Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

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Once you turn 18, you have the power to manifest an Angel and a Devil. Only seen by you, the beholder, they help make romantic decisions for you to pursue a lover. 

These Angels and Devils work under the Tomorrow X Together Corporation™. Every day, everywhere around the world, adult Humans are assigned specifically chosen Angels and Devils to aid them in their romantic pursuits.

Typically, the Angel and Devil will collaborate to achieve the best outcomes for their Human based on the Human's needs and wants. Although, the now-adult does have the choice to summon either an Angel, a Devil or both to meet their individual goals.

Soobin had known for a while that he wanted both. 

Being the hopeless romantic he was, Soobin had done extensive research on the work of the Angel and Devils and the services they provide long before his birthday. 

He eagerly counts down the days until he turns 18 on a calendar - the day when he can finally meet his Angel and Devil and learn how to get in a relationship with his crush. Who, you ask? 

Choi Yeonjun. His long-term crush of four years.

Yeonjun was the epitome of perfection. Clearly, God (or whatever deity you believe in) had favourites when he made Yeonjun. Soobin and Yeonjun have been best friends since primary school and have been inseparable ever since despite being in different year levels.

Then, halfway through high school, Yeonjun changed his look. And, Soobin had never recovered since. He started wearing ear and lip piercings, dying his hair and wearing coloured contact lenses. Yet, even with his growing popularity, he stayed the same warm and humble boy that he always had been. One day, realisation washed over Soobin like a tidal wave. He was in love with his best friend.

In hindsight, he never knew why he hadn't fallen for Yeonjun before. Soobin was always infatuated by the older; he had not a single negative quality. But, with every love confession Yeonjun received, Soobin hated to admit that over time, he became, possibly, more jealous and possessive over him. 

With college approaching, and with Soobin preparing to attend a different college to the one Yeonjun currently attends, he knows that he needs to confess before Yeonjun inevitably falls for someone else. 

He wants nothing more than for Yeonjun to be happy. He constantly wondered, though, could his happiness be with him? 

Now, Soobin's finally 18. 

The morning of his birthday, Soobin rushes to his family lounge room. He runs as quietly as possible so as not to wake the rest of his family up. 

He isn't sure of what to expect but his heart pumps erratically at the thought of meeting his Angel and Devil for the first time. 

"Yo." 

His Devil's sprawled out on the living room sofa comfortably, feet resting on the table. Make yourself at home, I guess, Soobin frowns. Unsurprisingly, he flaunts a head of striking red hair. He's shorter than Soobin, but he could tell from the fire in his eyes that he had a big personality.

Soobin's gaze naturally falls on the Devil's red horns that protrude from his head, which glint as he moves.

'Your assigned Devil entity embodies passion, seduction, flirtation, desire and risk. They will form decisions on the basis of taking risks, becoming more fearless, promiscuous and intimate with your potential lover, with the intentions of making the person of interest physically (and possibly sexually) attracted to you. If you decide that you desire a sexual relationship with your person of interest, the Devil will be primarily involved in facilitating that wish.' Soobin remembers reading from a brochure. 

The Devil, currently sucking on a cherry lollipop, winks at him when they make eye contact. 

Soobin gulps, he fits the description perfectly. He was well aware that all the Devils were like this. And, he knew that he wanted that kind of energy to talk to Yeonjun. 

Now, Soobin thinks, eyes wandering around. Where is my Angel?

As if on cue, the front door bursts open. A boy with soft black hair and a pretty, white face almost falls through the doorway of the living room, panting hard. A pair of beautiful, majestic wings juts out from his back, each individual feather fluttering in the air gracefully. His halo glimmers brightly above his head. 

Wow. Soobin gazes in awe. He is literally an angel.

'Your assigned Angel entity embodies purity, kindness, innocence, faith and hope. They will make decisions based on these qualities, focusing on planning romantic gestures (grand or modest) and ways for you and your person of interest to get closer, form a closer bond and eventually, fall in love. They may even assist you with engagement if you wish you to get married with your love interest and they will even help with the wedding preparations (at an additional cost).'

The Devil straightens up suddenly at the Angel's entrance, removing the lollipop from his mouth and snickers. "Choi Beomgyu, late on the job? That's something I never thought I'd see." 

Beomgyu bows apologetically. His face is beet red. 

"I'm very sorry, Soobin-ssi. Please forgive me for my tardiness, it won't happen again." 

"Yeah, it won't - you'll be out of a job after this-" 

Soobin looks pointedly at the Devil and glances back at the Angel (Beomgyu?) with a reassuring smile. "It's okay, I won't report you."

"Yeah, but I might." The Devil grins, his white, sharp teeth on display. There is no intended malice in his voice but his smile is, for lack of a better word, devilish. 

Beomgyu still appears unsettled but regains his composure enough to formally introduce himself. "My name is Choi Beomgyu, Tier-3 Angel of Tomorrow X Together Corporation at your service, sir." He bows at a 90-degree angle. 

From his research, Soobin knew that the better the Angels and Devils perform in their duties, the higher they will advance in the company hierarchy. There are 7 tiers in the company that the Angels and Devils work to progress through, the lowest-performing employees being Tier-1 workers and the most elite, highest-performing employees being Tier-7. 

Soobin was also aware that it could take years to be promoted to the next Tier, requiring a lot of skill, hard work, perseverance and innovation.

The Devil whistles in response, "3rd Tier? That's impressive at your age." 

Soobin lets out a sigh of relief knowing that Beomgyu, at least, had a seemingly good work ethic. 

Promptly, the Devil stands up, tucking his hands into his jean pockets. His red tail falls out and curls around his legs. "Kang Taehyun. I'm a Tier-2 Devil under Tomorrow X Together Corporation." He curtseys mockingly. "At your service, kind sir." 

Looking directly at Beomgyu, he smirks and licks his lips, which are stained red from the lollipop. Beomgyu swallows. The concern never leaves his face. 

"You know what - I guess the rumours floating around the company were true. You are pretty cute, hyung." 

Soobin casts a confused look at Taehyun and asks, "me?" He realises soon after that it wasn't directed at him when Taehyun's stare goes straight through him. 

Beomgyu blushes and turns away from the Devil's hot gaze quickly, flustered at the brazen comment. "Likewise, the rumours I've heard seem to be true. You are certainly a troublemaker, Taehyun." 

Soobin looks between the two, his supposed guardians, completely dumbfounded. Worry starts to settle in now. What was happening?

Chapter Text

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Soobin had never been in such an unbearable situation before in his 18 years of living. 

He, Taehyun and Beomgyu sit across from each other in Soobin's family lounge room on separate armchairs. They stay in silence for a while, Taehyun stealing glances at Beomgyu every now and then, trying to gain his attention. Each time he looks at the older, Beomgyu stiffens.
After Soobin stood there only to witness 5 whole minutes of the two flirting (though, the flirting was heavily one-sided), Beomgyu had finally managed to take control of the situation and get them (them being Taehyun) to sit down. Soobin was starting to regret his life decisions. 

“So, to start off with, we should get to know you!” Beomgyu speaks up much too overenthusiastically in an attempt to clear the tension. Next to him, Taehyun snorts under his breath.

“What do you want to know?” Soobin asks, trembling. At that, Beomgyu pulls out a long scroll from his pocket. Taehyun looks over his shoulder, boring holes into the paper as if he's seeing this document for the first time.

“Your interests, hobbies, ideal date, blood type, star sign-" Taehyun interrupts him with a yawn. Beomgyu turns his body towards the Devil, clearly unimpressed. 

“That's boring shit, man. Tell us, Soobin, who's the lucky lady?”

“-Or man.” Beomgyu chimes in. Soobin flashes a grateful smile at him.

“He is a man. His name is Choi Yeonjun. He's my senior by 1 year and... well,” he blushes, “he's perfect in every way.”

Beomgyu smiles sweetly, akin to a loving parent, “you have such a dreamy look in your eyes when you talk about him. He must be really special to you.” Soobin nods, feeling validated by this observation.

Taehyun blinks slowly, uninterested in the exchange, “Well, don't be shy. Show us a photo.”

Soobin grabs his phone out of his pocket. He doesn't even need to scroll through his gallery because his lock screen is already a picture of the two together when they were out eating ice cream by the beach. His heart tugs at the sight of Yeonjun, his red, plump lips pulled into a sweet smile and his pink hair glimmering in the sunlight. 

“Wow, you sure are whipped to have him as your lock screen.” He leans forward for a closer look, pressing his face next to Beomgyu's. Beomgyu lets out an Mmm in understanding when he sees the photo and, while swiftly moving away from Taehyun's touch, proceeds to scrawl notes in a notebook. 

“We've been best friends since primary school and I've liked him for four years now.”

“You- what?!” Taehyun shouts, making Soobin flinch, “You're telling me you've liked this man for four years, knew him for even longer, and you haven't made a move on him yet?”

Beomgyu frowns, “Taehyun-ah, don't be harsh on him.”

Taehyun stares at the photo so closely his nose rubs against the screen. “I'm just saying, if I were you, I would've pounced on him as soon as I met him.”
Scowling, Beomgyu slaps at the Devil's shoulder. Alarm bells ring in Soobin's echo chamber. Never in a million years would he have fathomed that his Devil would openly express attraction for his love interest.

“I apologise for my colleague's behaviour. He's not going to be like this the entire time, I promise.” Beomgyu bows his head in apology. On the side, Taehyun mimics his actions in mockery.

“I'm joking, of course. But, he seems like a decent guy if you're still close to him even though he looks like this," Taehyun remarks. Soobin has a feeling that he's supposed to be offended.

“He must be popular with girls, right?”

Soobin nods, “Yeah...” He can't hide the sadness in his voice. 

Beomgyu perks up immediately, “But, he never abandoned you after all these years. He must care for you deeply.”

Taehyun looks inquisitively at the Angel, thinking to himself: Wow, he sure is putting a lot of effort into this comforting thing. He reckons Beomgyu could make a good door-to-door salesman, with all the emotional manipulation he was using on the Human.

A ping! tone sounds from Soobin's phone, disrupting their conversation. Taehyun is the first to check the notification before Soobin can cry out in protest.

"Oh, this must be lover boy," Taehyun reads the text message preview quickly. Soobin's whole body jerks forward, snatching the phone from the Devil. 

Yeonjunie hyung ♡♡

08:12:40am

Happy 18th birthday, my Soobinnie~ I can't believe you're so old now ㅋㅋㅋ Feels like yesterday that you were still shorter than me.

Come out to lunch with me today by Mangwon Han River Park at 12pm. See you there~ 

Grinning to himself, Soobin locks his phone after reading the message. Compared to his previous state of torment, he's giddy now, which makes Taehyun let out an oooh teasingly. 

"Seems like lover boy's doing your job for you," Taehyun sneers at Beomgyu, poking the Angel lightly. 

Beomgyu claps his notebook shut. Beside him, Taehyun stands up. 

"We got our first mission, boys." 

*

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*

Two-and-a-half hours later, the three are stood in front of Soobin's wardrobe. He feels insecure all of a sudden, having two complete strangers he'd unconditionally let into his life scrutinise his clothing choices. 

"Your clothes are really boring." 

Beomgyu smacks the Devil for the second time that morning, "Your style is cute, Soobin-hyung. But, what kind of look do you want to go for on this lunch?"

"-Date," Taehyun butts in. Soobin tenses up at that. 

He thinks for a bit. What impression did he want to give; what impact did he want to have on Yeonjun? 

Wow, Soobinnie. You look amazing today! He hears Yeonjun's voice in his head. 

"Streetwear," he blurts out. 

Beomgyu nods affirmatively. Meanwhile, Taehyun already looks like he wants to give up.

"How the fuck are we supposed to achieve that with this dry selection of clothes?" Taehyun pulls out plain white t-shirt after plain white t-shirt from the clothes rail. 

"Well, we can always modify what he currently has to suit his look," Beomgyu murmurs, taking the largest white shirt among the 20 white shirts Soobin owns off its hanger, "like, we could rip holes into this, make it distressed. It might work."

Taehyun hums in agreement, "Huh, that's not a bad idea. I didn't think Angels knew anything about fashion, let alone street fashion." 

Beomgyu rolls his eyes in response, "I've covered shifts for Devils plenty of times, I've picked up a thing or two." Taehyun looks shocked but mildly impressed. 

"We could pair it with this leather jacket," Taehyun adds. Beomgyu nods. 

Soobin stands there watching the discussion, feeling way out of his element. He hadn't particularly cared about what he wore on a day to day basis. But, with his goal of making Yeonjun fall for him, he knew had to take this more seriously. 

He brings his attention back to Beomgyu and Taehyun, who are now arguing over accessories. 

"But, a choker would look nice-"

"No, that's way too much, a simple chain necklace is fine, he doesn't want to come on too strong on this riverside lunch. "

"-Date. It's a date."

"Well, even if it is, if Soobin drastically changes his look today, it would be suspicious. He might look like he's trying too hard."

"Imagine if Soobin-hyung got a neck tattoo, wouldn't that be sic-"

"We don't have time for that, Taehyun."

Soobin knows better than to interrupt them. 

Five outfit iterations later, they finally settle on a final outfit. 

Soobin looks at himself in the mirror, feeling like he had encountered an edgy doppelganger from an alternate dimension 100 years in the future. He's in a distressed white t-shirt that has ripped out holes around the neckline, which he wears underneath his (only) black leather jacket. His shirt is tucked into a pair of blue, faded skinny denim jeans, paired with a chunky black belt. Around his neck hangs a simple white chain. He wears a pair of Doc Marten Boots Taehyun had let him borrow.  

"And, to finish it off," Beomgyu puts Soobin's round lens glasses on his face for him, "Voila!" 

Soobin spins around, albeit awkwardly, unfamiliar with seeing such a bold ensemble of clothes on him. 

"You actually look hot. Hell, even I'd hit you up." Taehyun praises. Soobin takes this comment as a compliment. 

Soobin does another spin in his new outfit. It's kinda growing on him. But, would Yeonjun think it looks good on him?

*

*

*

On the train ride there, Soobin receives pointers from Beomgyu and Taehyun about the upcoming lunch/date. 

In this world, Humans are able to communicate with their Angel and Devils in their minds. So, instead of embarrassing himself in public by talking to the air like someone having auditory hallucinations, Soobin talks to himself like he's having an internal monologue. 

How the hell am I supposed to act around him?  Soobin thinks. 

Like you always do? You've been best friends for years, it would be strange for you to change your entire personality now. Beomgyu's gentle voice answers.

That is terrible advice, hyung. You need to change yourself to be more confident. Sultry, sexy, inviting-

Okay, let's not go that far. Yeonjun-hyung probably likes Soobin-hyung for who he is. But, I do agree with the more confident part. You need to slowly make your feelings for him more obvious. Maybe initiate more touch with him, make it subtle but intentional. 

I thought that would've been my advice, aren't I the physical touch expert here?

I'm not talking about inappropriate below-the-belt touching, Taehyun-ah. We're at a public park, for goodness sake.

Taehyun frowns.

...well, that's no fun.

Thanks to his trusted Angel and Devil for taking way too long on deciding his outfit, he's 10 minutes late for lunch. Yeonjun sits on a picnic mat at the spot they agreed to meet at. He waves him over. 

