Archive of Our Own

When his eyes opened it took him a moment to register that he did in fact open his eyes. The sky was black as coal, little white freckles twinkling here and there. What gave it away had been the tall twin buildings on either side of his vision, windows pitch black, only aiding to the late time of night.

He felt the hard ground below him, concrete if that were anything to go by. He could feel the cold wet seep through his clothes, had it rained since he'd been here or before? That simple idea had his questioning where 'here' was and why he was there to begin with. How long had he been there? Why was he on the floor?

Had he been mugged? Or maybe he simply passed out? The hours he'd been putting in at work hadn't been treating well so maybe exhaustion finally caught up to him?

That idea still didn't seem right, none of this felt right. So, with more energy and strength than he'd liked to have needed to use, he pushed himself onto his elbows. His gaze wandered further into his surroundings, noting the rather grimy garbage bins to his right, or the empty and molding boxes to his right.

The drain a couple feet away, water still trailing down the crevices and down the hole. The clearly abandoned bike in the corner behind him, most evident by the abundance of rust or the broken chain. Conclusions draw him to an alley way, neatly spotted between two worn down apartment buildings.

The question then became why? And how? There were many other questions to be answered but those two seemed to nag at him the most. He also hoped that once solving those, he may conclude the others.

He slumped his head into his hands, trudging through his mind to find some sort of answer, some sort of memory he could replay from. He figured that to even be in this place at this time, he had to have been headed home from work. He didn't leave his apartment for much else aside from the company and living essentials.

And even when given the time, he's almost always drained to the core from dealing with the many requests of his boss, the organizing of schedules, and the choreography's built. So, during his breaks, he's almost always tangled in his bed or nestled up on the couch.

He'd recently gone grocery shopping—he thinks—so that wouldn't be the reason for his late outing. Work really could be the only solution.

Whatever, so he was leaving work, then what? Robbed? Assaulted? Fainted? The answers truly felt unlimited. He just knew that whatever the reason, he'd be informing his boss about the event. Maybe something along the lines of:

"You're gonna end up looking for a new manager AND choreographer for 3racha if you continue having me work to the dead hours of night. Don't get me wrong, those guys are my best friends and I love working with them, but God damn!"

He'd entirely been expecting to reach for his wallet to find it missing, or maybe even his pants, but upon further investigation none of the above was gone. In fact, nothing was. The silver cross still adorns his neck, the couple rings remain untouched, his wrists still shiny with loose chains.

This puzzled him, like actually what gives? Why was he stranded in the middle of an alley way with little to no remembrance of the hours prior? He was just about ready to conclude he'd passed out, smacked his head so hard that his memories dissipated. He was about ready to get off the front floor with a huff and get back home so he could crawl in bed. Until a stung zapped him from his neck.

This wasn't just some pestering mosquito or dare devil ant. It felt like it burned from his core, like it traveled down his through to spar with his heart. It hurt, and it had him crying out at the sudden ache. What in the world??

He'd lifted his hand to his neck, gently placing it on the area of the pain. Originally, he didn't feel anything, but upon moving his fingers around more, they hit a sticky wet substance. His hand was jolted back, raised in front of his vision with a glare like it had offended him. He was no expert, but even in the dark, barely any substance looked as dark and evil as one's own dark crimson.

Hence, he was pretty sure he stared at blood, which shimmered under the night sky. A new question concurred to him, was it his blood? Or someone else's? His hand quickly retreated back to his neck, feeling around more eagerly now. His finger grazed a certain spot, and the burn was back, sending a jolt down his neck.

It was enough to realize the blood was his own and had come from whatever damage had been done to his neck. And within the pitch black of night, he couldn't see anything more than he could feel. So, with a new determination laced with a good amount of fear, he stood up. The dizziness that hit scared him even more as he swayed, using the wall as his support system.

Once he could see enough feet in front of him, he'd grabbed his nag off the floor—he'd only noticed it now—and raced home. In those rushed steps he'd realized he still didn't come up with enough answers to his liking. He'd also realized that a lot of those answers would more than likely come from whatever the light of his apartment allowed him to see.

He didn't know if he entertained the idea of finding out what caused him so much trouble. The mere fact that he was still so puzzled by the night scared him.

With hastened steps, he reached his apartment complex. It wasn't gold trims and chandeliers, but it was definitely on the nicer side of apartments. He guesses that is a pro to his time consuming, draining but enjoyable job; the paychecks were rather pretty.

He hadn't even bothered to greet the receptionist for the hour like he normally did. He was just so damn eager to get himself in front of a mirror, and maybe eat something, he was feeling rather hungry.

His foot tapped the floor of the elevator impatiently as it rose to the 20th floor, elevators just had to be so damn slow—whose idea was that?! But when the elevator dinged, an alarm sounding meant to inform him of the floor it had arrived on, he didn't waste a second to speed out and down the hall to his room.

His code was entered into the keypad, the noise of the lock turning, and he was pushing open the door and slamming it closed behind him. He'd set his bag down, or rather, slammed it down, on the island in the kitchen, his feet moving faster than his mind.

The bathroom light was flicked on and only then was he finally able to register how disheveled he looked. His white t-shirt was tarnished with mud and alley way grime—whatever that may entail—and the top of his collar, red. His eyes trailed up to the spot he'd been dying to look at since he'd woken up. He had to turn his head a bit to see what he was even looking for, but when he spotted it his mind blanked.

Or maybe it was that his mind was replaying every movie, tv show or book he'd entertained in his entire life. Any sort of media that pertained the idea of some fantasy, a mythical creature, something that shouldn't exist. And yet, like he'd seen on the screen, or visualized in books, on his neck bare two tiny twin holes, both seeping blood—or were at least.

The blood at this point had crusted where it was spilled from, while the rest was still a bit wet and dripping down, seeping into his stained shirt collar. At this point, he thinks he giggled, no, he full body laughed. Definitely going into hysterics, but the idea—that a vampire bit him—was just hilarious!

He'd really have to give some credit to the talented makeup artist that had pulled such a prank. I mean, not just anyone can go through such lengths and display their artwork in such manner that it looks real! It really had him fooled! Gosh, he really must've looked like a fool and freaked out of his mind.

His giggles calmed as he reached for a tissue, wetting it before wiping it against his skin. A dazed smile wore his lips as he watched the red transfer to the pasty white. And then he ran the tissue over the makeup, fully expecting it to come off like the blood did, except two things happened:

One, it hurt like a bitch, and he can't believe he forgot that detail, much less the pain that he'd put himself through it again. And two, the holes didn't disappear. The blood did of course, which makes them look so much less lethal, but they stayed put—like tattoos. That would've been his next choice if not for his next glance in the mirror. The wound now clean, it was almost like he could see into the holes—he couldn't of course—but no tattoo could replicate that to such extent.

Nor could tattoos feel the way the holes did. And despite his desire to come up with some excuse, there was no denying what he was seeing. And that simple fact caused him to pale even further, the world fading in the edges of his vision.

He'd truly—somehow with his damn luck—been bitten by a vampire.

————

When their multi-purpose manager called out sick very early in the morning, the producers immediately felt a worry deep in their heart. Although they did have two managers, so, they easily told the boy it was perfectly fine, said boy never missed a day. He'd show up even on his death bed if he could, which worried them even more. What illness took over his body this time that there was no avoiding a sick leave?

