Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The shelter’s gym was the only place big enough to house the event taking place that day. With benches pushed to the walls and people flocking about, the usually spacious gym was crowded with humans and hybrids for the months housing program meeting that the shelter administrates.

A figure comes stumbling into the big space bustling with humans and hybrids alike. The sudden appearance makes Changbin look directly at the newcomer. The confused and slightly overwhelmed look that takes over their face makes Changbin think that this person has never been in a meeting like this.

Many of the hybrids have already made acquaintances with the various humans open to temporarily housing a hybrid, even stablishing cheery conversations and friendly touches. Save for a few of the hybrids, like Changbin, who didn’t quite click with any of the people that flooded the shelter about an hour ago. A few people had approached him, curious about the sculpted, clad in black hybrid standing on the far side of the gym. Even though their approach and words were friendly, once the topic of which type of hybrid Changbin was, he prepared himself for the inevitable disappointment that was going to overtake the human’s faces.

As Changbin raised his fluffy black ears that got slightly lost in his curly hair, each and every person that had approached him was taken aback by the fact that he was a bunny hybrid. Sure, Changbin didn’t fit the standard look of the cute, small and soft bunny hybrid with his broad and stocky frame. But it wasn’t like this meeting was a permanent adoption, it’s a temporary arrangement.

‘’It’s three months tops of having one of us around, so what if I am not what you were expecting to be? It’s probably a onetime thing and you are not going to see me again.’’ He thought bitterly after each human spewed an excuse to leave him and talk to the other hybrids.

Be it Changbin’s attentive nature or the fact that he was tired of the whole ordeal, the bunny’s eyes closely followed the figure that after a few minutes of standing still and staring around at the different clusters of hybrids and humans finally went to stand on the side of the small gym. He noticed the hands of the new person toying with the shelter’s temporary housing program pamphlet, slowly but surely wrinkling the paper.

As if the nervous energy that the human was emitting was driving away the remaining hybrids, the lone figure hesitantly sat down on one of the benches pushed to the sides of the gym. Changbin felt the pull to talk to this person, even though he should be the one being approached by the human to sort out his housing situation and becoming sort of a glorified roommate. Even so, the earlier interactions made Changbin stay rooted on his spot.  

‘’You have been staring for five minutes now Bin.’’ A voice called out to him with a giggle. Changbin quickly turned his head to look to the man that caught him staring with a slightly annoyed glare.

‘’You would be doing the same if you were bored out of your mind and waiting for this shitty meeting to end or a miracle to happen.’’ The bunny snapped with his lips forming a slight pout. ‘’I swear Chan, every time one of these things come up you figure it out in like 10 minutes and I have to dick around for hours just to land back in our dorm, again.’’

Chan was the first hybrid to befriend Changbin when he arrived at the shelter. The ripped, grey wolf hybrid made quite a big impression on Changbin with how friendly and kind he was even though he was a predator hybrid. The bunny had never been close to predator hybrids growing up, so being taken under the wing of someone like Chan shifted his views on the whole prey and predator stereotype. That, of course, after taking a long time to get over his instinctual fear of the wolf hybrid. A hurdle he had to get over since he was appointed to share a dorm with Chan and two other hybrids. After getting over his fear, Chan showed him the ropes of the shelter and supported his drive to become a rapper and producer after discovering their mutual love for music. After all, they were aspiring to reach the same objective: make music proudly as hybrids without being held back by society for being someone’s pet or possession.

Chan gave the bunny an empathetic look, a small sigh escaping his lips. ‘’I know you hate this but you know we have to do this so we can leave the shelter and do our own thing freely.’’ Changbin huffed and grimaced hearing his friend. ‘’I still think it’s a bit too much that we have to basically live off another person for a while in order to fit into society as a whole, but I’m thankful we at least have that opportunity unlike how things were before.’’ Chan mused.

The wolf paused and turned his eyes to the person sitting on the side of the gym. Changbin kept quiet and looked at the floor. ‘’You know… They seem nice. Maybe you could say hi and offer a bit of help. They seem very nervous. I sure would have liked someone to walk me through the ropes of this instead of fairing on my own.’’ He said with a laugh.

‘’What for? So I get disappointed again when they choose another hybrid while I’m tossed to the side?’’ Changbin mumbled angrily, his ears folding backwards.

Chan panicked for a second but reached to give the bunny a half hug. ‘’Just give them a chance. I don’t know what is it about this one but I have a good feeling about them.’’ Chan squeezed Changbin with the arm he had around him. ‘’Maybe you can win them over with that cute charm you always show me baby Changbin.’’ Chan said making kissy faces to the shorter male.

Instantly Changbin squirmed away from the half hug, turning his face away from the wolf’s kisses. ‘’Shut uuup~’’ he whined as Chan barked out a laugh. Changbin let his eyes drift back towards the human sitting alone. He couldn’t help but feel the same as Chan. There was something about this person that made him want to get close just to sate his curiosity. As he thought this, Chan trapped him in a back hug and enthusiastically rubbed his face against the back Changbin's neck. ‘’Yah! You overgrown puppy, let me go!’’ Changbin hollered as he playfully tried to break free of the gentle hold with a laugh.

‘’Not until you agree to at least go and say hello!’’ The other declared holding the bunny tighter and swaying them side to side. Chan felt Changbin grow tense in his hold and stopped in his tracks. ‘’You really don’t have to force yourself to do that but I mean it when I say that this person has something different Changbin.’’ He let go on the bunny and faced him with a hopeful expression on his face, ‘’If you feel it too, I say you give it a go. Alright?’’ he said clapping a hand over Changbin's shoulder.

Changbin looked into the wolf’s eyes thinking about whether or not it would be worth it to approach the human. He decided to indulge in his curiosity even if it brought him another disappointment. One more won’t hurt right?

‘’Okay Channie, wish me luck yeah?’’ Changbin said with a half-smile, his eyes showing the apprehension he was feeling. 

‘’Of course, Bin. Good luck, it will be okay.’’ Chan said giving the bunny a supportive smile before walking away to talk with the other hybrids that were around.

Taking a deep breath, Changbin walked towards the tardy stranger that was now decidedly scanning the rumpled pamphlet in their hands.

As he got close, Changbin noticed that the stranger was a woman clad in an oversized sweatshirt, well-worn jeans and sneakers. A black leather shoulder bag sitting on her thighs. The outfit screamed comfort and a small part of Changbin was glad about the simple clothes. One too many times he had seen snobby humans dressed up, flaunting their riches during these meetings trying to use their money to lure hybrids into living with them. Those types of people only wanted a ‘’trained and useful’’ hybrids to keep as a trophy.

Changbin had had two encounters with those types of people: first being a rich middle age man that wanted someone to keep his rude, ill-tempered and coddled son some company and a woman who wanted him for his physique and proposing he sate his ‘’instinctual desires’’ with her. Ever since then he steered away from those declaring their high status with their looks.

Now close to the stranger, Changbin pulled back his ears and sat down on the same bench muttering a quiet ‘’Hi.’’

The stranger’s shoulders jumped up a bit and slowly turned her head towards him. ‘’Oh, hello.’’ She muttered back meekly.

‘’Is this the first time you have come to one of these meetings?’’ Changbin said straight to the point.

The stranger slouched slightly before responding. ‘’Yeah, it’s the first time for me. I feel a bit lost.’’ Her tone sounding the slightest bit pitiful before continuing. ‘’I have a friend working here in the shelter and they kind of roped me into the whole housing program situation but they didn’t give me a crash course on it or anything.’’

Changbin wanted to doubt her but her words seemed genuine.

‘’If you want, I could explain it to you.’’ Changbin said, turning his body towards the other person on the bench. The stranger mirrored him and gave him a small smile.

‘’I- yes please, if it’s not too much trouble.’’ She muttered.

‘’So, the program is basically an agreement to house a hybrid temporarily in your home. Usually for a short time, say two weeks to three months. It’s more of a period for the hybrid to get used to sharing time and space with humans and start engaging into society.’’ Changbin explained. ‘’After the agreed time, the hybrids go back to the shelter till they fill a quota or find someone that wants to house them till they can be independent.’’

‘’I see. That makes a bit more sense. I thought it was an indefinite type of thing and it made me a bit weary.’’ The human looked down at her hands. ‘’The pamphlet really doesn’t explain it clearly. It makes this sound like humans are saving hybrids from something instead of being a little bit of help.’’

Changbin stared at the other and quipped with a smile ‘’I know right? I’ve been saying it for a while, those pamphlets need changes ASAP. The wording is bad and the color scheme sucks. Why would they use bright yellow background and green letters? I can barely read it.’’

‘’Oh my, I am not crazy then! I was shocked when they gave me this Sprite colored piece of paper with the comic sans text.’’ She said with a snort. ‘’I thought I was just being picky with the design.’’

‘’You should have seen the one we had before. It was even worse, red and green, no pictures. Me and my friends made the petition for the shelter to change it but it didn’t turn out the way we wanted. I’ve always thought that they should go with at least some neutrals, or like, black and white with a color. Not whatever we have going on right now.’’ Changbin said with a grimace.

‘’They should really let you lend a hand in their marketing department.’’ The human chuckled.

‘’Right? I’d market the hell out of this shelter.’’ Said the bunny puffing out his chest.

‘’Well, I can attest to that.’’ The human smiled. ‘’Hey, it’s a bit late for introductions but I’m (Name).’’ She said with a small bow.

‘’I’m Changbin. Nice to meet you (Name).’’ He said bowing back with a small smile.

‘’Nice to meet you too Changbin.’’ A small part of the bunny liked the way (Name) said his name. ‘’Quick question, and I am so sorry if it seems rude, but coming back to the whole housing thing, do I have to take close care of the hybrid I agree to house? Like clean up after them, do their laundry, cook for them and stuff?’’ She cautiously asked.

Changbin thought for a moment before explaining ‘’Err, well no. We do those things ourselves and since we are sharing a space its more of a roommate type of thing. But stuff like food and certain necessities might be something you as a host will have to provide since we don’t have a lot of stuff.’’

‘’I understand. That seems nicer, a roommate.’’ The human mused. Suddenly she perked up asking ‘’Wait, you said ‘’we’’ right?’’

Changbin hesitantly nodded before slowly raising his ears from his mess of curls. The human’s eyes lit up slightly looking at his ears.

‘’I don’t want to assume but, you are a rabbit hybrid, right?’’ She cautiously asked.

‘’Yes, I am.’’ The bunny said quietly looking for any type of apprehension from the human’s expression. He found none.

‘’Have you found anyone to house with yet?’’ She asked again.

‘’No, not yet.’’ He admitted, his ears folding his ears back nervously.

‘’Why is that? If you don’t mind me asking of course.’’ She gently prodded.

‘’I have not clicked with anyone yet.’’ The hybrid admitted. ‘’The ones that approached me kind of left me hanging because I don’t look like the standard bunny hybrid.’’ Changbin knew he was sharing more than he should for someone he thinks is going to set him aside, but there was a sort of comfort that had developed while talking to (Name) that made the words tumble out of his lips. ‘’Its not a big deal though.’’

‘’Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.’’ She said looking down at her hands. ‘’I don’t want to overstep or anything like that, but I think those people are missing out. You have been nothing but lovely to me for the past like, 10 minutes we have been talking. Even explaining to me how the program works. So, thank you.’’ She said looking at Changbin with a small smile. ‘’And if we are talking about looks, I think you look really good, I-I mean…You look cute! Wait no! I mean you look very bunny! I, uh...ugh.’’ She hid her face between her hands grumbling.

Changbin couldn’t help but chuckle and blush. He muttered a ‘thank you’, his ears flopping over his face to hide the color on his cheeks. (Name) peeked between her fingers and giggled at the cute display.

Out of all the people that have come to the shelter for the program, no one has made Changbin feel so at ease like he felt at this moment with someone he basically met less than an hour ago. (Name) checked all the boxes of someone Changbin felt comfortable housing with. He thought back on what Chan said about this human feeling different than the others. He was definitely right. So, Changbin decided to bite the bullet.

‘’I have a deal for you’’ Changbin said conspiratorially ‘’Let me live with you.’’

Chapter Text

If someone had told you that being friends with Choi Soobin was both a blessing and a curse you would have laughed in their face. The guy was the prime example of a gentle giant and a good friend. Also, one of the only people that befriended you during your hectic university years.

You prefer calling it befriending rather than sticking together out of convenience for a couple of years and actually becoming friends afterwards. Both of your natures tended to be timid and opening up was a hard task, but being alone in the cluster fuck of university and needing a capable partner for group projects made you seek each other out.

After you finished your major in interior design and Soobin changed his career to a social work major, you two didn’t spend as much time together. That is until you bumped into Soobin one afternoon after a failed job interview. You two sat in a café and spilled guts about the stress and hardships found in job hunting and studying respectively on top of regular life things like rent, mental health and relationships. Somehow crying together in a nook of a deserted café brought the two of you together.

Since then, you keep close contact with Soobin. He knows all about your latest hyper fixations, the current beef you have with your neighbor and stressful design projects you are taking on. You know all about the cranky professor that hates him for seemingly no reason, the most recent celebrity crush he has and his newly acquired position in one of the city’s hybrid shelters.

Overall, he was a gentle comfort in your life that you could always count on.

How did he wangle you to actually house a hybrid is beyond you though. The proposal had come up innocently enough one night where you both decided to get a meal together. You were placing the beef on the grill when Soobin first mentioned it.

‘’Did you know this shelter has a housing program for hybrids?’’ He said before sipping his beer.

You frowned. ‘’I didn’t know about that. Sounds weird though. Didn’t you say the shelter helped the hybrids be independent or something?’’

‘’Well yeah, but it’s more like people volunteer to help the hybrids get that independence by giving them a place.’’ He said slowly.

‘’O-kay? What about the program? You going to invite some hybrids over at your place or what?’’ you said with a hint of a joke. You knew damn well Soobin didn’t have the time to even try to take care of someone else when he was busy just managing his life. Also, he had a small studio apartment that didn’t quite fit the ‘’place’’ to house someone for an indefinite period of time.

‘’I was thinking you should apply to the program.’’ Soobin said matter-of-factly.

You squinted at Soobin, that attitude was suspicious. ‘’Now, why would you think that Soob?’’

‘’Because you are lonely. You need to meet people and get out of that damn apartment of yours.’’

You paused for a second. ‘’What do you mean ‘get out of that apartment’? I go out every day. I go to work; I do my groceries and stuff.’’

‘’(Name) you plan out your outings like you HAVE to do them in less than 2 hours instead of enjoying a day out. And going to work doesn’t count. Also, you didn’t even deny that you need to meet people.’’ Soobin nagged back. ‘’Housing one of the shelter’s hybrids would be good for you. And you would be helping them out!’’

Crossing your arms over your chest you grumbled back. ‘’That I want to be efficient with my time doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy a day out. And I don’t need to meet people, I have you and my high school friends and like, my friend from work.’’

‘’Respectfully, that’s like 4 people total. (Name) you need connections.’’ Soobin spewing truths was starting to tick you off. ‘’(Name), you are two steps from becoming an actual hermit. You barely go out in your free time. You only talk to me and, like, that lady in the bakery. Let them in!’’ Soobin whined while shaking your shoulder.

‘’What? Soobin no! This isn’t you! What would Bebe Rexha think of you right now?’’ You whine back while slapping away the arm that was shaking you around.

‘’Don’t you dare bring Bebe Rexha into this (Name).’’ Soobin pointed at you with a hand and an angry nose scrunch. ‘’This is just me being a good friend that’s looking out for you. Give the program a try! What’s the worst that could happen?’’

‘’I’ll get locked up for hybrid negligence or something.’’ You said popping a piece of grilled meat in your mouth. The deadpan expression Soobin gave you made you snort. Feeling he was going to keep bickering; you decided to make an agreement. ‘’Okay, okay, how about I just think about it? Will that be okay Soob?’’ You said with your best attempt at a head tilt and puppy eyes.

He looked at you for a moment and gave in. ‘’Alright, fine. Just stop looking at me like that. You look weird.’’ Your meal continued peacefully with you sharing the latest gossip in your office and Soobin making you listen to a few new songs he found.

Giving it a thought turned into Soobin inconspicuously inviting you three days later to the shelter so you got to know the place and so he could introduce you to the friends he had made there. What he failed to mention (quite on purpose one might add) was that one of those friends was a hybrid. A handsome fox hybrid named Yeonjun that upon hearing your name bombarded you with questions about Soobin and the housing program. You found his eagerness endearing and a bit clashing with Soobin’s calm demeanor.

The fox had developed an unlikely friendship with Soobin and your so-called friend told him about you joining the program with an innocent smile. This made Yeonjun tell you with hopeful eyes and wagging tail how happy he was to hear that and that you should definitely go to the next housing program meeting that was going to take place in a few weeks. You didn’t have the heart to tell him that you weren’t sure if you could even house another person in your small 2-bedroom apartment so you just agreed.

Next thing you know, Taehyun, Beomgyu and Huening Kai, the rest of Soobin’s very handsome friends, hear this and give you a tour of the facilities while thanking you for helping the shelter. Cute guys were your weakness and Soobin exploited that fact to the fullest.

You should have seen the evil mastermind that hid behind that cute face.

That’s how you ended up running late one Saturday morning to said shelter. With everything going on in your life, you had completely forgotten when it was happening. Waking up groggily to your ringtone blasting in the otherwise calm morning, you pick up the device with a disgruntled face you see Soobin's ID and accept the call.

‘’Hello?’’

‘’Good morning (Name), I hope you didn’t forget that today is the housing program meeting! You are on your way, right?’’ Soobin’s mellow voice said.

You paused for a minute processing his words before hastily getting out of bed.

‘’Fuck! I forgot!’’ you yawned out.

You heard Soobin’s tired sigh through the phone. ‘’Now I’m glad I called. If you manage to arrive barely on time Yeonjun might not sulk as much.’’

‘’Why would something like this be so early on a Saturday morning? Doesn’t management know that people sleep more during weekends?’’ you complained as you quickly started brewing a cup of coffee and slipped a slice of bread in the toaster.

You ran into your bathroom putting Soobin on speaker. ‘’Well, us normal people use our Saturdays to be productive. Unlike you’’.

‘’To say that playing videogames with Yeonjun on Saturday mornings is productive is quite the reach I must say. Seems to me like you are whipped actually.’’ You sassed back as you quickly showered.

‘’Hey! How do you even know that?!’’ Soobin shrieked. ‘’That’s the only time the both of us have available to play… And I’m not whipped!’’

‘’Suuure, whatever you say Soobinie.’’ You answered teasingly as you dried yourself and half-ran half-walked out of the bathroom to your bedroom’s closet with your phone in hand. ‘’Quick question, what’s the dress code?’’

‘’Just something casual. Oh! Like that comfy sweatshirt you always use. That with a pair of jeans.’’ Soobin helpfully suggested.

‘’Thanks bestie’’ you quickly called out ripping the clothes from the hangers and putting them on hastily.

