was watching him with a proud face. So, he bit back his comment.

“I am right,” Jeonghan grinned even wider, “Daddy,” He gestured towards Seungcheol, “That is how the ladies would call your type. Always a winner.” He commented.

Seungcheol eyed him back confusedly, “Daddy means father, right?”

Jeonghan nodded while he turned around to grab his own brown cardigan over his black turtleneck. “Yes, it means father. But here in the human world, it also used to describe a man who is sexier than most and is giving the impression he can provide protection. Simply put, a man with oozing sex appeal. A mature type.” Jeonghan laughs as he added, “But really, I’m not sure either. I don’t look at men that way so I could probably be wrong. In the end, this word is generally just a kinky word women these days used towards their idols.”

Seungcheol took the time to process what Jeonghan had said. There are plenty of things Jeonghan had said, and some Seungcheol didn’t quite get. Such as the words, sexier, sex appeal, type, kinky and idols. He has not heard of those before so he didn’t get the whole context. What he got from this is that Jeonghan thinks of him as a daddy, and it sounded not bad. It is a compliment, right? “Is Jeonghan-ssi daddy t-type…too?”

Jeonghan raised a brow before he let out a surprised laugh. “God no, I’m a chic type.” He even turned around and made some poses, “I’m someone who gets the ladies without trying.” He winked.

Seungcheol eyed him, not sure what the others meant once again. Chic? What does that mean? And why would one try to steal ladies? That’s just unlawful. Maybe because the female population in this world is plenty? But that does not excuse bad behaviour. He sighs, “It is bad to steal women, Jeonghan-ssi.”

“Huh? Who steals women?” Jeonghan asked confusedly.

“You said you’re someone who gets the ladies.” He repeated.

“Uhh yeah, I said that,” Jeonghan sniggered, “It doesn’t mean I kidnap them. Man, you’re too pure for your own good. Should we go?” He turned.

Seungcheol nodded but then he remembered he needed to check on something first. “Jeonghan-ssi.”

“Hm? Do you need to bring something?”

Seungcheol shook his head, “I must check something on your body.”

Jeonghan raised a brow, “M-my body?”

Seungcheol nodded, “Yes. While we have not cut ties with you as the mama-him, you should still have the mark. I just want to make sure it is still on you and our healers did not mistakenly mess around with it when they were fixing you. While you have the mark, it would retain your connection with the Prince and myself.”

“I understand but do I have something like that? Where?” Jeonghan confusedly asked. He did not notice any sort of marks on his body at all, except the ones he got from when he was still an active agent. Those scars will never heal. Only that he was wrong on that part because the healers would have fixed those too. He just didn’t notice it yet.

“Yes, it should be under your right collarbone,” Seungcheol inched closer and tapped on the exact location on Jeonghan’s chest.

“Ow, and you need to see it?” Jeonghan asked because just his luck, he chose a turtleneck to wear today. The only way to show the King this supposed mark is to lift his shirt off from the hem.

“If you don’t mind.” Seungcheol nodded.

Jeonghan clicked his tongue. “Whenever you do that, I cannot say no.” He pouted. The way that Seungcheol is always asking so nicely, always so politely only made Jeonghan unable to resist. Aren’t kings normally depicted as arrogant? This one had learned manners and knew how to use it well. It is making Jeonghan’s heart race. How much more if this King learned to use it towards women? For sure he can easily get under their skir- Jeonghan stopped himself from falling into those thoughts. It’s unhealthy.

“Jeonghan-ssi?”

“Okay, okay, undressing now.” Jeonghan sighed and began pulling up his shirt, slowly exposing his stomach and chest in front of His Majesty. He thought that the man can really get away with anything. Look at him showing him his body, letting the man feast - really, he should stop thinking this way and stop making it more awkward than it actually is. “Ya, ya! No touching!” Suddenly, he felt the man’s palm tracing his chest, “I might be your son’s mother  but I’m off-limit!” He meant to be funny but he’s too nervous to even sound like he does.

Seungcheol pulled his hand away instantly and worriedly said, “Sorry, I didn't mean to. But your shirt is still covering the part.” He honestly said. He didn’t understand the terms Jeonghan used, but he sounded unhappy. What’s off-limit and what does it have got to do with being the mother of his child? 

“Ah, I see,” Jeonghan looked away, feeling a bit rotten to himself for overreacting. “I’ll raise my shirt higher then.” He said, “But be quick on it.”

Seungcheol nodded.

Jeonghan quietly did so. While he got his shirt pulled up, his view was obstructed by his shirt so he couldn’t see what face the other man had as he examined him. His curiosity is making his heart race and he has never felt this way before. He had gone through many physical examinations but it never felt this way. And to think that it is not any different from those. What made it different this time is the fact that it was His Majesty examining him and there’s something in that act that is making him feel exhilarated. “A-are you done?” He asked.

“I’m amazed that it remained in your skin after so long,” Seungcheol commented as he pulled away.

“Really? So, I really have it?” Jeonghan asked, curious. “Why didn’t I know?”

“The mark cannot be seen by humans.” Seungcheol explained, “But if you want to see it, I will unmask it.”

Jeonghan’s eyes widened, excitement visible. “Of course I want to see it. Show me!” He ran to his mirror and eagerly raised his top again but of course, he would have a hard time trying to see while holding his shirt. “Hey, Seungcheol-ah, help me hold my shirt up.”

It took a while for Seungcheol to respond to the way Jeonghan calls him but it seemed like it has now become a habit for the human to call him that way so Seungcheol should not raise something that could make it awkward between them. Sure, as long as no one else could hear them. Otherwise, the whole Kingdom will find it disrespectful. Thankfully, they are not in Seok-yeong right now. 

“Hurry,”

Seungcheol gingerly walked over to Jeonghan and did as told. He stood behind him silently and helped to keep Jeonghan’s shirt up.

“I don’t see it,” Jeonghan said, disappointed that all he sees is his bare upper body. Although he was pleased to see that his lean muscles have returned, he was expecting to see the mark Seungcheol is talking about. He turned to him, “I don’t see it-” Jeonghan’s words trailed off as he became quite aware of how closed their faces are. He didn’t pay much attention to the fact that the King has stood behind him so close, their bodies are almost touching. He can even feel him breathing against his ear. Thankfully he is wearing his turtleneck, it would have been worse if his neck is exposed too. That would definitely send him shivers.

“Because you’re not meant to see it.” Seungcheol reminded, “Allow me to unmask it first but I will have to touch you.”

“T-touch me?” Jeonghan asked, unsure about this but his mouth betrayed the better part of him, “S-sure.” He responded.

“Okay, then,” Seungcheol began.

Jeonghan thought it was too late to retract his words when he felt Seungcheol’s hands moving against his chest while still trying to hold his shirt up. With a free hand, Seungcheol’s palm caressed the top of his chest -for sure Jeonghan made a sound when he felt his nipple grazed - but his attention soon divided into the burning feeling under his collarbone. “Ouch.” Jeonghan winced. What the hell was that?

“It’s only for a moment,” Seungcheol explained, “Now, it should be visible to you.”

Jeonghan still had the pained look on his face when he looked up to the mirror yet that expression changed into a complex look as if he was bewitched. He stared at the fine details of Seok-yeong’s crest, a thirteen-petaled rose etched in a colour of rose quartz framed in a diamond shape. It is almost translucent against Jeonghan’s naturally pale skin. He doesn’t know why this feels so personal, so intimate to find that he is carrying something of someone else’s significance. “S-Seungcheol…” Well, he doesn’t know what to say.

Well, he is not alone. The King himself is enthralled by the view of it all. If being in this specific situation did not make it hard for him to keep a straight thought, then actually having to see the royal crest on Jeonghan’s body and share this moment of unveiling with the other, did it. It was riveting, it was as if he wanted it to last longer. He has the sudden desire to have Jeonghan keep it forever. It looked good on him.

What should he do? He made his promise. He cannot back down now.

“Your Majesty, I have returned.”

Just like the increasing aroma that seemed to tie them together, Jihoon’s voice outside of the bedroom got the reverse effect. It successfully snapped whatever magical bubble they were caught into as they pulled away from each other. Jeonghan had his face completely red while Seungcheol was stumbling for words as he replied to his guard, “Coming now - Will be out now!” Embarrassed with the way he behaved, he stumbled to open the door.

When the King left, Jeonghan cupped his face as he fell to the floor. What sort of reaction was that? This is so unlike him. Why is he responding that way towards the King? He has never reacted this way towards other men? Is he under a spell? What has he got himself into now?

It was a few moments later after beating himself to straighten the hell up, that he finally got out of the room only to be welcomed by a daunting pair of golden eyes that belonged to a huge beast standing in front of his bedroom door. “T-tiger! WahhhhHHH!” He screamed.

Immediately, Seungcheol rushed back up but sighed as he recognised what gave the human such a fright, “Hoshi,” He warned.

The tiger slowly turned away from watching Jeonghan as it bowed towards the King. The tiger then left, walking past Seungcheol and trying to fit through the stairs.

“Why are you so stupid?” Jihoon was at the foot of the stairs, glaring at the tiger, who happened to be his wedded husband. He just finished nagging at him and here he is welcoming the mama-him with a fright. “Seriously, what should I do with you?” The answer is no, especially if that tiger purrs beside him. “Being sorry now doesn’t cut it. And would you shift back already?”

“No, it is safer in this form.”

“Glad you know.” Jihoon groaned. “Because I will punch you in the face if you ever make the mistake.”

“Apologies,” Seungcheol returned his attention to Jeonghan, who is still backed flat to the door, “That would be Jihoon’s husband, Hoshi. He is of feline race and has a bad habit of retaining his beast form no matter where. He is one of the few escorts of the Prince.”

Jeonghan refused to acknowledge that this is normal. His heart almost leapt out of his rib cage. He would take thousands of bullets coming at him rather than being at the mercy of a tiger.

“He is a good guy,” Seungcheol added, “Otherwise, I would not allow such a person to accompany my only child.”

“True,” Jeonghan finally responded. “Wow, werebeasts exist.” He noted to himself, still trying to make amends with himself with this new information. As long as he doesn’t eat him, guess it should be alright.

Chapter Text

Part Three

The Prince

“Can you really not understand me?” This Mingyu asked once again.

Wonwoo obviously did not understand any of that but the guy kept repeating the same words that Wonwoo could now copy, word for word. Fourth day in infiltration and there still no sign of the mama-him approaching the vicinity. Wonwoo is now convinced this is a failed attempt. He should get moving.

“I’m not a mafia so I don’t do the torturing business,” Mingyu continued, “Besides, what will happen to your handsome face? So, please tell me anything you know about Jeonghan-sunbae.”

He really talks a lot. He has a habit of repeating his words too. Wonwoo thought. He wonders what the other man is saying. He kind of grew fond of the man’s voice especially the look of frustration whenever he doesn’t get an answer from Wonwoo. But Wonwoo can play quiet for days on end, he normally doesn’t talk.

Until all of the sudden, they heard a loud commotion from upstairs -they’re in the basement after all. The two of them stared at each other, again, as they tried to figure out what was happening upstairs.

Suddenly, the door flung open, almost knocking Mingyu back. Thankfully, it missed him just by half an inch.

“Sir Wonwoo, we got a problem!”

Wonwoo recognised right away who the intruder was. It was Myungho, with a panicked face, still holding an unconscious human by his hand but he doesn’t seem so aware that he does. “What is up?” Wonwoo calmly replied.

This response got a surprised look from Mingyu, more so than he did finding out that someone intruded on his shelter and knocked down some of his teammates. Although the exchange of words between his captive and the intruder is weird. A different language?

“His Highness was taken away!”

Wonwoo processed that information before he sighs deeply. That should explain the panic in Myungho’s face and the man rarely panics. He stretched his back as he flexed his hands before pulling against the chain the humans used to bind him. It didn’t take much effort for him to break it.

He immediately stood up, caressed the reddening marks the chain left on his pale skin. He walked over to Mingyu and handed him the chain, “Sorry, I broke it.” He stared at him as he coyly smiled, teasing, “Not that it was any use. Humans should make stronger ones.”

“Y-you,” Mingyu stumbled for words, too shocked by what he just witnessed but among all he wanted to say, he gasped up, “You have an attractive voice.”

Wonwoo blinked. “I don’t understand,” He eyed Myungho, “Anyway, can you at least tell this human that he makes delicious meals.” He instructed Myungho, the man could speak human.

Myungho did as told.

“Ah,” Mingyu nodded before he realized, “I see that you speak Mandarin.” He realised later that the other guy spoke Mandarin. Not that he can’t speak Mandarin himself, but he was just a little taken aback.

Myungho was flustered as he realised this so cleared his throat and spoke with his tiny Korean instead, “Sir Wonwoo likes your food.”

“Ah,” He did understand then but it only hit him when the guy repeated it in Korean. A smile broke in Mingyu’s face, “T-thanks.”

“He looks like an idiot when he smiles,” Wonwoo commented but he smiled a little anyway, well, more to himself. He then focussed on a more pressing matter, “Do you know who has taken His Highness? Is it His Majesty?”

“I don’t think so, Sir Wonwoo.” Myungho shook his head.

“What did Hoshi do? Where was he?”

“Sir Hoshi stepped out for a while. He said that Sir Jihoon has entered his territory so he left to meet him.” Myungho explained.

“Jihoon being here means His Majesty is here too,” Wonwoo stretched his back once again, his bones cracking after sitting in the same position for four days. “We don’t know who took the Prince so it is better to notify him.”

“N-notify His Majesty? Shouldn’t we find His Highness first? His Majesty will kill us when he finds out we have lost His Highness!”

“Either way we were already in trouble the moment we left Seok-yeong with His Highness,” Wonwoo reminded Myungho, “We are in a different world, this is not the territory we are used to. It is better to work with more people. Let’s go.” Wonwoo went to the door to go upstairs.

Myungho followed, Mingyu also did, unsure what really was happening.

Upstairs, the rest of Mingyu’s teammates are on the ground, some are unconscious, some are barely moving. “I was in a hurry,” Myungho explained. He did not mean to harm the humans but really he needs to get to Wonwoo right away to report the issue.

“W-what is the meaning of this?”

Wonwoo and Myungho stared at the door, a gun was pointing at them. Wonwoo recognised him as Joshua, who happened to just walk into the main door to find that all the agents were taken down. Pointing a gun is a natural response to self-defence.

But Joshua was quickly disarmed by another person, Jun, who snuck up behind the man. He threw the gun outside as if it did not mean anything, “Sir Wonwoo, it is nice to see you.”

“Jun, go and find His Majesty. I heard that he might be around.”

“Got it,” Jun quickly turned around and disappeared behind the bushes. And off he went, zooming through the thickness of the forest with his sturdy four paws. He’s much faster this way, his scent of smell is guaranteed better too.

“We will try to track His Highness too,” Wonwoo instructed. He went to the door, not without offering his hand to help Joshua up, who unconsciously reached for it.

“Yes, yes,” Myungho nodded, following him. “Chan is outside waiting with a human car!”

Wonwoo glared at Myungho, “You allowed that kid to drive?”

“Well,” Myungho shrugged his shoulders, “Not everyone in the pack is a werebeast, Sir Wonwoo. We can’t possibly move like you do. We need the ride . That’s how humans call it.”

“You just want to ride one.” Wonwoo corrected.

“That too,” Myungho grinned. Who would not want to ride an automobile?

Wonwoo rolled his eyes before he stretched his back once more before he shifted into his wolf form. As Myungho had said, some werebeasts are faster in their beast form. That applies perfectly to Wonwoo. Now, he needs to start finding His Highness’ scent.

While Wonwoo had begun tracking, Myungho returned inside the human’s shelter to call out, “Yo, weren’t you with Sir Wonwoo? What is taking you so long? Come on!”

“Ha?” Mingyu gasped. Now, this Chinese is speaking perfect Korean all of the sudden. He even sounded like a Seoul person.

“Come on, we are going to lose Sir Wonwoo!”

“Mingyu,” Joshua eyed him, “Go. Don’t lose them. They might bring you to Jeonghannah. Don’t worry, I’ll look after the team.”

Mingyu nodded, “One is in the basement, sunbae. He seems to have gotten it bad. So, look after him first.”

“Okay, go now.” Joshua gestured to the door. “Update me of any sign of Jeonghan.”

“Okay, hyung.”

Mingyu followed the Chinese guy, or that’s his first impression anyway. He spoke really fast Mandarin. They arrived just outside the main gate. There is a black Audi A3 Sportback parked outside the gate. That’s really nothing unusual to Mingyu. This type of car is typically used for fast pursuit. It is five-seater, blends in with any other cars but fast.

Mingyu spied a few scratches on all sides of the car though. These people must have been chasing or being chased to have that much dent. Poor car, it is such a good quality too. But the moment Mingyu got inside the car, at the back, he already changed his opinion about the main reasons for the scratches. Holding the steering wheel is someone who either has a babyface or is just too young to be behind the wheel, “Do you even have a licence?” Mingyu just has to ask. Mingyu may not be a police officer but he is also someone who works to maintain law and order, so he kind of needs to check.

“Nope, never heard of that. Nor do I understand what you just said.” The boy replied as he turned the engine on.

Mingyu did not like the sound of that answer but the car already moved off, albeit, a little rocky. It only took a few curves that Mingyu had enough with this sort of dangerous driving, “I don’t have any intention to be mean, but it is better that I drive.”

“Chan,” It was Myungho who said, “I also think it is best to let the human drive. It will be much faster and...well, safer.”

“Aww, man. I thought I was getting a hang of it,” Chan growled but he stopped the car anyway, too soon that the other two nearly broke their necks at the sudden stop. He exchanged seats with the human, who by the way, is a giant. Chan bets he could be taller than Sir Wonwoo and Sir Jun. And those two are considered quite tall. “Sir, what do you eat? I want whatever it is.” He said.

But Mingyu did not respond as he already started driving. Myungho didn’t know that a car is supposed to move this smoothly. He looked back at Chan, eyeing him judgingly.

Chan whistles away, looking outside.

“Where are we going?” Mingyu asked, he forgot to ask that part first before he took the driving part.

“Just follow the track,”

“Track?”

“Yes, the wolf track on the road. You can clearly see it.”

“Wolf track? What are you— WHAAAAA—” Mingyu hit the brakes so hard that he was afraid the airbag was going to deploy. Thankfully it didn’t and none of them broke their necks. Can’t blame him though, a huge wolf just jumped at the end of the road. Mingyu nearly ran over it.

“ What’s taking you so long? ” Myungho quoted at Mingyu, “That’s what I think Sir Wonwoo wanted to ask. He looks a little impatient.”

“Uhhh…” Mingyu was unsure how the two others seemed calm about it. Okay, Mingyu has clearly seen a wolf before, in fact, he had battled one during a raid in one of the gang's hideouts. That gang boss happened to keep a wolf as a pet, so Mingyu had to protect himself. The wolf got away though, probably thinking that it won’t stand a chance against humans with a gun.

“Human, come on. You don’t want Sir Wonwoo crossed. He will chomp your neck if you don’t follow him.”

Mingyu eyed Myungho, “That wolf is your Sir W-wonwoo?” It was not long ago since he learned the name of a man whom he had kept captive for four days, now he had to find out that he is also a wolf? What the hell?

