Archive of Our Own ^beta

The first thing demigods were taught upon discovering their powers was that suppressing them would only give them a harsh backlash.

However, what else one could do when holding their essence back was the only way not to bother others?

That was Lee Minho’s burden.

Waking up every morning to go to class became torture. His body felt heavy, his mind felt like a tornado was wracking through it and sleep had been fleeing from him. Seeing how dull his usually piercing eyes had gotten only deepened the hollow place slowly expanding in his chest. Dark circles were the only color on his face since his skin had decided to pale, showing how affected his psyche was.

With a sigh, he brushed his teeth while avoiding gazing into the mirror. He felt irritated out of his skin, but he still had to attend University.

He had been pushed toward a magical one, of course, since their existence had to be kept hidden from mortal beings. Many kinds of creatures, and other demigods, attended there, playing friendly. But under good appearances, less savory things were hidden.

Discrimination has always been a recurrent thing.

Despite all the things set in place to prevent it from happening, it still appeared and grew like invasive plants.

And sadly, in the demigods’ cases, their parents were often the reason why they were shunned away. Since some gods were known to be benevolent and had positive essences, those were seen as the “better” ones. Therefore, their children were immediately put on a pedestal and liked by everyone around them.

Other gods, those with darker essences, some were also benevolent but that didn’t matter, were shunned from the rest of their community. They were avoided, grimaced at, and even mocked sometimes.

No need to say that the second group was leagued against the first one.

Minho belonged to that second group.

Being the son of Phobos, the God personifying fear, panic and dread, didn’t give him a glorifying image. Plus, his father had fought many wars, spread terror in so many battles that it owed him dozens of enemies. But Minho loved his father. He was the only one capable of understanding his disorders.

As usual, he chose to wear a black hoodie to be able to hide his purple hair under the hood. It wasn’t that he hated it, really, it was quite the opposite. However, if he could go about his day without being bothered by others, he would do anything possible to achieve that. And having colored hair didn’t really help him blend into the crowd.

He grabbed his bag and walked out the door, making sure to lock his dorm room behind him. The only positive thing with having a dark essence was that no one would go anywhere near his room, too afraid of curses and other possible horrors.

Minho was meant to meet up with Changbin, another shunned demigod and good friend of his. They both met during Changbin’s first day in University. He had been hit with even more discrimination than Minho had gotten. The purple haired demigod had then decided to take Changbin under his wing, refusing to let him face it alone. Plus, being the son of Hades shouldn’t have earned him such treatment.

Minho would have never thought it would earn him a free-pass into the underworld, permitting him to meet Changbin’s parents, Hades and Persephone. The purple haired had been surprised to see how saddened the God of the Underworld had been upon receiving news of the treatment both demigods had received on earth. Persephone had hugged her son and apologized, saying that they could find another University for Changbin to go to. But the demigod had refused, saying that meeting Minho had probably been fate.

The two became close friends, and Changbin never recoiled at Minho’s frightening aura. Control sometimes slipped from his grasp, especially when the two were having fun, laughing and joking around. The dark shadows would seep out of his whole body to surround him, inducing an overwhelmingly cold and cruel fear within anyone present around them during those times. Changbin had only said that the cold was pleasant and had shown no sign of panic, which had made the other demigod feel relieved.

Perhaps them both having dark essences was the cause of his friend’s immunity to his frightening aura. Maybe it cancelled each other out? They had spent hours making hypotheses about that.

Minho pulled up the hood of his dark blue hoodie, hiding his colorful hair from the crowd. He loved walking around, observing how bright the world was around him. It made him feel less oppressed by his own grey world.

He found his friend rather quickly. Changbin was waiting for him, wearing his usual leather jacket and combat boots, glaring at all the students who were side-eyeing him. Seeing them tremble under the piercing glare of the son of the Underworld always amused Minho.

“Changbin-ah.” He called out, letting his amused smile show.

Changbin’s attitude did a full 180, going from glaring to smiling mischievously.

“Hyung! You sure took your time.” He said, approaching the purple haired. “Are you still having trouble sleeping?”

Minho despised hearing the concern in his friend’s voice.

“I’ll be alright…” He grumbled, starting to walk in the direction of their class.