‘’You’re welcome bestie.’’ Soobin sang back. ‘’Now that I’m sure you are coming, I’m going to go work in the shelter.’’

‘’If working in the shelter means playing videogames, I want in.’’ you quipped while fixing your hair and gathering your leather bag and a pair of socks.

‘’You are the worst. See you in a bit.’’ Soobin said hanging up. You inhaled your fulfilling breakfast of toast with jam and a coffee before heading to the shelter.

You managed to arrive an hour late to the facility. Entering the shelter left you slightly disoriented. There was so much movement around you that you couldn’t find the information desk where you were sure Soobin would be waiting for you.

You started looking around for him or any of his friends that you had met before. Suddenly a voice cried out your name. You turned around to look for the person that called you. You were surprised to see Yeonjun jogging towards you with a big smile plastered on his face.

‘’(Name), it’s really you! I was worried you weren’t gonna come.’’ The fox hybrid said with a small yip. ‘’Come with me to the gym where the meeting is going on!’’

He took your hand with his and dragged you across the shelter to the meeting place. Glancing at the main doors of the gym you could see Beomgyu and Huening Kai sitting by the door with a table full of stacks of papers, pamphlets and other stationery. Seeing Yeonjun drag you around made them laugh and call out the hybrid for his eagerness.

‘’Jjunie-hyung! Slow down, you are gonna make her fall!’’ Huening Kai teased.

‘’Sorry! I got excited.’’ Yeonjun said letting go of your hand and rubbing the back of his head.

‘’It’s okay, don’t worry.’’ You smiled in return. You found the action cute and greatly appreciated the fact that he basically helped you get to your destination without a hitch. ‘’Also, hello to you guys. Good morning.’’

The three boys greeted you back before Beomgyu quickly handed you a yellow and green pamphlet with the shelter’s name on it. ‘’The meeting already started, you better head in right now.’’ He slightly nudging you towards the main doors.

‘’W-wait a minute, you can’t just push me in there with at least explaining me what I should expect!’’ you slightly struggled as you got closer and closer to the doors.

‘’Soobin told me that you’ve got to take risks. You know, improvise, adapt, overcome.’’ Beomgyu answered cheerily opening said doors.

‘’B-But!’’ you yelped looking back as you crossed the threshold.

‘’I could join you if you want.’’ Yeonjun said sauntering in your direction with a grin before being stopped by Huening Kai who trapped him with a back hug.

‘’Nope, you are staying right here with us. Good luck and have fun (Name)!’’ said Huening Kai as Beomgyu herded you into the gym causing you to stumble a bit. With an apologetic smile, Beomgyu went back out the doors. Before you could hear Yeonjun complain at the treatment, the gym’s doors closed with a click.

Looking around the gym you noticed the groups of humans and hybrids chatting and moving around. The sudden influx of noise and people mixed with the anxiety and general lack of information on the event quickly overwhelmed you enough to leave you standing in front of the double doors looking around for a couple of minutes.

Breaking out of your stupor, you noticed the benches pushed to the walls and decided to go sit down and figure out what the hell you were supposed to do. Did you have to talk to a coordinator or something? Did you choose the hybrid or did they choose you? Where you going to have to compete with other people in order to see who housed who? As the questions filled your head your hands squeezed the pamphlet in your hands.

Wait. The pamphlet. There had to be some sort of checklist or bullet points on how this worked. Looking at the wrinkled paper you firstly you noticed the fact that the whole thing was in comic sans, green text on a yellow background. Aside from the earlier anxiety you could now feel your eyes bleeding trying to decipher the text that filled the hideous pamphlet.

As you scanned the text and tried not to gag at the savior complex that whoever wrote it clearly had, you heard someone sitting on the same bench as you and muttering a greeting. This made you jump as you were still jittery from the earlier events and hadn’t calmed down in the slightest. You turned your head towards the stranger and muttered a quiet greeting back.

Maybe Soobin was right. You did need to start meeting people because one glance at the intimidating man that sat beside you made you want to dig up a hole and hide.

‘’Is this the first time you have come to one of these meetings?’’ he asked.

‘’Instead of hiding in a hole I could launch myself into the sun’’ you thought as the words the man uttered hit you like a brick on the head.

You couldn’t help but slouch at the question and answer with the truth that you felt lost and didn’t know what to do. What you didn’t expect was the intimidating, beefy man offering to explain to you the gist of the program. With a smile you accepted.

As he explained the program and shared a mutual disgust towards the damned pamphlet that Beomgyu gave you, you felt more at ease with the situation. Even more when the man started joking around with you and shit talking the shelters poor design choices.

‘’They should really let you lend a hand in their marketing department.’’ You said truthfully with a chuckle.

‘’Right? I’d market the hell out of this shelter.’’ He said puffing out his chest.

‘’Well, I can attest to that.’’ You couldn’t help but smile. You should tell Soobin to convince the shelter’s management to let this man do some changes in said pamphlets and more. Which reminded you that you didn’t know the man’s name. ‘’Hey, it’s a bit late for introductions but I’m (Name).’’ You said with a small bow.

‘’I’m Changbin. Nice to meet you (Name).’’ He said bowing back and mirroring your smile. You felt the need to coo at the pretty smile but held back as to not mess up the interaction.

‘’Nice to meet you too Changbin.’’ You added before cautiously asking something that had been bugging you for a while. ‘’Quick question, and I am so sorry if it seems rude, but coming back to the whole housing thing, do I have to take close care of the hybrid I agree to house? Like clean up after them, do their laundry, cook for them and stuff?’’

‘’Err, well no. We do those things ourselves and since we are sharing a space it’s more of a roommate type of thing. But stuff like food and certain necessities might be something you as a host will have to provide since we don’t have a lot of stuff.’’

‘’I understand. That seems nicer, a roommate.’’ You mused before actually processing his words. ‘’Wait, you said ‘’we’’ right?’’ you quickly asked.

You noticed Changbin's demeanor change as you asked the question. He nodded and you noticed two long ears raise on top of his head. You looked closely at Changbin's ears in wonder and asked ‘’I don’t want to assume but, you are a rabbit hybrid, right?’’

‘’Yes, I am.’’ He said as you took in his features. After chatting with Changbin for a while you could see how he would be a bunny hybrid with how his two front teeth peeked behind his top lip when he talked, how his nose would scrunch whenever someone passed nearby and how his pouty lips and chubby cheeks made him look soft and adorable. The black ears on top of his curly hair solidified the statement and you couldn’t believe how 5 minutes ago you were intimidated by this cute and kind hybrid that didn’t need to help you but did so anyway.

‘’Have you found anyone to house with yet?’’ You felt the need to ask since it felt that someone as pleasant and good-looking as Changbin should have gotten a couple housing offers.

‘’No, not yet.’’ He admitted folding his ears back. Confused as to why you once again asked and upon hearing Changbin say that the people that approached him didn’t offer to home him for his looks you were taken aback. The stormy look that took over the bunny hybrid’s eyes made you want to comfort him.

‘’Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.’’ Is the first thing you managed to blurt out. ‘’I don’t want to overstep or anything like that, but I think those people are missing out. You have been nothing but lovely to me for the past like, 10 minutes we have been talking. Even explaining to me how the program works. So, thank you.’’ You told him with a smile as you kept going, determined to make the hybrid feel better. ‘’And if we are talking about looks, I think you look really good, I-I mean…You look cute! Wait no! I mean you look very bunny! I, uh...ugh.’’ You hid your face between your hands grumbling at yourself for turning off your brain to mouth filter in front of the handsome hybrid.

Hearing his chuckle and a quiet ‘thank you’, you peeked at him and found him trying to cover his blush with his long ears. A giggle escaped you looking at him. He was really too cute.

What came out of his mouth next halted your giggles and made you look at him attentively.

‘’I have a deal for you’’ Changbin said conspiratorially ‘’Let me live with you.’’

Chapter Text

You found yourself in front of a smug looking Soobin and a happy Taehyun handing you the paperwork for the housing arrangement in one of the offices of the shelter with Changbin by your side. You took the papers as Taehyun explained which parts you had to fill out. With a pen in hand, you slowly filled up the paper thinking back on the conversation that followed Changbin's earlier proposition.

Your first reaction was to look at him shocked with an open mouth.

‘’Are you sure?’’ You had asked with a small voice after a moment. Truth be told, you didn’t feel ready nor competent enough to take someone in. The disheartened expression that took shape in the bunny hybrid’s face made you quickly add ‘’I mean, you saw me. I don’t know how this works, I arrived late, I have never interacted with hybrids and my place isn’t really spacious. So, I’m worried that I might not be the best person to house you. I feel that there might be someone better.’’ Your hands started to fidget with the paper once again.

‘’Yes, I’m sure.’’ Changbin's expression carefully shifted into something neutral. ‘’You know, my friend told me that he had a good feeling about you and told me to come talk to you. So far, you have been the best person I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in this program thing.’’

The certainty in his statement made you fluster and blurt out ‘’We met 20 minutes ago, for all you know I could be a serial killer or something.’’

‘’Well, that’s true. Although I don’t think you could harm a fly.’’ Changbin smirked. ‘’I’m a low maintenance guy, don’t need much to be comfortable. So, my proposal still stands, if you’d have me.’’

‘’As much as I want to say yes, I’d feel better if we talked it over.’’ You fidget as you admit.

‘’Hmm, sounds good to me. How about we learn more about each other and then make a decision?’’ Half a smile formed in Changbin's mouth. The bunny’s solution helped your worried and self-doubting mind. You nodded. ‘’You said your place isn’t big. What’s your place like?’’

‘’I live in a two-bedroom apartment in the city. The kitchen is kind of small but the living room is cozy and has access to a balcony. The building has a pool and a gym so there is that I guess.’’

Even if you had prepared the second bedroom for the hybrid that might or might not come live with you, you didn’t feel confident in sharing your home. As someone that designed other people’s spaces, it made you ashamed that the place you called home was a white box with sparce furniture and a few trinkets. It looked so boring and bland. You were mostly at the office or in your room working at your desk. That left you with little time and even less motivation to actually do something about it.

At the mention of the amenities Changbin's ears twitched in attention. ‘’That sounds nice.’’

‘’Yeah. How’s your living space here in the shelter?’’

‘’It’s alright. We live in dorms. We are roomed in groups of four which makes privacy a pain but it helps us bond. I am lucky to share the space with my friends.’’ Changbin commented before asking ‘’I’m curious about what do you do for a living though.’’

‘’Well, I am an interior designer. I work for a design studio so I get to work on all sorts of makeovers and projects. It pays well but I still do freelance jobs on the side by myself.’’ The topic comes easy to you so you continue ‘’Most of the time I have to go to the company building to work but there are plenty of times when I can work for home, thankfully.’’

‘’An interior designer huh? No wonder you hated that pamphlet.’’

You let out a chuckle. That thing was really a crime against humanity. ‘’What are you striving for? Well, more like what do you do and want to do in the future.’’

‘’Music.’’ The conviction in which he says the word makes you reckon the determination this hybrid possesses. ‘’I make music and rap. I’d like to work with Chan and Jisung to produce as a group.’’

‘’That’s, kind of very cool not gonna lie. Are Chan and Jisung hybrids here in the shelter too?’’ you wondered who was it that told Changbin to talk to you. You wanted to thank them.

‘’Yeah, Chan is a wolf hybrid and Jisung a squirrel hybrid. We are best friends but we are so close that we are like family. Chan likes to calls us part of his pack along with Jeonginnie.’’ A smile overtook the bunny’s expression. Fondness smoothing any previous clue of uncertainty from before.

‘’I’m glad to hear that.’’ The way Changbin talked about his friends made you long for something like that.

You two chatted a bit more going over things that might be important if you two lived together for a while. For example, you found out that Changbin almost can’t cook to save his life (‘’My cheesy ramyeon is the best though.’’ Changbin whined loudly. ‘’But you can’t cook rice though.’’ You quipped. ‘’There is instant rice for that!!’’), enjoys working out and gets together with Chan and Jisung to go over songs or lyrics. In return you commented on your bad habit of staying up till the late hours of the night, your barely decent cooking skills and your hobbies of gardening and reading.

Taking everything in, you didn’t feel as conflicted over opening your door to the hybrid. In fact, the more time you spent chatting with him, the more you wanted to be around him. He had an aura of kindness and warmth that drew you in like a moth to a flame. With that in mind you found the courage to tell the bunny your decision.

‘’Hey, Changbin.’’

His ears stood up attentively. ‘’Yeah?’’

‘’I think I’d like it if you lived with me.’’

Before you could process exactly you had said you found stars shimmering in Changbin’s eyes as a radiant smile lit up his face.

‘’Really?’’

‘’Yeah, really. For as long as you’d like.’’ Hearing the weight of your statement made you add ‘’Or as long as the shelter lets you.’’

‘’Okay.’’ With a little nose scrunch smile Changbin stood up from the bench. ‘’Wanna do some paperwork?’’

That’s what brings you to your current predicament. You keep filling in the form as you hear Changbin chatting with Yeonjun. You didn’t know when the fox had sneaked in the office, but judging by the animated voices of the hybrids you thought they were good friends.

Once you filled in half of the forms Soobin sidled up to you. ‘’Did Yeonjun abduct you once you got here?’’

‘’Yeah, since someone didn’t wait for me in the lobby like he promised.’’

‘’Well, I’m so sorry I was busy working.’’ Soobin pouts as you stick out your tongue at him. ‘’Apparently, Yeonjun stuck to you because he wanted you to house him.’’

‘’What?’’ You didn’t get the feel the fox was even interested in that possibility with how eager he was to get you to meet the other hybrids. ‘’Well now I feel kind of bad.’’

‘’Don’t be. Taehyun says that he did that so he could spend more time with me or something.’’ The grimace in Soobin’s face made you giggle.

‘’That fox is sly yet a bit of a dummy huh? He has more opportunities to see you here in the shelter than by staying with me.’’

‘’He is a dummy. But I guess he just wants to hangout in other places without me working. Also, I’d rather not let him in on the fact that we hangout like once a month.’’

‘’It would have been funny to see him sulk though.’’

‘’You two know I can hear you loud and clear right?’’ Yeonjun’s whiny voice rang through the office. ‘’An who are you calling a dummy?!’’

‘’Choi Yeonjun dummy!’’ Soobin playfully called out as you finished filling the papers with a smile on your face.

You handed said papers to Soobin as Yeonjun dashed to your friend and squished his cheeks as revenge. You moved to sit beside Changbin as Soobin added your information to the system. Changbin seemed lost in thought once the other hybrid left his side so you looked around the office. The thought of when and how Changbin was going to move to your apartment made its way to the front of your mind. Mentally going through things like groceries, cleaning and the fact that you were really going to share your space with basically an acquaintance. With those thoughts running through your mind, you didn’t notice the sounds surrounding you.

‘’…(-me), (Name)!’’ Changbin's voice pulled you back from your head.

You whipped your head at him ‘’Yeah?’’

‘’Are you okay? You didn’t answer when Soobin called you.’’ The hybrids worried gaze made you jerk towards Soobin, who was sporting a similar expression, then back to the hybrid.

With an apologetic smile you said ‘’I’m sorry. I’m okay, just got lost in thought.’’ You looked back at Soobin ‘’What is it?’’

‘’I was just going to go over some things before finishing the paperwork.’’

You nodded as Soobin listed some of the generals Changbin had already briefed you with. On the other hand, he informed you that you were to pick up the hybrid tomorrow morning so that he could pack up his necessities and for you to prepare any extras you might need.

Once again you started to think what else you might need before tomorrow. That is, until Soobin looked pointedly at Changbin with a careful expression.

‘’I don’t think I need to say this because I know (Name) and she is a good person. But Changbin, if at any time you feel uncomfortable by something (Name) might say or do or you just want to come back, remember we will receive you with open arms alright?’’

‘’Alright.’’ You saw the hybrids ears twitch and twist around as if scanning the area.

‘’Well with that, the paperwork is complete and we are done. (Name), be sure to be on time tomorrow, okay?’’ You easily agreed as you and Changbin started walking out of the office.

Once you two were in the lobby, Changbin asked you once again if you were okay. ‘’It’s just that you seemed a bit bothered by something.’’ The bunny’s concern made you realize that your actions might have been misinterpreted. Like you were not sure of your choice, or Changbin.

‘’I was thinking over anything else I’ve got to get done before tomorrow. Like my fridge is empty and I haven’t cleaned my apartment in a while. So, I was making a list in my head. I’m sorry if it looked like something else.’’ Processing how you practically sounded like an irresponsible college student you added. ‘’I swear I don’t live like this all the time. The last few weeks have kept me busy.’’

Changbin gave you an understanding smile. ‘’It’s alright. I get it. In my case, it’s kind of incredible how in a few days our dorm can get so messy that it looks like someone broke in and thrashed the place.’’ You let out a small chuckle at the silly anecdote. ‘’Say… is it okay if I join you for some grocery shopping?’’

You thought it over, briefly glancing at Changbin's ears that were pulled back. You should really add looking into rabbit behavior to your to do list. ‘’Sure, if you want to. Today or tomorrow though?’’

‘’Maybe today? That way you get tomorrow kinda free?’’ Changbin asked sheepishly.

‘’Alright. Wanna get something to eat first though? I rushed this morning and have nothing in my stomach.’’

‘’Me too! I’m starving. Let’s go!’’

Changbin guided you to a nearby family-owned restaurant he and many of the shelter’s hybrids went to regularly. Even if the shelter had a cafeteria with anything the residents might need, the restaurant had crazy good food you had to have every once in a while, as the excited bunny hybrid said.

Your soon-to-be house mate proved to be quite the conversationalist. From the moment the two of you left the shelter to when the food arrived, Changbin managed to talk about everything and anything. From the history of the restaurant and the family that ran it to the many anecdotes that took place in the cozy and quaint place. Once you dug in the food a comfortable silence formed between the two of you, the conversations of the other patrons and the clattering in the kitchen surrounding you for the time being.

Between bites you noticed how much Changbin enjoyed the food and how much more he ate compared to you. You saved that tidbit of information for later with a hidden smile. Paying for the food, you guided Changbin to the grocery store near your building to make the trip with the bags not so long as the bunny had insisted on helping you carry them to your apartment before dropping him off back in the shelter.

The trip for groceries was filled with lame product jokes, complaining over prices and searching for the cheapest options alongside companionable bouts of silence and small conversations over food preferences. During said bouts of silence you thought back on what Soobin had said to Changbin.

The fact that anything you did could make Changbin feel uncomfortable and make him want to go back to the shelter made you unreasonably uneasy. Him being a prey hybrid known for being skittish made it more serious, although by all you had seen of Changbin in the last few hours made it clear that he was quite outgoing when he wanted to be and strong enough to fight off any threat that might come his way.

In any case, you decided to be careful with your interactions with the hybrid along with keeping a certain distance. If you were in a similar situation like any of the hybrids in the shelter you would like to be treated with respect and kindness for their origins were cruel and unjust.

