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The bookstore on the corner of the street was popular among the locals, especially as the young man that owned it would give excellent recommendations, could be convinced to write you a poem on the spot, sold all sorts of luck charms and talismans that people swore worked, and on occasion would read your palm and tell you everything about yourself. Given the number of plants that he kept alive the locals assumed he was a Green Witch and was just inherently observant when it came to his predictions, Lee Taeyong never bothered to tell them otherwise. It was certainly safer to be a Green Witch with gentle magic and completely nondangerous than to any of the local witches’ guilds after him for being far too dangerous. As it was, he was lucky his magical core fell on the brighter side of his eclectic collection of magic. He was lucky that there was fae in his family history that his magic felt nonthreatening and uninvasive to other magic users.
The witches and sorcerers that came into his bookstore often said that his magic felt like sunlight. Taeyong had always felt more human than powerful witch and only had strong magic because it skipped every other generation in his family with a blessing of strong magic. His own family members scattered and lost contact with each other once their children were old enough to support themselves for the reason that it was much safer for them if they weren’t all connected and then if one were caught none of the others could possibly be hunted down through them. Witches with the power level so commonly found in Taeyong’s family were dangerous and often found themselves hunted by witches guilds and covens alike, either to kill them or turn them into a weapon for their magic.
Taeyong remembered his family but he had not talked to them in a very long time, would not remember their names or what they looked like and had changed his own name when he left, finding who he was meant to be. He had not always been Lee Taeyong but it was truly him more than whatever name his parents had given him. Witches with a core like Taeyong’s much less eclectic witches with a range of magic, were very rare. So Taeyong much preferred being considered a Green Witch.
He knew of one other witch with a similar power level in the city, the other was several years younger and had started building his own coven around him. His magic leaned towards Kitchen Witchery and he hated being alone, Taeyong didn’t much like being alone either but he hadn’t found anyone that wanted anything to do with him in Seoul. He quite liked the Kitchen Witch that owned the coffee shop next door, he was a regular there by now, coming in every day for coffee and a pastry, but he rarely saw Doyoung in his own bookstore. Besides he knew Doyoung had a coven already with the two other witches he saw around frequently, Jungwoo and Mark, and at least one other witch if not more.
It was really for the best. It was dangerous for witches like Taeyong in a coven, especially with a core like his. Eclectic witches were known for accidentally strengthening the magic of the other witches when properly in a coven bond, which could lead to accidents if a witch was suitably powerful. Taeyong wouldn’t hurt anyone if he could help it. It was better to live a quiet life with him and his books and be a background character in his own regulars’ stories. He was content to live peacefully and leave his bookstore to his acquaintance neighbor when he eventually died quietly and likely young.
While it wasn’t uncommon for witches to live extremely long lives, if they had no coven and no one around them they often died quickly, their own magic turning on them and eating away at their life force. Taeyong personally felt just fine about dying in his early forties, it wouldn’t be a violent death and he didn’t figure there was much reason to live very long if he wasn’t doing anything anyway. He liked his life, mostly. Sure, he was a little lonely but it was peaceful and he’d rather it be peaceful than painful so he would take the loneliness if it meant peace. He wasn’t counting on anyone changing that. No one was exactly looking for a Green Witch with low power to join their coven.
Taeyong’s favorite customers were the high school kids who had their whole lives in front of them. They were always so bright and loved his charms and happy to ask for help with their homework and Taeyong was happy to help. He missed having people that would ask him for help and he knew that some of the local kids didn’t have anyone to help them with homework and Taeyong was glad to step up. But that did mean other than one or two of the older customers that would come in, the mornings at the bookstore were quiet and empty. He could look forward to several hours reading or writing in his notebooks and drinking his tea listening to the chatter and music coming from next door. He loved these mornings which meant he was surprised when the door opened early one morning. When he looked up there wasn’t anyone in the store so he’d just turned back to scribbling in his notebook and humming along. Minutes later there was a clatter down one of the aisles and Taeyong looked back up and sighed as he put his pencil down. He wandered towards the sound.
“Hello?” he called, “do you need help?” When he got there no one was there, but there were books knocked to the floor. He crouched down to put them back and headed back to the front of the store. It was several more minutes before he was disturbed again. This time by something cold and wet pressing against his leg, jerking him out of his focus on his writing and causing him to yell in fear and scramble up onto the counter whipping around pointing his pencil at what had startled him. A large fluffy black and white dog was sitting on his floor looking at him and wagging. At least Taeyong assumed it was looking at him, its white fur was matted and tangled and much too long and tangled in his face. All of his fur was dirty and matted and clearly hadn’t been taken care of. There was no collar. How had it gotten in?