They both had criminology as their major. Changbin’s ability to see and communicate with ghosts would be a great help in that field. Getting the victim's direct testimony would help with Justice being given. Minho’s as well. He was able to feel and read traces of fear, which would make him able to see the victims’ last moments. It wouldn't be pleasant for him, but he was ready to go to that extent in order to make their world a little safer for others. They both wanted to use their abilities to help out despite how weird they would be without a purpose.

The son of Hades had picked music as his minor, and Minho had picked literature.

“You should talk about it with your father, Hyung.” Changbin tried, always so stubbornly, to Minho’s despair. “Maybe he went through that as well at some point?”

The son of Phobos sighed, not wanting to talk about it again.

“I will, Changbin-ah. Just not now… I don’t want to give him unneeded worries.”

His friend only huffed, grumbling under his breath. They were both incredibly stubborn and had learned when to drop it. They both decided to stop by a coffee shop, needing their dose of caffeine for the day.

Minho was browsing the menu written above the counter while they waited in the line, trying to decide if he wanted something sweet or not. Changbin was in the middle of telling him a story when they both got shoved by an elf, who had been too busy gesturing wildly while talking to his friends to be careful about his surroundings. Changbin immediately turned, scowling at the wide eyed man, thinking that it had been deliberate.

The elf stuttered apologies, staring at the two of them with growing fear. His friends recoiled behind him and Minho could see the people around them start whispering. He managed to catch a few words.

“Always so violent…”

“Bad blood never changes…”

“Shouldn’t be here…”

“Poor guy.”

The purple haired demigod grabbed his friend’s shoulder, pulling him away from the frightened elf.

“Changbin, he didn’t do it on purpose.” He told his friend who grunted, slightly losing his fighting and towering stance.

It wasn’t unusual for dark creatures to be shoved, jostled or even hit sometimes. The black haired demigod was simply trying to protect them against a possible bullying attempt.

Then Minho turned to the frightened group.

“It’s fine, just make sure to be more careful next time. You could get hurt.” He said before turning the other way to put in their order.

Behind them, the elf blinked in surprise at being told that. He had awaited poisonous words or even being hit, but Minho and Changbin weren't like that if they could avoid it.

“Yes, thank you…” He had mumbled, making Minho pause.

The two demigods quickly left the coffee shop with their orders under the gazes of every individual sitting inside. However, two of those gazes weren’t scornful. Rather than that, they seemed very interested in the two dark beings currently running to their class.

Entering the amphitheater was rather easy, finding places where to sit, less so. However, being a dark demigod was quite useful in this scenario. No matter the place they would choose, the light creatures or demigods already there would stand up to find other seats, refusing to be in their presence. Minho and Changbin didn’t care, quite on the contrary as it gave more places for other dark individuals to join them.

They were both talking, sipping on their coffees while waiting for their teacher to arrive, when the chatter around them suddenly went up. It was getting noisier.

Changbin looked up at that change and groaned, grimacing at the reason. Blinking in surprise, Minho tilted his head toward his friend.

“What? What’s wrong?”

“Just another light demigod being venerated just for being born.” His friend grumbled, still grimacing.

Too curious for his own good, the purple haired glanced in the direction Changbin was currently looking. A few feet away from them, a blond haired demigod was smiling and chatting with a few others. The light blood that man had in his veins was obvious, and a little overwhelming to Minho. It showed in everything he did, like a glow surrounding the demigod and brightening the moods of those around him. Minho himself seemed to feel calmer just by looking at him, which was weird considering they were opposites.

“Do you know who he is?” He asked Changbin curiously.

“Bahng Christopher, son of Eirene, the goddess of peace and all the good things in this world.” The son of Hades mumbled, sarcastic. “We share our minor and everyone swears only by him. Musical genius and all those glorifying names.”

Minho hummed, not really surprised by that. The gap was too deep between them, and way too unfair for talents like Changbin who were ignored just because of their dark blood.

“What is he doing here, then?” He asked, frowning since he had never seen the demigod in their classes before.

“He’s a law major. It’s probably a joint class or something.” Changbin shrugged.