Going to the next aisle you had half the mind to text Soobin of your escapade with the hybrid as Changbin looked over different options of snacks. Filling the cart with the different packages you headed to the checkout with Changbin in tow.

Gingerly, the bunny hybrid separated the snacks and a couple other products from the pile of groceries. You looked at him quizzically.

He just pouted and pulled his ears back. ‘’I’m just buying some things for my friends, what about it?’’

‘’Nothing, I was just curious.’’ You shook your head in understanding while paying for your part of the groceries. Politely waiting on the side for Changbin to pay for his stuff, you struggled a bit with the bags in your hands.

Seeing this, the hybrid approached you extending his free hand saying ‘’Let me carry that.’’ You passed the bags from one of his hands to the hybrid with a small thank you. Before you could turn and walk out of the store, Changbin grabbed the sleeve of your sweatshirt. Turning back to him he tipped his chin at the rest of the bags in your other hand. ‘’Those too.’’

‘’But I can’t let you carry everything-!’’ You fully turned to him, appalled at the idea.

With a small head tilt, the bunny picked a couple of the lighter bags and extended them to you. ‘’Then take these and give me the other ones.’’

‘’You don’t need to do that I can carry them really.’’

With a determined gaze the hybrid reached for the weight in your hand. ‘’Let me help you, okay?’’

You gave in and changed bags with the bunny. The two of you walked to your apartment building in silence. Changbin looking at the scenery and you worried out of your mind for letting the bunny carry practically all of your stuff.

Once in the lobby you greeted the receptionist and headed for the elevators. You pressed the button for the 8^th floor and set the bags down in the elevator floor.

‘’You know, I’ve never been to a building so high before.’’ Changbin quietly confided once the two of you made your way into your apartment and took off your shoes.

‘’Really?’’ He nodded. ‘’Well, it’s nice once you get over the whole sharing some walls with a neighbor. You can sit in the living room if you want while I put this away, okay?’’ The hybrid gave you an affirmative sound and headed to said space after leaving the groceries in the kitchen counter. ‘’Try not to look down the windows or balcony though. You might get a bit queasy.’’ His earlier statement made you weary of Changbin being afraid of heights.

You quickly finished putting everything away and made your way out of the kitchen searching for Changbin.

What you didn’t expect was seeing the bunny stand in front of the balcony doors carefully inspecting the outdoor area.

If there was something you could be proud of in your apartment it was the balcony garden you had diligently built up ever since you moved there. The afternoon sun lit up the small space giving it a warm and inviting glow as a gentle breeze made the different leaves rustle and the wind chime jostle, filling the air with small tinkling notes heard even through the glass doors that separated the living room from the balcony.

With purposefully distinct footsteps you approached the bunny. You saw his ears twitch in your direction before turning your way. ‘’I know you told me to sit but the garden caught my attention.’’ He confessed with a hand scratching the back of his neck.

‘’No no, it’s okay. Do you want to open the doors and check it out?’’ you tentatively ask.

Giving another glance to the balcony, he shook his head and walked to you. ‘’No, I’m good. Besides I think I’ll have a lot of time to check it out soon anyway.’’

The smirk he gave you made you pull a face. The way he would suddenly be cocky kept catching you off guard. ‘’Want to check out your room or should we head back?’’

His eyebrows knit together in worry. ‘’I think we should head back; it’s getting late.’’

With that, the two of you left your apartment.

-

By the time you went back to the shelter with the hybrid the sun was low in the sky.

‘’Changbin!’’ A booming voice roared in the lobby.

‘’Chan hyung.’’ The name rang a bell but you couldn’t quite remember from where.

‘’Changbin, where were you?’’ A hybrid with grey fluffy ears and tail quickly approached Changbin holding his shoulders and checking him all over. ‘’Did you know how worried I was? You disappeared after I told you to talk to that girl. You didn’t take your phone, didn’t tell anyone where you went.’’

‘’Agh, I left my phone in the dorm Hyung. You know how we are not allowed to use them during the meetings.’’ A grimace formed in the rabbit’s mouth. ‘’I’m sorry hyung. I just went with (Name) to grab lunch and help her with some shopping. I didn’t mean to make you worry.’’

‘’With who?’’ The other hybrid cocked his head to the side in confusion.

‘’(Name). You know, the one you told me to talk to?’’ The bunny mirrored the wolf’s head tilt. ‘’She agreed to house me and we went out for a while.’’

A look of recognition passed over the male’s face and he turned to you moving his hands away from Changbin's shoulders. His calculating gaze landed on you.

‘’Excuse me, are you (Name)?’’ You nodded as you were a bit nervous at the interaction. You dreaded conflict and this whole setup was a recipe for disaster. ‘’Did you know that stealing away a hybrid is illegal? Specially from a shelter.’’ His sharp gaze made you gulp.

‘’I’m sorry.’’ With a knot in your throat, you looked down to the floor. ‘’I told Soobin where we were too late. I didn’t mean to cause any harm or make anyone worry.’’ You bowed at the wolf hybrid.

You missed the surprised look that passed over the hybrid’s face.

‘’Yah, hyung! Stop trying to scare her!’’ Changbin defended you and pinched Chan’s side. ‘’Besides I was the one who asked to go out.’’

The yelp that left the wolf made his whole menacing demeanor shift. ‘’Alright, alright! Sorry, I was just worried. It’s nice to meet you (Name). I’m Bang Chan.’’ The wolf hybrid said shifting into a dimpled smile and extending his hand out for a handshake.

Your eyes flitted from his eyes to his hand and to Changbin before coming back to the wolf’s face. You had now recognized the hybrid as one of Changbin’s friends and dormmate. Your hand cautiously grabbed the other’s hand and gave it a shake. This made Chan’s frame relax although you felt the uneasiness sit on the pit of your stomach.

Noticing your quietness after the handshake Changbin clapped Chan’s back looking at you. ‘’Please excuse Channie-hyung. He can be such a dad sometimes.’’ Chan’s affronted ‘yah’ made Changbin snicker. ‘’You didn’t do anything wrong, so don’t worry about it.’’

‘’If you say so.’’ Anxiety started to pool in your stomach. ‘’I’m still worried that you might have gotten into trouble.’’

The frown that flashed on his face told you that said worry might be true. That is until Chan made a small thoughtful noise.

‘’Hmm. You two went out right after getting the paperwork done?’’ With a nod from you and Changbin the wolf continued ‘’And you said you texted Soobin too, right?’’ Another nod from you. ‘’I’m sure that he might have sorted that out then. He is quite observant and accommodating with that, even more if he is your friend.’’ The sympathetic smile that Chan gave you along with his words eased your worries.

‘’You know this because he told you or because you have some experience with it huh?’’ Changbin hooked an arm around Chan’s shoulders, a smirk adorning his lips.

Chan’s smile turned strained before letting out a controlled exhale. ‘’that’s none of your business Changbinnie. How about we go back to the dorm hmm?’’

‘’Alright hyung.’’ Changbin turned to you. ‘’(Name), guess I’ll see you tomorrow then?’’

You mirrored the smile that he gave you. ‘’For sure. See you tomorrow Changbin. Goodbye Chan.’’ You waved back at the hybrids as you walked out of the shelter.

Once home, you managed to finish the chores you had left for the day and whipped up something simple for dinner, you set up an alarm for the next day and fell asleep with anticipation making it hard to sleep soundly.

-

You managed to make your way to the shelter on time with a fuller breakfast the next morning. As you got in, Soobin called out for you to head to the shelter’s office. Inside he gave you copies of the paperwork you had filled and chatted with you as you waited for Changbin to arrive.

As if on cue, the hybrid entered the office with a hefty backpack and a duffle bag hanging from his shoulder. Enthusiastically, he greeted you and Soobin. With him present, both you and him signed some papers to finalize the housing arrangements and left the office.

Once in the lobby you kept on walking to the exit until you noticed the lack of Changbin's footsteps beside you. You looked back at the rabbit hybrid and saw him looking at a group of what you presumed to be hybrids, one of which you recognized as Chan by the fluffy grey ears sitting on top of his curls. Standing beside him was chubby cheeked guy sporting a chocolate beanie and an oversized hoodie and a hybrid that seemed younger than the other two with a pair of big, cream and gold furry ears and a similar hoodie. Changbin looked back at you and you could see in his eyes how he wanted to approach the group. With a smile you nodded and followed behind him.

You stood kind of off to the side as Changbin talked to what you assumed were his dorm mates. You tried to mind your own business but couldn’t help hearing bits and pieces of the conversation. They were sharing goodbyes, checking if Changbin had packed everything he needed, to call them if he needed something or just got lonely. It was the loud voice of the man with the beanie what pulled you into the conversation.

‘’Hyuuuuung, aren’t you gonna introduce her to us?’’ the whine in his voice made you want to burst into giggles at the childish tone but also cover your ears. You knew Changbin's voice was a force to be reckoned with, but his friend was pushing for first place in loudness.

‘’Sung-ah, calm down. I was just getting to that.’’ Changbin motioned for you to get closer. You stepped closer to the group. ‘’This is (Name). She is going to house me for a while and she agreed with me that the tempura is better than the sweet and sour pork at the restaurant that we usually go.’’

At that both Chan and the guy with the big ears comically raised an eyebrow. ‘’Are you for real?’’ Chan asked in disbelief.

‘’What can I say? I like some nice deep-fried shrimps and veggies.’’ You shrugged. ‘’Also, hi, nice to meet you all.’’ You gave them a small bow with a smile. Chan and the other two guys bowed back saying similar greetings.

‘’I am Jisung. Nice to meet you (Name)! Changbin told us a lot about you.’’ The man with the beanie, Jisung, gave you an innocent looking smile as you felt Changbin tense by your side.

Chan nervously giggled at the statement looking from Jisung to Changbin. ‘’We met yesterday but I’m Chan. It’s nice to see you again.’’

‘’I’m Jeongin. Nice to meet you (Name).’’ You responded with a ‘nice to meet you too’. Jeongin looked fixedly at you, as if he were analyzing you. After a moment his gaze softened and lowly added ‘’Changbin hyung might be a handful but please take good care of him.’’

Slightly taken aback by the request you started to fidget. ‘’I’ll try.’’

Sensing the change in atmosphere, Changbin went to hug the youngest and was surprised with how Jeongin just let him.

‘’Oh? Is Jeonginnie gonna miss me? Is that why you are looking out for your hyung?’’ Changbin jested as he squeezed the boy in his arms.

‘’Of course, hyung.’’ Jeongin easily admitted. ‘’Who else is going to take me out for a meal?’’

‘’Innie! Give your hyung a kiss!’’ Jeongin struggled out of the muscle bunny’s arms. Yipping as the bunny kept trying to get the others lips to connect to his cheek.

The scene made you let out a happy laugh and Jisung cackle. From the side you could see Chan endearingly look at the pair with a smile, his tail wagging behind him.

Calming down, Changbin stopped trying to catch Jeongin and settled with a ‘’I’ll come every once in a while Innie, so don’t miss me too much okay?’’

With a roll of his eyes said hybrid gingerly agreed.

‘’Oh hyung! If you will visit then we can go over the lyrics for that beat I showed you the other day?’’ Jisung asked tilting his head to the side.

Changbin briefly looked at you, as if looking for permission, then to Jisung. ‘’Sure thing Sungie, I’ll tell you when.’’ The charming smile that formed in the male’s face made you smile too.

‘’Well then, don’t let us keep you here.’’ Chan helpfully added. ‘’I’m sure you two have a lot to figure out at your apartment.’’

With a few hugs and goodbyes, you and Changbin made your way out of the shelter. Something about the look that the bunny gave you when Jisung mentioned visiting rubbed you the wrong way. With that in mind you cleared it up immediately.

‘’Hey, Changbin?’’ He hummed. ‘’Just so you know, you can go out whenever you’d like. Just tell me when you go out so I don’t worry, alright?’’

He stopped in his tracks and you turned to him. Facing you with a warm smile Changbin answered with a soft ‘Alright’. He looked into your eyes for a small moment before catching up to you and walking to the soon to be shared apartment.

-

When you arrived to your apartment you showed Changbin his room. It consisted of a full bed with a plush comforter, a bedside table with a small lamp, a wood desk with an ergonomic chair and a built-in wardrobe lining one of the walls. He placed his bags down on the desk and took the time to look at the room. With a final huff he turned to you standing in the doorway.

‘’Wanna see the rest of the apartment?’’ you asked.

With a nod he followed you around as you showed him how to work the bathroom, where the important things where in the kitchen, the cleaning supplies if he ever needed them in the laundry room, which control did what in the living room, the best spot to feel the breeze in the balcony and lastly your door across from his in the small hallway.

‘’You can always knock if you need anything.’’ You said finishing your tour.

‘’I’ll keep it in mind. Thanks (Name).’’ The bunny gave you a small bow.

You felt your stomach lightly rumble after all the movement in the morning. ‘’Well, I think I’m going to make us some lunch. Meanwhile you can get settled, use the living room or anything else. Okay?’’

‘’Alright.’’ With that you headed to the kitchen. You had already thought about you wanted to make and got all the ingredients, pots and pans out. You zoned out for a while as you went through the general notions of chopping, seasoning and stirring. As you watched some veggies cook, you thought of showing Changbin the building’s facilities and how to access the apartment later.

Plating everything and moving to the dinner table you called out for Changbin. The curious look with a hint of wonder that the hybrid sported made you feel a bit more at ease on what you had made. Sitting down, you motioned for Changbin to try whatever he wanted as you dug into your own plate.

Discreetly, you peeked at Changbin as he tried each dish and inwardly cheered as he made satisfied sounds with each bite. Soon enough, the two of you were done and you thought back on what else you had left to show the hybrid.

‘’Hey Changbin, I was thinking about showing you the pool, the gym and some other stuff after eating. Would you like it if we check them out in a bit after I clean up or later today?’’ The sound of your voice made Changbin's ears tilt forwards attentively.

‘’I can clean up and we could go after.’’ You gave the bunny an apprehensive look as he started gathering the dirty dishes. ‘’Don’t give me that look (Name). You cooked so it’s the least I should do.’’

‘’Can I at least help you?’’ You tried.

‘’Yes, you can.’’ With a silly smile Changbin took the dishes to the kitchen, you following closely behind. He washed as you dried the dishes and stored them away. In no time, everything was clean and you headed to the building floor that had the pool and the gym. You saw the way the black furry ears twitched and moved every which way as his eyes scanned the gym equipment and the glittering water of the pool.

You also took the time to go to the lobby and administration office with Changbin to give them the notice that the hybrid would be living with you for a while. Changbin crossed his arms across his chest as you talked to the receptionist in the lobby and the administrator. They were understanding about it but gave you and Changbin some strange looks. You had the inkling that these people made the hybrid uncomfortable, so you made the whole ordeal short.

Once back up to your floor you pitched the idea of Changbin learning and trying the passcode to your apartment so he could get in and out comfortably when you were out working. He agreed commenting how he was looking forward to using the pool soon.

As the elevator doors opened to your floor, you had to suppress a scowl from taking over your relaxed expression. Standing in front of you was your lovely, lovely neighbor in his blonde and freckled glory. 

You see, your neighbor had moved in a few months after you had moved to your apartment. The day you decided to knock on his door and give him a house warming gift you expected to be greeted with some confusion and an askew smile. Definitely not a cute guy in his early twenties with puffy, red eyes, tear tracks staining his freckled cheeks and a disheveled mop of dirty blonde hair. The shock that overtook his face made him quickly dry his tears and hide slightly behind his door. Seeing his state, you quickly told him you lived in the apartment next to his and had brought him a gift but that you could come back some other time. Now positively embarrassed, he took the gift, muttered a ‘thank you’ and closed the door in your face. You empathized with his situation, but still felt a bit irked by his actions.

Next time you saw him you were waiting for the elevator with a rude client cursing you out in the phone after asking to reschedule a meeting. He stepped out of his apartment and had meekly tried to start a conversation with you when the voice in your phone raised in tone and spewed out an onslaught of insults.

Be it the fact that it was early morning, that you didn’t sleep much the night before as you were finishing some projects or that you couldn’t handle rude people at all, you turned to him with a scowl. ‘’I can’t right now.’’ You didn’t manage to control your tone and it came out drastically rude. The elevator dinged and you walked in the cabin. ‘’I’m stepping in the elevator; I’ll get in contact with you later.’’ You ended the call to an affronted ‘wait’ leaving the phone. With an exasperated sigh you pressed the ground level button and before the doors closed you saw your neighbor rooted in his spot, mouth open and eyebrows pulled together, completely flabbergasted. Processing the situation your eyes widened and you cursed out as you missed the timing to keep the doors open and at least let the guy climb into the elevator.

Granted, you felt bad for your behavior and wanted to apologize. Yet, the next time you bumped into him, he brushed you off in a similar fashion to yours as he was rushing somewhere with a stack of what seemed to be bakery boxes and you almost made him trip and fall.

The time after that, his mail and some boxes had made its way to your doorstep. You tried to move them to his door but stumbled and accidentally spilled half of the latte you had gone out to buy on top of his items. Right as you were contemplating how you were going to explain what happened and apologize with the stained items in your hands, your neighbor opened his door and looked directly at you.

Caught like a deer in the headlights you blurted the first thing that your brain could come up with. ‘’It’s not what it looks like.’’ Okay that was bad. ‘’I went out and when I came back, I saw this and saw it was yours and I tripped and the coffee went everywhere. I’m sorry.’’

He didn’t say anything. He just took the ruined mail from your hands and stomped to his door. A scowl marring his features.

This series of unfriendly interactions and accidents made the two of you avoid each other like the plague. Every once in a while, one of you would give in to being petty and the resentment would only grow.

Getting over your dismay of meeting him with Changbin by your side, you muttered a quick ‘afternoon’ and walked to your door. Changbin quietly followed after giving a friendlier greeting and a bow to your neighbor. From you peripheral you saw the switch on the blonde’s face go from a frown to a friendly smile directed to the bunny. He responded with an equally friendly greeting and stepped in the elevator.

‘’Who was that?’’ The bunny asked when the elevator doors closed.

‘’He is my neighbor. He lives in the other apartment in this floor.’’ You decided that skipping over the details of your beef with the blonde man.

‘’Hmm.’’

‘’What is it?’’

‘’It’s just that I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere else. Maybe the shelter? I’m not sure.’’ Changbin mused briefly. ‘’Oh yeah, the passcode.’’

You showed Changbin how to work the passcode and let him try it out. On his second attempt he managed to punch in the correct numbers and open the door. The triumphant smile that he gave you as he opened the door for you made a giggle spill out of your mouth.

The smile turned into a pout with Changbin whining ‘’(Name)! Don’t laugh at me!’’

‘’I didn’t laugh though! I giggled.’’ You bicker entering the apartment and taking off your shoes.

‘’It’s the same thing though!’’

