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Living in a world with monsters was only slightly inconvenient. They couldn’t really hurt you unless you acknowledged them. Junhee was an expert at ignoring the monsters as they ambled about, he could even smile and talk to customers while one was snarling in his face. Junhee got a cheap apartment because he was so good at ignoring the monsters, the place he’d rented was infested. The previous owner had acknowledged a lot of them and now they all lived there. Junhee heard them call each other by name often. One that they all seemed to fear was one named Donghun. Donghun was the least monster looking of all of them, he looked very human. The only signs of him being not human were the blood red eyes and sharp teeth when he spoke.
Donghun was the only monster Junhee found it hard to ignore. Mostly because he wasn’t antagonistic, he just sat around Junhee’s apartment staring at him very intensely. Donghun did not seem to want to hurt Junhee. Junhee also noticed sometimes when he woke up at night the Donghun would be standing in the doorway leaning on the doorframe with his back to Junhee or he’d be standing outside the bathroom while Junhee showered and got ready. The other monsters in the apartment never went in the bathroom or his bedroom.
Sometimes a monster would grab at him and Donghun would let out a snarl and the monster would quickly back off. It seemed very possessive, but Junhee still ignored them acting like he hadn’t noticed. Junhee did have a small fucked up part of his brain that wanted to acknowledge Donghun because well Donghun was hot, and Junhee was painfully single. He wanted to get in his lap while he was sitting on the couch, leaned back with his leg spread and a hand over his mouth and whine for him to just fuck Junhee before he killed him. Junhee knew that was a stupid idea, but it didn’t stop him from fantasizing about Donghun while getting himself off. Junhee knew he wasn’t quiet, and he did take a small pleasure in the way Donghun would look at him when he came out of his room to get water.
Junhee couldn’t tell any of his friends about this dirty fantasy he had because they would call him insane. Junhee knew he was, but they hadn’t seen Donghun. They hadn’t seen the way he looked at Junhee. Still Junhee was smart enough to not acknowledge the very hot monster. He knew his fantasies should stay just that. Donghun had never touched him anyway, he doubted Donghun was interested in him like that anyway. He had no reason to believe Donghun would even want him more than just to kill him.
The monsters could do small amounts of harm to people even without them acknowledging them. Junhee knew this so he always tried to be careful while not acknowledging them. It was awkward at times, he had to be careful about dodging but not looking like he was acknowledging the monsters. Junhee usually went for pretending to be on his phone or looking at something. Junhee was normally very good at it, but on this day, he was dealing with a work issue and not paying attention. A monster knocked into him above some stairs and Junhee lost his balance and fell down the flight of stairs. He was lucky he was in a public place as people rushed to help. They had to have seen it, Junhee could see the monster, twisted and mangled, watching him but when people were asking him what happened he said he had just lost his balance. The monster seemed annoyed as it ambled off, Junhee had to leave in an ambulance. He was at the hospital for a long time, he had broken his wrist and leg, and he needed one of his friends to help him get home.
Sehyoon was the one to come pick him up, he offered to let Junhee stay at his place worried about the fact that Junhee’s place was monster infested and he was hurt. Junhee insisted he would be fine, and he wanted to get home, he had worked all day and he had gone to the mall after then spent hours in the hospital, so he just wanted to go home and get to sleep. Sehyoon sighed and drove him home. Junhee also always felt like Donghun was protecting him from the others so he hoped that would continue. Trusting a monster was weird but Junhee did think he could at least trust Donghun until he acknowledged him.
When they got to Junhee’s apartment and Sehyoon helped him inside Donghun was up and pacing around. His head snapped to look at the door when they got in. Junhee allowed Sehyoon to help him to the bed while Donghun stared at him. Donghun followed them to his room and eyed Sehyoon as he helped Junhee into bed.
“Thank you, Sehni. I’ll be okay. You should go home.”
“I can stay, my family won’t mind if I’m not home for a few nights.”
“I will be fine; I’ll call if I need anything. Go home.” Junhee spoke trying to get Sehyoon to get the hint that the house wasn’t safe for him even if Junhee was fine. Mostly because Donghun was glaring at Sehyoon. “Please.”
“Okay, fine. Call me if you need me.” Sehyoon left. Donghun moved out of the doorway, his eyes never leaving Junhee. Junhee got himself comfortable and closed his eyes trying to just get some sleep.
“Chan, BK.” a voice, deep and warm spoke. Junhee cracked his eye open confused then realized it was Donghun speaking. Junhee closed his eyes again.
“What? We were busy.” A new voice whined.
“Is that him?” a third spoke.
“Find who did this. Bring them to me.” Donghun spoke. Junhee stayed in bed curled up pretending to be asleep.