Chan, the leader of 3racha, had been the second to hear, the first being their other manager, Minho. Minho had called him, unfortunately waking Chan from a rare occasion of slumber, to inform him of the rather random text he'd gotten from their other manager, Hyunjin. He was one of the youngest amongst their crew, but that didn't deter his work.

So much so that he'd often get dragged into other projects once their boss had seen how productive he was. Between working with 3racha, and being assigned random tasks from the company, Hyunjin was often drowning in work. But he'd be quick to say he was okay, that he could handle it, that he wouldn't have this job if he couldn't handle it.

Thus, he'd show up just short of looking like he'd pass out and still provide a full day or work, not leaving the office till the streets were bare and the moon was high.

So again, hearing he was taking a sick day was rather strange. Not that Chan wasn't happy that the younger had finally decided enough was enough and instead of putting himself through the wringer, decided to rest instead. It just felt off.

So, when they'd finished recording the last song for the day and dinner was nearing, it was easily decided that a trip to the manager's residence was in store. Chan even pitched in some money to buy Hyunjin some soup and a hot tea—hoping that with whatever the boy had, it would warm him up.

Thankfully, Minho knew the code to Hyunjin's apartment, so they wouldn't even have to burden the boy in letting them in. Thus, they snatched a company car—because their boss really had no control—and drove to the known address. It was around a 5-minute drive when the apartment complex came into view. The same apartment complex they all lived at (supposedly).

Soon they were walking down the clean marble floors and entering a windowed elevator, a clear view of the city as they rose to each floor. Night had succumbed, leading to the bright light pollution that seeped from each buildings brightly lit windows. The sky may not have had many stars, but maybe each spec of a window in the distance would do.

A ding sounded out, alerting them of their arrival, and thus they filed out, down the hall and stopping in front of a familiar number. Minho playfully shoved the others aside, acting very proud to have obtained the knowledge of the very code that would let them in. And with four taps of a couple digits, the lock turning could be heard, and Minho pushed the door open.

The sight was...not what they expected. The apartment looked trashed, pillows flown across the room, curtains flung shut, clothes strewn all over the floor, and what looked to be some broken glass and scattered dishes in the kitchen. Changbin, the third and final member of 3racha, sauntered in further. "Hyunjin?"

With no response his own call seemed to echo, so he walked further in. The other three boys followed behind him, Minho closing the door quietly in case their friend was asleep. He then decided the apartment really needed some light, so he then flicked on the kitchen light. The full expense of the room's tarnish was now on full display.

There was indeed broken glass in the kitchen, a spilled drink pooling around it. There was a bright red on the edges of each shard, leading to bloody footprints that trailed around the kitchen. There were bowls and plates littering the counter tops, food still present on each one. "What the hell..." Jisung muttered, the soup in his hands now feeling a bit heavy.

No one else said a word, their jaws dropping slightly instead. Still, they wondered further, inspecting the apartment like it had been robbed. Yet at the same time, so many things looked un-robber-like. Little messes thieves wouldn't make—like the mess in the kitchen. For the years they'd known Hyunjin, he was never this messy, always one to clean up and organize after himself. So, this was definitely...a sight to be seen.

As Chan walked further into the living area, he took note of the clothes strewn on the floor. Originally, he would've guessed they were dirty and Hyunjin had a moment of laziness. But truth be told, they were dirty, and maybe Hyunjin was lazy, but a scent that was more than dirt made Chan stop mid step.

He was currently glaring at a plain white shirt, one he knew Hyunjin had been wearing the day prior. Except now it was incredibly dirty, covered in splashes of mud and grim. But that's not what scared him. Instead, he leaned closer, taking a nice look at the collar of the shirt. Blood.

He knew that faded crimson like the back of his hand. Chan then picked up the shirt and ushered back to where the others still stood by the kitchen. "Guys...look."

He shoved the shirt in their direction, making sure the neckline was on full display. Changbin seemed to be the first to catch on. "Hyung could that be...?" He trailed off, eyes switching from the concerned face of his Hyung, to collar-soaked shirt.

"I'm not sure...but I'm also not liking the look of things..." Chan replied, setting the shirt back on the floor. This time, the scent of iron now filling his nostrils, he followed the dried maroon footsteps. They'd walked around the kitchen, footprints layering over each other, before they led off in another direction.

The others had followed his line of sight; thus, Chan nodded his head in the direction of the prints. Having been to Hyunjin's apartment their own fair share of times, they all quickly noted the direction the footsteps lead to; his room. A frown graced itself on each of their faces, their worry etching through the surface.

Chan still took the lead, cautiously finding himself closer and closer to the closed door of a certain someone's room. When his body stood right before it, he leaned close, hoping to hear some sort of life from the room. He didn't, and he thinks some of his hope shattered.

He really hoped he wasn't about to walk in and find his managers—no—best friend's dead corpse. Or maybe something  worse.

Chan had a speculation; he was sure they all did. Certain aspects since they'd walked into the apartment felt familiar, like Deja vu. The messy kitchen was the first giveaway, and he really didn't like to think about the blood-stained shirt collar.

His hand on the door handle, he turned his head slightly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Stay behind me, and Minho, grab my backpack."

There were two items in that bag he would hope he didn't half to use upon opening that door. But it worst comes to show, he's protecting the alive and well boys behind him. When Minho returned, the bag in hand, Chan started to twist the knob.

Pushing the door open enough to let him view the room—the pitch-black room with nobody in sight. "Hyunjin?" He'd whispered out. He still didn't get a reply and took another couple steps in instead. The light from the kitchen was seeping in the more the bedroom door opened, allowing them to find themselves inspecting the quarters like they'd done previously.

The bed was still made, not a blanket unfolded. There were a couple of clothes on the floor, but they looked clean. It gave the idea that someone had been picky in deciding his clothes and instead of putting them back on a hanger, tossed them aside. A single pair of Converse were in the corner, and Chan could see the city grim on the white rubber.

What he believed was Hyunjin's phone was placed on the bed, looking to be untouched for a while. And then there were the footprints, fading as they went, but leading to a clear destination, a corner.

Chan turned to give a halting symbol to the boys behind him, hearing the shuffling come to a stop. In turn, he continued forward, the light from the kitchen slowly illuminating his destination. It was then that he could clearly see the figure cowering in the corner. From what Chan could tell, and hoping it was Hyunjin, he was wearing an oversized black hoodie, allowing him to blend with the dark corner.

But his head was down, his hood was up, and he really looked like a black ball of mass, if it weren't for the pale feet peeking from beneath his crosses legs. Chan saw the blood that remained and could only guess the boy had walked on broken glass. Maybe that's all it was! A simple accident and a lot of blood. Some wounds bled a lot, right?

It still didn't explain the shirt, and that's where Chan biggest concern lie. "Hyuni?" He called, using a soft nickname to try and ease whatever was going on in the boy's mind. It must've been that Hyunjin realized how close someone was as when his name was called, his head shot up.

