Chapter Text
The fire crackles low in the stone hearth, casting shadows across the worn wooden table where Wooyoung, Yeosang, Mingi, and Jongho sit hunched over their cards. The tavern's usual din is muffled in this corner, where the four of them focus on their game with intent and suspicion.
Wooyoung leans back in his chair, a smirk twitching at his lips as he flicks a card onto the table. It's another high-value beast card, a rare creature from the desert realms. The card glows faintly, an unnatural shimmer dancing around its edges before it fades into the wood.
"Another rare card? You're getting lucky tonight, aren't you?" Mingi narrows his eyes at Wooyoung.
"Luck favors the bold, Mingi." Wooyoung shrugs, doing a poor job of hiding his smug expression.
"Or it favors someone who's been tampering with their deck." Jongho, unimpressed, folds his arms.
Yeosang tilts his head, scrutinizing Wooyoung with a calm intensity. "Didn't you have that card last time we played? I thought it was buried in the deck."
Wooyoung winks. "Maybe the cards just know who their true master is."
The others share a look. It wouldn't be the first time Wooyoung's "luck" seemed too good to be true. He insists it's all natural talent, but that spark in his eyes tells another story.
Mingi slams down his own card, a spell that could counter most creatures—though whether it will work against Wooyoung's beast remains to be seen. "If you're playing fair, then let's see how you handle this."
Wooyoung merely grins wider, his fingers tapping on his deck as though whispering secrets to it.
As the last round draws to a close, Wooyoung slaps down his final card with a dramatic flair, revealing a mythical guardian—one of the rarest and most powerful cards in the game. The illustration glows with ethereal light, casting a faint shimmer over the table. The room goes silent as the others stare, defeated.
"That's it, boys," Wooyoung purrs, leaning back with that infuriating smirk. "I believe this makes me the champion."
Yeosang groans, slumping forward onto the table. "Again? How did you even pull that card? We watched you shuffle."
Mingi mutters something under his breath, probably a curse, while Jongho just glares daggers at Wooyoung.
"If I didn't know any better," Jongho says slowly, "I'd say you're using more than luck, Wooyoung."
Wooyoung's eyes twinkle mischievously.
"Maybe I just have a special connection with my cards. They're loyal, you know." He reaches forward and gathers his winnings—the stash of snacks they'd all chipped in for the bet, everything from fresh bread rolls to dried fruits and a tiny bag of candied nuts.
The others watch helplessly as Wooyoung grabs a handful of nuts, tossing them into his mouth with relish.
"Ahh, nothing tastes better than victory," he declares, savoring the snacks a little too loudly.
Mingi sighs, resigned. "Next time, we're not betting food."
Wooyoung chuckles, plucking another card from his deck with a flourish.
"Next time? Don't tell me you're not looking forward to a rematch." He raises an eyebrow, eyes gleaming. "Unless, of course, you're scared."
Wooyoung shuffles his cards with a flourish, fully prepared to launch into another round. He's feeling invincible after his previous win, leaning back with an easy confidence that borders on smugness. Yeosang, Mingi, and Jongho sit around him, still nursing the sting of defeat, but Wooyoung's excitement is infectious, even if they refuse to admit it.
Just as Yeosang begins to draw his first card, the door swings open with a soft creak. Hongjoong strides in, his gaze scanning over them before he clears his throat, drawing their full attention.
"The king has requested you as physicians."
The four of them freeze, exchanging quick, puzzled looks. There's something in Hongjoong's expression—an attempt at casual calm that's betraying a sense of urgency. His brow is knitted, and though he tries to keep his tone even, they can tell something unusual is afoot.
They abandon their snacks and drinks in an instant, the game forgotten as they scramble to their feet.
"Is he hurt?" Mingi asks, his voice tense as he falls into step beside Hongjoong. Hongjoong hesitates, glancing over his shoulder as they head toward the king's chambers.
"You should see for yourselves," he says, voice low, "but... don't laugh. He got all mad and hid from us."
Yeosang raises an eyebrow, casting a sidelong glance at Wooyoung, who's already smiling as though he suspects what they're about to walk into.