The rest of the evening you tended to your plants and lazed around in your phone as Changbin finished unpacking and watched something in the tv. The two of you settled on getting some take-out and watching some movies before going to sleep.

The moment you shuffled into your bed the tiredness of the day hit you like a wave and settled into your bones as you managed to lay down comfortably. Going over the events of the day in your head, your eyes slowly closed, thoughts going fuzzy and the world drifting away. The last thing you note is how nice is it to know that there is another person right across the hall. How nice it is to not be alone.

Chapter Text

If someone had asked Changbin what he was thinking with the whole ‘’let me live with you’’ fiasco, he wouldn’t know what to tell you. It just felt like the right thing to say at the time.

Just like it felt right to join you that afternoon to help you out with at least with one of the many chores you had and get to know you more in the process. Changbin didn’t regret a minute of that afternoon even if he could feel the onslaught questions and subsequent teasing Chan was going to let loose once they reached their dorm.

Upon opening their door Changbin hollered ‘’I bought some snacks for everyone!’’

Instantly Jisung’s whiny tone answered him. ‘’Hyung! Where were you? I waited for you all afternoon so we could go work out together.’’

‘’Sorry about that Sungie. Hyung got busy.’’ Changbin deliberately ignored the questioning look the squirrel gave him as he passed around the snacks he had bought.

‘’Busy with that person you met today?’’ Jeongin asked from the top bunk bed in genuine curiosity. How observant Jeongin had got was something Changbin still had to get used to. It was as if the desert fox hybrid had unlocked better senses than the rest of the group.

‘’Yeah.’’ Changbin admitted easily. There was going to be no escape from the interrogation he was going to be subjected to, might as well be honest.

‘’What exactly did you two do? You were beaming when you reached the lobby.’’ The wolf hybrid asked as he sat down on one of the bunk bed’s bottom mattresses.

‘’We just went to eat and went grocery shopping hyung.’’ He stated as he sat down opposite to Chan on the other bunk bed.

‘’So, you left me hanging for a date with a stranger?!’’ The fake pout in Jisung’s paired with his round cheeks made Changbin want to pinch the youngers cheeks, both in cute aggression and to shut him up.

‘’What are you even saying? It was not a date.’’ Changbin grumbled as he dug into his own packet of chips. ‘’She just seemed a bit bothered with some chores she had to do and I wanted to help. But we were hungry so we went first to Mrs. Kim’s restaurant for lunch. Then to the grocery store, then her apartment.’’

‘’Her apartment?’’ Chan asked slightly perplexed. ‘’Like, you said she was going to house you and all, but why go there today? Were you checking out the place?’’

‘’She bought a ton of stuff and I couldn’t let her carry all that by herself. So, I helped carry them to her apartment. Then we came back.’’

‘’Ooh, what a gentleman.’’ Jeongin snickered.

‘’Forget about that! She is gonna house you?! For real?!’’ Jisung’s excitement was contagious enough to make the other three smile. Changbin answered with a simple nod. ‘’Is she nice? Is she pretty? What is her name?’’

Changbin thought over the question as the others looked at him expectantly. ‘’(Name). She was a little awkward but really gentle. She really listened and spoke with no prejudice. I explained to her some stuff about the program and the experiences I had before. She reassured me and I ended up asking if she would house me.’’ At this Chan gasped but kept quiet. ‘’She was not sure but we talked it over, she accepted, filled the paperwork and then we had a little escapade.’’

The bunny munched on his chips again as the others processed the information. Jeongin was the first to speak up. ‘’You usually don’t get along with any of the people that come to these meetings hyung. Did she do something different?’’

‘’No, I had a feeling. Chan-hyung did too, so he pushed me to talk to her.’’ Finishing his snack Changbin searched for the bags where he was going to pack his belongings for tomorrow.

‘’You did the heavy part Binnie. I’m glad you found a nice person to house you.’’ Chan said as he shared a half hug with the bunny.

‘’But, is she pretty?’’ The squirrel insisted.

‘’What’s it to you Sung-ah?’’ The deadpan expression in his face only fueled the teasing from his friend.

‘’Cuz if she is cute, I’ll steal her from you hyung. You have a good eye for people, I want to get my hours done too.’’ Jisung sprawled back on the mattress, evading a balled-up pair of socks Changbin threw his way.

‘’Don’t even try it Jisung-ah.’’ The squirrel was a menace and Changbin didn’t want you having to deal with him alone.

‘’Aigo, is Changbinnie is jealous?’’ With a high and silly voice Chan poked and prodded at Changbin as he tried to fold his clothes and stuff them in a backpack. ‘’Does baby Changbin not wanna share?’’

‘’Yah!’’ The bunny wrestled Chan’s hands away as the wolf laughed in delight. ‘’Stop bothering me! Let me pack my bags, jeez!’’ His room mates laughed at his complaining but kept him company as he got his things ready.

-

Moving in was easy enough. Getting into a routine was a bit difficult for the bunny since most he knew was what he experienced in the shelter. He usually had to follow the hours when meals were served and some activities took place. Even then, he would join either of his dorm mates or friends and follow their flow on whatever they wanted to do that day. With the lack of company Changbin had to find what to do by himself, since you left for work early in the morning and got back midafternoon. He had no one to go bother or talk to.

But his need to socialize was just part of Changbin's personality. He had admitted that he didn’t like being lonely so he often hung out with you doing anything. Thus, Changbin had taken the habit of greeting you as soon as you got home. This went from a greeting and a quick ‘how was your day?’ to spending a whole hour talking together in the living room. Changbin enjoyed hearing about the latest gossip that ran around your office or the crazy client demands you had encountered that day. In turn, he talked about the unhinged people he saw using the machines wrong at the building’s gym or a silly convo he had with Chan or Jisung. He looked forward to your arrival every time you came back from work.

One thing that the hybrid could figure out on his own was how to live more in tune to his animal side’s behaviors now that he didn’t have to stick to the shelter’s times. One of these behaviors was his sleep schedule. He slept little at night and had more energy at dawn and dusk. The good thing is that he quickly figured out he could use the gym early in the morning and come back in time to join you for breakfast before you left for work. He used the rest of the day to produce, write down lyrics and research ways to improve his music, rapping and singing skills. All that made him incredibly sleepy in the afternoons. So, he napped just until you came home and repeated the cycle.

That said, the simple routine he had built changed when he began hanging out in his animal form with you.

The first time Changbin had turned into a bunny in the apartment, he just felt the need to enjoy the warmth of the afternoon in the balcony. He had left open the door to the balcony and to his room so he could access both spaces in his animal form. Leaving his clothes in his room, he hopped to rest underneath one of the balcony chairs. Even though he knew he could defend himself against any flying predator that might come into the balcony, he felt safer resting underneath a solid object.

Changbin didn’t often indulge in his whims that his animal side asked of him. But he had felt like he had an itch he had to scratch by lazing around for a while out of his humanoid form. The cozy atmosphere and the serenity of the space made Changbin doze off easier.

It was the click of the door locking close what woke him up. Slowly, Changbin looked around and saw the sky no longer blue but painted with orange and yellow. He let out a small yawn and turned towards the entrance of the apartment where you were taking off your shoes.

The bunny got around to greet you once you had put away your purse and muttered an ‘‘I’m home’’. As he crossed the threshold of the balcony door, he looked at you and sat upright, ears pointing forward at you curiously. When your eyes landed on the black New Zealand rabbit sitting on your living room instead of a buff hybrid striding out of the hallway to greet you, Changbin saw your eyebrows scrunch together.

You looked from the small creature to the opened door at the end of the hallway. Then back to the bunny. ‘’Changbin?’’ With an unsure voice you had called out his name. ‘’Is that you?’’

Changbin managed a nod as he hopped closer to you. With a twitch of his nose, he noticed how the smells from the street clung to your clothes. The instinct to rub his chin against you so you smelled like him instead wormed its way into the front of his mind. Self-control made him hold back from chinning, but he couldn’t help standing upright at your feet and look up at you. He had been alone since early in the morning and most of him was itching for some attention.

Slowly you crouched and extended a hand towards him. Changbin sniffed it and placed his head under it. Changbin felt the tips of your fingers lightly caressing the bridge of his nose and between his ears. Closing his eyes in contentment the bunny pressed into your touch.

The hybrid had been petted a lot before by his closest friends. Chan being one to do so unprompted even in his humanoid form, Jisung doing so whenever the two would hang out and Jeongin giving in once Changbin pulled a pleading look as a bunny. Yet, the brush of your fingers filled him with such bliss that he lost himself in the delicate touches.

After a few minutes of pets, Changbin looked up at you once again. Seeing the confusion still linger in your eyes, Changbin quickly hopped into his room and transformed to his humanoid form. Haphazardly putting on his shorts and shirt before opening his door and peeking at you across the hallway.

‘’Hi.’’

‘’Hi (Name), welcome back.’’

Still crouching you manage to ask ‘’So… You can turn into a bunny?’’

‘’Uhm, yeah.’’ Logically, Changbin knew that you should have known this fact. Years of scientific progress and tinkering on every generation of hybrids made them more refined. So much so that most hybrids could turn into their animal counterpart at will. Yet a part of him was self-conscious about that from your reaction to his animal form and his own negative thoughts about himself. Did his muscly physique made him look like a freak as a bunny? Were you okay with animals at all? He should have told you this when the two of you were at the shelter. Where you going to make him go back because of this?

As the hybrid’s mind raced, you stood up from your crouching position and walked towards Changbin's door. ‘’Oh, okay. You know I had forgotten that you could do that. Seeing you like that caught me off guard.’’ Changbin tried to hide behind part of the doorframe as you reached the end of the hallway. ‘’Sorry if I startled you.’’

‘’No, no. I’m okay.’’ The hybrid shuffled from his cover and shyly looked to the side. Remembering how he had behaved a minute ago, the apples of his cheeks burned with embarrassment. ‘’Sorry, that might have been weird.’’ Curse his dumb animal instincts and his need for attention.

‘’What? No, its okay. You can shift whenever you want. This is your home too now, you know? Whatever makes you comfortable.’’

‘’It’s not that.’’ Your furrowing brows pushed Changbin to explain. ‘’I mean. It’s the petting and stuff. Might have been weird for you.’’

That made (Name) freeze in her spot. Her hands that had been fidgeting the entire conversation stuck in an awkward manner before covering half her face in a panic. ‘’Oh my god, I’m sorry. I just petted you without asking if it was okay.’’

‘’It was!’’ Your distress spurred the bunny to be honest. Reeling back, Changbin repeated calmly this time. ‘’It was okay with me. I liked it.’’ He cleared his throat. ‘’I mean- It’s just nice you know. Head scritches.’’ He finished lamely, ears folding back.

From his peripherals Changbin saw your hands move from your face to fidgeting again. He dared glance back to your face to see your reaction. He saw that your face was back to neutral but your posture was relaxed. ‘’Okay, thank goodness.’’ You quickly glanced behind you to your bedroom. ‘’I-uhm. I’ll go change then. Long day and all.’’

The small smile you gave him eased his worries a bit, but not completely. ‘’Alright. tell me if you need help with dinner later, okay?’’ You gave him a nod as you disappeared behind your door.

Changbin was not sure what to make from that whole interaction. You didn’t seem to be against the idea of petting him, even if just in his animal form. You were worried about his comfort with it, which warmed Changbin's heart.

A part of him believed you were alright with repeating those soft scratches between his ears. Another, pessimistic part thought that he shouldn’t expect much in case he got hurt over it. Even then, the hybrid guiltily hoped that you would indulge him.

Two days later, Changbin was once again resting in his bunny form. This time he decided to take his nap in the living room on a throw blanket you had left out. The beeping of the lock and click of the door woke Changbin from his afternoon doze. With a twitch of his ears, he heard you moving around. You muttered your usual greeting but he didn’t move from his position with his legs folded underneath his fuzzy body. Too comfortable.

This time when you saw him sat as a loaf on the sofa you quietly approached him. He turned his head to you and blinked. Seeing this you go closer. It looked like you were checking if he was asleep or not.

‘’Hi, Changbin. May I?’’ Changbin happily stretched from his position towards your offered hand and pushed is head underneath it. He looked expectantly at you. ‘’Does a big stretch mean yes or no?’’ The cheeky smile you gave him made Changbin want to tease you back, but pets sounded better. So, he nodded and folded his ears back as you gently grazed your fingers over his nose bridge and head. The hybrid slowly closed his eyes enjoying the touch.

After a few minutes you paused your hand and told the bunny that you were going to change to your home clothes. Hearing this, Changbin sat again like a loaf and nodded. If he was honest, already missed the touch. Still feeling sleepy he closed his eyes and relaxed his ears.

A while later, the bunny heard you quietly walk back to the living room and sit on the opposite side of the sofa as him. Changbin curiously looked at what you were doing. You had a pillow on your lap, hands resting on it as you scrolled through your phone. Noticing him looking at you, you asked. ‘’Is it okay if I join you here?’’

With a nod and a hop, he moved to the seat beside you, sat back down facing you and tucked his limbs underneath him. Before he could close his eyes to go back to napping, he saw your hand linger near the side of his face and a questioning gaze land upon him. Changbin was elated and shuffled closer to your hand. The soft pets that followed lulled the bunny to a deep and comfortable sleep.

When Changbin opened his eyes once again, the sky was dark and he could smell the dishes you were cooking in the kitchen. He reluctantly hopped off the couch to his room and changed. He groggily walked out of his room and joined you in the kitchen.

‘’Morning Changbin.’’ You called out with an amused smile when you saw him. He just hummed and looked over the food then to you. ‘’Wanna help me set the table?’’ you cautiously asked. He nodded as he gathered plates and cutlery and you turned off the heat on the stove.

With the table all set, both of you dug in. Three bites in, the hybrid’s lively demeanor came back as he complimented your food. That kickstarted your usual late day conversation that turned into a game night after cleaning the dishes. You introduced him to a racing videogame, a party videogame and a dance videogame that quickly grew on Changbin.

‘’(Name)! Stop cheating!’’ Changbin shouted as he tried to follow the moves the brightly dressed dancer on the screen was doing.

‘’I am not! This is pure talent, don’t you see?’’ Changbin in retaliation tried to cover the screen from your view with his own frame. He heard you laughing from behind at his attempt at getting an advantage.

Struggling again to follow the dance, he saw how you kept getting perfects and goods on the character avatar you had chosen. ‘’Wha- how are you even managing to follow the moves?’’

‘’I have years of experience dear Changbin. I could even dance some songs with my eyes closed.’’ You declared triumphantly as the avatar with your name shined with 5 stars and a high score while Changbin's barely reached 3.

Sure, you steamrolled Changbin in almost every round of every game, but he had fun.

Retiring for the night, Changbin thought back on all that happened in the evening. He was elated to know that you were completely on board with the pets. At least in his animal form.

Closing his eyes, he thought over the discovery he had made that night. He found out he liked to make you smile and laugh at anything and everything. You often came home drained but tried to keep up a good mood. He saw how his silly voices and conversation made the tension in your shoulders ebb away. So, he promised to himself to make your mood better when he could. With that, he drifted into a deep sleep.

A loud roar and a crack startled Changbin awake. He quickly sat up as his ears twitched attentively, looking for what made the noise that made him hyperventilate and his heart pound quickly inside his ribcage. He clutched his duvet between his hands as he tried to calm down.

He recognized the peltering of rain against his window and the whistle of wind that blew against the building. He dared glance through the glass. He felt the hairs in his arms raise and his sensitive ears catch the initial rumble of thunder before he saw a flashing light zap and crack almost right in front of him.

With a choked gasp Changbin stumbled out of his bed, the duvet catching his leg as he crawled as far away from the window as he physically could. Changbin hated thunderstorms. Ever since he was a kid the sound of thunder hurt his ears. It made him feel unsafe and anxious. Made him want to hide and not come out until the skies where no longer grey. He had gotten better at handling this discomfort with the help of his friends. But there was no Chan to cuddle him back to sleep, no Jisung to comfort him and no Jeongin to reassure him with gentle words. Not even their gentle breaths to lull him back to sleep.

The fear that overtook him slowly melted into discomfort as he controlled his breathing and remembered where he was. His first thought was to knock on your door. For what exactly? He wasn’t sure but he didn’t want to be alone. You had told him to knock if he ever needed anything, so he stood up and headed to your room.

He paused outside of your door and lifted his hand to knock but stopped himself. It had to be some unholy hour in the night. You had work tomorrow; he shouldn’t bother you with this. You deserved to sleep well. He was a grown up, he could deal with his shit.

As he tried to close the door to his room, another clap of thunder boomed across the apartment. In a panic he shifted to his animal form and trembled as he hid inside his now big shirt. As the rumble faded, Changbin wiggled out and hopped to your door. His paws quickly hit the wooden door. Anxiously the bunny waited in the dark hallway, ears swiveling around.

He thought of once again hitting the door but the sound of a creaking bed and your footsteps halted his actions. He was greeted with your hair messy and sleep clothes crinkled. Your barely open eyes looked straight in front of you and you frowned in confusion. When he saw you start closing the door, Changbin's back leg thumped against the wooden flooring of the hallway. The sound made you look down at black fuzzy blob sitting in front of your door. Gingerly, Changbin moved inside your room as you blinked away some sleep from your eyes.

‘’Changbin?’’ you gently closed the door as you approached the bunny. ‘’Did something happen? What is it?’’

Changbin didn’t know what to do or say. Not that he could talk to you in this state anyways. You sat down on the floor beside your bed and grabbed a pillow to hug to your chest. Changbin hopped to sit beside you as he was finally settling down after the last rumble that had spooked him. The presence of another person soothed him enough for his heartbeat to finally slow down.

‘’Did you have a bad dream or something?’’ you asked as you showed him your hand held over his head. As he approached the appendage, he heard the unmistakable rumble of incoming thunder. Before the deafening crack following the lightning could make itself known, Changbin raced to hide underneath your bed. He flattened himself to the ground and trembled slightly in fear.

‘’Oh dear.’’ He heard you say before peeking under the bed. When you saw him frightened out of his mind, you laid down beside the bed looking over the bunny. You gently reached towards him but left your hand limp on the ground not moving it towards or away from him. A few minutes passed like this, where worry took over your face as you admitted, ‘’I’m sorry, I’m not sure on what should I do. I really want to help you but I don’t know what to do.’’

Instantly Changbin felt bad by putting you in this situation, this is exactly what he didn’t mean to do. Become a burden to you. Thus, he slowly unflattened himself from the ground and nosed at your offered hand, sliding his head under it. Instantly you caressed is face and his tense body turned into putty in your hands. This went on for a few minutes until Changbin noticed there was no more tell-tale sign of thunder and the pelting rain on the windows was not as forceful as before.

‘’It looks like the storm is calming down. Wanna come out of there?’’ with small steps, the bunny left his temporary refuge and looked up at you as you sat up. ‘’Better?’’