He stared at Chan, his eyes wild with fear. He was breathing heavily, his hands held against his chest, his body squeezing further into the corner. Still, his eyes never left Chan's, and there was so much emotion that swirled within them. Chan recognized it all, and his fears were confirmed.

He sighed. "Minho." He quietly called out, the boy humming in response from the doorway.

"Bring me a blood bag from my backpack."

Minho huffed, "You carry a blood bag around so casually?!" To his concern, he still reached into one of the inside pockets, pulling out a sealed bag of the dark crimson.

"Yes." His solid and emotionless answer was enough to silence any other opinions as Minho slowly appeared at his side. He carefully handed the bag over to Chan, who took it with the same grace. He then turned back to the shaking form in the corner.

"Are you hungry Jinnie?" he asked, the softness back in his tone. It was very clear Hyunjin was terrified. And Chan even thinks he could replay the thought the boy might've felt throughout the day.

Maybe something along the lines of...
Where am I?
Why am I here?
What happened?
Why's there blood on my neck?
Why can't I remember anything?
Why am I so hungry?
Why does this taste so gross?
Why does it all taste gross?!
What's wrong with me?!
Oh.

It was a very common first occurrence on account of his own experience and the others he'd heard about.

"How...?" Hyunjin had barely mumbled out, his body still clenched together, his head peeking up enough to see and talk to his Hyung.

"How do I know?" Chan watched Hyunjin ever so slowly nod. "It's a lot. But how about you drink this first? It'll make you feel better, I promise."

Hyunjin eyed the bag in Chan's hold like it killed him. He thinks he knows what it is, and part of him wants to vomit at just the idea that he does so desperately want to drink it. Chan still holds it out for him to take, and while Hyunjin really doesn't want to, doesn't want to accept it, his hands reach for it anyway.

"You can just bite the bag." Chan informed him as he stared at the bag. He must've noticed that Hyunjin felt like he had no idea where to start with even drinking this. But he took Chan's word, because to his disbelief, his mouth was starting to water. He led the bag to his mouth, and bit, his instincts (Wherever they came from he didn't want to know) instantly taking over and blood was sucked into his mouth.

Hyunjin drank and drank until the bag caved in on itself. As much as it satisfied that strange and new hunger, he felt horrible about it. He just drank someone's blood like it was going out of style. And what's even worse, it tasted good. Amongst everything he'd tried to eat in the last 18 hours it tasted like heaven.

And that was gut wrenching enough. And so now, feeling a little more in control, his body ceasing its shaking, the hunger fading dull, he stared at the empty blood pouch in his hold. He can't believe he just did that. How inhumane.

"It was an animal."

Hyunjin's eyes drifted back to Chan who had sat patiently in front of him the entire time. "Huh?"

Chan motioned to his hands, "That blood, it came from a deer." Hyunjin still stared at him with a blank expression, one Chan knew was a mix of too many emotions to display only one. "Sometimes people's first thought is that they've killed someone to drink blood. I figured it may bring you some peace of mind to know that you didn't."

And maybe Chan had been right about that. It still didn't feel right, and he really didn't want to think about the deer that had lost its life, but it was better than knowing it belonged to his own kind instead.

Chan gently took the bag from his hands, tucking it away in his backpack, away from Hyunjin's line of sight. "Hyuni...what happened?"

Both of their hands now free, Chan took it upon himself to lightly hold Hyunjin's hands in his own, rubbing his thumbs over the boys' knuckles. He watched as a little more life filled Hyunjin's eyes, a hungry tint of red settle into his emotional brown. So much so he watched a tear drop down the boy's cheek.

"I... I couldn't remember at first...But then I cut my feet on broken glass—and I don't even know, smelling the blood or something?! I suddenly felt out of control—A-And then to add onto it all...I suddenly remembered." More tears slid down Hyunjin's face, and of all the years Chan had known him, he'd never seen him like this. But this was within reason, very much so.

"I left the company at 3 am maybe? I-I'm not too sure. But I was taking my normal route back home when...quite literally, a hand reached out to grab me by—by my neck and dragged me into the shadows." If Hyunjin wasn't verbally speaking, vocally putting his emotions on display, Chan thinks he might've still gotten it all simply through the boys' eyes.

The way Hyunjin's feelings mirror so directly to his eyes makes Chan feel like he's reliving the night with the boy. It makes his heart shatter to see Hyunjin is such a disarray.

"I remember putting up a fight, I think I cried too, begged for my life even. But whoever it was...they laughed, called me pretty, delicious looking, and then...bit my neck and that's where it ends. Next thing I knew I was waking up in that same alley an hour later."

By this point, noting that Hyunjin had since calmed, and that Chan wasn't saying no, the others had found themselves standing behind the eldest. They each had their own expression, some of grief, or sorrow. Overall feeling the effects of Hyunjin's own pain. This wasn't an easy process, and they would know.

Chan had only nodded at Hyunjin's words, letting the boy know he was following along, but also thinking. He still hadn't let go of Hyunjin's hands, his fingers still providing a soft comfort. Neither were complaining. "You mentioned you cut your feet on the broken glass?" Chan questioned, even in knowing the answer.

Hyunjin hummed. "Yeah, because it looks like a bloody crime scene in your kitchen." Minho added with a smirk. He wasn't sure if that was the right or wrong thing to say, but with a small, barely evident raise of Hyunjin's lips, he knew it was the right one.

"Can I see?" Chan then asked. He was sure that with the amount of blood, it wouldn't be the prettiest sight. But he'd seen worse. A lot worse.

Hyunjin seemed shy with the idea of presenting his feet to his Hyung. Not only was it simply his feet, but his feet torn to shreds and dripping blood. That had to be gross right? But when his gaze met Chan's, the ever caring and genuine softness, he caved. He untucked his legs from his curled-up position, while Chan scooted back, allowing his legs to fully stretch out.

"Do you have a med kit anywhere Hyuni?" Chan only had a glimpse to go by, but he was sure one would be needed. "Oh um—yeah, in the cabinet right under my bathroom sink."

Chan didn't even need to ask as he watched Changbin turn and waltz into the bathroom, tearing the cabinet open to pull out the kit. He then sauntered back over, looking very proud of himself. The med kit now in his hold, he opened it, pulling out some cotton balls, hydrogen peroxide, band aids, gauze, and tweezers. He was sure he'd need all of it for this job.

Patting his lap, Chan motioned for Hyunjin to set a foot on his lap. The boy cautiously did, still feeling slightly embarrassed. "Damn." Jisung noted once he could see the damage. Minho was quick to swat the back of the younger's head, "Not helping."

But Jisung chuckled, letting out a mumbled "Sorry." Chan had smirked at Jisungs comment too, "He's not wrong though, there's still some glass in these cuts!" True to his word, which is why he had previously grabbed a pair of tweezers, there was indeed some glass still imbedded in the flesh.

It looked...painful, and Chan thinks that being cooped up in a corner was not only caused by Hyunjin's fear. None of the cuts were big enough for stitches, but that didn't mean they weren't bad. The bigger ones looked deep, a bright red visible on the inside while an angry red surrounded the wound. Whilst the smaller cuts, even though they bled, still had glass shards in them.

"I dropped my glass cause my drink tasted so...wrong, and I was scared cause I didn't know why. Then I went to try other foods, only to come to the same conclusion. I guess I forgot about the glass which ended with me walking right over it..."

