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The apartment was alive with the scent of fresh coffee and the sound of fingers flying across a keyboard. Seungkwan sat in his usual corner, typing furiously. Across the room, Chan was sprawled on the couch, headphones in, reviewing a new choreography.
“Chan,” Seungkwan called without looking up, “what’s a good word for ‘mysterious but alluring’? ”
Chan pulled off one earbud and smirked. “How about... ‘me’?”
Seungkwan scoffed. “As if. I need something believable.”
The banter was familiar, easy, like the rhythm of their lives after five years of sharing the same space. But beneath the surface, there were things neither of them ever said. Chan, for instance, had been hiding a secret—a howling, furry kind of secret—ever since they’d become friends. And Seungkwan, without realizing it, had been weaving that very secret into the pages of his newest fantasy novel.
Kwan adjusted his scarf as the wind picked up, biting against his skin. Beside him, Dino walked with his hands shoved into his pockets, his shoulders tense.
“You’re acting weird,” Kwan said, breaking the silence.
“I’m always weird,” Dino replied, his tone defensive.
“Not this weird,” Kwan pressed. “You’re like... extra broody today. Did Hannie scold you again?”
Dino huffed, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “Hannie always scolds me. It’s his thing.”
Kwan grinned, the teasing melting the tension. “Well, whatever it is, you know you can tell me, right?”
For a moment, Dino considered it. He wanted to confess everything—about his wolf side, the pack, the secrets he’d been keeping. But fear won out, as it always did.
“Yeah,” he said, forcing a smile. “I know.”
“So what happens next?” Minghao asked, leaning over Seungkwan’s laptop screen. The group had gathered for their weekly hangout, and as usual, Seungkwan’s writing became the topic of conversation.
“Well,” Seungkwan began, “Dino saves a kid from falling off a cliff, but in doing so, he reveals his wolf form to Kwan for the first time.”
“Ooh, drama!” Soonyoung exclaimed, his eyes wide. “Does Kwan freak out?”
“Of course not,” Jeonghan interjected, flipping his hair. “Kwan’s too stubborn for that. Right?”
“Exactly,” Seungkwan confirmed. “Kwan’s more curious than scared. But Dino doesn’t believe it—he isolates himself, thinking Kwan could never accept him.”
“Classic misunderstanding trope,” Mingyu said with a grin. “I love it.”
Chan, sitting quietly in the corner, listened intently. His chest tightened. The story felt too close to home, too much like his life.
The child’s scream cut through the air like a knife. Kwan turned just in time to see the boy teetering on the edge of a cliff. Before he could move, a blur of white and blue streaked past him.
Dino.
But it wasn’t Dino as Kwan knew him. This was something... other. His fur shimmered in the moonlight, a blend of white and icy blue, his movements impossibly fast and fluid. With a single leap, Dino caught the boy by his coat and pulled him to safety.
Kwan stared, his heart pounding. “Dino...?”
The wolf turned to him, its amber eyes filled with something between shame and fear. Before Kwan could say anything more, Dino bolted into the woods, leaving only silence behind.
It happened on a bright afternoon at the market. Seungkwan was browsing through fresh produce when a child’s scream echoed across the square.
His head snapped up, and he saw it—a boy falling from a precariously stacked pile of crates. Out of nowhere, a large figure leapt into action.
Seungkwan froze. It was a wolf, but not just any wolf. Its fur gleamed in shades of white and blue, like moonlight and ice woven together. The wolf caught the child gently in its jaws, setting him safely on the ground before disappearing into the crowd.
For a moment, Seungkwan could only stare, mesmerized. He’d written about creatures like this, dreamed about them. But seeing one in real life? It felt like stepping into his own story.
When Kwan found Dino again, it was deep in the forest. Dino had shifted back to his human form, sitting alone by a stream.
“You left,” Kwan said, his voice trembling.
“I had to,” Dino replied, not meeting his eyes. “You saw what I am.”
“I saw you” Kwan shot back. “And you’re still the same idiot who eats all my snacks and argues about everything.”
Dino looked up, his expression conflicted. “You don’t get it. I’m dangerous, Kwan. I could hurt you.”
“You won’t,” Kwan said firmly, stepping closer. “You’re not just a werewolf, Dino. You’re my best friend. My... everything.”
The words hung between them, heavy and true.
Kwan and Dino stood side by side, looking out over the valley.
“So, what now?” Dino asked.
“Now,” Kwan said, “we go home. Together.”
And they did, walking side by side, their bond stronger than ever.
Seungkwan found himself in a foggy forest, the trees towering above him and casting long, eerie shadows. A chill ran down his spine as he felt the presence of something—or someone—watching him.
“Hello?” he called out, his voice echoing through the mist.
A soft growl answered him, low and resonant. Seungkwan froze, his heart hammering in his chest. From the shadows emerged a massive figure—a wolf, its fur shimmering in shades of white and blue under the moonlight. Its piercing eyes locked onto his, a mix of familiarity and intensity in its gaze.
“Dino?” Seungkwan whispered, his voice trembling.
The wolf tilted its head as if recognizing the name. Slowly, it stepped closer, each movement graceful and deliberate. Despite its size, Seungkwan didn’t feel fear—just awe.
“You... you’re real,” he murmured, reaching out a tentative hand. The wolf hesitated before leaning into his touch, its fur soft and warm.
Suddenly, a loud crash shattered the moment. The wolf flinched, its ears flattening as shouts and torches appeared in the distance.
“There it is! Get it!”
“No!” Seungkwan yelled, shielding the wolf. But the mob advanced, throwing rocks and shouting accusations.
The wolf let out a mournful howl before bolting into the forest, disappearing into the darkness.
“Wait!” Seungkwan cried, running after it, but the forest seemed to stretch endlessly.
Seungkwan jolted awake, his heart racing. The image of the wolf’s eyes lingered in his mind, vivid and haunting. It was just the dream but it looks so real.
Seungkwan stared at his phone, scrolling through comments on the viral video of the mysterious werewolf saving a child in the market.