Changbin carefully nodded. Your worried expression turned into a soft gaze. Mouth opening with a barely contained yawn. ‘’It’s time to sleep then.’’ With that, (Name) stood up and moved a plush chair that sat near what appeared to be a reading nook to the side of the bed, covered it with a fuzzy blanket, set a small pillow on top of it and slid back under the covers.

"You can sleep here if you want to. So that you know that I am nearby." She softly said peeking down from the covers to look at the black rabbit sitting on the side of the bed. After a moment of silent contemplation she added, "You are also welcome to climb up the bed and sleep on the other pillow if you'd like. But, do whatever you feel comfortable with, okay?" The look of uncertainty and concern from the human tugged at Changbin's heartstrings. But he didn’t want to dwell in that at that moment.

The black rabbit looked at the chair and gingerly hopped on it. Settling down on the fuzzy blanket and resting his head over the small pillow, Changbin quietly gazed to the biggest window in the room, resting on the reflections said crystal had. The sound of your breathing helped the bunny calm down and even made him drowsy. That is until another unexpected, but far away clap of thunder woke him once again. With that final scare Changbin jumped on the bed and tried to hide himself underneath the unused pillow beside you. This made you lie on your side to check on him.

Willing his heart to calm down, he looked back at you. Changbin saw your hand rest on the mattress and he nosed it until he could slide his head underneath it. This was your cue to repeat the soothing motions over his head. He looked into your eyes and found worry swirling inside your sleepy orbs.

‘’Changbin, you are going to be okay.’’ Your words caught him by surprise but you continued, ‘’You are safe bun. Nothing will happen to you.’’ The mix of soft reassurances, gentle caresses and your slow breathing made Changbin's eyes fall close. The rumble of incoming lightning was covered by you humming a gentle song that reminded Changbin of a lullaby he had heard somewhere when he was a kid.

Your presence eased his worries and fear. Only comfort and safety surrounded him like a blanket. The bunny let himself be taken by the clutches of sleep with a warm, fuzzy feeling burning in his chest.

Chapter Text

Your eyes slowly blinked open. The noise of city cars and people bustling in the morning no more than a faint, far away murmur from the confines of your bedroom. Warm sunlight filtered through translucent curtains, bathing the bedroom in a hazy glow. The soft piano notes of your weekend alarm danced through the air, desperately trying to pull you into a semblance of wakefulness.

Grumpily you reached for your phone and turned off the alarm, the numbers in the digital clock staring back at you. You huffed placing the phone back on the nightstand, hiding once again under the warmth cocoon of blankets that protected you from the cold morning. A result from the thunderstorm from the early hours before sunrise. You cuddled to the warm pillow that rested against your chest and closed your eyes once again.

You felt like you floated in darkness for a few moments before your second alarm woke you again 15 minutes later. Deeming the nap you needed before facing the world complete, you turned to your side and grabbed your phone. You almost fell asleep again while looking through your emails and notifications. Key word: almost. The pillow you were cradling against your chest squirmed in your hold and spooked you enough to drop your phone.

Slowly you peeled back the blanket and found not a pillow but a bunny in your hold blinking its eyes open. You properly moved some of the blankets and scuttled back to let the small animal move around comfortably and not be so pressed to you. As the bunny rubbed his paws across his face and eyes, it reminded you of how Changbin tends to rub his eyes when he is sleepy. Oh right, Changbin was afraid yesterday and you let him sleep with you. How you didn’t crush him during the night is beyond you. But you felt glad that he had slept at least most of the night.

Changbin's beady eyes looked at you as you moved your hand towards his head. Instantly the small bunny stretched towards your hand. Your fingers glided with practiced ease from his twitching nose to its back. The feel of the hybrids soft fur a welcome texture for your still sleepy brain. You rested your head more on the pillow as you looked at the small creature relax at your touch.

It’s something you were indulging more and more each day. Giving Changbin pets when he was a bunny. It had been a reflex to do so the first time you saw him because first, he looked cute as hell, second, he had been the one to approach you about it.

This made you look up rabbit behaviors and you found out how petting was a bonding and social activity for rabbits. Yet, the behavior carried onto hybrids and your experience on the last few days confirmed it. The activity wasn’t only adored by the hybrid (or so you assumed, you hadn’t asked Changbin) but by you too. Bubbling happiness and endearment filled you when Changbin melted with the gentle touches.

‘’Morning Changbin. You slept well?’’ you paused your movements to look at Changbin’s answer. The small nod and nose twitch made your lips get a happy tilt as you resumed the pets.

After gathering your wits to leave the warm bundle of blankets, you left your room with the door wide open so Changbin could leave when he wanted. You headed to the kitchen to make some breakfast. At some point you heard the pit pat of paws from the hallway followed by the sound of footsteps and the bathroom faucet running.

Changbin's broad frame made its way to you as you scrambled some eggs in the stove. Sleepily, he rested his head on your shoulder and looked at your hands at work. The contact made you jump at first, then you gently bonked your head with his.

After two weeks of living together Changbin had become physically affectionate. You assume he was like this with his friends back in the shelter, so you indulged in the contact and gave back in little ways. Being a closed off and awkward person made receiving and giving physical affection a rare occurrence. So, you cherished the little ways in which the hybrid would engage in skinship with you.

‘’Is Changbinnie sleepy?’’ The playful lilt in your croaky voice made the hybrids ears jump into attention and flick against the side of your neck.

‘’Changbinnie is so~ sleepy.’’ The whine in his voice made it clear he was pouting. Another whine filled the kitchen when you pulled away to get some plates ‘’(Name~), don’t go~.’’

‘’But I’m hungry~’’ from your peripheral you saw Changbin groggily following you to the cupboard with his arms slightly extended. A mischievous streak flared and you playfully evaded and scurried out of Changbin's hold. A silly smile took over your face when Changbin let out an indignant shout.

‘’(Name)! Come back!’’ A disgruntled expression took over his face as you once again darted out of his reach and got to the stove. With one last pounce, Changbin managed to trap one of your arms with both of his and nuzzled his face against your shoulder once more. You heard Changbin let out a sound of victory at this and a light chuckle escaped you.

You plated the food with the best of your ability and tried to free your arm from Changbin's grip. The hybrid only snuggled closer to you. With no heat you bonked your head with his and said ‘’C’mon, let go.’’

‘’Don’t wanna.’’

‘’Are you not hungry?’’ He gave you a headshake as an answer and you shifted to let your weight lean over Changbin as payback. ‘’But I am.’’

‘’Too bad (Name).’’ The playful response made you sigh. Time to negotiate your freedom for some brekkie. Before you could come up with a good bargain, a grumble filled the silence that had formed. A barely contained chortle escaped you as Changbin slowly peeled himself from you. A pink tint took over his cheeks as he glared to the side. ‘’Fine, let’s eat.’’

He helped you carry out the plates and utensils to the table and spent an unrushed breakfast together. A change of pace from your usual day to day.

‘’Oh yeah! Its Saturday, do you have anything planned for today (Name)?’’ Changbin asked as he washed the morning dishes.

‘’Not really. But Soobin texted me that we should go to the shelter for a check in.’’ The actual text was more of a ‘come see me, you donut’ that with some pushing and bickering turned into ‘you and Changbin need to come in today, boss says. Totally not me.’

At the mention of the shelter, Changbin perked up. He turned to you and with sparkling eyes asked ‘’Really? When?’’

‘’Yeah, I don’t know which hour though. We could go in a bit since its late morning.’’ Changbin must be missing his friends if that was his reaction, might as well go soon. ‘’I’ll go get ready and we can go out when you are ready too, that sound good?’’

The beaming smile that Changbin gave you made you unconsciously smile too. ‘’Yeah, sounds good (Name)!’’

-

Going out to the shelter was uneventful aside from Changbin vibrating in his shoes in excitement. Once the two of you entered the facility, you went straight to the offices where Soobin told you he was going to be. Strutting through the lobby, you noticed Changbin’s ears whipping around, surely listening for the voices of any of his friends.

You could barely hold back the impulse to just tell him to go find his friends, but you steeled your resolve to finish whatever Soobin wanted to talk about and let the hybrid do whatever his heart desired.

It was Taehyun’s cheery face what greeted you instead of your obnoxiously tall friend. ‘’Hi (Name)! Hi Changbin-hyung! If you are looking for Soobin, he went to the courtyard. Something about supervising he said.’’

A small sigh escaped you. ‘’Alright, thanks Taehyun.’’ A small ‘’no problem’’ bid you farewell as you went back to the lobby. You shifted your weight from foot to foot looking around briefly before looking decidedly to Changbin. ‘’Do you know where the courtyard is?’’

‘’Well of course. Who do you think you are talking to?’’ Changbin’s expression turned serious and he raised an eyebrow at you questioningly. In response you squinted at him and crossed your arms over your chest. He mirrored the action keeping quiet. You pushed out your bottom lip in a pout. A snort made its way out of his mouth at your expression before it morphed into a giggle. ‘’I’m sorry, you are just fun to rile up (Name).’’

The hybrid had taken to teasing you more and it made you equal parts endeared and exasperated. His favorite recently had been asking you over the top questions that left you at a loss for words. What a menace.

With an exaggerated roll of the eyes, you asked ‘’Mind showing me the way, your majesty?’’

‘’Right this way dear (Name)!’’ Changbin lead the way to a set of double doors you hadn’t seen before with a hop in his step.

Behind that door, a long outdoor corridor with concrete floor and sturdy roof connected two of the shelter’s buildings. Walking on the shaded path you saw grassy areas on both sides of the corridor dotted with thick bushes, flowers of different colors, benches and tall trees that shaded the different figures that played, talked and rested in the open area.

Your eyes moved to your companion and you noticed how his body language had changed. His shoulders were relaxed, the strides he took more laidback and the long ears on top of his head stood up attentively as he looked at the different hybrids that were spread out in the courtyard.

He looked comfortable, back in his element. This thought saddened you, unreasonably so. Maybe things weren’t going as smoothly as you thought, maybe he didn’t feel as okay living with you as you thought. Before you could mull the thought more, a small yip that came from a nearby bush pulled you out of your head.

You found a hint of gold fur and a pair of beady eyes looking up at you from the greenery. Changbin too had stopped at the sudden noise and investigated from the side. The corners of his mouth slid upwards in a warm smile before calling ‘’Innie-ah?’’

A small fox with comically large ears scampered out of the bush and approached Changbin. With another yip the fennec fox placed his front paws on Changbin's leg and looked up at him. With a delighted laugh, the bunny leaned down and scratched behind the little fox’s ears. One thought filled your head and reverberated inside your now barely functioning brain: ‘CUTE CUTE CUTE’. You had to tighten your fist and bite your tongue not to let out the biggest ‘aww’ known to man and embarrass yourself in front of a courtyard filled with hybrids.

‘’Oh, did Innie miss his hyung?’’ With an affronted yip the fennec fox darted from Changbin's hand and, surprisingly, jogged to you. Jeongin looked up expectantly and you debated on whether or not you should copy Changbin or not. Your fingers twitched and the youngest decided for you, doing the same he had done with Changbin and leaning on your leg.

Slowly you crouched and scratched behind the fox’s ears. A content yip answered your careful ministrations. ‘’Morning Jeongin, it’s nice to see you again.’’ The hybrid let out a low rumble that resembled a cat’s purr.

‘’Innie-ah! That’s not fair!’’ Changbin whined with a fake pout crouching next to you. He tried to reach Jeongin too but the fennec fake bit at his hand which made Changbin shout in surprise. Jeongin shuffled away from him. With a small whine the fox nosed at your hand and you continued the scritches.

You let out a chuckle at the interaction and lost yourself to the close eyed face of satisfaction of the desert fox. That is until you remembered why you had come here for. ‘’Sorry to cut this short Jeongin, but have you seen Soobin?’’ The sand-colored fox peeled away from your hand and made its way to a path that led to a shaded area of the courtyard. You followed Jeongin with Changbin hot on your heels.

There you saw Soobin sitting on a picnic table that held piles of paper and a laptop on its surface. Your friends focused face scanning the device and the papers that surrounded him. Soobin was so focused he didn’t see you sneak close. With a yell and a push, Soobin shrieked at the top of his lungs and whipped around to face you. ‘’(Name) you are the worst!’’ Your chuckle and Changbin's giggles made Soobin try and hide his face with his hands. From the corner of your eye you saw Jeongin walk away from the noisy scene.

‘’Sorry. I saw the opportunity and took it.’’ You sat down in front of Soobin and Changbin sat beside you. ‘’What did you want to talk about?’’

‘’Hello Soobin!’’ Changbin said with a beaming smile.

‘’Hello Changbin-hyung. At least you have manners, unlike some other people.’’ The stink eye Soobin gave you amused you more than anything else. ‘’I just wanted to check how you two were doing. If you were getting along and all that.’’ The query made your stomach churn uncomfortably. You knew things were going okay, but you hadn’t asked Changbin. Soobin’s expectant gaze on you didn’t help formulating sentences any easier.

In an effort to keep the conversation moving you muttered an ‘’It has been going well I think.’’ Even you cringed at how nervous and dry you sounded. You kept quiet as you didn’t know what else to say.

Changbin looked at you with a hint of worry and turned to Soobin to say his piece. ‘’Well, (Name) has been very kind and attentive. But she has given me space to do what I feel like doing. When she is out working, I work on my music. When she comes home, we hang out and have meals together every day. Also (Name)’s cooking is so delicious and she has introduced me to so many things I didn’t know about.’’ You peeked at Changbin's face and saw a small smile grace his lips as he talked. He paused for a moment and cleared his throat before continuing. ‘’That is to say, I believe we have been getting along nicely and I’m enjoying my time at (Name)’s.’’

Changbin's words and gentle tone made you look away from him and play with the hem of your shirt. So that’s how he felt huh. Changbin's words soothed your nerves and you looked once again at Soobin.  

With a small knowing smile your friend asked ‘’Do you want to add anything else (Name)?’’

You jumped at being called but tried to give a more honest and full answer. ‘’Oh, uhm, yes, we are getting along well. It’s nice living with someone again. And Changbin is a joy to be around.’’

‘’I see.’’ Soobin’s smile crinkled the edges of his eyes as he typed quickly in his laptop. ‘’I’m so glad to hear that!’’ The typing stopped. ‘’But that is not the only reason I called you here.’’

‘’Then, what is it?’’ The ominous change of tone made your eyebrows quirk downwards in confusion.

‘’So maybe I told my boss about you and your job.’’ Oh, well that is a new one.

‘’Oh? Soobin talking about me?’’ You leaned forwards and waggled your eyebrows at your friend.

‘’Quit it, it’s not like that.’’ Soobin rolled his eyes and a snicker made its way out of your throat. ‘’He wanted me to convince you to do a project for the shelter.’’

You quirked an eyebrow at that. ‘’Project? Like a renovation or something?’’ Soobin nodded. ‘’Hmm, how big would the project be?’’

‘’Mostly common areas, which is like half of the facilities.’’ You looked into a distant point behind Soobin thinking about the tasks and projects you had going on at the moment. Thinking over each of the areas you had visited in the shelter you wondered how long it would take to do the prep work, if the shelter would have the resources necessary to pay for said renovation. You kept quiet thinking possibilities and Soobin continued. ‘’Sorry, I know it’s a lot, but it’s something we have pending and we wanted to extend the opportunity to someone trustful.’’

‘’Sorry I was just thinking about how much that might be and how much time it might take. Y’know to talk to my boss and stuff.’’ You muttered as to soothe Soobin’s worry.

‘’So does that mean you are down for the project?’’ your friends hands clasped each other on his lap.

‘’Yeah, I’m down. Sounds like it could be fun.’’ A smile pulled at the corner of your lips when Soobin texted who you presumed was his boss. This gave you time to check on your hybrid companion.

From the corner of your eye, you had seen Changbin looking around yet paying attention to the conversation. You turned and checked on him. ‘’Hey Changbin, I think we are going to go on a work-related talk which might be boring, do you want to walk around and stuff? I think we might be done with the checkup thing, so you can go and hangout if you want.’’

The bunny turned back to you, his expression turning perplexed. ‘’Are you sure? I don’t mind accompanying you though.’’

‘’I’m sure. We might stay here for a while and I thought maybe you’d want to hangout with your friends or stretch your legs from being cooped up in the apartment.’’ You gave him a little pat on the back. ‘’Or you can also stay here, whatever you like best.’’

Changbin contemplated his options for a moment and stood up. He turned to you and stiltedly asked ‘’You…are going to be here when I come back right (Name)?’’

‘’Of course, Changbin.’’ With this he smiled and walked away from the picnic table to another side of the courtyard he was looking at before.

When Changbin left, a red fox peeked his head out from the other side of the table, beside Soobin. Said fox climbed up the table and made its way to your hands sniffing them.

‘’That’s Yeonjun by the way. He just decided to fox out.’’ At the mention of his name the fox let out a yip and laid down near you on the table. After a moment of silence Soobin told you ‘’He likes attention and will only leave if you give it to him.’’ At Soobin’s clarification Yeonjun stared coldly at your friend and huffed. He settled down near your hand and poked it with his nose. At this you scratched behind his ears, feeling the slightly coarse and amber fur slip through your fingers.

You and Soobin kept talking about the shelters renovation as you kept petting Yeonjun and writing down notes in your phone. At some point you felt more than heard a purr coming from the fox.

-

Two hours later, you had a solid plan to present to your boss to take on the project next time you saw him. With that settled and your stomach rumbling, you decided it would be a good time to go. You just hand to find Changbin. From some sideway glances you found him either playing or talking with other hybrids and volunteers around the courtyard.

Last time you saw him, Changbin had ran off following a squirrel which made a funny and adorable mental image: a bunny chasing a squirrel. You followed the general direction he took off. When you found him, he was out of breath, lying on the grass. His normally fluffy hair was subdued and curlier from the exertion and sweat of running around.

‘’Heyo~’’ you called out looking down at him. He huffed and puffed and signaled you to sit down.

Just as you sat beside him, Jeongin, now in his humanoid form, walked towards both of you. With a wave of his hand, he smiled and sat in front of you. Waved back at him and looked around a bit as Changbin composed himself.

‘’Hyung, did Jisung-hyung beat you again?’’ Jeongin asked with a teasing tone.

‘’Yah, I let him win, he didn’t beat me.’’ The bunny said sitting up. He brushed his hair back, making a mess out of his curls.

‘’That’s not what it looks like, but whatever you say hyung!’’ The youngest leaned away from a fake punch Changbin threw in his direction. An indignant sound leaving the bunny.

‘’Uhm, where is Jisung though? I didn’t see him?’’ you asked. You hadn’t seen the full-cheeked hybrid during all the time you had spent there.

Jeongin gave you a weird look. ‘’Didn’t he climb up the tree?’’ you returned the look; how could you not notice a grown ass hybrid climb up a tree in the middle of a field. Jeongin looked towards Changbin, who gave him a shrug. With an uncharacteristically loud voice for him, he called out ‘’Jisung-hyung! Come here!’’