“Hm, he is the leader of our pack,” Myungho nodded, “I mean, technically it would be Sir Hoshi but that guy disappears in the most crucial time so the pack learned to rely on Sir Wonwoo. Go on, drive now.”

Mingyu didn’t know how he recovered from this shock that he did as told. He started to drive while following the form of a wolf running ahead of them. Wow, he is actually following a wolf - wow- werewolves exist? And that wolf looks so beautiful too. He meant, it is only to be expected from someone who looks handsome in their human form. He knew that quite well. He has been staring at that same man for the last four days after all. And it so happened that the man is the most handsome guy Mingyu had seen in his life.

“So, say, what’s your name, human?”

Mingyu sighs, and prefers to tell his name rather than being called a random human, “Mingyu. Kim Mingyu.”

“Great. My name is Seo Myungho and the kid behind is Lee Chan. He is the magnae . The one earlier in the shelter is Jun. He is my partner.”

“Nice to meet you,” Mingyu is polite in nature so he nods his head at Myungho. “So, what’s the situation right now? What are you guys trying to find.”

“We lost His Highness.” Myungho said.

“His Highness?”

“His Highness, the Prince, the King’s son.”

“Uhh okay,” Mingyu sighs to himself. Does he even want to know? It is one thing to be involved in a werewolf business but if there is a royalty of their kind involved, Mingyu could tell it could get ugly. How the hell did his Jeonghan-sunbae get involved with this crowd, anyway? Or was he even related to all of these? Have they made a mistake and mixed up with the wrong people?

But Wonwoo had been seen snooping around Jeonghan’s apartment though. That is how they captured him. So, they might be really onto something here.

-

Both His Majesty and the mama-him insisted to take human transportation to get to the current location of His Highness. Hoshi cannot argue so it took them half a day to travel there. Obviously, they got sidetracked with a lot of other things - well it was more so himself who got too excited to walk the human world with his husband on his side.

How they found the house though was not how Hoshi left it. The whole pack has disappeared, and so did the Prince. There are signs of intruders, a few fixtures turned upside down.

His Majesty’s face turned to gloom as he silently examined the place. No sign of the Prince.

“These are human scents,” Jihoon concluded after inspection.

“Where’s the Prince?” Jeonghan asked, although he could already much tell what the state meant. But it could mean anything at this point and he did not want to jump to such a conclusion without being sure. They probably just are in a hurry to get away for this place to look this way.

Seungcheol did not reply as he once again scanned the place. He did not want to admit it, but it is the only plausible explanation right now. “Jihoon, Hoshi, you two both return to Seok-yeong and find out which among the other dimensions had affiliated with human gangs. Whoever it is, they have found out that the Prince is in Pyeong-on and has taken him.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

“Summon Prince Hansol back. He is the best person to handle the diplomats.” Seungcheol also added. Prince Hansol is his younger brother. He had been sent for a diplomatic meeting in Kaeleos, to expand the treaty. He should be able to use his connections within the ministers of other worlds if the humans are involved.

Although it is not that uncommon that some might have collaborated with humans, especially if it gained their selfish greed, it is still considered a matter dealt with among the ministers.

"Then, we will be going." Jihoon bowed to His Majesty. He and his husband both left instantly into a portal that they made.

Whereas, Jeonghan already had a full inspection of the whole place and came back with the information. "I saw a wheel track outside, and it wasn't ours," He said as he managed to see this from the windows upstairs, "This house doesn't have CCTV but I know this mountain well from my previous operations. There are several CCTV down below along the main road. It looks like this is one of us ." He concluded. He meant humans when he mentioned us .

"CCTV?"

"Surveillance camera. It records what is happening in the area." Jeonghan explained.

"I see," Seungcheol replied, "I think it should be similar to this." Seungcheol stretched his hands out. Bright lights emit from his palms and a chaotic scene played in front of them.

"Chan, His Highness! Go get His Highness!" It was a tall lanky guy who may have the strength of a wrestler as it battled against three other men.

Behind him is another man on the ground fighting with another man with a gun. It was chaotic to say the least. There are even a lot more people waiting inside. Then the sound of a car driving off was heard.

This guy called Chan rushed downstairs with a pale face, "His Highness is gone!"

Seungcheol ended the spell, his face looking darker than it already did. He looks like he could kill someone with just his stares. Jeonghan had never seen Seungcheol with those eyes before, and it made him feel alarmed. But of course, he understood that emotion. His son has just been taken away.

No, their son was taken away!

Wait! Jeonghan gasped as he tried to remember what he saw from the scene Seungcheol showed, magically if that was the right term. He remembers the specific man on the ground gripping a gun that Jeonghan had encountered before. "No way," He pulled away, "I was pretty sure we got into the root of their organization."

"Jeonghan-ssi, did you find out anything?"

Jeonghan nodded, "It was my last raid operation with my squad. I remember that we suffered a lot on our side because that organization is using unusual weaponry. Some reported that the bullet contained poison." His jaw tightened remembering that it was how the team captain died. He was Jeonghan's superior. A very nice guy too. "This organisation's operation is centered in all types of underground markets. Firearms, drugs, prostitution - well, you name it. I just cannot make any sense on why they would kidnap the Prince."

Seungcheol sighed, understanding the situation a bit more, "I don't think this underground organization is the one who wanted the Prince, Jeonghan-ssi. I think they're just fulfilling the end of the deal."

"Deal with who?"

"Well, it looks like they may have affiliated with other dimensions to smuggle substances into your world. I am aware that some substances can give certain effects to humans while it doesn't towards the source races. This is vice versa. Humans have substances in this world that may have some effects on other races."

"You mean, drugs?"

Seungcheol nodded, "And also something that has aphrodisiac effects."

"That's a myth," Jeonghan replied.

"Seok-yeong citizens react to some flowers of this world. The Kadupul Flowers, well, that one was a rage back in the days. Also the Chocolate Cosmos. Might be my personal favorite. It smelt like a bar of fresh chocolate."

Jeonghan eyed the King, a little unsure what to make of it. The King is basically talking about aphrodisiacs like he was talking about different types of coffee beans. Are Seok-yeong citizens sexually active after all? 

Thankfully, all the flowers that the King mentioned are considered one of the rarest on Earth. Could it be because they have been marketed into their world for this purpose? Jeonghan eyed Seungcheol, now a little suspicious.

"We should get going," The King later said.

Jeonghan nodded. Of course, there is no time to be trailing down to distracting thoughts. They still need to find their son. He meant the Prince.

Jeonghan followed the King as they decided to start their search. Where to start, luck can only tell. As he followed Seungcheol out of that lake-side house, he couldn’t help himself from grabbing one of the plushies his eyes caught on his way out. Jeonghan just isn’t sure what led him to grab the pink plushie. Was it because he wants to comfort the missing four-year-old once they find him or because the camel plushie reminded him of Seungcheol? Or maybe both?

Whereas, Seungcheol noted the action, and thought that Jeonghan has a better sense than him at this sort of thing. How did Jeonghan know that the toy he picked out of many is one of the Prince’s favorites? Maybe there is more to being a soul-mother than they first thought. This human really does unknowingly give Seungcheol a different insight into this rather overlooked process of continuing their race.

“Uhhh… Seungcheol-ssi,” Jeonghan tugged on Seungcheol’s shirt when he noticed that someone appeared behind the car they used to get there. “I have not known of you and Seok-yeong that long yet but I have a feeling he is one of yours.”

The thing is, Jeonghan is definitely right. The one that is standing behind the car with only his head peeking out is one of the Prince’s guards. He looks a little wary but has obviously recognised his King. “Jun, it’s okay. Don’t be alarmed. Come closer.” Seungcheol said.

Jun did as told very slowly, his eyes switching back and forth between Jeonghan and Seungcheol, as if trying to make sense why His King is with a human who may or may not have the same scent as the Prince. This made the canine confused. “Your Majesty.” He bowed to the King.

“You don’t have to explain, Jun,” Seungcheol began, “Is anybody tracking the Prince?” That is all he needed to know.

Jun nodded, “Sir Wonwoo had started tracking the Prince, Your Majesty.”

“Good,” Seungcheol nodded to this. Wonwoo is another one of the Prince’s guards. And he did not doubt even for once that Wonwoo wouldn’t be able to do the job.

Wonwoo was his personal guard since he was still a Prince and until he was crowned the King. And while Jihoon was one to accompany Seungcheol in battles, Wonwoo was the one sent for special operations like infiltrating enemy lines and the likes. He is the kind that can hide in the shadows and has the resiliency of a rock, he can play the prisoner if he needs to just to gain information. This is proven many times over, especially his last mission in the human world prior to the Prince’s birth.

Yet, the look on Jun’s face says there is more to what he said, “Is he alright?”

Jun heaved a sigh, fidgeting so slightly on his feet as he hesitantly replied, “Unfortunately, your Majesty, Sir Wonwoo was hurt during the tracking. We have recovered him before the humans could get to him. He is undergoing healing as we speak.”

Seungcheol’s jaw tightened once again. He was glad to hear that Wonwoo is in the recovery stage but at the same time, the fact that the Prince remained missing made him extremely angry and anxious right now. Yet, he knows he has to play his cards well. The fact that someone had taken the Prince away is also now in the know about the Prince’s identity - perhaps, the secret that shrouded the Prince and the whole Kingdom altogether.

Seungcheol is beyond enraged now. It is now sinking into him what this could all mean. The Prince falling in the hands of non-citizens of Seok-yeong might as well be the end of a new era for his Kingdom Seungcheol was dreaming of. He had been protecting this dream since the Prince was born, he did everything in his power to keep his child safe.

Because the Prince was special, he was the first of his kind.

“Seungcheol-ssi,” Jeonghan noticed the darkness shrouding Seungcheol. He could tell that the conversation between the new person Seungcheol called ‘Jun’ and himself did not sound good. Wait, is the Prince hurt? Jeonghan’s eyes widened, his hands forming into fists before he realises himself doing.

“Take me where Wonwoo is, Jun,” Seungcheol finally said.

“Of course, your Majesty.”

Seungcheol turned to Jeonghan and sighed, “The Prince’s guards have completely lost the trail on the Prince.” Seungcheol felt more apologetic than he should feel in his right mind. But he feels like the news of the Prince’s misfortune had also affected the human. “We will find him.”

Are they really? Jeonghan wanted to respond. He had assisted many abduction cases and the probability of retrieval is always so low, many being a bad case of timing. But he has never been so close to a case and he has never felt this odd feeling his blood boiling underneath his skin. And he cannot control this emotion.

“Your Majesty, we can follow my scent going back to where Sir Wonwoo and the others are,” Jun explained.

Seungcheol may not be as adept in scenting as the canine race but he learned a thing or two from closely working with Jihoon and Wonwoo all these years. Seungcheol nodded, “Then, we will bring the human car.” He turned back again to Jeonghan, “Jeonghan-ssi, I will meet with the other Prince’s guards. Do you desire to come with us?”

Jeonghan did not answer, nor even nod. He simply just walked towards the car, hoping that the King and the other man understood his gesture because he has no words at the moment. He is still slowly digesting the fact that his emotions have suddenly become unclear, or all over the place. All that he wants now is to start the search for the Prince! No matter what it takes! Damn it!

He didn’t like seeing how the Majesty is looking the way that he did after realising that his son has gone missing.

It broke Jeonghan’s heart. It is as if, the Majesty’s current state mirrors that of Jeonghan’s. And that’s upsetting.

-

Jeonghan is slowly getting anxious deep in his stomach as the road he was asked to take is getting familiar and familiar with each turn. But he did not say anything. The two-hour drive was quiet, with high tension in the air.

At the final turn, Jeonghan could barely breathe as he parked the car away from the entrance. God damn it, it is the shelter! Jeonghan was already suspicious a few moments ago, but now, he was certain that this place Jun had brought them into is the same shelter that he and Joshua manage while they are still with the agency.

How the hell did they get here? Perhaps Jun had brought them in the wrong place?

Hesitantly, Jeonghan climbed out of the car. Despite knowing the place so well, his feet were heavy as he followed Jun, who looks like he is in a bit of a hurry.

Jun showed care and respect with the way he gestures towards his King as he showed him to the door. They were conversing in a low tone. It didn't help the fact that Jeonghan could barely understand them. And honestly, even though Jeonghan could, his fast heartbeat will just dim all sorts of sound, even his better intellect.

Why the hell are they in their shelter, for God’s sake? What’s going on?

The door opened quickly just as Jun rang the bell. They are expected, Jeonghan thought. He remained to hide behind Seungcheol’s larger form, curious and at the same time, anxious who would open the door.

It was none other than his friend, Joshua.

Jeonghan is even more confused now.

Joshua looked nervous but nonetheless, he doesn’t have his guard up. By the looks of it, Joshua knows Jun but not Seungcheol as his eyes harden as he stares at him. Joshua didn’t even step back to allow them to come in, seeing that there is another stranger on his doorsteps. Why are there so many strange people or creatures coming in and out of the shelter?

This time, Jeonghan knew it was better to reveal himself. He understood what it feels to be in the middle of all of these complicated scenarios. It doesn't even matter now how even his friend is now involved with the matter of the missing Prince. The fact that he is, or that they are, is already a matter of this new reality. One thing that will make it better for Joshua or even himself is to show him that he is not alone in this.

“J-Jeonghan!” Joshua gasped as soon as he caught sight of his best friend stepping out from the stranger’s back. “A-are - are you okay?” His face looks intense, as if he was thinking that even his best friend has been dragged into this bizarre situation.

“Hey,” Jeonghan said, for the lack of a better response.

Joshua eyed him, scoffing, “Hey? Hey…????” He glared at him, “Is that everything you had to say? You were gone for weeks, Yoon Jeonghan!” His chest rising up and down as his nerves heightened.

Jeonghan slid slightly back towards Seungcheol. Of course, Joshua’s reaction is only to be expected. How did he think his friend did not look for him when he had gone missing? The friend basically checks up on him hourly, if he wasn’t exaggerating. For sure Joshua would find out that he was nowhere to be found the moment that he is. His friend must be so terrified.

“I was thinking you really jumped off the bridge! Do you know how many days we have looked for your body on the river?” Joshua continued.

Jeonghan bit on his lower lip. True that he fell off the bridge, but he didn’t jump. And he didn’t even hit the water! He only magically disappeared into another dimension, thanks to their King and his glorious magical power. But of course, there is no way for him to explain this to his friend without freaking him out any further. “I am fine, Joshua.”

“Well, the fact that you have the guts to crawl back here means that you are,” Joshua scoffed, but he eyed his friend properly, now with a tinge of tears on his eyes, “I don’t know where you’ve been but I’m glad you’re okay.” He mumbled.

Jeonghan cracked a smile, “I’m sorry to worry you.”

Joshua smiles back, “What’s new.” He waved at him and waited until Jeonghan scooted over to him. He then whispered, “But why are you with these strange people?”

“Strange?” Jeonghan knew Joshua had already seen how strange these people are, he can tell by the way he looks and addresses the other two. “It’s a rather long story,” He awkwardly smiles, “But mind if we come in?”

Joshua rolled his eyes, as if to retort with something like, do you still have to ask? But his face suddenly twisted with panic as if remembering something disastrous, like forgetting that you have left the boiler on whilst on your way to the airport -that kind of face. “Ah, Jeonghan!” He gasped, his arms flailing, “I- I think you might not want to see what’s inside right n-now.”

Jeonghan raised a brow, “Why? What’s inside? Are there more people there?”

“People? Well, rather than people, it's more like some sort of b-beast…?” Joshua trailed off, at loss of how else to word it without freaking his friend out.

“Jeonghan-ssi,” Seungcheol finally spoke when the conversation between the two humans seemed to get lost in a mess of nerves and denials. “Your friend must be talking about Wonwoo. Wonwoo is from a canine race, when they are injured, they retract to their canine form to accelerate their healing.”

“Oh, that’s a relief if he can do that,” Jeonghan replied, while his friend gaped at him, surprised at how much Jeonghan sounded so well-accustomed to hearing someone can turn into a wolf! Jeonghan smiled at Joshua, “I’ll explain everything to you. But how did you end up with Seungcheol-ssi’s men?”

Joshua was still unsure what was going on but he just had to ask, “First, who is Seungcheol?”

“Oh,” Jeonghan awkwardly grinned to his friend, before he nods behind him to gesture Seungcheol, who stood close behind him, “Joshua, this is Seungcheol-ssi, he is the King of the Seok-yeong. He is from another dimension.”

Did Joshua expect this? Big fat yes. That’s the only plausible explanation for all of these weird things happening lately. Does he believe it? God help him, he refused to believe it. But does he have a choice? No. His head started to throb as he took in Jeonghan’s words, “O-okay, you just have to start from the very beginning for me.”

“I think that would be best.” Jeonghan sighs.

Chapter Text

Part Four

Eclipse

A few hours ago in the Shelter before Jeonghan, Seungcheol and Jun arrived.

Joshua made himself a fresh coffee but he couldn’t even taste it as he anxiously looked out the window. The rest of the agents just left, he had asked them to leave for now as they slowly regained consciousness from the earlier assault from God knows who. Joshua just had the strange feeling that whoever they were is connected to the man in the dungeon, who they kept captive for three days or so - and that man is possibly connected to Jeonghan’s disappearance.

And Joshua believes that there is more to Jeonghan’s disappearance than he first thought when these strange people showed up, successfully disarmed an elite team and disappeared in a hurry together with Mingyu - fine, Joshua might have seen that man from the dungeon turning into a wolf under the dark night as they leave the Shelter.

Ah, he must have gone crazy. Maybe the lack of sleep and endless attempt of finding Jeonghan had finally taken a toll on him. He has now started to see things. Hallucinating!

It has been a couple of hours since all that happened and for Joshua, it has been four cups of coffee since then. He had to stay awake just in case Mingyu contacted him. Ugh, what was he even thinking when he urged Mingyu to go with those unknown men? What kind of a senior is he? Is Mingyu alright?

Joshua was with these thoughts the past hour, the coffee he was drinking was left cold after just a few sips. He was completely so out of it that he didn’t notice right away that there was a car driving towards the porch. It was only when the headlights painfully hit the windows and into Joshua’s eyes that he snapped from his deep revelries.

He stood up, knocking the cup of coffee just so slightly that a few spilt into the white table. But he didn’t care as he rushed outside to see Mingyu climbing out of the driver’s side of the car, took off his coat and reached inside the back of the car. Mingyu pulled away from the car with a person in his arms, wrapped under his coat and marched inside the shelter.

Joshua was able to step back just for Mingyu to get in but he could not process what is happening in real-time. He followed Mingyu silently as the man walked towards the room he is temporarily using and carefully laid the person down. The trail of blood dripping from the person coloured the floor and into Mingyu’s sheets but Joshua was too immersed to even comment on that.

Joshua just watched Mingyu silently tending the person that Joshua now recognized as that man from the dungeon. Joshua’s heart raced. Not because he was surprised but because he unexpectedly feared for the stranger’s condition. The dungeon man is clearly injured.

Yet, his worries turned to utter shock when the man who looked so pale slowly and painfully shifted into a hairy beast, white furs shooting up all over his body as he expanded into a bigger form. With a soft whimpering, the man seemingly completed his transformation into a large wolf, coated with white - no, grey fur. It is a grey wolf with the underside coated with pure white fur, if only not stained with blood.