Chan had softly chuckled, trying to make Hyunjin realize no one was mad, no one was going to yell, and that really he shouldn't be embarrassed. Based on the stories Chan has heard, this is possibly the simplest, least traumatic experience Chan will ever hear of. Hyunjin hadn't even know what to do, how to treat the things he was feeling. Honestly, the fact that Hyunjin had remained so docile was impressive.

"This may hurt, but I do need to pull the glass pieces out." Hyunjin's face fell at Chan words. His feet already hurt, and now he was going to have to face double the wrath. His eyes drifted to the three standing silently, looking very out of place. He wanted their comfort, more than he realized.

But the manager part of him felt ashamed, wasn't he supposed to take care of them? Yet here he was, in a condition he didn't even understand. But when Chan pulled the first shard out and it hurt like he stepped on glass all over again rather than it being removed, those self-conscious ideas left. These were his friends. Manager was just some silly job label. These had been his friends before titles were involved. So, fuck it.

"Can—Can you guys come here?" He questioned, motioning them over with his hand. His pained expression must've been evident enough that they didn't need to be asked twice. Changbin sat himself on Hyunjin's right, Jisung by his side, while Minho took Hyunjin's left. It wasn't a spacious corner, so they were quite close, but Hyunjin wouldn't have it any other way.

So, while Chan continued to pull out the glass, mumbling an apology when he heard Hyunjin whimper or felt him jump, Hyunjin himself just held onto the hands next to him, squeezing them like a life force. And maybe they were. He was drawn out to something he couldn't comprehend. He felt so unlike himself, so unlike the life he'd known.

The pain dulled the more the process continued, even if Hyunjin never let go of the hands he held. He sat in thought more than he did in pain. He found himself lost in his mind a lot lately, but this was a question, something new to stump him. This felt all too...casual. Like the idea, the situation, he'd presented to them was nothing new.

In fact, it seemed rather normal.

"What gives?" Hyunjin finally muttered, his mind coming to no helpful conclusions. From his side, Minho cocked his head to the side, rather puppylike instead of the feline gaze Hyunjin had come to know.

"I'm a—a... ya know..." Hyunjin couldn't even bring himself to claim his new label. "And yet you coddled up to me like there's nothing wrong." At the claim, the bodies around him shifted back if only a few centimeters. "I'm surprised you're still here at all."

He felt the breath of Chan's sigh on his foot. Chan only let those loose when he was truly stumped or incredibly down bad. Only one of those fits the situation. "But nothing is wrong." Chan told him, having yet to look up at him.

"How can you say that?" Hyunjin questioned with utter astonishment and maybe a bit of pent-up anger. He let go of hands he'd been holding, dropping them like they were hot to the touch.

"How can you say that when you just handed me a bag of blood and watched me drink it like a shot on New Year's Eve!!" Hyunjin asked him, possibly even louder this time. He felt like begging his Hyung to leave, to agree with him and let him start his journey to heal.

But Chan was finally looking at him, and with such a stupid, utterly annoying, grin. Like he was waiting for Hyunjin to draw up his own conclusion, final bid himself of such fear and realize the truth. To think over what he'd just said and right the wrong.

And Hyunjin did, only because he knew that look. He hated it because it always made him feel so stupid. "You—you handed me a bag of blood. You knew what was wrong. And the only reason you would know such requirements and have such items is if..."

"Correct."

Oh, how Hyunjin hated that grin. That grin had, like it had done countless times already, proven him blind.

"So, you're—"

"Yes."

"And they're?"

"Yes."

Hyunjin reached for the hands at his sides again, holding them like some newfound lifeline. By his feet, Chan had finished cleaning and wrapping his wounds, carefully setting Hyunjin's leg on the floor. Then, with a look of pure determination, "You are not alone in this Hyunjin."

Maybe that's all he'd needed to hear because the flood gates opened. Hyunjin didn't even realize the damn needed to overflow, that his emotions and fears had truly been so pent up like this. But he'd heard something he'd longed to hear after feeling so wrong, and those fears just dissipated.

He pulled the three closer to him, motioning for Chan to come closer as well. And Hyunjin sobbed in their embrace.

————

If at midnight, anyone saw a group of men enter a car together, one of them on the back of another, no one said a word. They hadn't told Hyunjin much else but the fact that they were in the same boat, rest assured. He had no clue where they were going, no clue what time it was aside from late.

Yet he followed blindly. He trusted them, clearly with his life. Plus, exhaustion would truly be an understatement of his condition. Hyunjin felt tired in ways he didn't even know possible. Between stress, starving(?), and crying a new river, his body was begging for sleep.

But instead, he found himself sandwiched between Changbin and Jisung in the backseat. Hyunjin really wanted to lose himself to slumber, but some conscious part of him was curious. He wanted to know what awaited at the end of this drive. After all, he'd watched the four of them scramble around his apartment grabbing his belongings and shoving them in bags.

"Do you need this?"

"Would you want this?"

Hyunjin assumed he was to stay somewhere with how they'd cleaned his apartment of so many items. They hadn't told him anything, in fact at the time he'd sat himself on his bed, watching them work with a curious albeit empty gaze.

He was only calmed by how much attention they'd paid whilst packing his bags. How they asked his opinion, made sure that gathered anything he'd want or like. He was called by the fact that they seemed to care so much for him.

He truly was just following like some lost puppy. Or maybe lost vampire is the best terminology.

Shortly, he watched the car pull into a gated community, the houses on the larger scale of size with big gaps of land between them. Hyunjin didn't even know this kind of neighborhood existed in the area. Yet still, he watched elegant houses past his window.

Finally, the car slowed and pulled into a stone paved driveway. When the car stopped and Chan put the car in park, Hyunjin almost didn't know what to do. Did he get out of the car? Would he be going out alone? Or going in with the others by his side?

"Are you gonna get out?" Changbin asked, breaking him from his daze. Upon glancing around, all except for himself and Changbin had gotten out. But he could hear them outside, pulling his luggage out from the trunk.

Hyunjin didn't bother to respond, instead slowly slid his way out of the car. He momentarily forgot about the condition his feet were in until they reached solid ground and weight was put on them. He'd winced with a cry, his legs almost giving out if it weren't for the arms wrapped around him.

Changbin had realized Hyunjin had forgotten, thus quickly got out of the car by the other end, racing around to be there for the fall. So now he had his arms wrapped around Hyunjin's waist, trying his best to lighten the weight.

"Here, climb on my back again." And so Hyunjin did, rather eager to be out of pain once more. Changbin then led him to what he assumed was the back door seeing as they'd passed the large door at the front. Minho, Jisung and Chan were already inside setting bags on the floor. Once Hyunjin entered the premises, Chan turned his attention to the boy once more.

"This is a safe haven. You can stay here as long as you'd like. Although we did bring half your apartment here, you are not obliged to stay longer than you'd wish to. I thought maybe...it would be easier to adjust in similar company?" Chan informed him, his arms tossed to his sides to gesture around them.

They simply stood in the doorway, but the house felt more open and expanse on the inside than from the outside. And while it did not shock Hyunjin to see a staircase go up a level, he was rather impressed to see a staircase go down a level.

