Archive of Our Own ^beta

It started small, just a few little tricks here and there. Yoongi wasn’t even really sure what to call it at the time. He was so young, not even ten-years-old yet. He didn’t even mean for it to happen but it did. He did so much research on the topic, trying to figure out what it was or who he was. It all came back as one thing: a myth, a fairytale. Witches aren’t supposed to exist in the natural world and yet, he does. At first, he could only control the earth element; plants, flowers, the ground beneath his feet. Maybe that’s why it’s still his favorite, because it was the first one he really honed in on. Plants are like his little friends. With time, the other elements - water, fire, and air - became almost like second nature to him.

Small things are easy, like forming clouds in the sky or raising a beautiful flower up from the ground. They don’t require much energy or patience. He’s capable of other magic, one’s not entirely related to the elements but they aren’t his specialty. He doesn’t practice them as much as he should, he only knows the basics. Enough to get by. But, larger things, those take time. They take spells, one’s that Yoongi has been practicing for years. If he wanted to, he could probably conjure a natural disaster but that’s never been a thought on his mind. He likes having control over his skills but he never wants to use them against anyone. Besides, showing off can only lead to others finding out.

He’s never met anyone like himself. He’s never even heard of anyone like himself. Not even his own family knows. He cut ties with them a long time ago. Who knows what could happen to him if someone were to find out? What they could do to him? The thought alone is scary enough to keep him quiet. 

Instead, Yoongi is perfectly content with living in his small cottage-like home, practicing his small spells. Plus, working on his small spells - the ones that require a variety of herbs and flowers - gives him the best excuse to go to his favorite shop in town. 

Kim’s Florals.

Yoongi has been visiting for as long as he’s lived here, which is just a handful of years. He moves often, in the event anyone becomes too suspicious of him or what he can do. He’s secretive but there’s always a risk. But, this is the longest he’s been in one place. He can’t put his finger on it but something just keeps pulling him back every time he thinks about leaving.

The bell chimes against the door as Yoongi opens it, stepping into the shop. The overwhelming scent of herbs and flowers overtake his nose. He’s used to it, though. He works with them all day long, trying new spells every day. He’s bought so many in the past that he practically has his own shop at home. But, he still prefers coming here.

Bringing flowers back to life is easy, yet it seems his magic falls short when he needs a certain one for a spell. Herbs have always been a bit more difficult to conjure up so he skips the hassle completely, only buying from the cute boy behind the front desk. It’s true, he could grow his own flowers, but then he’d miss out on all the floral facts the boy has for him each day. And, why would he ever want to miss that?

“You’re back!” A familiar voice greets him.

Yoongi smiles in his direction, “I’m back.”

“What’re you looking for today?”

“Nothing in particular,” he says, already beginning to walk down the small aisle. The shop is small and empty, allowing the two to have an open conversation. The shelves are just shorter than Yoongi, which gives him the perfect view of the boy behind the counter. “Just thought I’d stop in. See if something comes to me.”

He chuckles, “I think you say that every day.”

“Do I?”

“You do.”

“You have a great memory then,” he says softly with a smile. Yoongi’s hands graze over a few different small jars of herbs. He picks up a few, assuming he’ll be able to use them at some point. He doesn’t have a spell in mind but he doesn’t want to leave empty handed. That might upset the boy behind the counter and he doesn’t want that. 

Yoongi likes to admire him. He’s a perfect human being. There isn’t a single flaw about him. He’s what Yoongi wishes he could be. A perfect human being. By all means, he is human - at least, he likes to think so. He just has a few extra talents that most people don’t possess. Actually, that nobody else possesses. Sometimes he feels alone in this world. He’s surrounded by so many people yet there isn’t anyone he can turn to for advice or help. He’s had to figure this all out, from a very young age, all on his own. It’s been scary but it’s also built him into who he is today. He won’t label himself as a strong, powerful witch that could take down cities and end human civilization. But, he can create some pretty beautiful flowers and strong tidal waves. If he tries hard enough, he could do some real damage but that’s just not who he is. 

The witch sets the small jars on the counter, lifting his gaze to meet the boy’s. His eyes spot his name-tag, one that’s been cutely decorated. It reads ‘Seokjinnie’ with a small heart beside it. Yoongi’s known his name for a while but he’s never noticed the tag before. He points at it, “is that new?”

“Hm? Oh,” he looks down at his shirt, lightly tugging at it to get a good look for himself. He smiles. “Yeah, I thought it would be nice to have one.”

“Did you make it?”

“Yeah. It’s nice, right?”

Yoongi smiles, “it’s very nice. Does this allow me the right to call you Seokjinnie, rather than Jin?”

“I suppose if you wanted to, seeing as it is on my name badge and all. But, then you’d have to give me a nickname for you.”

“I’m afraid there’s no cute nicknames for Yoongi.”

“I’ll think of something,” he smiles, reaching for the jars to begin scanning the prices. It makes the witch smile. Jin has always been so kind towards him. Yoongi tries to be kind in return but a hint of flirting does always find its way into his words. He doesn’t want to make the shop owner uncomfortable by any means so the second he catches it, he pulls back. 

Eventually, Yoongi will have to leave town. Eventually, someone will begin to suspect him of something. There’s always little whispers. It doesn’t matter where they start or who started them. All Yoongi knows is he has to avoid them. It’s better that way. He’d rather not end up in some science exhibit, being poked at in the name of ‘research’. 

Yoongi taps the top of one of the small jars, “what can you tell me about this one?”

Jin picks it up, eyeing it carefully. He doesn’t even look at the label. He doesn’t need to. “Olive leaves are a natural healer. Most people use them for immune system support. Are you feeling sick, Yoongi?”

“No, no, not at all,” he chuckles. “Just thought it’d be nice to have.” Yoongi didn’t realize he even picked up olive leaves but he doesn’t particularly mind. They’re great for protection spells, keeping him and his home safe. He’ll use it later on down the road. He taps another jar, “and, this one?”

“Hm, dandelion. That’s an interesting one.”

“Why’s that?”

“It’s good for indigestion. Are you sure you’re not feeling sick?”

Yoongi laughs even more. “No, I promise. Just -”

“Thought it’d be nice to have?” Jin finishes his sentence for him. Yoongi nods. “You say that quite often, you know that?”

“I do?”

He hums, “mhm, you do. Every time I ask what your purchase is for, you always answer one of three ways.”

“Alright, if that’s way number one, what are the other two?”

Seokjin chuckles lightly, running his hand through his hair. He almost looks too nervous to answer. Yoongi hardly remembers any conversation he has with the boy, as his beauty distracts from most everything else in the room. “You either say it’s a necessity or you’re holding onto it for a special moment.”

“I really say that?”

“Frequently.”

“You really do have a great memory.”

“When it comes to my top customers, I like to remember things. It makes conversation and selling easier.”

Yoongi smiles, “am I a top customer?”

“You are.”

“Good.”

Jin nervously chuckles, placing the dandelion into a small brown bag with the other jar. He won’t need the herb for a while but he has a spell in mind for it. It’s something that will take him a while to perfect, seeing as it’s a larger project than others he’s worked on. But, it can wait a while for now. He’ll save it for when the time is right. While he waits for Jin to properly bag his new goodies, he eyes the front counter, staring at it long and hard. It feels like something is missing. 