While Joshua was busy clutching on his sanity and his chest ready to explode, Mingyu was not even a bit startled. Mingyu was instead making sure that a much larger beast is comfortable on his sheets. What the hell?

This went on for about a few more minutes until Joshua realised that two more people had joined them in Mingyu’s room. Only then that Mingyu climbed down the bed but immediately stopped when the wolf growled warningly. When Mingyu stopped moving, the wolf stopped growling. Mingyu attempted to leave the bed again but the wolf growled at him and Mingyu sat back down again. The wolf stopped growling as if it didn’t want Mingyu to leave.

“Hm,” One of the two strangers, the taller one, walked towards the bed, looking at Mingyu and at the wolf back and forth before he finally asked, “Mingyu-ssi, did you happen to meet a wolf before?”

Mingyu looked up at the stranger, “Well, rather than meeting, I have fought one before.”

“Ah, well, that made sense,” The stranger nodded.

“What do you mean, Myungho-ssi?” Mingyu asked the guy he named Myungho.

Does Mingyu know him after all? Joshua wondered as he listened to the conversation.

“Several years ago, just before the Prince was born, Sir Wonwoo was tasked with a mission in the human world. It was to infiltrate illegal transactions involving rare substances from Seok-yeong. He had infiltrated a human gang lair and accessed information in and out of that place. It is a mission that lasted many years. At the very end of his mission, it was believed that Sir Wonwoo had imprinted a human. Some believed it was a mistake, some believed it was an option of survival. Sir Wonwoo was heavily injured at that time and knew that only by imprinting will stimulate every ounce of his beast instinct, just enough for him to get that much-needed energy to escape that place.”

Mingyu’s mind trailed back into that specific operation wherein he had battled an extremely underfed wolf pet who had the blazing glare of a killer beast. Mingyu remembered wrestling the wolf to the ground, making sure that the wolf would not get past him as the rest of his team infiltrated the lair to complete this operation. It was just his luck to come face to face with the gang’s wolf pet.

He didn’t remember much of what happened during that fight, there were just so many things going on, the whole place was covered with endless noise of guns fired in every direction, even Mingyu had attempted to shoot the beast. But he was slowly getting overwhelmed. He remembered that he was losing his energy, getting dizzier each time he wrestled the wolf, was he bitten? He didn’t know. He was confined in a hospital for a week after that event. He was only told that his senior from his team, Yoon Jeonghan, had found him alone that night in that dark place. The wolf is nowhere to be seen.

“W-was that Wonwoo?” Mingyu asked, more like a realisation as he looked back at the wolf in the bed. The wolf then and the one in front of them look completely different. It must be because the wolf then was completely skin and bones, unkept and anxious but the one lying on his bed looks healthy, larger in form and has that calmer stance, if not from occasional whimpering as it heals itself.

Was there really a wolf there? Whereas, Joshua wondered in his head. He had assisted that operation from the Head Office. It was that one operation that was carried out in intricacy, sending only the elite team. While the whole operation was successful, only a handful returned alive, including Mingyu and Jeonghan. Even the team captain did not survive. He heard that Mingyu had fought the gang’s pet wolf but nobody can vouch for that fact, all that witnessed that scene had died in that operation. Even Jeonghan who found Mingyu later that night had not seen the wolf in the first place, Jeonghan was leading another group from a different location apparently before he found Mingyu.

“I think it is best to not leave his side,” Myungho suggested, “Canines are really attached to their pair whenever they are vulnerable. Sir Wonwoo is no different.”

Mingyu did not fully comprehend what Myungho said but he found himself nodding silently. Later on, when he gets a chance, he wants to hear more about what happened and perhaps more about this wolf that is Wonwoo. There are just so many things he wants to ask. But first, he needs to recover.

-

Present. Shelter.

“How is he?” Jeonghan asked as he noticed that the King returned from inspecting the Prince’s guard, Wonwoo. The King took a long while in there that Jeonghan had managed to tell Joshua everything that happened to him from the moment he left him on that bridge that morning until he showed up with the King in that shelter a while ago.

The King sighs, “The wounds have traces of the same poison from years ago. Luckily, Wonwoo was already exposed to the same poison from his last mission that his body had countered it just in time before it spread. I have transported him back to Seok-yeong, our healers would know better how to fix him. Having his pair with him would also give him the comfort he needs.”

“Pair?”

Seungcheol nodded, “I agonised myself after learning that Wonwoo could not be with his chosen pair. Wonwoo had not disclosed who it was, he had preferred to suffer through the lack of companionship especially for a bond so new. I knew that this was a painful ordeal for the canines but never once Wonwoo complained. I even tasked him to guard the newborn Prince, hoping that it will somehow redirect his thoughts from his pair he never gets to see.”

Jeonghan felt the pang from that tale but he still could not follow.

Joshua sighs, “Remember your last field operation? Remember when Mingyu insisted he fought with a wolf before you found him?”

“Hm, yeah?”

Joshua nodded, “Well, it turns out that Mingyu was not lying and the wolf he was talking about was this man Wonwoo.”

Jeonghan’s jaw dropped open as he took in this information. He wanted to say something but ended up not able to. This went on for a full minute until he went against it and asked instead, “So, Mingyu is in Seok-yeong now?”

Seungcheol nodded, “For the time being,”

Jeonghan nodded, “I hope he won’t be too shocked like I did.”

“Well, you handled it pretty calmly.” Seungcheol pointed out.

“That’s what you think.” Jeonghan scoffed under his breath. He was obviously panicking inside.

Seungcheol turned to Joshua, “I am sorry I have not introduced myself properly. I was in a rush to check on my guard. My name is Choi Seungcheol, I am from the Kingdom of Seok-yeong.” He offered his hand for a shake.

Joshua hesitantly took it, wondering why Seungcheol left off the part that he is the great King of that Kingdom, wherever that is from. “My name is Hong Jisoo, but I’m commonly known as Joshua. You can call me that too.”

“Very well, it is pleasant to meet you, Joshua-ssi.” Seungcheol smiled but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. It is apparent in Seungcheol’s face that he is anxious. Indeed, the man worries dearly for his missing son.

“Well, it is already late in the night, why don’t we all try to catch some sleep and start the search early in the morning,” Joshua suggested. It really looks like everyone needs a good night's sleep. Every single one of these citizens from the other world and including Jeonghan and himself looked beat. “It helps to be well-rested if you’re trying to find somebody.”

“You should rest, Jeonghan-ssi,” Seungcheol said to the guy.

Jeonghan shook his head, “Seungcheol-ssi didn’t sleep properly last night too. You should get some sleep.”

“I am alright,” Seungcheol responded, “There are times in the midst of a battle where sleeping is impossible. I can go for weeks without sleep.”

Jeonghan raised a brow.

“That might be true, Your Majesty,” Myungho agreed but he also added, “But we are not in Seok-yeong. Your body has not adjusted with the flow of time in the human world yet. It might only feel like a day has passed here in Pyeong-on but your body already felt sleep deprived for over a week. Took me a while to adjust too.”

“What…” Both Jeonghan and Joshua shivered at that fact. How severe were the differences between both worlds? They snapped their heads towards the King. Jeonghan snarled at him “You should get some rest.”

“I-I’m alright.”

Jeonghan rolled his eyes as he pulled Seungcheol by the arm and pushed him to a vacant room, which happens to be the old room Jeonghan used. It looks like no one else used the room after him. He still has a few of his personal things cluttered loosely everywhere. “Don’t make me tuck you to bed, Your Majesty.” He firmly said.

Seungcheol eyed Jeonghan back, wondering how the man managed to make Seungcheol feel so intimidated and excited at the same time with the way his heart raced. There is just something so enthralling with the way Jeonghan looks at him now, an arched brow and mouth pouting upwards to threaten him into submission. 

Jeonghan tilted his head to the side, before he scoffed from the lack of response from Seungcheol, “Did you really want me to tuck you to bed?” He laughs.

“No!” Seungcheol replied back as he pulled away, “That would be unnecessary.”

Jeonghan grinned, “Are you sure? It seems like His Majesty wants me to.” He continued to tease.

“Jeonghan-ssi,” Seungcheol warned but he couldn’t control the reddening of the tips of his ears. He hopes that the room is dark enough for the human to notice.

“I’m only kidding,” Jeonghan chuckled one more time before he turned to the door, “Have a pleasant sleep, Seungcheol-ssi.”

“Are you not going to sleep?”

“Me?” Jeonghan pointed at himself as he smiled, “Don’t underestimate me, Seungcheol-ssi. I may have not fought a war but I have joined field operations where sleeping is impossible too. I can go for weeks without sleep. So, don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on things while you sleep, Your Majesty.” He even added a wink.

“You…”

“What? Have you fallen for me yet?” Jeonghan grinned at how cool he sounded like but he himself could not even handle the weight of his words as he turned away almost immediately in embarrassment. “Goodnight,” He closed the door after him. His knees almost collapsed once he’s outside the door.

Joshua was there to see his miserable state, and could not help from commenting, “I get it that baby daddy is gorgeous but must you throw yourself at him? I didn’t even know you’re into men, Han-ah.”

“I was not.” Jeonghan pulled himself up, patting his shirt as if that would help to straighten his sanity right now. He resumed back to the living room, wanting to shake off Joshua’s inquiries.

“No doubt that you were not,” Joshua nodded, “But can’t say you aren’t now.”

“I am not,” Jeonghan repeated.

Joshua leaned in, “I mean, I can’t blame you. All of a sudden you’re faced with the fact that you mothered a child from another world and the baby daddy happened to be perfectly handsome. He’s also such a sweetheart, it only took me several seconds to assess this. You know I am always good at reading people, I’m never ever wrong. Dear, I won’t be surprised if you two seriously get together and add one more child to the pod. For real this time.”

Jeonghan’s face turned bright red under Joshua’s blatant statement. He pushed Joshua’s grinning face away from him as he responded, “You’re reading into this too much. I’m only helping him find his missing son.”

“Hmm, that missing child is your child too, technically.”

Jeonghan bit back his argument, instead, he reminded his friend, “As far as I am concerned, I am just a surrogate mother in this whole process. I am still an outsider.”

“True,” Joshua quickly agreed but also added, “But something tells me that the line has been crossed.”

“Stop it,” Jeonghan glared at his friend, “No line has been crossed.”

“Tell me, have any other men ever stared at you the way that baby daddy does?”

Jeonghan raised a brow, couldn’t help himself from remembering the King’s beautiful eyes with heavy gorgeous lashes - his stares do make him breathless at times. And he did notice that the King had a habit of watching him intently whether they are conversing or not. But that does not mean anything! “And please stop calling Seungcheol-ssi a baby daddy. That’s a little creepy.”

“Sure,” Joshua laughs as he mumbled, “You really got yourself deep into this weird situation. But I would not say no to a cute little Jeonghannie. I can’t wait to find that little Prince.” He giggled to himself. Would he look more like his friend or the gorgeous baby daddy - he meant, the King.

-

It was early in the morning, at Jeonghan’s second cup of coffee in his thrive to stay awake while the rest of the men including Joshua had retreated to sleep, that Jeonghan noticed that porch lit up outside. Jeonghan quickly stood up, completely used to seeing magical portals by now that he immediately distinguished one.

He opened the door and was glad it was Jihoon that stood behind the door with his husband, Hoshi, who remained in his tiger form. It still made Jeonghan freeze in fear for the first few seconds before moving out of the way.

There are two other people who walked inside after the tiger. One that Jeonghan did not recognise and another that Jeonghan may have seen before. But it hasn’t struck him yet until Joshua, who just woke up from the smallest noise and circled away from the tiger with his horrified look, recognized the other man, “Minister Boo Seungkwan.” He addressed the said male.

Now, Jeonghan finally recognized the man. It was the youngest and current Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Jeonghan’s first interaction with the Minister was when the young man was writing a thesis as a university student and had asked to get materials from one of the crime scenes. It was a crime related to robbery and murder of the curators of rare artefacts found in old age. He then heard that Boo Seungkwan was elected the Minister of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism a few years after his graduation.

But what is he doing here?

“Ah, Joshua-hyung,” Seungkwan gasped, “I can’t believe it is you! And is this Agent Jeonghan-nim? I have not seen you active in years!”

Jeonghan could not respond. Joshua was able though as he asked, “What matter do you have with these people, Seungkwan-ssi?”

“I assume you have heard about Seok-yeong and our world being the Pyeong-on, right?” Seungkwan started, “As a Minister of the Ministry of Culture, it is my duty to represent Pyeong-on to the rest of the realms.”

“So? Humans - the government knows about the other worlds?” Jeonghan gasped.

“Not all,” Seungkwan shook his head, “Perhaps, this is a secret unique only to the Ministry of Culture. Pyeong-on is Pyeong-on because we are free from the greed of the other realm. Humans should not be tainted with this knowledge, why we must keep the other worlds a secret.”

Jeonghan and Joshua nodded to this.

“By the way, where is His Majesty? I believe he was expecting us.” Seungkwan asked.

“He’s still resting,” Jeonghan replied but his attention now is directed at that man he did not recognize. The man has long lashes, bright eyes and almost translucent skin. He has a face that could only exist in digital arts just how perfect his facial structure is - man, he’s breathtakingly dreamy! He reminds him of the King in that kind of sense!

Seungkwan noticed Jeonghan’s gaze so he quickly chimed in, “I see you have not met Prince Hansol. He is His Majesty’s younger brother. He also represents Seok-yeong as their minister among all ministers of all worlds. We recently travelled from Kaeleos when he heard that His Majesty summons us.”

“I see,” Jeonghan nodded.

Prince Hansol nodded, offering his hand for a handshake, “It is a pleasure to finally meet the mama-him .”

Jeonghan reluctantly took the courtesy. “It is nice to meet you, Prince Hansol.”

“Wait, Jeonghan-ssi is the mama-him? Is this even possible?” It looks like Seungkwan did not know about the fact that the mama-him is in fact a male, and it had been Jeonghan too.

“It is a rather long twisted story, believe me, I know.” Joshua whispered. But at least, Seungkwan did not have to be shocked about everything else. He basically had seen many worlds aside from the human world.

It was at this point that Seungcheol came out of the room. He must have heard of the commotion outside. Upon realising who they were, he sighed in relief, ignoring Seungkwan’s comment about his first time having to see the King of Seok-yeong not clad in a lavish set of a royal garment. He looks much more humanly - if mortals can look this superior in beauty.

“I have confirmed from the ministers of all worlds that the Prince has not entered any of theirs.” Prince Hansol quickly clued his older brother, the King. He also spoke in Korean to make sure that the humans could understand him, “I have also arranged with them should such a transaction arise in their realm they must communicate with our Kingdom.”

“Hm, thank you for doing that, Prince Hansol. I know it was not easy to make all the ministers agree to such an arrangement,” Seungcheol admitted.

“You should thank the Pyeong-on Minister, he did most of the talking,” Prince Hansol pointed out, “And also I traded some rare gems of our Kingdom for this arrangement, I’m sure you didn’t mind, Your Majesty.”

Seungcheol, of course, would have minded if it wasn’t for the Prince’s sake. But he was glad that Prince Hansol was always quick and witty with doing transactions like these. He is even more diligently brilliant recently working with the human minister. He does not complain as much anymore when sent for diplomatic retreats like he used to.

“We believe that the Prince is still in Pyeong-on.” Seungkwan confirmed. “Do you want me to contact the other realm for backup?”

“No!” It was both Seungcheol and Hansol who replied adamantly.

“Why? The Nyu-i-seuteu have this team specialised in extraction. They have recently succeeded in finding a royalty abducted into another realm. I am sure they can help you find the Prince.” Seungkwan suggested.

“Thank you for the recommendation, Seungkwan-ssi,” Seungcheol politely responded, “But we have our reason why we must deal with the Prince on our own.”

Hansol nodded to agree.

Seungkwan sighs, “I understand. I just had an impression that the Prince being missing will take utmost priority that you won’t shy away from asking other realm’s help.”

The royal siblings looked at each other, both looked dejected. “You’re right about it being the priority but protecting the Prince’s identity is even more so. We do not want the other realms to find the Prince.” Seungcheol explained.

“So, please, Seungkwan-ssi,” Hansol turned to the other minister, “Please do everything in your rights to not let the Prince cross dimensions.”

Seungkwan sighs, “I will contact the Ministry to completely shut Pyeong-on right now from both sides.”

“Thank you,” Hansol sincerely smiled, thankful for the trust Seungkwan showed.

Seungkwan nodded back as he turned around to call the Ministry as promised.

Outside, another portal broke through the surface and Hansol opened the door this time. He smiled towards the new group of people, “Sir Wonwoo, I see you’re fully recovered. You’re just in time before Pyeong-on closes up.”

Jeonghan peeked past Hansol’s form. He was curious how this guard, Wonwoo, would look in his human form. The first time he had seen him was when he was in his wolf form, so, imagine his surprise when the man that stood in front of him was another Adonis with pale white skin, prominent cheekbones, beautiful almond-shaped eyes, a tall nose and gorgeously carved lips. Despite how delicate his features look, he has this serious face on him and it struck Jeonghan that this Wonwoo is not one to strike a casual conversation at a first meeting.

Behind Wonwoo is Mingyu, who easily towers over the already tall first man. Mingyu looks dashing as always, this time, he looked more mature as if he had gone through a sudden transformation just by travelling back from Seok-yeong. How it went, Jeonghan is dying to know. But that can wait.

Also arriving is Seokmin with that ever brightest smile like a kid on his first school trip in the zoo. He quickly made friends with Joshua who hesitantly shook hands with him at first. Now, the two are like the best of friends.

It was half an hour later after Seungkwan called the Ministry to close Pyeong-on from both sides. Jeonghan noticed that the surroundings did not brighten, sunrise was supposed to start an hour ago.

He looked outside the windows and frowned watching the clouds covering the sun. That must be it. What a foreboding sight. It did not help to calm Jeonghan’s nerves of their current predicament right now. He sighs as he watches Seungcheol surrounded by his guards discussing their course of action. It is a pity that Jeonghan could not understand most of their conversation.

He yawns.

-

Jeonghan didn’t remember when he fell asleep but it felt like he did for a very long time as it was already night time just by looking out the window. He also realised that somebody must have laid him to bed because he didn’t remember coming to bed by himself. He must have fallen asleep on the couch. He must have been exhausted. He pulled an all-nighter after all.

He yawns once again as he shook his head, ridding himself of his drowsiness, only then he realised that the Shelter is dead quiet. He quickly jumped out of bed and bolted outside. He is right! Everyone else has left the shelter! Jeonghan panicked, his heart squeezing tightly, unsure what to do first or what he wanted to do first.

“Jeonghan-ah,” It was Joshua, who was in the middle of cooking dinner, that heard Jeonghan’s footsteps, “Hey, a-are you crying?”

Crying? Jeonghan did not notice his tears have escaped his eyes. He did not even realise that the pain in his chest would result in him crying. He was still in the process of understanding the situation. He felt… he feels the agonizing feeling of abandonment. And he doesn’t know how to deal with that. The idea that he would not see him again without a word - heck, he knew this is due to happen but isn’t this too sudden? They haven’t even found the Prince yet!