Realizing he'd been too busy taking in the sights to respond, Hyunjin nodded in his direction. He couldn't quite explain what Chan had said, but he knew he didn't hear anything bad either.

"Changbin can show you to your room since he seems to be your current mode of transportation." Chan smiled at his own comment, waving them off as he walked off with Jisung and Minho.

"My room?" Hyunjin whispered from his perch on Changbins shoulder. Said boy hummed, "It's normally a guest room, but even then, it isn't used much. And since you may be here more often, why not make it your room no?"

Hyunjin shrugged, his eyes finding new views as Changbin lead him up a floor and down a hallway. His room ended up being the door at the end of the hallway, one of three on the entire floor.

"Who stays in these rooms?" Hyunjin prompted before he could get sidetracked by his room. Changbin turned slightly so the two closed doors were in their line of sight. "That one," pointing to the closest door in the middle of the hallway, "Is mine. While that one down there is Minhos." This time pointing at the door at the opposite end of the hallway.

Hyunjin hummed in content. There was something so comforting about sharing a floor with his Hyungs.

Changbin then opened the door to his room, allowing Hyunjin to let his eyes wonder. It was a pretty simple room, barely having any personality with little to no decor. But at the moment, all Hyunjin cared about was the fact that the bed looked so inviting. That the sleep he'd get on that bed would be heavenly.

Changbin had easily followed Hyunjin's line of sight, this had walked over to the bed to plop the boy down onto it. Upon falling onto the soft comforters, Hyunjin released a content sigh. He then felt the bed dip next to him, and he slowly lolled his head to the side. Changbin now lay next to him on his side simply looking at him.

"What?" Hyunjin muttered, exhaustion adding a little bit of a slur to his words. Changbin gave him a soft smile. "Nothing much, just an eventful night huh?" It made Hyunjin give a breathy chuckle, eventful may have been the right descriptive word.

Hyunjin then let his lips fall, "What do I even do now Hyung?" He heard Changbin release a sigh of his own, and then felt the elder shift, scooting closer to pull Hyunjin against his side. "You continue to live like nothing's changed. It'll be different at first, but we are all here for you."

Moments like this, snuggled into Changbins side, made Hyunjin feel like nothing had changed. He questioned how on earth he'd gotten so lucky in his pickings of friends. But at a time like this, he'd never yearn for anyone else.

————

A year later

And Hyunjin was still adjusting. Sure, he'd gotten most things down, but when you live your whole life with aspects that no longer require, it's hard. The first month was filled with questions being asked of anyone in the household, which apparently came to a total of 7, not including himself.

Within his first week of moving in, he was quickly introduced to three other vampires that take residency. Felix, who despite the deepest voice he'd ever heard, was the biggest sweetheart. Seungmin who just made him think of a puppy by both visuals and personality, and Jeongin, who was the youngest in the house but could easily put the oldest in his place.

Hyunjin had been worried about being around complete strangers, but he warmed up to them rather quickly. He thought he was happy having the friends he already did but turns out there was room for three more. They fit like puzzle pieces.

Hyunjin had also returned to work after a week of being "sick." His boss wasn't very impressed with the week off, but seeing as Hyunjin was one of his best employees, there was no dropping him. 3racha had also started asking more of him, but most requests were empty and only for show. If he looked busy, their boss could not ask more of him. And instead, even if he wasn't actually working, he could be with those he was most comfortable with.

Especially since he was still dealing with his new changes. One of which he was happy to learn wasn't permanent. When Hyunjin had first tried to drink or eat something the day he turned, it was awful. But turns out, food will only taste like that if you hungry for what food cannot appeal to.

"Treat it like an alarm, if your body doesn't ring bells first. The moment something tastes as it shouldn't, blood is what you need instead."

So, while Hyunjin panicked that his favorite foods would never taste the same, that he may never enjoy them again, he'd been wrong. He also quickly learned that his bedroom closet housed a "refrigerated safe" as Chan had called it. Which is as simple as it sounds but is meant to store bags of blood without public attention.

Each room has one, that way if guests do come over and look in the kitchen fridge, they don't see an unpleasant sight. Speaking of guests, Hyunjin was now an official resident, as of many months ago.

3 Months into being a "guest" in the "safe haven" Hyunjin had decided he enjoyed the company. He had always loved the company of his dearest; just never knew he'd like to see them on such a daily occurrence. He also felt safe. That he had a home to go to with residents that cared for him deeply—despite some only meeting him recently.

Chan of course had loved the idea, especially since he had hinted at it many times. So Hyunjin, although still paying for the lease until the contracted period ended, had moved out within a couple days of his decision.

The room which had no personality prior was now very much scattered with life. A closet now full of clothes for each season, the drawers mirroring this aspect. A desk in the corner littered with both sketch books and art utensils (his workbooks shoved in a desk drawer). A bed with personal blankets and even a couple of stuffed animals.

It became an unexpected home, of course with unexpected casualties.

It was odd to learn about Vampires as Hyunjin went from learning about them as separate individuals, to learning about himself. He'd had many questions regarding what from the folktales were true, and what was make believe. Such as the whole tale that they must drink from humans.

"Some realize the ugly power they've been granted, at how it's stronger than most, that it can be used to take advantage."

or that,

"While others still yearn to be human, to still feel as such, to fit in, to still feel like they known right from wrong."

Which enlightened the reason in which all the blood supplied to them was only animal blood. Or there was the idea that vampires could turn into bats. While Hyunjin does feel he's become more of a night owl, he's not so sure about the bat idea. Which was proven to be false when even Changbin claimed that no such ability pertained to them.

Hyunjin also asked about garlic because it sounded like such a pitiful weakness. Once again proven false when Minho grabbed a handful of freshly chopped garlic and shoved it in front of Hyunjin's nose. Although it did burn, he was not damaged.

When Hyunjin had asked about how one could kill a vampire with a wooden stake to the heart, Jisung with the straightest face had turned to him and said, "Who wouldn't fucking die if they got impaled by a wooden stake?" In which Hyunjin supposes it may have been a stupid question, but he was still as curious as a cat.

————

Both Hyunjin and Minho panted as they laid out on the wooden floor of the dance room. They had just finished choreographing a new dance for a song up and coming from 3racha. Although the two had their titles as managers, the producers had not been blind nor ignorant to the other kind of hobbies and skills possessed.

Thus, instead of ever hiring a dance teacher, they learned all they knew from Hyunjin and Minho (and Felix who liked to add little touchups back at the house). So here they were, after finding a time of day to fully choreograph, happy with the outcome.

Now they simply let their heartbeats calm back down, their breathing become more regularly paced. And the only perfect place to do such was sprawled out on a cold floor. Hyunjin's shoes had even come off, his hoodie tossed to the side. He was so used to dancing, enjoyed it so, yet it never ceases to take his breath away.

After minutes of letting the same demo track play on loop as both had been too lazy to hit pause, Hyunjin sat himself up. He took a glance at his Hyung, who was now rolled to his side at Hyunjin's movement. Hyunjin smiled softly, "Good work today Hyung. I think they will really like it!"