The son of phobos nodded, mindlessly sipping on his coffee. His brain focused again only when their professor finally came in, apologizing for the delay, and seeing the stack of papers set down on the desk, he knew the reason wouldn’t make him happy.

Minho and Changbin exchanged a glance and a slight grimace before turning back toward the front. The whole thing smelled like a group project which would probably be worth a lot of points, and both of them knew having to partner with light beings was going to be a pain.

Unfortunately, they were proved right when their teacher announced it excitedly: a group presentation of four people maximum about a murder case they would have to choose.

“Well, we already are two. Let’s just find two more, I suppose.” Changbin huffed.

Minho shrugged, leaning his head on his hand, not particularly worried about that. They would have the two others assigned like always, meaning that the two dark demigods will do all the work and make sure that the light beings wouldn't get anything out of it. There was no way they would let anyone get good notes from their hard work when they were acting horrible toward them.

He was jolted out of his thoughts when a hand landed on his shoulder. No one touched him except Changbin. And that didn’t feel like his friend’s touch.

He turned, coming face to face with a smiling Bahng Christopher who didn’t look like he had wanted to catch him off-guard.

“Hello! I was wondering if you had any remaining places in your group?” The light demigod asked, expectantly looking at Minho.

Glancing past the smiley man, Minho could see how hard the others were trying to get Bahng Christopher in their group. So why was this guy approaching them?

The hand on his shoulder felt weird, like it was seeping something from him. So he quickly shrugged it off, ignoring the slight frown his gesture earned him.

“Huh sure, we have two more…” He said awkwardly, not used to having people actually request to work with them.

“Perfect.” Christopher said, turning around to address someone else. “Felix, come here!”

Minho and Changbin watched with stunned expressions as a literal fairy joined them. They blinked at the small wings fluttering on Felix’s back, often reduced with magic in order to avoid knocking things over and people.

They were both flabbergasted when the fairy smiled at them.

“Hi, I’m Lee Felix. Thank you for having us in your group.”

The two dark demigods remained silent for a moment, staring at the light demigod and the fairy before introducing themselves as well.

They were given the rest of the two hours of class, so they decided to discuss which case they would want to work on.

However, the discussion never remained serious for long.

“Why did the two of you choose to study criminology?” Felix asked, curious.

Changbin exchanged a look with Minho before answering.

“We both thought that our abilities would be useful for that field.” The two light beings nodded, not prying to know about the said abilities.

Minho did notice that Christopher was sometimes leaning forward, trying to catch his eyes within the darkness of his hood. That confused him a little. Scratch that, it confused him a lot. Why was he doing that?

They all agreed to meet again in a nearby coffee shop to work on their presentation before they separated ways.

Changbin told Minho that he had to drop by his music class to hand over his new composition. The purple haired nodded, telling his friend to find him in the library afterward.

The library was Minho’s sanctuary, his peace and quiet. He spent a good amount of his free time there. However, not only for the books or the comfortable silence he could bask in, it was also the only place where nightmares wouldn’t harass his sleep. Whenever he could, he would choose his usual table in the back, hidden behind bookshelves, and take a nap with his head resting on his folded arms. He has been doing so for a long time.

He discovered that months ago, actually. He had been working on a difficult essay and the amount of fatigue and pain he had been harboring because of suppressing his powers had made him fall asleep without him even noticing it. He had woken up with a slightly dulled migraine, less sore and feeling a little better.

His frightening aura also tended to slip out when he slept so people always left him alone, even the librarian. Needless to say that it was the best place for him to rest.

He found his empty table quickly and sat down, leaving his bag on the ground next to his chair. Minho rubbed his eyes, relieved to finally get some sleep as recovering from insomnia was quite complicated. With all the hours he had to catch up on, it would take him months at this rate.

He lowered his head onto his arms and let his body relax, sighing softly when let his guard down, his aura slipping out a little. It took a few minutes for him to get on the verge of falling asleep, with no more tension in his muscles, no more worries tormenting his mind, just peace.

But this time, there was something different.

A soft chuckle. He heard a chuckle, then felt one of the chairs around his table move before fingers found his forehead. Those fingers gently started to stroke his skin right between his eyebrows, only pushing him deeper into unconsciousness.