“Hello, puppy,” muttered Taeyong hesitantly, “you startled me. How did you get in? Where’s your person?” He carefully held one of his hands out towards the dog palm up. It looked like an overgrown puppy. The dog whined at him and licked his palm enthusiastically. Taeyong giggled and moved to scratch the dog’s head.
“You sure don’t look like you’ve got an owner,” he said, “you’re a little bit of a mess, baby.” The dog whined at him louder and nosed his wrist. Taeyong climbed down off the counter and moved to sit on the floor cross-legged.
“I bet you’re hungry, huh?” asked Taeyong, “but if I feed you you’ll want to stay instead of going home and you should probably go home. I’m sure someone’s missing you.” The dog whined louder and pushed into his lap and nosed at his neck causing Taeyong to laugh and scratch the scruff of the dog’s neck.
“You’re awfully cute,” he said shaking his head, “I bet you’re a lot cuter when you’re all cleaned up and your fur is properly cared for.” He carefully pushed the dog off and stood up.
“Well, we may as well see about taking you to the vet, they’ll probably be able to tell if you’ve got a chip,” said Taeyong starting around the counter. The dog followed at his heels immediately. Taeyong paused and the dog sat down. He took a step forward and the dog followed immediately.
“Huh,” muttered Taeyong thoughtfully, “that’s a little odd. Pretty sure you’d have to be trained to heel and I don’t know your name to call for you.” The dog’s tail thumped and he headbutted Taeyong’s leg gently. The dog walked forward a few steps and sat down and looked back.
“What you want me to follow you?” asked Taeyong. The dog whined and turned about himself and took a few more steps towards one of the tables and stopped and looked back at Taeyong. Taeyong followed him and the dog wagged and headed straight for the table with the charms. Taeyong followed.
“You want the charms?” muttered Taeyong, “that’s strange. They shouldn’t smell like anything a dog would want.” The dog circled the table before carefully balancing on its hindlegs and putting its front paws on the table and barking at one of the necklaces. A black and white necklace with paw prints on it. Taeyong picked it up and looked down at the dog and then back at the necklace and then realized what was going on. He crouched down still holding the necklace and hesitated a moment. The dog just looked at him unblinking and wagged slightly. He pressed his forehead to the dog’s and closed his eyes. Magic reached for his magic immediately and Taeyong yanked back gasping. A familiar. One stuck in animal form too, unless they could find the witch they were most compatible with. What was it doing here? Unless Taeyong was the witch for it.
“You’re a familiar,” said Taeyong sitting back on his heels looking down at the necklace in his hand and then at the dog.
“I can’t be your witch,” muttered Taeyong, “what are you doing here? Maybe you were looking for next door? Doyoung-ssi is a very respectable kitchen witch, you’d like him.” The dog whined sounding pitiful and nosed at Taeyong’s hand and licked him again.
“Well, if I am your witch you should be able to change back once I ask you to,” muttered Taeyong, “no harm in trying I suppose. If it doesn’t work we’ll go next door and see if Doyoung can help.” The dog wagged.
“I’m going to take that as a yes,” said Taeyong. “Shift into your human form.” Magic crackled and shifted in the air and a barefoot boy in torn dirty jeans and an oversized t-shirt was sitting on his bookstore floor looking at him from behind black and white hair that was tangled and far too long.
“Oh thank hex,” said the boy smiling. “You had me worried for a bit that I’d followed my gut all the way here only for it to be wrong. Hi, you’re my witch, sorry to just drop in on you. Some sorcerer back home that wasn’t exactly fond of me got me stuck in familiar form or I’d have waited to run into you naturally instead of hunting you down.” Taeyong rubbed his temple.
“Sorry,” he said.
“What for?” asked the boy uselessly trying to run his fingers through his hair to get it out of the way or at least less messy.
“I’m sure I’m not what you were looking for,” said Taeyong shaking his head. “Sorry I’m what you found. I won’t make a contract with you if you don’t want it though. That would give you the chance to go find a strong witch with an exciting future.”
“I don’t want an exciting and strong witch,” said the boy shrugging, “I like you. I like your store and the way it feels and I really like the way your magic feels. I don’t want anyone else. I’m Jaehyun, what do I call you?”