“Jeonghan-ah,” Joshua grabbed Jeonghan’s hand in an attempt to calm his friend, “They will be back.” He assured him. As far as he knows, the King and his guard left with an intention to come back. The look on the King’s face as he left the room after tucking Jeonghan to bed says he did not intend to leave without a word.

And that sadness washing over Jeonghan’s panicked face says it more honestly, his best friend did not want the King to leave either.

“They hurriedly left the moment they got a word where the Prince is. You were sleeping so peacefully, we didn’t want to wake you.”

“Still! They should have woken me up!” Jeonghan insisted, almost yelling.

Joshua sighs, “For someone who should be an outsider, you’re pretty riled up right now,” He commented, “Come on, sit down. Once you’ve calmed down, I might tell you where they went.”

Jeonghan eyed his best friend, making sure he wasn’t lying. “I am calm.”

Joshua chuckled, amused at his best friend’s denial. He then pulled him towards the windows as he looked up at the sky outside, “Didn’t you know that whenever the human world closes, there will be a solar eclipse? Look outside.”

Jeonghan did as told and true to that statement, the sun is completely covered by the moon. It also suggests that he did not sleep through the day, it is still day time, early in the afternoon by the look of where the sun is in the sky behind the moon. Jeonghan knew that solar eclipse is rare, but it has happened before. Does that mean, Pyeong-on had circumstances wherein they have close borders before? Or is it just simply a natural order that can be explained scientifically?

“Have you calmed down yet?”

Jeonghan nodded but did not say a word.

-

As expected the peaceful negotiation of paying the ransom fell through. Joshua just got an update from Seungkwan as promised. This is indeed bad. It seemed like bribing those gangs anymore does not work. It is clear they are opting for a bigger prize and whoever had the audacity to instruct them to abduct the Prince had promised them just that.

Joshua was also told that the King of Seok-yeong refused to use force against the human enemies, why they deduced into negotiating. Clearly, Jeonghan does not share the same sentiments when the man drove off the moment he found out about it.

If Seungcheol has a problem in killing humans, Jeonghan does not. Anyone who stood in his way to complete his missions have paid with their lives attesting to this. Joshua was sure Jeonghan returned to this mindset when he stuffed his duffel bag with his custom-made firearms. Did he also see him assembling his rifles before he left?

Joshua did not imagine his friend would come back with his instinct of a field agent this way. He supposed, it is a matter of saving a child’s life - sad that it has to be his very own child too.

Joshua does not know whether to pity his friend or the people who will be facing his friend. Jeonghan never misses a target.

Meanwhile, Joshua himself decided to do what he does best, assist an operation remotely. He turned to his room, the low whirring of computers and multiple displays welcomed him. As he sat on his chair, he immediately connected to Jeonghan’s phone. Albeit surprised as the call connected, he quickly teased his friend, “Surprise you’re not acting stupid and actually answered my assistance,”

Jeonghan was heard snorting but didn’t reply.

“But you know,” Joshua leaned back on his chair as he reminded his friend, “You might have every good intention to find a missing kid - your son, to be more specific, but need I remind you that you’re currently on hiatus right now.” For sure, Jeonghan did not forget that his licence to kill is on hold as they speak, right? Joshua could only hope.

Chapter Text

Part Five

Sniper

“Your Majesty,” Seungkwan nervously walked towards Seok-yeong's King. He doesn’t know how else to comfort the royal. To be honest, Seungkwan had never expected the negotiation for paying the ransom would fall through. Heck, if the gang's ever aware of how valuable Seok-yeong’s currency is, they would not dare deny such wealth. But it seems like the humans that took the Prince are aiming for a bigger prize.

And Seungkwan is beginning to think that the King, and even the rest of his men knew exactly what’s really at stake here. Could it be more than just finding the Prince? What is Seok-yeong trying to hide here?

In this sort of situation, Seungkwan would have thought that the King would consider joining hands with the people of Pyeong-on, and per usual, the Ministry of Culture would just cover it up as typically a case of gang-related crime that ended in a bloody encounter.

But for some reason, the Majesty was more than adamant to keep his hands off taking this route. It is not surprising coming from the Kingdom of Seok-yeong, they have always taken the peaceful route in any given negotiation before engaging in war if all else fails. But for sure, if there is a child involved, any parent would not hesitate to throw all their principles away to protect that child.

Even if it means to annihilate another world.

Is the Majesty’s will to not harm the humans that strong or is there another reason?

“Seungkwan-ssi,”

Seungkwan stopped in his tracks, Hansol had reached for his arm before he could get much closer to Seungcheol. He eyed the other minister confusedly. By now, Seungkwan is dying to know the real reason as to why the Majesty is acting strangely in this situation. Does he not care for the Prince?

Yet, Seungkwan felt stupid right after he thought of it. In front of him, he witnessed the furious King walking up to a gigantic oak tree and silently landed a punch against the solid surface of the tree. The tree crackled into the impact before it burst from the inside as if lightning had struck it. The tree fell in half just like that.

Seungkwan screeched back, witnessing once more how their worlds are too different. Seok-yeong’s citizens are in the league of their own, if they are not shifters, they are adept with magic, or anything far more powerful than humans in many ways.

And a furious King of the said world is a force one should not mess around with - but why is he taking it out on a tree. With the ability that he has, he could infiltrate the inside of the gang’s residence and rescue the Prince without any problem.

“You must be thinking why we don’t deal with the situation with our invincible magic or something,” Hansol commented as he noticed the human minister watching the scene in front of them with confusion, “It is not that we don’t want to, it's more like we cannot. If any of us happen to kill a human right now, it will really complicate things for the Prince.”

“You know the Ministry of Culture will cover for any deaths tonight,” Seungkwan reminded, “You’d also do the Police force a favour by taking down one of the problematic gangs.”

Hansol snorts, “For sure it is as easy as you say. In normal cases. But the Prince’s situation is a little more complicated than that.”

“Fine,” Seungkwan rolled his eyes, giving up for now. It does not seem like these guys will tell him anything. “So, how else are you going to deal with this? The negotiation did not work.”

Hansol could not reply. To be honest, he doesn’t know either. He completely understood his older brother, the King’s resolution but if they don’t show force now, they might really lose the Prince. He stares at his brother and just by the look in his brother’s eyes, he could tell that his brother is just pushing to his limit.

No one here wants to save the Prince more than Seungcheol does. He just needs to do it the right way.

But maybe the right way might be a little impossible sometimes because, inside the gang’s lair, an explosion started massive enough to completely rupture the whole right wing of the mansion. It was left with fire slowly growing bigger towards the other part of the mansion.

Seungcheol’s heart stopped, “Wonnie-ah,” He gasped out his child’s name, a name he forbade anyone to speak so carelessly. It is one of the main reasons why everyone only addresses the Prince with his title.

Seungcheol’s jaw tightened, even more, his first forming as his raw energy now starting to take control of his better judgment.

“Your Majesty,” Jun eyed Seungcheol, awaiting for his King’s command. They’ve played the game of patience for so long, he too has grown impatient.

Meanwhile, Myungho stretches his body, cracking his joints in the process, “And here these fools thought to dismay our King,” He eyed the said King, “Your Majesty, I think that’s our invitation to strike.”

Seungcheol eyed both his subjects, especially Wonwoo who was silently cracking his fingers while watching the fire still engulfing the gang’s mansion. It looks like even Wonwoo is preparing to strike any minute with just one word from him.

Seungcheol then eyed Seungkwan and the two of them exchanged mutual understanding.

Seungkwan nodded, “Do not be afraid. We will cover Seok-yeong’s track.”

“Finally, some action,” Lee Chan chirped.

“Do not kill,” Seungcheol reminded his men.

Wonwoo nodded, “Understood,” He took his first step as he added, “Ripping their limbs off isn’t killing them.”

“Uh,” Mingyu, who was anxiously standing beside Wonwoo and now following him, responded, “Normally, humans would die from blood loss if you rip their limbs off.”

“Hm, really?” Wonwoo replied before watching the tall human from his feet to his head, “Will that be enough to kill you too?”

Mingyu sighs, whining, “Wonwoo-ah, why must you always joke about killing me?”

“I wasn’t joking,”

“That’s even worse!”

“Tch,” Wonwoo clicked his tongue, “You were much cuter when you couldn’t understand our language,”

“Well, what can I say, learning a new language is my forte,” Mingyu grinned. It was his speciality as he joined the agency due to his multilingual skills. “Besides Seok-yeong’s language is much closer to old Korean so it was a piece of cake for me. By the way, what is that word you use? Cuter?” 

Wonwoo halted and watched the human he long marked in that one fateful night, he did not expect to meet him again. No wonder why at first glance, he couldn’t help himself but to get close to him. He didn’t know that his intention of staying in that cramped underground cell isn’t all about finding information about Mama-him, but his subconscious desire to stay close to his mate. 

Cuter? Might be the case three years ago. He remembered that the human he wrestled with was a lanky little man who barely passed his youth. But now, after all those years, standing in front of him is a full-fledged man towering a few centimetres taller than him. He also gives that scent that is enough to make Wonwoo dizzy. May it be just a case of their bond, but man, it is exhilarating just to stay sane around this - his human.

“So, what’s cuter means?”

Wonwoo shook his head, looking away, "You don't need to know," He mumbled as he hopped over the wall and into the mansion. He noticed Mingyu followed him with ease. Sometimes, it helps to have long legs. "You don't have to get involved."

"And let you just get hurt?"

Wonwoo hissed, "What makes you think I will get hurt?" There is no way he would let these morons shoot him the second time around. Especially with that same poison.

"But you're anxious right now," Mingyu responded, he even walked closer to Wonwoo and watched him carefully under the little light coming from the fire blaze in the distance, "You're trembling, Wonwoo-ah,"

Wonwoo gasped, grabbing his own hands and felt it shaking. He was trying to ignore it, so much that he even held his breath but it seemed like Mingyu could tell. His mate could tell that the recent incident had opened up not only physical wounds but the trauma inflicted from his last mission in the mortal world.

That a long time ago, he almost gave up on a mission. Until the humans came raiding the vicinity, inadvertently ending his mission and escaped that place barely after borrowing strength from an accidental bonding he made with Mingyu.

“You’re just imagining it,” Wonwoo hissed, shaking Mingyu off and finally jumping in front of an unsuspecting gang member and giving him a powerful punch square in the gut. It was enough to knock the human out of consciousness.

Wonwoo continued on his track, strictly staying in his man form as he fought only with bare hands. A dozen of gang members were left barely breathing as he passed. Mingyu could not even find the rhythm to join in. It looked to him, Wonwoo would not be pleased if he would jump in when he isn’t needed. So, Mingyu just watched helplessly entranced at the magnificence of the werebeast that is Wonwoo.

Whereas, at the other part of the mansion, Jun, Myungho and the youngest, Chan, also managed to infiltrate the building. Several few have noticed their presence but they did not let themselves get overrun this time. Jun might not be able to shift on his wolf form but he is as capable in human form as he is in his beast form. With Myungho and Chan, helping in his side, it was more than enough to disarm the humans by using only their bare hands.

As the right-hand man, Jihoon and his husband, Hoshi, had to stay close to the King. They approached in the rear of the mansion, catching only the least amount of the guards as they focused both towards the front where some of Seungcheol’s men entered. Some of the gang members are also fixed on the explosion in the right-wing of the mansion. They can hear them screaming, yelling commands in full panic. They are in complete chaos.

The three of them, including the King, engaged in a fistfight with some of the gangs, most of them bearing wounds from the explosion. Hence, it was easy to take them down.

They arrived near the right-wing. There, several dead bodies lined up, while those who could still move tried to aim at them with their human weapons. It was not the kind that is loaded with poison, thankfully. It took a graze on Hoshi’s leg to know that the bullet wasn't dipped in poison.

Nonetheless, it annoyed Hoshi. It was still painful to get wounded. But Jihoon was furious as he grabbed the gun from the human and used it to knock him out by the neck. Jihoon roughly breathes out, mumbling something about the audacity of a mere human to leave a scar on his husband’s perfect skin.

Or did Hoshi just imagine Jihoon saying all that? Regardless, it made him giggle, unbothered by his leg now covered in fresh red blood. It’s only a little scrape.

Outside the mansion, Seungkwan’s phone rang.

“Seungkwan-ssi,”

“Joshua-hyung, hm. Please speak.” Seungkwan responded.

“I think you guys got the wrong location,” Joshua quickly informed, “Jeonghan took a different route and accidentally recognized one of the vehicles. He also mentioned that he was certain that the Prince was there. He could feel it, he said.”

Seungkwan blinked. Uncertain what to say but hearing this from a seasoned agent who knew the people involved well, it’ll be stupid to question it. “Okay, Joshua-hyung. Please tell me where this place is.”

“Hidden Lake Azure,”

“Got it,” Seungkwan noted.

HIDDEN LAKE AZURE

Seungkwan got out of the car quickly as they arrived at the Hidden Lake Azure per Joshua’s new information. He ran towards His Majesty, who also just arrived in another car. “Your Majesty, Mingyu and Sir Wonwoo just confirmed that the Prince is indeed not in that Mansion. They are on their way to here.”

“Thank you, Pyeong-on Minister,” Seungcheol replied as he observed the vicinity. Compared to the mansion, this place is slightly open, there are no towering fences and the mansion is a typical lake house with a humongous back garden stretching towards the heavy forest. Saying that, it is still suspiciously guarded seeing the amount of stationed men rounding all over the lake house.

“The human transport parked there is indeed one of those used when they took the Prince away, Your Majesty,” Jun confirmed.

Seungcheol nodded. He also noted how quickly Jeonghan had picked up that information based on the past-mirroring magic he cast yesterday. And to be able to use that information to locate the Prince, indeed, Jeonghan is a man of his expertise. But where are you exactly? Given that Jeonghan had located this place, the man might be around the vicinity hidden somewhere. “Go in. With care.” Seungcheol commanded his men. Jeonghan could have not gone in by himself, did he?

Seungcheol’s command goes the same way - retrieve the Prince without any casualty.

His men approached the humans in a similar manner too, disarming them and knocking them unconscious. Like what happened back in the mansion, it was easy to carry out this operation. They quickly covered most part of the lake house and could feel anxiousness from the humans as they exited to the back of the house.

Seungcheol and his men followed them outside, but were met by numerous bullets fired in their direction. Myungho and Chan were shot, one in his abdomen and one in the arm. Jun was next to them and helped them cover. Seungcheol, while hidden, snarled angrily. He could see his men suffering from the gunshot and it frustrates him that he could not do anything for them.

“They’re leaving,” Jihoon commented. From where they are, they could hear a loud noise coming from human air transport. Humans call them Helicopters. Jihoon peeked over the border, “They have the Prince, Your Majesty,” He reported.

Wrapped with an oversized, heavy, furred coat is mistakenly the Prince just by seeing his light brown hair. You see, the Prince kept his hair long, it was so long it grew past his shoulders and it was always tied low with a golden hair tie strictly created for the Prince. It has the Seok-yeong Kingdom’s ornament attached to it. So, there is no mistake that it is the Prince.

The Prince looked like he was fed a sleeping serum to stay unconscious all through the commotion.

Seungcheol couldn’t help but stand up from where he was hiding to catch a glimpse of his dear child, and from where he was, he could see him clearly. It brought a lot of mixed emotions in his chest right now. He wanted to disappear from where he stood, grab his child and go back to their Kingdom immediately where he can be safe again.

Seungcheol’s chest tightened and his eyes watered in extreme agony. If only this world abided by Seok-yeong’s law, he could do exactly what he desired. Only that, this is bigger than just himself.

Definitely bigger.

Just before the humans could get close to the helicopter, Wonwoo and Mingyu arrived in the vicinity on time they jumped in right away to disarm three humans, interrupting their escape. In utter panic, the human, possibly one with a higher ranking pointed a gun in the Prince’s head, unsure how to get out of the situation unscathed.

The humans don’t know how many others are out there surrounding them. While he could see two men who attacked them out in the open, managed to knock three of his men unconscious. The taller one out of the two also managed to steal one of the guns and pointed it towards one of his men.

It was like a stalemate. Guns pointing at each other with the helicopter still left ready to go. The noise it makes and the wind gushing from its propellers heightened everyone’s nerves.

“Do anything and I’ll blast your heir’s head.” The man threatened.

Wonwoo’s mouth pursed.

“Your Majesty,” Jihoon worriedly called out as his King did not budge from where he stood, only to see him walking up to the crowd that held the Prince captive.

“Dammit,” Hoshi hissed, intending to follow his King.

“Don’t. Stay here,” Jihoon held his husband’s hand. He fixed his eyes on his, “You’re already hurt, dumbass,” He reminded him.

“It’s nothing,” Hoshi responded.

“Then, go get to your teammates. The situation now is so tense, so you can use magic to get them out from here without getting noticed.” Jihoon instructed, “You’re the only one strong enough to open a portal big enough for three people.”

Hoshi pursed his lips but did not argue because his husband made sense, “Okay,” He gently pulled his husband closer and quickly planted a chaste kiss on his lips, “Come home safely, alright?” He pulled away as skipped towards his teammates. And without further delays, he opened a portal and helped Jun to get Minghao and Chan back to the Shelter since Pyeong-on is still on lockdown. Jihoon is right, Minghao and Chan’s gunshot is mixed with poison. Any longer and their recovery could get harder, especially the two are not even from a werebeast tribe. They really should return to Seok-yeong soon.

-

“Compromise?” The human gang leader laughed at the great King of another dimension, “My client swore a bigger bounty for your Prince, or should I say, Prin—”

“Seok-yeong can offer just as much,” Seungcheol interrupted, hiding the anxiousness in his voice. So, it is indeed true that whoever ordered this gang of humans knew exactly what they’re getting from this. They did not want to use the Prince merely for any political gains but what the Prince and only the Prince can do.

This is exactly why Seungcheol resorted to cover everything about the Prince. Everything.

“I don’t think you understand, Great King,” The human continued, “What I can get from this is something not even your world can offer. I believe your Kingdom does not condone violence against humans. I know you will never kill humans, my client said so. So, you don’t scare me.”

Seungcheol’s jaw tightened. That said, it is confirmed that the said client knew Seungcheol well and probably had fed this very information to get the humans to cooperate in abducting the Prince.

“Your Majesty, this human is not ignorant to the ways of our Kingdom. By our law, it should be enough ground to use magic against them,” Jihoon reminded.

Seungcheol shook his head. “It’ll cost us more,” He responded to Jihoon. He also watched Wonwoo, who also managed to secure a gun right next to his human mate, who stood there anxiously with a gun pointing to another human. It really is a nerve-wracking situation.  With Seungcheol’s single step forward, a gun quickly switches to him.

Wonwoo snarled, readjusting his aim towards the man who has the audacity to point a gun at his King. Once again, stillness commenced with everyone watching each other’s movements.

Several minutes later with their chest almost exploding in extreme uneasiness, two gunshots were heard one after another, one coming from a distance and one right next to them. One body dropped cold to the ground with his head cleanly shot in the middle of the back of his head, and Seungcheol kneeled to the ground with his left side bleeding.

In the commotion, Mingyu reacted quickly and shot the gang member close to him, and one right next after before it could get to Wonwoo. There are gunshots everywhere, more than the ones that came from Mingyu and Wonwoo.