“Donghun, he won’t live here forever. You can’t leave unless he acknowledges you. But you’re going to seek revenge just because he got hurt? Do you even know if it was one of us.”
“They are not like us. He never gets hurt this badly on his own. I don’t care if it is a human or a monster. Someone did this and they will pay dearly.” Donghun muttered.
“You are ignoring the fact he will leave one day.”
“I’ll deal with that will when that day comes.”
“Fine. We will find out. But you should deal with that now. We all know he can see us better than others.” The comment confused Junhee, he always assumed everyone could see the monsters the way he did.
“I will think about it.” Donghun spoke then after a minute he sighed heavily and slowly Junhee heard him crossing the floor then he sat on the bed. Junhee tried to lay very still as he felt fingers brush over his cheekbone. “Such a pretty face... they expect me to expect anything. I won’t do anything. I hope you do leave one day. I hope you get far, far away from me.” Donghun murmured. “Little precious thing.” Donghun then leaned and pressed a light kiss to Junhee’s temple before leaving the room. Junhee stayed still for a while before he opened his eyes to look. Donghun was standing at the end of the hall that led to his room, instead of in his doorway. Junhee sat up slow grabbing his crutches and trying to hobble to the bathroom. Donghun looked toward him and took one step before he stopped and frowned watching as Junhee made his way to the bathroom. Junhee got into the bathroom and shut the door before sitting on the toilet and getting his phone out.
Can a monster fall in love with a human?
Junhee typed the question into the search bar and sighed. The results were mostly old folk tales about a human falling for a monster and getting killed. Junhee knew these folk tales, everyone did. They had been told to all the humans from a young age. The monsters did have a slight code of ethic, it seemed they almost never harmed a child, and the ones that did were dealt with by other monsters with very little mercy. There was only one story of a monster falling for a human, it was the only tale that Junhee didn’t know. The story was about a monster who fell in love with a human. The monster was very protective of its human, but other monsters became envious, and the human had acknowledged the monster. So other monsters could get to now and they stole him at night and tortured him. By the time the monster had gotten to him the human had changed, he killed himself shortly after and the monster went of a vengeful spree against other monsters. Then it vanished, never to be seen again.
Junhee sighed and closed the tab; it was stupid to think Donghun loved him. He was a monster, and Junhee wasn’t much of a catch. Junhee sighed and pulled himself up to hobble out to get food from the kitchen. Donghun was still in the hall, he looked at Junhee as he hobbled. Junhee wanted to look directly at him and say hi, just to see what he would do but he didn’t, he just kept hobbling to the kitchen. Donghun followed him silently. Junhee got his food and took a seat, Donghun stood by him watching the other monsters that sulked around the living room. Junhee ate his food in silence, he messaged Sehyoon asked him if he would mind picking up his medicine and some food for him. Sehyoon agreed and asked if he was okay, which Junhee said he was.
Donghun was still standing and watching him. Junhee ate most of his food then stood slowly and left the food on the table, hobbling to the couch and sitting in Donghun’s usual spot. Donghun stayed in the kitchen watching him as Junhee flipped on the TV. Junhee watched the show as Donghun crept slowly closer, until a monster came toward him and Donghun moved in front of him very quickly snarling-the other monster backed off. Junhee pretended to focus on the TV. Donghun sat in a chair near him leaning back while Junhee turned up the volume slightly.
“Why won’t you let us fuck with him?? We mess with everyone else; this is our place.” One growled at Donghun who shot him a glare.
“This is my place. You are here because I allow it. I will soon stop allowing it if you do not leave him alone.”
The doorbell rang and Junhee tried to pull himself up to get it, he knew it was Sehyoon and he knew Sehyoon would let himself in. Sehyoon always rang the doorbell just in case Junhee was naked or something before coming it. Still Junhee liked to try to get the door for him, Sehyoon opened the door and gave him a look.
“Sit your broken ass down. The hell are you doing?”
“I was trying to be a good host and greet my guest.”
“You fell down a flight of stairs, you moron.”
“And? I can still be polite.”
“You shouldn’t be up at all. I swear to God.” Sehyoon sighed. “Please just stay with me.”
“Sehyoon, I am fine. I just want to be home. I will be fine.” Junhee looked at him “I just might need some help every now and then.”
“Alright... just please be careful.”
“I always am.”
A few months passed and Junhee had healed up fine. Nothing had happened with Donghun demanding to know who had hurt Junhee during that time. Junhee kept wondering what would happen, but he didn’t really have a way to find out. Until of course he came home from work one night, Donghun had the monster who had hurt him by the neck. Junhee saw Donghun’s eyes flash to him, but he ignored it as he went to make food.
“Should we take him a bring him back later when he’s gone?” a monster with fox like features asked leaning on his counter.
“Shut up, Byeongkwan.” Donghun growled. “You remember who you hurt now?”