“Is something wrong?” Jin asks, noticing his furrowed brows.

“Your counter seems a bit bare.”

He laughs lowly, “you’re judging my countertop now?”

“No, no! I just mean, your shop is so decorated with beautiful herbs and flora. But, your counter, where you stand for a long period of time, it’s so empty. You should put something here.”

“Such as?”

“Maybe a flower or two, just something small. It might even boost your spirits while you work.”

“Are my spirits not boosted now?”

Yoongi playfully reaches across the small countertop, hitting the owner’s arm. It’s his momentary flirtiness sneaking in. He has to pull himself back before he oversteps. Flirting with Jin is okay but catching feelings certainly is not. Even if he is the perfect human being wrapped up in a beautiful face and beaming smile. 

He shakes his head, “I think they are but only because I’m here.”

“Right, of course!” he says, teasing Yoongi. 

“You should consider marigolds. They bring positivity and good energy.”

“Since when are you the one with little facts? Isn’t that my job?”

Yoongi loves every fact that he has for him, even if he already knows what he’s going to say. Growing up, Yoongi has had to learn every meaning of every single herb and flower known to man. Both their medicinal and spiritual meanings. One wrong herb can change a spell completely. It can turn a small rain shower into a torrential thunderstorm if he isn’t careful. His brain is its own encyclopedia for this kind of thing. But, Jin just looks so happy to share all that he knows. Why would Yoongi ever deny him that pleasure? Even if he is a witch that knows it all already?

He shrugs with a smile, “just thought I’d try it out for once.”

“I’ll consider the marigolds. I can always use a bit more positive energy around here.”

“Should I come by more often then?”

“If you insist,” he smiles. His voice sounds like he’s only joking but maybe he isn’t. Yoongi’s never had anyone feel something for him. This would be the first (if it is true). He’s not sure how to react to it. 

He slowly begins to pull himself out of the conversation, not allowing his own heart to feel anything more than it should. “I should be getting home. I’ll see you again soon, Seokjinnie.”

“Looking forward to it,” he politely nods, watching the boy exit the shop.

It might’ve been a cloudy day when the witch entered Jin’s shop but it certainly isn’t when he leaves. He makes sure of that. The clouds are cleared in just a few seconds. It takes a little energy out of him, draining him down a bit but then he remembers Jin’s smiling face and all of his energy seems to reappear. 

Connection with another person is one of the strongest bonds a witch can have. It gives them energy, allows them to practice harder spells and concentrate more. Yoongi can feel that tug from Seokjin but it only works when both parties are focused on it. And, that’ll never happen because how can he focus on something - a witch - when he has no idea they even exist?

Every time Yoongi enters Jin’s shop, he’s something different. At least, that’s what Jin thinks. He’s seen the boy so frequently but he rarely has a chance to ask about his day or even about him before the stranger is out the door. But, each time he comes in, he’s a new version of himself. It’s not that he’s putting on a face, pretending to be something that he isn’t, but Jin can see different aspects of his personality taking over each time. One day, he’ll be kind but strictly shopping with no intentions of having small talk. Another day, he’ll visit with no intentions at all, just to simply look around and see what’s new. Those are the days he maintains small talk the most.

One of Jin’s favorite versions of Yoongi, though, is when he’s sweet and subtly flirty. That side of him pokes through a lot. Jin is almost fairly certain that the boy has a crush on him, which he doesn’t particularly mind but he also has no desire to act upon it. Yoongi is cute and adorable at times, but Jin can’t really see any connection between them. He hasn’t necessarily tried to either but alas.

And, yet, Jin waits behind the counter every day hoping that the little plant lover will come into his shop. Yoongi is the only one who listens to his small facts, gazing at him with bright eyes as he talks. He wouldn’t say he also has a crush on Yoongi but he definitely feels… something. It’s his smile that makes him feel the way he does. The boy’s smile is one of the brightest Jin has ever seen so if playing into his game, teasing him back, makes him smile, Jin is happy to oblige.

Before he goes into work the next morning, he stops at another local flower shop. They’re home to far more flowers than Jin’s own store has. He’s friends with the owner, who greets him kindly when he enters. He knows exactly what he’s looking for so he doesn’t bother asking where to go. He searches the designated area high and low until he finally spots the flower he’s looking for.

Marigolds.

He picks himself out a bundle, carefully analyzing those that he picks. He wants to make sure they’re in perfect condition for any eyes that may fall upon them while they sit in his store. He pictures the smile that Yoongi will have on his face when he sees them. His adorable gummy smile that Jin loves so much. (But, he sincerely doesn’t have a crush on him). 

He carries them up to the counter, paying for them with a bright smile. “Marigolds, huh? Any reason why?” the shop owner asks.

“I was told to decorate my front counter. Thought these would be a nice addition.”

“They will be.”

“I was also told they bring good energy, positivity. Is that right?”

He nods his head, “that’s right. They’re meant to restore energy and happiness in whatever place they are in. There’s also a rich history with them.”

“Oh? What is that?”

“Well, not that I believe in any of it, but it’s said that they were used in witchcraft for various reasons.”

Jin chuckles. His friend is starting to sound mad. “Witchcraft?”

“Mhm. Witches would use them for connecting to spirits, magic that involved resurrection, and most commonly, protection spells. A lot of flowers and plants were involved in witchcraft. Or, so they say. I don’t exactly believe any of that nonsense.”

“Right,” he nervously laughs.

“Do you?”

“Oh, no, no. Not at all. I just think that’s interesting. It’s only a flower, what can it really do? I mean, it’s not like it’s going to protect me if something bad happens.”

“That’s my thought exactly,” he chuckles, handing the bundle over to Jin. “It’s all just silly stories. I doubt witches really existed. Well, those capable of actual magic.”

Jin nods with a smile. “Right. Well, I should be going. I’ll see you later.”

By the time he reaches his own shop, he’s almost ten minutes past opening time. Thankfully, there are no customers waiting outside. He has a handful of loyal shoppers, one’s that come by almost every day for something new. Yoongi is one of those people. Jin hurries inside and the first thing he does is place his new flowers in a vase, setting them carefully on his counter. He positions them perfectly, displaying each flower so that their colors can be seen. Jin can’t wait to see Yoongi’s face when he comes in. 

He wonders if he’ll be excited about the flowers. After all, Jin did pick them out because Yoongi suggested he do so. He picked each one out, thinking of how the boy would admire them. He wanted each flower to be as beautiful as the last, just for Yoongi to look at. If Jin wasn’t a bit of a coward, he might actually admit that these flowers are more for Yoongi than for him or the shop. 

He sits behind the counter all day long, waiting for the boy to come in. The door chimes every so often, signaling a new customer. Each time Jin pops his head up from the counter or behind a shelf, it’s never Yoongi. It wears on Jin’s spirit, not seeing the cheerful boy, but he maintains his smile for other customers. 

One customer comes in and buys an abundance of dried herbs and florals. It costs them a pretty penny but they don’t seem to mind. Normally, this particular customer doesn’t buy too many things, only a few that he’s made Jin aware he uses for teas and such. Typically, Jin doesn’t like to ask what purchases are for unless the customer states it themselves. He only asks Yoongi because he likes to tease him, knowing the boy will tease back. But, with this particular person purchasing so many things, Jin’s become much more interested.