“Grab the Prince,” Seungcheol winced, his bleeding did not stop and each time he took a breath, the poison circulated all over his body much quicker.

Yet Jihoon did not need to leave the King’s side when Mingyu managed to disarm the man that holds the Prince. Mingyu grabbed the Prince to his arm and shot the man by the shoulder.

The leader of the gang ran towards the helicopter only to find that the pilot was shot clean in the forehead, when, he did not know but he is certain that someone else is out there with a rifle aiding the King.

And true to this realisation, the gang leader found that terrifying red light coming towards him and stopped accurately towards his chest. He choked in fear.

Behind the rifle’s lenses, Jeonghan's jaw tightened. He recognized this face. This gang leader is the one that killed Jeonghan’s team captain from that last operation he joined. He always wanted to avenge his team captain but was not able to as he became so ill to even join follow-up operations. Now, really is his chance.

He held on so long, he had a clear view of the said man even earlier when they got out of the lake house but Jeonghan honoured Seungcheol’s wishes not to harm the humans. He patiently watched from afar, hoping that Seungcheol could finish it up as he hoped, diplomatically.

But Jeonghan had been in this field for so long to see all hints of aggression down to mere nerves causing mistakes so when Jeonghan noticed the human who had the gun aimed at Seungcheol fidgeting on the trigger, Jeonghan did not hesitate to shoot first.

A gunshot followed right next after his that made him even more annoyed for not taking the chance much earlier. But nevertheless, the human lost his aim and he was only able to shoot Seungcheol in his side, as opposed to his head.

Jeonghan did not linger on his anguish much longer as he assisted Mingyu and Wonwoo with shooting anyone else in sight, and lastly the pilot. “Sorry, Seungcheol-ssi, I was not able to abide by your wishes.” His finger laced over the trigger, “But you see, in this world, I have consent to kill.” He whispered.

Yet, before he could press on the trigger, Wonwoo blocked his aim and stood face to face with the gang leader. Jeonghan hissed, unable to aim anymore, not wanting to mistakenly shoot Wonwoo. Before his eyes, Wonwoo shifted on his wolf form, giving the gang leader a horrified look on his face.

Wonwoo howled, causing everyone to look his way while the gang leader, who was the only one left conscious of all his men, stumbled back in fear. Wonwoo growled at him, louder and louder until the man gathered on his feet and ran towards the forest.

Wonwoo stalked him, there was excitement as he pounced after him. Now, the chase commences.

“Wonwoo!” Mingyu called after his mate.

“Leave him be,” Jihoon said to Mingyu, “Wonwoo suffered humiliation more than you could ever imagine under that man during years of his mission here. Give him this joy to avenge himself.”

Mingyu nodded, looking away from the forest where Wonwoo disappeared to.

“For now, let’s get the King and the Prince out of here,” Jihoon instructed, eyeing the Prince still in Mingyu’s arms. He conjured a portal. They quickly disappeared through that.

Jeonghan watches from afar as everyone disappears, safely for now. And while his relief was true, an emotion knocked in his chest that got him shakingly dropped his rifle, fell back and hitched a cry as it sunk to him.

It’s over. They’re gone.

Now that Seok-yeong retrieved their Prince safely, they have now returned to their Kingdom and there is no need to keep their ties with each other. Just like what they have agreed, he was to help them find the prince, to which he honoured going by what happened today, and then, he could forget everything that ever happened - including the fact that he mothered a child from another dimension. He didn’t even get to see the Prince. What does he look like? How much of Jeonghan does the Prince look like?

Jeonghan couldn’t help his whole body trembling in pure anguish, he did not know he would feel this kind of helplessness and loneliness for losing something - someone he never knew he had. It was a fleeting moment but it hurts just the same.

Jeonghan’s tears poured before he could fully understand where these emotions were coming from, or whether he has the right to even feel this way.

“Jeonghanna, you there? Headquarter called they will be taking over the premises now. Seungkwan-ssi will stay with them. Everything else is taken care of. Jeonghanna, are you there?” It was Joshua talking in his earpiece.

Jeonghan did not respond, or could not because he is still drowning in his tears.

“You should come back in the Shelter,” Joshua reminded before he added, “Everyone is waiting for you,”

Jeonghan ceased his crying as he picked up Joshua’s last word, “E-everyone?”

“Yes. You should hurry though. The King’s guard is really opposed to the idea to stay here. The King is injured and I believe recovering here is harder—”

Jeonghan pulled out his earpiece as he stood up quickly, ran towards his car and drove back to the Shelter like a madman.

THE SHELTER

Jihoona, come back to that place.

Your Majesty.

It’s r-rude to disappear without saying goodbye.

But, Your Majesty. Your injury is so severe.

Did you forget? Pyeong-on is still closed for transporting.

Your Majesty-

Just for a short while.

Jihoon pursed his lips. How could he have been swayed by his King’s words when he should know better than this. He was pretty sure that Seungkwan had lifted the ban of transporting later on during the pursuit. Going back to Seok-yeong is a much more logical action, healing the King there with the sort of injury he has, is much more effective. The poison does not only weaken one but it is also demonic that it causes massive hysteria to one’s temperament. How the King stayed looking calm despite his real condition now still puzzles Jihoon.

Only for a short while, huh? The longer they stay here in the human world with this injury, is a year taken from the King’s lifespan.

Just to say goodbye to a mere human? That’s ridiculous. Why can you be more honest, Your Majesty? Jihoon sighs. He doesn’t think his King intended to part ways, and even if he did in the end, it would be against his will.

Jihoon knows his King his whole life to be able to say this.

Chapter Text

Part Six

Goodbye For Now

When Jeonghan arrived in the Shelter, he almost knocked Joshua off the door. Poor man, he only wanted to let him in. Jeonghan cannot imagine the relief that surged inside him just seeing Jihoon coming out of his room. For sure if Jihoon is here, Seungcheol is here too. And if he is lucky, the Prince could be here too.

They really did not leave for Seok-yeong just yet.

Jeonghan finally let go of his breath he didn’t know he was holding. He now slowly walked inside the room. On his bed is Seungcheol, it looked like his wound had been tended at least. His clothes have been changed too. Yet, he remained unconscious.

But at least he is here , Jeonghan told himself. 

He reached for Seungcheol’s face, and immediately noticed that the King’s skin was intensely hot, as if the man was having a fever. He gasped, now also checking other parts of Seungcheol’s body - all were awfully hot.

“It’s just an effect of the poison,” Jihoon noticed Jeonghan’s panic and wanted to say but knew Jeonghan would not be able to understand him.

“I’m sorry,” Jeonghan whispered, “I was not fast enough.” He added. If only he did not hesitate for even a short second, he could have killed the man first before it could even pull that trigger to shoot Seungcheol.

He sat there forlornly while holding the King’s hand. He doesn’t understand the full extent of his intention why he could not leave his side but somewhere in the very corner of his mind, he had hoped that the Majesty would stay once he sees him.

Maybe.

Jihoon left Jeonghan with the King. What else can he do if the King pleaded to stay with the human.

Yet, as he turns, a tiny pair of feet escaped into the room before Jihoon could even close the door. The little person launched onto Jeonghan like it was the most natural thing to do.

Jihoon watches the confused and surprised look on Jeonghan’s face as the two of them finally recognize that the little person is in fact the King’s child, who happened to realize that the mama-him had appeared.

“W-wait,” Jeonghan fell back on his butt as a pair of small arms mounted on his shoulders. Those small arms were topped by a huge bundle of dark brown hair that was left dangling past the shoulders. Jeonghan pulled away just so slightly so he could carefully examine the child. There is only one child in this whole scenario.

Could it be… the Prince?

But Jeonghan is confused. Because the more that he stared at the child, the more he became certain that this child is no Prince. He caught his mouth in shock as he allowed that to sink in.

The King’s brother, Hansol, walked over with a neutral look on his face, gave Jeonghan a short nod as if to imply that Jeonghan’s conclusion is correct. He then introduced the child to Jeonghan, “Jeonghan-ssi, meet Princess Chaewon.”

The four-year-old girl pulled away and gave Jeonghan a pretty smile and it struck Jeonghan how their smiles are insanely similar.

Jeonghan does not know how to react but at the same time, in his head runs all the stories Seungcheol said about the Prince that hinted that their child is a baby girl. Wait, didn’t they say that their Kingdom was not able to produce females? Was that a lie?

“Princess Chaewon is the very first since the last female after the curse,” Hansol explained, “The Princess' real identity is unknown outside the palace. This secret is intricately kept that all must address the Princess as the Prince, she must also dress like one and to carry that title until she becomes of age.”

“W-what do you mean… that’s n-not fair… that’s…”

“It is indeed unfair,” Hansol agreed, “But did His Majesty not tell you why we were cursed not to have a female population?”

Jeonghan shook his head.

Hansol crouches over to Princess Chaewon, “Wonah, would you go to Sir Jihoon. Uncle wants to talk to your mama-him .”

The Princess looked saddened having to leave her maternal parent but was raised to show good manners. She gave Jeonghan a tight hug before she pulled away and took Jihoon’s hand. The two of them left after closing the door.

Hansol then continued his conversation with Jeonghan, “A long time ago, Seok-yeong is a Kingdom revered for its unparalleled magic. We were unmatched, we were a Kingdom of Wealth and Pride. With that known reputation, no other Kingdoms, big or small, is safe from our grasp if we desired. Sitting on this glory is a foundation of our female sorcerers. Our females are many times more powerful than our males, they have the finesse in conjuring unique and intricate spells - but they are only females in the eyes of the past Kings.

Instead of giving the female sorcerers the most deserved care and respect, they were deprived of exactly those. The past Kings used their magic to win wars, to enslave other Kingdoms, to use them as mere weapons. They can only endure so much after the centuries of tyranny, so they offered their own lives to conjure a spell that could teach the whole Kingdom a lesson. All female sorcerers died that day.

Yet, the King is oblivious. It was a decade later until the whole Kingdom realized that no females were born since the female sorcerers genocide. They put two and two together and realized about the curse. Up until Princess Chaewon was born, no females have been blessed to the Kingdom. Her birth is a symbol of forgiveness, she was a sign that Seok-yeong’s past mistakes are finally forgiven - the curse is lifted.”

Jeonghan didn’t know what to say. Indeed, the child he had given the King is far more important than being just the heir of the whole Kingdom. He doesn’t know what to feel exactly, it was so overwhelming that even if he tried to comprehend it one by one, everything just meshed together. He is becoming dizzier.

“The reason why His Majesty had resorted to keep Princess Chaewon’s identity also comes with the fear that other dimensions will find her as a threat. History taught all dimensions that Seok-yeong’s female sorcerers were unmatched and unforgiving. You also cannot ignore the fact that other dimensions may want to use her for her potential.”

Jeonghan nodded. Of course, that’s to be expected, unfortunately.

“His Majesty was adamant to not cause casualty towards the humans upon the retrieval of the Princess because once death is in the picture, the whole alliance of the dimensions will look into the matter and inadvertently expose Princess Chaewon to the all worlds. She will instantly be targeted for so many reasons and His Majesty won’t be able to protect her anymore.”

Jeonghan looked away, now fully understanding Seungcheol’s course of actions. He was just thinking for her daughter’s safety. In a bigger picture.

“But you know, Jeonghan-ssi, His Majesty feared that his daughter’s existence could turn him into a tyrant king our ancestors have become.”

“He would not!” Jeonghan quickly opposed that theory. He had not known Seungcheol that long but he was almost certain that Seungcheol is not that kind of a King. He showed Jeonghan care and respect. His courtesy is both admirable and sweet. Jeonghan just couldn’t imagine such a gentleman could turn into that demonic King.

Hansol chuckles under his breath, satisfied with the human’s reaction. “Of course, he wouldn’t, would he? We believed that because of a man His Majesty is, brave yet kind, he washed away the Kingdom’s curse and now was rewarded with a baby girl.”

That sounded plausible, Jeonghan nodded to himself.

“I know that my brother would not turn into that kind of a King because despite his resolve to keep Princess Chaewon inside the palace, he could not deny her desire. The reason why he allowed Princess Chaewon’s escape to the mortal world to find her human mother is because he feels deeply apologetic towards having her to live the kind of life she has, forced to hide under the Prince’ title. Even just to let her meet her human mother would she feel loved just the way she is.”

Jeonghan could not help the stream of tears falling down his cheeks. Why does he think everything is as easy as it sounded. He didn’t know that the Majesty and their daughter had this kind of life and meeting him is much more significant than he thought. And here he is thinking he could just disappear after helping the King find his child.

But how could he now?

Does he really have to?

-

Seungcheol woke up way past midnight. Pain from his wound shot up immediately, too painful he needed to hold his breath. He stayed unmoving in his bed with eyes firmly closed as he tried to win over the pain. Conjuring magic now to heal himself would be impossible. He is too weak to do anything.

Half an hour later, he was finally able to manage the pain and decided to climb out of the bed. He was wincing at every step he took, but he ignored it as there is some place he wanted to be.

Earlier, he was in such a bad shape that he was not able to will himself to stay conscious but he had heard his men mentioning Jeonghan and Chaewon falling asleep in the next room. Back then, he wasn’t sure what to feel about hearing that, he was not in the right temperament to process the emotional impact of hearing that his daughter had reunited with his human mother .

Was it a reunion his daughter had craved for? Was it something worth putting her safety on the line? Did that make her happy? Did Jeonghan look at her with fondness she yearns for? Was she treated like a princess that she is?

There are a lot of questions that ran in Seungcheol’s head that he wished he had an answer to. He wished he had witnessed that magnificent moment when Jeonghan gets to see their daughter for the first time.  Seungcheol was confident that Jeonghan would love her at first glance and that he hoped Jeonghan would forgive him for covering her real identity.

He wishes that Jeonghan would accept Chaewon just the way she is.

Seungcheol did not seem to wish for more when he entered the room and found the said two peacefully asleep with Chaewon snuggling closely to Jeonghan. Jeonghan’s fingers still wound along Chaewon’s long hair as if he had fallen asleep pampering the Princess with gentle caress.

Seungcheol stood there watching the scene with a conflicted heart. How perfect this sight seemed to be, how beautiful that he wanted this all to last. His baby girl is undeniably overjoyed with meeting her soul-mother, and to have a kind and stunning soul-mother, it was easy to make that connection. 

Jeonghan towards Princess Chaewon must be like a missing part she finally found and completed her. Definitely that kind of feeling because Seungcheol experienced that too. He can no longer deny that.

Just like now. He cannot resist himself from walking closer to the bed to watch them much closely now. Seungcheol is right, the two look more alike than she does to him. And this time, Seungcheol found himself smiling to this affirmation. 

“Seun-seungcheol-ssi?” Jeonghan’s eyes fluttered open, trying to keep his eyes open as he yawns softly.

“Hm,” Seungcheol unsurely replied.

“You’re here?” He asked, his voice a little raspy. It is apparent that the man still wanted to sleep. He even closed his eyes again. 

“Yes,”

Jeonghan nodded to this response as he pulled the Princess closer to him then patted the space on the other side of the bed, “Come, sleep with us.” He whispered.

Whether Jeonghan is fully awake now or not, he still successfully made Seungcheol’s heart race. How Jeonghan managed to read exactly what Seungcheol wanted to do, and to get such an invitation, Seungcheol immediately subconsciously complied.

And that space was enough to comfort all the pain away. Lying there next to his slumbering daughter in the arms of her other parent, was a strange yet wonderful place he never knew he needed.

“ D-daddy…?” Princess Chaewon felt the dip and the sudden warmth on the other side of the bed that reminded her of her father. She turned and snuggled to him.

Seungcheol gasped as Chaewon grazed on his wound but did not pry her away. But of course, Jeonghan might be half-asleep right now but he realized what happened that he pulled Chaewon back to him oh-so-carefully as he whispered, “Daddy is hurt. Come here to me,” 

Seungcheol watched the scene again, and noted how Chaewon did not even complain and just happily snuggled back to Jeonghan once again.

Jeonghan kept his eyes open this time as he finally looked at Seungcheol, “How are you feeling?”

Seungcheol took a bit longer to reply to this simple question, “Not as bad.”

“C-chaewon was really worried, you know. She didn’t want to sleep.”

Seungcheol smiled softly, “She’s always been a sweet girl,” He then added, “Sorry, she seems to take a real liking to you. I knew she would.”

It was time for Jeonghan to smile, “Don’t distract me and make me forget you hid the fact she’s a little girl,” He pouted but then smiled once again, “She’s beautiful.” She whispered.

“Exactly like you,”

Jeonghan softly snorts, “Don’t flirt with me, Choi Seungcheol.”

Seungcheol laughed faintly but did not reply to that and the two of them became quiet, unsure of what to say to each other. There was this overwhelming gush of fluttering feeling in their chest but at the same time, uncertainties. Are they taking it way too far too quickly? Wasn’t there a limit to this setup?

“W-when are you leaving?” Jeonghan belatedly asked.

Seungcheol felt cold all of the sudden, dreading this side of reality that in the near future he had to leave this all behind. No matter how euphoric this made him even for a short while. “Jihoon suggests we leave tomorrow morning.”

“I see,”

“J-jeongha—”

“C-can she stay?” Can you stay? Jeonghan wanted to add but his chest hurts so much that he doesn’t have the will to say it.

“Jeonghan… you see…”

“She at least deserved that, right?” Jeonghan fixed his eyes to Seungcheol’s, this time with more resilience, “She traveled dimensions just to see me, just to be with me… she— nevermind.”

“Jeonghan—”a

“I overstepped. S-sorry,” Jeonghan’s voice faltered as he hid his face away, pulling back to the pillow. He hugged Chaewon tighter as if that would be enough to drown any confusing emotions he has inside him.

Well, he isn’t alone. Seungcheol is in a similar predicament.

-

“Are you sure about this, Your Majesty?” Seokmin asked his King. As the King’s attendant, he had to make sure that the Majesty was making the right decision for the Kingdom and especially for himself.

“Hm,” Seungcheol nodded, “Get everybody ready to leave.” He instructed Seokmin, who immediately did as told.

Meanwhile, Seungcheol pushed the door open and walked inside with careful steps. Inside the room are his daughter and Jeonghan still deep in their sleep. It is better this way. It is easier for him to walk away when Jeonghan is not looking at him with his eyes full of disappointment.

It is clear that both of them are so tangled together now and it should be Seungcheol’s responsibility to free Jeonghan from the mess his Kingdom had created.

But Seungcheol has grown weak. The way Jeonghan sounded all choked up asking whether he could spend a bit more time with Princess Chaewon had kept Seungcheol up all night.

He’d be a complete heartless monster if he could not comply with that. Especially when the Princess needed this too.

Definitely.

Princess Chaewon is still peacefully snuggled up to Jeonghan, not a sign of discomfort or unfamiliarity - it is as if Jeonghan had raised Chaewon from the day she was born.

Seungcheol snorted to himself, finding the scene ironic because he remembered Chaewon would always throw a fuss whenever he tucks her to bed everytime he comes home from the war to see her. But towards Jeonghan, this does not seem like the case.

Chaewon’s bond towards her mama-him was not severed, after all, unlike what should have been done the moment Chaewon was born. This plays a huge part.

But thanks to that, Seungcheol had the chance to see this beautiful image of her daughter finally getting the embrace she craved for - and it just has to be blessed by the most beautiful human Seungcheol has come to know.