“You can’t prove it” the monster he was holding spat.
“I could smell you on him, you can’t hide that.” a voice came from a snake coiled on the couch. Junhee found the tiny hat like growth on its head rather cute.
“You shut the fuck up.”
“Yuchan. You are a thousand precent positive it was him?” Donghun asked. The snake shifted its form to look like a younger boy who looked annoyed.
“Donghun, have I ever been wrong before?”
“Don’t insult our Channie like that.” Byeongkwan chuckled. Junhee took his food to the table to eat.
“You both shut up.” Donghun looked at Junhee. He didn’t let the monster go, but he didn’t move until Junhee had finished eating and had headed to the bathroom to get a shower. Junhee heard pained screaming and the sounds of something tearing while he showered but he ignored it. He did a quick skin care routine and stepped out of the shower, the was blood everywhere. Donghun was covered in it, his eyes had gone from red to purple and he was threatening another monster to tell everyone to stay away from Junhee. Junhee went to his room, a bit shaken up, but he couldn’t tell anyone, so he got dressed and got in bed. “Help me clean up.”
“You could have done this with much less gore you know.” Byeongkwan’s voice sighed.
“I wanted to make sure they knew to never touch my Junhee again.” Donghun said. Junhee’s heart skipped several beats at that. He glanced out the open door to look at them as they were cleaning the blood.
“Your Junhee but you won’t tell him or make him notice you.” Yuchan hummed.
“It’s safer if he doesn’t.” Donghun sighed, “You weren’t there last time. You don’t know what it was like. This is better I can protect him.”
“If you say so… but I think you’d be happier if he knew”
“Maybe. Still, it’s not worth it.” Donghun sighed. Junhee peaked down his hall to see the blood cleaned up and Donghun telling the other two goodbye before he started down the hall to guard Junhee’s room. Junhee curled up in his bed and closed his eyes. He felt safe with Donghun standing in his doorway, drifting off to sleep knowing nothing could hurt him.
Another month passed and Junhee had mentioned to Sehyoon at work the fact that Donghun was always guarding him from other monsters. Sehyoon told him that he was being stupid and Donghun was just as dangerous as the rest. Junhee expected this and just shrugged. He didn’t plan to do anything with this, he just wanted someone to know the monsters weren’t all evil. Donghun wasn’t evil, he was protective. Junhee felt like it was so easy to sleep with Donghun standing in his door.
Junhee trusted Donghun so when he woke with Donghun on top of him his hand was over Junhee’s mouth and nose, he wasn't scared. Donghun was staring out his door, he looked scared of something. Junhee tried to ignore him, but he couldn’t breathe. Junhee waited as long as he could before he grabbed Donghun’s arm to yank it off his mouth. Donghun eyes snapped to him staring in shock.
“No... you fucking idiot what have you done?” Donghun growled. Junhee gasps for air when Donghun finally moved his hand. Donghun stood and shut the door; a mark appeared on the back of the door.
“Donghun-” Junhee mumbled. Donghun walked over and ran his fingers over Junhee’s face. Junhee felt exhausted suddenly, but he grabbed Donghun’s hand. “I’m sorry, don’t go.” Junhee mumbled before he passed out.
Junhee woke up alone. He looked around for Donghun but he wasn’t there. Junhee sighed and rubbed his face before noticing a mark on his arm, a small sunflower. Junhee ran his finger over it confused and suddenly Donghun was in his room again.
“What?” Donghun looked at him. Junhee blinked and tilted his head, “You called me.” Donghun pointed at the mark on his arm.
“What... what is going on? Why were you trying to kill me? Why is this on my arm?”
“I wasn’t trying to kill you! Look, I have always wanted to protect you since you moved in but there are some monsters even, I can’t protect you from. I was trying to hide your scent... I didn’t realize you couldn’t breathe.” Donghun sighed, “That is a claim. It-” Donghun paused thinking, “It’s always been there but it was hidden until you acknowledged me.”
“Why would you claim me?!”
“I... I didn’t technically claim you .” Donghun spoke slowly. “You were mine before. I didn’t want you to ever see that mark, you were never supposed to know.”
“Why not?”
“I’ve seen you die once because of me. I don’t want it to happen again. I can’t lose you again.”
“Wait... I read a story. A monster and a human fell in love- the monster was protective, but the human got tortured. They monster found him, but the human killed himself and the monster went crazy after he died.”