“I’m sorry but what are all of these for?”

The boy chuckles, “ah, a friend of mine is celebrating and rather than throwing confetti, they wanted to throw something a bit more natural and sustainable. I suggested your shop and they loved the idea.”

“Oh, wow. Can I ask what they’re celebrating?”

“An anniversary.”

“Marriage? Dating? Friendship? Life Event?” Jin throws out every idea he can.

He chuckles, “marriage. I believe it’ll be ten years. I’ve barely kept my own marriage alive for two. So, I’m quite impressed by them.”

“Yeah,” he answers softly, “I am as well.”

Again, he never asks questions unless the customer brings it up themselves. But, that hardly ever stops the customers from diving into his personal life. He’s too kind to tell them not to do so but it’s never anything too cruel that he can’t answer. Usually just things he’s embarrassed to admit. 

“Are you married, Seokjin-ssi?” he asks.

He coughs to cover his nervous laughter. His hand rubs at his nape, his eyes lowering to the counter. “Ah, um, no, I’m not.”

“Why not? Haven’t found the one?”

“I suppose you could say that’s why.”

“Well, I’m sure they’ll come along. My partner stumbled into my life at the most unexpected time. I wasn’t even sure if I’d like them or not but then one day, everything clicked. Maybe I just finally stopped running from their flirty comments but who knows for sure?” he chuckles.

“They flirted with you a lot, huh?”

His eyes go wide and he nods his head affirmingly. “Oh, yes. A lot. I brushed it off at first, of course, but then I finally let it happen and the next thing I knew, we were married.”

“Huh.”

“Life works in wondrous ways if you allow it to.”

“Right,” he forces a smile. His words are starting to sound all too familiar and Jin isn’t entirely sure he likes that. He’d rather shove things aside. “Well, I hope you all enjoy the celebration.”

The customer smiles, “have a good day, Seokjin-ssi.”

His words stay with Jin all day long. Even when he’s in the middle of conversation with another customer, he’s still thinking about what the guy told him. Is that what’s happening with Yoongi? Jin is so sure that the boy has a crush on him. That or he’s just extremely kind and flirty with everyone. But, even so, Jin doesn’t think he has any feelings for Yoongi. He likes seeing him and talking with him. He manages to make him laugh on the rough days and even make bright days brighter. 

Jin enjoys Yoongi’s company. He likes to see his smiling face when he decides to visit the store. He bought flowers for his countertop, just so Yoongi would comment on them and maybe smile some. He stumbled into Jin’s life unexpectedly. He moved into town not too long ago and besides the fact that he lives just on the edge of town, Jin knows nothing about him. He rarely talks about himself, leading a very private life. Come to think of it, Jin doesn’t even think he’s seen Yoongi anywhere else in town besides his shop. It’s as if he leaves home, buys a few things from Jin, then returns home without a word. The shop owner can’t help but wonder what secrets he must have or what he’s like behind closed doors. What’s his family like? What’s his favorite food? What’s his favorite season? What does he even do for fun?

Spoiler alert: Magic. He does magic for fun.

Oh, and he really enjoys Spring. It’s when the most beautiful flowers bloom and the earth is warm.

Jin waits and he waits. All day long, he doesn’t see Yoongi even once. Granted, the boy came into the shop yesterday but sometimes he comes two days in a row. Actually, he does so quite frequently, which is why this is such a strange occurrence. Perhaps he didn’t need anything from the store but then again, that’s never really stopped him before. He certainly didn’t need those olive leaves or dandelion but he bought them anyway. 

Sometimes, Jin swears he comes into the store just to see him. Even if he has no intentions of buying a single thing, he’ll still stop by just to say hi. Yoongi is kind like that. It also is one of the handful of reasons he’s sure the boy has a crush on him. It’s like a playful school crush. 

At the end of the day, Jin packs up his things, glancing at the flowers on his front counter. He fluffs them up, making sure they’re displayed as perfectly as possible. He smiles fondly. “Maybe you’ll meet him tomorrow,” he says softly, admiring the marigolds. “I think you’d like him.”

And, despite Jin’s hope for the flowers (and for himself), Yoongi doesn’t show up the next day. Nor does he come the day after or even the day after that. He’s been missing from Jin’s life for an entire week. It’s quite unlike him. Seokjin is sure that he’s seen Yoongi almost every day or even every other day since he moved here. Not seeing him just feels strange. It’s not a feeling Jin likes at all.

His days feel a bit duller without the boy’s shining face in them. Even his flowers are beginning to droop. They can tell that the one person who was meant to lay eyes upon them has yet to do so. Each day, Seokjin gives them the same gentle reminder. “Maybe tomorrow. Tomorrow he’ll be here.”

His friend who owns the flower shop across town once told him that speaking to his plants gives them life. He believed that for a while but Jin has spoken to these flowers every day. He didn’t even know that marigolds could fade so quickly. In a day or so, he’ll have to retire them. Even with the flower food he’s been placing in the vase and consistent sunlight, nothing seems to be working. Their spirits are just as low as Jin’s.

Only one thing could boost the morale in Kim’s Florals.

And, then, the door bell chimes and Jin looks up to see those familiar bright eyes and charming smile. 

Jin can’t stop his own smile from forming the minute he locks eyes with Yoongi. His presence is enough to make the shop owner happy. Not because he likes him, but he’s just a bright and cheerful person. He always makes Jin’s day and after a week of not seeing him, he was beginning to worry. For a moment, he was so sure that Yoongi wouldn’t return. Their eye contact breaks, only because the witch begins perusing the aisles, searching for exactly what he needs.

Today, he’s come in with a purpose and Jin can tell. He’s quieter than usual. When he doesn’t say much, he’s here to purchase and leave. Jin fears his only time to speak to him will be when he’s checking out his order. 

Yoongi glances at him over the shelves, smiling every time they make eye contact. He’ll lower his gaze, bending down so that he’s hidden behind a shelf. Jin can’t help but look at the flowers on his counter. They’re not nearly as full of life as they were when he first brought them in. Some of the petals are withering away, falling onto the counter itself. He’s been trying to take such good care of them but they continue to reject the care.

He does manage to whisper to the marigolds, “he’s here.”

He must not have whispered quietly enough, for Yoongi hears his ramblings, poking over one of the shelves. “Did you say something?”

“Hm?” Jin hopes he didn’t hear his words. “Oh, um, no. Nothing.”

The witch merely nods his head, continuing to search through the store. He doesn’t say anything more. He doesn’t ask Jin for help or even ask how he’s been. He’s quiet on occasion but rarely is he this quiet. Jin wants to spark up a conversation with him, ask him what he’s looking for or even where he’s been but he can’t bring himself to do so.

Yoongi makes him nervous. Every time he sees him, little butterflies form in his stomach and he can’t seem to set them free. It’s like he has this power over him. There’s something about him that’s so inviting. It makes Jin crave his presence. 

Witches are like this. They have this aura that surrounds them, luring others closer. It’s meant to be used as a weapon. Witches who are crueler than Yoongi, ones who only practice dark magic, they use it to attract prey. Whatever that may look like for them. It took Yoongi a while to figure it all out, why people in the towns he’s lived in were so drawn to him. It’s why he keeps his distance now. The closer they get, the more they can find out. And, people finding out is the last thing he wants.