“Taeyong,” said Taeyong, “are you sure, Jaehyun-ssi?” Jaehyun looked at him a little surprised and then nodded grinning.
“I’m sure,” he said, “make a bond with me, Taeyong-ssi?” Taeyong nodded and stood up putting the necklace back on the table.
“I’m not giving you this,” he said, “I’ll make you your own, is a verbal bond okay until I can make a perfect one?” Jaehyun beamed at him and nodded.
“A verbal bond is just fine,” he said getting to his feet quickly, wincing slightly as he moved and wrapping his arms around his stomach. “A token isn’t really done anymore you know? Witches just bind their familiars to them with magic.”
“But a token makes me yours too,” pointed out Taeyong, “otherwise you’re just mine and it’s not fair.”
“Yeah, I’m definitely glad you’re my witch,” said Jaehyun visibly relaxing and beaming at him. Taeyong just looked at him slightly confused and Jaehyun cocked his head.
“You don’t know do you?” he asked.
“I don’t think I do,” said Taeyong shaking his head, “I’m not at all sure what you’re talking about.”
“Familiars don’t get a say in bonding with a witch anymore. Haven’t in nearly a hundred and fifty years. Witches and sorcerers just bond familiars,” said Jaehyun shaking his head, “may as well be pets, yeah? And it’s not like we’ve got a choice in not having a witch, familiars don’t survive well on their own.”
“That’s terrible,” said Taeyong shaking his head, “surely you don’t have to be bonded to a witch to live.”
“No, but it’s the only way to get access to the magic levels we need in order to not starve,” said Jaehyun shrugging. “Once a familiar’s magic fully activates if they don’t have access to magic they only live about a year.”
“Oh,” said Taeyong quietly. “Well, you don’t have to worry about that at all and if you have friends that need magic until they can find their own witch, I’m not especially strong but I’m willing to share what I’ve got.”
“Man, I really lucked out,” muttered Jaehyun. “You still want to bond, right?”
“Absolutely,” said Taeyong nodding. “I’ll start my part now and you’ll have your token by tonight as long as I have the supplies for it. Ready?”
“Yes. I’m ready, I’ve been ready for like six months,” said Jaehyun arms still tightly wrapped around his stomach. Taeyong recited the words for creating a bond with a familiar and held his hand out for Jaehyun to shake to seal it. Jaehyun shook it and Taeyong felt his magic connect to Jaehyun’s instantly. It was a strong connection, like a rope tying them together, Taeyong could feel Jaehyun’s emotions if he followed the rope and knew that Jaehyun could feel Taeyong’s without trying too.
“You’re hurt,” said Taeyong eyebrows furrowing, “where?”
“I’m not,” said Jaehyun shaking his head, “it’s just my stomach. I haven’t eaten in a while. It’s hard to find food as a stray dog.”
“Oh, here,” said Taeyong hurrying back to the counter and grabbing what was left of his breakfast and handing it to Jaehyun. “Eat that and we’ll get you cleaned up and in new clothes and then go next door to the café and get real food.” Jaehyun took the food handed him and immediately started eating it, the expression on his face was one that Taeyong couldn’t place but didn’t really like. He wondered exactly how long Jaehyun had really been struggling to find food, he’d guess longer than six months. He flipped the bookstore sign to close and ushered Jaehyun up the stairs to the flat above it. Taeyong dug around in his closet looking for anything that might fit Jaehyun while Jaehyun showered and put on the new clothes and Taeyong sat him down and carefully worked the tangles out of his hair before pulling it back from his face.
“You can chop it all off if you want,” said Jaehyun.
“If you’d rather it be short we can go to a stylist and get it fixed. I’m not going anywhere near your head with scissors,” said Taeyong shaking his head, “I have no idea what I’m doing.”
“Short would be good. The tangles are the worst and I don’t really like how much it’s in the way,” said Jaehyun shaking his head.
“I’ll set up an appointment,” said Taeyong nodding, “I’m assuming we’re going to need to get you a phone and everything too. I’ll need to order a bed for you too and figure out where to put it. There’s only the one bedroom. I uh. I wasn’t exactly planning on ever having more than just me living here.”
“You were going to be alone?” asked Jaehyun surprised, “no coven?”
“No,” said Taeyong shaking his head. “I have my reasons.”