Some praised the creature for its bravery:
*“Look at how it protected the kid! Amazing!”*
Others weren’t as kind:
*“That thing’s dangerous. It probably wanted to eat the kid.”*
*“Should be hunted before it hurts someone.”*
Anger bubbled up in Seungkwan. He couldn’t believe people were so quick to judge. Without thinking, he jumped into the comments section, firing back:
*“The werewolf saved a child. Have some respect!”*
His friends found him furiously typing away when they arrived at his apartment later that day.
“Still on about that werewolf?” Jeonghan teased, plopping onto the couch.
“Of course!” Seungkwan huffed. “People are so ungrateful. It’s just like in my book—Dino would never hurt anyone!”
“Speaking of your book,” Mingyu said, “you based Dino on Channie, didn’t you?”
Seungkwan blinked, startled. “What? No!”
“Oh, come on,” Minghao chimed in. “He’s got Chan’s muscles and that mix of cute and cool. The only difference is the werewolf part.”
Everyone laughed, except Chan, who nearly choked on his drink.
“Are you okay?” Seokmin asked, patting his back.
“Y-Yeah,” Chan sputtered. “I just don’t believe in werewolves, that’s all.”
Seungkwan rolled his eyes. “Of course, *you* wouldn’t. You’re too practical.” He turned to the group. “But seriously, I got inspiration for Dino from lots of places, not just Chan.”
“Sure, you did,” Soonyoung said with a wink, mouthing at Chan, *My cute Channie.*
Chan shot him a glare, but his heart raced.
A week later, Seungkwan found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Walking home late from the bookstore, he was cornered by two aggressive strangers.
“Hand over your bag,” one of them growled, stepping closer.
Seungkwan backed up, fear gripping him. “I-I don’t want any trouble—”
A snarl cut through the night, deep and menacing. From the shadows, the werewolf appeared, its fur glinting in the moonlight. It bared its teeth, stepping protectively between Seungkwan and his attackers.
The men didn’t wait to find out what would happen next—they fled, screaming.
Seungkwan stared at the werewolf, his fear melting into awe. “Dino,” he whispered.
The werewolf’s ears perked up at the name. It stepped closer, sniffing him gently before nudging his arm.
“Thank you,” Seungkwan said softly, his eyes shining.
But the peace was short-lived. A crowd had gathered nearby, and someone shouted, “It’s the werewolf! Get it!”
Rocks and bottles flew through the air. One struck the werewolf near its eye, causing it to yelp in pain.
“No! Stop it!” Seungkwan yelled, shielding the creature. “It saved me!”
But the mob didn’t listen. Hurt and frightened, the werewolf fled, disappearing into the darkness once more.
Seungkwan fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered to the empty street.
Chan didn’t come home that night. When Seungkwan texted, Chan replied that he was at Soonyoung’s apartment, working on a choreography for the recital.
Two days later, when Chan finally returned, Seungkwan noticed the faint scar near his eye.
“What happened?” he asked, concerned.
“Oh, uh...” Chan hesitated. “I tripped while practicing and hit my head.”
“Chan!” Seungkwan scolded, immediately grabbing a first aid kit. “You need to be more careful!”
Chan smiled softly as Seungkwan fussed over him. “I’ll be fine, really.”
Seungkwan dabbed ointment on the wound, his touch gentle. “Just promise me you won’t push yourself too hard.”
“I promise,” Chan said, his chest tightening.
A week later, the group gathered at Seungkwan’s place to catch up.
“Did you hear about the werewolf saving Seungkwan?” Junhui asked, munching on popcorn.
“It’s like something out of one of his books,” Wonwoo said, glancing at Seungkwan. “You must’ve been thrilled.”
“I was,” Seungkwan admitted, his cheeks pink. “It was... amazing. Brave, protective, strong—just like Dino.”
“You’re in love with a werewolf now?” Jeonghan teased.
Seungkwan laughed, but didn’t deny it.
Chan, however, choked on his drink again.
“Chan, are you okay?” Joshua asked, concerned.
“I’m fine!” Chan said quickly. “I just don’t get why everyone’s so obsessed with werewolves. They’re not real!”
“Oh, please,” Soonyoung said with a smirk, mouthing at Chan again, *My cute Channie.*
Chan groaned, burying his face in his hands.
Seungkwan, meanwhile, gazed out the window, a wistful smile on his lips. The werewolf might be gone, but its memory lingered in his heart—its bravery, its kindness, its eyes.
Little did he know, the werewolf wasn’t as far away as he thought.
Seungkwan couldn’t stop thinking about the werewolf. The way it shielded him, its piercing gaze, and the gentle nudge it gave him before disappearing—it was exactly how he imagined Dino in his stories.
He spent hours scrolling through online forums and news articles, trying to find any trace of the creature. While some were supportive of the werewolf, others spread fear and misinformation.
“It’s just an animal,” one comment read.
“No, it’s a threat!” another argued.
Seungkwan slammed his laptop shut, frustrated. “People don’t get it,” he muttered.
“Still obsessing over the werewolf?” Soonyoung asked one evening, lounging on Seungkwan’s couch.
“Obsessing? No,” Seungkwan said defensively. “It saved my life, Soonyoung! How could I not care?”
Soonyoung smirked. “You sure it’s not because it reminds you of Dino?”
Seungkwan threw a pillow at him, cheeks burning. “Shut up.”
Chan walked in just then, carrying a bag of snacks. “What are you guys talking about?”
“Werewolves,” Soonyoung said casually.
Chan froze for a split second before forcing a laugh. “Still on that? Come on, Seungkwan, it’s just fantasy.”
“Fantasy or not, that werewolf was real,” Seungkwan shot back. “And I don’t care what anyone says—it was a hero.”
Chan’s lips twitched, but he said nothing, focusing on opening a bag of chips.
In Kwan’s world, the mysterious werewolf known as Dino continued to protect the village from the shadows. But the villagers were divided—some saw him as a guardian, while others feared him as a monster.