"Happy birthday my dear Soo- oh!" He exclaims, doing a once-over of Soobin's outfit, "you're looking stylish today. You seriously look really good! Has turning 18 changed you into a man already? You look like a heartbreaker," Yeonjun brushes a fake tear out of his eye, "they grow up so fast."  

Soobin laughs without trying to appear too delighted at the compliment, his internal organs having long disintegrated inside of him.

On a patch of grass roughly 15 metres away, Beomgyu and Taehyun watch the scene unfold. 

“Oh,” Beomgyu breathes out. His pupils dilate in wonder.

“Yeah, you have to admit, he's pretty easy on the eyes. I can't blame Soobin-hyung.” Beomgyu shakes his head vehemently, “No, not that. Just...” he has a dreamlike glint in his eyes now. “He loves him.”

Taehyun is visibly confused. “Well, yeah, duh. We already know Soobin-hyung loves this guy-"

“No. He loves Soobin-hyung. I can see it in his eyes and in the way he smiles at him,” Beomgyu beams. Love was real, after all. 

Soobin pretends not to overhear them talking, though it was proving extremely difficult to maintain a straight face. Beomgyu's words send his heart into flutters; hope rises in his chest. Although he knew Yeonjun's affection for him was likely more of a brotherly, platonic nature, he allows himself to indulge in this feeling for a moment. He allows himself to imagine an alternate universe where Yeonjun had always reciprocated his feelings or would do so in the near future. 

Yeonjun is suspiciously hiding something behind his back. When Soobin cranes his neck to get a better view of what he's holding, Yeonjun brings out a bouquet of flowers.

"These are for you, for your special 18th birthday," he hands him a bouquet of beautiful, blue flowers with both hands, "they're anemones. I hope you like them." 

Soobin grabs the bouquet delicately and smells them. "They're really pretty, hyung. Thank you so much, I love them." 

Yeonjun flushes, pleased with the other's reaction. After a moment, he brings out a large basket and places it in between them.

"I brought your favourites, Soobinnie," He takes the cloth off of the basket, showing off an assortment of homemade foods inside, "Tteokbokki, pizza, sweets, and- of course..." he uncovers the rest of the basket, revealing a dozen breads of all kinds, plain, sweet and savoury. 

Soobin gapes. "Wahhh, it looks amazing, hyung!" He feels like a kid in a candy store who is being spoilt for selection. Yeonjun grins at him as if to say enjoy. I made it all for you.

They indulge in the food, which is delicious, for the next 10 minutes while enjoying the other's company. Every once in a while, Taehyun and Beomgyu whisper suggestions to him (in his head) about what to say and how to initiate contact with Yeonjun. The older welcomes every touch openly. It's going smoothly so far. Yeonjun laughs at everything he says, which is music to his ears. Soobin thinks- no, he knows- that this was his best birthday yet. It couldn't get any better than this. 

“Uh... Soobin-ah. I have news.” Yeonjun scratches the nape of his neck awkwardly. Even such a small action looked charismatic when Yeonjun did it, Soobin swoons.

“Yes, hyung?”

“Today, after class, a girl in the year above asked me if I would go out with her.”

“Oh!” Soobin fakes a surprised expression, “And, what did you say?”

Soobin’s heard this same story a thousand times before, it almost doesn't phase him anymore. Almost. He receives the same response from Yeonjun every time, without fail. He could recite it in his head by now: ‘I turned her down politely, thanked her for being brave enough to reveal her feelings, but we're going to stay friends.’

Yeonjun, for the perfect being he was, clearly had high standards for his future partner. For that reason, he'd never gone on a single date before, which was baffling to Soobin. He was a total catch. 

“I said yes.”

Soobin gasps. This time, it was genuine.

Taehyun gawks, choking on his spit. Beomgyu rests a hand on his heart, the pain released from Soobin’s heart reaching his own. How? Why? All the signs were there. Had he read them completely wrong?

There is a brief moment of silence where Soobin processes these words. The announcement stabs him in his chest like daggers. This can't be happening. Not today. Why today of all days? Why on my birthday?

He comes to his senses again, realising how bad his lack of a response would look to Yeonjun, who was starting to look worried. 

“I'm happy for you, hyung,” Soobin smiles and envelopes the older in a tight hug. Beomgyu can see the tears forming in his eyes that he's trying to fight back.

He and Taehyun stare at each other in disbelief.

“Holy shit,” Taehyun mutters.

*

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Anemone

The anemone flower commonly symbolises protection against evil and ill wishes; however, it also symbolises forsaken or forgotten love or affection and bad luck or ill omens. 

Chapter Text

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Chrysanthemum

The chrysanthemum flower has several meanings, the most common of which are lasting, true friendship, good energy and optimism, loyalty, devotion and love (familial, platonic or romantic). 

"What are you reading?" 

It's a hot, sunny day; an orange glow seeps through the foliage outside and a single ray hits the boy's face, the one who has just distracted him from his book. 

"Sorry?" Soobin asks, apprehensive about talking to the boy, whose hair is messily slicked back with gel and sweat, and whose arms are embellished with a disarray of bruises and scratches that are oddly reminiscent of a Picasso artwork. 

The boy takes the seat next to him, making Soobin shift away. He's uncomfortable with the older's boldness and he certainly doesn't know what he wants from him. He knows he hasn't done anything to trouble him or his friends; he intentionally tried to keep a low profile around the school. 

"What book is that?" The boy points to the cover. Soobin startles, trying to uncover his ulterior motive. Was he going to tease him? Or perhaps, was he going to burn all the other books in the library that are a part of the series before he could borrow them? 

"...Percy Jackson." 

The boy's eyes widen in recognition. "Oh, I've heard of that one! Is that about the boy with lightning powers? Like Zeus?" 

Soobin scoffs at the erroneous assumption. "No, he doesn't control lightning. You might be thinking of the title of the book, or the first movie, the Lightning Thief. But, none of his powers relates to lightning." 

His voice falters when the other keeps his eyes fixed on him, listening intently. 

Soobin gulps, "oh, spoiler alert, I guess. Sorry." He looks down at the book again but he can't concentrate. The text floats off the page and fades out of existence as the heated gaze from the boy next to him grows more intense. 

"I have to read it one day. You always seem to be into those books, so they must be good." 

The boy stands up and extends a hand out to him, "friends?" Soobin stares at the hand in bewilderment but shakes it. 

"See you around, Soobin-ah!" And the boy skips away without another word. 

Soobin sits there, stunned. His brain was struggling to process everything that just happened. How did 6th-grade popular boy Choi Yeonjun know he read these books?

And more importantly, how did he know his name? 

When Soobin returns home from the picnic, he shuts his door and shoves his back against it, sliding down the length of it onto the floor. He shoves himself a bit too hard but his body is so numb the pain doesn't reach him.

The walls of the home close in on him and the darkness threatens to engulf him. Soobin thinks that he wouldn't actually mind the floor morphing into quicksand and swallowing him whole, freeing him of consciousness and his stupid emotions. It would be an improvement from how he was currently feeling. 

Beomgyu and Taehyun watch the boy in pity, unsure of what to say. 

Soobin stays in that position for what seems like hours. Taehyun is the first to speak, "hey..."

"I'm sorry," Soobin interjects. 

"Huh, why?" 

Soobin looks up at the two of them for the first time with the saddest eyes. "I've wasted your time bringing you here. I think it's best for you both to leave, there's no hope for me now." 

"Hey, that's not true."

Beomgyu agrees, "yeah, he said that the girl from his college asked him out - doesn't mean they're dating yet."

"That's the same thing," Soobin groans. 

Silence falls upon them again. 

"Do you really want to give up?" Beomgyu asks. He hated saying these words. 

Soobin sighs, "I'm not giving up, fate already decided this for me." 

Taehyun's anger rises at that statement. He doesn't believe in this 'fate' bullshit, he's more of the 'choose your own path', 'go-getter' kind of person. 

"You can't give up, how will you ever be happy in life if you keep letting things be?" Beomgyu prods his shoulder, motioning him to stop. 

"We need to respect Soobin-hyung's wishes. If dismissing us is what he wants, that's what he'll get," Beomgyu asserts, though it kills him to say this.

Taehyun looks at the Angel incredulously, "but..." he looks at Soobin. The Human doesn't lift his head to object. 

"Fine. Bye, Soobin-hyung. I hope you live a good life," Taehyun huffs. The anger in his voice falters at the end of his sentence.   

Beomgyu bows, "it was nice meeting you, Soobin-hyung. I hope you'll feel better soon. If anything changes," he glances at Taehyun, "we'll be back." 

Another small 'sorry' escapes from Soobin's lips before the Angel and Devil vanish in front of his eyes.

He's glad the rest of his family aren't home when he crumples onto the floor as soon as they leave. 

Soobin's had a terrible day at school. 

He's tucked into his corner of the library engrossed in a book during lunch after the most agonising period.

The people in his Year 10 mathematics class, who he had considered his friends, all decided to give him the cold shoulder in today's lesson. After they received their test results, the teacher praised him for being the only student to receive a grade above 90. Ready to celebrate his success with his friends, Soobin turned to them, but they turned away from him, refusing to acknowledge him. What had he done to deserve being ignored? He felt blindsided, lonely, friendless.

On top of that, he'd slept horribly last night. He overheard his parents arguing and found it impossible to fall asleep. His younger brother was sleeping over at a friend's. This was probably for the best; Soobin wouldn't want his brother to be upset by their parents fighting. However, he never felt more alone, having no one to share his sorrows with. 

Therefore, Soobin wants nothing more right now than to curl up with a good book and ignore the world around him. Escape from reality. 

"Hey, Soobinnie, come play basketball with me and my friends." 

He doesn't have to look up to know who's talking to him. Only Yeonjun in the whole school knows his hidden reading spot. And, leave it to Yeonjun to interrupt his alone reading time again. The older boy stands beside him, a worn-out basketball tucked under his arm. 

"I'm not in the mood. I can't even play basketball, anyway."

Yeonjun twirls the ball on his finger. 

"You don't have to, I'll teach you. My friends are nice too, I swear," he pleads, "I want you to meet them. Also, it's nice outside, it's better to be out there than inside."

Soobin doesn't move his gaze away from the book, "I really can't today. I'm not feeling too great, sorry hyung." 

Yeonjun's eyebrows furrow. He sits down next to him, setting the ball on the floor between his feet. "Okay, I'll join you."

Soobin would raise his voice in protest but doesn't have the energy. He sighs, "Yeonjun-hyung, don't you want to play basketball? You can leave me, I don't care." 

Yeonjun fixates on the wall in front, playing with his bandaged fingers. "Yeah, but I'd rather stay here with you." 

Soobin melts. He clutches at his next words in hopes that they will prevent him from crumpling up in a ball. "Hyung, why do you hang out with me? What do you see in me?" 

His words shake as if threatening to fall apart any second and rupture Soobin into two. He wants this day to be over.

"I hang out with you because you're the one stable thing in my life that keeps me grounded. You make me feel like I can be myself. I feel happy when I'm with you," Yeonjun's tone sharpens, "I'm here for the long run, remember that."

Desperately, Soobin clings to these words. 

"You'll stay with me? Even when you leave for college?" The last sentence hardly comes out. Soobin wished he hadn't said it. The thought of Yeonjun leaving for college makes him want to scream into a void. 

Yeonjun rests his head on Soobin's shoulder. The warmth of Yeonjun's body against his blooms a chrysanthemum inside of him. 

"Forever by your side, Soobinnie." 

Even with this being the worst day of his life, Soobin's heart was lighter and no longer pushing him down like an anchor. 

Because Choi Yeonjun, with his red tousled hair, black studs, sharp jawline and bright smile was going to stay with him forever. 

There's a knock on his door. Three knocks. Ten knocks. Followed by a faint, "do you wanna build a snowman?"

"Go away, Huening," Soobin croaks, his throat still hoarse from crying into his pillowcase and tissues.

"But, hyung, we haven't gone out for ice cream in aaaages, it's Saturday and it's your birthday and I really want to go," the younger boy pleads. Soobin can hear the pout in his brother's voice. 

"Mom said that if you spent lunch with Yeonjun-hyung, you have to spend dinner with us today."

"Fine. Give me 30 minutes." 

He hears a shout of joy ('Yes! It actually worked!') and even through the door, he can see Huening jumping up and down on the spot like a toddler. The younger's footsteps fade away. 

Sluggishly, Soobin moves out from under the covers of his bed. He casts his eyes on the mountain of used tissues on his floor. He picks them up one by one and tosses them into the bin. 

*

*

*

Soobin and his family are out at the beachside after Korean BBQ.

He and Huening have separated from their parents momentarily to buy ice cream. Huening dances with joy on the boardwalk, leaping and clicking his feet together in the air, as they walk towards the ice cream parlour. 

No matter how much Huening Kai tries to cheers him up, he can't seem to be happy. 

Because everything here reminds him of Yeonjun.

This was the spot where they always went out for ice cream. As Huening spoons his mint chocolate ice cream into his mouth while laughing like a hyena on heroin, Soobin thinks to himself, bitterly, that is Yeonjun's favourite ice cream flavour.

Soobin pictures Yeonjun taking his girlfriend out here, walking along the beach hand-in-hand. He puts his head down and continues walking. 

A hand taps his back. Soobin wakes up from his spiral of unreciprocated feelings and spins around to face a girl with long, straight brown hair. He doesn't recognise her.

"Um... are you Soobin by any chance?" She hesitates. Soobin squints but nods. 

The girl perks up, smiling, "oh, great! I thought you looked familiar. I'm Kim Yewon, Yeonjunie might have mentioned me- we're dating now?" Soobin winces at how easily the nicknames falls off her tongue, his nickname for Yeonjun. 

So this was the girl. Yeonjun's girlfriend. She's pretty. And cheerful, for sure.

"Yeah?" Soobin stares. He has no idea how he's meant to respond. "Congratulations." 

"Thanks! Yeonjunie is a real sweetie, I heard you're close friends. I was wondering... if you wanted to go on a double date with me and my friend- Eunbi-unnie, say hi!" She calls out to another girl, who waves at him coolly, "-one day with Yeonjunie and I. Yeonjunie seems a bit nervous around me still so you there might help Yeonjunie feel more comfortable."

Soobin can't think of a worse idea than that. He's also dizzy at the number of times she mentions Yeonjun's name. But, he nods anyway. 

You idiot.

"Thank you so much, Soobin-ah! See you!" She runs off to her friend, who looks behind and stares daggers into him. Soobin fidgets uncomfortably in her gaze. 

He doesn't move for a while after that interaction. It was enough to drain the life out of him. 

Huening Kai is calling out to him, though his voice is buried beneath Soobin's thoughts, "Hyung? Soobin-hyung? Was that girl for real? Does Yeonjun-hyung finally have a girlfriend? Soobin-hyung? Soobinnie pabo-"

Soobin doesn't speak for the rest of the walk. 

*

*

*

Just as he expected, the date is really uncomfortable. For him, anyway.

Yeonjun and Yewon are laughing together at something. He can't hear what they're saying, their voices are muffled, far away, in a distant universe. 

"So, Soobin," Eunbi's voice interrupts his thoughts. She crosses her arms in front of her, "what's Yeonjun like?" 