“I know you’re stronger than you claim you are,” offered Jaehyun, “you bound your magic to mine, Taeyong-ssi. I can feel that it’s extent is much more than what it should be considering the amount of magic you put off on a regular basis.” Taeyong didn’t really like the implications of that, but it was a known fact that familiars properly bonded would lie for their witches no matter what the lie was. Familiars had taken the blame for murder for their witches before. Taeyong would never take advantage of Jaehyun like that and would certainly never command him to lie for him, but it did help knowing that it was uncommon for familiars to betray their witches.
“I’m not going to ask why or what and I certainly won’t tell,” said Jaehyun nodding, “but I do know that you aren’t exactly normal. I wouldn’t have been able to bond without knowing that. Normally that means something bad, and that I’d make an awful mistake letting myself get caught by you, but I’m pretty positive that I couldn’t have been matched with a better witch if I’d picked you myself.”
“There’s fae in my family,” said Taeyong finally. Jaehyun snorted and gestured to his face.
“I mean, that’s pretty obvious, boss,” he said, “you look like you walked out of a manga. I just figured it meant you had fae way way way way back in your family somewhere or had been blessed with a good look blessing as a baby, those aren’t uncommon.”
“Yeah, no,” muttered Taeyong shaking his head, “there’s a lot of fae in me.”
“Huh,” said Jaehyun nodding, “alright then. I guess it’s good I can handle a lot of magic.”
“Let’s go get you some food,” said Taeyong standing up. He hesitated. “Do you like need magic or just food?”
“Just food. The bond was enough to last awhile,” said Jaehyun nodding, “and since we’re bonded unless you shut the connection so I can’t get magic without asking you for it I’ll be fine.”
“Well, I won’t do that,” said Taeyong shaking his head, “but I don’t know what I’m doing either so if you need something you’ll have to tell me. I’m not sure how soon a bed would get here so you’ll have mine tonight and I’ll sleep on the couch.”
“Or you don’t bother with either and I just shift and sleep like that,” said Jaehyun shaking his head, “I always sleep in familiar form anyway, I sleep better like that.”
“Oh, if you’re sure,” said Taeyong and Jaehyun nodded smiling brightly at him. “Let’s get you some more food.” Jaehyun beamed at him and happily followed him to the kitchen.
Taeyong wakes up the next morning disoriented and comfortably warm. The sun is shining outside the window and he should get up and open the book shop. He blinks his eyes and sits up, reluctant to leave the comfort of his bed and. Oh. That’s why he was so warm. There was an Australian Shepherd sprawled out on his bed fast asleep. Jaehyun must have jumped up to sleep next to him in the middle of the night. Taeyong chuckled slightly and ran a hand across the top of the shifter’s head before getting up and stretching. Maybe they could go next door for breakfast and coffee once Jaehyun wakes up. He should make Jaehyun’s token while the familiar is still asleep. He gets ready for the day quickly and checks to make sure the familiar is still asleep before heading into the living room and pulling out the supplies he’ll need. He works in silence for a while, picking a stone and fitting it into a pendant before stringing it onto a cord adjustable enough for Jaehyun to wear it however he wants. He pours his magic into the pendant in as many forms of charms as he can think, the basic protection and tracking charms, a lasting charm so the necklace won’t break, a small luck charm, a couple of home and love so Jaehyun wouldn’t feel lonely, something for him to hold onto if he was sad and Taeyong couldn’t help, and a way for Jaehyun to follow the charm home if he needed it. He starts cleaning up once he’s done with the token and a moment later as he shuts the last drawer he hears footsteps coming down the hall. Jaehyun appears in the doorway looking worried and then immediately relieved when he sees Taeyong.
“Hyung,” he said smiling face and shoulders instantly relaxing from their previously tensed position, “good morning. You’re up early.”
“Yeah, I normally get an early start and open the bookshop,” said Taeyong nodding, “here, come here.” Jaehyun sat down on the couch next to him quickly and Taeyong picked up the token.
“Here, this is your token,” said Taeyong and Jaehyun straightened slightly. He clasped one of his hands into a fist and closed his eyes taking a deep breath. Taeyong could feel him using his magic but didn’t pry to figure out what, letting the younger boy finish knowing he would explain in a moment. Jaehyun opened his eyes back up and nodded.
“Are you ready to finish the bond then?” he asked and Taeyong nodded.