“Killed himself? No. That isn’t what happened.” Donghun sat on the bed and took Junhee’s arm. He ran his fingers over the mark. “That was us, if that’s what you were going to ask. You see us differently than most humans. I fell in love with how sweet you were. You were the only person who didn’t seem afraid of us. You acknowledged me when I was injured, and you helped me heal. I swore to you I’d protect you, and we fell in love. It was secret, no one knew. They weren’t supposed to ever find out, you did get kidnapped by monstered and tortured. I got to you, and I took you home, I treated your wounds and helped you heal. You cried every night for a while. I started taking my revenge on the monsters who had hurt you... then one day... I got home, we just had a little cabin in the woods. It was on fire, there were humans screaming that you were a witch and a devil worshipper. I ran into the cabin, but I was too late... you were dead and I- I went after the humans who hurt you. You were the humanity I had earned, and they stole that. Eventually I was bound to this apartment with the rule that I can only leave when my human lover acknowledges me again...”
“So... Why wouldn’t you have wanted me to acknowledge you? I heard you tell people you didn’t want me to... If we were lovers, it makes sense that you’d want me to know again.”
“I figured you’d be safer if you didn’t. I thought that this is how I could save you this time. I want to protect you, Junhee.” Donghun pressed his lips over the mark, “I was doing what I thought was best but my- overreaction to you getting hurt put a target back on you.”
“You mean when you killed the demon that hurt me?” Junhee watched him, Donghun looked at him tilting his head.
“I thought you were asleep that night.”
“I was pretending... your eyes changed colors when you killed him.”
“They did. Technically purple is what they are supposed to look like. The red they became when you died before.” Donghun murmured, “Byeongkwan thinks its grief and rage, they turn like that when I get angry now. Monster genetics are weird though.”
“I think your eyes are pretty.” Junhee moved closer to Donghun. Donghun watched him carefully. “So, what happens now?”
“That is up to you. There are dangers no matter what we do. I will be able to leave the apartment and protect you now...but I can just be a protector if that’s all you want. We may have been in love in the past, but you aren’t the same person. I don’t expect anything-” Donghun began, Junhee leaned into him and kissed him softly. Donghun froze for a second before pulling Junhee onto his lap. Junhee tangled his fingers into Donghun’s hair. Donghun’s hands slid up the back of Junhee’s shirt, Junhee felt nails scrap across his back. It felt like a fire had been lit under his skin with just this but when Donghun moved his lips to Junhee’s neck he gave up any idea that he wouldn’t try to finally screw this monster. Donghun scraped his teeth across Junhee’s neck. “You know... I’ve always heard you at night, you moaned my name a couple times.”
“Maybe it was a different Donghun.” Junhee teased. Donghun bit at his neck, sharp teeth making a small nick in his skin.
“Then I’ll have to make sure I’m the only Donghun you think about from now on.” Donghun growled. Junhee giggled and began pulling Donghun’s shirt off. Donghun was muscular, and strong as proven by him pinning Junhee on his bed and holding both his wrists in one of his hands keeping him from moving while he pressed kisses all over Junhee's face.
Junhee was certain when he woke it that all would have a dream, albeit a very nice one. However shortly after waking he realized Donghun’s arms were wrapped around his waist. Junhee looked at his arm and saw the same sunflower on the same spot on his arm that Junhee had on his arm. Junhee ran his finger over the mark gently before he heard the front door opening. Junhee was confused and looked at his phone before his heart sank. He had forgotten about his plans with Sehyoon, and there was no time to make it not look like he hadn’t screwed a monster the night before.
“Junhee, are you okay? You aren’t answering-” Sehyoon stopped speaking when he got to the room and looked at Junhee in bed with Donghun covered in bites and hickeys. “Did you fuck a literal monster?”
“I- uh...” Junhee felt his cheeks heating up. Donghun stirred and slowly blinked his eyes open pressing a kiss against Junhee’s shoulder before he seemed to realize there was another presence in the room and his eyes darted to Sehyoon.
“Straight to horny jail. What the fuck, Junhee?” Sehyoon laughed.
“I mean for one, look at him! Anyone would have.” Junhee huffed, he felt Donghun relax next to him having decided Sehyoon was clearly not a threat. Donghun instead began pressing light kisses against Junhee’s shoulder while holding him close. Junhee explained everything to Sehyoon as Donghun had explained it to him the night before. Sehyoon for what it was worth was a pretty laid-back guy, so he just shrugged off the weirdness of the situation. “Also, you shouldn’t have acknowledged him.”
“And you shouldn’t have fucked him.” Sehyoon countered. Donghun snorted a bit and looked at Sehyoon, “Don’t hurt him... Junhee is innocent.”
“After last night I don’t know if I’d use that descriptor.”
“Donghun!” Junhee smacked his arm. Sehyoon laughed and rolled his eyes leaving the room. Junhee got up to get dressed Donghun watched him then frowned a bit.
“I hurt you...” Donghun frowned. Junhee looked at him confused before going to look in the mirror. The only thing he saw was a few marks where Donghun’s teeth had broken skin. “I’m sorry, Junhee.”
“I’m fine.”