Jin is the only one he allows to be close. And, he’s not even truly that close. Yoongi just likes his company. He likes to be around him. It makes him feel human for a moment. 

Being away for a week hasn’t been easy. There were things he needed to do, though. He needed the time and distance to work. He’s been so wrapped up in his spells, practicing them over and over again, that he almost forgot to visit Seokjin. He didn’t like that. He doesn’t want to forget Jin. Even when he inevitably leaves this town. He never wants to forget him. 

Just as Jin suspects, he’s here for a purpose. He needs certain ingredients for something he’s been working on. It’s nothing special, nor is it even a big spell. He just can’t seem to get it right no matter how hard he tries. But, his repeated efforts have led to him running out of ingredients. Kim Florals is the best place to restock. 

But, as much as he’s here for the herbs and flowers, he’s also here for Jin. Because, god, he missed that handsome face. It’s been in his dreams every single night. There’s no way he’ll ever be able to forget it.

At last, he approaches the counter, hands full of both small and large jars. He nearly drops one or two but Jin catches them, smiling up at the witch. “Careful. Don’t want to break anything. Might get hurt.”

Jin’s voice is so soft and kind. Yoongi chuckles at the idea of being hurt. He hasn’t been hurt in years. He has his personal protection spells to thank for that. What harms a human, could never harm him. Well, in the physical sense. Emotionally? Spiritually? Yeah, he’s been hurt numerous times. Leaving a town, especially one he’s grown to love, always hurts. Leaving here will hurt. Leaving Jin will hurt.

“I’m alright,” he says softly. 

“This is quite an array of florals. Any particular reason for them?”

Magic, he thinks to himself with a smile.

He shakes his head, “no reason.”

“Just thought they’d be nice to have?” Jin questions, throwing out one of the boy’s usual responses.

“I’m leaning more toward holding onto for a special moment.”

The owner playfully scoffs. He had a one in three chance at getting that right. “Shall I tell you some facts about these?”

The witch gazes at him with the most beautiful smile and brightest eyes that Jin has ever seen. He’s a true vision, absolutely captivating. Yoongi knows when to turn on his charm. He does so every time he’s in the shop. “I’d be a bit upset if you didn’t, Seokjinnie. You don’t want to upset me, right?”

“I’d like for you to always be happy, Yoonie.”

His eyes widen, “Yoonie?”

“Do you not like it?” There’s a hint of worry in his voice and on his face.

“No, it’s not that. I’m just a bit surprised.”

“You call me ‘Seokjinnie’ so it’s only fair that you have a cute nickname, too. Right?”

Yoongi smiles, “it is, yes. I like ‘Yoonie’. I don’t think I’ve ever had a nickname before.”

“Really?” The witch nods. “Well, now you do. As long as you’d like for me to use it, I will.”

He doesn’t realize he’s leaning far over the front counter. He’s been so distracted by Jin that his body has acted naturally, gravitating towards the salesman. The latter doesn’t seem to mind, though. It must be the witches aura drawing him in. Yoongi has to take a step back before he allows Jin to become too close. He clears his throat, standing upright, which distances himself by a large margin. 

“So, um,” he stutters, “those facts?”

“Right,” he nods, picking up a jar and glancing at it. “Meadowsweet. I believe this one is also used medicinally. Mainly for small headaches.” He picks up another jar, one of the smaller ones. “Passion Flower is great for insomnia. I know a few people who’ve used it in tea before they go to sleep. It’s also a great remedy for anxiety or stress.”

“Hm. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Yoongi knows their basic uses but listening to Seokjin speak is so calming. It doesn’t matter how much he knows, he’ll always want to hear about it from the shop owner.

The facts he keeps buried in his mind are a bit more expansive than Jin’s. A bit more… witchy. Meadowsweet, he’ll use that for one of his every day spells. It’s good for maintaining balance, something that all witches need to keep. Without it, everything can go wrong. Passion Flower, well, Jin is right about that one. With how much work he’s been doing, he can hardly sleep at night. A few pinches of Passion Flower should do the trick.

The last jar Jin picks up, one of the largest, is filled with Spearmint Leaves. This is one that Yoongi desperately needs. He wasn’t even sure Jin would have it in the store. The witch is sure that he’ll begin reading off a list of medicinal uses, telling him how great it is for his immune system and his mind. Yoongi already knows all of that. He needs it for something much larger than simple health care. 

“This is quite a large jar,” Jin says, lifting it in front of the boy.

“It’s a necessity.”

“Ah, I was waiting for that response to show back up.” Yoongi presses his lips into a thin line, unsure what to say next. “Any chance you’ll ever tell me what those necessities are?”

He softly smiles, “it’s better you don’t know, Seokjinnie.”

“That sounds a bit worrisome.”

“It’s not. But, trust me, it’s better kept secret.”

Spearmint Leaves. They’re great for augmentation, specifically power augmentation. Yoongi can’t keep doing the same spell over and over again with the power level he’s sitting at. He needs to enhance it, make it greater than it is, which is why it’s crucial that he buys as much of this herb as he can. It won’t be an easy spell. It’ll take a lot out of him. Increasing one’s own power always comes with a cost, which is the exact reason witches prefer to do it the natural way, by practicing and honing in on their skills. Yoongi doesn’t want to wait. He doesn’t have time to wait. He knows the risks of his decision but he’s willing to sacrifice if it means getting what he wants. 

If all goes well, he’ll be able to leave. He can be on his own for once and not have to rely on anyone else. Not even a small shop and it’s owner. 

It’s been silent for a few minutes as Jin bags each item carefully, ensuring the glass jars don’t break. He finally says under his breath, “you’ve been gone.”

Yoongi just barely catches it. It makes him happy, knowing the owner noticed his disappearance but also a bit sad. Did he miss him? Did the witch not coming into town make him upset? “I was busy.”

“You always come in.”

“I was busy,” he repeats.

“Too busy to come in?”

Jin knows (well, has a hunch) about Yoongi’s feelings for him. What he’s slowly beginning to realize, though, is his own for the boy. They’re stronger than he originally thought.

It sounds like he missed him. “I don’t know what you want me to say,” Yoongi answers softly. “I was just busy.”

“Doing what?”

Witch things.

“Does it really matter?”

“Humor me,” he says quickly.

“Since when do you dive into your customer’s personal lives like this? I thought you just sell herbs and flowers and that’s it?”

Jin sighs, “I don’t like considering you just a customer.”

“I come into your shop, buy a few things, then leave. Jin-ssi, by definition, I am a customer.”

Right. Yeah. Of course. No, he’s right. What is Jin thinking? A few days without Yoongi coming around and this is what he turns into? He started talking to flowers because he missed the guy so much. Which, speaking of, the flowers look more dead than they did when Yoongi first walked in. They can probably feel the negative energy lingering from their conversation. 

Jin isn’t supposed to like Yoongi. He can like Jin all he wants because he’s a customer and he can do as he pleases. Jin should be more respectful of those that come into his shop. Yeah. Yoongi is just a customer.