Soobin thinks that's a bold question to ask right in front of Yeonjun, but he and Yewon aren't paying any mind to them anyway so he answers.

"He's a really nice guy. Athletic, smart, confident," he rambles on as if reading all of Yeonjun's qualities off a long list, "ambitious, handsome, sweet, charismatic-"

"That's great and all, but has he been in a relationship before?" 

Damn, these are hard-hitting questions. Why do I feel like I'm the one under fire here? 

"No," Soobin starts, "not that I know of." 

Eunbi hums knowingly. Soobin cocks his head to the side, puzzled at what that meant. 

"I can tell. He doesn't really seem...into it. If you know what I mean. Since he's not experienced, he's not really trying hard enough. I don't want Yewon-ie to get her heart broken."

What does that even mean? Yeonjun had never looked happier before and had his sole focus on Yewon. At that moment, he hears Yewon laugh loudly at something Yeonjun says, most likely a dad joke. What was Eunbi seeing that he wasn't?

"I'm confused. He seems to be putting in the effort, they look happy together." Eunbi rolls her eyes. 

"Yeah, I guess to you it looks like that. Typical men," she dismisses the conversation with a wave and they return to their food in an uncomfy state of silence. 

Soobin can't wait for this night to be over.

*

*

*

A month passes by since Yeonjun and Yewon started dating. Soobin studies almost all day, dedicated to being very studious in this last semester of school. It was almost final exam season, so he doesn't waste any time. If he wants to get into the course he wants, he has to study religiously.

And, maybe studying serves as a buffer against his growing sadness and loneliness from Yeonjun dating someone else. Someone that wasn't him. Someone that was making Yeonjun happy that wasn't him. He sighs and returns to taking notes again. 

3 unread messages

Yeonjun-hyung

13/01/2020, 12:13:04pm

Soobinnie, how are you?? Come to town with me after you finish studying~?  

Yeonjun-hyung

13/01/2020, 18:22:50pm

Soobin-ah? Hey are you ok? Text me when you're free.

Yeonjun-hyung

16/01/2020, 17:25:36pm

We haven't hung out in so long Soobin. I hope you're not studying all day you're gonna stress yourself out. Did I do something? Text me back pls.

Another week passes and Soobin finds it extremely hard to stay conscious during his morning shift after staying up all night to study.

Since 10th grade, he's been working part-time at a cafe near his school. It doesn't pay much, but it gives him some experience and a bit of extra money (that he doesn't even use except on some novels once in a while). 

He's making an espresso for a regular customer when a familiar voice speaks to him.

"Oh? Hello, Soobin-ah."

Of course, it's Yewon. It was more surprising that he hadn't served her at the cafe before, considering that he'd learnt how close his school was to her house. He takes a deep breath before lifting his head from the coffee machine. Soobin forces a smile.

"Hi, Yewon-noona! How are you today?" 

He notices Yewon now has black hair. He wonders what made her change but he doesn't really care much to think about it longer. 

"Uh...not so great, obviously." Soobin only now takes in her dishevelled appearance. Dark circles frame her eyes and she looks like she'd stayed up late the night before. One thing's for certain, she's definitely here for coffee. Strong coffee. He starts to feel bad for not noticing her physical state. Yeonjun would be disappointed in him. 

"Oh, are you okay?" Soobin asks. He realises that he hasn't kept tabs on her and Yeonjun's relationship for the previous month amidst drowning himself in his schoolwork.

Yewon narrows her eyes at him, annoyance sweeping over her soft features. 

"No, I'm not...didn't Yeonjun tell you? We split up. Well, I broke up with him." 

Soobin's jaw drops. He closes his mouth after seeing Yewon's forehead wrinkling in irritation. 

She pulls her lips into a grimace, "...he didn't tell you. Yeah, I broke things off yesterday after we argued." 

Continuing to make the coffee without paying any attention to what he's doing, he takes in every word Yewon says. He doesn't know what to feel. He hadn't expected them to break up. Actually, when he thought about it, he hasn't talked to Yeonjun properly for maybe over 2 weeks now. He kept himself busy with schoolwork and being jealous and miserable: the demonic pair of emotions. He's still shocked, dazed and his vision is fuzzy. The cup he holds quivers, his hand trembling with an unknown feeling. 

"He's been acting distant for over a week now? And he ignores me when we're together. I called him out on it yesterday and he snapped at me? Like, I was the one in the wrong? I couldn't believe it!"

She stares down at her feet. A look of pain washes over her face. 

"So, I broke up with him. I couldn't take it anymore. It hurt me but I knew Eunbi-unnie was right, he wasn't treating me well and I needed to end things." 

Soobin pauses, the information he's absorbing swimming around in his pool of thoughts. None of this sounded like anything Yeonjun would do. Why would he act like that towards Yewon? 

"How did Yeonjun-hyung react?" His question comes out as barely a whisper, only loud enough for Yewon to hear.

Yewon heaves a sigh, too aggrieved to keep talking. Nonetheless, she answers, "he didn't take it well. He wasn't expecting it, I guess. He didn't say anything to me before I left, just sat there. I just find it frustrating that he barely talked to me but the one thing he would always talk about," she hesitates, "-was you."

Soobin's hand is vibrating tremendously now. His head hurts so much he feels blades stabbing into his skull.

"There was a day last week when he didn't leave his room at all, not once all day. He didn't even come to college. His mother texted me all worried that something had happened to him because he was refusing to go outside and speak to her or anyone." 

"-I went over and he didn't talk to me either, wouldn't tell me what was wrong. It was so scary and I felt so... worthless. Useless. He couldn't trust me, his own girlfriend, to say what was bothering him. It was just quiet, it was like he wasn't even there." 

She catches her breath, looking distraught with every word, "I feel really bad leaving him when he's clearly not well, really. But, I know I deserved better than that. I just hope he gets better soon. Take care of him, alright, Soobin?" 

She grabs her takeaway coffee cup from another barista and leaves without another glance in his direction. 

Take care of him, alright, Soobin?

The cup in his hand drops to the floor, cracking into a million pieces everywhere. At the same time, his heart shatters. All the customers and his coworkers turn to the disturbance immediately, looking at Soobin in traumatised, unanimous silence. 

What have I done?

Far away, Beomgyu stabs his pasta with a fork. A tissue holding a few stranded tomatoes sits on his table. He's on break from a job with a girl who's been pining for the dreamy baseball player in her year. Unfortunately for her (and for Beomgyu), she had never spoken to the guy even once ("what do you mean I actually have to talk to him for him to notice me?"). It was proving to be a difficult job.

He's about to bite into his pasta when his heart jolts. 

He instantly knows where the jolt came from. Because his connections with his formerly assigned Humans don't completely sever until around 1 and a half months after they 'break' their connection. A drastic shift in emotions, or recent heartbreak, in the Human is enough to alert him of the connection's existence.

Beomgyu drops his fork and dashes out of the room. The other Angels in the breakroom halt their conversations, watching the frantic Angel in bemusement.

Beomgyu rushes through the corridors, looking for Taehyun. 

Chapter Text

---

Taehyun is watching a music video on his phone when the door to the Devils' breakroom suddenly opens.

In the doorway shines an angel. His angel. Long black hair tied into a ponytail, beautiful white face and almond-shaped eyes. With an oof [Roblox Death Sound], he realises he had really missed seeing him (and his especially cute ass). 

"Choi Beomgyu in the Devils' breakroom? I didn't expect this to happen," Taehyun smirks, wiggling his eyebrows, "did you want to...do something? I know another room we could use for more privacy."

After standing at the door to catch his breath, Beomgyu runs over to the Devil, panting hard, and grabs Taehyun's shirt.

Taehyun's mouth falls open, "O-or we could do it right here, I guess- there are other Devils around, mind you- unless you're into exhibitionism, to which I'm not opposed-" 

When Beomgyu finally regains his composure and his breath, he hisses, "Soobin-hyung needs us." 

Taehyun deflates, "oh, so that's why you came. And, here I was thinking you needed me and finally wanted a kiss." 

Beomgyu's eyes roll into the back of his head.

"I felt my heart jolt from him. He needs our help. We have to go-" Beomgyu checks his watch and panics, "-another time, I'm gonna be late for my Human-bye!" 

And the Angel leaves.

Taehyun stands there, stunned at what just happened. Soobin? Needing them? He hadn't heard Soobin's name in over a month since he terminated their connection. What was that all about?

Shaking his head in confusion, he glances down at his shirt, the area Beomgyu grabbed now wrinkled and crumpled untidily. The traces left behind by an Angel. Taehyun smiles, heat creeping up to his cheeks. Beomgyu looked good up close messing his shirt up, being rough with him. That was something he could get used to.

Another Devil calls out to him across the room, "you're one lucky Devil. He's hot."

Taehyun grins back, "I fucking know right."

*

*

*

Soobin stands outside Yeonjun's home, feeling like a fish out of water. It wasn't like this just a month ago; he used to come by this house almost every day, it was practically his second home. But, now, rather than a member of the family, he feels like a stranger, a guest, an intruder. 

He knocks on the door tentatively.

"Coming," says a groggy voice. 

Yeonjun opens the door, eyes bulging out of their sockets when he sees Soobin.

"Hi...hyung," Soobin greets sheepishly. 

Yeonjun blinks, still in a state of bewilderment, "you finally came."

They stand there for almost a minute, unmoving and silent. Yeonjun comes to his senses and leans back on the doorway, "um, come inside." 

Soobin felt like he hadn't seen the interior of Yeonjun's home in years. He doesn't know why this place feels so foreign, a place where many of his childhood memories took place. 

"So, uh...why are you here?" 

"That's a good question. I guess I came to talk," Soobin replies, taken aback by how deadpan Yeonjun comes across as. 

Before they can talk further, a loud voice interrupts them. 

"Soobin-ah? Is that you?" Yeonjun's mom cheerily yells out from the kitchen. 

She walks out and envelops him in a warm embrace. The smell of baked bread on her apron conjures a bubble of comfort around him. 

"I've been wondering where you've been, Soobin-ah! Jun-ah was so sad without you here, he wouldn't leave his room at one point." 

Soobin notices Yeonjun's shoulders tense. His mother ignores this, completely unaware, handing Soobin a piece of freshly cooked bread. 

"Okay, we're going to my room. See you, mom," Yeonjun hastily ends the conversation and walks away. Soobin follows him, not before thanking Yeonjun's mother for the bread. 

"Eat up! I have plenty left. You look too skinny!" 

They're gathered in Yeonjun's bedroom, an awkward silence between them.

"I'm really sorry about you and Yewon-noona." 

Yeonjun bites his lip, not responding. 

"I actually ran into her at work the other day..." He's met with silence again. 

"Why did you act like that towards her, Yeonjun-hyung?" Soobin finally picks up the courage to ask in a small voice, "why did you get angry?" 

Yeonjun lets out a deep sigh. 

"I couldn't control my emotions. She mentioned you, went on about how I spent more time with you instead of her-" his eyes seem to darken, looking heavier and more sullen as he goes on, "and, back then, I wasn't getting a single fucking response from you-not even a sign that you were alive- so I just...lost it."

By his tone, it seems like Yeonjun withholds some details but Soobin doesn't pry. He deliberates over the older's words, realising how his actions had really screwed things up. 

"I'm so sorry. I-I ruined your relationship," Soobin's eyes brim with tears. He'd ruined Yeonjun's first chance at love. "Look, I can help clear up the misunderstanding and help you two get back together if you want-"

What am I saying? Why am I saying this? Shut up, Soobin.

Well, you ruined his first relationship, this is the least you can do for him. Even with your stupid feelings. His own mind counters, antagonising him. 

Yeonjun sighs again. 

"Look, I'm over it for now. I just...I missed you so much, fucking hell, Soobin. Why did you ignore me?" 

"I was...studying." It's not a lie, technically, but it's not the truth either. 

"I know that. I ran into Huening a few days ago and he said you haven't looked away from your textbooks once. You're gonna drive yourself insane, why aren't you taking breaks? That's just foolish!"

Soobin feels shame, his defence mechanism starting to bite him in the back. 

Yeonjun's voice softens, "come out with me today, please. We're due for some time together. Alone. I've really missed you."

Soobin still feels horrible for causing his and Yewon's breakup that he thinks he doesn't deserve to spend time with Yeonjun. Not after ruining his first chance at love. But, Yeonjun is insistent, pleading. He can't say no to him. 

Reluctantly, he agrees.

Yeonjun smiles weakly. "I'm going to go get ready, give me 20 minutes." 

He slinks off to the bathroom. Soobin hears the tap turning on and the sound of gushing water. 

Soobin retreats to the living room only to knock into someone in the doorway of Yeonjun's room. He staggers back, shocked at the impact and how oddly human and rock hard its chest felt. 

"Hi, sweetie," comes a familiar drawl. 

And there's Taehyun, posing in front of him in all his glory, amused at the shellshocked expression that manifests on Soobin's face. 

"What are you doing here?!"

Taehyun doesn't look any different to how Soobin last saw him, the fire in his eyes never having left, tail hovering and horns gleaming with pride.

"We came back because we just missed you so much. Did you miss us? How are things with you and lover boy? Have you guys shagged yet?"

We? Does that mean...

Taehyun pulls out a dishevelled Beomgyu from behind the wall, who smiles serenely and bows his head, "hello, Soobin-hyung. It's good to see you again." 

Soobin can't close his drooping mouth. 

"While we were waiting for you and lover boy to sort out your bloody obvious feelings for each other, I had my 7 minutes in Heaven," Taehyun winks at the Angel beside him, "-in that closet over there. So, excuse us if we look a bit frazzled, it's the afterglow-"

"Oh my God, we did not f- we did no such thing, Soobin-hyung! That's just unprofessional. We stood watching you two the whole time, nothing else happened!" Beomgyu stammers, face reddening every second. Taehyun roars in laughter. 

"Using his name in vain? Almost letting slip an expletive? Beomgyu-hyung, am I rubbing off on you?" Taehyun's grin is akin to a Cheshire cat's, "I haven't even had the chance to rub y-"

Beomgyu clasps a hand over the Devil's mouth. He yelps when Taehyun nips at his hand. Beomgyu's face is indistinguishable from a tomato at this point. 

Soobin blanches. Not a single thing has changed between them.

He covers his face, half in agony, half in relief that they've returned. 

I'm gonna need you guys to do some explaining and then I'll say my part, he thinks in his head. 

The three are sitting apart in Yeonjun's family lounge room. Soobin is still reeling over the fact that his Angel and Devil are sitting with him.

"Basically, I still have a connection to you 1 and a half months after we leave- it's a buffer period we have in case the Human's romantic situation changes, they get their heart broken, they develop feelings for someone else, et cetera," Beomgyu explains. 

Soobin wonders what was his specific situation that prompted them to come back. 

"Well, your heart was broken and my heart reacted to it."

Taehyun speaks up, "why, though? Shouldn't you be happy that lover boy's no longer with this girl?" 

Soobin bites his nails, "I thought so but this was hyung's first love and I...I ruined it by being a terrible friend." 

I feel horrible. I'm a horrible person. 

Beomgyu places a hand on his shoulder empathetically. Meanwhile, Taehyun scoffs, "they were together for a month, that's not enough time for love. Anyway, what did happen?"