“Sleep.” A gentle voice whispered.

And he did.

He only woke up when Changbin gently shook him awake.

“Hey, sorry to wake you up, but our next class is about to start.” His friend truly seemed apologetic.

Minho shook his head, stretching his arms and back with a grunt. It took him a few minutes to remember that touch.

“Did you see anyone nearby when you arrived?” He questioned.

Changbin looked at him, shaking his head.

“Nope. No one, why?”

The son of Phobos sighed, rubbing his face.

“Nothing. I must have been dreaming.” He mumbled.

Grabbing his bag, he yawned before following Changbin who started explaining how meeting his professor had been.

“Taking those naps must help you a lot, hyung.” His friend commented, looking at his face. “You look a little less pale.”

Minho blinked, indeed feeling rested. His body felt less heavy.

Both demigods were unaware that someone was watching them from behind one of the bookshelves with a soft smile.

✴

Minho found himself locking his dorm room a few days later. He had to meet Changbin, Christopher and Felix in one of the nearby coffee shops.

As usual, he pulled the hood of his hoodie up and made his way down the stairs. He pushed the main door of his building open and froze in his tracks, noticing a familiar person there.

Christopher was looking up toward the sky, seemingly waiting for someone. And seeing how wide he smiled when Minho approached, he figured he was that someone.

“Minho, hi! I hope having me waiting for you isn’t a problem?” The light demigod asked. “We reside in the same building so I thought walking to the coffee shop with you would be better than going alone.”

That was news for the dark demigod. He didn’t even know they resided in the same building.

“No, it’s fine…” Minho answered slowly. “ But how do you know about my dorm?”

Christopher looked a little embarrassed, but he still answered. Well, he had to if he didn't want Minho to see him as a creep.

“I often go back late because I like working on songs in the University’s studio. I noticed you walking back one night. Well, not exactly you, but the keychains you have on your bag.” He pointed toward the three cat heads dangling from his bag. “You seem to like cats.”

Minho nodded and they started walking, making their way to the meeting point.

“I do, I actually have three.” He said, making the other demigod smile.

“Do they look like those keychains of yours?” Christopher’s smile only got wider when Minho nodded. “They must be very cute!”

The son of Phobos listened as the light demigod went on telling him about his own dog, Berry. Christopher was gesturing around while sharing funny stories.

“And then, one time she-” The son of Eirene had started before a strong gush of wind interrupted them.

Minho loved autumn, but the strong and cold wind wasn’t his favorite thing. He had closed his eyes and ducked his head in order to avoid getting cold air on his neck. That had only helped the wind with pushing his hood down. Squinting his eyes, he grunted slightly as he looked forward.

Christopher was looking right at him with wide eyes, his blond hair caught in the wind. It was as if Minho saw his face properly for the first time. Plump lips, dark but beautiful eyes and that light aura. Everything about the other screamed angelic. However, Minho frowned at the look on his face.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?” He asked, checking if he was still suppressing his own aura.

The light demigod didn’t answer, but he slowly lifted a hand. Minho watched it approach, his eyes narrowing slightly but he didn’t move away. Against his own will, his brain decided to be curious. He swallowed when Christopher’s fingers caught a strand of his bangs, of his purple hair. He waited for the usual reaction. The disgust or the fear.

However, Christopher showed none of that.

“How pretty.” He breathed, surprising Minho. “Is that your natural hair?”

The dark demigod nodded, at loss for words. No one had called his hair pretty before.

“I had been wondering why you always had your hood up. Why are you hiding it? It would be gorgeous under the sunlight!”

Christopher was looking at him with wonder, his eyes sparkling so much that the dark demigod felt a little dizzy from it.

“To avoid getting attention.” Minho answered quietly. “We already get enough problems as it is, having colored hair would only worsen it for me.”

That made the light demigod frown.

“I never understood the discrimination.” He said, finally pulling his hand back. “Even more so coming from the professors.”

Minho shrugged, starting to walk again without making a move to pull his hood up. Christopher seemed to notice that as he smiled.

“Unfortunately, there’s nothing much we can do about it.”

The son of Eirene didn’t share that opinion.