“Yes,” he said. They were already bonded because of the verbal contract Taeyong had created with the spell, but Jaehyun giving him a piece of his magic and Taeyong trading him a token would make it almost unbreakable by anyone outside of the two of them. Taeyong held out the token and Jaehyun let him drop it into his open palm, holding out his fist so he could drop his own gift into Taeyong’s palm. The magic pendant was cool against Taeyong’s hand, it was a pretty blue on a silver strand of chain and Taeyong smiled at it. It was peaceful and greeted Taeyong’s magic happily as he pulled it over his head. Jaehyun had already put his token on as a necklace and was smiling as he rolled the pendant between two fingers.
“You charmed it,” he said.
“Yeah, of course,” said Taeyong nodding. “I can’t make you a token from my magic but I can give you my magic as charms for you token. It’s the closest I can get to giving you my magic.”
“Thanks, hyung,” said Jaehyun still smiling and then straightening slightly. “Do you want me to make breakfast? I’m not very good but I’ll try.”
“I actually usually go next door for breakfast, I thought we could pick up breakfast together,” suggested Taeyong and Jaehyun nodded excitedly. It was a few minutes of getting ready before Taeyong had his keys and was leaving the front door of the bookstore, Jaehyun hesitating briefly.
“Hyung,” he said stopping Taeyong in his tracks. “Do you want to have to answer questions about who I am? Or should I shift?” Taeyong hesitated. That was a valid point. But it wasn’t like Taeyong had people paying much attention to him in the first place so it would probably be fine.
“I don’t think it’ll matter,” said Taeyong shaking his head. “If anyone asks we’ll just say you’re a friend from school come to visit.”
“Alright,” agreed Jaehyun happy to follow Taeyong out onto the sidewalk now. Taeyong led the way over to the shop next door. The windows were large and full of bright decorations and the shop itself was cute and obviously well cared for once they stepped inside. There were several customers already inside, but overall it wasn’t very busy yet as it was still quite early in the morning. Taeyong and Jaehyun joined the line for the cash register where a young witch was running the cash register. He smiled at Taeyong when they reached the counter and glanced at Jaehyun surprised and confused.
“Oh, hey, Taeyong-ssi, did you join a coven?” asked the boy curious. He smiled at Jaehyun but looked somewhat disapproving which was interesting.
“No, Mark, this is Jaehyun, he’s visiting for a bit,” said Taeyong digging out his wallet and scanning who all was behind the counter somewhat distractedly. He blinked in surprise at the witch running the espresso machine.
“Is Jungwoo’s hair rainbow?” asked Taeyong looking back to Mark who was distractedly looking at Jaehyun, face having completely changed the moment Taeyong had said he hadn’t joined a coven.
“What? Oh, yeah,” said Mark shrugging. “Doyoung-hyung’s trying to figure out how to change it back. I fucked up the tea this morning. Are you getting your usual?”
“Yeah. I thought you weren’t allowed to make food?” asked Taeyong nodding, “can I get two muffins too?” Mark grabbed the two muffins Taeyong indicated from the case and set them in a bag on the counter for Taeyong.
“I’m not,” said Mark nodding.
“It doesn’t stop him,” called Jungwoo.
“Jungwoo-hyung keeps willingly taking things from me though,” said Mark shrugging, “and I work with food. Doyoung-hyung’s my mentor I should be able to at least make food without messing up a spell. Jaehyun-ssi, what would you like?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” said Jaehyun surprised as he looked up at the menu. “Taeyong-hyung, what should I get?”
“Do you like sweet things? You can get the same thing I get,” said Taeyong.
“Don’t get what he gets, Jaehyun-ssi,” said Jungwoo, “I’ll make him something, Mark, just ring in a latte. You don’t want Taeyong’s drink, Jaehyun-ssi, it’s like pure sugar. It’s gross.”
“It’s not that bad,” said Taeyong shaking his head and paying for their order, handing the muffins to Jaehyun. “Is Doyoung not working today since he has to fix Jungwoo’s hair?”
“Probably not until later,” said Mark shaking his head, eyes still on Jaehyun over Taeyong’s shoulder.
“Ah, okay,” said Taeyong nodding.
“How long are you visiting for, Jaehyun?” asked Mark curious.
“Oh, um, a bit,” said Jaehyun trying to dodge the question.