Somehow, even just for a little, Seungcheol was grateful that Seokmin made that irreversible mistake of choosing Jeonghan as the mama-him three human years ago.

Maybe it is fate.

Or also maybe not.

No matter what the case, he’d reward his daughter her happiness. And it was because of her resilience, Seungcheol got to meet Jeonghan even for a short time and enjoyed every moment of it. So even if Seungcheol cannot stay with Jeonghan, at least her daughter gets to.

That is enough for him.

“Your Majesty, everybody is ready,” Seokmin returned to announce.

Seungcheol nodded.

Seungcheol sighs as he leans in to give a gentle kiss on his daughter’s forehead as he whispered, “Be a good girl and don’t give your mama-him a headache. Ah, shouldn’t you be calling him your other dad ?” He chuckled, realizing that yes, Jeonghan’s role to all of this is being the maternal parent of the Princess but that does not change the fact that Jeonghan was and still is a male human - that makes him a father too, right? Knowing how the human ideology works. “But that’s up to Jeonghan-ssi to decide. So be respectful.” He added as he smiled at her, petting her soft hair at the same time.

Seungcheol then proceeded to lean in to Jeonghan with similar fondness before he got the chance to doubt himself. “Sorry for getting greedier each time. Looks like this time too, I’ll lean on you once more to care for our daughter. I couldn’t provide the care she looks for, please cherish her for the time that she is with you. This is goodbye for now, Jeonghan-ssi.” He said as he found himself tracing Jeonghan’s cheeks with his careful finger. He pulled away quickly before that enchanting face could persuade him to stay.

Without trying.

Because that would be bad.

A month later in the human world.

“You know, I have never thought I’d see you as a parent material,” Joshua commented at Jeonghan when the said friend returned to the bench after returning from buying ice-cream with Chaewon, who is now sitting with Wonwoo and Mingyu in the picnic blanket. “You are seriously getting a hang of caring for your little princess.”

Jeonghan rolled his eyes, “Any parent would instinctively assume the role when the time comes.”

Joshua shook his head, “Nope, did not expect that from you.”

Jeonghan raised a brow, “And why is that?”

“Why, you ask?” Joshua laughs, “Before all of this magic pregnancy thingie went down, have you seen yourself? Have you seen how you throw yourself out there in the field like a mad-dog? Have you seen yourself care for nothing else but polishing your precious weapons. The closest to children I thought you’ll ever have is a forty-five,” He even used his hand to make a gun symbol.

Jeonghan gasped, his mouth fully wide open but bit back his argument upon accepting that his friend is not wrong. Jeonghan did imagine a future with a beautiful wife and healthy, gorgeous kids but such dreams could only exist far in the future, if not, something he hardly ever thinks about. His life has always consisted of the present him wherein he puts his all into any missions assigned to him.

Romantic entanglement, much more, a child in the picture with his past self was very unlikely.

But here he is, trying his hardest to give all the love he could give to his unordinary daughter he has with a King of another world. But trying so hard have become effortless over time because lately, as Joshua commented, he finally got a hang of it.

He chuckled to himself. He started so awkward, it was damn embarrassing to even be called an adult in front of his daughter. If it wasn’t mostly for Wonwoo and Mingyu who stayed close to them, per the King’s order, to show him the ropes on how to take care of the Princess, Jeonghan would have just scared the Princess instead.

“You were so stiff,” Joshua reminded him, “You don’t even know how to cook—”

“I have never cooked for children before.” Jeonghan refuted.

“Nor anyone,” Joshua added as he continued, “But lately, you hardly rely on Wonwoo or Mingyu. From morning routine until bedtime, you single-handedly care for Chaewon.”

Jeonghan’s cheeks turned red. He sucked as a parent that bad that having to finally do it all alone could be so obvious.

“You’ve really grown,” Joshua sighs, “It will be heart-breaking to see it end.”

Jeonghan’s jaw clenched. But of course, it had to end. He is fully aware that Chaewon’s stay with him is only temporary. That the King is so kind and loves his daughter so dearly that he was willing to let her stay with Jeonghan. But for how long? Jeonghan doesn’t know.

Only time could tell when Seungcheol orders his men to take Princess Chaewon back and finally erase all traces of it happening. Everything.

“Will you be fine?”

Jeonghan sighs, “Hard to say,” He looks up to the sky with a saddened face, “As you said, I was just getting used to it all. When the time comes she had to leave, I’d really miss her. So much that even if they were to erase everything about her, I’d still miss her and I wouldn’t understand why.”

“And how about her father? The King? Do you miss him?”

“Hm. Everyday.”

-

Seok-yeong.

“How is His Majesty?” Seokmin asked the healer who had finished his check up with Seungcheol.

The healer replied, “I have found no more traces of the poison in His Majesty’s body anymore, High Sir. He has fully recovered.”

“Great. Thank you.”

“I have told you repeatedly that I am alright,” Seungcheol fixed his clothes after the healer finished checking up. He looked away from his attendant and towards the healer, “Please check on Myungho before you leave the Palace.” He told the healer because it wasn’t only himself who got wounded the same way from that night in Pyeong-on. Among everyone else, Myungho has still not recovered and is bound to the bed.

The healer nodded and exited the King’s chamber to do as told.

Seokmin sighs, “I don’t count your word unless I hear from the healers, Your Majesty.” He eyed him pointedly, “You did not allow yourself to rest as soon as you came back from Pyeong-on. It was so hard to get the healers look at you.

You traveled dimensions here and there not caring when the poison could strike your heart to stop—”

“I needed to find the person who ordered the humans to capture the Prince .”

“That and to distract yourself,” Seokmin rolled his eyes secretly, “You’ve been sighing quite a lot lately, Your Majesty.”

“What do you mean?” Seungcheol raised a brow.

“Did you know that His Majesty would always drop by Pyeong-on on his way from the other dimensions? Are you perhaps missing somebody? Specifically from Pyeong-on?”

Seungcheol pursed his mouth, glaring at Seokmin, “In case that you needed reminding, I left my daughter in Jeonghan’s care. And as much as I trust Jeonghan for my daughter’s safety, it still requires me to check.”

Seokmin almost choked at this lame excuse when they both knew that wherever Chaewon is now is the safest place she could be. It took powerful magic to conjure a safety shield around Chaewon, and not to mention Wonwoo keeping a close eye on her too. To be quite honest, there was no need for Seungcheol to doubt all the measures he himself put up. “Are you thinking to finally get the Prince back?”

Seungcheol sighs, his face looking a distraught, “I will have to eventually, right?”

Seokmin nodded, “You must, Your Majesty. The Prince belongs here.”

Seungcheol did not comment anymore as he looked outside the window. The sky is getting darker again.

“Though it might only have been a month in the human world but here, it had been four months, Your Majesty. The Prince has been gone for far too long. Sooner or later, the whole Kingdom will naturally feel the lack of the Prince’s presence and could cause an alarm.” Seokmin stated.

Seungcheol would be lying if he did not foresee this happening. The Kingdom is closely bonded that one’s disappearance can impact the harmonious balance as a whole. Sooner or later, the whole Kingdom will catch on that their dear heir or heiress is currently outside their realm. “Give them just a little more time together.” He mumbled to himself.

Chapter Text

Part Seven

Goodbye, This Time for Real

Pyeong-on.

“Hannie-appa, we are foxies !”

Jeonghan laughs as he shows up with matching fox onesies that got Chaewon in awe, clapping happily. He picked her up and God dammit the onesies’ fabric just added to how cuddly his daughter is. He hugged her tightly, “You’re the most adorable little fox Hannie-appa has.” He whispered to her.

“Hannie-appa is the best big fox Chaewonnie has,” Chaewon replied, copying Jeonghan’s statement with the little Korean dictionary she knows.

Chaewon spoke a little of Korean at the start, it was thanks to Myungho, who is one of her guards that taught her little Korean even before they escaped to Pyeong-on. It did help a lot in communicating with the Princess at the start. Although, he can’t deny that he had to rely on both Wonwoo and Mingyu at the very start. The Princess had learned more words over the past months she stayed with Jeonghan.

Lately, Jeonghan and Chaewon are able to converse with each other without having Wonwoo and Mingyu around. Chaewon is a smart girl. It was obvious to everyone that she puts a lot of effort into learning the language Jeonghan speaks so she can shower him with all the beautiful words she wanted to say.

She’s a sweet girl.

“Chaewonnie, let’s go make your bottle before you go to bed,” Jeonghan said as they walked downstairs.

Jeonghan placed Chaewon on the countertop as he whipped up a drink for Chaewon. It’s a drink similar to a formula, Jeonghan could only guess. All he knows is that the drink is specially brought from Seok-yeong, saying it is a part of the Princess’ nutritional intake. Mixing the drink requires the precision of five different ingredients, each making different reactions when added. Jeonghan feels like he is mixing something like a potion whenever he does it.

When all the mixes settled, it turned into a boring strawberry milk consistency, one did not expect it came from mixing five different strange ingredients. Chaewon seemed to like it as she slowly started to sip on her bottle.

“Do you want to watch anything before bed?”

“Dooly,” Chaewon quickly replied.

Jeonghan laughs, “There are a lot of new cartoons and here you are watching the classics,” Jeonghan commented but picked up his little fox and brought her to the couch. He turns on the TV and browses through pre-recorded episodes of Dooly. It is not the first time that Chaewon asked to watch Dooly. “Only one episode and you and I go to bed.” He reminded her as he arranged the throw blanket over them, Chaewon sitting on his lap still drinking her bottle.

“Okay, Hannie-appa.”

Later that night, Jeonghan is still awake reading a few reports Joshua sent him. Since that night of retrieving Chaewon from the gang, he unofficially returned to the Agency. All to get his licence back. But since Chaewon stayed with him afterwards, he asked the Agency to spare him the fieldwork and give him assignments that would only require him to respond from home. The Director did not press on him further, after all, it was Jeonghan who closed the most problematic ongoing case they had from three years ago upon his return.

Jeonghan quietly reads the report, careful not to wake Chaewon up beside him. Chaewon proved to be quite a light sleeper, a little noise can wake her up.

Deep into his reading, he paused and looked up towards the door. A recurring feeling made his heart raced as he gently closed his iPad, climbed down the bed and exited his room.

Holding his breath, he rushed down the stairs and stopped in the middle of it because this time, he finally caught him. “Seungcheol-ssi,” He called out.

Seungcheol stopped from the bottom of the stairs and slowly looked up but did not say anything.

Jeonghan sighs as he walks down the remaining stairs, giving the King that pointed look, “You’re going to leave without a word again?”

“Jeonghan-ssi,”

“Do you think I didn’t know you often show up to check?” There is an obvious pout as Jeonghan stated that, “Come, let’s have something warm to drink.” He gestured to the kitchen.

“I won’t stay long,” Seungcheol said. Otherwise, it’ll be harder to leave.

Jeonghan looked back at him with a tired glare, “You don’t get to refuse. This time, I caught you, so do as I say.” He continued to the kitchen.

Seungcheol followed quietly, not able to argue anymore. There is something in Jeonghan’s voice that tells him he will seriously suffer if he refuses him. Fine, only for a short while. He noted to himself.

Jeonghan prepared a warm tea, it is a mixture of passionflower, lavender and magnolia bark. It does not have a floral taste but it is always good to drink this before bed. He handed a cup of it to Seungcheol, “You can decide not to drink it.”

Seungcheol smiled a tiny bit as he took a sip, “It’s nice.”

Jeonghan smiled.

There is silence between them that spanned a full minute that got the two flustered. Jeonghan was the first to break it by asking, “How are you?”

Seungcheol barely got the tea down his throat without choking at Jeonghan’s rather simple question, but it struck him differently. “I a-am fine, Jeonghan-ssi. How about you?”

“Fine, a little busy.” Jeonghan smiled, “Chaewon is a very energetic child.”

Seungcheol too smiled this time, “Yes, she is. She could be a handful sometimes.”

“It does not bother me.” Jeonghan replied before he could stop himself because he knows his words could imply a lot more and he doesn’t know anymore whether it is really the case. “So, what’s keeping you busy in your Kingdom, Your Majesty?” He changed the topic immediately.

Seungcheol hesitated to reply at first but Jeonghan was eyeing him with those eyes that he couldn’t refuse him once again. How could he disappoint him? “We caught the culprit who ordered Chaewon’s abduction.” Above everything he could say, he chose this. It felt like he owed Jeonghan this information, after all, Jeonghan had been involved in the case.

Jeonghan’s eyes widened in excitement, “No way, really?”

“Hm.” Seungcheol nodded.

“You have to tell me more about it,” Jeonghan urged.

Seungcheol couldn’t say no, he was more than delighted to tell Jeonghan everything. It took eight months to find that person and Seungcheol used a lot of resources to finally get there. He too rejoiced in this accomplishment, relieved that everything ended without having to expose Chaewon’s real identity. Seungkwan from Pyeong-on had played a huge part in dealing with the diplomatic side of things. Jihoon and his husband, Hoshi, comb all possible hot spots in any realm to find this person.

It was a tough operation.

And such an ordeal makes the greatest story so the two of them did not notice that it had been three hours. It is already well after midnight but they still so engrossed talking, endlessly exchanging lingering stares and smiles. It was nice, they did not want to part and there is no need to say this aloud. Both of them knew deep inside.

Jeonghan had to eventually wake up from this sweet reverie though because there is no happy ending from this unordinary scenario, “When?” He pursed his lips as he rephrased his question with a heavy heart, “When will you take Chaewon away?”

Seungcheol’s smile disappeared from his face almost instantly as if he too woke up from the magic that encased them earlier. He couldn’t, or rather, he didn’t want to answer, not with Jeonghan having that look on his face. Shattered.

Yet, before Seungcheol could answer, they heard Chaewon waking up calling for Jeonghan.

“Appaaaa…!”

Jeonghan looked away from Seungcheol as he stood up, “Wait here, Seungcheol-ssi,” He rushed upstairs and found Chaewon sitting on the bed still with her eyes closed. “Shh, go back to sleep, Wonnie-ah. Hannie-appa is here.”

Chaewon nodded sleepily as she laid back to bed, allowing Jeonghan to tuck her back under the duvet. Quickly enough, Chaewon dozes back to sleep hugging her favourite pink camel plushie.

Relieved, Jeonghan returned to the kitchen only to find that Seungcheol had already left leaving only a note next to his cup of tea. The note reads, “Tomorrow night.”

Jeonghan immediately understood what those words meant. It is Seungcheol’s reply. Seungcheol will return to take Chaewon away and sever all their ties to each other.

It will really be the ending.

Jeonghan stayed there with a note on his grip, trying to contain the heavy turmoil in his chest without shedding a single drop of tears because he knew that this day would come and he knew very well how much it would hurt.

That night, after consoling himself, he returned to Chaewon’s side and hugged the child tightly. Tonight is the last night he will get to tuck her in bed and tomorrow is the last time he could pamper her with all the love he could give.

Right, he just needs to focus on giving Chaewon the perfect day tomorrow. That, he can do.

-

The day started with Jeonghan and Chaewon waking up early, going to bath together and dressing in matching attire. They went to their favourite cafe for breakfast and got Chaewon’s favorite pancake and banana milk while Jeonghan got his black americano and omelette.

Next, they met Joshua by the Han River and went for a bicycle ride along the river. Chaewon always loved the scenery in that place, going around tucked at the back of the bicycle while holding a balloon.

At around noontime, Mingyu and Wonwoo joined them to go to a water park where they rode almost all the rides - it turns out Mingyu hates all of them, unlike Wonwoo who managed without breaking a sweat, or his poker face. They also enjoyed the indoor swimming pool where Chaewon wears the cutest tiger-printed swimsuit - a present from Hoshi, Jeonghan remembered.

On their way home from the water park, Chaewon completely tired herself and fell asleep on her car seat. Next to her is Joshua in the middle and Mingyu with his large frame right after - the two grown men both asleep. The three of them looked comical looking like that and Jeonghan couldn’t help but snap a few pictures whenever he stopped for the red light.

At the passenger seat, Wonwoo remained quiet but Jeonghan can spy that the werebeast is about to nod off. Jeonghan laughs softly, “It’s okay to take a nap, Wonwoo-ssi,” He told Wonwoo.

Wonwoo stretches his back as if to will his drowsiness away. Although Wonwoo does not speak much, Mingyu mentioned to Jeonghan that the guy had learned a few Korean to be conversational at least.

“Honestly, it’s okay.” Jeonghan insisted.

Wonwoo looked away and responded in Seok-yeong’s language, “ Prince Hansol said it’s basic manners to not fall asleep when you sit right next to the driver.” He mumbled, sitting straighter this time around.

“Man, you’re stubborn.” Jeonghan shook his head, admiring Wonwoo’s tenacity.

Jeonghan tucked Chaewon to bed, the little girl did not even wake up even after they arrived. She must have really been too excited on their whole day trip to knock herself off early in the night. Jeonghan stays by her side and fondly caresses her head as he stares at her beautiful face. He wishes he could imprint the image of hers in his head that no magic could even touch.

It was at ten o’clock in the evening when Jeonghan noticed the arrival of a portal - he had grown quite familiar with the change in the air whenever it happens. Instinctively, he grabbed Chaewon’s hand, holding it tightly while he felt his chest shatter in indescribable heartache.

It is time.

“Jeonghan-ssi,” There’s a knock on his door. It sounded like Lee Seokmin.

Jeonghan couldn’t answer, his face was as pale as it can get. When he thought it would be painful to part with the Princess and with everything else about her, he did not think it would be this damn painful. It was even more painful than it did last night because tonight will really be the last time he would get to see Chaewon.

“Jeonghan-ssi, I will be entering your chamber,” Seokmin announced.

Seokmin entered with Jihoon in tow, the two of the Seok-yeong citizens already looked quite tormented finding Jeonghan with the Prince like he did not want to give the child over. That’s to be expected.

“Jeonghan-ssi, we have come for the Prince. ”

Jeonghan did not reply nor looked at them, he just couldn’t. He feels like if he looks at them, he would instantly break down, get to his knees and beg to let him stay with Chaewon for much longer - but that’s not really what they have come to agree on a long time ago. Damn it, Jeonghan knows that. He just doesn’t have the strength to part, not now, not ever.

He deeply fell so hard for his daughter and he just knows he will never be the same again. With or without any memory of her, he just knows.

Seokmin and Jihoon stayed there for several minutes, both of them couldn’t forcefully pry Jeonghan away from Chaewon, not with Jeonghan holding onto her tightly.

Several more minutes passed and Jeonghan stood up with shaky legs. He still didn’t look at the other males as he stood to the side, allowing Jihoon to walk to the bed and easily pick up the slumbering Princess. Jihoon bowed quietly to Jeonghan before they exited the room.

“I extend the Kingdom’s greatest gratitude for the care you have given our Prince .” Seokmin stated and he dropped to his knees, “And I personally apologize for the mistake I have made and have put you at a huge disadvantage through the years. I hope from now on with severing the bonds you have with His Majesty and His Highness, you will return to your normal life and forget all the misfortune of the past.” He sincerely apologized.

Jeonghan couldn’t contain his tears anymore upon hearing about the reality of forgetting everything about Seungcheol and Chaewon - and everything else about them. There is no preparing for that despite all the pep talk he had with himself all night long. There is no preparing for this heartache - he just couldn’t.