It was quite refreshing for Minho to hear a light being pointing out everything that was unfair to the dark beings. Apparently, he had even made a list along with testimonials and had dropped it to the Rector’s office.

“Why? Why would you do that?” The purple haired asked, a little grateful but very confused.

The blond only smiled, turning to look at Minho with a peculiar look in his eyes.

“That’s a secret.”

He accepted that answer. After all, he wasn’t owed any answers.

They met up with Changbin and Felix who were already sitting inside, each with a cup of coffee. Christopher gently grabbed onto Minho’s shoulder, making him feel that peculiar seeping sensation again.

He turned his head to glance at the light demigod’s hand, trying to see if he was deliberately doing something. Minho couldn’t see anything, but he could feel it still. However, before he could voice his question out loud, he was pulled closer to the table.

Changbin waved, patting the seat next to him for Minho to sit.

“Hi hyung, did you two meet on the way here?” The son of Hades asked.

“I actually waited for him, we reside in the same building.” The son of Eirene answered instead of him.

Changbin turned to look at Minho, arching an eyebrow. The latter shrugged, not knowing what to say.

They decided to drop the subject in order to get some work done.

They shared opinions, hypotheses, discussed the clues, possible scenarios and started a draft. Minho was actually enjoying himself. It was very easy to talk with the two light beings who listened carefully to them before sharing their own thoughts. Changbin had seemed to have fun as well, seeing the small smile present on his lips.

For the first time, they felt normal. And it was very nice.

But of course, it couldn’t last.

The four of them were so engrossed in their work that they jumped when someone approached Christopher and Felix. Well, not someone, a group of people. Nymphs, Minho noted.

They were all softness and sweet smiles until their eyes shifted to the two dark demigods, making Changbin and Minho sigh. They knew what was coming.

“Why are you hanging out with them?” One of the nymphs asked, disgust clear in her voice.

Minho felt Changbin tense next to him, however this time, he didn’t stop it. But Christopher surprised them both.

“We are currently working. It is very rude to interrupt people like this.” The light demigod said, openly showing his annoyance.

Even Felix’s face was stern.

“But you shouldn’t be with people like that, Christopher!” Another nymph insisted.

The two dark demigods watched as the two light beings defended them.

“Who are you to decide that for me?” Christopher arched an eyebrow, now pissed. “You are merely a stranger to me but you think you have the right to voice your disgusting opinion regarding who I decide to spend time with? What? You want me to hang out with you instead? Fix those ugly ideas and attitudes first.”

Minho only blinked at that, but the light demigod wasn’t done.

“You think just thanks to your light essence, you are benevolent? Look at what you just did. You ostracize people without even knowing them. Is that what being benevolent is to you?” Christopher genuinely asked. “Wake up and ask yourselves the right questions.”

The group look chastised, very taken aback by the light demigod’s speech. Minho felt Changbin leaning closer to him.

“Did he just defend us?” His friend whispered, staring at the son of Eirene with wide eyes.

Minho only nodded, just as stunned.

Christopher turned toward them, the cold expression on his face vanishing to show a smile.

“Where were we?” He said lightly, looking at their papers.

The two dark demigods could only keep staring, bewildered.

✴

Minho somehow started to see Chan a lot around campus after their first meeting.

He was either walking to class, talking with someone, eating in the cafeteria, in his dorm building, in their joint class. And every time, he would wave at Minho with a smile.

That made him huff in amusement each time.

Changbin had been spending a lot of time with Felix, making Minho glad that the son of the Underworld had found a new friend.

Christopher, who requested for him to call him Chan, had been around Minho a lot. The dark demigod felt a little thankful for that despite how out of nowhere it had come from.

During their joint class, it wasn’t unusual for the two light beings to sit at their table, using the opportunity to try and get closer to them.

Felix had been very curious about Changbin’s parents, for some reason.

“Everyone knows their story! I've always thought it was sweet.” The Fairy had told the son of the Underworld.

“Really?” The dark demigod questioned, arching an eyebrow.