Soobin launches into details of the past month, his ghosting, his interaction with Yewon at the cafe. 

Taehyun murmurs, "it seems like lover boy isn't as perfect as you see him." 

Soobin's head shoots up. What do you mean?

"Seems like to me he was using that poor girl to get over his feelings for you. So, when you ignored him, he took it out on her," he says as a matter of factly, "bit of a dick move, I'd say." Soobin clenches his fists at the accusation, "that's not true! Yeonjun-hyung would never do that. Right, Beomgyu?" 

Beomgyu shifts awkwardly in his spot.

"I agree with Taehyun."

Soobin gapes at them, "you think hyung used Yewon-noona? They looked so happy to me." 

"There's a thing called repressing your feelings, Soobin-hyung," Taehyun mutters, "you should know better than anyone."

Soobin drops his head into his hands. "I don't understand, how could he be so cruel? It's not like him at all."

"Being in love with someone you don't think reciprocates your feelings can make you do some questionable things, right, Soobin-hyung?" Beomgyu says calmly. 

What do I do then?

"You get him back. That's what." 

"He probably doesn't like me anymore, after I ignored him for weeks and caused his first break up." 

"Why would he bother asking you out today then?" Taehyun shoots back. 

Soobin considers this. He can't seem to find an answer.

At that moment, Yeonjun walks in. Soobin almost gasps. He wears a white sleeveless shirt with dropped armholes and wide, distressed blue denim jeans that have huge rips at the knees. Large rectangular earrings dangle from his ears. His black hair is slick back away from his forehead and his lip piercing glints. Blood rushes to Soobin's ears, painting them pink. How could someone look this good?

Your gay is showing, Soobin-hyung. Taehyun teases, snapping him back to reality. 

"Were you just talking to someone, Soobin?" Soobin's heart palpitates. 

"Ah, no. I was just talking to myself."

Though he looks suspicious, Yeonjun doesn't question further. 

Smooth like butter, Taehyun scoffs. Beomgyu hits him in the side, making the younger whine. 

*

*

*

They're at the arcade they used to spend hours playing in after school years ago. 

Soobin misses this. He misses the times he spent with Yeonjun, carefree and blissfully unaware of his feelings. No mentions of ex-girlfriends or breakups, just two boys having fun together. 

The arcade basketball game stands in between them, calling out to them.

Chest puffed out, Yeonjun brags, "remember how we kept count of our wins and losses and I ended up winning 90 games to your 10? Wanna make it 91?" 

Soobin glowers, "don't underestimate me, hyung- I'll wipe that dirty smirk off your face!"

Yeonjun beats him by a staggering 100 points. 

"What was that about wiping the smirk off my face?" Yeonjun grins. 

Soobin reaches out to punch the older out of shame when his fist freezes mid-swing. Yeonjun's honey-toned skin glistens with sweat, his fringe plastered against his forehead attractively. His biceps are tensed from intensely throwing basketballs one after another so, unconsciously, Soobin runs his eyes over his well-defined arms. Forgetting to breathe, Soobin's reminded that Yeonjun is and always has been incredibly good-looking and fit. And that even after excessive physical activity, he's still that gorgeous, even more so. And that he was going to have an aneurysm if he stared at Yeonjun any longer.

The Greek statue- no, Yeonjun - interrupts his thoughts, "Shooting game next?" 

Gulping, Soobin nods, "you're on." 

As they walk towards the shooting game area, Soobin passes the Angel and Devil standing idly by the air hockey table. 

"How about one round of air hockey?" Taehyun proposes, cheekily raising an eyebrow. 

"Taehyun, don't you know that we can't interact with things in the Human world- if anyone sees two levitating hockey paddles hitting a puck that's moving on its own, we're going to scare the living daylights out of some poor little girl and this place will be forced to shut down for suspected paranormal activity." 

"So, in other words, you're scared of losing."

"Did-did you even hear a word I said- oh my God."

After a few heated rounds of a shooting game (which all end in Soobin's humiliating defeat), the two finally push their competitiveness aside to walk around the crane machines. Yeonjun points at a sad-looking rabbit plushie, grinning.

"It looks like you, Soobinnie! That's how you looked when I bet you for the 100th time," he chides. 

Soobin whines and smacks Yeonjun on the arm. 

"It's cute too, like you." 

Yeonjun's lips melt into a charismatic smile. He winks at Soobin and bites his lip, daring and confident. 

Soobin freezes. It was just a simple comment and a simple friendly gesture but it was enough to instigate utter chaos in Soobin's head. His neurons fire off at once, unprepared for the overwhelming feelings of embarrassment that ensue. 

"I'm-I'm going to go to the bathroom," Soobin darts off quickly so Yeonjun cannot see his flushed face. 

He splashes cold water onto his face and stares at his reflection in the mirror. What am I going to do?

"You flirt back, you nerd."

Taehyun and Beomgyu teleport beside him, making Soobin shit bricks. 

I can't do that, he just got out of a relationship! That's just disrespectful.

"Well, clearly he wants you, so I don't see the problem," Taehyun continues. Beomgyu shakes his head, "no, Soobin-hyung is correct. It's too soon. Just...enjoy your time together for now. Accept any physical touch and gifts but don't initiate. You don't want to misinterpret his actions and potentially escalate things." 

And so, Soobin allows himself to do that, just for today. They eat dinner at their favourite hamburger place across from Soobin's high school. Nostalgia floods into him, bringing back a myriad of pleasant memories.

While they observe the two eating and talking together from barstools, Taehyun turns to the Angel sitting beside him.

"I've missed you. Have you missed me?" Taehyun bats his eyelashes at him, "I enjoyed it when you grabbed me in the breakroom earlier, you're real pretty up close." 

"I've been busy. Haven't had any time to rest," Beomgyu smoothly evades the question. 

Taehyun watches his pink lips tighten, his long eyelashes flutter, his eye bags now apparent. He wonders why Beomgyu was so relentlessly hard-working, why he never stopped to rest.

"Why do you work so much, hyung? Just need some cash? What are you saving up for? A holiday? A house?"

"My mom. We've been pretty short on money ever since my dad left." 

"Oh, I'm sorry." Taehyun rests his hand on the Angel's shoulder. He doesn't know how to do this comforting thing, so he's unsure of what to say next. Hesitantly, he takes his hand off of Beomgyu. What did Angels do in these types of situations? He racks his brain for any remnant of a memory but discovers only dust and cobwebs.

"Eh, it's nothing. We've dealt with it for a while. But after she lost her job as an Angel, it hit us pretty hard." 

Beomgyu pauses.

"You're probably wondering why she lost her job, well, you know how it's illegal for us Angels and Devils to be in relationships?"

Taehyun's eyes widen, "I didn't."

"Really? It's fairly well-known, clearly, you never read your contract," Beomgyu rolls his eyes. 

Taehyun looks down uncomfortably. Did that mean...he and Beomgyu couldn't be together, legally?

"They're looking into that law now, trying to get it changed. It's been an ongoing dispute among the higher-ups."

Hope swells in Taehyun's chest. 

"So, yeah. She got fired because..." Beomgyu suddenly grabs the hem of his shirt and pulls it up, revealing his porcelain white torso. 

Taehyun gasps, "w-wait, Beomgyu-hyung, buy me dinner first-" he stops when he sees it. 

Next to Beomgyu's Angel birthmark is the Devil's mark. 

"Yeah. My dad was a Devil. They hid it well but the company eventually found out about their relationship long after they had me when they saw my dual birthmarks, and they fired both of them on the spot." 

He looks down, grief-stricken and exhausted. 

"My dad left us this year and now I'm the main source of income in my family. Hence, why I work all the time." 

"-and my mom can't work now because...she got pregnant before my dad abandoned us."

Taehyun is still processing everything, gobsmacked at how much Beomgyu was dealing with on top of working full-time. He starts to feel guilty about their previous interactions. 

"That's...fucked, man. I'm sorry, that's so tough. If I had known, I wouldn't have come on to you so strong, I'm really sorry, I'll stop." 

Beomgyu shrugs, "I honestly don't care, it keeps me on my toes," he glances at Taehyun, eyes curiously filled with mirth, "sometimes, I even enjoy it." 

"What-" 

Beomgyu's attention shifts to Soobin and Yeonjun, who have stood up from their seats and are preparing to leave the restaurant. 

"Let's get back to work, shall we?" Beomgyu smiles. He cups Taehyun's cheek with his hand momentarily and stands up. The ghost of his hand remains on Taehyun's face. There's an almost devilish undertone in Beomgyu's voice as he saunters off. 

Now it's Taehyun's turn to blush. He balls up his fists, frustrated (albeit, mainly sexually), watching the Angel sway his hips when he walks. 

That fucking Devil Choi Beomgyu. I hate to see you go but I love to watch you leave.

To end the night, Soobin and Yeonjun stroll along the beach. They're engaged in easy conversation as if they'd never spent any time apart. The sun is starting to set and the waxy orange disappears under the tranquil, blue waves. Noticing something on the ground, Yeonjun picks it up and tucks it into his pocket before Soobin turns around. "Look how pretty the sunset is!" Soobin calls out in delight. 

"Oh, yeah, really pretty," Yeonjun says. There's an angelic orange glow forming a ring around Soobin's head and the wind softly blows through his hair. Yeah, pretty. 

When the sun sets and it's officially dark, they decide to call it a night. 

Before they part ways, Yeonjun fiddles with something inside in his bag. A little while after, he extends his hand out, the cute rabbit plushie he pointed out earlier before sitting flat in his palm. 

"Beomgyu-hyung, he's literally doing your job for you," Taehyun spits. Beomgyu just watches on in awe. 

"Have this. I won it from the claw machine." 

"You actually won it?! Choi Yeonjun, what can't you do, seriously?" Soobin beams, hugging the plushie to his chest. Even though the rabbit looked pitiful (and Yeonjun compared him to it initially for its miserable expression), it's undeniably adorable. He smiles up at Yeonjun, whose eyes sparkle at him even amidst the darkness. His heart flutters. 

"Oh my god that plushie is so cute, I want it! Did you actually go to the arcade and why'd you not invite me?" 

Evidently, Huening Kai is hysterical when he locates the plushie. 

Soobin clings onto the rabbit protectively, "I won it, it's mine, okay? Don't even think about touching it or I'm decapitating all of yours."

Huening's lips form an 'o' shape in terror, "you wouldn't dare," and he strides off with slumped shoulders. 

Soobin places the rabbit onto his bookshelf. He's going to leave his room when he catches a glimpse of something small hidden underneath the rabbit's arms that he didn't notice there at first. He leans in for a closer look. A little violet flower is tucked into its folded arms. A lilac. 

It must've fallen in there right as Yeonjun-hyung took it out of his bag on the boardwalk. 

Soobin practically skips out of his room towards the bathroom, humming under his breath. 

*

*

*

Lilac

| lai · luhk |

The most important meaning of the lilac is love. In particular, a violet-coloured lilac is often symbolic of the emotions of first love or of first love experiences. 

Chapter Text

---

In the following couple of weeks, there are precisely two things that run through Soobin's mind on loop: studying and Choi Yeonjun. So, really, not much has changed. Except with his final exams looming, he's starting to feel the pressure.

He runs on three cups of coffee to grind through some practice papers at night, going against Yeonjun's severe demands to specifically not do that. He apologises to his friend in his head but he can't afford to waste any time now. 

Actually, Yeonjun insists on taking him out into the, "outside world," where, "the fucking sun is, which you never see in your dark ass room all day," (Yeonjun's words, not his) every few days. But, Soobin never considers time with Yeonjun as a waste of time. His serotonin levels would agree; Yeonjun was basically their sole supplier. They go out for lunch, games at the arcade or they simply chill out at Yeonjun's in front of the TV. It's his time of rest, he reasons with himself. Though, at the back of his mind, his unfinished practice papers lay dormant, nibbling at his mind like a mouse with cheese. He tries to ignore them by watching Yeonjun, who's fixated on the show that's playing, his eyes widened and his lips drooping and forming into a pout when he's concentrated on something. It's an endearing habit of his. A habit that Soobin finds devastatingly cute. 

Today, he's on his last Sunday shift at the cafe before he takes a break for exams. It's a quiet day so Taehyun and Beomgyu accompany him, talking to him about what he plans to do about Yeonjun after exams. Taehyun is perched on top of the coffee machine, ignoring Beomgyu's constant protests to not sit there. 

"He's been taking you out so often, and he always pays, he's clearly dropping hints," Taehyun says, legs swinging in tandem over the coffee machine. Beomgyu's eyes follow his movements and he scowls. Soobin conveys his dissent, claiming that this was normal Yeonjun behaviour.

"I do agree with Taehyun, but it's still too soon to tell. I think it'd be sweet to show your appreciation though," Beomgyu offers.

Soobin nods, taking the suggestion to heart. What should I do for him? He thinks.

"You invite him over for Netflix and fuc-"

"-you invite him over for a homemade meal," Beomgyu cuts Taehyun off with a pointed look at the Devil, who guffaws, "I think he would really love it! It shows that you're trying and not just taking advantage of his kindness. And, it could be perceived as kind of romantic, which is ideal if he reciprocates your feelings." 

Soobin considers this. There was just one problem, though...

I can't cook for my life. I burnt ramyeon the other day.

"You burnt wha- okay, you're even more hopeless than I thought, we'll have to help you then," Taehyun groans. 

Soobin coughs in humiliation. 

The chime of the doorbell rings and his heart swiftly does a 360° spin. 

With his sleek black hair pushed back by the wind, Yeonjun strolls into the cafe, hands coolly tucked into his jeans and his eyes immediately meet Soobin's. 

He didn't plan for this. 

Taehyun whistles, "holy smokes. Here we fucking go, boys."

"Act calm, Soobin. You got this, we're right here if you need help," Beomgyu reassures him. 

Yeonjun walks to the counter and smiles. Soobin tries not to notice how the female customers in the cafe (and even his coworkers) all turn to stare at Yeonjun. 

"Hi, I was wondering if Soobin is working today?" 

Soobin freezes. What is he on about? Is this some practical joke?

"It depends - who's asking?" Taehyun interrupts, "he's flirting with you, you mega virgin. Flirt back. Say what I just said."

Soobin gulps, "i-it depends, who's asking?" he stutters. Taehyun slaps his hand on his face while Beomgyu looks at Soobin sympathetically, like a Human looking at a sad puppy. 

"Oh, would you be able to tell Soobin that Choi Yeonjun is waiting for him when his shift ends? He has something planned for him that he thinks he would like." 

Yeonjun's mouth twists into a grin, which is so bright and beautiful that it almost gives Soobin whiplash. Oh god. 

"I-I'll pass it onto him," Soobin swallows nervously. Yeonjun beams. 

"I often don't deliver personal messages to our employees but I'll make an exception for you," Taehyun suggests. 

Soobin repeats it, embarrassed. This time, he doesn't stammer. He fist pumps the air in his head. 

Yeonjun beams, "thanks, beautiful. Are you new? I don't think I've seen you around here before, I would've remembered a face like yours." He winks at the end and saunters off. 

Soobin almost chokes.