“Seokmin,”

“Your Majesty,” Seokmin welcomed his King, “You did not have to come. I only have Jeonghan-ssi’s memory to wipe out and I will take my leave.”

“I will do it,”

“But Your Majesty,” Seokmin’s eyes widened, “T-that would be a very bad idea.”

“Go,”

Despite all the right reasons why Seokmin should deny His Majesty’s order, he couldn’t refuse those sad eyes that stare at the human. Seokmin sighs, “Why would you torment yourself.” He wanted to say to the King but knew it is all for nought. He exited the room and left for Seok-yeong right away.

Seungcheol stayed there, unsure what to say. He could hear Jeonghan sobbing quietly, his shoulders trembling that he wished he could pull him close so he could ease his pain. But would that really help? What could really help now is rid the human of all the memory he has about Seok-yeong and return to his normal life.

Jeonghan needs a reset.

“Jeonghan-ssi,”

Jeonghan didn’t budge, he remained standing there facing the wall, his ears red from trying to hold all his emotions inside. If he was to face Seungcheol, he would truly lose his courage to keep it all in.

“Jeonghan-ssi,”

“L-let me just g-gather myself up a b-bit,” Jeonghan responded, grinding through his teeth just so he can.

Seungcheol nodded and waited patiently.

Several minutes later, Jeonghan finally turned around hoping that he could face the King with a neutral face but as soon as their eyes met, he choked to tears once again. This time, he couldn’t deny that damn, he doesn’t want to let go. No matter what his feelings towards Seungcheol really meant, he knows for sure that he doesn’t want to let go of the memories he has with him.

Seungcheol’s jaw tightened, trying to toughen himself up. But that’s easier said than done as he found himself slowly standing up and pulled Jeonghan to his chest. He hugged him tightly and allowed the human to cry in his arms for as long as he needed. Seungcheol is now certain that they share the same heartache, tormented with the bond they had unintentionally created. Too much that even for Seungcheol who never once cried (with an exception to the day Chaewon was born), could not help his eyes to water. His embrace tightened.

He didn’t know him saving Jeonghan from falling off the bridge that day in the human world would lead to this moment wherein he would cherish another person to this degree and at the same time feels apologetic.

Jeonghan calmed down a little later. When he pulled away from Seungcheol, his eyes were red, his cheeks were puffy and his smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m making it more difficult than it should be.” He breathes in.

“It’s not easy,” Seungcheol replied.

Jeonghan’s mouth trembled, holding the sob attempting to escape again. “W-would Chaewon forget everything about me too?” He asked in a small voice.

Seungcheol eyed Jeonghan, trying to see if he could handle the answer he was looking for. But Jeonghan was waiting for his reply with a serious face, how could he not answer him truthfully. He cleared his throat as he answered, “Your bond with her will disappear. That means, anything she shares with you will eventually fade, slowly and effectively as if everything will be just a sweet dream.”

Jeonghan nodded despite the pain. “I’m glad she would not have a hard time at least.”

“She will cherish her memories with you as it lasts. Even though she won’t remember everything about you, the bond she had with you has already imprinted within her.”

Jeonghan nodded, “And how about His Majesty? Would you eventually forget about me?” Jeonghan didn’t know where this courage was coming from. He was surprised he could ask this. The answer might be painful.

Seungcheol shook his head, “I won’t forget about you.”

Jeonghan looked up at Seungcheol, surprised. “W-why...  wh…”

“It’s what comes by conjuring a spell on you.” Seungcheol honestly said, “It’s the caster’s curse, they call it. If I will be the one nullifying your memory of Seok-yeong, I will be cursed to retain the memories that have been erased.”

Jeonghan didn’t know what to say. He thought that breaking the bond is mutual - or maybe it originally was. He remembered that Seokmin mentioned before he left earlier that it would be a bad idea to allow Seungcheol to stay and do it instead of him. So, Jeonghan could only guess that the original plan was to have Seokmin wipe out Jeonghan’s memory, have the caster’s curse and rid both Jeonghan and Seungcheol of the memories they have of each other.

This would be a mutual reset for all of those involved except Seokmin who had to take the Caster’s Curse.

Jeonghan sighs, “You’re either a bad person or a pitiful one, Seungcheol-ssi. You’re so unfair you get to remember about me,” He then eyed him sincerely, “But isn’t that harder? You’ll be suffering all by yourself. You’ll continue to remember everything, you’ll continue to miss me.”

“Jeonghan-ssi,”

“I know,” Jeonghan looks away, “Because that’s what I would do if I were to retain my memories of you. I will continue to miss you every single day like I did the past few months."

“D-did,” Seungcheol’s ears turned bright red as he hesitantly asked, “Did you miss me?”

Jeonghan snorts, a tiny smile curving on his lips, “Why? Did that make you happy?”

Seungcheol shyly smiled, “Hm, more than you think.”

It was now time for Jeonghan to get flustered. He didn’t think that Seungcheol would openly admit to that. He did not expect that at all. “And you still dare to bear all of it by yourself.” He commented.

Seungcheol nods gently, “Because that’s the best thing I can do for you and for all.”

Jeonghan nodded to that too. Seungcheol is making total sense here, a level-headed King should be in a situation like this. To be subjected to such heartache is something a King should endure, for the good of the whole Kingdom and the person he cherishes. There is no good that will come involving a human any much longer. “You’re a great King, Seungcheol-ssi,” Jeonghan said, “Seok-yeong is very lucky to have a King like you.”

Seungcheol doesn’t know where this is coming from but it made him exasperated, and it’s not entirely in a bad way. Having heard those words from Jeonghan felt so much different, like his worth as a king is affirmed in the most genuine way. He didn’t know he needed to hear these words.

Jeonghan continued, “You’re an enduring King so I can tell you’ll do even greater things.”

Seungcheol watched Jeonghan’s rather neutral face.

Jeonghan returned Seungcheol’s gaze, “Seungcheol-ssi, you’ve come to like me, have you not?”

Seungcheol could not deny that, after all, if he didn’t he wouldn’t be dragging his time here in front of Jeonghan. And what’s the use? Jeonghan had figured it out, he had been pretty obvious. Both of them are, honestly.

Jeonghan heaved a sigh, his chest getting heavier as he looked away, “Would you remember me as a sad love story or a sweet dream?”

Seungcheol has no answer to that because he did not want to think about it yet but he knew no matter what the case, he would have a hard time overcoming that. A sad story, most probably. A parting like this could only lead to a sad ending.

“If you ask me,” Jeonghan turned around as he breathes in to pull his resolve, “If it will be my choice to leave you behind a memory worthy to be your last, I’d prefer it to be sweet.” Jeonghan closed the distance between them.

“Jeonghan-ssi,” Seungcheol held his breath, his heart racing ever again with a tinge of anticipation.

Jeonghan fixed his gaze at Seungcheol’s eyes and slowly down to those inviting lips, he leaned even closer as he whispered, “I’d give you kisses and it's all you will be thinking about.” He finally pulled Seungcheol closer until their lips met.

The moment that Seungcheol felt Jeonghan’s lips on his, he responded passionately without an ounce of pretence. That declaration from Jeonghan requires no masking of emotions, the two of them are both in the same predicament to even pretend now.

The kiss started slowly, subtle clashing of soft lips and teeth, it was a kiss that showed honesty than it being a natural response to the increasing air of intimacy between them. It was a kiss that felt liberating and enchanting at the same time.

So, it is also natural to want more.

“Jeonghan-ssi,” Seungcheol pulled away with his plump lips redder than usual. He kept his eyes fixed on Jeonghan, who is entirely red on his face.

Jeonghan shook his head, “D-don’t try to make me change my mind.” He hissed, warning the other male with a glare.

“I won’t,” Seungcheol tried to smile as he cupped Jeonghan’s face, “But will you be fine? You didn’t like men before me.”

Jeonghan snorts, tension quickly dispersed as Seungcheol’s worries sounded plausible but also cute. “There’s always a first, Seungcheol-ssi,” He responded, “And you’re not just any men.” His face turned red again, can’t believe he just said something so embarrassing that his past self would bash him in the head if he gets the chance.

“Jeonghan,”

“I’ve nothing to lose,” Jeonghan honestly said, “So, don’t worry about me. Tomorrow, I won’t remember any of this.” He held his breath again and tried to smile, “What’s important now is how I would be remembered. I’d like you to remember me as someone you held passionately like no other. I’d want it that you won’t have any regrets, so you can hold me however you want. Because it would really be the only and the last time.”

Seungcheol sighs as he pulled Jeonghan to a hug, “When you say that, it makes me not want to let you go.”

Jeonghan smiled, “That’s probably my intention too,” He pushed away from the hug to stare at Seungcheol’s beautiful eyes with utmost sincerity, “But let’s not ruin our honest resolve. You have your duties, I have my life to return to. This is the best we can do for each other.”

“You could be very stubborn when you want to,” Seungcheol commented.

Jeonghan smiled as he nodded, “Yes, so there’s no point to make me change my mind,” He then leaned closer, lips brushing against Seungcheol’s ears as he whispered, “Besides, that kiss was hot, Your Majesty.” Jeonghan ended that statement with a playful bite on the tip of Seungcheol’s ear.

Seungcheol froze, yet his heart pounded crazily against his chest, certainly Jeonghan could hear it. So, when he catches his eyes, he could see that simpering smile on him. Seungcheol smiled back as he completely surrendered to such temptation he himself desired, “Well then, I would be indulging myself.” He gave a fleeting kiss on the side of Jeonghan’s neck as he added, “Since it will really be the last.” He then cupped Jeonghan’s face and began kissing him fervently.

The kiss this time is the complete opposite of their first. There is nothing slow about it, tongues seductively intrusive, possessive that the both of them could only moan in between dips.

Seungcheol pulled Jeonghan even closer, almost crashing into him that they could feel each friction between them. Their bodies grow hotter by the moment, even more so the reaction in their nether regions. Seungcheol’s hands wound up around Jeonghan’s hips and down to his backside.

Jeonghan has always had a well-toned physique, giving him tight muscles all over, sturdy legs and glutes, and obviously a sexy butt. Seungcheol always thought so, it’s really hard not to stare sometimes, no matter how much he resisted. So, imagine having the liberty of holding that seductive butt, Seungcheol would not miss the chance.

If it were a few years ago that another man touches his behind even so slightly, Jeonghan would make sure that man would not see the next sunrise but surprisingly enough, Seungcheol’s caress sent him grinding against the male even more if he wasn't already. He even moaned and his dick cannot get any harder than it does now. And it just had to be for another man.

That’s it, he needs a good fucking right now.

Jeonghan raised his leg around Seungcheol’s strong thigh and Seungcheol instantly got the cue, picked Jeonghan up until Jeonghan had his legs around Seungcheol’s waist. They continued kissing like this while Seungcheol carefully moved to the bed and slowly laid Jeonghan there.

Seungcheol pulled away only to watch Jeonghan’s handsome face, flustered and breathless. How could one look so enchanting without trying? Seungcheol could already tell he might as well be under the human’s spell right now.

Jeonghan tried to catch his breath, with Seungcheol watching him carefully with that apparent lust, he couldn’t help but grow even redder. He did not know that being pushed down by another man will ever be okay for him, that it would make him excited to the point that his lower abandon already felt hot inside. If Seungcheol were to touch him much more than this, he would just melt.

Starting from his jaws, his neck and his collarbone, Seungcheol carefully kisses him there, making sure to get the sweetest reaction from Jeonghan. And Jeonghan did not even realize when Seungcheol managed to pull his shirt off, next thing that Jeonghan realized is when Seungcheol was already sucking on his chest, careful teeth grazing his nipple.

Jeonghan gasped, pleasure from a nipple-play is absolutely new to him, it made him utterly flustered in the most delicious way. It did not help the fact that that particular spot felt hotter and more sensitive than he thought. When he managed to check, he could make out the fine detail of Seok-yeong’s crest etched on his skin. He called out, “Seungcheol,”

Seungcheol looked up, his eyes filled with an unfamiliar gaze but Jeonghan knew it only reflected his too. Seungcheol returned to kissing Jeonghan, delighted that he had activated the Royal Curse Mark that Jeonghan still carries. The mark gave Seungcheol that unparalleled confidence and pride that Jeonghan is really his, both his body and soul.  They’re bonded before they even meet and everything between them is much deeper than just a fleeting one.

Seungcheol worked on taking his shirt off, showing the perfect set of muscles and in his body were evidence of wars he won, countless scars both big and small. Seungcheol watches Jeonghan silently tracing them with his careful hand, his face conflicted between curiosity, awe and fear. Seungcheol was not sure what he felt about the last one as he held Jeonghan’s tracing hand. His scars were never his insecurity, for him, it was both honour and punishment for those he had to slay for his Kingdom to go forward. That’s the reason why he does not let their Healers fix his scars. “Jeonghan,”

Jeonghan stared back at Seungcheol, “I’m just realizing that I would not have the chance to hear all the great stories behind all these scars,” He smiled, “You know how much I love listening to them.”

Seungcheol’s heartaches painfully and sweetly at the same time. He brought Jeonghan’s hand towards his lips, gently giving it a kiss as he stared at his eyes fondly, “There might be great stories behind all my scars but they don’t compare to this very moment right now. And right now, I’m sharing this with you so don’t think about anything else.”

Jeonghan smiled while his throat constricted. Words like those could make even a grown ass man cry. But he wouldn’t do that, crying while having sex is not his style. Besides, that would be an awful image to leave behind. He’d at least want to look handsome and sexy in Seungcheol’s memory when this all ends.

Talking about being sexy, Jeonghan already knew Seungcheol won it. Those scars only added to the whole package of a real daddy style. If Jeonghan was to hand his ass to another man, he’d be glad it was to this man. If Jeonghan had a particular style for a male lover, it would be a hundred percent Seungcheol. Of course, he did not have these thoughts prior to meeting Seungcheol, but he does now.

He wonders if Seungcheol’s dick also comes close to Jeonghan’s expectation. Because everything else does, even better. Only that Jeonghan did not know, for the umpteenth time, that a dick could be this big. Seungcheol isn’t that much taller than Jeonghan but why is his dick this size? Jeonghan had been so proud of his size, always has been, but compared to Seungcheol’s, does he really want to show his?

But that’s not for him to decide because Seungcheol already worked on pulling his sweatpants, freeing his engorged dick. It sits pretty proudly next to Seungcheol’s and he could be embarrassed like who the hell cares but with Seungcheol’s large hand working on both their dicks together, Jeonghan’s better judgement went out the window. He could only moan, bucking his hips further into that sweet pleasure.

It did not take Jeonghan that long to cum, long spurts colouring his stomach. He felt quite embarrassed but what can he do, really? It had been years since he last slept with anyone, he had a lot of it built up. And Seungcheol’s method only increased his arousal at a pace he didn’t know was possible because just one lustful gaze from the latter already got Jeonghan’s dick to spring back up again as if he didn’t just cum a minute ago.

This time, Jeonghan knows he will have to brace for Seungcheol’s dick because, with the state that thing is right now, it needs a good release. Seungcheol didn’t even cum from earlier, for sure that dick is not easy to please. Jeonghan knew he had to give up his ass sooner or later.

Jeonghan took a deep breath as he reached his side table. A man, no matter the situation, will always come prepared with lube on his side table. He just wished his one did not go out of date. But that’s impossible, Jeonghan routinely checks all products, even those he rarely uses. He handed the bottle of lube to Seungcheol, who eyed the product with a confused look on his face, “What, you guys don’t use lubricant?”

Seungcheol’s face brightened as he understood, he then replied, “Majority of Seok-yeong citizens are magic users, we were taught from young how to use magic to reduce the pain from the first coupling. There is also a good portion of our population that was from werebeast clans, they self-lubricate when mating.”

Jeonghan’s mouth fell wide open, unsure what to say. They really are from different worlds!

“But I respect the human way,” Seungcheol popped the bottle open, pouring the content on his digits. “If that would make you comfortable.” He proceeded in tracing the side of Jeonghan’s hips before pulling him closer, his lubed fingers tracing his entrance.

It took that moment for Jeonghan to react, “W-wait,” He gasped, “Shouldn’t magic be a better method?”

Seungcheol paused, watching the panic in Jeonghan’s face before he chuckled. He leaned closer to erase that panic with a kiss to which Jeonghan hesitantly responded to until the two of them engaged in a passionate make out. Jeonghan flustered at the end of it. Seungcheol pulled away and said, “I’ll use both. I did not intend to hurt you.” He promised, sealing it with a quick peck on Jeonghan’s lips.

Jeonghan could only brace himself, biting on his lower lip as once again, Seungcheol’s fingers massaged his entrance. The lube is cold against his skin and Seungcheol’s fingers are gentle, caring as it passes through the first set of muscles. Jeonghan gasped, not because it hurts, but because the feeling is foreign to him - simple as that. It is neither painful nor pleasing. It's just weird.

Jeonghan appreciated Seungcheol’s tenderness, his actions are filled with care as if he did not want to break Jeonghan, not with the way he prepped him so well that Jeonghan’s unsure opinion earlier changed completely and now begging for Seungcheol to proceed with his dick. Because Seungcheol’s fingers would no longer satisfy that burning feeling inside of him. His lower abdomen is melting, if not literally.

When Jeonghan felt Seungcheol’s dick intruding through his ass, it was exasperating yet his excitement won over. His own dick is leaking pre-cum, it is obvious how aroused he is. When Seungcheol pushed the entirety of his length inside, only then Jeonghan felt the pain and it made the latter tear up before he could even stop himself. Damn it, how did he forget for a second that Seungcheol has a massive length, how much more in its full arousal.

Seungcheol paused, leaning closer, apologetic he did not expect it would still hurt, “I’m sorry,” He caressed Jeonghan’s cheeks, tracing the tears that fell, “I’ll make it less painful.”

“N-no,” Jeonghan shook his head, holding his arm, “This kind of pain is good.” He said.

“Jeonghan, I don’t think that’s a good idea,”

“Yes, it sounded stupid,” Jeonghan agreed, “But I can handle this much pain.”

“But-”

“It comes with the experience.” Jeonghans’s face turned red, “Since it’s my first time and all.”

Seungcheol surrendered, how does he argue with that when Jeonghan asked in the most alluring way. All he could do is to control himself and give Jeonghan the time to adjust to his size. But that’s like asking for a miracle. Jeonghan does not know how wonderful it feels to be inside him, how much he tightens around his length, how hard it is to not just ram in and out right there and then. He needs miraculous patience to do that.

They started with shallow thrusts, careful and calculated. Seungcheol watched any change in Jeonghan’s face but it is obvious that man did not fully adjust to it yet. It was until a little while later that Jeonghan felt his insides constricted and Seungcheol’s tip hit a particular spot that got the male gasping for air, trembling in the most pleasurable way.

Seungcheol paused, making sure that the reaction Jeonghan did was due to pleasure and nothing else. And when Jeonghan eyed him back breathlessly, his face red with those lustful eyes, Seungcheol knew it was time.

So, he proceeded with pulling half his length and pushed entirely in, deep and precise to that spot he came to find. Jeonghan had the same reaction, a face only showing ecstasy and Seungcheol could not even be more pleased than now. He continued to rock his hips, meeting Jeonghan’s eagerness. Their moans mix with the slapping of their skin, raw and hard. Demanding.