Minho couldn't blame him, they had both heard many things about their parents, and it was rarely kind. For example, the purple haired had been told that his father, Phobos, had eaten many warrior's hearts on the battlefield. Needless to say that the image haunted his dreams for days before he worked up the courage to ask his father whether it was true or not. He was quickly relieved to see Phobos’ nose scrunch up in disgust. The God of fear had been covered in blood more than once, but he never ate anything of that sort.

Changbin, him, was used to hearing much worse about his father, Hades. Some said he kidnapped Persephone and forced her to swallow the six pomegranate seeds. Others would say that the guardian of the Underworld was just a pervert who had been attracted to the goddess’ youth. The demigod had defended his father's honor, and Minho had helped with that.

Those were the only times he didn't feel guilty about using his ability. He let his frightening aura out while Changbin talked, acting like a scary bodyguard with his arms crossed and his piercing glare.

So hearing a positive opinion was a nice change.

Felix nodded, smiling at Changbin.

“Yes! I know that she followed him willingly. My mom was a witch, you see? And she used to tell me that story when I was younger. Your father’s courting gestures were very sweet as well.”

Minho smiled slightly as he saw how taken aback his friend was. The purple haired was starting to think that having Felix around was probably a good idea. The son of the Underworld was too used to darkness and negativity, the Fairy was a great change.

Leaning forward, Chan searched for the purple haired’s eyes in order to get his attention.

“What about you, Minho? How are your parents like?” The light demigod asked with a curious tilt of his head.

The dark demigod hummed, searching for the right words.

“Well, he is a very nice father.” He started. “Despite my mother being a human, I got to meet him when I was a child, so I never really missed him. He loves to share his knowledge and he taught me how to use a sword during my teenage years.”

Chan’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Wow! That's really impressive!”

“What about you?” Minho asked in return. “How is your mother?”

The light demigod smiled.

“She is very calm and loves to lecture me.” He huffed. “I despise injustice and I tend to react a little too passionately to her taste.”

Meaning that Chan often got mad and voiced out his thoughts without any filters.

It was still a nice thing to have, Minho thought, the courage to point those out and stand by his values.

“I think it is impressive.” The son of Phobos admitted, missing how Chan blushed at his compliment. “If everyone could be as brave as you, the world would be easier to live in.”

The son of Eirene had remained quiet after that, but the smile on his lips wouldn't leave anytime soon.

✴

The morning of their presentation came rather quickly, but the four of them felt very confident. Felix had done a great job with their powerpoint and Minho had redacted the whole work file until he was completely satisfied with it. Chan and Changbin had both provided the materials and information concerning the case. They had all worked hard and for the first time, the dark demigods had discovered what working as a group truly was.

Upon waking up, Minho knew something was bound to go wrong that day. Nightmares had plagued his whole night.

He was in a murderous mood.

Glancing into the mirror, he almost wanted to break it. A pissed expression seemed to have taken a permanent place on his face and the dark circles under his eyes had worsened.

He felt sick, incredibly heavy and ready to shout at anyone who might look at him wrong. However, as much as he wanted to stay in his dorm, he refused to let Chan, Changbin and Felix down.

He had to walk to the amphitheater alone since Chan sent him a text telling him that he had decided to leave his dorm early in order to have the time to prepare everything without having to rush. He didn’t want to risk realizing they had forgotten something in the middle of their presentation.

The purple haired had respected that.

Pushing the door open, he immediately wanted to leave. He didn’t want to deal with people and their bullshit today. Usually, despite his bad mood, he always managed to deal with it. Right now, he felt like a fuse waiting for the right time to blow.

All the seats were taken, which immediately made Minho frown. They never were all taken.

He joined the rest of his group at the front of the amphitheater where their powerpoint was currently being projected on the white sheet used for this purpose. The purple haired put a hand on Changbin’s shoulder, who turned with a smile that vanished upon seeing his face.

“Hyung…” He said with that damn concern in his tone.

“Quiet.” He grumbled, silencing the other with a glare. “Is everything ready?”

Felix nodded, his eyes on the computer screen as he made sure their powerpoint was working.

“We are all set, Hyung. We only have to wait for the teacher to arrive.”

Minho hummed, rubbing his temples as he felt the beginning of a migraine setting in. Plus, the bright lights in the room weren’t helping with that. He missed the concerned look Chan threw his way when he turned to observe the room.