“If that’s how you see yourself, then yes. Sure. You’re a customer.”

Yoongi’s heart continues to sink lower and lower. He was so excited to see Jin today. He’s missed his pretty face and the way he smiles every time he looks at him. He missed his small facts and how happy he gets to share them. He mindlessly responds, “do you want me to be more than that?”

“Not if you don’t,” he answers, almost too quickly.

Oh.

He doesn’t like the direction of this conversation. He can feel how thick the air is and it’s starting to become overwhelming. He can even sense Jin’s emotions. He can sense how confused he is, how lost he feels. Not only is Yoongi having to take on his own emotions, but the shop owners as well. Stupid fucking witch senses.

Yoongi lifts a hand towards the flowers, admiring them despite how lifeless they’ve become. “Marigolds.”

“You said they’d bring positivity. I think you lied.”

“When they aren’t dying they do,” he mumbles, reaching out and gently holding each petal in his hand. He can feel the life draining from them. He wants to help them so badly.

Jin sighs from across the counter, “I tried to keep them alive. It seems no matter what I did, they wanted to wither.”

“They can tell when they aren’t wanted.”

“You speak to flowers now, too?” He lightly chuckles, teasing Yoongi. The witch has to force a smile. 

“Let’s just say, I understand them.” He pauses, analyzing them further. If Jin wasn’t watching his every move, he’d breathe life back into them. If flowers could speak, they would be screaming for help. He doesn’t mean to vocalize his thoughts but it naturally comes out, “they can’t protect you if they’re dead.”

Jin catches his words, his head tilting to the side. “Protect me?”

“Hm?” Yoongi has no idea what he’s said.

“You said they can’t protect me if they’re dead.”

“Oh. Um, I just mean, what good is their positivity if they’re dead?”

It’s not that he’s suspicious of anything but he can’t help but think back to his conversation with his friend. What did he say again? Witches most commonly used them for protection spells? Something along those lines. Yoongi is the furthest thing from a witch in Jin’s eyes. His only guess is that the boy must also know the stories. Or, maybe his wording was off and he has no idea about the stories. Either way, it leaves Jin wondering.

“Right,” he says.

With a hand still on the flowers, Yoongi looks up at Jin. “You wouldn’t happen to have any more Spearmint Leaves in the back storage, would you? This was your last jar and I could really use some more.”

“Oh, um, I’m not sure. Let me go look, wait here.”

He nods, watching Seokjin disappear behind an ‘Employee’s Only’ door. When he’s sure that he’s alone, he places all of his focus on the marigolds. He admires them, cares for them. Breathing life into plants isn’t hard. It actually brings Yoongi more life, too. He always feels energized afterward, knowing he’s saved a life. He watches as the flowers begin to stand upright, their colors bright as ever. He can feel how happy they are. If flowers could speak, they would be cheering.

The witch whispers a small incantation over them, the tiniest of protection spells. It’s the least he can do for Seokjin. He knows the owner will have questions about their sudden resurrection and he doesn’t want to stick around to find out what they are. He leaves quietly, sneaking away before Jin can see him. The quiet chimes of the door bell are the only sign he’s left. 

The employee door cracks open, Jin’s voice sounding, “okay, I found a smaller jar but -” he pauses, seeing Yoongi is nowhere in sight. “Yoonie?”

The witch has abandoned the store and without fail, the marigolds capture Jin’s eye. They’re bright and beautiful, full of life. His brows furrow as he glances back and forth between the flowers and the door. Yoongi couldn’t have done that. It’s not possible.

━━━━━━

Purposely, Yoongi has been avoiding Jin’s shop for three weeks now. After the stunt he pulled, he can’t go back in there. He needs to give it time. Eventually, the flowers will lose their magic, naturally dying out on their own. Jin will forget that they came back to life in the blink of an eye, if he even noticed in the first place. There’s no way he didn’t, though. They were on the edge of death then suddenly they were filled with life. It was a risk but one Yoongi wanted to take. For Jin, he’s happy to take risks. 

In the time he’s been gone, he’s been frantically working on his spells. Specifically, his augmentation spell. It takes so much out of him, he feels drained every time. He can’t get it right but he has to. It’s the only way he can truly live the life he wants, without help from anyone else. He knows the sacrifices that will come with it but none of that matters. He can always reclaim things that he’s lost, whatever the universe takes from him. With big spells, it’s always a mystery what the sacrifice will be. He’s scared but he’s accepted it.

The witch lives at the end of a long road in the more rural side of town. He chose this place specifically so nobody would come and find him. He can practice his spells in peace without wandering eyes or listening ears. He doesn’t mind being called the town loner. It’s better than being the town witch, a spectacle. Plus, this might be the coziest home he’s had yet. It’s the perfect cottage-style home, exactly what he’d picture for himself. It’s where he’d love to spend forever if he could. This home plus Jin are the two reasons he’s stayed in town for so long. He’ll miss them both when he goes. Jin a bit more, though.

Because he’s so secluded, he doesn’t expect visitors. Nor, does he ever intend on inviting anyone himself. This is his safe place. Which is exactly why he feels his heart stop the moment he hears a car pulling down his drive. He’s outside, working on a few basic gardening spells. He scrambles to hide his things, shoving them to the side so that they’re covered by plants and shrubbery. 

His heart picks up speed again the moment he sees Jin step out of the car. He stands frozen, as does the salesman. This wasn’t how he wanted to see him again. He can’t be here. He shouldn’t be here.

Seokjin walks slow, slower than he ever has. Yoongi meets him a third of the way, unintentionally creating distance between Jin and his home. His mouth feels dry, his breathing staggered. “Hi,” he says softly.

“Hi,” Jin returns. 

“What’re you doing here? How did you… how did you know where I live?”

“We’re a small town, Yoongi. People talk.”

People talk? About him? Do they know? Does Jin?

He keeps his voice quiet. “Oh. Um, what’re you doing here then?”

“I needed to see you.”

“Well, you see me.”

“You’ve been gone.”

Jin has spent weeks wondering where his best and favorite customer has gone. He’d practically convinced himself that Yoongi wasn’t coming back. He actually thought he left. He didn’t want him to leave. He doesn’t want him to leave. He wants him to stay. But, god, he wants answers. He’s been left confused for three weeks, almost four at this point. Yoongi left in such a rush, after… that. Jin feels like he’s going insane with the thoughts and theories he’s having. 

Recollecting every moment one has spent with someone for years isn’t easy but that’s all Jin’s been doing for weeks now. Every single moment that Yoongi has come into his store, every single thing he’s bought, every reason he’s given for buying said item. Jin’s been thinking back on all of it. He feels like Bella in Twilight, discovering what Edward truly is. He knows exactly how she must’ve felt. The research is one thing but he almost feels like he’s crazy. It’s not physically possible. It’s not humanly possible. No amount of research will ever feel like enough. He has to hear it from Yoongi himself. If Yoongi is a witch, he has to hear it from him for it to be real.

“I needed time,” Yoongi answers simply. 

“And, did you get that?”

He shakes his head, “no. Not enough.”

“How much time do you need? What are you doing that’s so important that you can’t come visit me?”

Oh. Visit him. Yoongi's heart aches. “I think it’s better left unsaid, Seokjinnie.”