“Mark, leave them alone, you’ve got more customers,” said another witch coming around the corner. Mark rolled his eyes but turned back to the line as Taeyong and Jaehyun moved out of the way. Jaehyun noticed immediately that Taeyong’s magic sparked slightly through their connection and he turned his attention away from the witch behind the register to make sure Taeyong was okay. He was watching the witch that had just joined the others behind the counter and something that felt like wistful longing was ringing through the emotional connection when Jaehyun poked at it slightly. This must be Doyoung then, no wonder Taeyong had been asking Mark about him, he must have been looking for him too. He was kind of cute, Jaehyun supposed and if his witch had a crush on Doyoung then Jaehyun should make sure that Doyoung was even worthy of a crush to begin with.
“Here, Woo, try this,” said Doyoung handing the younger witch a drink. Jungwoo took it and downed it as quickly as he could. Nothing happened. Doyoung frowned looking frustrated and Jungwoo just sighed and went back to making the drinks.
“Right. Back to the books,” said Doyoung, “yell if you need help, don’t let Mark anywhere near anything edible that isn’t already made. Good morning, Taeyong.”
“Morning, Doyoung,” said Taeyong before the other witch disappeared back where he had come from, presumably to continue looking for a way to fix Jungwoo’s hair. Jungwoo handed them their coffee and Taeyong started back to the bookstore. Mark called goodbye from behind the counter and Jaehyun and Taeyong waved quickly before heading out the door. Taeyong handed Jaehyun one of the muffins before flipping the bookstore sign to open.
It didn’t take long for Taeyong to get used to having Jaehyun around and Jaehyun happily took up helping out in the store wherever he could. Within a couple of weeks Jaehyun had met everyone on the street and the regulars had all accepted him as Taeyong’s friend that helped out sometimes. Jaehyun had taken over getting breakfast when Taeyong had several days in a row where he was too focused on fixing charms or researching safe hexes that he could use on objects for the store and without Taeyong even realizing it Jaehyun had taken over his regular trips to the café next door and Taeyong decided not to protest. It would be good if he didn’t keep pining over the witch that he would never be able to have. Maybe if Taeyong didn’t see Doyoung everyday he would be able to leave this crush behind him. Half the time Jaehyun just went over shifted as a dog and would take Taeyong’s wallet with him and come trotting back over with a bag between his teeth and Taeyong’s wallet inside. Taeyong had let himself get completely distracted in research recently trying not to think about Doyoung and how lonely living without a coven really was and how much having Jaehyun around helped but simultaneously remined Taeyong of exactly how much he was missing. The bell over the door rang and it jerked Taeyong out of his spiral into loneliness causing him to look away from the book he had been scribbling in. He frowned down at the runes he’d been working on and ripped the page out. They’d gotten a lot darker than he had been intending.
“Hey, hyung, do you have anything on burn prevention?” called a familiar voice from the entrance of the shop.
“Like potions or healing?” asked Taeyong frowning down at the ripped out page of his notebook trying to figure out where he had gone wrong. Jaehyun was lounging on the floor in dog form and snuffed slightly, lifting his head in the direction of Mark and thumping his tail once. Apparently, Mark had gotten the Jaehyun stamp of approval recently.
“Like potions,” said Mark turning the corner and stopping in front of the desk. He had his bag slung over his shoulder and was carrying a couple of drinks. One of his arms was completely wrapped in bandages.
“What happened? Are you okay?” asked Taeyong setting the paper down and reaching for Mark’s bandaged arm. Mark set the coffee cups on the counter and let Taeyong look at his arm.
“I accidentally blew up one of the espresso machines,” said Mark grimacing slightly. “Doyoung-hyung and Jungwoo-hyung tried their best to fix it but they’re both shit at healing magic but maybe like a potion of some kind for prevention Doyoung-hyung could make that? It was Eunkwang-hyung’s idea. He did his best to fix the actual burn when he got home, but he’s not a healer either and there’s really only so much any of them can do, you know?”
“Does it hurt much? Do you want me to look? I’m not like licensed or anything but I know some basics,” said Taeyong already carefully running his magic over Mark’s arm trying to assess the damage for himself.
“I mean if you want to go ahead, hyung,” said Mark nodding, “it doesn’t hurt that bad though. Doyoung-hyung is really good at stuff to help with pain because apparently I’m a disaster witch.” Mark rolled his eyes as he said the last bit obviously quoting his mentor. Taeyong chuckled slightly and reached for one of the markers on the counter.