Minho smirked back, "Well I would hope so, no? Cause If they don't, I might just not cook for a little while." It was all play, so Hyunjin chuckled at Minhos threatening antics.

"Are you gonna head home for the night Jinnie?" Minho asked, his elbow now propped under his head. Hyunjin nodded, "Yeah, I promised the cuties that we could do a movie night. And I don't want to make them wait too much longer."

"The cuties" pertained to the trio at home, who while they do work, don't work at the same company the rest do. Still, after flooding himself with tasks, Hyunjin had made not only a promise to them, but himself that a movie night was in order.

"A movie night huh? I might join you all when I get home myself." As Minho himself was one of the managers, he was often quite busy as well. So, while they did get time with one another every day, the time at which it lasted had a wide range. Meaning in a sense, they would take any opportunity.

"You're not coming home with me?" Hyunjin questioned, being quick to assume that if he was done for the night, so was Minho. But the Hyung in question shook his head. "I'd like to run this dance over a couple more times just to make sure it's perfect."

"Then Hyung I should stay and help—"

"Hyune you've worked hard enough today. But don't worry, if I see a that change needs to be made, I'll ask you of your thoughts." It wasn't that a change in the choreography needed to be run by Hyunjin, rather Minho knew Hyunjin feared being useless. He knew Hyunjin always wanted to be a hard worker, never wanted to seem like a slacker or that he was mugging off someone else's work.

So, it's just an addition to Minhos routine so that he can assure Hyunjin doesn't feel anywhere close to useless.

"If you say so Hyung. But don't stay too long! I'll tell Innie that you plan on joining us and if you don't show you'll have to deal with his wrath yourself." Hyunjin watched a devilish smirk appear on Minhos face as he stood, one that meant he was scheming, or simply just imagining whatever the evil bunny may want to.

"I'll keep that in mind. See you at home Jinnie." And with his feline gaze, he watched Hyunjin nod at him, pick up his backpack, and waltz out the practice room doors.

Although he promised a movie night, the start of Hyunjin's plan would be a shower. Just imagining a cold shower running down his warm and sweaty body made his steps quicken. His new home was in the opposite direction of his old apartment, thus making us closer to the company building. So even if he didn't necessarily enjoy walking at night, it was much easier at times.

He had walked for about 5 minutes, racking through his brain when a heavy weight of forgetting something nagged at him. Running through the items in his bag and on his person to make sure he did have everything. And then it hit him, his water bottle. Which was fine. Out of all his things that was the least concerning item to lose.

So, he fished his phone from his pocket, pressing on the contact of his lovely Hyung who he knew was still at the company. Even if it was a cheap bottle, he would still ask Minho to grab it before he too left. But as his finger pressed the call button, the ever so magnificent Hwang Hyunjin luck struck again.

"Hey Jinnie, what's up?"

He'd only been a few minutes from their gated neighborhood, from the safety he'd accustomed to, when liked a repeating, broken record, a hand shot out from the dark. Time slowed when Hyunjin saw it, his reactions still too late as the hand wrapped around his throat, pulling him into the dark as it retracted.

"Are you calling because you left your water bottle? You should know you don't even have to ask me to grab it."

"Hyunjin?"

He would not make the same mistake though and put up more of a fight he remembers giving last time. He let his phone fall to the ground so he could throw his hands at the dark, hoping to hit his captor, to do some damage that would loosen their grip. Hyunjin's attempts only seemed to anger the shadow as in one fell swoop he was slammed against the wall behind him, his head colliding with a thud.

"Hyunjin please answer me, what is happening?!"

It made his ears ring and his body sag. So much so that despite his mind screaming at him to do more, his body didn't move.

"So, we meet again~" A voice taunted, the grip on Hyunjin's throat tightening ever so slightly. "The same little lamb I caught last year now in my clutches again. And just in time for dinner too!"

The thought of being someone's food, or simply the realization that death might be upon him had Hyunjin's body moving again. His hands reaching out, hoping to connect a fist to any part of the man in front of him. He could get any words out with the pressure on his throat, but Hyunjin hoped the death glares were clear enough.

"Please hold on Hyunjin—I have your location i'm on my way right now."

Just as his fist was about to connect, a hand swept up both of his own, stretching them above his head and pinning them there.

Oh gods. He was trapped, truly in the clutches of evil.

The vampire before him seemed to find humor in the fact that Hyunjin's eyes quickly shifted from their dark demeanor to a scared one. "Not so tough now, are we?" And Hyunjin could only stare at him and hope, pray, that the world was not done with him yet.

"You will taste just as sweet as I remembered, after all it is the whole reason, I turned you."

What.

The vampire giggled, amused as the confused eyes that bore into his own. "If I didn't turn you, you would've died. I mean, not that I care about that. More so that I wanted to taste your blood again, and the only way to do that was to keep you alive~"

"I'm killing that fucker when I get to you."

"Now stop fucking squirming and let me enjoy my dessert." And Hyunjin could only watch with blow wide eyes, full of fear as death stood right in front of him. He could see the red tint in the vampires' eyes, the pearly white teeth that grinned and seemed to sharpen as they drew near.

He could only whimper and even that was muffled as the hand around his throat moved to cover his mouth—clearing the path to his neck. Hyunjin squeezed his eyes shut, hoping that maybe if he didn't see it happen it wouldn't happen. Or that maybe closing his eyes would make it hurt less, make end quicker.

He felt the fangs pierce possibly the same spot they did last time, and it burned. It felt like he'd time traveled to a year prior, yet this time he was living in the moment instead of piecing together scrambled memories.

Hyunjin cried as it felt like the only thing his body could do. And whether crying was truly that draining, or the blood loss was getting to him, he didn't know. But he felt his body further sag, his eyes staying closed as tears drop down his cheeks. And then there was a beeping from his phone, barely noticeable if it weren't for the dead silence around them.

Hyunjin had completely forgotten that he'd called Minho, and thus that beeping could only mean one thing: the call had only just now ended.

Hyunjin struggled to lift his eyelids, but he needed to know. And truth be told, he watched Minho creep up behind the vampire draining his blood. The older had looked like he was seconds away from doing the same thing, or in other terms, ready to murder someone. And thankfully, Hyunjin knew who his target was.

Within a second of their eyes meeting, Minho was jumping the guy, ripping his head away from Hyunjin's neck. He was quick to send a flying fist straight into the vampire's face, further sending him to the floor. While Hyunjin could only drop down against the wall, utterly dazed and exhausted, his neck still oozing a dark crimson.

Sending a quick glance to make sure Hyunjin was safe, Minho sat himself on the man's torso. "How dare you." He'd seethed, his face now a few centimeters from the one below him. And when Minho felt like the man still didn't get it, he'd lifted the vampires head only to slam it against the ground many times.

His turn to feel completely out of it, the man gave an evil smirk, his eyes drooping. "I—I don't regret...a single thing. He tasted divine~"

The simple conversation about someone he cared so deeply for tasting good sent Minho over. This man had not only done this to Hyunjin once, but twice, turning him into a vampire. This man regretted not a single thing and rather looked like he enjoyed every part.

It enraged Minho. Enough so to do something he knew he himself would never regret. "Then I shall see to it that you do regret your actions." He'd whispered into the man's ears, before opening his mouth and sinking his own fangs into the flesh of the vampire's neck.