The shop owner huffs, rubbing the side of his own arm, creating heat friction. His nerves are overflowing inside of him, about to burst any moment. He wants to come right out and say it but he can’t. “You know, every time I ask you that, you say the same thing.”

“Wasn’t it you who said I have like four responses to everything?”

“Three.” He pauses, “I wish you’d offer a fourth sometimes. Do you not trust me? Is that it?” Jin doesn’t even really know if he should be asking such a thing. If Yoongi is what Jin thinks he is, the salesman doesn’t know how he’ll react. He doesn’t know how he’ll process the information. Speculation is one thing. Knowledge is another. 

“I don’t have any other answers to give you.”

“I think that’s a lie.”

Yoongi can feel it in his bones. Jin knows something. It’s the way he looks at him. It’s different than before. He’s taking countless risks in the time he’s been here but none as big as breathing life into the flowers. Jin isn’t an idiot. He’s put two and two together and Yoongi can see it. He doesn’t look at him the same way anymore. That, dare Yoongi say it, look of love is gone. In its place is confusion and the slightest hint of fear.

“I can’t give you any answers, Jin. Not one that you will like.”

“Then, give me one I won’t like. I don’t care. Just give me something, Yoongi.” His voice is so desperate. Even in moments like these, his eyes still seem to shine and his beauty remains intact. 

The witch sighs, “why don’t you give me one?”

“That’s not why I’m here -”

“What do you know?”

“What?”

“What do you know, Jin?”

Yoongi is already thinking of where he’ll go to next. What new city will he land in? What new country, perhaps? Where will he end up after this? Because, what the shop owner says next is going to change everything. His entire life, one that he has grown so fond of, is about to change.

He takes a deep breath, “how? How did you do that, Yoongi? You have to tell me how because I feel like I’m going insane over here and I don’t know what to think.”

Yoongi promised himself he’d never let anyone inside his home. It’s his safe place. It’s his sacred place. It’s the one place he can freely practice magic. But, he’s about to break that rule; just for Seokjin. He motions his head towards his home, “come on. I think we should talk inside.”

“Can I trust you?” 

Jin’s comment is almost laughable. He’s not the one with a secret so huge that it could make or break his entire life.

“Can I trust you ?” He returns the question back to him.

He nods slowly, cautiously. He follows the witch into his home and his eyes widen as he steps inside. It’s filled with a variety of plants, flowers, old books, and anything that could even be considered an antique. It all has a meaning and a purpose to Yoongi. Older objects tend to carry a bit of magic with them. That’s something he’s had to learn over the years so collecting antiques just made sense. He’ll pull from them when he needs to and when he doesn’t, they make lovely decorative pieces. Other than that, Yoongi’s small cottage-like home seems normal. If Jin didn’t suspect what he does, he’d merely think Yoongi was just a big gardener with a knack for collecting old things.

“Do you want something to drink?”

“You have so many herbs,” he says instead, eyes still looking around.

Yoongi nervously chuckles. “It’s a hobby of mine.”

Hobby? More like it’s a damn lifestyle. 

“Yeah. I see that.” He turns to face the boy, “why do you come to my shop then? If you have all of this?”

“Short answer or long answer?” 

Finally, Jin smiles. That look flashes in his eyes momentarily. Yoongi likes that look. “Short for now.”

“You’re there.”

“Oh.”

“You don’t want the long answer?”

“It’s okay. I’m okay with the short answer.”

Yoongi smiles, his heart feeling warm. He fills up a cup with water before guiding the pair to his dining table. It’s small but quaint. Kind of like everything else about Yoongi. The cup sits between them, Jin not reaching for it. That’s good. That’s not what he brought it over for. It’s for a much bigger purpose.

It’s silent for a few seconds before Seokjin speaks up, asking the same question he did before. “You have to give me some answers. Please?”

“I think you have all the answers you need, Jinnie.”

Jinnie, the namesake thinks. That’s a new one. He likes it. 

“I need to hear it from you. Please. I feel like I’m going insane and you’re not helping by not answering.”

Yoongi takes a deep breath. He eyes the cup on the table, his fingers just barely pushing it around. He watches the water move inside it. He can feel it. This is the worst idea he’s possibly ever had but maybe it’s time. Maybe someone deserves to know. Maybe Jin won’t betray his trust. Maybe things can work out as he wants them to.

Yeah, maybe.

He pulls the glass towards him, staring at the water even further. Jin doesn’t say anything, he just watches his moves carefully. Yoongi looks up, locking eyes with him. “Give me your hand.”

“Why?”

He holds his own out, “just give me it, please?”

Seokjin does as asked, placing his hand palm side up in Yoongi’s. The witch reaches into the cup, wetting his fingertips. He allows a few drops of water to drip onto Jin’s hand. The shop owner sits confused, unsure what’s going to happen next.

Once he’s satisfied with the amount of water, which only dampens the boy’s skin, Yoongi places all of his focus onto his hand. He keeps a hold of it, pulling energy from Seokjin. He uses the physical connection to do so. It’s not enough to cause any damage so Jin will never even know he did such a thing. The water slowly begins to evaporate but it doesn’t disappear. A few moments later, a small puff appears above Jin’s hand. It can only be described as a mini cloud. 

Yoongi looks up at Jin, gauging his reaction. He looks stunned but he doesn’t take his eyes off it. And, then, the witch makes water fall from the small puff, creating his own mini rain cloud. If Jin wasn’t losing his mind before he came here, he most certainly is now. Yoongi guides his hand over the cup, swiftly turning his hand to the side so that the water can fall back into the glass. The second he loses concentration, focusing only on Seokjin, the cloud disappears and the rain stops. 

Yoongi releases his hand, which he immediately pulls back to himself. Jin can’t look at him. His heart is racing inside his chest and he’s trying to process what just happened. The witch is getting desperate, “say something. Please.”

“You… you really are… are a -”

“A witch,” he finishes the sentence for him. “Yeah.”

“How?” He makes direct eye contact. The look of fear and confusion still lingers in his eyes. The look of love has completely vanished. Yoongi has a feeling it’s never going to come back. “How is this possible?”

“If I knew, I’d tell you. But, I don’t. That’s not an answer I can give you, Jin.”

He breathes out, “witches… witches are just a myth. They don’t exist. Magic isn’t real.”

“Magic brought your flowers back to life, didn’t they?”

“That was you.” It’s more of a confirmation than anything else. He’s confirming what he already thought to be true.

The witch nods. “They also have a protection spell on them so try to take care of them this time, yeah?”

Protection spell. So, his friend wasn’t talking nonsense. He was right. Jin’s brain feels like it’s going to explode any moment. This is all too much. This is all too overwhelming.

“Is it just you?”

“That I know of, yeah.”

“And, you make small clouds appear and bring flowers back to life,” he murmurs.

Yoongi can’t help but laugh. He can see this is a lot for Seokjin but he’s in too deep to stop now. His lips are physically incapable of silencing now. In addition to that, he cares about Jin too damn much. He wants to tell him everything, even if it costs him Jin himself. “Technically, I can create hurricanes and wildfires if I focus hard enough. I’ve perfected my craft over the years. I’m really bad at making my own flowers, though. You’d think for someone who’s so connected to the earth that I could create my own damn flowers but I can’t do it. I don’t have the power for it.”