“I’m going to draw runes on your bandages, it should help accelerate the healing,” said Taeyong in explanation before getting to work.
“Thanks, hyung, you’re really cool,” said Mark brightly. “Is Jaehyun-hyung not here today? I brought coffee for him to try.”
“Mmm, he’ll be by later,” said Taeyong, “how did this happen again? You blew up an espresso machine?”
“Yeah, not like on purpose. I don’t even know how. Jungwoo-hyung swears that they can’t just explode like that. I’ve been trying different drinks recently. I want to make like the perfect coffee, hyung,” said Mark earnestly. Taeyong sighed as he finished drawing sigils.
“I don’t know how Doyoung hasn’t completely lost his mind with the stress you and Jungwoo have put him through as apprentices,” said Taeyong shaking his head. “I’m done, that should help some. I don’t want to mess up what your coven already did so I’m afraid to do any more. Potions that might work with burns will be to the left, look by the sun paste and vampire potions.”
“Thanks, hyung!” said Mark brightly and then heading off towards the right section of the store. “Your friend, Jaehyun. He’s not a witch, is he?”
“No he’s not,” said Taeyong capping his marker and setting it back in it’s place. He glanced back to his notebook and frowned before picking up his pen and starting to replicate the runes he was working on previously to try and find where he’d gone wrong last time.
“He is magic though, right? Like he knows you’re a witch? And that we’re magic? He’s not from the anti-magic section or Seoul, right?” called Mark.
“No he’s not. He is some kind of magic but not like you and me. I don’t like to pry and I appreciate that he doesn’t pry into my stuff either. But yes he knows we’re magic,” said Taeyong distractedly. Jaehyun’s floppy ears twitched slightly and he peeked an eye back open to look in the direction Mark had gone.
“Right on. He seems cool. He’s been by a lot lately. I’m guessing you’ve been busy with whatever you’ve been scribbling in the notebook. Hey, how old is Jaehyun-hyung?” asked Mark.
“Uh, 97 I think,” called Taeyong, “why’s it matter.”
“Oh that’s a good gap. It’s only two years,” said Mark thoughtfully as he headed back towards the counter carrying books with him this time.
“Two years? What do you mean?” asked Taeyong frowning. “Like that he’s two years younger than me?”
“No. No. He’s two years older than me,” said Mark setting the books down and spinning the ripped out notebook page towards him so he could look at it. Taeyong started ringing the books into the cash register.
“Oh, I guess he is,” said Taeyong nodding not entirely sure why this was important.
“You’ll come back to the café sometime soon, right? Doyoung-hyung’s been worried about you. Eunkwang-hyung is convince you’re becoming a shut in and is also worried but less so than Doyoung-hyung. Not that we don’t like seeing Jaehyun-hyung and Jae,” said Mark shooting a smile at the familiar lounging in the sun who thumped his tail at Mark upon hearing his nickname.
“I mean I’m not planning to stay away forever. I’ve been really busy lately. I’m working on those runes for research reasons but I keep fucking it up,” said Taeyong gesturing to his notebook. “It’s nice having Jaehyun-ah around, he helps out a lot. Eunkwang-ssi will be happy to know he’s making sure I’m remembering to eat all the necessary meals and to sleep at night and not just get completely absorbed in my research.”
“I’ll tell him, he’ll be glad,” said Mark nodding frowning at the runes on the paper. “This feels super depressed, hyung. It’s like really sad.”
“Yeah, I’m not sure where I went wrong,” said Taeyong shrugging and handing Mark a bag with the books in them. Mark swiped his card to pay as he took the bag from Taeyong.
“Alright, well good luck. Tell Jaehyun-hyung I said hi and to let me know if he likes that drink. I’m not sure it’s got enough espresso for him, but I tried. The other one is yours, Doyoung-hyung made it I promise,” said Mark earnestly. “Please come by soon, we’re worried about you.”
“Okay, Mark, have a good day. Good luck with the exploding espresso machines,” said Taeyong nodding. Mark beamed at him and headed off through the store calling a goodbye to Jae over his shoulder and Jaehyun barked at him once causing the younger boy to laugh. The door jingled as he left and Jaehyun shifted back.
“I like his energy,” said Jaehyun grabbing his drink and leaning against the counter to sip at it.
“Is that safe?” asked Taeyong concerned.