The man jerked, his legs kicking air. Minho was not moving and wouldn't be until the man himself was drained. Minho could only hope Hyunjin was out of it enough that he didn't bear witness to Minhos decision. While he may never regret it, part of him feared how Hyunjin would see him after this. He would just tell himself it was worth it because it is.

As minutes passed, the body below him stopped moving, barely giving as much of a breath. Minho could feel the fading heartbeat against his lips, and once he felt it stop, he removed himself from the man. He felt quite accomplished to look down and see a dead man who'd deserved it. To see a man who would harm no more. To see a man who would never lay his hands, or fangs, on Hyunjin ever again.

He'd kicked the body once more to double check, and to feel good, before turning to the slumped body against the brick wall. Both his hands gently cradled Hyunjin's head, "Hyunjin?"

The boys' eyes were closed, but he was breathing. He was breathing a little slower than normal, but not enough to ring and alarms. Hyunjin would need rest, for his body to replace the blood he'd lost. And maybe he'd need a bodyguard because his luck really had the same vampire attack him twice.

The thought made Minho chuckle, but only because he knew the problem would be one no more.

Hanging Hyunjin's bag on his arm, he then situation Hyunjin into a position he could easily carry him by. This had Hyunjin's chest against his own while Minhos arms looped under his butt allowing him to comfortably hold Hyunjin. Said boy, while barely conscious, hand settle his head in the crook of Minhos neck, hiding away from the world. It was comfy, and safe.

Once Minho had everything needed, they continued their walk home. Minho would have a lot of explaining to do that would have to be set aside until Hyunjin was settled. They'd reached home rather quickly and Minho all but barged through the door. The cuties were the first to notice him as they were all bundled in the couch, their movie night having already started.

But once they saw who was in Minhos arms, they all jumped from the couch to race over. "Hyung what happened!?" Felix had asked after sending Jeongin to go get the others who had gotten home not too long ago themselves.

Minho sighed, "The same Vampire that attacked Hyunjin last year. That's what happened." He watched Seungmin's normally soft eyes harden, and a stern frown gracefully itself on Felix's soft features. Minho then walked past the two to set Hyunjin on the couch. The younger was officially out cold, but it truly was for the better.

Just then he heard the thundering of footsteps race down the stairs, and 3racha soon came into view with panicked looks of their own. Minho simply held his hand up to silence any oncoming concerns or questions. "He's fine, exhausted and facing the effects of blood loss, but fine."

Changbins shoulders slumped, Chan let out a relieved sigh, and Jisungs knees wobbled like he'd wanted to fall to the floor. While Jeongin who was also just know hearing his Hyungs condition, let his lips quiver, forcing the tears to secede now that he knew Hyunjin was okay.

Minho sat himself by Hyunjin's head, rolling them to the side slightly so he could see the boy's neck more clearly. The twin holes who had worked so hard to scar into such a light pink, were now pierced again and looking angry. "Can someone get me our med kit please?"

Jeongin, his bedroom being on this floor and knowing he'd been the last to use the kit, rushed off for a second time. While he did that, Chan and Changbin sat on the floor near Minho. "Jeongin told us it was the same guy as last time?" Chan questioned with a concerned tone.

But Minho nodded. "And what if this happens again—"

"It won't." Minho Whispered, cutting off Changbins worries. Chan seemed to catch on rather quickly and had looked at Minho with a raising suspicion. "And how are you so sure of this?"

Minho released a huff, turning to look at the two beside him. "Because he's dead." He told them in a hushed tone, trying to steer clear of letting the 3 youngers in the room overhear. Changbins mouth fell open, even though his eyes showed a proud look. While Chan simply nodded, his lips drawn into a tight line.

"Is that something I need to take care of?" Chan questioned, and Minho could only give an embarrassed nod. He had left the body there in such hurry to get Hyunjin home. But Chan, having been the oldest vampire, had dealt with a few occasions in which protecting his family from fellow vampires came before all else. Meaning he knew how to get rid of a body if one were to be an outcome.

The eldest hummed, sending Minho a reassuring smile. "Then i'll handle it. You make sure his wounds are taken care of and that he's tucked in bed by the time I get back, okay?"

"Of course, Hyung. It's in the alleyway between Dominos and the OH apartment complex." And both Changbin and Minho watched their Hyung push himself to his feet and waltz out the same door Minho had barged in not too long ago.

Jeongin soon came rushing back out, the med kit in hand. He'd handed it to his Hyungs and joined the remaining 00line on the couch. All they could do was watch as Changbin and Minho cleaned and patched up Hyunjin's neck. They knew he was okay, but that didn't make the sight any less displeasing.

By the time they finished, Hyunjin looked a lot less like death, which in turn had everyone feeling less on edge. Chan had also taken this as his time to return, claiming the body was dropped off with people who would make it as if it never existed. Not that it didn't already.

Most vampires who choose to drink the blood of humans—or clearly their own kind—remained off the grid. So even if this body did appear, no one may know who it is nor care. Regardless, the idea was gone now.

"How's he doing?" Chan asked as he walked over to join the huddled group on the couch. "Just resting now. I couldn't tell you when he will wake up, but it's nothing detrimental." Minho informed him. It made Chan smile with relief once again as he wrapped his arms around Jeongin, who with the stress of the night, took it without a fight.

"Then I say we call it a night. I think we all need some rest to clear our heads." Chan suggested, already planning to drag the youngest with him. Even if he acted tough, he knew events like this dragged on into Jeongin's sleep. So, Chan wanted to be there to prevent it if he could.

No one objected, and instead made their way around to say goodnight to anyone that wasn't on their floor. Changbin had gathered Hyunjin's limp form in his arms, ready to retreat to his room alongside Minho. The two had decided Changbins room would become their haven for the night as neither really wanted a certain boy out of their sight.

So, after saying goodnight to their Hyung, receiving the ever so caring comments such as "I'm one holler away," "Don't let him roll off the bed," "If you need me at all come get me," the three sauntered up to bed. Changbin had easily placed the youngest of them in the middle, allowing himself and Minho to claim a side.

They had both cuddled close, making sure Hyunjin was comfortable and that the blanket was brought up to his chin. But even still they lay restless. "How did you do it Hyung?" Changbin suddenly whispered.

Minho could only assume Changbin was asking how he ended a man's life, "I drank his blood, all of it." And surprisingly, Changbin chuckled. "Damn, you won't be hungry for a while at least."

"I suppose." Minho replied, staring at the ceiling as Hyunjin's head lolled onto his shoulder. "Do you regret it?" And yet that brought a small smile to Minhos face. "Not one bit."

"I wouldn't either. I wasn't even there, but if someone did that to Hyunjin, to anyone one of you guys, I wouldn't hesitate." Minho let out a breathy chuckle and reached an arm over Hyunjin to softly ruffle Changbins hair.

"Go to sleep Bin." And with that he watched the rapper smile softly, but let his eyes slip shut. And Minho allowed his own to close with the soft breaths of his sleeping younger brothers.

————

When Hyunjin woke up the next morning he was utterly confused and still so exhausted. The night's events blurred together, but he remembered well enough of what happened. Which in turn would explain that even with however many hours he'd slept, it didn't feel like enough.