“Hey- uh Junhee.” Sehyoon called. Junhee walked out of the room to see what Sehyoon needed while Donghun got dressed. Junhee saw Byeongkwan standing as close to Sehyoon as physically possible looking at him with a curious look. Sehyoon was standing as still as possible but looked at Junhee for help.
“Oh, uh-”
“Byeongkwan back off.” Donghun’s voice came from behind Junhee. Junhee glanced back as Donghun wrapped an arm around Junhee’s waist. Byeongkwan shot Donghun an annoyed look before he stepped back. Junhee looked at Donghun, Donghun didn’t seem worried about Byeongkwan being a threat, Junhee relaxed.
“He’s cute.” Byeongkwan stated, “Your human noticed you...and you screwed him.”
“Byeongkwan.” Donghun growled.
“I’m saying that because everyone knows. Everyone, Donghun.” Byeongkwan looked at him. Donghun swore softly. “Okay, Junhee you need to stay with me this time. I can go to work with you, I will keep you safe this time.”
“That’s fine with me.” Junhee smiled, “But will Sehni be safe?”
“I will make sure of that.” Byeongkwan eyed Sehyoon. Junhee looked at him then looked at Donghun who was smiling. Junhee leaned into his chest relaxing. “So, as for what happens now. I think it would be better if Sehyoon moved in here. Junhee’s house already has pretty strong protections for keeping Junhee protected. It’s not a hundred percent effective but it’s better than nothing.”
“Plus,” A voice came as another boy appeared. “If they know Junhee is close with this guy and they see who he’s close with they could go after his family.”
Junhee did like the idea having Sehyoon live with him, but it was awkward to think about because Junhee did want to sleep with Donghun more but as it turned out Sehyoon was prepared and had sound proofing ready to install shortly after moving in when the time came. Donghun was more careful to not draw blood again, even with Junhee assuring him he hadn’t minded. Still Donghun didn’t like to see him with even the smallest injury.
Byeongkwan and Yuchan were over all the time now. Yuchan often would lay in the sun in his monster form of a snake. Donghun told him that it wasn’t Yuchan’s real form, this was just a small version of that form. Yuchan was cold blooded so lying in sunrays helped him a lot to regulate his body temperature. Donghun didn’t want to show his real form to Junhee, even when Junhee asked, he was told it was horrible. Byeongkwan would just hang out around Sehyoon and say his monster form was boring.
Junhee did notice most monsters seemed scared of Donghun and they would stare at him but not get anywhere near Junhee. Junhee liked it, he liked having basically scary dog privilege in the monster world. Donghun didn’t like how relaxed Junhee was because it only took one jackass for him to get hurt. Junhee was honestly more scared of the humans, they glared at Junhee any time he was leaning on Donghun. No one had said anything yet, probably out of fear that would count as acknowledging Donghun and therefore making them susceptible to attacks. Junhee didn’t mind the stares, because no one understood how sweet Donghun was to him. Donghun treated him like he was the most delicate thing, Donghun called him his sunflower a lot. Junhee liked that nickname, he liked being loved by Donghun.
It was a year after they started dating Junhee had become a bit too relaxed. He didn’t worry about getting hurt because he had the strongest protector in Donghun. Junhee knew no matter what his Donghun would come to his rescue. Donghun kept him safe, he never let anyone, or anything hurt Junhee. Even the smallest danger to Junhee’s well-being was destroyed. Junhee found it amusing how mad Donghun got even at mosquitos for hurting Junhee.
“My sunflower,” Donghun called as they were walking at night. “Don’t get so far ahead. I can’t protect you when you run off like that.”
“We are just going to Sehyoon’s place. I did this all the time before you and I started seeing each other.” Junhee rolled his eyes. “Sehni is meeting us halfway anyway. You are so dramatic.”
“I’m not dramatic, I’m protecting you.” Donghun sped up to catch up with him. “You never know what could be around the corner. It could be something like me.”
“Ah yes, the very terrifying hot boy with red eyes, purple if he’s mad, and shark teeth. I’d not know what to do.”
“One, I resent that description. Two, you of all people know this is not my true form.” Donghun looked at him and Junhee rolled his eyes.
“Well, how should I know if you are never actually show me.” Junhee looked at him. Donghun frowned at him.
“You don’t need to see it. I don’t want-”
“Donghun! Junhee! Run!” Sehyoon’s voice yelled. Junhee turned to look to see a large and rather terrifying monster chasing Sehyoon. Junhee knew he wasn’t the smartest, he knew he was often a danger to himself and yet he started running towards Sehyoon. He couldn’t let his best friend die like this.