You heard a rustle coming from the branches of a nearby tree. From it a squirrel climbed down and approached the little group you were now part of. It sat on Jeongin’s shoulder and looked curiously at you. Gingerly, the squirrel made its way up to your own shoulder and looked around.

At your silence and visible confusion, Changbin spoke up. ‘’Oh right, I don’t know if you remember, but Jisung is a squirrel hybrid.’’ You heard Jeongin snicker at your surprised expression.

‘’I didn’t actually. I never saw his ears or tail. I think you told me though.’’ You gently raised a hand to feel the fur on the tail of the squirrel. ‘’I guess it didn’t register in my mind all that well. Sorry about that.’’ You said this looking at Jisung, who let out a small squeak.

‘’It’s alright (Name).’’ Changbin reassured as he gave Jisung a scratch on its little back.

You counted them and thought back on everyone you had seen on the courtyard, you felt that there was a lack of a pale, dimpled hybrid. ‘’I feel like there is someone missing. Am I right?’’

‘’Oh! Chan-hyung moved this morning to his new house mate’s apartment. You know, like Hyung and you two weeks ago.’’ Jeongin supplied helpfully.

‘’Oh, did he tell you where he was staying? Or who was going to house him?’’ You asked. Jeongin’s eyebrows pulled together and he shook his head.

‘’I’ll call him later to interrogate him. Seriously, how dare he leave when I come visit. That’s so rude.’’ Changbin complained in a fake annoyed tone. Jisung squeaked in what seemed to be a laugh. ‘’Oh, right. Did you finish your business meeting with Soobinie?’’

‘’It was not exactly a business meeting but yes.’’ It was more like two hours of catching up and brainstorming. But he didn’t need to know that.

‘’Then~ Shall we go have lunch?’’ Changbin said to you with a silly smile on his lips.

‘’Sure thing Mr. Seo.’’ You three rose from your grassy seats. Jisung climbed down your form and up Jeongin’s. The fennec fox hybrid shivered at the feel of quick paws scrambling up his body. ‘’Did you guys eat? We thought of going to the restaurant that’s nearby. We could go together if you want.’’

Your polite invitation was gently declined by Jeongin. ‘’Thank you (Name)-noona, but we had lunch earlier so we are not hungry. Well, at least I am not. I don’t know about Jisung-hyung.’’ The squirrel hybrid squeaked indignantly and tickled Jeongin’s ear with his fluffy tail. The fox raised his hands to push Jisung away but the squirrel scrambled around Jeongin’s shoulders to keep on bothering the youngest. ‘’Hyung is alright too. Now stop it you silly squirrel!’’

Changbin and you let out a few giggles at the scuffle between the two small hybrids. You wondered if Jeongin just inferred what Jisung meant or they could understand each other in their different forms.

‘’Let him live Sung-ah! C’mon.’’ Changbin chastised, still laughing at the youngest feeble attempt at defense. Hearing the bunny, Jisung leaped off Jeongin and made his way up Changbin. ‘’I’ll see you soon Sungie! Don’t bother our precious younger brother too much.’’ The bunny gently hugged the small squirrel to his neck as he spoke. Letting Jisung go, Changbin patted Jeongin between his big ears. ‘’Bye Jeonginnie. I give you permission to keep Sung in line.’’ At this, the fox let out a chuckle.

‘’Bye hyung! Bye noona!’’ Jeongin waved as you and Changbin walked back to the main building.

‘’Bye Jeongin! Jisung!’’ you called over your shoulder, waving back.

You let Changbin lead you to the restaurant you had first shared a meal two weeks ago. Like any other day, the meal was filled with eager chatter and comfortable companionship.

Still, during the meal you wondered about Chan’s whereabouts. You caught how Changbin was a bit disappointed at the fact that he couldn’t see his best friend. You hoped the wolf hybrid was staying somewhere close so Changbin could see him every once in a while.

-

You supposed the walk home was going to be quiet. As quiet as it could be with a busy city bustling around you. That is until Changbin decided it was a good time to tease you.

‘’So~, I’m a joy to be around, huh? Do you like me more than you pretend to (Name)?’’ Changbin's smirk didn’t fit his bunny genes, he seemed more like a cat with an uncharacteristically evil glint to his eyes.

‘’What?’’

‘’Back with Soobin you said that.’’

‘’Said what?’’ You feigned ignorance, two can play at the teasing game.

‘’That I’m a joy to be around.’’ Coincidentally a loud truck passed by the two of you.

‘’Sorry, I didn’t get that. What was it?’’ For effect you frowned and tried to get close to Changbin to ‘hear him’.

‘’That you like having me around.’’ Changbin all but yelled into your ear. Sometimes you forgot how powerful his vocal cords were.

‘’Could you repeat that?’’ Seeing the progressively irritated expression that had overtaken the bunny you pretended to be hit with realization and said ‘’Oh! That Changbin likes spending time with me, right?’’

Changbin stopped in his tracks and looked directly at you. With a fake hit on your upper arm Changbin whined in a high-pitched voice for you to stop being mean to him.

‘’But you started!’’ you jokingly held your arm in fake pain.

‘’I had to take the opportunity! Let me have my fun!’’ Changbin huffed as he resumed walking.

You caught up in him and offered a simple ‘’Well, you ARE a joy to be around. Even more when I can annoy you a little bit.’’

Your words made Changbin bark out a laugh and look off to the side. You saw pink tint the apples of his cheeks and you smiled at yourself in content.

-

‘’I can’t believe we went out, practically pranced around the shopping area and we still forgot to pick up sugar and milk.’’ You lamented as you put on your shoes once again. Changbin close behind you.

‘’C’mon (Name), it will just be a quick trip. And perhaps, we could get some ice cream as emotional reparation.’’ Changbin suggested opening the door.

You sat on the entrance, your shoes now secured to your feet. Feeling dramatic you complained a bit more. ‘’But Changbin, I wanted to become a couch potato. I was so looking forward to that!’’

The chortle that Changbin let out made you look up at him with a pout. He gave you some gentle head pats and extended his hand. ‘’Come on up (Name), I’ll help you.’’ You clasped the offered hand and stood up with Changbin's help. He pulled you by the hand out of the apartment, closed the door and moved with you to the elevators. His hand held yours in a careful but secure hold.

You stepped forward to press the button to call the elevator and you felt his hold give when you moved. The skinship was comfortable, so you kept your hand hold his for a few more seconds as the elevator made its way to your floor before squeezing and letting go.

With a ding one of the elevator doors opened and what you saw made you stop in your tracks. Walking out of the elevator was the missing Chan, who was animatedly speaking to your lovely neighbor. They both held shopping bags filled of what you assumed was groceries.

You kept quiet as you didn’t know what to even do. Should you say hi to Chan? But what about your neighbor? What if the man aired your petty beef in front of the two hybrids with no mercy. Oh god, he was going to embarrass you for all the shit you pulled him through. Wait no, he was petty too. You COULD air out his dirty laundry, but wouldn’t that make you look like the bad guy? You didn’t want any more conflict if you were honest. You felt your brain go into an overdrive as both individuals that plagued your thoughts at the moment paused and looked at you and Changbin.

‘’Hyung?!’’ Changbin’s cheery voice pulled you from your overthinking and you looked at him. The look of surprise he had turned into one of delight when Chan turned to him.

‘’Changbinnie?! What are you doing here?’’ The wolf hybrid’s tail wagged energetically as he saw his friend right in front of him.

‘’I live here now hyung.’’ Changbin said matter-of-factly. ‘’What are you doing here? Who is he?’’

‘’There is no way!’’ Chan covered his face with his free hand letting out a laugh of disbelief then signaled to the door opposite to yours then to his freckled companion. ‘’I’ll live here now too! This is Felix. He is going to house me.’’

‘’Nice to meet you, Felix. I’m Changbin.’’ Changbin extended his hand to your neighbor with an easy smile.

‘’Nice to meet you too Changbin!’’ Felix shook hands with the hybrid and gave a smile of his own. ‘’What a coincidence really.’’ You didn’t detect malicious intent in his comment, but it felt suspicious to you.

Now looking in your direction, Chan spoke to you in an animated voice. ‘’Hi (Name)! Sorry I almost didn’t see you there. Changbin kind of covered you. Wow, it’s so cool that we are going to be neighbors now!’’ Chan’s heartwarming words and dimpled smile made you mirror his expression. Even though the sentiment didn’t quite reach your eyes due to the glances your neighbor, Felix, was now sending your way.

‘’Hello Chan. Hi Felix.’’ You greeted with a small wave. God, you sounded even more awkward than what you expected. ‘’This really is an unexpected coincidence.’’ Felix raised one eyebrow at your statement.

‘’A good coincidence.’’ Changbin announced heartily. His ears perked up before he looked sharply at Chan with a grin. ‘’Then that means that we can go over music together and I can convince hyung to go to the gym with me.’’

‘’There is a gym?’’ Chan asked incredulous and looked at Felix. The man just nodded and Chan turned back to Changbin. ‘’We are gonna talk about that, but after we put these away.’’ Chan shook the hand that was occupied carrying bags.

‘’Can we come over in a while then?’’ Changbin easily asked looking first at Felix, then at you.

You shrugged and muttered. ‘’It’s up to him, its his apartment.’’ Felix looked apprehensively at you. The combo of two hybrids and a man looking at you made you more nervous than usual. ‘’I can stay behind and you can go if that’s more comfortable for you.’’ You said this looking at Felix then shifting your gaze away from his form.

Felix contemplated your answer and his next words surprised you. ‘’You two can come in two hours. I’m going to bake some cookies and I want you to try them. Is that okay?’’

Changbin's gaze landed on you. You saw worry crease between his eyebrows. You didn’t feel a hundred percent comfortable visiting your neighbor’s apartment, but you would do so for Changbin to catch up with Chan. Besides, cookies sound good. You gave Changbin some timid nods and a smile you hoped was reassuring. You and him both turned to Felix, who had a poker face on.

‘’We’d love to.’’ Changbin said politely. ’’We need to get some stuff, but I guess we’ll see you in two hours then?’’ The hybrid cocked his head in a cute way.

This made Chan chuckle and Felix to smile. ‘’Just knock on the door when you guys come back.’’ Felix said passing the bags he had to his other hand as he started walking to his door, Chan following closely and waving goodbye. ‘’Later!’’

You and Changbin waved back and pressed the elevator button once again.

When you were at the ground floor, you finally processed the earlier interaction and yelled at yourself mentally because what did you just agree to.

Chapter Text

You spent the entirety of the trip for missing groceries lost in thought. Inside your head endless scenarios on what could go wrong in the next hours left you almost missing the store you were going to and forgetting the items you were looking for. If not for Changbin, you would have probably gone home empty handed.

Changbin had tried his best to distract you and make you laugh. Getting a quiet huff and half a smile that melted right off your face after each try made him switch tactics.

‘’(Name)’’ You snapped from your reverie and looked at Changbin. ‘’Can you give me your hand?’’ Mindlessly, you extended your hand towards him and he carefully laced your pinky with his. He lightly tugged your hand, making a move to keep on walking. You followed, Changbin’s presence and touch a comfort that toned down your inner turmoil.

He held your pinky with his and guided you around quietly, getting everything you needed. Even after paying, he kept the small hold and guided you home with slow steps, looking at you every once in a while, with eyes just a tad too worried for your liking.

Walking right past your building’s entrance you stopped and looked at Changbin in confusion. Could he have missed the entrance by accident? Wasn’t he excited to go up there? Your answer came with a small tug at your pinky and Changbin cocking his head towards the nearby park. You followed him to sit in the park, the surrounding greenery giving it a sense of privacy.

From the bag he was carrying, Changbin took out two bottles of sweetened tea which you don’t recall getting. He offers one to you with a small smile and you take it with a small nod in thanks. With the two of you sipping on the drink, Changbin opts to ask out loud. ‘’What’s wrong? Is it Felix?’’

Hesitantly you nod, hands slightly squeezing the bottle in your grasp.

‘’Did he do something bad to you?’’ he cautiously asks. You pause as to not nod immediately, settling on a head shake that translated to a ‘so-and-so’. ‘’What happened then?’’

The question sits heavy in the air. With a slow sigh you try your best to explain the events that transpired between Felix and you in the past few months. How every time you met him something awful tended to happen. From the forsaken meet ugly you two had and the subsequent terrible encounters. ‘’It’s just, it has been going on for so long and I’ve done so many bad things, not on purpose of course, that I don’t know how to approach or apologize.’’ Your fingers twist the cap of the iced tea bottle restlessly. ‘’I am tired of having to evade my own neighbor. Yet…he did some bad things too and didn’t do anything to fix it. I don’t feel like I can forgive him. He doesn’t talk to me and probably hates my guts. Yet, he invited us to his apartment? I don’t understand.’’

‘’Do you want to hear what I think?’’ you shrug and nod ‘’It sounds like what happened between the two of you was a big misunderstanding.’’ You stop your fidgeting hands and look up at Changbin. He was looking up at the rustling leaves that protected you two from the sun. ‘’From what you have told me, most of what happened was entirely on accident or had bad timing. Yes, on some occasions you two weren’t the nicest to each other. But it doesn’t seem to me like it was on purpose, just a result from outside factors.’’

You hum and sit with Changbin's words for a minute. Thinking back on Felix’s actions and what little you had seen of him interacting with people in the building. He did seem like a friendly person. Yet, how he reacted and glared, eyes wide open in fear or apprehension when you as much as met his gaze in the building’s common areas made you believe the opposite. Granted, you either looked away from him or steered clear from his path, desperately trying and failing to seem unbothered by his presence. You probably looked like a deer in the headlights then an asshole.

Seeing him smile and cheerfully greet the hybrids earlier lightly shifted your view of him towards. You politely gave him a way out of seeing your face, yet invited you either way. He was being the bigger person and shame bubbled up in your stomach at the thought of you being the one who caused all the problems. Shame at being the one who messed everything up. Your grip tightens on the plastic bottle, channeling the negatives swimming in your head to the inanimate object.

Its Changbin’s hand moving to rest on your shoulder what brings you back to the present. As if talking to a frightened animal, he asks in a calm voice ‘’Do you want to fix things up with Felix?’’ You pull a face as if to say ‘I already told you that I want that, why are you asking again?’ but nod. ‘’Then, this is the perfect opportunity. I’m sure I can hog Chan-hyung for a while and you can talk with Felix. You can do that right?’’

You took in a deep breath and mused the thought. The opportunity was good yet having a one on one with Felix seemed like a daunting task. Ultimately, the hopeful look Changbin sported and the prospect of having to meet your neighbor with no bad blood pushed you to mutter an ‘’Yeah, I can, I think.’’

With a satisfied huff, Changbin rose from the park bench and extended a hand towards you. Taking it, you rose and walked together to your apartment.

-

After your peptalk with Changbin, you had at least built a semblance of courage to talk with your neighbor. But standing in front of his door, you felt once again apprehensive to meet him. Your hybrid companion noticed the change in your demeanor and stopped you at your front door.

Changbin held you by the shoulders which kind of helped you settle down. His deep chocolate eyes were focused on you with a look so tender that it made something warm burst and linger inside your chest. ‘’(Name), you can do this. I know you can.’’ The hands on your shoulders tighten their grip on you as the hybrid adds ‘’I don’t know if its any help, but ill be right there. Alright?’’

His words of encouragement made the warmth in your chest spread to the rest of your body. With a smile and a nod, you answer ‘’Alright, thank you Changbin.’’ With one last squeeze of your shoulders and a smile, the hybrid pulls away and motions to the opposing door to yours.

Walking side by side, you reach the door and gently knock on it. Almost immediately the door swings open and the sight of Chan in comfortable black clothes and a bright smile greets you.

‘’Hey Changbinnie! Hey (Name)! Come in.’’ The wolf steps to the side to let you two walk inside the apartment. ‘’Lix is still baking, so we can wait for him in the living room.’’

With a greeting, you start taking off your shoes. Following Chan to the living room, he and Changbin sit on the sofa, you decide to sit in an armchair by the side of the sofa. The bunny starts telling an animated story on something music related to Chan. You listen as you look around the apartment and notice the differences and similarities between your apartment and Felix’s. The layout is a mirror to yours, yet the style is completely different. Whereas you wanted a more homey, clean and charming but useful space, Felix had a mix of maximalism with neutral colors where bits and pieces of memorabilia decorated the room. Someone’s home can be a mirror of who they are, or so you believe. Looking around gave you another taste of your neighbor you didn’t expect. Sure, it had a hint of messiness to it, but the joy spread by the mementos made you reckon that your neighbor might be a bright person…or a collector of eclectic items.

‘’(Name), how have you been? It has been a while since I saw you in the shelter. Has Binnie stirred any trouble?’’ Chan’s voice makes you focus back on the hybrid.

‘’Yah hyung.’’ Changbin's affronted voice makes you smile.

‘’I’ve been well. Work has been slow but I’m grateful for that. And about Changbin, hmm.’’ You pretend to think over what to say just to mess with the bunny. ‘’Well, he HAS been giving me some trouble.’’ Your serious tone makes two pairs of ears flatten down. ‘’It’s troubling how cute he can be. I don’t know If I can survive that level of cuteness every day.’’

The delighted giggle that escapes Chan makes the buildup of your statement worth it. Just as much as Changbin going from a slack jawed surprise to looking away in embarrassment. ‘’Aaah, Changbinnie really is cute, isn’t he.’’ Chan goes to hug and rock side to side with Changbin struggling in his hold. ‘’What will you do about it Bin-ah?’’

‘’I can’t help it, that’s just how I am.’’ The bunny confidently says accepting the hug. ‘’I won’t change a part of myself. Besides, (Name) told Soobinie that I’m a joy to be around earlier today.’’ With that last part, Changbin puffs out his chest and crosses his arms over it looking at you with a smug expression.

‘’And, I stand by what I said.’’ You smirk at Changbin, expression saying ‘you can try and tease me, but I’ll tease you twice as much.’ He scoffs and looks away, once again pink in the face and in disbelief.

Felix´s appearance changes your demeanor instantly. Your smirk wipes off and you shrink into yourself as he makes his way to the armchair opposite to yours. He is followed by the sweet smell of chocolate chips and vanilla extract, the smell of whatever he was baking. He looks directly at you as he sits down with that same wide-eyed expression you have seen in passing. You stare right back, unblinking. He slides his gaze from you to the hybrids sitting on the couch, where they were bickering about a topic you didn’t manage to keep up with. Seeing Felix, they paused their bickering and greeted him.

‘’The cookies are done and cooling down as we speak.’’ Felix announced with a slight smile.

‘’They smell amazing Felix.’’ Chan says as he peels himself from Changbin. He perks up and turns to you. ‘’Oh right! (Name), I wanted to thank you for housing Changbin. I kind of pushed him to talk to you back then and I’m so happy you two got along so well!’’

‘’Wait.’’ You blurt ‘’You where the one who told Changbin to talk to me?’’