"Why would we laugh?" he asks, sounding suspiciously innocent.
"Especially you, Wooyoung," Hongjoong says with a warning look. "No laughing. Seriously."
Wooyoung's grin only widens, but he bites his lip, holding back any quip. There's a silent exchange of amused looks among them as they continue down the long, dimly lit corridor toward San's chambers. The torches flicker against the stone walls, casting elongated shadows as they walk, their quickened footsteps echoing through the narrow hall.
They hurry down the winding corridors of the castle, past guards and servants who give them curious glances but say nothing. At last, they reach San's chambers, where two guards stand at attention, their expressions carefully neutral.
Hongjoong stops just outside the door, taking a breath.
"Alright," he mutters under his breath, "remember: straight faces."
Hongjoong opens the door and motions for them to enter. Wooyoung, Yeosang, Mingi, and Jongho step inside, immediately struck by the unusual scene before them.
Yunho and Seonghwa are already in the room, wearing white cloaks that signal they're on duty as healers. They're standing on one side of the bed, arms crossed and expressions a mixture of concern and...amusement? The four newcomers exchange a puzzled glance and move closer to the other side of the bed.
There, sitting on the floor, is San. He's hunched, clearly trying to hide something, with a shirt wrapped around his head like a makeshift hood. His eyes are narrowed into a fierce glare aimed right at Seonghwa.
"Take it off, San," Seonghwa says gently. San's glare intensifies, his jaw clenched in defiance.
"San-ah?" Wooyoung's voice softens as he kneels down in front of him. The anger in San's eyes melts as he meets Wooyoung's gaze, his expression shifting to something softer, almost vulnerable. "Are you hurt?"
San shakes his head, but something under the shirt twitches, drawing everyone's attention. Wooyoung raises an eyebrow, his gaze locked onto San with a gentle but insistent look.
"Show me," Wooyoung says softly. There's a beat of hesitation, and San glances around at the others, clearly uncomfortable, before letting out a resigned sigh. Slowly, he slips the shirt off his head.
The room goes still. Sitting nestled between San's dark hair is a pair of ears—cat ears, black and fluffy, with a softness that makes them look almost unreal. They're flattened back against his head, the way a real cat's might when it's embarrassed.
Wooyoung's mouth twitches as he bites back a grin. He tries to keep a straight face, but San sees right through him, his eyes narrowing. San pushes at Wooyoung, who, caught off guard, topples backward, breaking into laughter as he hits the floor.
Yeosang, too, struggles to keep his composure, though a smile sneaks through.
"How did this happen?" he asks, glancing at Seonghwa.
"We're...not exactly sure." Seonghwa shrugs, fighting to keep a straight face himself. "He was in the library, apparently, and came back flustered and embarrassed and, well..."
He motions to San, whose ears flick as if in response.
"Cute," Wooyoung says, grinning broadly from where he's still sprawled on the floor. San's ears flatten even more as he shoots Wooyoung a death glare, which only makes Wooyoung grin wider. "Really cute."
Mingi leans closer, intrigued, his brow furrowed.
"What kind of magic could do this?" Mingi leans in, examining San's new ears with open fascination. He reaches out, fingers hesitating mid-air before he thinks better of it, pulling his hand back to avoid any retaliation. "It's not cloaking or some kind of trick. It's real."
"Most likely a shifter spell," Wooyoung muses, crossing his arms as he studies San, who's sitting with all the stubborn defiance of a child refusing to yield. "And it'd have to be pretty strong to alter someone's body like this. You two," he gestures to Yunho and Seonghwa, "should check the library."
"There's more," Seonghwa says, a cautious look crossing his face. San's glare sharpens, pointed straight at him. If looks could kill, Seonghwa might have dropped on the spot.
"Please tell me he has a tail." Wooyoung's eyes spark with amusement as he watches San's ears twitch at the comment. San turns that glare on him now—a little less lethal, but definitely warning him to keep his distance.
"How'd you guess that?" Yeosang raises a brow, glancing between Wooyoung and San.