“Jun!” Donghun’s voice growled but he ignored it. Suddenly a huge gust blew past him and he was surrounded by mist and a deep, guttural, inhuman snarling. Junhee still tried to get to Sehyoon. Eventually he found Sehyoon in the mist and tried to figure out which way to run when the mist suddenly disappeared. Junhee looked around to see a very angry Byeongkwan standing between them, and the monster Junhee was scared and started to back up dragging Sehyoon with him.
“Don’t touch what isn’t yours.” Byeongkwan snarled. “Stay away from him.” Then the monster raised it’s arm and slammed it into Byeongkwan slamming into the wall. Byeongkwan hit the wall them crumbled to the ground.
“Byeongkwan!” Sehyoon gasped. Behind them there was a deep growling. Junhee turned slowly to look, afraid it had friends. However, he only saw Donghun. Steam rising from his skin as his eyes turned a vivid violet.
“How. Dare. You?” Donghun snarled. The steam covered him completely and Junhee instinctively moved back dragging Sehyoon. From the steam a giant, horrifying monster arose. It was dragon-like in shape, scaly but with tendrils coming out from every part of its body. It’s mouth didn’t move but Donghun’s voice echoed. “You dare come after one of mine? Do you know who I am?” Sehyoon dashed forward and grabbed Byeongkwan’s limp body pulling him away. One of the tendrils wrapped around Junhee and moved him out of the way of an attack. Junhee was scared, he felt a snake slide over his foot, looking down he saw Yuchan and almost instantly he went from a cute small corn snake to a giant snake over 20 meters long. Junhee looked at Donghun then went to Sehyoon.
“We need to run.”
“He’s not waking up...” Sehyoon looked from Byeongkwan’s limp body.
“Then carry him. We have to get out of here. Yuchan and Donghun won’t fight properly if we are here.” Junhee looked back to see Donghun again just blocking at hit. Sehyoon scooped Byeongkwan up and they started down the street. Junhee glanced back to see Donghun watching for him to be a safe distance before attacking the monster. They got to Sehyoon’s place just as Byeongkwan woke up. Byeongkwan went briefly into a defense mode before he looked confused.
“What happened? Where is Donghun?” Byeongkwan questioned.
“You got slammed into a wall, knocked out... Donghun is fighting and Yuchan showed up.” Junhee was standing in the entryway while Sehyoon took Byeongkwan to the couch after explaining what happened. “Junhee had us come here.”
“I hope they are okay...” Byeongkwan groaned. Junhee slowly backed out the door before either of them could notice and sprinted down the street back to where Donghun had been. He was sure the other two would notice. Junhee didn’t care he needed to see that Donghun was okay. Turning the corner to where the fight was just in time to see Donghun get thrown across the road.
“Donghun!” Junhee cried out. Donghun turned his head to Junhee seemingly shocked. Junhee rushed to him with tears in his eyes.
“Get back!” Donghun snarled at him. His voice was intimidating and startling, but Donghun loved him, and Junhee knew that he wasn’t in danger. Donghun was struggling to lift himself back up. Junhee kept going to him, he glanced at the other monster which was currently being constricted by Yuchan. Junhee got to Donghun and dropped to his knees near his head. “It’s not safe.”
“I don’t care. You always protect me... and now you’re hurt.” Junhee cried. Donghun rested his head on Junhee’s lap breathing heavily.
“I’m okay. I can deal with this. But you need to go to Sehyoon’s house so you are safe. I can’t risk losing-” Donghun began before Yuchan got thrown off and the monster charged towards Junhee and Donghun. Donghun stood up standing over Junhee and snarling protectively. Junhee fell back and looked up as Donghun breathed out this weird smoke the monster stumbled back with a scream. Yuchan came back and wrapped around the other monster again holding him still. Donghun stabbed through the monster's neck. The monster went up in smoke and vanished. Yuchan shifted back into a human, he was covered in bruises but he limped over to them.
“Donghun, are you okay?” Junhee asked. Donghun shifted back to his human form and collapsed. Junhee caught him and stared in shock before he started shaking him “Donghun!”
“Give him to me.” Yuchan groaned a bit in pain, “We need to go to Sehyoon’s place.”
“Is he-”
“He’s not dead.” Yuchan lifted Donghun’s body. “He will be okay.” Junhee let out a small, worried whine but he followed them. Sehyoon and Byeongkwan were waiting for them. Sehyoon was mad at him for running off, but he did at least wait for them to get Donghun in and laid in a bed. He reprimanded Junhee gently for being stupid. Junhee barely listened as he sat by the bed looking over Donghun, teary. Donghun groaned and blinked slowly as he woke up.
“Donghun!”
“Jun...” Donghun murmured then gave him a sharp look. “Are you out of your mind?! Why did you come back?!”
“You could have died!” Junhee snapped crossing his arms.
“And what the hell could you have done? You are human, Junhee!” Donghun sat up. “I have lost you once and I don’t know if I can survive it happening again!”