“You… you can create natural disasters but you can’t make a flower grow from the ground?”

“You say that like it’s easy. Flowers are hard. They require patience. Power. Strength. I don’t have that but I will soon. And, then, I can go. I can be completely on my own. I won’t need anyone’s help.”

“My help?” Jin questions. “Is that why you come to the store? Because I have things you can’t make yourself?”

He nods. “A few. Simple herbs I can do. Anything related to the earth I can usually manage but creating flowers from nothing, especially the ones I need for spells, my strength isn’t there.”

“But, it will be?”

He’s taking this all so surprisingly well. That’s what’s scaring Yoongi the most. 

“Yeah. I have a spell to make my magic bigger, greater. It’ll give me what I need. Once I do that, I can leave.”

“Leave? As in, leave here?” Yoongi nods. “You’re leaving?”

He sounds… sad. Disappointed. 

“I was always going to.”

“Would you have said goodbye?”

“No,” he answers honestly. He can see the flash of hurt in Jin’s eyes. “It’s easier that way.”

He slowly nods his head, mouth dry and tasting of cotton. “Okay.” He hesitates. “When are you doing that? Making it bigger and greater?” 

“Soon.”

“How soon?”

“I’ve been working on it, it just takes time.”

“How soon, Yoongi?”

“My biggest attempt was going to be tonight. All of the energy I have, I was going to use it. It’ll either work or it won’t.”

Jin sits stunned. Yoongi doesn’t like how well he seems to be taking this, even despite the look of hurt in his eyes. All the witch wants is for that look to come back. God, all he wants is for Jin to look at him like he loves him again. It’s the only thing he wants.

“What happens if it doesn’t?”

He shrugs, his lips slightly curved down in a frown. “It’ll drain me. I don’t know what I’ll be left with. Probably only a bit of magic. It’ll be like I’m starting over again. From experience, it’s best to start somewhere new, a new place.”

“And, if it does work?”

“Then, I’ll have what I need. I’ll leave.”

“You’d leave me?”

There’s that ‘me’ again.

Yoongi doesn’t answer. He can’t bring himself to. He knew leaving Jin was going to hurt. He just didn’t imagine it’d be this much. Even if the spell doesn’t work, he might as well leave town anyway. Jin knowing is dangerous. He was always going to leave. That was always the plan. Jin was never a part of the plan. 

His silence gives Seokjin all the answers he needs. He stands up, nodding his head. “Well, I hope whatever it is, it works out for you. You’ve always been kind to me and a loyal customer so I’ll keep your secret, as I’m sure you don’t want people to know. It’ll always be safe with me, I promise.” 

The witch stands, mouth open but no words coming out. Only a few sputtering noises from his throat. He can’t form any words right now. 

Jin doesn’t say anything more, he only walks towards the front door, exiting the home. Yoongi’s feet won’t move. They’re frozen in place. It takes everything in him to make himself chase after the boy. Seokjin is already by his car by the time the witch gets out the front door.

“Jinnie!” he calls out. He doesn’t know what he wants the shop owner to do. He doesn’t have any requests for him. All he wants is him. 

He turns back slowly. “Good luck with everything, Yoongi. I hope you get everything you want.”

As he watches him pull out of the driveway, completely out of sight, that’s when it hits him. And, he completely breaks down. 

Jin is the sacrifice he must make if he does the spell. If he wants the power he’s always dreamed of, he can’t also have Jin.

━━━━━━

It’s been two months. Yoongi hasn’t come back to the store. Jin hasn’t seen him once around town, nor has anyone else that he’s briefly mentioned the witch’s name to. He really left. He left and he didn’t say goodbye. Yoongi told him he never planned on saying goodbye but still. He didn’t. He did what he needed to do and he left. He left and he took Jin’s heart with him. The salesman regrets ever going to see him. Maybe if he didn’t, maybe if he didn’t ask about his suspicions, maybe Yoongi would’ve stayed. But, he had a set plan. He knew what he wanted to do and he did it. His spell, gaining more magic, it was more important than Jin. His magic was always more important. And, Jin can’t blame him for that. If he could do magic, maybe he’d understand but truthfully, he can’t. He can’t understand how someone like him, someone who has grown so close to him, could just walk away without saying goodbye. 

At first, Jin was so certain he’d see him again. When he left, when he told Yoongi he hopes he gets everything he wants, he thought the witch would chase after him. He thought that maybe, just maybe, what he wanted was Jin. Turns out he was wrong. It was always about power. Yoongi isn’t a cruel witch. Jin has to believe that. He has to believe that whatever power he gave himself, he’ll do something good with it. Maybe he’ll change the world with it. God, Yoongi’s smile alone could change the world. It sure as hell changed Seokjin’s.

He really thought he’d come back. Even a wave through the window would have sufficed. One last look at him that isn’t through the rear view mirror of a car. Jin should’ve stayed. It was so clear he didn’t want him to go but he couldn’t stay. Yoongi told him what he was going to do. He told him he was going to leave and despite how remorseful he seemed, he was still going to do it. Nothing could change Yoongi leaving. 

Seokjin thought about going to his home, seeing if he was still around in the first few weeks. But, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway. Yoongi wasn’t there. He isn’t there. Because he left, right? Yoongi is gone and he isn’t coming back. The only thing Jin has to remember him by are these stupid flowers on his counter. Every day, they seem to be brighter than they were before. Yoongi breathed life into them but now it only seems like they’re feeding on the life inside of Jin. They’re taking all the energy he has left. So much for protecting him.

“You might as well just wither away,” he mumbles, staring at them. “He isn’t coming back. Not for either of us.”

The flowers remain still as ever in their vase. Seokjin feels crazy for talking to a bunch of flowers about Yoongi. But, they’re the only ones who know. They’re keeping the witch’s secret, just like Jin is.

“You’re supposed to bring positivity. Where is that, huh?”

Silence.

“I hope you aren’t attached to him.” He pauses, breathing out. “It’s the worst feeling to have.”

Silence. 

“God, what can you even protect me from anyway?! You’re just a bunch of petals and stems!”

Silence.

“Protecting me from a broken heart would’ve been good enough, you know that? Why didn’t you make him stay?”

Silence.

Tears bubble in his eyes. He feels like an idiot for screaming at a bundle of flowers. He’ll look back on this one day and laugh. He’ll tell his grandkids all about how he was so brokenhearted that he yelled at flowers. They’ll surely make fun of him, just like he wants to right now. Love is greater than humility, though. 

“Why couldn’t you make him stay?” he sobs. His arms rest atop of the counter and he buries his face in them, his face practically squished against the wooden top. He stays like this for a few minutes until he hears the door bell chime. He sniffles, lifting his head. 

It’s one of his usual customers, the one who bought the multiple jars a few months back. He doesn’t scan the aisles as he normally would. Instead, he goes straight to the front counter, eyeing the shop owner. “Everything okay, Jin-ssi?”

“Yeah, I’m alright,” he chuckles, sniffling half-way through. “What can I help you with today?”

“I actually think I’m here to help you.” Jin tilts his head in confusion. “I was told that it would help you anyway, if you were to let it.”

He furrows his brows, “I’m not sure I understand.”