‘’Uhm, yeah. Sorry, that might have been pushy of me but you had a good vibe to you when you came to the shelter you know and I thought that yeah. I- ‘’ Chan starts rambling, grey ears folding back slightly.

You interrupt him in the middle of a pause in his apology. ‘’I’ve wanted to thank you for a while now.’’ Chan closes his mouth and his ears stand up attentively on his head. ‘’I wanted to thank whoever helped us meet each other. Like he, well I said before, Changbin is a joy to be around and you made this possible. So, thank you Chan.’’ You speak in a soft voice, your hands fidgeting in your lap.

‘’You’re welcome (Name). Although I didn’t do much, it was you two really.’’ Chan scratches his neck sporting a shy smile.

‘’Hyung, give yourself more credit.’’ Changbin pushes his shoulder against Chan’s. ‘’You made this happen.’’

‘’Not at all! You two put in the hard work.’’ Chan brushes away the words.

Changbin shoots you a look and turns to Chan. With an animated voice he asks ‘’Hey hyung, didn’t you have a song you wanted to show me?’’

‘’Oh yeah! I really wanted to know what you think about it. Some lyrics too.’’ Chan makes a move to stand up but settles back down. ‘’Ah, but we can do that later.’’

‘’I don’t think Felix and (Name) will miss us if we check that out really quick right?’’ Changbin smiles innocently to you and Felix as he says this. You see Felix slightly shift in his seat.

‘’Is that alright with you?’’ Chan looks at Felix and you, eyebrows pulled together. You give a slight nod and Felix mutters a ‘go ahead’. A beaming smile makes its way on Chan’s face and he stands. ‘’Thank you! We’ll be right back.’’

The sight of the hybrid’s backs making their way to the hallway took away the thin veil of comfort that had barely settled upon you. Turning to Felix, you catch his stare and look away instantly. Unbeknown to you, he had done the same.

‘’So.’’ Felix starts, slightly dragging the o.

‘’So.’’ You mumble.

‘’You and Changbin? That was kind of unexpected.’’

‘’Right. It was.’’

‘’Chan spoke a lot about him so I was curious about who could this new person in the shelter be.’’

‘’A friend convinced me to go and try the program. So, I went and here I am, I guess.’’

‘’Hmm.’’ The noncommittal hum makes you self-conscious of your clipped answers.

‘’We went to the shelter earlier today. Changbin was kind of bummed because Chan wasn’t around.’’ You try your hand at following the conversation. ‘’So, knowing he is just down the hall is kind of nice.’’

‘’It is.’’ A slight smile lifts the corner of Felix’s lips. ‘’He was worried about Changbin. I’m glad they will have each other when we are not around.’’

‘’Yeah.’’ The smile turns into a thin line, you see his Adam’s apple bob as he adjusts his posture and squares his shoulders.

‘’I-I can’t take this anymore. Let’s just, address the elephant in the room alright?’’ Your nod is hesitant but Felix continues either way.  ‘’I just want to understand why and how we got to this. Why you look at me with disgust, always evading me and stuff.’’

You pause, going over his words. ‘’I don’t look at you with disgust.’’ Felix’s eyebrows pull together as his eyes open wider. A perfect image of bewilderment. ‘’Well, if I did, I didn’t mean to. It’s just that every time we met, something bad happened. You would look at me like I killed your dog or you would do something that ticked me off. I don’t like conflict so I evaded you.’’

‘’Evaded me instead of talking about it like adults?’’ Now, you can understand where Felix is coming from. Yet, you tried to approach him and he brushed you off time and time again. Giving up on that seemed like a good move at the time. You were in the wrong and, of course, communication is key, but there is no need to be condescending.

You frown, taken aback by his question. ‘’I mean, you evaded me first. Didn’t say a word to me that time I visited your apartment and fled whenever I’d see you in the lobby.’’

‘’When I moved in?’’ Felix huffs and looks away. ‘’That was so long. Are you still holding that grudge?’’

Is he implying you are being petty for remembering that? But it was the truth. ‘’I’m just pointing out the fact that you avoided me first, for no reason whatsoever. You say you want to talk but whenever I tried to explain myself, you brushed me off. So much for talking like adults, no?’’

Felix takes a deep breath and shakily lets it out. His jaw clenches for a moment. ‘’Well, it’s kind of difficult to hear out someone that actively tries to mess with me. Bumping into me with my arms full of client’s orders or spilling coffee on my packages. Like you did things on purpose.’’

The frown that had overtaken your expression deepened at his statement. ‘’I would never do anything like that on purpose. If you just listened to me this wouldn’t have gone on this long.’’

He crosses his arms over his chest, leans back and looks to the side. ‘’Whatever. This is useless.’’

You take in a sharp inhale, readying your voice to snap back. But you keep quiet, not wanting to keep the conversation going. Fearing what might come from it. You wait a solid 10 minutes like that, in tense silence. Your teeth clench so hard you feel a headache starting.

It’s the hybrids voices what soothes your frown and minimally alleviates the migraine that had started to wreak havoc in your head. Chan and Changbin are animatedly exchanging ideas on the song Chan had presumably showed Changbin. They reach the living room. If they feel the tension between Felix and you, they ignore it, favoring sitting on the couch and keeping up their conversation.

You stay like that, picking at your cuticles, fidgeting and desperately looking for an excuse to bolt out of the apartment. As if the universe had heard your prayers, your phones ringtone cuts through the hybrid’s conversation. With shaky fingers you reach for your phone and quickly excuse yourself when you see your boss calling you. Not even looking back at the 3 males in the living room, you scurry to the kitchen.

Feeling agitated you answer the call and try to focus on the words coming out of the small speaker on your ear. You tuck yourself against the wall furthest from the living room as you greet your boss and he starts rambling on the newest project you had brought up to him.

‘’And I was thinking -¿You are not busy right now, right? - That we should start planning which teams will take over each part of the project, you as the team lead since you know the place best and has a good idea on what the project entails. I think it would be good if you took in the new designer that joined the team. A smart cookie that one. So polite too! And also, maybe that engineer that worked in the other project your office worked on. Along with some interns so they get experience. I should write this down.’’

Your boss’s rapid-fire thoughts jumbled up your brain more and at the mention of noting things down you realized you had to find a way to write everything he was rattling off down so you didn’t forget. Your boss might have the bad habit of talk out loud genuinely good ideas without writing them down, thus having them on paper made your job much easier in the end. With him still speaking into your ear, you peek at the state of the living room.

You saw the three you had left in the living room chatting amicably. Sensing your gaze, Changbin turned to you and tilted his head as if in question. You mouthed the word ‘boss’ and tried to smile apologetically. Though you were sure it looked more like a grimace. Changbin righted himself. He mouthed a quick ‘are you okay?’, a frown marring his features. You nodded with a small smile, then tilted a hand from side to side as to say ‘so-so’, jabbing a thumb in the general direction of the door, mimicking writing on a pc and pointing at your phone.

Face changing from confusion to slow understanding, Changbin nodded and threw a glance to the other males in the living room, poker face on. Subtly behind the couch he signaled for you to come and you took the opportunity presented. You quickly asked your boss if he could give you a few minutes to talk this better through videochat and he wholeheartedly agreed ending the call.

Making your way to the living room, you shuffled in place for a moment. Felix’s back and Chan’s side facing you. You hadn’t made sense of the topic they were on at the moment but you tried to make your presence known with a quiet ‘excuse me’. Changbin was already looking at you, while Chan turned to you, followed by Felix.

‘’Sorry about that. It’s my boss. He wants to go over a new project and I need to sort some things right now. It’s for the shelter, so I’ll just-you know.’’ You jerkily jab your thumb to the general direction of your apartment.

‘’Oh, alright (Name).’’ You see Chan’s ears drop slightly at your statement. They perk right back up in attention. ‘’Is it for the renovation? I heard Soobin mention something about that.’’

‘’Yeah, its about the renovation.’’ You feel more than see Felix’s gaze piercing you. ‘’So, uhm, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go. Sorry about this.’’

Chan’s warm smile soothes you slightly. ‘’It’s alright (Name)! We’ll see you later then!’’

You mutter a sure and scurry your way out of the apartment. With an accelerated heartbeat you manage to get in your apartment and reach your computer. Starting a videocall with your boss, you sort out most of the renovation’s pressing matters. Focusing on work rather than the dumpster fire that was talking to Felix, you don’t notice the sky turning dark nor the sound of your apartment door opening and closing.

-

Closing the call made you sigh out loud and slouch in your desk chair. Rubbing your eyes with the heels of your hands, you decide to stand and get some water after hours of looking into a screen. Slowly you make your way to the kitchen. The first sip of cold water making you groan in approval. You try and focus on the small bits of mess spread in the kitchen so the thoughts of pending work stop bouncing inside your head. You notice a Tupperware you don’t remember taking out sitting on the counter. Curiosity gnaws at you but you decide to ignore it.

You ultimately fail as you approach the Tupperware and manage to see it has baked goods in it. The soft pads of footsteps made you turn to the figure entering the kitchen. Changbin’s sleep mussed curly hair and slow blinking eyes made you smile. ‘’Hello there.’’

The hybrid blinked at you and answered with a gravely ‘Hey’. With a loosely closed fist the bunny rubbed one of his eyes and grumbled to himself.

‘’Water?’’ you asked and Changbin grunted something that sounded like an ‘okay’.

You pass him a glass of water and look closely at the twitch of his ears, the tufts of hair that poked out in random directions from his mop of hair and the way his black t-shirt hugged his wide shoulders. Your eyes quickly shifted from that to the general direction the bunny was looking at, zeroing on the suspicious Tupperware.

‘’That’s some of the stuff Felix made by the way.’’ You looked back at Changbin whilst he laid back on the counter close to him. ‘’Since you had to go, he told me to bring you some so you could at least try.’’ You bit your lower lip and looked down.  You had completely forgotten about that, after the confrontation and work whisking you away. The guilt washed over you thinking about how even after all the words exchanged, Felix managed to be kind…and you just ran away. Yet, it might just be a ploy to make you feel worse. But you had no way to make sure. The thought process of your neighbor made no sense to you.

You slowly sighed and dragged a hand over your eyes. ‘’Thank you and…sorry for leaving like that.’’

‘’It’s okay. No need to worry about that.’’ Peeking between your fingers you saw Changbin place his glass down and move to stand in front of you. He hummed in contemplation before asking ‘’Do you want to talk about it?’’

‘’Ah, I think there is nothing to talk about. My boss had a random moment of productivity and dragged me with him. And…I kind of left you alone there. Gosh, I’m sorry Changbin.’’ Letting your hand fall, you look at Changbin to gauge his reaction. Eyebrows pinched together; the hybrid looks slightly concerned.

‘’You don’t need to apologize for that (Name).’’ He looks into your eyes, frown deepening. ‘’But I meant if you want to talk about your conversation with Felix earlier today.’’ Throat feeling dry, you mutter an ‘oh’. ‘’Only if you want to talk about it, that is.’’

You contemplate the offer and nod. ‘’I think, yeah.’’ You clear your throat and repeat ‘’I would like to talk about it, if you don’t mind.’’

‘’I’m all ears.’’ Changbin says, face serious and bunny ears twitching cutely. You chortle and Changbin smiles victorious at lighting the mood.

‘’It went…bad. To say the least.’’ You cringe at your statement. ‘’It felt more like pointing fingers at each other rather than a conversation. He spent most of the time blaming me for everything, I feel. Saying things like ‘why not talk like adults’, ‘you are so petty’, ‘you did things on purpose’. And, I kind of defended myself instead of apologizing because he has the guts to condemn me for everything, but can’t admit it’s his fault too. Not that I don’t accept I did some terrible stuff too, but every time he opened his mouth it was to hurt, not to make up. And I can’t talk with someone being that way.’’ You glare at the plastic container and breathe out heavily. ‘’I don’t know what to do.’’

Changbin nods and hums, ears twitching minutely. At your silence he asks ‘’You said earlier today you wanted to make up with him. After what he said, do you still want to?’’

You pause before you answer. ‘’Yeah. I just want to explain myself and apologize. Get a semblance of peace, you know?’’

‘’Alright.’’ A slow sigh leaves Changbin. ‘’Maybe today it was bad because the two of you were tense and wary. Hyung and I could feel it from the moment we met in the elevator. Even more when we stepped back in the living room.’’ You wince at the statement. ‘’Either way, since Chan and I will bounce around the two apartments. You will get the chance to speak again. For now, don’t mind it. I’m sure you’ll make amends sooner or later.’’

‘’You are right. But I don’t think it will be that easy.’’ You huff in annoyance.

‘’There is something else, isn’t it?’’ Changbin questions, mouth in a thin line.

Your fists tighten by your sides. ‘’He invites me over to his apartment to talk, he doesn’t let me explain, we fight, I leave. Then he sends sweets and stuff with you so I could try them? His actions don’t make sense.’’ Your frown deepens so much your face starts to hurt. ‘’Its like he is mocking me or something. Like he is better than me for actually reaching out and being nice.’’

Changbin’s eyes fret over you, ears folding back. His gentle inhale is followed by his hand landing on your shoulder. ‘’(Name), no one is better than the other. Maybe he wants the same as you. Trying to reach out and make things right, he just doesn’t know how.’’

‘’That’s more than what I have done though.’’ Guilt and self-hatred fester in you. You bite your lip and look down. You don’t feel like seeing pity in Changbin’s eyes.

The warm hand on your shoulder disappears and a part of you wants to break. You are being left alone again.

‘’Come here.’’ The call makes you look up. The image of Changbin with his arms open greets you. The bubbling thought of calling him out on the absurd offer popping in your mind. You discard it as soon as it comes up. You feel a bit too angry to immediately reciprocate, but you walk into his embrace craving some comfort.

His arms squeeze you firmly, pressing you to his chest.  There was something about the bunny hybrid’s hugs that make you feel safe from the world, like nothing could harm you. You wind your arms around his middle and look over his shoulder.

He speaks, so tactfully that you wonder how Changbin got so good at emotional talks. ‘’You want to make things better and you care, so much so that you are beating yourself up. (Name), you are doing enough. And even if you don’t feel satisfied, there are always future chances to make it right.’’  

You push your face in Changbin's shoulder and nod as your arms squeeze him more.

The hybrid rocks both of you from side to side. ‘’Try and reach out too, when the opportunity arises. So, for now, don’t beat yourself up, okay?’’

‘’Okay.’’ Changbin moves to break the hug and hesitantly you peel back from him. One of Changbin’s hands reach to pat your head and you can’t help the half smile that quirks up your lips.

‘’How does having a movie night sound?’’ Changbin asks cocking his head, ears attentively forward.

‘’Sounds amazing paired with some take-out.’’ The bunny’s smile and shining eyes lifts your spirits more than what you would like to admit. With a bounce in his step, Changbin shouts in happiness as he drags you to the living room to lie down and start looking for movies as you place a food order on your phone.

Worry receding to the back of your mind, you revel in the filling food and reassuring company of the bunny.

Chapter Text

Truth be told, the goddamn cookies and brownies Felix made were the best sweets you had had in years. You glared at the almost empty Tupperware in despair as you munched on the second to last brownie. The last being taken by Changbin, who took a moment to mirror your staring with an added pout before sitting on the dinner table where you had moved your work setup for the day.

He sat opposite to you, making quick work of setting up the laptop and special headphones he had under his arm on the table. You made your way to your seat as you saw Changbin start up some programs on his device and fall quiet as he finished munching on his brownie.

Working from home turned out to be nicer with the hybrid around. Changbin tended to hang out with you throughout the day, his company soothing you in the quiet moments. His silly antics energizing you whenever tiredness started settling in.

Whenever you took your work to the balcony, Changbin would join you more often than not in his bunny form. You manage to get some work done, even with the temptation to pet the hybrid every time you glance over.

Your favorite time was the afternoon where you lazed around with the bunny after work. You ended up joining his naps. Even once falling asleep in your bed and waking up to bunny Changbin sprawled next to you in deep sleep.

A knock on the door pulled you back to the present and you moved to peek through the peephole. On the other side stood Chan with his grey tail wagging slowly behind him.

You opened the door and greeted him with a “Hi Chan!” opening your arms for your now customary hug. The wolf shuffled in the embrace muttering his own greetings. From your place over his shoulder, you saw his tail wag faster and chuckled at the behavior.

Pulling away, Chan moved to sit beside Changbin whose ears twitching in the direction of the door was the only indication that he heard Chan arrive. The wolf leaned to rest his chin on the younger’s shoulder. “Hello, Bin-ah.”

“Hey hyung.” The bunny rested his head besides the eldest’s and showed him something on his screen. Closing the door, you went back to work putting on your headphones as the hybrids engaged in hushed conversation across from you.

Just like the bunny said, Changbin and Chan bounced from each apartment all the time. The addition of Chan brought forth many unexpected situations, some more pleasant than others. With all his cute behavior and kindness, you thought of him more like a husky puppy. So, completely forgetting his animal counterpart had been your mistake.

 -

One afternoon, you had walked to the living room just to check on the hybrids. The shock of seeing a gray wolf sprawled and snoring on your carpet made you freeze. Biting back a shout, you stepped back into the hallway and tried to control your breathing.

With gentle steps you peeked at the wolf from behind the safety of your couch and noticed a black blob cuddled to the neck of the wolf. There Changbin laid, snuggled as a bunny to the wolf’s soft looking coat. Releasing a sigh of relief, you made your way to the kitchen to get a snack still a little shaky.

A small curse left you as you shut the fridge door a bit too loudly. You resisted the urge to check on the two asleep in favor of cutting the fruit you had taken out. Minutes into your task, a thump behind you made you flinch and turn. You relaxed at the sight of Changbin in his bunny form. He made his way beside your feet and rose in his hindlegs, nose twitching and trying to see what you were up to.

Taking the bowl in hand, you moved to sit on the floor and showed Changbin the contents in it. His ears perked up and he looked from the bowl to you with a head tilt.

“Do you want some?’’ You picked an apple slice and showed it to the bunny. He sniffed the slice and surprised you by munching on the apple you held. You stared, captivated by the cute visual of his twitching nose and chewing as Changbin finished the slice and looked expectantly at the bowl and your hand. Catching on, you asked “Strawberry?”

With a small nod from the hybrid, you held the fruit. You watched endeared as the bunny chewed the piece and repeated the earlier motions. You kept feeding Changbin bits of fruits as you used your free hand to pick and eat some for yourself.

You saw Changbin's ear twitch towards the entrance of the kitchen. Curiously you turn and see the figure of the wolf standing on the threshold of the room. Its piercing gaze stayed on you as it took slow steps to where you sat. The size of the creature intimidated you from your spot on the floor. You didn’t dare move. That is until Changbin sniffed at your now empty hand and nudged it. You carefully switch your gaze from the wolf to the bunny and pick another piece for Changbin to eat.