“I’m not weak!” Junhee glared. Sehyoon corralled the other two out of the room. Junhee watched as Donghun stood and stepped closer. He glared defiantly at Donghun, expecting a fight, until Donghun wrapped his arms around Junhee and nestled his face into his neck.
“You aren’t weak, no.” Donghun murmured. “But I am. Please, I can’t live through your death again.”
“Donghun...” Junhee reached up to stroke his hair before sighing. “But I can’t live if I lost you...”
“I don’t know what to do to protect us.” Donghun sighed and moved to press a kiss to Junhee’s lips. Junhee pressed himself closer to Donghun.
“Hey guys,” Yuchan called. “It’s almost Halloween.”
“I know, shut up.”
“What’s the deal with Halloween?” Junhee questioned
“It’s a rumor.” Donghun glared at Yuchan.
“Basically, there is a rumor that any human who marries a monster on the first Halloween they after they start seeing each other will be safe from other monsters.”
“I wouldn’t mind getting married.”
“It nvolves a blood ceremony. No.” Donghun sighed.
“Do you not want to marry me?” Junhee questioned frowning.
“I do, of course I do. But Junhee, the ceremony involves cutting our palms and bleeding into a cup then holding out cut palms together and drinking from the cup.”
“That’s okay.” Junhee frowned.
“Junhee, we’d also only have like a couple weeks to plan everything.”
“It seems like you just don’t want to marry me.”
“Junhee-”
“How cruel of you.”
“I swear to fucking-”
“You just want me to be in danger.”
“I don’t- Just wait here.” Donghun left the apartment. Junhee huffed and sat on the couch, crossing his arms.
“We should get married Sehyoon.” Byeongkwan stated, Junhee glanced over to see Sehyoon raising his eyebrows.
“Oh?”
“Yeah. I mean, to keep you safe and you know...you’re sweet and hot so...”
“We should do a double wedding then. If Donghun and Junhee get married.” Sehyoon nodded. Byeongkwan seemed shocked but he smiled and nodded happily. Yuchan rolled his eyes but smiled.
“I guess I can do the ceremony.”
“I’m going home. Tell Donghun to stay here for the night.” Junhee muttered before walking outside and hailing a cab not waiting for them to answer. It was stupid but the fact that Byeongkwan wanted to marry Sehyoon and Sehyoon just agreed while Donghun had argued hurt. They had a whole past life together and Donghun still didn’t want to marry him. Junhee wanted to marry Donghun, sure getting married on Halloween was sooner than he planned it in his head but if it kept him from getting attacked, he didn’t see why Donghun wouldn’t agree to marry him. Junhee arrived home and went into his room shutting and locking the door. Donghun had done some sort of ritual so no monster but him could get in. Junhee got in bed and pulled the blankets over his head. His phone vibrated with a text. Junhee glanced at it. It was just Sehyoon asking him to come back and saying Donghun would respect him not wanting Donghun to come back to the apartment, but he really wanted to talk. Junhee just turned his phone on silent and rolled over.
A few days passed with Junhee staying holed up in his room curled up in bed, before he heard his bedroom door open and a very distressed looking Donghun standing there. Junhee wasn’t mad that he came to check on him. It made sense, Donghun was still his boyfriend, and he did at least care a little. Donghun went to him cupping his cheeks and looking over his face. Then Donghun pulled him into a hug, tight and strong as he buried his face into Junhee’s neck. Donghun kissed his temple and let out a sigh of relief. Junhee pressed himself closer to Donghun, he knew he had been being a brat. He shouldn’t have pressured Donghun about getting married, they had never even discussed marriage.
“You ran off too quickly.” Donghun sighed into his neck. Then Donghun pulled back and kissed his temple “Get dressed and come with me, please?” Junhee nodded and got out of bed. He went to pick out an outfit. Donghun went to the kitchen grabbing some food for Junhee to eat. Junhee went out after getting dressed and ate the food Donghun gave him. Donghun then took him out to a park. Junhee held his hand and looked around. “So, baby.” Donghun began.
“We don’t have to get married if you don’t want to. I’m sorry...” Junhee spoke quickly. Donghun chuckled and kissed his forehead before pulling a ring out of his pocket and sliding it on Junhee’s finger.
“I still don’t like the idea of the blood ceremony. But I obviously want to marry you. You are the only person I’d ever want to marry. I just had to go get the ring from where I hid it.” Donghun smiled. Junhee stared at the ring; it was simple. Braided metals with embedded rubies and sapphires in it. Junhee looked up at Donghun with tears in his eyes.
“When did you get this?”
“I’ve had it forever...since the last time I had you. I was going to ask to marry you in your last life before- everything happened. I was nervous about using the ring again but then you started asking. I just wanted it to be a surprise.”