Kwan, however, never doubted Dino’s intentions.
The hike started as a lighthearted escape from their daily routines. The group bantered their way up the mountain trail, their laughter ringing through the crisp air. Kwan trailed a few steps behind Dino, who was carrying the heavier pack, his shoulders flexing under the weight.
“Dino, you’re such a show-off,” Kwan grumbled, narrowing his eyes as Nonu walked up to Dino with a teasing smile.
“You really know how to carry a load, don’t you, Dino?” Nonu said, his tone smooth.
Dino chuckled, not picking up on the undertone. “It’s not that heavy, Nonu.”
“Oh, you’re so strong,” Nonu said, lightly brushing Dino’s arm.
Kwan felt his blood boil. He surged forward, stepping between them. “He’s carrying the pack for efficiency. Not everything’s an excuse to flirt, Nonu.”
Nonu raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Someone’s jealous.”
Vernon burst out laughing from behind them. “Jealous Kwan is my favorite Kwan. It’s like watching a rom-com unfold in real time.”
“I am *not* jealous,” Kwan snapped, glaring at Vernon before turning to Dino. “Stop entertaining him and keep walking.”
Dino blinked, confused. “What did I do?”
“You exist,” Kwan muttered under his breath, storming ahead.
Hoshi trotted up beside him, grinning. “Aw, Kwan, just confess already. It’s obvious you’re into him.”
Kwan groaned. “Hoshi, I will push you off this trail.”
The banter continued as they reached the cliffside viewpoint. Hannie leaned over the edge, pointing excitedly at the landscape below. “It’s beautiful! Scoups, come see!”
“Careful, Hannie,” Scoups warned, his tone unusually sharp.
Hannie waved him off. “I’m fine! Relax—” His foot slipped on the loose gravel, and in a heartbeat, he was falling.
“No!” Scoups roared, and before anyone could process what was happening, he transformed. His body stretched, fur bursting forth as he shifted into his massive wolf form. With a powerful leap, he caught Hannie mid-fall, landing gracefully on the ledge below.
The group stared in stunned silence as Scoups, in his werewolf form, carried Hannie back to safety. He gently set him down before stepping back, his wolf eyes filled with worry.
“Are you okay?” Scoups asked, his voice gruff yet soft.
Hannie stared at him, trembling. “You… you’re not human.”
The others snapped out of their shock, their reactions ranging from fear to anger.
Woozi was the first to speak. “You’ve been lying to us this whole time?”
The8 stepped forward, his expression cold. “You’re dangerous. What if you lose control?”
“Enough,” Dino growled, his voice low and commanding. The group turned to him, startled.
Dino stepped beside Scoups. “If you’re going to blame him, then blame me too.”
With that, Dino transformed. His fur shimmered in hues of white and blue, almost glowing under the sunlight. He stood protectively beside Scoups, his gaze daring anyone to challenge them.
The silence that followed was deafening.
“You too?” Jun whispered, taking a step back. “How many more secrets are there?”
“I trusted you,” Hannie whispered, tears streaming down his face. “Both of you.”
Scoups reached for him, but Hannie flinched away. “Hannie, please—”
“No!” Hannie cried, turning and running down the trail.
One by one, the others left. Woozi muttered something about betrayal. The8 shook his head, disappointment clear on his face. Vernon was the only one who looked conflicted but still walked away.
Only Kwan and Hoshi stayed behind.
Hoshi crouched down beside Dino, his eyes wide with fascination. “You’re a werewolf. That’s so cool. Like, you’re literally the warewolf and I am a tiger!”
Kwan, meanwhile, stepped closer to Dino, his expression soft. “I don’t care what you are. You’re still you, and I’m not leaving.”
Days passed, the group fractured. Hannie refused to speak to Scoups. The others avoided Dino and Scoups entirely. Kwan couldn’t take it anymore.
“Hey,” Kwan said during one of their tense gatherings. “I know we’re all upset, but Dino’s birthday is coming up. He’s turning twenty-five. Can we… can we do something for him? And for Scoups too?”
The group hesitated, but Vernon nodded. “Yeah. We owe them that much.”
Slowly, the others agreed.
The surprise party was a quiet affair, held at the studio where Dino often danced. When Dino and Scoups walked in, they froze, their eyes wide.
“Surprise!” Hoshi shouted, grinning from ear to ear.
On the table was a bouquet: twelve yellow flowers surrounding one bright orange bloom.
Dino’s voice cracked. “What’s this?”
“It’s us,” Kwan said, stepping forward. “Twelve of us, and you—the brightest, the heart of this group.”
Scoups’s lips trembled. “You… you did this for us?”
Hannie stepped forward, his eyes red-rimmed but resolute. “I was scared, and I said things I didn’t mean. But… I love you, Scoups. Werewolf or not, you’re the one I want.”
Scoups pulled him into a tight embrace. “Hannie, you have no idea how much I needed to hear that.”
The others joined in, apologies spilling out, emotions running high.
As the sun set, Kwan and Dino stood outside, the golden light bathing them.
“You know,” Kwan said softly, “I think I fell in love with you a long time ago.”
Dino turned to him, his wolf-like eyes glinting in the light. “Kwan…”
Kwan leaned closer, his heart pounding. “You’re my Dino. Always.”
Their lips met, soft and warm, a promise sealed under the fading light of day.
Seungkwan leaned back against the couch, glancing at Jisoo and Jeonghan who were hunched over a page of his book. They were deep in conversation, their voices barely audible as they giggled over something they'd just read.
“I’m telling you, Dino is totally Chan,” Jisoo said, a playful grin tugging at her lips. “And Nonu is definitely Wonwoo. I mean, come on—Wonwoo’s always been Chan’s number one fan.”
Seungkwan’s eyes widened, and he blinked a few times, not sure what to say. “What?”