Taehyun exclaims, "that's a smooth motherfucker right there, I stan him!" Beomgyu claps like an audience member overlooking the scene unfold.

His face a sweltering red, Soobin returns to cleaning the counter as Yeonjun waits at a booth, scrolling through his phone. 

What is he trying to do to me? And more importantly, what has he planned for me?

Soobin swears the next 1.5 hours feel like 10 when the clock strikes 15:00 and he can finally clock off for the day. 

"Good luck on your exams, hyung!" his coworker, Sunghoon calls out. Soobin waves back. 

He quickly fixes his hair in his phone reflection and rushes out to the main floor where Yeonjun is already standing up, waiting. 

"Come with me, Soobinnie," he grins cheekily, "I have a surprise for you." 

And, that's how Soobin finds himself blindfolded in Yeonjun's car. 

No, not like that. Get your mind out of the gutter.

"This is kinky, I like where this is going," Taehyun whispers suggestively, wriggling his eyebrows at Beomgyu. The Angel ignores him, deep in thought about where Yeonjun could possibly be taking Soobin. 

The car stops in front of a school. Except, this wasn't Soobin's high school. 

He reads the words 'primary school' and realization hits. This must be Soobin and Yeonjun's primary school. 

Yeonjun opens the car door for Soobin, leading the blindfolded boy towards the school entrance. 

After unlocking the front doors, he leads him into the library. In unison, Beomgyu and Taehyun gasp. A corner of the library has been transformed. 

Decorating the walls are pretty little coloured neon and fairy lights, which form various shapes ranging from lightning bolts to raindrops. There are two cosy bean bags on the floor, surrounding a table where a plate sits presenting Soobin's favourite snacks. Most importantly, there are dozens of book stands on the shelves displaying the books Soobin read as a primary school student.  

Yeonjun takes off Soobin's blindfold, "Ta-dah!" 

Soobin gapes at the sight, "what- how did you- the school isn't even open on Sundays- how?" 

"I made some deals with some former acquaintances," is all Yeonjun provides. He is smiling, unable to contain his glee, "do you like it?"

"Like it? I love it." 

Soobin trails his fingers across the covers of the books, in awe at how they feel, how they look. Like not a single day has passed since he read them. 

"This is where we met," Soobin realises with a blush. 

"I thought with you doing your final exams soon that I'd take you down memory lane. Where...we started, I guess," Yeonjun brings a hand to his neck shyly, "just so when you get into your dream college somewhere far away, you'll have a memory of this. Of...me. Of us."

Soobin takes in Yeonjun's bashful expression. Is he trembling?

"Oh, I remember how we first met like it was just yesterday," Soobin sighs nostalgically. 

"-you disrupted my reading time and pestered me about my book," he grabs the Percy Jackson book he had been reading at the time. 

Yeonjun laughs, "I guess I was a bit annoying, hey? But could you blame me?" He looks at Soobin intently.

"I went that year mustering up the courage to talk to you."

Soobin raises an eyebrow, "but why? I wasn't popular or cool." 

Yeonjun shakes his head, "I didn't care about that. I found you cute and maybe- maybe, I had a little crush on you back then."

Soobin's eyes are stretched open.

"He's basically confessing to you right now, hyung," Taehyun hisses.

He said 'back then'... it doesn't mean he still likes me. It's been years, people normally manage to get over their crushes after years. Soobin retorts.

Yeonjun searches Soobin's facial expression for something, a hint of a response, perhaps...a hint of reciprocation? 

"Anyways," he clears his throat, "I want you to enjoy this little space. For however long you want. I know you want to go home and study but spend some time relaxing here. Just for a little while?" 

Soobin doesn't object and slides down onto a bean bag with the Percy Jackson book. Yeonjun grabs the first book of the series and sinks into the other bean bag.

"I said I was going to read it aeons ago. I'll start now."

They spend the rest of the evening snuggled into their bean bags reading books and discussing the plot. 

"I feel like Percy's going to end up with Annabeth," 

Soobin hmms, not wanting to reveal anything.

"The book emphasizes how they don't get along, though they have similar backstories. But, for some reason, even if the odds are against them, they'll probably end up together? I hope they do." 

Soobin doesn't mention how he had hoped the same when he first read the book. 

A wistful look reaches Yeonjun's face, "ah, young love, right? Maybe I'm sentimental but I'd want to be with the first person I loved. Even if the world wants to keep us apart."  

Soobin's breath hitches in his throat. The implications behind his words...what was he trying to say? 

He loves him, he remembers Beomgyu saying at his 18th birthday picnic about Yeonjun's feelings for him. But, he doesn't want to ruin what they have right now by questioning it, in spite of Taehyun and Beomgyu beside him urging him on to clarify what Yeonjun meant. 

I just want to enjoy this evening with him. 

They continue reading like that into the night, eventually sidling up next to each other and cuddling in their bean bags under the twinkling fairy lights, absorbed in their books and the warmth of each other.

*

*

*

When Beomgyu clocks off that night, he overhears something that makes the hairs on his arm stand on one end.

You see, Beomgyu's heard it all before. He's well-aware of the hushed whispers and malicious rumours that spread about him and his parents. Intrusive voices in the Angel common areas about how he was “tainted", “cursed by the Devil," and, “didn't deserve to stay in the company". For that reason, Beomgyu puts his head down and works without trying to interact with anyone beyond his shift partners. He doesn't engage in office politics, workplace drama or gossip, not wanting to draw any more attention to himself and become an easier target for bullying or harassment. However, his work ethic and consequently high Tier level for his age group only made this harder to achieve.

When he meets Taehyun for the first time on Soobin's shift, and the Devil mentions rumours about him, he is expecting the same cold treatment he'd gotten from everyone else. Instead, he's bombarded with cheesy pick-up lines, which is surprising, sure, but an improvement, if anything.

He doesn't know if Taehyun knows about his half-devil identity; it had been circulating around the company so he figures he knows. But he’s curious about how he'll react if he brings it up, wondering how he'd act knowing who he really was. Thus, Beomgyu slips it into one of their conversations. He divulges his parents’ history, tumultuous family situation and finally, his father's identity, bracing himself for the backlash and for Taehyun's obnoxious, overconfident personality to evaporate.

Seeing that Taehyun’s mouth is open in shock and his next words are laced with concern, Beomgyu realizes that there was someone in the company that he could trust. Someone that saw him for more than his genetic makeup. He concludes that Taehyun, of all Angels and Devils, was a good person.

Beomgyu's used to hearing the rumours about him. So, when he starts hearing stories about Taehyun, he is taken aback.

Rumours that he was a delinquent, an orphan, or a troubled child who made his parents leave him. The rumours don't spread far since Beomgyu’s fairly sure Taehyun is well-respected among the Devils. However, he hears a venomous voice coming out of the Devil’s breakroom as he walks past on his way out:

“So, Taehyun, is it true? Are you really dirt poor, being forced to live alone away from your parents who abandoned you? Because you were such a problem child? How pitiful.”

Beomgyu tenses. That was Chanhyuk's voice. CEO Bang Si-Hyuk's son and a certified bully in the company. He always got away with his bullying due to his father's position. Beomgyu didn't care for workplace drama but when it came to bullying and harassment, especially when it was towards his fellow Angels or his partners, he couldn't stand for it.

Grabbing out his phone, he turns his voice recorder on and leans on the door.

“What the fuck do you want from me, Chanhyuk? Can you just leave me alone?” He hears Taehyun's strained voice.

“That's no way to speak to your future CEO, Taehyun. Should I tell my dad about this?

“-that weirdo Beomgyu is the same as you. He's just as deranged, no wonder you make the perfect little team," Chanhyuk continues. 

Beomgyu bursts through the door. 

The two Devils gape at Beomgyu, dumbstruck.

“I heard my name," Beomgyu snaps. He glares directly at Chanhyuk.

“This doesn’t concern you, sweetie. Let us Devils talk while you go braid your hair or something.”

Beomgyu kicks the breakroom door, slamming it shut. "Apologise to Taehyun. Now," he demands. 

Chanhyuk laughs. A bitter, maniacal laugh that grates his ears. 

"Are you stupid? Why would I apologise to this moron? He's a sad, miserable, parentless Devil. And, why would I listen to you? You filthy half-blood mutt."

Beomgyu's anger gets the better of him.

Taehyun recoils at what he sees next.

Beomgyu's eyes are now red. Horns that he didn't even know the Angel had grown from his head. Fortunately, Taehyun is smart enough to know that this wasn't the time to be horny. 

Chanhyuk looks at Beomgyu in terror. 

“You-you fucking freakshow.” 

Taehyun moves to land a fist on Chanhyuk's face when Beomgyu steps in front to block him. He stands before Chanhyuk, his eyes glowing.

"Say sorry now. Or, you'll regret it. I have evidence against you." 

Beomgyu has no intentions to hurt him, of course, so he raises his phone in his air, the voice recorder on display. 

"You fucking-" he jumps to grab the phone. Taehyun pins Chanhyuk down to the ground. Chanhyuk struggles under his weight but Taehyun is too strong. 

"Don't hurt him, Taehyun," Beomgyu warns. 

"He called you a freakshow and a half-blood mutt!"

"He'll get us both fired!" 

Chanhyuk whimpers, still trying to escape Taehyun's firm hold. 

Beomgyu bellows, "so, what are you going to say to Taehyun?" 

"Sorry," Chanhyuk hisses and runs out the room when Taehyun eases his grip, "you guys will get what you deserve!" 

When he leaves, Beomgyu's eyes return to normal and his horns disappear. 

Taehyun watches Beomgyu in wonder. The courageous, furious display he'd put on for him is something he would never forget. 

"Why'd you do that?" 

Beomgyu says nothing and walks to Taehyun. He pulls him in for a tight hug. 

Taehyun gawks. In his chest, some strange sensation blooms that, for once, wasn't sexual arousal. A blue iris. Something warm, hopeful and beautiful. He was never hugged as a child. Yet, Beomgyu hugging him was something he always wanted to experience. He leans his head on Beomgyu's shoulder and closes his eyes, his heart fluttering, sprouting small angel wings.

*

*

*

It's the day of Soobin's final exam. Yeonjun made it clear that he was going to escort him to the exam hall and pick him up afterwards. ("I'll be your good luck charm, Soobinnie," to which Soobin rolls his eyes, "I'm gonna need more than luck, hyung. My future rides on this exam."). Yeonjun grabs his hand and squeezes it reassuringly. 

("You're gonna ace this.") 

Soobin and Yeonjun are about to cross the road to enter Soobin's high school when he sees someone. 

As overprepared for his exam as he was, he doesn't account for what happens next.

Yewon is coming towards them. 

Surprise spreads across her face when she notices them. Yeonjun stops in his tracks, gaping at her. 

"Hi Yeonjun," she mumbles. Soobin is ignored like he wasn't even there. 

"Oh, um, hello, Yewon-noona," Yeonjun can't meet the girl's eyes. Soobin's heart sinks in his chest. 

"How are you doing?" Yewon supplies. Yeonjun shuffles his feet uncomfortably.

"I've been alright since...you, know. It was a bit...to take in at first." Yewon mms, knowing exactly how he meant. She had not coped well with the breakup, despite being the one who called off the relationship. 

"I should leave you to it, then. It was nice to see you, Yeonjun." 

"Hey, wait, noona-" 

Soobin stops breathing then. Is he going to ask her to come back to him? After all that just happened? Between us? 

"He won't, don't worry, dude," Taehyun interjects when he sees Soobin paralysed with fear. Beomgyu rests a reassuring hand on his shoulder. 

Time trickles forward, slowly and agonisingly. Soobin loses hope with every passing second. 

"Thanks, Yewon-noona. For everything. I'm sorry I put you through so much pain. You deserved much better."

Yewon's eyes soften. She smiles brightly, "don't worry Yeonjun, I'm over it. Good luck with everything. Good luck, Soobin-ah." 

She waves over her shoulder as she leaves. Soobin tenses. What was that supposed to mean? Did she somehow know he had an exam?

It means even she fucking knows about you two and you have a dense sponge of a brain if you can't see it by now, you twat, Taehyun snaps. 

Be nice, Beomgyu hisses back.

They watch her back stride towards another figure standing further away. A tall man, handsome and mysterious. She hugs him and they set off together in each other's arms. 

Soobin's eyes are about to pop out of his head. He hesitantly peeks at Yeonjun, expecting to see dread and heartbreak.

To his shock, he's grinning. Yeonjun felt like a weight had been lifted off his chest. He had gotten closure. 

"I'm happy for her, I hope she is too," he turns on his heel and starts to walk in the opposite direction. He loops his arm through Soobin's and drags him towards the hall, "it's time to get you to your exam, baby." 

Soobin flushes at how easily the term of endearment falls off his tongue but he swats at the older, protesting that he was literally a year younger and not a baby. 

"Yeah, but you're my baby." 

When Soobin finally leaves the exam hall, he's beaming. He thinks he's done well on the exam. Really well. In fact, he was so confident he would get over 90. Taehyun and Beomgyu are the first to ambush him outside and congratulate him. Yeonjun appears next, stumbling forward to embrace Soobin warmly.

"We're going out to celebrate tomorrow night, since I have work today," Yeonjun announces firmly, refusing to take 'no' for an answer. Soobin swallows and nods. He doesn't know what Yeonjn's idea of a celebration was but he knows, sadly, that it likely wouldn't be a quiet night in. 

And we're dressing you, Taehyun does a little celebratory dance, lover boy won't know what hit him when he sees you.

As they walk to Soobin's house, consumed by their own thoughts, Yeonjun breaks their comfortable silence:

"Soobin-ah..." Yeonjun starts in a suspecting tone, "can I ask you something?" Soobin nods. 

Yeonjun smiles, amusement bubbling at the surface, "when were you going to tell me that you have an Angel and a Devil?" 

Soobin nearly trips into an elderly couple walking by, who frown at him. 

Taehyun and Beomgyu look at each other like a pair of deers caught in a headlight. 

Oh no. This can't be happening.  

*

*

*

Iris

| ai · ruhs |

The iris symbolises the belief that one day we will reach the happiness we are striving towards. A blue iris represents hope and faith, given to someone who needs a bit of support and help in achieving desired goals.

Chapter Text

---

"Hyung."

Soobin jumps out of his seat, dropping his textbook in shock. Huening had crept up behind him and is breathing heavily onto his ear. 

"What the hell, Huening? Could you maybe knock before scaring the living shit out of me?" 

"I tried to, but you clearly can't hear over your textbook," Huening scoffs. 

Soobin frowns at his brother. He picks up the fallen textbook. "Why are you here?" 

"I haven't seen my nerd brother in days- academia has sucked your soul dry. Can't I come here without any good reason?" Huening pouts, "okay, not really. I'm here because you're hiding something from me." 

Soobin's forehead creases, "what are you talking about, have you lost your mind?" 

"Really, really lost it. Just like you, being couped up in here for two weeks straight." 

Soobin groans and resumes reading his notes, "if you came just to lecture me, then just leave - I don't care."

Huening doesn't move. His eyes flick to the rabbit plushie on Soobin's shelf.

"You didn't really win that yourself, did you?"

Soobin bites his lip. "I did- don't look down on me!" he retaliates. 

"Hyung, I know you and I know you're way too uncoordinated to win from a crane machine."