“Were you going to ask before Halloween?”
“No, I know it keeps you safer. I just figured I’d protect you forever... the idea of you being hurt at all, even in just a ceremony for our wedding kills me inside.” Donghun lifted his hand and kissed his fingers gently. “Still, after talking to the others I realized a small cut is better than anything like what happened last time happening again. So, if you’ll still have me, will you marry me?” Junhee didn’t answer, throwing himself into Donghun’s arms and kissed him. Donghun chuckled catching him before pressing a kiss to his lips.
“I love you.” Junhee smiled. Donghun kissed him again quickly.
“I love you too.”
Halloween arrived and they planned to hold the weddings late at night. Junhee was so excited, Sehyoon had given Byeongkwan a ring as also seemed very excited. Junhee never thought Sehyoon would marry, much less he’d fall for a monster, but Sehyoon thought Byeongkwan was fun and very cute. They all dressed in nice outfits, buttons downs and slacks, and went to meet in the park. Donghun and Byeongkwan greeted them. Yuchan came shortly after with two knives and two cups.
The ceremony was rather short. Yuchan spoke a language Junhee didn’t know but Donghun translated for him. Then Donghun made a small cut on Junhee’s palm and Junhee did the same to him. Sehyoon and Byeongkwan also cut each other's palms. They each let blood drip into their respective cups, then Donghun took his cut hand, pressing the wounds together. Junhee took a drink from the cup; it was wine mixed with the drops of their blood. Donghun took a drink and then pressed a soft kiss to his lips. Junhee smiled then turned at a surprised noise behind him. Byeongkwan was completely red in the face and Sehyoon was smiling.
“You kissed me!” Byeongkwan yelped.
“Yes, we just got married?” Sehyoon tilted his head, he was smiling but he seemed confused.
“But I didn’t think you’d actually- I mean- I thought you were just trying to get the protection or something!”
“Do you not like me in that way? I married you because I like you.” Sehyoon looked at him. Byeongkwan covered his face but let a small giggle then hugged him.
“I should have kissed you sooner.” Byeongkwan mumbled. Donghun chuckled holding Junhee by the waist.
“Told you, Byeongkwan.” Donghun smiled. Byeongkwan flipped him off and kissed Sehyoon again. Junhee giggled and kissed Donghun quickly.
“Now what?”
“Now we get to spend our lives together.” Donghun kissed him. Junhee nodded and kissed him quickly. Sehyoon looked over.
“Guess I’m glad I never actually moved in.” Sehyoon chuckled holding Byeongkwan close. “Though we will all need to find new places since we didn’t renew our leases.”
“I found a place, it’s a duplex. So, we can each have one side, Channie can bounce between the places.” Donghun smiled kissing Junhee’s temple. “If you all like it.”
“Can we go see it tomorrow?” Junhee questioned. Donghun nodded. They all headed out of the park. Junhee clinging to Donghun’s arm as they walked. He could see monsters glaring at them, but none of them approached. It was a weird feeling monsters have always bothered Junhee but now they kept their distance. If he had been away from Donghun they’d still try to bother him before today. Junhee glanced over at Sehyoon and Byeongkwan. Byeongkwan still seemed shy, but Junhee was happy for them. They bid each other goodbye and went to their respective homes. Yuchan was going to stay out to try and protect people. Junhee had learned there was a number of monsters who protected humans from the ones who would try to hurt them.
“What should we do for the rest of the night, my love?” Donghun asked softly. Junhee looked at up then puled him into a kiss.
“Well we should do what most people do on their wedding night.” Junhee giggled dragging Donghun to the bedroom. Donghun chuckled and followed him to the bedroom.
After their leases ended, they did end up moving into the duplex. Donghun had shown them, and they agreed to live there. Donghun got rid of any monsters and put up wards to keep them away. Both sides had an extra room which they set up for Yuchan to stay at each randomly and whenever he wanted. Junhee was happy and very content with his monster husband. Donghun treated him like he was the most precious thing in the world and showered him in affection on the daily. Byeongkwan still seemed very shocked Sehyoon even liked him. Sehyoon tried to show that he had liked him for a while, but it just went over Byeongkwan’s head. Junhee thought their relationship was cute. Yuchan was basically like the adopted kid of the group, Junhee liked his little family that he had found. He liked that the monsters finally left him alone. He liked coming home from work to Donghun having dinner prepared since he couldn’t work as a monster in the human world, so he was a stay-at-home husband. He kept the house clean and always had food ready despite Junhee insisting that these should all be shared chores and that he would cook dinner sometimes. Donghun still did it, he said he felt like it was the least he could do since Junhee worked all day. Junhee did cook on weekends for Donghun and usually he was the one to make breakfast. He was happy with the arrangement and he would contiue to be.