“He hasn’t poisoned me yet,” said Jaehyun shrugging, “and he tries so hard I feel bad if I don’t at least try it. But like, you like his energy too, right? It’s like magnetic and electric, he makes the whole bookstore feel like energy.”
“He’s a storm witch,” said Taeyong nodding in agreement.
“I guess that explains it. But why would he apprentice under Doyoung?”
“I guess he just liked him,” said Taeyong shrugging. “Doyoung’s a good guy and he obviously cares a lot for his apprentices as they both were added to his coven before completing their apprenticeship. He’s smart and kind and hasn’t kicked Mark to the curb despite Mark’s inability to do anything kitchen related without causing a disaster.”
“He does seem like a good guy. I like his energy too. You should talk to him more. He seems really nice,” said Jaehyun smirking at Taeyong who had already turned back to his notebook distractedly.
“Ah, he’s really busy I wouldn’t want to add extra stress to his life that’s what Jungwoo and Mark are for,” said Taeyong shaking his head.
“I don’t think you’d be adding stress, hyung, I’m pretty sure the two of you being around each other a lot more would be mutual stress relief. He’s got good energy, you said he’s a good guy, I like him. He’s passed my test. You obviously have the biggest crush this side of Korea on him. He’s spending time to worry about you, hyung, shoot your shot.” Taeyong’s head snapped up.
“Jae,” he said appalled, “first of all Doyoung is not and should not be interested in me. I’m just the lone witch next door. There’s a reason lone witches are alone and any witch in a coven knows there’s a reason they’ve been cast out of their coven. I’m too old to be looking for my place in a coven and Doyoung’s not stupid. And second of all it doesn’t matter if I like him or not, or if I wish I could have that chance, because I can’t go to a coven again. I won’t do that again, it’s bad and dangerous and I won’t put either of us through that. And third of all, you should not be sticking your nose into my love life. You want a love story you go chat up Mark, okay?” Jaehyun laughed and shook his head.
“You deserve to be happy too, hyung,” he said smiling, “at least think about it. Mark is kind of cute though. Do you think he’s interested?” Taeyong looked at his familiar in disbelief.
“Jae, he randomly brings you coffee, he just asked a bunch of shit about you, and he looks at you like you hung the stars in the sky, I think he’s interested,” said Taeyong shaking his head.
“Ah, you’re just saying shit so I get off your case, hyung. Besides witches don’t date familiars, especially if it’s not their familiar,” said Jaehyun shaking his head, “but he’s sweet and cute. It’s nice to think about.”
“Yah, if I should be considering Doyoung you should be considering Mark. His oldest coven mate has a familiar and Eunkwang and Johnny are practically married, have been for years at this point. I highly doubt any of Mark’s coven is going to have a problem with him dating whoever he wants to no matter their magic,” said Taeyong shaking his head.
“Hey stop encouraging me to leave you for a coven, hyung,” said Jaehyun narrowing his eyes at Taeyong jokingly. “I love you too much for that.” Taeyong snorted slightly but couldn’t stop the smile on his face. He was lucky he had Jaehyun, he was lucky Jaehyun was so sweet and seemed to like Taeyong, and he was very lucky to no longer be alone.
“If I’m allowed to be happy then so are you,” said Taeyong, “don’t let me being a hermit keep you from living your life.” Jaehyun rolled his eyes again and took another sip of his drink. Taeyong glanced back down at the sketchbook he was marking runes into. He frowned at the piece he was working on confusedly. It still wasn’t right, but it was closer this time. How strange. It didn’t feel half as depressed as it had a moment ago. There was still streaks of darkness running through it he would need to work out but this time there were patches of bright light peeking through. He glanced back over at Jaehyun who was distractedly trying to read Mark’s handwriting on his cup, probably to figure out what he was drinking. Surely, the conversation with Jaehyun hadn’t been what had changed the magic Taeyong was working with. It wasn’t supposed to be emotionally charged as far as spellwork goes. He hesitated a moment and felt along the bond he shared with the younger, Jaehyun’s emotions always felt bright and welcomed him happily into their fold. There was plenty of past pain and darkness that Taeyong could feel in the other’s magic, but Jaehyun hadn’t opened up about it and if he wasn’t wanting to talk about it then Taeyong wasn’t going to ask. After all he had plenty of his own past that Jaehyun hadn’t asked any questions about. Taeyong pulled away from the bond and looked back at this sketchbook. He picked the marker back up and kept working at the runes. He had the strangest feeling that this was just the beginning of something important.