Soobin glares at him, taking full offense to that statement. 

"Yeonjun-hyung won that for you, right?" A faint smile reaches Huening Kai's lips. 

Oh, fuck. 

"No, I told you already, I won it, I d-did," he nearly says without stuttering.

Huening Kai smirks, "thought so. You know, I wonder if you'd be interested in these?" 

He brings out a bag from behind him, a taunting smile on his face. When he unzips it, an assortment of soft toys and a red envelope spill out. 

"What are those?"

"Gifts to you from Yeonjun-hyung. A handwritten letter too, by the looks of it. I've been keeping them until you would actually look at me. They're pretty cute, I was thinking I could keep them for a bit longer," the mirth in his voice is unbearable. 

"You-what?! Give those to me!" He shoots out his hand to grab the letter and the gifts but Huening Kai pulls them away teasingly, wagging his finger at him. 

"Nuh-uh. Not unless you say the magic words," he coos. 

"You're a piece of shit."

Huening Kai pretends to look deep in thought, "hmm, that doesn't sound like 'I'm in love with Yeonjun-hyung' to me." Soobin pales. He silently opens his mouth, closing it again like a blowfish. 

"Gotcha," Huening Kai grins, "these aren't from Yeonjun-hyung- they're mine."

Soobin lurches at the younger boy and the 'gifts' fly into the air. 

"Well, now that I've confirmed it," Huening chokes out while being tackled, "when are you going to tell him?" 

Releasing his grip from Huening's neck, Soobin inhales deeply, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"You're really gonna continue lying? I can tell you're in love with him. When he was in that relationship, you were miserable. Now that he's out of it, you seem like yourself again," Huening says, "you spend more time with him than you do with us, your own family. And, it's no wonder you were so protective of that damn rabbit plushie that I, like, don't even want." 

Soobin's head goes fuzzy. When did Huening Kai get so smart - when did his baby brother grow up so fast right in front of his eyes? Now, Huening was drilling sense into him, rather than the other way around.  

"-you have to confess to him. He's just as clueless as you." 

"It's not that simple, you know. There's no way he likes me back. He sees me as a friend, a little brother," Soobin sighs. 

Huening Kai shakes his head. 

"I never told you this but he came looking for you during that time. He looked so worried like he was going to faint. It's like he wasn't eating or sleeping over you ignoring him," he reveals. Soobin is numb.

"He really loves you, hyung. You have to do something about it. Before it's too late."

*

*

*

Yeonjun isn't dumb. He knows Soobin's been acting weird ever since his birthday. The first tip-off was the clothes he wore to the birthday picnic. Soobin never dressed like that; he never had any interest in fashion before. The second tip-off was Soobin apparently talking to himself at his house (he didn't think Soobin heard voices in his head, but, perhaps, he did have hallucinations he didn't know about). The third, and final, tip-off so far was his facial reactions upon leaving the exam hall. Soobin had clearly been communicating with someone before he arrived to congratulate him. Yet, there was no one with him. 

Soobin stops. "What do you mean, hyung?"

"You have an Angel and a Devil, right?" Yeonjun cocks his head to the side.

You've made a mistake, you've made a mistake. Beomgyu repeats frantically, though it sounds more like he's directing this at himself instead of to Soobin. 

"Y-you're mistaken. I don't."

Soobin's is certain that Yeonjun has him figured out. That is until he asks:

"You like someone at school, right? Who is it and when will I meet them?"

Soobin whips his head back to Yeonjun, baffled. 

Taehyun grimaces. He was not impressed. Here I was thinking one of you actually had a brain cell. Turns out you're both braindead, hollow-headed idiots- you deserve each other. 

Soobin considers rolling with it, but, unfortunately, Yeonjun can sniff out his lies, "I...no I don't like anyone...at my school." 

Yeonjun hums in disbelief. "Well, alright then. Whatever you say, Soobinnie." And, he drops the topic. Neither Soobin, Taehyun nor Beomgyu notices the corner of his lips turning upwards. 

Did we make it out alive? Beomgyu is panting. 

Baby, you look like you're suffocating. Do you need CPR? Lucky you, I'm certified. Taehyun puckers his lips obnoxiously. Beomgyu swats his mouth away, scowling. 

Soobin's too scared to talk to them in fear of getting found out by Yeonjun again. That had been a close call. Too close.

*

*

*

His kitchen has turned into a warzone. 

Beomgyu and Taehyun offered to help Soobin prepare dinner for when Yeonjun came over (this was for his and Yeonjun's sake, really. Did somebody already mention Soobin managed to burn ramyeon?). Soobin has the house to himself as his parents have gone away for a trip and Huening was staying at a friend's house. Before he leaves, Huening nudges Soobin, muttering under his breath, "you better invite Yeonjun-hyung over and you better do something," he looks at him pointedly. 

He's saying you guys need to bang, Taehyun butts in. Soobin squeaks, his face flushed. Beomgyu scolds the Devil for being too crude. 

Anyways, the meal preparation isn't going well. In the last 10 minutes, Soobin has already dropped three glass bowls on the ground, which all shatter into pieces. Taehyun is not even helping in the slightest, his attempts of looking up cooking videos actually serving as an excuse for him to watch BTS Run. Therefore, Beomgyu is preparing the meal on his own, essentially, because Soobin has proven himself to be a major safety hazard. 

"Pay attention, you two!" Beomgyu yells. Both Soobin and Taehyun snap their heads towards Beomgyu. 

"If he gets angrier, he turns into a Devil," Taehyun whispers to Soobin, "it's scary but also kinda hot-"

"I can hear you," Beomgyu grumbles, "do we want this meal to be edible? Do we, Soobin-hyung?"

He nods his head vigorously.

"Then, for God's sake, help me, you baboons."

When they finally focus on the recipe and work together, they're able to plate up a decent meal. Their presentation isn't Masterchef dish worthy but it wasn't something that would make Gordon Ramsay want to throw up or call them donkeys over.

The doorbell rings. Soobin slides off his apron and tries to compose himself.

Okay, hyung, you got this. He'll love the meal because you made it, I'm sure. Beomgyu says soothingly. 

When he enters, Yeonjun sniffs. "Something smells good, what's your mom cooking?"

"She's... not here. Everyone's out tonight. I cooked a meal for us. Surprise?" Soobin smiles sheepishly. Yeonjun raises an eyebrow.

"I can't wait to try it, but I didn't know you knew how to cook, Soobinnie!" 

I don't and I didn't. I owe this to Beomgyu. 

You're welcome, Beomgyu snarls, though there is no malice in his voice. 

They enjoy dinner together, the silence between them interrupted only by Yeonjun's appreciative noises.

"Mmm, I didn't think you could cook this well, Soobin-ah," murmurs Yeonjun. He licks sauce off his lips. Soobin tries not to stare. 

Yeonjun glances up from his plate directly at Soobin. His gaze is piercing. 

"Tell your Angel or Devil for me that I said thanks for helping out with the meal, yeah? It was delicious."

Aw shit, here we go again. 

Fire alarms ring in Soobin's head. They're resonating, bringing him to a state of panic. 

Flustered, Beomgyu loses his balance and bangs into the kitchen counter. His face turns red. Yeonjun catches the noise, smirking as it aligned with his theory. 

"Your crush is one lucky person," Yeonjun hums, casually returning to his meal, "I would love someone to cook for me like this every day." 

I cannot tell if he's genuinely stupid or if he's just fucking with you. Either way, it's doing my head in, Taehyun mutters. 

They eat the rest of their meal in peace. Well, it's anything but peaceful for Soobin, because the idea of sinking into the ground and descending into the depths of Hell is more than tempting right now. He had been caught twice now. There was no way Yeonjun hadn't figured him out. 

After dinner, they put on a movie in the lounge room. Yeonjun rests his head on Soobin's shoulder - a seemingly harmless and normal gesture - but today, Soobin is hypersensitive to the heat his touch generates. He has no idea what's been happening in the film for the past hour.

When the movie ends, Yeonjun stands up abruptly. "Time for me to take you out to town."

Soobin gulps. He would much rather Yeonjun question him about his Angel and Devil incessantly than go out now. He was apprehensive about the drunkards, druggos and loiterers lurking around in the dark, searching for their next victim. 

Yeonjun grabs his bag, "I brought a change of clothes with me. I'll be back. Get ready, Soobinnie, for a night you'll never forget," he winks coyly and slinks off to the bathroom. 

That was so gay, Taehyun scoffs. Anyways, let's make you look hot. 

Soobin observes himself in the mirror, once again feeling like a stranger was in his reflection. He's dressed in a distressed denim jacket layered over a loose, white muscle tank, and, below, he wears black ripped skinny jeans. The statement piece was the black choker around his neck. He'd never worn one before. It was irritating and tight, constricting his airflow. Though, he admits, he looks kinda cool. 

"Woah, you look...sexy," Yeonjun gapes, his eyes expanded to the size of an anime character's. Soobin doesn't hear him because he's blinded by the view he has. 

Yeonjun wears a black cropped turtleneck under a sleek black leather jacket. Below, he dons a pair of black leather pants. Simple thin silver chains dangle from his neck. They glimmer, just like his offensive lip piercing that Soobin can't help but stare at. His plump, pink lips are distracting. Even worse, the outfit emphasizes his tiny waist and his well-defined abs. Soobin is winded. Why was Yeonjun so fine? 

Taehyun wolf-whistles. "Lover boy's got style! Oh, and Soobin-hyung, you've been staring too long."

Yeonjun is waving his hand in front of his face, "Soobin? You okay?"

Soobin forces his gaze away from Yeonjun's torso and shifts it to his eyes. There's a hint of slyness in them. 

"You look amazing," Soobin breathes.

Yeonjun chuckles, "thank you, but, says you- you look fantastic. I didn't know you dressed this well."

He leans in and murmurs, "your Devil's got a good eye for clothes." 

Soobin recoils. Strike three. Batter out! Yeonjun was egging him on now, there was no doubt.

Yeonjun scans Soobin's outfit again. 

"As much as I love you looking like this, I liked how you used to dress as well. It was just, so, you. You were beautiful the way you were." 

Soobin blinks rapidly. This was not what he expected to hear. He thought he had an abominable fashion sense. He knew he did. But, here Yeonjun was, the fashion king himself, complimenting him. He's confused. 

"I've always liked you how you are. You don't need to change yourself. You're already perfect," Yeonjun continues, "anyways, let's go." 

He slips an arm around the younger, "let hyung show you how to party." They leave the house together with Yeonjun nuzzling his face into Soobin's neck affectionately. 

Beomgyu believes in true love. This moment, he thinks, was a perfect example of that. Yeonjun looks at Soobin with the same look in his eyes that he first noticed at the 18th birthday picnic, with pure love and adoration. 

"I told you, my love intuition is never wrong. Yeonjun-hyung loves him."

"What are you, fucking cupid?" Taehyun hisses. 

Soobin is stunned when he steps inside the building. It's dark, the music is thumping loudly and surrounding him like an ominous shadow, and everyone seems high off their asses. Around him are same-sex couples dancing with one other, making out with their tongues thrashing about in each other's mouths ravenously. 

"This is a bloody gay bar. Could he be any more obvious?" Taehyun spits. 

"A good one too. This one is one of the more popular spots," Beomgyu muses. Taehyun startles, "huh? You know this place?" 

Beomgyu doesn't reply, leaving Taehyun to only imagine the reasons why Beomgyu knows of popular Korean gay bars.

Yeonjun orders shots for the two of them at the bar. Soobin sweats, having barely drunk alcohol before. The older realises this so he hands him a shot glass and says, "don't worry, just one shot. You don't need to drink it all if you don't want to." He clinks his glass with Soobin's, calling out, "to Soobin acing his finals!", and downs his shot at once. He patiently waits for Soobin to follow suit. Mustering up all his courage, Soobin gulps down his glass in one go, trying not to cringe as the revolting liquid burns the back of his throat. Disgusting. Yeonjun claps, "good job, Soobinnie. It's gross, hey?" Soobin nods, his mouth still firmly pulled into a tight line, eyebrows furrowing in displeasure. 

It's not long after that the shot seems to work its magic because Soobin is buzzed. His face is warm. His body tingles. The music pumps through his veins like adrenaline. Yeonjun is looking at him like he was undressing him with his eyes. Yeonjun's cupping his cheek, staring at his mouth. He keeps on staring at him, saying something about how nice he looked all red and flushed, he couldn't really make it out. Something else about how good Soobin looks right now. He can't hear the music or Yeonjun's voice anymore, just the pounding of his own heart. The next moment, Yeonjun's hand is on his waist, his touch hot to the skin. Yeonjun. Yeonjun. The neon disco lighting falls on his chiselled face in such a way that emphasizes his sharp, attractive jawline. Soobin only just notices the eyeliner he's wearing - it looks amazing on him. Yeonjun looks really nice right now. More than nice, wow, actually he's really fucking hot. 

As Yeonjun struts his way to the middle of the dancefloor, Soobin is drawn into Yeonjun's pull, his gravitational force. Yeonjun sways his hips and rolls his body fluidly, losing himself to the beat. Soobin was always aware that Yeonjun was an amazing dancer, he was a dance major after all, but Yeonjun dances in front of him like his rent was due tomorrow. The older's eyes, now half-lidded and sensual, are planted on Soobin's body, his gaze intense and unwavering. Soobin feels heat rush to his cheeks.

Usually, Soobin tries to repress any sexual thoughts he has about the older, but he wants to know Yeonjun's lips feel, how his body feels on his, how his skin will taste. He wonders how he looks without that turtleneck on. Or how his legs, restricted by tight, black genuine leather, feel. Because, right now, underneath the kaleidoscopic lights, Yeonjun looks divine. And if the roll of his hips and the seductive look in his eyes were any indication, Yeonjun was tempting him, teasing him to come closer. To dance across the boundary line binding them together as friends only to trespass into uncharted territory for their relationship. 

Soobin-hyung, before you go, did you wanna...with him?  He hears Taehyun's voice amidst his aroused web of thoughts.

Soobin blushes. Yes, yes I do.

Taehyun grins, lovely. Call me if you need any help. 

When Soobin walks towards him, Yeonjun smirks, his tongue slipping out to lick his lip piercing. He cocks an eyebrow arrogantly. 

"C'mon, Soobinnie, show me your dance moves!" 

All of Soobin's confidence dissipates in an instant, his body is frozen on the dancefloor. Fuck, he can't dance. He'd look like a fool next to the likes of Choi Yeonjun. The older senses his insecurity and grabs both of his hands, guiding him:

"Don't worry, baby, no one's watching you."

So, Soobin follows Yeonjun's lead. He tries to sway from side to side but he thinks his robotic body needs an oil change; he's as stiff as a board. Yeonjun laughs, "you're so fucking cute, I'm mad. How can someone be so attractive yet so pure and innocent? You make me want to protect and ravish you at the same time."

Soobin is almost too embarrassed being in the spotlight to register what Yeonjun says. He wants to what him? Were his ears failing him? 

You heard the guy. He wants you. In his bed and also as a pet. Taehyun interrupts. 