Jeonghan chuckled, leaning over to point at the book. “Yeah, think about it. In the story, Nonu is a huge fan of Dino, just like Wonwoo is with Chan in real life. And Kwan is clearly jealous of Nonu, just like you’re jealous of Wonwoo being close to Chan.”
Seungkwan’s face flushed with heat. “Wait, are you saying I’m Kwan and Chan is Dino? And that Wonwoo is Nonu?” He felt his heart skip a beat as the implications hit him. Was he really writing about himself, about Chan, in this way?
Jeonghan laughed lightly. “You’ve been writing about your own feelings all along, haven’t you?”
Seungkwan’s mind raced. He had always felt a connection to his characters, but now it was starting to feel too close. He rubbed his temples, trying to push the thought away. “No, no. It’s not like that.”
But as the night went on, Seungkwan couldn’t shake the feeling that something was brewing inside him. Was he really writing Chan as Dino? Did he even realize it until now?
As if on cue, Seungkwan’s gaze drifted across the room to where Wonwoo was talking to Chan. His heart stuttered as he saw Wonwoo laughing with him, leaning in just a little too close. Chan, looking as relaxed and happy as always, seemed completely oblivious to the effect it was having on Seungkwan. His blood boiled, and he clenched his fists.
“Haha, look at Seungkwan,” Hansol teased from the other side of the room, noticing Seungkwan’s scowl. “Jealous much?”
Seungkwan shot him a glare, trying to ignore the rising frustration. But he couldn’t stop himself from feeling like a jealous mess. Why was I so jealous of them?
It was like déjà vu. In his own book, Kwan had gotten jealous when Nonu flirted with Dino. And now here he was, experiencing the same thing. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks—*Dino really is Chan*, isn’t he?
Seungkwan’s eyes caught Chan’s lips across the room. The pink, soft lips that had always seemed so innocent. And suddenly, Seungkwan was hit with the most absurd, overwhelming urge to kiss them. What am I thinking? He couldn’t stop the thoughts swirling in his head, and he cursed his own flustered heart. He was absolutely screwed.
Meanwhile, the other friends were scattered throughout the apartment, doing their own things. Soonyoung, Seokmin, and Jihoon were laughing loudly in the karaoke corner, Seungcheol and Jeonghan were fiercely debating strategy in a board game, and the others were gossiping and joking around. But none of that mattered. Seungkwan’s attention was entirely fixed on Chan.
He needed to do something about this. He had to get Chan’s attention. Look at me, not him. It was almost a command in his mind as he watched Wonwoo laugh at something Chan said.
Without realizing it, Seungkwan stood up, walking across the room, and suddenly found himself standing right next to Chan.
“Hey,” Seungkwan said a little too quickly, his heart racing.
Chan turned to him, his face lighting up with that warm smile that Seungkwan had always adored. “Hey, Seungkwanie, What’s up?”
Seungkwan felt a jolt of satisfaction when he saw Wonwoo walk away to join Jisoo’s group. *Score one for me,* Seungkwan thought, feeling ridiculously pleased.
As Chan’s attention stayed focused on him, Seungkwan couldn’t help but grin. It felt like he’d won some kind of victory, even though he didn’t fully understand why.
A few minutes later, Seungkwan found himself outside on the balcony with Chan, their mugs of hot chocolate in hand. It was cold outside, the chill of November creeping into their bones, but the warmth of the mugs was comforting. They stood in a comfortable silence, looking at the quiet city below, the night sky hanging heavy with stars.
“It’s cold,” Seungkwan said, shivering slightly.
“Yeah, but it’s kind of nice,” Chan replied, his voice low and soothing. “The night air feels good, doesn’t it?”
Seungkwan nodded, but his attention was focused on something else. The soft snow had started to fall, delicate flakes drifting through the air. It was the first snow of the season. Everything around them felt so quiet and magical, like something out of a dream.
Seungkwan’s heart beat faster as he looked at Chan. The sound of the world faded away, and all he could hear was the soft rush of his own thoughts. It was as if the universe was telling him this was the moment. He looked at Chan, his eyes softening, and before he could stop himself, he took a small step closer.
Just as their faces were inches apart, a loud scream echoed from inside the apartment. Seungkwan jumped back in surprise, and Chan’s eyes widened.
They rushed back into the room, and Seungkwan was hit with the sight of Seokmin staring wide-eyed at the TV. “Guys, you need to see this!” Seokmin yelled.
The TV was showing news footage of a werewolf running through the streets. The headline was chilling: “Authorities now authorized to shoot on sight if werewolves are found.”
Seungkwan’s heart sank, but what shocked him even more was the way Chan’s face had gone pale, his eyes wide with fear.
Soonyoung, noticing the look on Chan’s face, immediately stepped toward him, mouthing, “I’m here for you. Don’t worry.”
Seungkwan, oblivious to the deeper meaning behind Soonyoung’s words, was too focused on the news. His mind spun as he tried to process what he was seeing. *Why can’t they just leave the werewolf alone?*
It was then that the thought hit him: *What if the werewolf is Chan?*
He looked at Chan, whose fear was evident. And suddenly, he realized he had no idea what was going on, but all he knew was that the werewolf hadn’t hurt anyone. The werewolf had actually helped people. And yet, now it seemed like the world was turning against him.
After a week of tension surrounding the werewolf situation, Seungkwan decided to write a new chapter for his story. He figured focusing on a side pairing would help him clear his mind, so he set to work. Hansol, ever the curious friend, decided to join him and ask for feedback on his own writing.
As Hansol read through the chapter, his eyes lit up. The side pairing in Seungkwan’s story was Vernon and The8, two quiet characters who seemed to exist in their own little world. The story of their connection felt pure and endearing, and Hansol couldn’t help but smile.
“Hey, I really like how you’ve portrayed the story between Vernon and The8,” Hansol said excitedly. “It really reminds me of me and Minghao. You know, all the other characters are really inspired by us—like Seungkwan is Kwan. I never thought you’d use Kwan as the main protagonist’s name, though, considering how much you hated the nickname back in high school.”
