Chapter Text
Hongjoong gazed out towards what he instinctively felt was the window, his mind somewhat distant as he listened to his hyung, Eden, who sat beside him.
"Joong," Eden began, his voice heavy with concern, "the new owner has implemented some strict rules. You have about two months to find your mate before he decides to kick you out."
A wave of anxiety washed over Hongjoong at Eden's words. "But Hyung—"
Eden let out a weary sigh, cutting him off. "I know, Hongjoong-ah, but there's not much I can do. I can't go against his wishes. I promise I'll help you as best I can. I'll even try to help you find a small apartment if it comes to that, but first, let's pack some of your things. He's already found another pack for those who don't have mates."
Hongjoong merely nodded in response, his heart heavy as he processed Eden's words. He then listened as Eden unzipped a suitcase and placed it on his neatly made bed, methodically handing him clothes to fold and tuck inside. Each item felt like a piece of his life being packed away, a souvenir from a home he had known for so long.
For as long as he could remember, Hongjoong had lived at a care home called KQ. It was a sanctuary for werewolves, particularly those with disabilities, designed to help them find their footing in the world or to support them until they managed to find their mate. Eden, one of his main caretakers, had become a father figure who had always been there to offer guidance and kindness.
The previous owner, who had founded KQ with compassion and deep understanding, had unfortunately passed away from old age, leaving the care home to a new owner whose motives were less benevolent. The new owner had wasted no time implementing harsh rules, including a deadline for those residents who remained single.
KQ received generous funding from the ruling king and queen of werewolves, allowing the residents to live without the burden of unexpected fees. However, the new owner's strict measures threatened the safety net KQ had provided for so many, particularly for someone like Hongjoong, whose future now felt precarious.
What was Hongjoong's disability? To put it simply, he was blind. Ever since he was born, his parents had cast aside any hope when they first laid eyes on his pale brown orbs, leaving him in the hands of strangers without a second thought. While they weren't entirely heartless—after all, they hadn't abandoned him to perish—they had made their feelings clear; a blind child was not the blessing they desired.
Now, as he packed for an uncertain future, he mentally cursed the new owner for his cruel regulations. (𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘨𝘶𝘺)
Once the suitcase was packed, another caretaker entered the room, balancing a tray laden with dinner for the residents. Eden lingered for a moment longer, watching attentively as Hongjoong navigated the food in front of him, ready to step in if he accidentally spilled anything.
Though Hongjoong had mastered the art of eating without sight, subtle missteps occasionally turned meals into mildly chaotic affairs. After finishing his dinner, Eden wished him a good night, his voice warm and reassuring. Hongjoong acknowledged him with a soft smile, his heart swelling with gratitude for the unwavering support.
Once alone, he relied on muscle memory to move to the bathroom, feeling his way as he prepared for bed. He turned the knob of the shower and let the warm water cascade over him, washing away the lingering worries that clung to him. After drying off, he felt for the neatly folded pajamas resting on the counter and dressed himself.
Climbing back into bed, Hongjoong let out a long sigh, the weight of the impending months settling on his chest like an unwelcome burden. Who in their right mind would want a blind mate? The thought spiraled in his mind, darkening his room just as the day faded to night.