They dance together for a while until Soobin eases into it. Soobin is still long-limbed and awkward while Yeonjun is still mesmerizing and gorgeous when he moves. Nonetheless, Yeonjun always encourages him, making him feel better about himself. He was just that much of a saint, an angel, you could say. 

Soobin eventually starts to be absorbed into the music a bit more, loosening up a little. Yeonjun twirls Soobin around as he sings gleefully to the music. 

And his heart stops.

Because Choi Yeonjun, his childhood best friend, whose breath is tickling his neck now, is grinding on him.

Soobin's neck reddens immediately and he feels feverish. 

Yeonjun's crotch is unmistakenly rubbing against his ass and Soobin has to do everything in his power to will his boner away. He bites his lip in frustration. What in the world is Yeonjun trying to do to him? How is he supposed to survive this? His mind and the sanity he has left nosedive into a bottomless pit of lewd thoughts. 

The older places his fingers around his waist and he continues rolling his hips into him. He swears Yeonjun is whimpering now, his singing disguised as light, breathy moans. He whispers in Soobin's ear the lyrics to the song just as the lyrics are: '너무 쳐다봐서 미안해 근데 니가 너무 섹시해서 눈을 뗄 수가 없어' (Sorry for staring, but you're so sexy I can't take my eyes off you). Soobin fights the urge to scream bloody murder. 

If you don't hit that, I will hit you, Taehyun warns. 

So, Soobin leans his head back and rests it upon Yeonjun's shoulder and rocks his hips back on the older's crotch at the same pace of the other's movements. The older looks surprised but he smiles at the contact. "Soobin-ah, you're gonna make me think questionable things if you continue like this."

The nerve of the guy to say that to him as he was literally humping him.

Soobin turns around and grabs Yeonjun by the shoulders. He finds newfound confidence and wants to try being brave for once. 

Kiss, kiss, kiss, Taehyun and Beomgyu chant at the same time. 

Shit, I don't know how to! Soobin only knows to close his eyes. He does this, contemplating his next move when a warm weight presses against his lips.

Yeonjun closes the distance between them with his eyes also clamped shut. He presses a small kiss onto Soobin's slightly parted mouth, pulling away after a moment. 

Soobin's way too nervous to process what just happened. 

"I like you, hyung," he blurts out. Yeonjun scrunches his forehead in confusion but beams. 

"I like you too, you dumb rabbit," he goes in for another kiss, which Soobin leans into this time. Yeonjun's lips tasted faintly of alcohol but also of peaches and cream. Soobin decides that he likes how he tastes. And, Yeonjun's lip piercing also makes it even better. 

Soobin curls his fingers around Yeonjun's exposed waist, moving them to trace the curves of his abs. God, he felt good. His body is a work of art. Sculpted by the gods themselves. Yeonjun's mouth trails along Soobin's jaw down to his neck and he sucks on the flesh under his choker. A moan spills out of Soobin's mouth. 

"This outfit on you was a good choice, after all," Yeonjun whispers.

Meanwhile, Beomgyu and Taehyun watch the scene together from afar, sitting on barstools. 

"Taehyun-ah, have you ever seduced anyone before?"

Taehyun finds the question odd and out-of-place but he answers regardless:

"Oh, plenty. Few Devils, few Humans. Never entertained the thought of that for obvious reasons."

Beomgyu nods, unsurprised. He continues watching the two lovebirds courting each other on the radiant dancefloor. 

"But-" Taehyun moves his face closer to Beomgyu's and murmurs breathily into his ear, "-this is the first time I've seduced an Angel." The Devil grins, fluttering his eyelashes. 

Beomgyu springs back. He doesn't look as perturbed as he normally would be, though. As if he expected that answer. 

Just as Soobin and Yeonjun begin kissing, Taehyun stands up from his seat. 

"Well, it seems like those two are all good now. Shall we dance?" Taehyun smirks at Beomgyu, offering his hand to him. To his utter disbelief, the Angel accepts it. Taehyun leads him to an unoccupied corner of the dancefloor with his eyes never leaving Beomgyu's figure. As if in a trance, Beomgyu rolls his body along to the instrumental expertly, any ounce of hesitance in him draining immediately. Taehyun gapes. Beomgyu can dance. And, Beomgyu can sure fucking dance. 

"What- how-" 

Putting a finger to the Devil's lips, Beomgyu shushes him, "just dance with me, Taehyun-ah." His voice is low and deep, reminding him of smooth velvet. 

Taehyun has never been more turned on by the sound of his own name. 

Soobin's had the 'talk' before, but on the way back to his house in the taxi, Taehyun and Beomgyu give him a brief rundown of the homosexual version, sending chills down his spine. The warmth of Yeonjun's body next to his burns as his desire swelters. He wants Yeonjun, he needs him now. 

When they stumble into Soobin's home, Yeonjun pulls Soobin towards his bedroom with one hand clenching his white top, locking the door once they're inside. 

He kisses Soobin for the nth time that night, arms wrapping around the taller's neck. Soobin wants to hoist him up in the air but he's afraid with the way he's shaking right now that he'll drop him. Instead, he pushes Yeonjun onto the bed. His lust is overwhelming.

"I love you, Soobin," Yeonjun confesses, "I always have." 

There's a light, pulsating warmth in Soobin's chest. His cheeks are the shade of rose red.

"I love you too, hyung." He crawls onto the bed to hug the older. He tries not to tear up. He was so in love. Yeonjun made him feel so whole, so precious. Yeonjun grabs his head and plants delicate kisses in the centre of his forehead. Soobin lifts his head up to meet his lips again. Yeonjun kisses him back deeply, pulling Soobin down onto the mattress with him. 

They make out for what seems like hours. Soobin's inhibitions seep out of him the longer he is with Yeonjun, who's extremely gentle with him, akin to the viscous, milky fluid that pours from his body when Yeonjun thrusts into him one last time, letting out a reverberant, aching groan. The sensation is euphoric. All that can be heard from the room are their breathless moans of each other's names and the sounds of their naked bodies sliding up against one other. They continue like that until the sun rises and the morning shines a yellowish, translucent light on their now intertwined, sleeping bodies. Their hearts beat as one.

Beomgyu's heart jolts. Thump.

He smiles. Another one of his Humans had found true love. 

*

*

*

Rose 

| rohz |

The red rose symbolizes great love and passion. A gifted, single red rose indicates the beginning of a relationship in which the giver loves the gifted person. 

Chapter Text

--

Taehyun's not a sap. He doesn’t believe in the 'true love' propaganda like Angels do. That's what he tells himself, anyway, but seeing Yeonjun with Soobin was threatening his core belief.

They were sickenly in love with each other. Yeonjun literally regresses to the human version of the heart-eyed emoji in front of Soobin; it was sweet, so sweet it gave him cavities.

Fucking cavities.

“You better invite me to your fucking wedding, or you're dead to me."

He and Beomgyu are stood on Soobin's doorstep for the last time, bidding their farewells to the Human. Now that he was no longer emotionally constipated, the light in Soobin's eyes is different now, the confidence emanating from them chilling and mature. Ever since he and Yeonjun confessed to each other and became an item, the boy seems to have grown and bloomed into a real adult. Beomgyu can't stop beaming like a proud father.

“And, where am I meant to send your invitation? What's the address? 69 My Imagination Boulevard?”

“You got snarkier since we first met you. I did this to you, didn’t I?” Taehyun glowers.

“Maybe. Okay, I’ll send you an invite. Just promise me you’ll stay away from the chocolate fountain.”

“You’re having a chocolate fountain at your wedding? Fuck Yeonjun-hyung, will you marry me?”

They say their final goodbyes, the Angel and Devil reaching forward to envelop the Human in their embrace.

“I'll miss you guys. Thanks for everything you've done for me, really.”

Soobin breaks apart from their tight clutches and grins.

“And, I hope you two can work things out between yourselves.”

*

*

*

"Attention all staff members." 

CEO Bang Si-hyuk's voice booms from the breakroom television. Beomgyu's head whips up from his phone instantly.

“This announcement concerns the dating ban between our Angel and Devil employees that has been active since the inception of the company.”

“-on behalf of the management team of Tomorrow X Together Corporation, I would like to formally announce the discontinuation of this ban.”

Quiet murmurs pass throughout the room, ranging from pure happiness to outright disapproval.

“What great news!” a younger Angel cheers.

“What's gotten into CEO Bang Si-hyuk? He's really lost his touch for what's important,” a senior Tier-6 Angel says scornfully to her friend next to her, who agrees.

Beomgyu returns his attention back to the screen.

“As a corporation that prides itself in enabling true love to bloom for Humans around the world, no matter what the nature of their relationship may be, we have removed the relationship ban that was underpinned by traditional company values in recognition of a more progressive, accepting and diverse workplace culture. We thank you for your continued cooperation and hard work in carrying out our services and hope that you will be able to form your own relationships amongst yourselves without any inhibitions, if that may be the case.”

Beomgyu hangs onto every word the CEO utters, processing each one individually with care and scrutiny. This meant that Angels and Devils could date. Legally.

As Bang Si-Hyuk ends the announcement with some minor updates and closing remarks, Beomgyu's mind is reeling. 

For the second time, he leaps up from his chair and runs out of the breakroom in search of a certain Devil.

Taehyun is walking around the company hallways, twiddling with his thumbs and singing a song quietly:

Sorry, I'm an anti-romantic

I want to run away, far away

My heart that already chases you

Is burning up in small embers.

He stops in front of the Angel breakroom, not realizing he had been walking in this direction the whole time. His feet had carried him here without telling him why.

From behind him, he hears the door open. Taehyun pauses the song and steps back.

Beomgyu stands there in the doorway, gasping for oxygen.

Taehyun was starting to see more truth in this whole ‘fate’ phenomenon.

“-Taehyun-ah! I was going to look for you," Beomgyu splutters between heavy breaths. Taehyun cocks his head to the side. 

“Also, was that your voice? It sounded really nice. I didn’t know you sang.”

“What - no. That wasn’t me. Shut up.” 

Uncharacteristically, Taehyun flushes. He desperately tries to change the topic. 

"Anyways, what did you want me for?" he wriggles his eyebrows, "finally going to take me up on that janitor's closet offer? If you're an Angel, then, baby, I'm taking you straight to the gates of Heaven in there." 

Ignoring him, Beomgyu grips his shoulders, "have you heard the news?" 

He doesn't wait for a response and continues excitedly, "they've got rid of the dating ban between Angels and Devils." Taehyun's eyes widen.

“-my mom. She will be so happy about this.”

Taehyun has more questions than answers. Didn't his mom get abandoned by a Devil? Why was Beomgyu so happy about this announcement? It couldn't possibly be because...

“She has a new boyfriend and he's a Devil. And, he works here. She’s been so tense knowing their relationship could be discovered and he was risking his job to be with her. But now, she can freely date him,” Beomgyu rambles on without taking a single breath. He looks giddy with happiness.

Oh, that's why. Taehyun tries not to show his disappointment in what he was hoping for.

Then, Beomgyu grabs both of his hands. Taehyun looks down at their joined hands and immediately snaps his head up to meet Beomgyu's face, confusion trickling in.

“And, that also means,” Beomgyu huffs, out of breath, a blush creeping onto his cheeks, “that Angels and Devils can date around here too.”

The tips of Taehyun's ears turn red. His fingers, intertwined with Beomgyu's, heat up.

Hesitantly, he asks, “are you saying...” his question drifts off into inexistence, but the implications are clear. 

“-I'm saying you can ask for my number, Taehyun.”

Promptly, Beomgyu pulls his hands away and glances down at his watch. “Ah, I have to go now, sorry. See you later, Taehyun!”

And, his Angel disappears.

What the fuck. Choi Beomgyu, you Angel-Devil hybrid bastard. Why do you keep leaving me after making me feel some type of way?

*

*

*

As Soobin is deep in introspection while watching the tumultuous ocean waves, Yeonjun laces his and Soobin's cold fingers together. 

"What are you thinking about, Soobinnie?" 

The two are huddled together like penguins in their black, long, hooded jackets. They are shivering on a bench along the boardwalk in the chilly, mid-February Winter air. Soobin shivers, his teeth clattering together. 

"Just wondering how my Angel and Devil are doing," Soobin answers. Yeonjun turns to him with intrigue, "what were they like?"

"Beomgyu, my Angel, was a sweetheart. Just the kindest person and looked exactly how you'd picture an Angel would look like but with longer black hair." 

Yeonjun hmms in response.

"Taehyun, my Devil. He was a fiery one. I feel like you guys would get along, he was hilarious and pretty savage." 

Yeonjun pouts, "but, I'm an angel, aren't I?" 

Soobin narrows his eyes, "hmm, sure, I suppose. Not in bed, though, screw that. You could actually be both, I reckon - like Beomgyu was." He doesn't elaborate on that point, making Yeonjun even more curious. 

"I miss them a lot, sometimes. They helped me with my confidence." 

"Are you going to miss them more than you'll miss me when you leave me for a college 5000 kilometres away?" Yeonjun sulks, his bottom lip jutting out. 

"It's an hour away, hyung," Soobin groans in exasperation, "of course, I'll miss you, but I'm always going to see you, I'll make sure." 

A dazzling smile melts over Yeonjun's lips. He reaches over to peck Soobin's cheek. 

"I guess I am indebted to them a bit, even though, I always loved you without their help," he says, "they must've meant a lot to you since you miss them this much." 

Soobin nods in agreement. 

"Hang on- did you ever summon an Angel or Devil, hyung?" 

Yeonjun shakes his head, "nah, I thought that if you were ever gonna fall in love with me, I wanted it to be natural and on my own terms. And, if you never reciprocated my feelings, then, that's how it should be." Now, he looks over the ocean, pondering over something wistfully. 

Soobin chuckles, "I wish I'd known that you already loved me, Beomgyu already thought you did. It would've made things a lot easier." 

"-but, hey, if I could help out Beomgyu and Taehyun with their job and they could help me with my feelings for you, then maybe it wasn't a bad decision. I'm sure they're getting the promotions they deserve." 

Just as Soobin predicted, Beomgyu and Taehyun are progressing well through the company's hierarchical system. 

Beomgyu is promoted to Tier 4 a month later, which was unheard of for someone so young. Taehyun hasn't reached Tier 3 yet, but he's informed that by the end of his next successful mission, he will have already advanced to the next Tier. 

Today is the day of Beomgyu's 18th birthday party that serves as a joint celebration of his new Tier level. That achievement alone warranted a celebration, as he is the first ever employee under 19 to reach Tier 4. 

He hosts a modest party in the Angel breakroom, surrounded by a few good colleagues he had conversed with throughout the years and had mutual respect for. Some of his Devil shift partners are there as well. Among them, of course, is Taehyun. 

"Look at you, Tier-4 Angel. Am I going to have to line up to talk to you now?" Taehyun has a smug look on his face, "you're looking especially beautiful today, your highness." He curtseys dramatically, peering up at him with a mischievous grin. 

Beomgyu smiles sheepishly, scratching his head in embarrassment. He still can't distinguish Taehyun's normal banter from flirting. 

"Oh, shut up. You're almost Tier 3, yeah? That's amazing!" 

"Yeah, but nothing compared to you. Remember me when you're rich and famous, okay? If the author of your biography asks about your nonexistent love life, you have my permission to mention me as your star-crossed lover." 