Seungkwan froze at that. He hadn’t even realized how much he had associated his story with his own life. The name Kwan... it triggered something deep in his memory. He couldn’t help but think back to high school. Back then, before he and Chan became roommates, Chan had called him Kwan in front of the whole class one day. He’d been so embarrassed that he didn’t speak to Chan for three days. The teasing from their classmates had been relentless, and though they were just best friends, people had started calling them a couple. It felt so weird, but that didn’t stop the whispers.
Chan had been devastated by Seungkwan’s silence and had tried to apologize by buying Seungkwan iced americanos for a whole month until Seungkwan finally forgave him. It seemed so far removed now, but the memory still lingered.
Seungkwan snapped back to the present, realizing what Hansol had said. “Yeah, I didn’t mind using it now. No one really teases me about it anymore, and it happened so long ago,” he said, brushing off the awkwardness.
Hansol tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. “I’m 100% sure Chan is the inspiration for Dino, though. And why name the other protagonist Dino? You’ve never explained that one.”
Seungkwan hesitated, his fingers lightly tapping the edge of his laptop as he tried to find the right words. He stared at the screen, lost in thought, unsure how to explain. “I don’t know,” he murmured. “I just like the name, that’s all.”
Hansol studied him closely, sensing something deeper behind Seungkwan’s response. “Seungkwan,” he said gently, “you know I’m your best friend too. You can share your worries with me. If something’s bothering you, you don’t have to carry it alone.”
Seungkwan sighed, feeling a weight on his chest. “Okay, I will,” he finally said, though he wasn’t sure if he was ready to face the truth himself.
They decided to visit the dance studio to watch the performance team in action. The team, of course, included Soonyoung, Junhui, Minghao, and Chan. As they headed over, Seungkwan couldn't resist teasing Hansol. "So, are you excited to see Minghao?" he joked, knowing full well Hansol's fondness for the dancer.
Hansol grinned, ready for a retort. "Oh, sure, but I’m more interested in seeing Chan perform in one of those loose tank tops," he teased. "You know, the kind that show off his biceps and muscles."
Seungkwan turned bright red, caught completely off guard. "I—I’m not—" he stammered, flustered beyond belief, his face matching the color of a tomato.
The studio was alive with energy as the music blasted through the speakers, the room vibrating with the beat. Seungkwan and Hansol stood by the sidelines, observing the performance team rehearse. Soonyoung, Junhui, Minghao, and Chan were at the center of the studio, lost in the rhythm of their movements.
The song that filled the room was “Feeling Good” by Avicii, its uplifting, free-spirited melody setting the tone for the dancers. As soon as the music began, Chan stepped forward, his body effortlessly syncing with the rhythm. Seungkwan couldn’t help but feel his eyes drawn to him, the way Chan moved—smooth, precise, yet with a certain wildness that made it impossible to look away.
Chan wore a loose white tank top, the fabric flowing with each graceful movement. Seungkwan couldn’t help but notice how the top hung just right, revealing the defined muscles in Chan’s arms and chest, and the way his abs flexed with every sharp move. The lights from the studio’s overhead lamps caught the sheen of sweat on his skin, making him glow as if he were glowing with the very essence of the music. Each beat of the song seemed to fuel him, and Seungkwan found himself unable to pull his gaze away, entranced by the way Chan danced—his body completely in tune with the music.
Chan’s movements were fluid, like liquid, and at the same time, so full of power. He spun and twirled, throwing his body into the beat with full force, his movements wild and free. He wasn’t just dancing—he was performing, pouring every bit of his soul into the song. His energy was contagious, and Seungkwan felt as if he were in another world, lost in the rhythm with him. His heart beat in time with the music as if his body were reacting to Chan’s every movement.
The room seemed to fade into the background as Seungkwan’s focus sharpened on Chan. It was just the two of them in that moment. Chan’s eyes locked with his, and everything else disappeared. The music, the team, the world—they all faded away. It was as though Chan’s dance was meant for Seungkwan, each move speaking directly to him, his gaze never faltering. Seungkwan felt a tightness in his chest, a flutter he couldn’t explain, as if he were being pulled into something greater than himself.
Chan moved closer, spinning and stopping right in front of him, a fluid, effortless motion. The air between them felt electric, charged with something Seungkwan couldn’t quite put into words. He swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. *Control yourself,* he thought, but it was hard to focus when Chan was standing there, so close, so perfect, looking so damn good. The muscles of his arms flexed, his abs tight and defined beneath the loose tank, his body seemingly sculpted for the rhythm. Every move felt like it was meant to captivate, to draw Seungkwan in even more.
And then, it happened. As the beat dropped, their eyes met again, and in that brief, frozen moment, Seungkwan realized something he hadn’t before. *Dino*, the name he had once given to Chan in high school, wasn’t just a nickname. It was a symbol, something that had always been there, something that fit Chan perfectly. *Dino*, strong and untouchable, full of power and grace. The realization hit him like a flood, a rush of memories and feelings crashing through him. He had always known, in some part of his heart, that Chan was his Dino. It had always been there, but he had never let himself fully understand it. He had been so caught up in other things, in his own fears, in what was real and what was fantasy.
But in that moment, watching Chan dance with such intensity, Seungkwan knew the truth. He had always loved Chan, even when he didn’t fully understand it. In high school, he had been embarrassed by the name *Dino*, thinking it was too childish, too embarrassing to let anyone know how much he admired Chan. He had kept it to himself, never daring to speak it aloud, but deep down, he had always known. He never share the nick name Dino he gave it to Chan...not even to Chan himself.
Now, as he watched Chan perform, it was as if everything had clicked into place. He had given the protagonist of his story the name *Kwan*, and his partner, *Dino*, was the person he had been writing about all along. His characters, his love story—they weren’t just fiction. They were based on something real. They were about him and Chan, about the way he had always felt for him, even if he had never allowed himself to fully admit it.