"You're looking for a goblin, most likely." Wooyoung tilts his head, unbothered by the darkening look on San's face. "Someone must've opened something in the library and let it loose."
"And you want us to catch it?" Yeosang asks, folding his arms skeptically.
Wooyoung shrugs, looking playfully exasperated. "Hey, I’m not the council mage, nor am I head physician."
Mingi scoffs. "You just want an excuse to play with cat San."
"Is that such a bad thing?" Wooyoung's grin spreads wider, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he tilts his head, unfazed.
San's cheeks flush darker, and with an angry flick of his hand, he points firmly to the door, glaring at each of them in turn. But the silent gesture only seems to intrigue Wooyoung further.
"Wait," Wooyoung says, his gaze sharpening. "Can you...not speak?"
San's glare hardens, but there's a slight, reluctant look of embarrassment there, one that Wooyoung catches right away. Slowly, he inches closer, curiosity ablaze in his eyes. San, as if sensing trouble, scoots back, pressing himself against the edge of the bed like he can somehow disappear into it.
"That's actually what I'm most worried about," Seonghwa sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "He'll...meow."
Wooyoung's mouth drops open in pure, unfiltered delight as he stares at Seonghwa, then back at San, who looks positively murderous now. San motions sharply to the door again, his flattened ears conveying all the fury his voice can't.
"Everyone go search the library," Wooyoung says, an excited gleam still in his eye.
"So you can have some quality time with your pet cat?" Yeosang raises an eyebrow, barely hiding a smirk.
"Go," Wooyoung replies smoothly, but there's a playful threat behind his tone. "Before I use my magic to make you leave."
Seonghwa exchanges an amused look with Yunho and the others. Mingi shrugs, clearly reluctant but amused as they file out of the room, leaving Wooyoung and San alone. Wooyoung settles himself beside San, eyes sparkling with unrestrained curiosity. San folds his arms, visibly annoyed, and narrows his eyes as Wooyoung leans closer.
"So...are you gonna meow for me?" Wooyoung whispers, his grin wide and playful.
In response, San doesn't hesitate—he smacks Wooyoung hard on the arm, the impact sharp enough to make Wooyoung flinch, but he just laughs, unfazed.
"Alright, alright," Wooyoung says, raising his hands in surrender. "I do have to check you out, though."
San's expression hardens, his ears flattening slightly as he shakes his head, clearly not thrilled by the idea. Wooyoung softens, his playful grin easing into something gentler.
"I'll be gentle," he promises quietly. "But I need to make sure it's a shifter spell and not some... I don't know—a curse."
San tilts his head, his eyes narrowing slightly as if to ask, You're not just doing this for the sake of touching me, are you?
Wooyoung catches the look and chuckles, shaking his head.
"Promise, I'm serious." He takes a breath and lets his voice drop to a more comforting tone. "I'll start with your ears, okay?"
San hesitates, his gaze flickering between Wooyoung's hands and his face. Finally, he gives a reluctant nod, sitting still, though his posture remains tense.
Wooyoung reaches up carefully, his fingers brushing just above San's head as he lets San adjust to the touch. Then, with a soft hand, he gently cups one of the dark, fluffy ears, his thumb tracing along the edge. The fur is surprisingly soft, warm under his touch, and San's ear flicks involuntarily at the contact, making Wooyoung bite back a smile.
"Looks like it's pretty well-formed," he murmurs, keeping his voice low. San's ear twitches, and Wooyoung can feel the faint tremble of it under his fingers, so he eases his touch even more. "Any pain here?"
San shakes his head, though he's clearly embarrassed, the faintest flush coloring his cheeks.
Wooyoung studies the ear a moment longer, noting how natural it feels—no spell seams, no sign of glamour. This is real. He lowers his hand, meeting San's wary eyes with a soft smile.
"Can I look at your tail, San-ah?" Wooyoung asks gently, his tone soothing.
San's expression is a strange mix of a glare and something like fear, but despite his initial resistance, he turns slightly, positioning his back to Wooyoung. It's a small concession, but it tells Wooyoung he's willing to trust him, at least a little.