“Why is it so crowded here?” He asked no one in particular.

“For the same reason as usual, Hyung.” Changbin said, now standing next to him as they gazed at the chatting students in front of them. “We are a curious attraction. Apparently, they heard from someone that those two teamed with us.”

The son of the Underworld said, pointing toward Chan and Felix who were both discussing near the computer.

“They want to see us fail.” His friend said. “But we’ll prove them wrong, like we always do.”

Minho sighed, then grabbed onto Changbin’s shoulder.

“Let’s get done with this.”

The two dark demigods turned as their Professor entered the room, before joining the two light beings waiting for them. The purple haired had made recaps of each of their parts to make it easier for them to present every small detail about the case. Plus, dates were quite important as well.

Minho and Changbin had the murder part, taking turns in explaining the killer’s characteristics and the victim’s. They would have to dive into the killer’s mind and reveal every sickening detail about their twisted mind.

Felix would have the investigation part, while Chan would back him up with the judicial part. They had planned to intervene in each others’ parts as well since they were interwoven.

The professor settled down, taking out a piece of paper in order to write down commentaries and such. Minho was looking down at his papers, reminding himself of the key points when the first drop fell into his irritated vase.

“Lee Minho, I would appreciate it if you could pull down your hood for the presentation.” Their professor voiced out loud, not even glancing at him. “I believe it is basic respect.”

Clenching his jaws tightly in order to keep the scathing remark he wanted to make quiet, he pulled down his hood. The snickers and muffled laughs that had filled the room after the demand got quiet as all the eyes present in the amphitheater fixed on his purple hair. A small gasp came from his left, followed by a whispered “That’s so pretty!” coming for Felix. He appreciated it, but the Fairy was one voice against hundreds.

“Unnatural, just like his birth…”

“Pure evil…”

“How ugly.”

He took a deep breath, trying to push the impending explosion back down.

Then, they received the green light to start their presentation.

Minho decided to focus on Changbin. He made sure to make his voice loud and clear, pointing to certain details on the white sheet when it was necessary. After a few minutes of talking, the son of the Underworld started on his part. That gave the son of Phobos some time to breathe.
It was soon Felix’s turn, and the two dark demigods had moved to the side in order to give their partners space. The purple haired found that he explained the investigation in a way that would make even someone bored listen. Chan took over with the complex part of the trials and the judicial decisions. However, since it was his major, he managed to explain things in a way that made it easy to understand.

In a matter of almost an hour, they were done. Looking at each other, the four of them felt quite satisfied with their work, seeing the smiles Minho saw on their faces.

Then came the questions, the part he dreaded. Giving light beings the opportunity of questioning dark beings in front of a whole amphitheater was the worst case scenario possible. Why? Because of the group effect.

And sure enough.

“My question is for Seo Changbin.” A light demigod said, his hands raised with a smirk Minho immediately glared at. “Do you know so much about criminals because you spend your whole time among them?”

The purple haired had never felt his body go so tense before.

“I mean, with living in the underworld and all that, you must know a lot about torturing and killing people.” That guy mused, insulting his friend in the most vile way possible. “Perhaps they even gave you advice?”

That wasn’t a drop. That was a damn waterfall. And Minho exploded.

His body let out the shadows he had kept suppressed for too long, so much that they filled the whole room. He watched with sickening satisfaction as those disgusting smirks changed into frightened expressions. The son of Phobos would let them die of fear for all he cared, he was done with protecting those assholes from his power. Why was he even doing it in the first place?

He walked until he was right in front of the now quivering cocky guy who stared at him with wide eyes.

“Would you like to repeat what you just said to me?” The purple haired said, slamming his hands onto the desk in order to lean in, oppressing the light being even more. “I don’t think I heard you clearly.”

Upon seeing him trembling but getting no reply, he arched an eyebrow. The coldness of his aura was biting their skin, and he found a sadistic pleasure in that.

“Dare say something like that in front of me again and we’ll see who will end up dead.” The son of Phobos threatened, making sure that his word would go through the guy’s skull.