Beomgyu scowls. Never mind, this was definitely a jab at him. 

Taehyun clears his throat, "hey, also. Come to my 18th next year, yeah?"

"Hm, I'll have to check my schedule. You know, I'm a big man now, after all. Big man, big Tier, big dreams." 

"I'm sure something else of yours is big too," Taehyun jokes. Beomgyu pulls a face, but he can't hide the redness of his cheeks. 

"I can't wait to be 18. Oh, the things I'd do once I'm a legal adult..." Taehyun's words trail off. Beomgyu notices Taehyun's finger tapping onto the rim of his cup, which is filled with cola. Oh, alcohol. Taehyun wants to be able to drink, that's no surprise.

However, Taehyun's gaze is focused somewhere else. He's staring at Beomgyu. The Angel is about to question this when he realises - Taehyun has been staring at his lips the whole time. 

"Being an adult would be great," he doesn't look up from Beomgyu's lips even once. The older's face is hot and he feels himself perspiring. 

He had a feeling from the very first time they met, but he should've known that Taehyun was bad news. 

Towards the end of the year, Taehyun learns from word-of-mouth that Beomgyu has gone on leave. He figures he has to help take care of his mother’s baby. I hope he’s doing okay, he thinks.

For that reason, he’s not expecting anything when his own 18^th birthday finally rolls around.

Bursts of confetti fall down from the ceiling as the crowd of Devils cheer. Upbeat music pounds through the speakers; everyone is milling about, enjoying a drink, the platters of snacks or dancing happily. Taehyun moves around, greeting everyone as he walks past, cracking crude jokes here and there and relishing his time with his friends and workmates.

Unknown to him, Beomgyu stands uncomfortably at the back of the room, feeling extremely out-of-place at the Devil’s gathering. A few Devils ogle him from behind, marking him as their territory in their heads. Their horns were glinting menacingly as if they were about to pounce on him at any moment. Beomgyu's heard stories of how wild and unhinged these Devils' 18^th birthday parties can get, so he has to keep his guard up at all times. He wears black leather pants and a red sweater in an attempt to blend in with everyone else, but his shining halo and Angel wings make him stick out like a sore thumb. Like a black sheep among a flock of black sheep, ironically. He cranes his neck to try and find the Devil he’s looking for but is unsuccessful when the others all merge into one conglomerate of red and black-haired organisms.

Chanhyuk approaches him.

“Hey, I feel like we got off on the wrong foot - drink?” he hands him a cup with an unknown liquid as a pathetic expression of peace. Beomgyu knows better than to drink it, but he accepts it out of politeness.

The Devil grins, waiting for him to drink. When Beomgyu doesn't, murmuring an excuse about having drunk already - which is true - Chanhyuk nudges the Angel, beckoning him to drink. He gets a bit impatient when he still refuses to. His eyebrows furrow together and he looks like he's about to raise his clenched fists.

Having to consume this unknown concoction is the worst thing that can happen, but having a Devil, especially Chanhyuk, threatening him came a very close second. He also knew no one else would notice if Chanhyuk fought or harassed him amidst the celebrations. If he just sipped the drink once, maybe the dickhead would finally back off.

Sometimes, Beomgyu is way too optimistic for his own good.

He raises the cup to his lips. Chanhyuk watches intently, his sadistic smile growing in size and his tail hovering in the air in suspense as the liquid falls towards Beomgyu's mouth.

“Hyung?”

Beomgyu almost drops the drink.

“Taehyun-ah,” Beomgyu smiles at the Devil. The relief in his chest is enough to make him nearly burst into tears.

Taehyun pushes past a couple who's making out with each other to stand in front of Beomgyu. He notices Chanhyuk standing in Beomgyu's personal space and glares at him.

“What are you doing here, Chanhyuk?”

Taehyun then spots the brown liquid in Beomgyu's cup, eyes shifting between the cup, Beomgyu and the other Devil, and connects the dots. He snatches the cup from Beomgyu's hand and throws it on the floor, the brown liquid sloshing and spilling over the carpet. It absorbs into the carpet quickly.

“Chill, Taehyun. We were just talking.” Chanhyuk raises his hands above his head defensively and leaves. Beomgyu lets out a breath he had no idea he was holding.

Taehyun watches him leave with pure contempt. When he turns to Beomgyu, his expression softens.

“You actually came. I thought you were gone,” Taehyun says, still visibly surprised by the Angel's appearance.

Beomgyu feels immediately safer with Taehyun, his anxiety around the other ravenous Devils dissolving at the sight of a friend.

“You asked me to come last year, so here I am.”

"I ask you to do a lot of things, but you've never said yes to them before."

"You know very well why I don't agree to those things, especially while we're working, Taehyun."

"Can't hate a man for shooting his shot, right?" 

There, Beomgyu takes a long look at Taehyun under the dim light. He looked older, taller and more mature. His facial features are sharper, his now prominent cheekbones enhancing his contrastingly pixie-like face. He wears a white cropped top under a black blazer with a pair of white jeans, his abs peeking out from under his top. He looks stronger, more muscular and well-built. Even his horns have matured, turned an intriguing shade of dark red, like maroon. Beomgyu realises, to his dismay, that he’s even more handsome and alluring than before. The Devil exudes a sense of composure and confidence that he’d never noticed before. It takes Beomgyu’s breath away.

“I’ve missed you,” Taehyun mumbles. Bashfully, he shoves his hands in his pockets.

Beomgyu grabs the other’s arm. “I…missed you too. Funnily enough.” He scratches his neck shyly.

“I really grew on you, huh. Is this a case of Stockholm syndrome?”

Beomgyu laughs, “I guess so.”

“Stockholm syndrome’s not a joke, Beomgyu-hyung, it’s a serious issue,” Taehyun deadpans. His serious facade cracks and they burst into laughter. 

They look at each other for a moment, both of them rendered speechless.

“Fuck…so, how are you doing? How’s the baby?”

“Hyunbinie is doing great! He’s so adorable and he’s being well taken care of. Things are going well for my mom and her boyfriend. I can rest easy now knowing she’s not alone anymore when I’m at work all day and someone else can support her financially.” Beomgyu’s pupils twinkle as he speaks, unadulterated excitement pouring out from his voice.

“That’s so good to hear. I’m glad your mom's okay. And you too.”

Taehyun pauses, then his curiosity gets the better of him.  

“Wait, so, even if you don’t need to be making all the money for your family anymore, you came back here?”

The corners of Beomgyu’s lips are upturned.

“Yeah…I couldn’t leave this place even if I had the choice. I love my job, even though it’s gruelling sometimes. And-”

His eyes meet Taehyun’s. They fixate on him; his gaze is persistent and heated.

“-something makes me want to stay here.”

After 10 minutes worth of pleading, Taehyun manages to convince Beomgyu to dance with him. Beomgyu protests that he feels out of place and dancing would only draw more unwanted attention to him as Taehyun drags him out into the centre of the room.

“Don’t worry, I'll protect you, babe,” Taehyun coos, “I know you can dance. It's my birthday, c'mon, just for a bit, please? You look so cute and sexy in that fit right now, I need to see you dance in it. Please - I'll never ask you again.”

Suddenly, the song changes and a flash of recognition washes over Beomgyu's face. He loves this song.

His earlier worries leaving him, Beomgyu lifts his arms in the air behind his head and body rolls along to the music. He closes his eyes and immerses himself in the song, an easy but sensual expression settling onto his soft features.

Taehyun watches him in awe. "Beomgyu-hyung, were you a stripper in your past life? That's hot."

"hey!"

This moment takes him back to when they were in the club with Soobin and Yeonjun, where Taehyun was lost in Beomgyu’s eyes, his hips, the movement of his body. It was enough to send him into a daze. For the second time, Taehyun falls. 

Worst of all, Beomgyu is well-aware of Taehyun watching him. He's well-aware of the effect he has on the Devil because the eye contact he holds with Taehyun when he thrusts his hips is deliberate. The hairs on Taehyun's arms prick up as a tidal wave of arousal crashes over him. Behind him, his Devil tail wags in excitement. Fuck, he's hot. 

To distract himself from Beomgyu's mating ritual, Taehyun sings to every song on the playlist powerfully, even belting the high notes. Beomgyu is taken aback by the Devil's beautiful, resounding voice. It didn't fit his personality at all. What else was Taehyun going to surprise him with tonight? 

After a few more songs, they retire from dancing to catch their breaths and stand next to the back wall together, talking to each other in hushed whispers. No one else pays any attention to them; they were all lost in the spell cast over the party. Beomgyu’s laugh is ecstatic, pretty and a symphony in his ears. His angel wings flap in the air as he chats animatedly to Taehyun. Their heads are so close to each other now, bumping into each other every now and then, that Taehyun has to fight the urge to pull Beomgyu into his chest and kiss him. He can barely tear his eyes away from Beomgyu’s lips, captivated by how flushed and pink they looked in the dark-tinted lighting of the party. Beomgyu sees this and glances down at Taehyun’s mouth. Taehyun’s breath hitches.  

All that can be heard is their unsteady breathing, their hearts beating in unison. The sound of the party's electronic dance music fades out, the rest of the world no longer important, no longer existing to Taehyun. 

There was no one else in the world but the Angel in front of him.

"I think your voice is really nice, I'd love to hear you sing more often," Beomgyu suddenly reveals. Taehyun looks down, clearly timid about his singing. And receiving compliments about said singing. 

"Thanks, I've been practising...in secret. For a while. Just a little hobby." Despite how nonchalant Taehyun is being, Beomgyu is impressed. 

Taehyun only now just realises that Beomgyu has the most gorgeous side profile he’s ever seen. Outside of his control, his fingers reach out and trace along Beomgyu’s jawline. Beomgyu stares back at him, waiting expectantly with earnest eyes. He bites his lip, blinking slowly. Twice. His long, curled eyelashes brush against his cheek. Even his wings seem to flutter in anticipation.

"Keep looking at me like that and I'll start thinking you're falling in love with me," Taehyun drawls, though there's an unmistakable shakiness in his voice, "and I won't be able to hold myself back."

Beomgyu opts not to say anything, his piercing gaze unchanging. He licks his lips ever so slightly, tempting him. 

Taehyun takes that as a signal and leans forward. He traps Beomgyu between him and the wall with his hand, closes his eyes and presses Beomgyu’s lips to his. He kisses him intensely, trying to explore every part of Beomgyu’s lips with his own. The taste of everything sweet and nice and pure reaches his mouth. Just as he thought, Beomgyu tasted amazing.

To his shock, Beomgyu kisses him back with the same amount of fervour. When he slips his tongue inside his mouth, Taehyun fights back a gasp. It was hot. He was hot. He tastes of guava, lemonade and a tinge of alcohol. The mixture is intoxicating and burns him in the best way possible. Taehyun licks into Beomgyu’s mouth to taste it again, causing the Angel to whimper.

“You're not going to regret this, are you?” Taehyun asks the Angel, hesitance seeping through into his voice. In lieu of a verbal response, Beomgyu kisses him harder. He bites down onto the Devil's bottom lip, pulling onto his top to tug him closer.

Taehyun’s body warms up and he needs to do something with his hands, he needs to feel Beomgyu, any part of him, all of him. He grabs the Angel by the waist and pulls his body closer until they’re flush against each other. Beomgyu’s hands wander down to Taehyun’s chest and stomach and he strokes him lightly, fingers trailing across his abs. He feels Beomgyu’s hands trembling out of nervousness. Yet, the way Beomgyu presses his lips against Taehyun’s with such a level of urgency and desire makes him dizzy. The heat inside Taehyun rises to his chest and face.

Taehyun’s brain short circuits. How does he know how to kiss so well?

He knots his fingers in the Angel's feathered wings, stroking the soft, silky feathers. He places his hand along Beomgyu’s back, sliding it down to cup his ass. He feels the outline of a Devil's tail as he does this. Oh.

When he cops a feel, Beomgyu lets out a small whine in his mouth.

"Taehyun-ah," Beomgyu breathes out in a quiet, strangled moan. Taehyun melts at the sound of his voice. He sounded so vulnerable, so needy for Taehyun's touch. Taehyun feels a protective instinct rise in him but also an urgent sense of possessiveness brewing in his chest - the need for him to claim the Angel as his own. As the only name Beomgyu ever moans. My god, he was so horny now. 

Deciding that he didn’t want to be at his party anymore, Taehyun takes Beomgyu’s hand in his own and drags him out of the breakroom, far away from the thumping music and the drunken scent of the crowd of half-conscious Devils.

Hours later, the Angel and Devil are snuggled with each other in Taehyun’s bed, warm in each other's embrace.

Taehyun gazes affectionately at Beomgyu’s sleeping figure. His halo still glimmers but has dulled in brightness to reflect his sleeping state. He remembers back to the events that transpired prior, the vigorous push-and-pull between them as they undressed each other out of lust and months of pent-up sexual tension, and his face heats up. He remembers how unpredictably needy Beomgyu was in his arms, down on all fours, begging for Taehyun in raspy moans he’d never heard from the Angel before. He grins in the darkness, dragging his heavy-lidded eyes across Beomgyu’s small, naked body, his immaculate, snow-white skin now decorated with blotches of dark purple and red. The marks of a Devil engraved in an Angel. His Angel.

Oh, he could get used to this sight, alright.

Chapter Text

endless fight, devil against angel [preview]

A month later, Beomgyu is scheduled to leave for America the next day. He's been unpacking and repacking his large suitcase for a little over an hour now, being his typical pedantic self. Taehyun's taken the day off work because he wants to spend as much time with Beomgyu before he goes away. 

"A two-year contract...what will I do without you," Taehyun murmurs wistfully while lazing around on the sofa, finding it impossible to imagine a life without the Angel.

Beomgyu mutters, "not the dishes, that's for sure." 

"But if I leave all my dishes in the sink for you to come back to, it'll be the best welcome home present."

Beomgyu peers up from his suitcase, which looks like a bomb exploded in it, and glares at him. Taehyun sticks a tongue out gleefully. 

There's an unspoken tension in the air for the rest of the evening. They didn't want to speak about how much they'll miss each other while Beomgyu was 26282873 kilometres away - that would only make the whole ordeal sadder than it needed to be. They just wanted to spend their last few hours together doing something they enjoyed doing.

For Taehyun, that almost always meant sex. 

Without telling Beomgyu, he's been preparing for this night since he first heard the news of his transfer. 

When Beomgyu leaves the apartment to pick up their takeout from the delivery driver, he sets off to work. 

He kicks the door of their bedroom open and goes straight to a bag he's been hiding in the closet. He scatters some rose petals on the bed and on the floor and lights up several candles around the room, painting the room in a dim, orange glow. He turns on a Korean RnB playlist using his phone that's connected to the Bluetooth speakers on top of his bedside drawer. Beomgyu loved grand gestures like this, he was a sucker for everything cheesy and lovey-dovey. And they say Devils can't be romantic. 

But, he can't do this without his own twist. He pulls open his bedroom drawer and a mischievous grin blooms across his face. Grabbing a pair of handcuffs and a blindfold from the drawer, his recent additions to his sex toy collection, he thinks - they would look perfect on Beomgyu. 

Read the rest of the one shot 'endless fight, devil against angel' here.

Enjoy! <3