“Hmmm, S-seungcheol,” Jeonghan moaned out, despite his breathing becoming short. The pleasure he gets from this is not anything he has ever experienced.

“Hm?”

Jeonghan pulled Seungcheol for a kiss, this time the kiss was just a mess of mouth and teeth as their hips continued to rock. Jeonghan finally responded, whispering, “Fuck me harder that even if I were to forget about you, my body would not.”

Jeonghand did not have to ask because Seungcheol may not say it but he had that similar hope. He wonders if he makes love with Jeonghan in a way even his magic cannot make his body forget - would that be selfish? Would that defy everything they both agreed from the beginning?

“Please.” Jeonghan pleaded with a raspy voice as if he is torn between pleasure and loneliness.

Seungcheol nodded, peppering gentle kisses on Jeonghan’s face to comfort the male. And per their mutual desire, Seungcheol made love with Jeonghan for many hours that night, making sure that this moment will last him a lifetime. Because there would not be any person that could replace Jeonghan in this life and the moment they shared that night will remain in his memory.

“Goodbye, this time for real.” He whispered, kissing Jeonghan’s forehead as the man sleeps. The sun is already rising and the next time Jeonghan wakes, there would be no traces of Seungcheol, not anywhere, not even in his memory.

Seungcheol held his breath as he convinced himself to walk away. He could hear his heart shatter and it was surprising how in that state he was able to open a portal back to Seok-yeong. It really is the end.

Chapter Text

Part Eight

The Void

“Goodbye, this time for real.” He whispered, kissing Jeonghan’s forehead as the man sleeps. The sun is already rising and the next time Jeonghan wakes, there would be no traces of Seungcheol, not anywhere, not even in his memory.

Seungcheol held his breath as he convinced himself to walk away. He could hear his heart shatter and it was surprising how in that state he was able to open a portal back to Seok-yeong. It really is the end.

Jeonghan woke from his sleep with the phone ringing at his bedside table. He missed that call again. Or better yet, it was nice to miss that call. Nobody wants to hear their best friend getting too naggy early in the morning. Oh wait, dammit. Why is his best friend calling him this early in the morning?

Jeonghan tried to open his eyes, glancing at the clock on his bedside table. Shoot! It’s not as early as he thought. It was well past morning!

But why does he feel so groggy? It felt like he did not have a proper sleep. He remembered he went to bed quite early last night. Ah, is this old age catching up on him?

Jeonghan sniggered at himself. He has not even turned thirty, what is he even talking about? His previous mission probably took a toll on him. Three years of co-op in the gang’s lair sure had taken so much from his youthful vigour.

“JEONGHANNNN!”

“And there he is,” Jeonghan wanted to roll back to his pillows when his best friend burst into his room. Was Joshua calling him when he was already outside his pad? “I’m already up,” He mumbled.

Joshua rolled his eyes, “This is your first day back to the agency after your three years co-op! You don’t expect special treatment by coming to work late, do you?”

Jeonghan groaned, “Do I dare,” He whined and pushed himself to sit up. “Ugh…” There was stiffness all over his body, his back was burning and swore he heard his spine cracking. Did he fall on his back? But he did not remember that happening. Maybe finally sleeping in a comfortable bed for the first time in many years did it? Such comfort in life sometimes takes getting used to.

“Hurry up, wash up while I fix you something to eat.”

“I don’t need to eat,”

“Yes, you do.”

“Fine,” Jeonghan thought it was futile to argue with Joshua when he knew that the man was right. Jeonghan overslept.

When Joshua left to go downstairs to make breakfast, Jeonghan climbed down the bed only to slide straight down the floor. He gasped. His legs are shaking! He doesn’t have any strength in his legs at all. They’re not painful or anything, they’re just trembling!

What the hell is happening? Is he so nervous or even excited to go back to the agency that he can't even pull himself together? Such immature thinking!

It took a while for Jeonghan to finally stand up, this time, his legs were steady enough to cross the room and towards his bathroom. He stripped from his clothes and jumped into the scalding hot shower, only then he was able to breathe.

Why? Because there is this weight in his chest that tells him something is completely out of place but doesn’t know which exactly. Why does he feel like his whole body is weighing a ton right now and his chest cannot stop aching as if pins are stuck in it?

And despite the ache, there is this warm feeling coiled inside his stomach, it was subtle but for some unknown reason, Jeonghan felt comforted. And it was exactly the thing he needed right now.

Jeonghan came out of the shower with a much clearer mind.

-

HEADQUARTER

Jeonghan was glad he got away with just a mild scolding from the Director as he reported late in the day on his first day back. After that scolding, the Director resumed properly giving Jeonghan his appreciation for in assisting a very tedious operation that required Jeonghan to go outside the radar and into the very lair.

Three years later, the organization finally fell and the operation ended with fewer casualties than the first. One of those casualties was Jeonghan’s team captain.

“Of course, it was not entirely possible if it was not for the help of our affiliated foreign agency,” The Director added, “So, we have arranged with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to throw a banquet to invite the said affiliation to show them our appreciation and to furthermore tighten our ties.”

“Of course,” Jeonghan replied. Politics as always. There is always politics behind every organization -both the legal and not. “When will the banquet be, may I ask, Director?”

“In a month's time.”

“Copy that.”

“For the meantime, go and find your new team. Do you remember this little guy, Kim Mingyu? He has matured for the last three years you were away. I bet you will never recognize him!”

Jeonghan laughs, “How is that even possible? Someone cannot drastically change that much, right?”

Thing is, Jeonghan underestimated how growth is different from person to person because now, he is looking at a literal giant who claimed to be the hoobae, Kim Mingyu. He was not the Kim Mingyu Jeonghan could remember! “H-how… what were you eating for the last three years?”

The man has grown nearly two heads taller!

“Hmm,” Mingyu grumbled, “We were pretty swarmed with fewer members since the last operation sunbae was in, so I barely had the time to eat proper meals. So I’d say I’ve been eating only kimbap and if I have extra time, I eat yukgaejang. The restaurant across the road makes a super delicious one!”

Jeonghan eyed Mingyu funny. “You’re not meant to answer that seriously.” Really, although the man had grown physically, there was still innocence in him that Jeonghan clearly remembered. “So, tell me, are you guys working on something right now?”

Mingyu nodded, “Yes. An eight years old chaebol had gone missing. His disappearance had been reported on the third day when the mother was found unconscious in the vacation home in the countryside. The child is nowhere to be found.”

“And the police asked for assistance?”

Mingyu nodded, “Since a son of a conglomerate is involved, of course they have to up their advantage.”

“Okay, run it through with me.”

-

SEOK-YEONG

Wonwoo looks at the scroll that His Majesty handed to him after rushing to his attendance early that morning. The scroll has an official Seok-yeong’s seal on it but it is written in a parchment Wonwoo had not seen before.

Usually, a typical mission is written in a silver colored parchment and it is the kind Wonwoo would normally receive from the King. With furrowed brows, he unrolled the scroll and was faced with a bold lettering that never in Wonwoo’s entire life would he dreamed of receiving.

Wonwoo slowly looked at the King, his whole face, normally passive, showing confusion or to be more accurate, heartbreak. “Y-your Majesty… this order… I… please explain.”

The scroll holds a deportation order for Wonwoo as a Seok-yeong Citizen.

Did Wonwoo do anything wrong to the King and the whole Kingdom to lose his Citizenship?

“Don’t mistake my intention, Wonwoo,” The King, Seungcheol, started. “For this is the best I can do for you.”

“I… I don’t understand. Did I make a mistake?”

Seungcheol sighs, “I have recently conjured a spell to erase someone’s existence in this Kingdom,” He honestly said, “This spell had affected everyone who was involved with this person.”

Wonwoo fell silent. This is the first time he had heard of this. He didn’t know that the King had conjured such a spell. Is this why the King had temporarily stepped back from any regular duties recently? Is this why the King is usually seen looking in the distance as if reminiscing something he was not allowed to go back to? Does he miss this person?

Is this why Wonwoo thoroughly could relate to what the King feels?

Being handed a deportation paper meant that Wonwoo was much involved in the decision the King had gone through.

“There is someone you need to find, Wonwoo.” Seungcheol continued, “If you stay as a citizen of Seok-yeong, you will be bound to follow our rules, then, you will never see him again.”

“Him? Who, Your Majesty?” Wonwoo did not understand but his whole body was trembling as if the King did not have to explain further because he felt like he knew what His Majesty was talking about. But who is this person the Majesty is talking about? Is this person worth Wonwoo’s citizenship?

“You have made a mate with a human,” Seungcheol revealed, watching the change of expression that crossed his subject’s face and that was enough proof for Seungcheol that he made the right decision, “Wonwoo, I know you think that you are still indebted to Seok-yeong, a resolution you inherited from your ancestors but the werebeast tribes had paid with their loyalty many generations ago. I want you to understand that the werebeast tribes are free individuals. You should no longer be restricted by Seok-yeong’s tradition. Don’t werebeasts always seek their mates regardless of the dimensions?”

Wonwoo was silent once again. A long history of werebeast tribes being dependent on Seok-yeong after the fall of their dimension - to be blunter, werebeasts have come to Seok-yeong many generations ago as refugees. Nowadays, werebeasts have lived their peaceful life in Seok-yeong as citizens and showed loyalty in return.

This also applies to Jihoon from the same clan as Wonwoo and Hoshi from a feline tribe too. They were born and raised here in Seok-yeong but they have also inherited their ancestor’s responsibility to Seok-yeong’s throne.

But the current King is suddenly freeing Wonwoo from that responsibility? For what? For a mere human Wonwoo does not even remember.

And need him to remind his King that the very reason that werebeast dimension fell was because of their irrepressible drive to find their mates, even if it will cost the annihilation of their population. Let’s just say, the leader of werebeast back then found a mate from a civilization he shouldn’t have dared cross. War broke out, werebeasts who are known to be a force worth reckoning in wars did not stand a chance.

It is against a Kingdom even Seok-yeong with all its glory did not dare cross. Even these days.

Does his King really want him to do exactly what his ancestors did which became the embarrassment of the tribe?

“Wonwoo, I know what you’re thinking,” Seungcheol caught his conflicted expression, “But you see, you have made a wonderful bond with this human,” Seungcheol tried to smile, “You will know what I mean once you see him.”

“Your Majesty,” Wonwoo tried to hide the flush on his cheeks but something deep inside him knew better, knew exactly what the Majesty meant. He can feel that such a bond exists, he just doesn't know with whom.

“You must go to Pyeong-on. I have arranged with Pyeong-on minister your new identity you must use when you get there.” Seungcheol assured his subject, “Take it as my final order as your King.”

Wonwoo tightened his grip on the very scroll that invalidates his standing in Seok-yeong. He doesn’t know what he feels about it now but he has never doubted the King’s decision since the start, and he will always comply with his orders, but this time - will it really be the last he would serve His Majesty?

“Know that if anything were to happen that will make you unhappy, Seok-yeong will always be open for you to come back to.”

Wonwoo is not one to cry but his eyes started to moist when he turned away. He willed himself to give his King a bow as he answered, “Your word is my command, Your Majesty.”

It is to Wonwoo’s pleasure that he served a selfless King.

“Your Majesty,” Wonwoo fixed his eyes on his King, “This person you used the spell on, is that person from Pyeong-on too?”

The King was not expecting this question but he smiled nonetheless as he nodded, “Yes,”

“I am sure I am not allowed to know who it was, but I hope His Majesty will not be too saddened to miss this person.” Wonwoo honestly said.

Seungcheol sighs, “I will not be saddened as I only brought back the sweetest memory of this person. So, do not be worried, Wonwoo. While you on the other hand will have to work your hardest to renew your bond with your mate as he would not have a memory of meeting you. He too was affected by my spell.”

“Ah, that’s right,” Wonwoo’s face paled. How did he not put two things together? If Wonwoo could not remember this mate, it could be vice versa.

And there is one more. According to the King’s statement, it looked like his supposed mate from Pyeong-on is also related to the person the King used the spell on. So, is it possible for Wonwoo to meet the person that inflicted such heartache on their mighty King?

-

PYEONG-ON

“Director, sorry I tried to get here as soon as I got your call,” Jeonghan quickly apologized as he recognized his tardiness.

“Don’t worry about it,” The Director said, “I’m sure the traffic was bad.”

Jeonghan awkwardly smiles. Well, traffic was indeed bad but it was mostly because he couldn’t resist grabbing that juicy fried chicken he happened to drive past by. He was convinced that his diet had changed lately after returning to the agency - did not help the fact that Mingyu would always snack on unhealthy food during their stakeouts.

“I called you over because we have a transfer from the foreign affiliation,” The Director pointed at the person quietly sitting at the other chair that Jeonghan sure noticed but did not pay attention to at first. “His Korean name is Jeon Wonwoo, he will retain this name as he works with us. His Korean isn’t as strong so I suggest you pair him with someone who can communicate with him in different languages in your team.”

That would be Mingyu, their multilingual prodigy. Jeonghan noted as he took in the directives before he laid eyes on this man called Jeon Wonwoo.

Upon laying his eyes on the transfer, Jeonghan had this unexplainable gut feeling that he had seen him before and his face even flashed in his head from a completely different scenario but the longer he stared at that face, those scenes disappeared.

Recovering from that unusual feeling, he offered his hand, “I am agent Yoon Jeonghan, your team captain.”

Jeon Wonwoo stood up as he took the man’s hand and there is familiarity with that gesture, even the flesh underneath that gesture. For some reason, the man’s skin is covered with Seok-yeong’s magic, it is very thin but undoubtedly present. Wonwoo eyed the man again and while he tried to find the bond that he thought he would have if this human happens to be his mate - Wonwoo is unsure. He couldn’t find that exact feeling that could tie him with the male.

Wonwoo concluded, Jeonghan isn’t the mate he was looking for. Who then? And what is Jeonghan’s relation to Seok-yeong to carry this magical signature? Wonwoo had grown more curious.

“Get him acquainted with the team, Jeonghan-ssi,” The Director said as his phone rang.

Jeonghan bowed as they exited the Director’s office.

Jeonghan brought the new transfer to their Shelter, half an hour away from the Headquarter. Jeonghan’s team uses the Shelter whenever they have active cases to follow. It is easier for mobility as the Shelter is close to the motorways.

“Wonwoo-ssi, this is a building we use often, you will meet the rest of the team members in here,” Jeonghan parked the car beside the other cars. He climbed out of the car and Wonwoo followed silently.

Wonwoo looked around, this time, he had a strong feeling that he is familiar with this place. The entire scenery is meshing with the images in his head right now. He is also certain that this place has a dungeon, he doesn’t know exactly how but he knows there is one.

“Mingyu, come out here and meet our new member!”

Mingyu, Wonwoo repeated the name. Like this building, the name alone is giving him that same feeling

So, when this very guy Mingyu came out of one of the rooms and welcomed them, Wonwoo swore his heart made a huge thumping that he couldn’t hear the conversation around him, more likely Jeonghan telling Mingyu who the transfer was.

Wonwoo couldn’t take his eyes away from the human who stood half a head taller than him. He has a muscular build, he has an outdoor color on him too, piercing eyes and a beautiful smile - ah he must be Wonwoo's human mate.

Wonwoo already knew by the number of jitters he is feeling inside him just by staring at him, but seeing the man’s canines being longer and sharper than humans normally would - it just attested to one of the necessary changes a mate of not from werebeast tribes goes through physically.

“My name is Kim Mingyu,” Mingyu offered his hand as he smiled, “As your sunbae, please depend on me.”

Wonwoo slowly took the hand, and hopefully, the human does not feel how he trembles. That contact alone already comforted the lonely wolf inside of Wonwoo, and his desire to snuggle up to that feeling was so strong he had to pull back immediately. This feeling is scaring him! He doesn’t know how to act normal in front of this man at all.

“Don’t be nervous,” Mingyu noticed Wonwoo’s anxiousness as he stared at him properly. He then asked, “Have we met before?” He just had to ask, did he not? Because there is a strong nagging feeling within him that says today might not be the first to have met the man.

“I-I don’t think so,” Wonwoo replied. Maybe he isn’t so alone feeling this way? Does his human mate feel the same way too? According to His Majesty, the two of them had bonded so well. So, are they fond of each other?

“Mingyu, Wonwoo-ssi’s Korean isn’t the best. So, in the meantime, I will pair him up with you.”

“Copy that,” Mingyu nodded, his eyes never left Wonwoo’s. “I will teach you Korean so that you will be able to speak it in a month.”

Wonwoo nodded.

“So, what language do you speak?”

“Seok-yeong’s.” Wonwoo immediately responded without much thought. Realizing his mistake, he gasped, “I—”

“Must be a dialect I haven’t heard of and I speak multiple languages. No matter, I will get your Korean up to speed.” Mingyu winked.

Dang it, why did Wonwoo have to make a bond with such a handsome hunk? Not only that, he is damn cute too?  Looks like resisting the bond isn’t as easy if his mate is a walking aphrodisiac! Wait, have they consummated their bond yet? Wonwoo’s ears turned red with his thoughts running wild like this.

“Mingyu, I’ll catch up on my sleep, I will leave Wonwoo-ssi to you.” Jeonghan excused himself.

“All you do is sleep, captain.”

“What do you mean?” Jeonghan glared at him. “I do a lot of other things too.”

“But you’re sleeping a lot more these days.” Mingyu pointed out, “You also eat a lot. I revised the team’s training matrix, so you make sure you don’t skip any of the physical training.”

“Look at you,” Jeonghan pouted, “I am the team captain and I’m hearing this from you. Don’t worry, I don’t skip any training. But man, I’m so sleepy after that meal.”

Mingyu sighs, “You always say that.”

Jeonghan grinned, “Wake me up if you hear from Joshua.”

Mingyu did not pester their team captain anymore. After all, he understands that it will take some time to readjust back to the team after having to work solo in a cover operation. Three years doing that will definitely take a toll on anyone, even towards their team leader. Now, without the other senior, Joshua, it falls on his shoulder to get their new recruit up to speed.

Mingyu fixes his attention back to the new guy - Wonwoo was it? Mingyu couldn’t understand why he needed to brace himself before doing so but he understood right away because now that they are alone at last and in silence, he could hear his heart thudding against his chest. Why is merely looking at this man’s face enough to get him tongue-tied and uneasy on his feet? And why does it feel like Wonwoo is also watching him intently over his guarded stance?

Mingyu could feel the other man’s almond-shaped eyes trying to discern him in ways that made him look smaller, and all bothered -if he had to be absolutely honest with himself. His whole body is reacting in the strangest way. Wait, why is it so hot all of the sudden? He’s breaking a sweat. What the hell is going on? Is he strongly intimated by this new transfer to react like this?

They haven’t even formally conversed with each other.

“His Majesty believes you worth everything that I had,” Wonwoo mumbled under his breath. “I am obliged to believe him. But I see now I could have not chosen a better human.”

Mingyu stood there, frozen still. Wonwoo’s voice is something, but those unfamiliar words he spoke got to him in a way he almost clutched on his chest. He did not recognize the language but why does it seem like he understood every sense of it?

Why did it feel like he longed to hear those words? All those sleepless nights of missing someone he could not remember.