At this, the wolf sidles next to the bunny and snuffles the younger. “Chan?” the wolf perked up and looked at you “Do you want some fruit?” the wolf nodded and sat beside you eyeing the bowl. You raised an apple slice to his snout and with a gentle bite Chan took the slice from your hand. Behind him, his fluffy tail swayed from side to side the same way you had seen before in his humanoid form.

You kept feeding the hybrids and yourself until the bowl was empty. Standing up, you took the bowl and noticed that Chan reached around your waist in his animal form. Tentatively you reach to the top of Chan’s head and pat the wolf. With bright eyes, Chan presses to your hand as his tail swept side to side.

The texture of his coat was different, coarse yet pleasant to the touch. You scratch behind his ears and with a final pat you turn to wash the dishes. The sound of retreating paws is the only indication that you were left alone.

-

One of more pleasant surprises had been how much Chan talked about the other hybrids and their shenanigans in the shelter. He talked about Changbin, Jisung and Jeongin like how a father talks about his children. A comparison that both warmed your heart and made you want to crack up.

“Jeongin’s cheeks were sooo squishy when he was younger, that's why we call him baby bread. Even if he has grown up, he is still our baby bread. Just makes you wanna bite him.’’

“Binnie was so tiny before! His cheeks were barely there and his chin was pointier if that makes sense. He has worked so hard to look the way he does now. His body is really amazing.”

“-When Jisungie had just arrived at the shelter and I told him about Changbin being a rapper, he instantly challenged him to a rap battle. Jisungie dissed Changbin so badly in the middle of the dorm’s hallways and he couldn't say anything back.”

The fact made you try to hold back a snort unsuccessfully. Changbin looked something between offended and done in Chan's direction. A muffled thump under the dinner table making his irritation known. "Hyung, don’t tell her those things."

Chan only giggled out an apology and kept working on their music.

-

Like clockwork, Chan went back to Felix´s apartment a couple of hours before your work day was over. With a quiet goodbye and a wave, Chan disappeared through the door. Leaving you and Changbin working in companionable silence.

An afternoon nap and a simple dinner later, Changbin gingerly started conversation. He had been a bit quieter than usual but you didn’t pay too much mind to that thinking it was just the bunny having an off day. 

“Hey (Name), you know how amazing your cooking is, right?.” Perk up at the compliment muttering a quiet oh. “Because I was talking with Chan-hyung and we got an idea. Maybe we could have dinner with Chan and Felix one of these days so they could try it too and maybe build some bridges, you know?.” The fact that you hadn't really done anything to clear the air with Felix had briefly gone through your mind in the past few days, but you didn’t dwell on it for your sanity.

Mulling over the idea, an uneasy feeling pooled in your stomach at the request. “I…I don’t know Changbin. You saw what happened last time.”

By the way Changbin's face fell slightly, you guessed the apprehension showed in your face. “Maybe we could watch a movie or something so we don't need to talk too much.”

'So you don't need to talk too much' felt much more accurate. Taking a deep breath you think over the idea. Sure, dinner is no big deal, but the disaster of your last encounter with your freckled neighbor still weighed on you.  “I’m not sure Changbin. Besides, my cooking is not that great. What if they hate it?’’ 

Fuzzy black ears pulled back in what you assumed was indignation. ‘’Your food is great, don’t say that.’’ Gaze softening, Changbin reached to gently hold your hand over the table. “I doubt what happened last time will happen again. Chan and I will be there at all times. We’ll be your buffer, so don’t worry about it okay?’’ 

Still worried, you give the bunny a slight nod. “I guess.” Looking into your eyes, Changbin leans closer to you as much as he can over the table. The hold on your hand turning firm as to prevent you from squirming away. You stare back confused at the proximity. 

Before you can ask what’s on his mind, Changbin’s ears fold forwards and he hits you with the full blown pouty lips, whiny voice and boba eyes combo. “Hyung seemed so excited (Name).” The once serious and intense stare becomes a cute, pleading look. “Pleaaaaassseeee.” 

Trying to look away is useless with the adorable visual in front of you and the fact that every time you tried to concentrate on something else Changbin would whine louder and tug on your hand. “Okay! Okay, I’m down. We’ll do the dinner just stop looking at me like that.’’ in a whisper you add “You know I’m weak.”

With a triumphant laugh, Changbin lets go of your hand as he gets out of his seat and  walks around the table to gently squeeze your shoulders and rub his chin on the top of your head. “You’ll have fun. You will see!”

You only answer him with a pout of your own.

-

A few days later, D-Day comes around. And so does your uneasiness on everything and anything. From how the apartment looks to if the food you were making was going to be good or not. Your determination to do well and Changbin’s support kept you moving around the apartment.

While the bunny hybrid offered to help in the kitchen, knowing his cooking skills you let Changbin help with the cleaning along with the dinner table and tv setup. 

Changbin had taken upon himself to invite Felix and Chan over in your stead. The pair happily accepted (or so Changbin assured) and agreed to meet around 7pm. Half an hour after 7, you were finishing the pasta and lamb chops along with some other side dishes. Yet, there was no sign of your guests. 

Uttering a quiet thanks to your ceiling for your neighbors tardiness, you leave the dishes covered and walk to the living room. There you see Changbin sitting on the edge of the couch cushion flipping through the show options on the tv. You flop on the unoccupied part of the couch with a relieved sigh and close your eyes. There is a shift in the cushion beside you, then the bunny is linking one of his arms with one of yours as he keeps browsing. The contact makes you stiff in your spot, yet the tiredness of your cooking marathon and the comfy sofa with Changbin’s warmth on your side makes you relax against the cushions.

Finally landing on something worthwhile, you just listen to the trailer of what seems to be a drama. For all the cheesy script, it sounds interesting and the fact that the male lead seems to be almost pathetically head over heels for the female lead yet manages to be charming and gentlemanly makes something inside you flutter. You peek at the screen as Changbin adds the drama to your watch later list.  

The sound of the doorbell breaks the calm of the apartment. You straighten up with a start, Changbin’s arm linked to yours holding you back from bolting out of your seat. You turn to Changbin as he leaves the remote on the coffee table. He turns to you with a gentle smile and slips his hand into yours. The action brings a sense of calm that eases your nerves, yet makes your heart beat quicker for a reason you can’t figure out at the moment.

Standing up, Changbin gently tugs on your hand and cocks his head in the direction of the door. The movement makes his black ears bob cutely. Smiling, you stand and walk with Changbin to the door. 

Letting go of your hand, Changbin looks through the peephole. “Who is out there?!” the loud accusatory tone piercing through the door with ease. 

“Changbin, open the door!” Chan’s voice answers. 

“Who are you?!” A couple of giggles ring through the door.

“Your dearest, very not late neighbors of course.’’ Chan answers.

“We bring peace offerings, open the door hyung!” Felix’s animated voice adds. 

Changbin turns to you, giving the door a side eye with lips pursed and pulling his eyebrows together. The silly expression makes you chuckle. He opens the door half way and rests his side on the doorframe, effectively blocking the way. He crosses his arms, looking every bit like a bouncer. “Peace offerings, you say?’’

“Freshly baked brownies and drinks.” Changbin only hums at Felix.

Unexpectedly, Changbin half turns to you with a serious expression on. “What d’you think boss?’’ The action lets the two men on the other side of the door catch a glimpse of your form trying and failing to hold back a smile at the bunny’s performance.

You pull a face and point at yourself. “Boss? Me?” Keeping up the serious facade, Changbin just nods. Deciding to follow Changbin’s act, you school your expression to something more serious. “I don’t know. Dessert sure would be nice.” Humming, you pretend to think it over.  “I guess it will do. Let them in.”

A smiling Chan steps forwards and fake punches Changbin in the chest. With an ‘ack’ Changbin drops the act and moves from the doorframe to let Chan and Felix in. Chan opening his arms for his customary greeting hug which you reciprocate with a small laugh. “Hi (Name).” Breaking the embrace, Chan lifts a grocery bag you didn’t notice he was holding before. The contents of the bag clinking. “Where should I leave these?” 

“I think we have space in the fridge.” You motion to the kitchen and catch Felix’s gaze as he finishes greeting Changbin who moved to close the door. You give him a head bow with a smile and mutter a ‘hi’. 

He imitates you and holds up a tupperware full of brownies with a shrug and a slight smile. “Is there a warm place for these?”

“Yeah, just by the stove.” You motion for Felix to follow you to the kitchen where you find Chan storing in the fridge different colored bottles. You move some stuff around the counter so Felix can place the tupperware near the leftover heat of the stove. 

When you turn to your neighbor, you catch him eyeing attentively the dishes you had made. Feeling your gaze, Felix hands over the tupperware and looks away timidly. “Sorry, it’s just that…ever since Changbin opened the door, the food smelled amazing and I wanted to take a peek.”

You gently place the tupperware on the counter and shift your weight, looking at the dishes on the stove. “It 's okay.” After a few seconds of silence you add “I could say the same about your brownies.” You tap the container and look towards Felix. “The stuff you baked last time was amazing too. It didn’t even last a week here. So, thanks.” 

“Ah, It’s nothing.” Felix smiles as he looks down at his feet. The sound of the fridge door shutting closed stole your attention. 

“Okay! I’m done over here. How about we decide on what to watch?’’ Chan suggests looking at you and Felix. 

“Sounds good to me.” You say moving away from the counter. Felix mirrors you with a ‘me too’ and the three of you move to the living room where Changbin was scrolling through your ‘watch later’ list.

Catching the title of the drama from earlier, Chan animatedly said “Oh! Felix and I wanted to start this drama.” The wolf pressed into Changbin’s side. “The plot seems fun and the male lead kinda reminds me of you Bin.” 

“Dashing and good looking? Thanks hyung.” The smug smile Changbin gives Chan is quickly wiped away by a pensive expression. “I’m not a rich CEO though. Gotta work on that.” Chan only snickers at the comment.

“Drama sounds good if everyone is down.’’ Felix says as he sits down on your sectional sofa. Chan sitting beside him after another moment of smothering Changbin.

Changbin looks at you and cocks his head in a silent question. You nod. The drama it is. Changbin lets the remote down on the couch and moves towards you. ‘’Okay! Then (Name) and I will get the food and drinks. Just a moment.” You follow Changbin to the kitchen and together the two of you move the food, dishes and cutlery to the coffee table. 

Sitting on the floor, the three men arrange everything as you ask for what each of them want to drink. “So we may have went crazy with the drinks.’’ Chan announced with a nervous laugh. “There’s something for everyone. I’m fine with a soda!” Changbin mirrors Chan with a pineapple soda.

Turning to Felix, he says he is fine with any wine or soju. His hands turning and tugging on the rings on his fingers. You go back to the kitchen, mildly distraught at Felix’s meek attitude. No judging gaze, no harsh words, body language quite mellow. A complete 180 from your last encounter. 

Opening the fridge, Chan’s statement rings true. The available space in your fridge has been filled with beverages, from sodas to wine and flavored soju. You grab the sodas and choose a familiar bottle of  sickly sweet wine you recognize. Doing two trips, you bring the drinks and glasses to the living room and sit beside Changbin on your fluffy rug.

With full cups and hefty servings, the four of you dig in as the drama’s intro starts. It’s mostly the hybrids who talk about what's happening on screen between bites of food. You and Felix chiming in with a comment every once in a while. When the first bottle of wine was finished Chan offered to fetch another bottle. Not so sneakily, he brought along a couple bottles of soju and shot glasses along with the wine. 

With so much alcohol available, you and Felix managed to slowly drink two bottles of the sweet wines and a couple of flavored soju shots throughout the two episodes of the drama. Chan and Changbin only followed with a few shots of the sweet soju. Limbs becoming looser, laughs and comments on the plot going unrestrained. 

All in all, everything was fine. It felt just like a hangout with friends to binge a show. At some point, the four of you moved to sit on the couch shoulder to shoulder. The food and the warm buzz of alcohol under your skin relaxing you against the soft cushions. Even though you were quite full, the craving for something sweet was gnawing at you. 

Remembering the brownies in the kitchen, you stood up as soon as the third episode ended. The quick movement made you stumble. Changbin reached an arm out to stabilize you but you quickly caught yourself on the couch armrest. You look at the men sitting beside you and right yourself. “I have an announcement that is of utmost importance.” You use the most serious voice you could muster. “We may have forgotten that there is dessert waiting for us in the kitchen.” Chan fakes a gasp and Felix giggles. “Be right back.” you carefully walk to the kitchen, trying not to stumble again.

Reaching the stove, you mull over heating up the baked goods or not. In the midst of your inner battle, the deep timbre of Felix's voice pulls you from your head. "Hey." 

"Heeey." You sing song back. You didn't expect company but might as well use a second opinion. "Should we heat them up or not?" You point at the tupperware.

A slight chuckle leaves Felix, his eyes crinkling in a way you reckon is quite cute. Wait, what. "Yeah, a quick time in the oven will be enough." 

He moves to preheat the oven with practiced, yet slightly clumsy movements due to the alcohol and you blurt "How do you know how to use that?"

Felix looks at you incredulous. "We- We have the same oven." You only frown at him. "I have the exact same oven in my apartment, (Name). Same floor, same kitchen appliances?"

"Oh! That makes sense!" Your excitement at understanding was quickly dampened at your idiocy. The alcohol was really getting to you. "Sorry, my brain cells are not working right now. It's just that it took me forever to figure that thing out."

"It's okay! It happened to me too." Felix only laughs as he transfers the brownies to the oven and leans back on the kitchen counter. A minute passes in silence as you look into the oven, until Felix crosses his arms and quietly says. "Hey, I was meaning to apologize for how I acted the other day, and…the times before that too.” He clears his throat and continues in an even tone. “I'm never that confrontational or like, I don't hold grudges. I don't even get angry for that matter. But, I don't know what happened to me and that is not an excuse. But, I’m sorry.” With a pause and a shift in his stance, he looks at you. “No one deserves the way I treated you and, I know I'm asking a lot from you but, I would like to start again, if you are okay with that."

Look disoriented at Felix's face, the apology is unexpected and your tipsy brain doesn't keep up with what's happening. The seconds you take to understand his words makes the hopeful expression in his face fall. The change into a tight lipped frown and shiny eyes makes some coherent thoughts rush to you.

“I-I would like that too.” You rush your words out, the urge to blurt out apologies for all the things you did coming forth. “I am sorry too, for...everything. For not trying to fix things up from the start, for being a dick and not holding the elevator door open for you, being a coward and not saying anything at all, for..for-” You scramble to fish out any other thing you worried over for the last few months. “For getting coffee on your packages even though I kinda tripped because the floor is uneven and sometimes I don’t look where I’m going. Also for changing my schedule so I don't bump into you and bother you every morning..!”

“Wait, (Name), hold up.” You stop your word vomit at the giggle in Felix’s words. ‘’You changed the time you went to work just so we didn’t meet every morning?!’’ The incredulous smile and the callout directed at you makes you flustered in record time.

‘’I suck at social stuff! Sue me!’’ you resort to covering your face with your hands and letting out a small groan into them. “I am afraid of confrontation and facing my cute neighbor whom I wished to be friends with but kinda hated me is kind of a big deal okay?!”

“You wanted to be friends? With me?” The genuine hope laced in Felix’s voice makes you look up at him. You see nothing but bright eyes and a smile make its way into his face. It's too much for your flustered self, you hide back into your hands and sigh.

“Yeah, you just seemed like a nice person and having your next door neighbor be your friend seemed like a good idea to complain about the other tenants like old ladies and hangout.” 

“Oh my gosh.” A deep giggle pulls you from your hiding place. “I’d love to gossip like old ladies (Name). I have sooo much to say at whomever lives upstairs. It’s like they move all their furniture around every day, it's driving me nuts!.” You can’t help but snort at that. “Also, I never got to thank you for that house warming gift. I was having a rough time with the stress of moving, my job and being homesick. Your care package was really healing. Thank you, really.”

You can’t contain the smile that takes over your face. The heartfelt thanks warms your heart more than the alcohol in your tummy. “You’re welcome, I’m glad I could help make you feel at least a little better.” Extending a hand, you say “So, friends?”

He takes your hand and shakes firmly. “Yes, friends” Felix mirrors your smile, which you can only help but compare with that of warm sunshine on a cold day. Gently, you let go of his hand as he opens his mouth again “Also, you think I'm cute?” Huh. “You said that earlier.” A teasing smirk makes its way on his face.

You stare dumbfounded at the cheeky way your once enemy looks at you. He is teasing me? Unprovoked?! Opening and closing your mouth in an attempt to excuse yourself and wipe that smirk off his face, Changbin pokes his head into the kitchen, Chan following behind him. The bunny’s black ears facing forward in attention, shoulders looking a bit stiff. 

“Hey, are you guys okay? You were taking too long and Chan got worried.” The wolf stares in confusion from behind the bunny for a second just to school his expression back so something neutral. Odd.

“Just finished here actually! It’s brownie time.’’ Felix announces as he takes out the tray where he had placed the sweets to heat up.

“FINALLY! Can you believe Lix wouldn’t let me try them at all?” Chan’s whining is obscured by how he helps Felix plate the brownies. “All that work and not one chance to taste test the goods.” His huffing is interrupted by Felix placing a piece to his mouth and forcing the wolf to take a bite. 

“C’mon, let’s go. We have a drama to finish!” The blonde says with a smile as he leaves the kitchen goodies in hand. A placated Chan follows behind him, his tail wagging, fists shaking and making approving little sounds at the taste. 

Changbin with an unnecessary deep bow motions for you to go first, you chuckle at the silly display and make your way to the living room. The bunny right behind you.

The four of you cram into the sofa. Chan on one end, with Felix half sitting on his lap in order to fit, followed by Changbin sharing the middle with the blonde and then you smushed between the arm of the couch and Changbin’s side. 

Picking the brownies from the coffee table, its surface littered with empty bottles and half-full glasses, you pick one for yourself and offer one to Changbin. The bunny smiles when you give him the biggest piece you could find and settling back on the cushions. You see Chan looking over the two of you with a fond smile before pressing play on the tv remote.

The sounds of the drama intro fill the space as you pick up your feet and pull your legs to your chest. Munching on your brownie, you feel more than see Changbin’s arm rest on the back of the sofa giving you a little more space. You get cozy in your spot and quietly thank him. Warm and reconciled, you focus on the main actor once again doing something crazy to get the main actress’ attention.

With your tummy full and booze in your system, sleep starts to pull you under. You keep nodding off every fifteen minutes or so, you really can’t tell. At some point you feel your head being pressed to something firm and warm. The next time you blink your eyes slightly open you see the fabric of Changbin’s oversized shirt under your cheek. 

Shifting to look up at the bunny from his shoulder, you see his shiny eyes stuck on the tv. Sensing your gaze, he looks at you and his eyes soften. You notice some crumbs on the edge of his mouth, you itch to wipe them for him but moving seems like an impossible task at the moment.. “Sleep, (Name).” Softly, he rubs his chin on the side of your head available to him. Giving an affirmative sound, you shut your eyes and you fall back into a gentle dream enveloped in warmth and the gentle rise and fall of his chest.