Wooyoung's heart races as he reaches for San's tail, a soft, fluffy extension of his being that peeks out from behind him. As his fingers make contact, a striking moan escapes San's lips, surprising both of them. The sound is almost involuntary, a reflex that sends a thrill through Wooyoung.
San's tail twitches at the touch, a mix of embarrassment and confusion flooding his features. Wooyoung runs his fingers up the length of the tail, marveling at how soft and warm it is beneath his fingertips. It feels undeniably real, just like his ears, and Wooyoung can't help but wonder what magic has transformed San into this adorable creature.
"Wow," Wooyoung breathes, keeping his voice low and teasing. "You really are the cutest little cat. This tail is amazing."
San turns his head slightly, shooting him a glare that's more playful than menacing, but the flush in his cheeks gives him away.
"I can't help it," Wooyoung laughs, his fingers still gently exploring the tail. "You're just too cute to resist."
As he continues to stroke the soft fur, he notices the way San's body relaxes ever so slightly, the tension easing from his shoulders. There's a hint of curiosity beneath the embarrassment, a small part of him that seems to enjoy the attention despite the protests.
"Alright," Wooyoung says, withdrawing his hands reluctantly but keeping his gaze on San. "You're all clear, but we still need to figure out how to fix this."
San sighs, turning fully to face Wooyoung, the defiance in his eyes mingling with resignation.
"We'll figure it out," Wooyoung assures him, offering a genuine smile. "But for now, you're stuck with me, kitty."
Immediately, San's ears flatten against his head, and he shoots Wooyoung a glare that could melt stone. But Wooyoung can't help but grin wider at the adorable display.
"Well, I have to go help the idiots in the library," Wooyoung says, trying to sound casual. "God knows they would take weeks without my help."
Despite the words, San's frown deepens, clearly displeased with the prospect.
"What? You want me to stay here and play with my poor kitty?" Wooyoung teases, leaning back slightly to gauge San's reaction.
San rolls his eyes dramatically and leans back against the bed, as if trying to disappear into it.
"Does kitty want a kiss before I go?" Wooyoung asks, leaning closer with a playful grin. San's glare returns, but Wooyoung notices the way his ears twitch with interest. "You're a poor liar with those."
Wooyoung inches closer, trying to steal a quick kiss, but San turns his head away, a mix of frustration and bashfulness on his face.
"What?" Wooyoung inspects his expression, brows furrowing in confusion. "What's wrong?"
In response, San blushes deeply, and to Wooyoung's surprise, he opens his mouth slightly, revealing an unusual set of teeth. Four incisors glint back at him—two on the top, two on the bottom.
"Interesting," Wooyoung murmurs, intrigued. He lifts his hand slowly, and San opens his mouth a little wider to let him inspect his teeth. Wooyoung gently runs his fingers over one of the sharp, pointed edges. They're very real, and he can't help but be fascinated. "Did it hurt when this shifted? Did any of it hurt?"
San lightly shakes his head, though he looks down, his gaze fixed on Wooyoung's hand still resting near his mouth, as if questioning why his fingers are still there.
"I'm going to go help them in the library," Wooyoung says, pulling his hand away. But just as he does, San suddenly grabs onto his wrist, his grip surprisingly strong.
Wooyoung looks at him curiously, noticing the way San's ears twitch again, the frustration now mixed with something else. Then, without any warning, San pouts his lips, a silent plea for a kiss that's undeniably cute.
Wooyoung's heart swells at the sight of San's cute, puckered lips.
"You're lucky you don't have those all the time," he says with a soft laugh, leaning in to kiss him gently. "I'd give in to everything you ask."
San's cheeks flush a deep crimson as he turns away, clearly flustered by the sudden affection. Wooyoung can't help but grin at the adorable display, enjoying the mix of embarrassment and delight etched across San's face.
As San lets him go, Wooyoung takes a moment to savor the lingering warmth of their kiss, feeling a lightness in his chest. He pushes himself up from the floor, reluctantly stepping back from the charming scene.