As the music came to a soft, slow end, Chan’s movements slowed too, and the dance came to a close. Seungkwan’s heart still pounded in his chest, the reality of what he had just realized setting in. Chan smiled, out of breath but glowing with the satisfaction of a performance well done, and as Seungkwan caught his gaze, a deep ache filled his chest. He felt both overwhelmed and certain all at once. He had to tell Chan. He had to confess, because the love he felt for him had never been just in his story—it had always been real.
Everything suddenly made sense—the way he had written Kwan and Dino, how he had always loved Chan, in every universe, in every version of the story. It was always meant to be him and Chan.
Seungkwan looked at Chan one last time before the world snapped back into focus. His heart fluttered in his chest as he realized that the story he had been writing, the love between Kwan and Dino, was not just a tale of fiction. It was his story, too. And in every world, in every version of this story, Seungkwan loved Chan. Always.
Unknown to Seungkwan, Chan was wrestling with his own internal turmoil. He had his own secret—one he was terrified to reveal. He was the werewolf, and the fear of losing Seungkwan over the truth held him back from confessing.
Soonyoung noticed the tension in Chan and approached him. “You need to tell Seungkwan, Chan,” he said softly. “You can’t keep hiding from him. He loves you.”
Chan shook his head, his expression torn. “I can’t risk it, Soonyoung. I don’t want to lose him.”
Soonyoung placed a hand on his shoulder. “Seungkwan won’t abandon you. He loves you. But you need to be honest with him.”
But Chan was too afraid to take that step, and Seungkwan remained unaware of the battle raging inside him. Both of them—Seungkwan and Chan—were scared. Scared of revealing their feelings, scared of confessing the truth, and terrified of what it could mean for their friendship, or something more.
The tension between them was palpable, but neither Seungkwan nor Chan could bring themselves to address it directly. As Seungkwan sat in the corner of the dance studio, watching Chan from a distance, the overwhelming sense of confusion began to cloud his mind. His feelings for Chan had always been there, but now they were undeniable, stronger than ever before. And yet, there was something about Chan, something unspoken, that made Seungkwan unsure of how to proceed.
The weight of his realization—the knowledge that he loved Chan, in both his story and in real life—hung heavy on his heart. But every time he tried to approach Chan, a knot formed in his stomach. He didn’t know how to express what he felt, let alone ask Chan about what he had been hiding. His heart ached as he thought of the distance that had crept between them, the unspoken words lingering between them like a barrier neither could break.
Meanwhile, Chan was fighting his own battle. The words Soonyoung had spoken echoed in his mind. *“You need to tell Seungkwan. He loves you.”* But every time he tried to convince himself to speak the truth, fear paralyzed him. How could he tell Seungkwan? How could he reveal that he wasn’t just a regular guy, that the secret he carried could change everything between them? The thought of losing Seungkwan, of shattering the fragile bond they had built, terrified him.
Chan’s mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He wanted to be honest, to let Seungkwan in, but the thought of the consequences of revealing the truth was too much to bear. *What if he rejects me?* Chan’s heart clenched at the thought. The possibility of Seungkwan looking at him with fear, disappointment, or worse, leaving him behind, was something he couldn’t bear.
Soonyoung, noticing the struggle in Chan’s eyes, approached him once again, his voice gentle but firm. “You know, you’re not alone in this, right? Seungkwan... he cares about you more than anything. He deserves to know the truth. You can’t keep hiding forever.”
Chan looked at Soonyoung, the weight of his words sinking in. "But I’m afraid, Soonyoung," he whispered. "I’m afraid of what will happen if I tell him. I don’t want him to see me differently... to be scared of me."
Soonyoung gave a small, understanding smile. “Seungkwan is stronger than you think. And he’s not going to be scared of you. Trust me. He’ll be there for you, no matter what.”
But even with Soonyoung’s reassurance, Chan couldn’t shake the fear gnawing at him. How could he possibly tell Seungkwan the truth? How could he confess that he was something entirely different, something that might change everything between them? He wasn’t sure he was ready to face the consequences of his confession. He wasn’t ready to lose Seungkwan.
As the minutes passed, Seungkwan remained silent, his eyes lingering on Chan, unsure of how to bridge the growing gap between them. Chan caught his gaze for a moment, and their eyes locked, but neither of them moved. The tension between them had become unbearable, each one too afraid to speak up, too afraid to acknowledge the feelings that had been building for so long.
In that moment, Seungkwan felt as if the world around them had faded away. It was just him and Chan, standing there in the same room, unable to break the silence. But no words were spoken. The time for confession seemed distant, each of them holding back, too scared to face what would happen next.
Seungkwan finally broke the silence, his voice barely above a whisper. “Chan... can we talk?” His heart raced in his chest, unsure of how to proceed, but knowing that the conversation had to happen sooner or later.
Chan froze for a moment, his body stiffening at the sound of Seungkwan’s voice. He glanced up, meeting Seungkwan’s gaze with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. “Yeah... sure,” he said softly, his voice tight.
But just as the words hung in the air, the door to the studio opened, and Soonyoung and the rest of the group entered, breaking the fragile moment between them. Seungkwan felt the weight of the moment slip away, replaced by the noise of the group coming together. He looked at Chan, but the words he had meant to say seemed to vanish, leaving behind a quiet longing he couldn’t quite explain.
Soonyoung caught the look between them and gave Chan a knowing glance before turning to Seungkwan. “You two should really talk,” he said, his tone more serious than before. But his words, though well-meaning, seemed to fall flat, swallowed by the weight of everything left unsaid.
Seungkwan nodded but said nothing, his mind racing with everything he had yet to say. He couldn’t ignore it anymore. He couldn’t ignore the truth he had been avoiding—the truth about how he felt about Chan, and how much he wanted to be with him.
But just as he was about to speak again, Chan turned away, stepping toward the group. Seungkwan’s heart sank, and a part of him felt like he had lost the chance to have the conversation they so desperately needed.