He'd woken up the hands gently running through his hair, and if he hadn't been curious, he would've let the motion put him back to sleep. But alas he was curious, and so he let his eyes slowly open. The bright light filtering through the window was a good indication that it was already late in the day. But there was also a face in the corner of his vision blocking some of the light.

Hyunjin turned his head, disrupting the fingers in his hair and causing the head next to him to turn. Minho smiled, "Good afternoon sleeping beauty." His fingers continued their movements and Hyunjin felt himself melt into the sheets.

"Afternoon? Have I really slept that long?" Minho set down his phone, providing his full attention to the bundled-up form in Changbins bed. "Yup, but it really isn't a bad thing. You needed rest, so what if you slept a couple more hours."

Hyunjin let his hand rise to his neck, his fingers swiping along the bandages. He groaned, "Man I was just starting to feel better about that scar, now it has to heal all over again." Minho chuckled at the boy's pout, ruffling his hair like he'd done to Changbin.

"How about some food? I'm sure you could also go for a glass of blood." Hyunjin had face palmed at Minhos words, "I am hungry, but I don't think I'll ever get used to being offered a glass of blood." Minho shook his head with a grin, helping Hyunjin sit up and climb out of bed.

"Trust me I don't think I'll ever get used to offering a glass of blood, but alas here we still are." Minho took Hyunjin's hand in his own and led him out of Changbins room. Even though the permanent resident of the room had things to do, he didn't dare try and wake Hyunjin.

So, while he, Chan and Jisung worked together in the office downstairs, Changbin trusted Minho would look over Hyunjin. Which caused Minho to wake up, cook breakfast, and find himself shut away in the room watching Hyunjin's chest rise and fall.

They took the stairs at a slow pace, only because Minho had noticed the dizziness Hyunjin was feeling (When Hyunjin stood up the color drained from his face and Minho panicked. So, they took it slow from that point onward). Upon reaching the kitchen, Minho sat Hyunjin down at barstool while he himself fetched some blood.

They did have a community blood fridge, but it was in a secret and very disguised location. So only they knew about it. But this also allowed the freedom of upgrading from a bag of blood to a pitcher of blood. What joy.

Hyunjin watched Minho walk back in, now sporting the pitcher of red, feeling his mouth water. He still didn't think he'd ever get used to that either. Still, Minho poured him a cup, and set it in front of the boy like some bartender. When Hyunjin picked up the glass he looked quite ready to guzzle it, "Drink it slowly Jinnie. It's not going anywhere."

Hyunjin's cheeks had dusted themselves rosy at his Hyungs words, but nevertheless he took to sipping instead of chugging.

"Hyung! You're awake!" The youngest vampire all but skilled to Hyunjin's side, a bright yet sly smile drawn on his face. Even with the exhaustion still evident with his sagged figure, nothing could contain the cute aggression Hyunjin felt in the presence of their youngest.

In a moment his glass was set down and he was squealing, squeezing the boys' cheeks, fluffing up his hair, and rubbing their cheeks together. When Hyunjin had finally stopped, Jeongin had looked like he'd just rolled out of bed. Minho had simply giggled at the sight.

"How do you feel?" Jeongin asked after brushing out his hair to the best of his ability. After releasing the youngest, Hyunjin's hands quickly found the glass once again and his tongue tasting copper. "Tired." He'd mumbled out.

"I can imagine, you lost a lot of blood." A new voice rang out, catching the attention of the three that stood around in the kitchen. Chan had escaped from his office for a moment after hearing Jeongin's shout, leaving the two younger members of 3racha to work. They both knew how much Chan liked to know how each resident was doing, how each member of his family was doing.

So, they let him off for a while. Chan tried to deny the offer, simply claiming that he did live with Hyunjin and that he could see him when work was done. But the two still shooed him off. And now here he was, joining them in their kitchen conversations.

There was something so shattering about seeing his eldest Hyung that when Hyunjin saw him he wanted to cry. Although he owes a lot to every man in the house, Chan had done so much for him. Enough so that moments like these had him craving a hug from his Hyung. Possibly more than he'd ever have a hunger for blood.

"Hyung..." Hyunjin had whispered out, Chan meeting his eyes with a warm look. "Hyune." A simple call of his name and the now open and awaiting arms had Hyunjin jumping off the barstool and racing towards Chan. He buried himself in Chan's embrace, not crying but definitely feeling the comfort from the elder.

"Hey, you're okay, you never have to worry about that man ever again." Chan told him, one arm wrapped securely around Hyunjin while the other lightly stroked through the boy's hair. After a minute of merely enjoying his Hyungs presence, Hyunjin slowly pulled away.

"I—I don't?"

Chan shook his head, "Minho k—"

"I took care of him." Minho cut in, trying to refrain from using such harsh descriptions of what he'd done. Hyunjin turned to face Minho, a look on his face that entailed he knew what both were trying to say. And while Minho feared that maybe that action would shed a different light on him, Hyunjin walked closer instead.

Hyunjin secured Minho is the tightest and warmest hug he'd ever give, "Thank you Hyung." He'd said nothing more and nothing less, which to the mind of Minho spoke volumes. It meant that Hyunjin felt no need to exaggerate his thanks, nor did he struggle to vocalize them. Instead, he'd said them with enough love and intent that it hit home. "Of course, Jinnie."

"I have an idea, how about we call down Felix and Seungmin so that you all can join Jeongin for your movie night? I know last night's events interrupted that and I want Hyunjinnie to rest." Chan suggested. Jeongin seemed to light up at the idea, eagerly nodded as he raced off to get the puppy and chick.

But Hyunjin turned to look at his Hyungs. "Shouldn't I be helping your guys prepare for your comeback?" Minho simply scoffed, shoving the younger in the direction of the couch. "What you should be doing is resting." And knowing there was no making the two change their minds, Hyunjin gave in and sauntered over to the couch.

By the time he'd plopped down and gotten himself bundled up with a blanket, the pouring of footsteps could be heard, racing in his direction. He was soon bombarded with concerns, in which each was easily dismissed after he'd told them he was okay.

Now he had Jeongin on one side, Seungmin on another, and Felix sat curled against Seungmin. If Hyunjin had thought that he had buried himself, he was sorrily mistaken by the time the others got a hold of him. He was now under two more blankets and was snuggled into Jeongin's side. Seungmin had scooted as close as he could get and was sharing his blankets as well—as if Hyunjin needed more.

But he was comfy, there was no denying that. Comfy enough that his eyes got heavier, his body sagging into the warm body next to him. He'd been happy to reschedule their movie night—or day—but now he wasn't too sure how much longer he would remain awake.

Especially when the devilish maknae had taken to running his finger through Hyunjin's hair, enjoying the fact that it had grown longer again. Still as the movie played on, Hyunjin's eye fell more and more closed, the sounds around him becoming distant and muffled.

But he was warm, he was comfy, he was safe, and around those he loved. Compared to the night he'd faced where he'd been in a position quite opposing to now, this was heaven. And as his eyes slipped shut, he realized he wouldn't change a thing.

Except maybe no more creepy vampires who just want to drink his blood—he could live without that.