The customer reaches into his pocket, pulling out a small piece of paper. It’s no bigger than a sticky note. There’s something written on one side, or drawn, Jin can’t quite make it out. He puts it face down on the counter, keeping his hand on top of it so that Seokjin can’t see it. This only raises his confusion even more. This customer is usually pretty normal, pretty sane. Right now, this is the furthest thing from sane. 

“I was told to give you this but you can’t look until I’m gone. You’re supposed to see it when you’re alone but someone had to deliver the message.”

“Message? What message?” Jin’s brain is rattling all over the place. Ideas begin to spark about what it could be, who it could be from, but all that does is leave him with more questions.

He takes a deep breath, “just look at it when I’m gone, okay? That’s all I was told to tell you. I don’t know what it means so hopefully you do, otherwise this might be for nothing.” His words are followed by a small chuckle. He’s being genuine. He’s only the messenger.

“Yeah. Okay.” He hesitates. “Can you at least tell me who gave it to you?”

“I don’t know their name. I never asked.”

Oh. “Okay. Thank you.”

“Mmh.” He nods his head, moving towards the exit of the store. With the door half-way open, the bell chiming overhead, he looks back at Jin. “Oh! There was one more thing I was supposed to tell you!”

“What’s that?”

“I hope you get everything you want, Seokjin.”

With that, he exits the store and Jin’s eyes follow him across the street. Seconds later, he’s in his car, driving away. The salesman’s hand shakes as he reaches for the piece of paper, nervously flipping it over. There are no words, nor a name. The only thing on the paper is a drawing. It’s a drawing of a small rain cloud, hovering over a cup. 

Seokjin immediately looks up, his eyes scanning the surrounding area outside his store. There isn’t a soul in sight. He abandons his post, running out the door. He frantically looks around, even running down the sidewalk a few yards to see if he can spot the one person he’s been looking for for months. There’s nobody there. Not a single person is out. 

It could only be Yoongi. It had to be Yoongi. But, if it was, he’s gone. That was his parting gift. He’s really gone. 

Jin feels defeated. He feels even more heartbroken. Those flowers on his counter are about to get an earful. 

He slowly walks back to the shop, head hanging low. He couldn’t even say goodbye. All he left was a note and a message passed along by another customer. Jin wants to hate him but he can’t even do that. Love tops every other emotion and feeling he has.

When he opens his shop door, his eyes widen at the sight. The aisles are filled with flowers, all varying in shades of orange and yellow. They have one thing in common, though; they’re all marigolds. Nearly every inch of his store is covered, only leaving room to walk between the rows of flowers. His nose is filled with the sweetest scent and his heart is bursting at the seams. He doesn’t know what’s going on but he knows only one person could be responsible for this.

As he walks around the corner, he finds Yoongi standing in the midst of the flowers, holding some of his own. Jin’s heart stops and his feet freeze him in place. All he can do is stare at the witch, who offers the smallest smile. 

Yoongi knows Jin won’t move so he has to take initiative. He slowly inches closer to the shop owner, meeting him right where he’s at. His voice is hoarse but he speaks nonetheless. “Hi.”

“You’re here,” he says without thinking.

“I’m here.”

“I thought you left.”

“I did.”

Oh.

“But, I realized I left something very important behind.”

Oh . 

Yoongi extends his hand to Jin, offering the marigolds to him. “These are for you.”

He accepts them, quietly laughing to himself. “I think you bought one too many,” he says, looking around the shop. 

“‘Bought’ isn’t the term I’d use. Something more along the lines of ‘created by magic’.”

“I thought you couldn’t create flowers out of nothing? I thought…” he hesitates, breathing in deep. It’s still all so much to take in. “I thought you needed more power.”

“I did.”

“Is that why you left?”

Yoongi looks away, swallowing his nerves. He can feel the nerves radiating from Jin. It’s infectious. “I knew what would happen if I tried that spell, Jin. I knew the risk I was taking. I knew if I did it, I’d have to leave town… leave you.”

“So, that’s what happened? You did your spell, got your magic, and you left? Just like that?”

“No.”

“Then, I don’t underst -”

“I never did the spell,” he cuts him off. “I never even attempted it.”

Jin exhales deeply. “Then, how did you…?” He looks around at the flowers. If he didn’t do the spell, there’s no possible way he could’ve done all this. He said it wasn’t possible.

“There are other ways to get the power we want. It takes time. It takes energy. It takes focus.”

“So, you left for that? To get time and energy and focus?”

He slowly nods his head. “I’ve spent two months practicing, working on what I know, developing my own skills. It took everything inside of me and there were some days that I felt so drained. It was like I had no magic left.”

“And, you couldn’t do that here? With me?”

There’s that ‘me’. Yoongi missed that.

“I needed to do this. I needed to prove to myself that I could do it and I could get past the mental block in my mind. If I stayed, I never would’ve been able to focus.”

“Why?”

“The longer I stayed, the less I focused on practicing magic and the more I focused on you. It’s why I couldn’t do it before. I wasn’t focusing on magic. I was focusing on you.”

Seokjin hasn’t taken his eyes off of Yoongi. “On me?”

“Magic seemed less and less important. The more time I spent around you, the more all I wanted was you.”

“You couldn’t give it up for me?”

His words feel like a dagger to the heart. Yoongi knows he doesn’t mean it to be as spiteful and direct as it comes out but there’s no way around it. 

“I can’t give up who I am, no matter how much I love you. Whether I stayed with you or not, being a witch isn’t something I can just let go of. I can’t just turn it off. It’s always going to be part of me. And, I want to be the very best that I can be at it. But, I also don’t want to be away from you anymore.”

“You couldn’t just tell me that? That eventually you’d come back? That we’d be okay again?”

His eyes drop to the floor. “Leaving was always easier. I never said it was the most brilliant plan.”

Yoongi keeps his gaze fixated on the floor, shifting in place. Jin needs his attention. He needs him to look at him and he won’t. The shop owner does the only thing he knows will work. He reaches out, grabbing ahold of the witch’s chin, forcing him to make eye contact. He keeps his grip as he speaks. “Do you know how bad it hurts to love you?”

“I have a spell for that,” he says softly.

Using his grip, he pulls the witch towards him, colliding their lips. It’s all Yoongi has ever wanted. Jin, too. He just didn’t realize it until Yoongi left. He didn’t realize it until he thought he was never going to see him again. The latter has known it all along. All he’s ever wanted since he moved into town is Seokjin. His Seokjinnie.

The owner pulls away, “you don’t get to run away anymore. I don’t care if you think it’s the best idea, you tell me first. Promise me.”

“I promise.”

“Good,” he says with a smile, pecking his lips. “Now, can you please get rid of all these flowers? I still have a business to run.”

Yoongi nervously chuckles, his tongue poking his cheek. “You see, here’s the thing. Creating flowers out of nothing? Easy peasy. Piece of cake now. Making them vanish into thin air? That might take me a bit longer. But, considering there’s a good chance I might set the place on fire if I say one wrong word in the spell, I don’t think you want me to do that.”

Jin smiles, laughing at his comment. “You really are a witch, huh? Magic and all?”

“Mhm,” he smiles widely. “And, what are you going to do about it?”

Seokjin doesn’t think. He kisses him softly.