As they all gathered, laughing and talking amongst themselves, Seungkwan couldn’t shake the feeling of being on the edge of something, something that could change everything between him and Chan. But what that change would be, he couldn’t yet say.
All he knew was that both of them were scared—scared of what would happen if they finally faced the truth. And until they did, the unspoken words would hang in the air, waiting for the right moment to break free.
After a fun, chaotic dinner with their group of friends, the teasing started up again. Mingyu couldn’t resist, grinning mischievously as he turned to Seungkwan.
“Oh, Seungkwan, looks like you're not obsessing over that werewolf anymore,” Mingyu teased, a wide grin on his face.
The others joined in, laughing and nudging Seungkwan. They all seemed to enjoy teasing him about the mysterious werewolf, but through it all, Chan remained silent, his gaze fixed on his food. He didn’t say a single word, and Seungkwan couldn’t help but notice.
He tried to engage Chan in conversation, hoping to break the awkward silence, but Chan kept his distance. Seungkwan, feeling a mix of frustration and confusion, looked around at his friends. They continued their playful teasing, completely unaware of the quiet tension between him and Chan.
“So, Seungkwan, when’s the next werewolf encounter? We’ve got to hear more about your obsession,” Jeonghan teased, winking at Seungkwan.
But Seungkwan couldn’t bring himself to laugh. Chan was sitting so far away, and his silence only added to the unease. It was as if something was between them—something unsaid, something Seungkwan couldn’t quite understand.
After dinner, everyone decided to go for a walk, but as they all stood up, Seungkwan glanced around and saw that Chan had already left without a word. Seungkwan’s heart sank, but he didn’t want to make a scene. He decided to walk alone, hoping that the fresh air might help him clear his mind.
As he wandered down the street, lost in thought, he didn’t notice the speeding car approaching. The sound of tires screeching filled the air as the car came dangerously close, and in that instant, everything seemed to slow down. Before Seungkwan could even react, a figure shot out of nowhere and yanked him back from the path of the oncoming vehicle. His heart pounded in his chest as he looked up in shock.
It was the same werewolf—the one who had saved him from the goons before. The two of them were so close now, almost nose to nose. Seungkwan could see his own reflection in the werewolf’s eyes, the intensity of their shared gaze sending a strange jolt through his chest. There was something deeply familiar about it, a feeling of longing that Seungkwan couldn’t explain.
But before he could process anything further, a gunshot rang out, breaking the stillness. The werewolf jerked back in pain, and Seungkwan’s breath caught in his throat as he watched the figure flee, barely escaping the second bullet that had grazed his arm. The werewolf disappeared into the night, leaving Seungkwan standing in the middle of the street, his mind reeling from everything that had just happened.
Shaken, Seungkwan quickly reported the incident to the police, his voice trembling as he described what had just occurred. “If it wasn’t for the werewolf, I’d be dead right now,” he told the officers. “And yet, you’re calling him a monster. He’s saved lives. And the real monsters are out there, hurting people, doing crimes, and yet you’re judging him?”
Seungkwan’s words seemed to fall on deaf ears, but he didn’t care. He was determined to make people understand that the werewolf wasn’t the monster they thought he was. The bullet wound he had seen, near the werewolf’s arm, gnawed at Seungkwan’s mind. He had to know if the werewolf was okay.
Chan, meanwhile, had transformed back into his human form, the pain from the bullet still fresh in his body. It had grazed his arm, leaving a scar, but nothing more serious. He tried to keep his emotions in check, unsure of how to face Seungkwan now that he knew the truth.
Worried about what Seungkwan might say if he saw the scar, Chan decided it would be best to stay at Soonyoung’s place. But when he realized Soonyoung and Seokmin were together in his apartment, he didn’t want to intrude on their special night. So, he decided to return to his apartment, keeping his distance from Seungkwan until the wound healed.
However, when he arrived at his apartment, he was shocked to find Seungkwan waiting for him. His heart skipped a beat, and he tried to hide the pain in his arm, but it was too late. Seungkwan noticed immediately.
“What happened?” Seungkwan asked, his voice full of concern as he stared at the scar on Chan’s arm.
Chan stammered, trying to dodge the question, but Seungkwan wasn’t having it. He stepped forward and, before Chan could protest, Seungkwan pulled him into a tight hug, burying his face in Chan’s chest.
“Thank you,” Seungkwan whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “Thank you for saving my life, my Dino.”
Chan froze. He didn’t know how to respond. “What... what do you mean? I didn’t save you from the car.”
Seungkwan pulled back slightly, looking up at him with soft, knowing eyes. “I didn’t mention how the werewolf saved me from the car, did I?” he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. “But how did you know?”
Chan stood still, unable to find the words. His mind was racing. He didn’t know how Seungkwan had figured it out, but somehow, Seungkwan had seen through his disguise.
Seungkwan cupped Chan’s cheeks gently, his eyes soft but determined. “When I looked into the eyes of the werewolf, I knew. In that moment, I knew it was you, Chan. I was staring at you. I’ve always known... and I’ve always loved you. Whether you’re Chan, or Dino, or the real or reel werewolf... I’ve always loved you.”
Chan’s breath caught in his throat, and the weight of Seungkwan’s words hit him like a wave. He had kept his feelings hidden for so long, but in that moment, all his fears, all his doubts, vanished. He had never imagined Seungkwan could accept him so fully, so completely.
Tears filled Chan’s eyes as he pulled Seungkwan into a tight embrace. “I love you too, Seungkwan,” he said, his voice barely a whisper. “I’ve always loved you.”
And without another word, their lips met in a kiss, slow and tender, as if they were both savoring the moment they had waited for. The world seemed to fall away, and all that mattered was that they had found each other—finally, truly, completely. In that kiss, they shared all the unspoken words, all the feelings that had built up over time, and the magic of it all filled the space between them.
Seungkwan and Chan’s newfound relationship was a source of joy for their friends. When the couple finally announced their status, their group erupted in cheers and applause, rushing to congratulate them.
"Finally!" Soonyoung exclaimed, throwing his arms around both of them. "I was waiting for this day!"
The others chimed in, their voices filled with warmth and teasing remarks. But amid the celebration, Chan decided it was time to address a deeper truth. He didn’t want any more secrets between him and the people he cared about.
Clearing his throat, Chan stepped forward. “There’s something I need to tell you all,” he began, his voice trembling slightly. Seungkwan immediately grabbed his hand, squeezing it reassuringly.
“I’m a werewolf,” Chan admitted, his gaze dropping to the floor. He held his breath, waiting for their reactions. Fear gripped him, but before he could spiral, Seungkwan and Soonyoung stepped in front of him like shields.
“He’s still Chan,” Seungkwan said firmly. “And he’s not going anywhere. We love him.”
Soonyoung nodded. “Exactly. If anyone has a problem, you’ll have to go through me first.”
For a moment, the room was silent, and Chan’s heart pounded. But then Jeonghan and Jisoo moved first, pulling Chan into a tight hug.
“You’re strong, Channie,” Jeonghan said softly, his voice full of affection. “We’re proud of you.”
Jisoo nodded, smiling warmly. “And we love you no matter what.”
Seungcheol and Mingyu followed, clapping Chan on the back. “I’m so proud of you, little one,” Seungcheol said, his tone fatherly. “It takes a lot of courage to say that.”
Mingyu grinned, ruffling Chan’s hair. “You’re still our maknae, our precious baby. Nothing’s going to change that.”
Then Hansol, Wonwoo, and Minghao joined in, wrapping Chan in a group hug. “I’m your number one fan, Channie,” Wonwoo teased, but his voice carried genuine pride.
Seungkwan, who had been standing nearby, tightened his grip on Chan’s waist, shooting Wonwoo a playful glare. “He’s mine,” Seungkwan muttered, his jealousy earning laughter from the group.
Jihoon, Seokmin, and Jun came forward next, each hugging Chan tightly. Seokmin, unable to contain his joy, lifted Chan off the ground and spun him around, laughing. “You did it, Channie! You shared your big secret! We’re so proud of you!”
The overwhelming support brought tears to Chan’s eyes. For the first time in a long time, he felt completely at ease, surrounded by unconditional love and acceptance.
Seungkwan and Soonyoung stood side by side, their friends still engaged in lively conversation around them. Seungkwan turned to Soonyoung with a look of gratitude in his eyes. “Thank you for standing up for Chan when he revealed the truth. It really means a lot to me. But… how did you know Chan is a werewolf, and when did you find out?”
Soonyoung hesitated, glancing at Chan. Chan gave a subtle nod, silently encouraging him to go ahead. With that, Soonyoung began to speak.
“One night, Chan came to the studio really late. He was hurt—badly injured in his werewolf form. I was coming back to grab my wallet, and I didn’t expect to find anything, but then I saw him. He was struggling, and he looked terrified. He tried to shift back into his human form, but he was in so much pain. It was then that I realized the truth.”
Soonyoung paused for a moment, the memory of Chan’s vulnerability still fresh in his mind. “I saw him change back into Chan, and... I couldn’t just leave him like that. He was scared, bleeding, and asking me not to tell anyone. I promised him I wouldn’t, and I’ve kept that promise.”
Seungkwan’s heart softened as he listened. He turned to Soonyoung, his voice full of appreciation. “Thank you so much for always being there for Chan, for protecting him even when things were difficult. I really owe you.”
Soonyoung smiled warmly at him, the affection for Chan evident in his eyes. “He’s my Channie too,” Soonyoung said, a gentle chuckle escaping his lips. “My little one, my maknae.”
Seungkwan smiled back at Soonyoung’s words, feeling a sense of warmth fill his chest. He then turned to Chan, his expression full of determination and love. “Now you don’t have to worry about anything anymore,” Seungkwan said, his voice steady and confident. “I’ll always be with you, no matter what.”
Chan looked at Seungkwan, a deep sense of relief washing over him. With Seungkwan by his side, he knew everything would be okay.
As the group settled down, they began discussing the parallels between Seungkwan’s book and real life. Jeonghan suddenly gasped dramatically, pointing at Seungcheol.
“Wait a minute!” Jeonghan exclaimed. “In Seungkwan’s book, S.Coups was the werewolf pack leader. Seungcheol, are you secretly a werewolf too? Are you the leader of a pack?”
Seungcheol froze, his eyes widening. “What? No! I’m human!” he protested, flustered by the accusation.
Everyone burst into laughter, and Chan stepped in to clarify. “No, hyung is definitely human,” Chan said with a grin. “My pack leader is back in Iksan.”
The room filled with laughter again, and Seungcheol sighed in relief, shaking his head at Jeonghan’s antics.
But the lighthearted mood shifted when Jisoo, Jeonghan, and Soonyoung cornered Seungkwan. “So, Kwan,” Jeonghan began, smirking. “Chan is an alpha, right?”
Seungkwan blinked, confused. “Yeah, so?”
Jeonghan wiggled his eyebrows. “Well, you know alphas go into rut. How are you planning to handle that?”
Seungkwan’s face turned a deep shade of red. “I-I haven’t thought about that!” he stammered, flustered beyond belief. “What am I supposed to do?”
The others couldn’t help but burst into laughter at Seungkwan’s reaction. Even Soonyoung and Jisoo were doubled over, wiping tears from their eyes.
Chan, who had been watching from a distance, walked up behind Seungkwan and wrapped his arms around his waist. “Don’t worry about it,” Chan said softly, his voice steady and reassuring. “I don’t need an omega. I just need you, my Kwan.”
Seungkwan turned to look at him, his embarrassment fading as he saw the sincerity in Chan’s eyes. He smiled, leaning into Chan’s embrace. “And I’ll always be here for you, my Dino.”
The group let out a collective “aww,” teasing them one last time before leaving the couple to themselves. Seungkwan and Chan shared a quiet moment, the chaos of the evening melting away. Everything felt magical—like their love story was only just beginning.