Taking a step back, he looked around the room. The walls, windows and doors weren’t visible anymore, covered in pitch black moving shadows. Both students and Professor were trembling, staring at him with horrified expressions. Good, He thought, now they would realize how lucky they were until now. Minho could see them sweating. He could hear them breathing loudly, heavily, and some were even hyperventilating. Some were frozen in their seats while others tried to hide from his eyes.

Turning in order to see if Changbin was alright, Minho froze in his tracks. For a reason he didn’t understand, seeing Chan staring at him with those wide eyes broke something inside of him. He didn’t even dare look at Felix. The Fairy was probably utterly terrified.

That made him flee the room.

He ran. He needed to get his aura away from the two he came to appreciate somewhere during their meetings. Chan and Felix had proven to him that not all light beings were horrible. And he had ruined that. Now, they would probably be too scared to approach him again.

His feet led him to a rarely used staircase, a little hidden from view. He sat on the third stair, hiding his face into his hands. That’s when he realized how fucked he was. Minho couldn’t suppress his aura. His shadows were currently overtaking the whole staircase and the surrounding walls. His hands pushed against his eyes, trying to find a solution.

Suddenly, the sounds of someone approaching were brought to his ears. That person was panting, as if they had been running. Perhaps, they had run after him?

Upon hearing them stop right in front of him, Minho supposed it was the case. And since his shadows were still out, he had a good idea as to who it was.

“Go away Changbin.” He grunted, not lifting his head up. “I am not in the mood to be scolded.”

The purple haired heard a sigh, then footsteps again. Good, his friend was listening.

He let out a sound of protest when he felt two arms wrap around him from behind. Minho felt a torso against his back as the other sat behind him on the stair above his, legs framing his hips.

“Changb-” He stopped, feeling a curious sensation.

He frowned, glaring at the floor before the coin fell. That seeping sensation.

“Chan-hyung…?” He asked hesitantly, relaxing only when a soft hum answered him.

That wasn’t good, he shouldn’t be there.

“Hyung, you need to leave.” Minho said, trying to break the strong grip the light demigod had on him. “I can’t settle down right now.”

“I am staying.” Chan said, his voice stern. “I am not leaving you alone.”

The hug got tighter around him, slowly healing the thing that had been broken inside of the dark demigod. He didn’t understand why he was fine with the light demigods’ touch, why he let Chan get so close to him.

But he needed it.

Chan seemed to understand that.

The son of Eirene hugged him even tighter, if that was even possible. Minho felt his chin settle on the top of his head as the two strong arms wrapped around his shoulders, pulling him to his chest. The seeping feeling Chan’s touch gave him was settling down the purple haired’s inner tornado. The feeling reminded him of waves, slow and washing over his unsettled energy.

“I’m sorry for scaring you, Hyung.” Minho mumbled, guilt filling his insides.

He felt the light demigod shake his head.

“You didn’t scare me, Minho-yah.” Chan answered gently. “I was just surprised to see how powerful you were.”

The dark demigod blinked, surprised by the other’s words. Was he powerful?

“Changbin and you never told us about your abilities, so I didn’t know what to expect.” The blond said.

“We’re just very reserved.” The purple haired mumbled. “I don’t think I have explained it to someone other than Changbin.”

Chan hummed softly.

“Will you explain them to me?” He asked gently.

Minho told the light demigod about his frightening aura, his ability to see fearful moments in people’s memories, and his ability to control shadows like Changbin.

“I am fear personified, Hyung.” The dark demigod said quietly. “Perhaps it would be wise for you to keep your distance-”

“Nonsense.” Chan cut him sternly, his grip tightening around him again. “Don’t you dare try to push me away. That is for me to decide, Minho. I will choose to remain by your side over and over again.”

“Why?” Minho mumbled, not understanding why he would do that for him.

“That’s a secret.” The light demigod answered, making the dark demigod grumble.

“You’re lucky I have some respect for you, Hyung.” He huffed, his grumbles making the older chuckle.

Chan gently rocked them, waiting for Minho to feel better before they returned to Changbin and Felix who were apparently very worried about him. The four of them went out to eat, both to celebrate the end of their presentation and to spend time together.

Despite his blow up, they still got a high grade, the best out of the whole class. Changbin and Felix would later joke that their Professor probably didn’t want to have Minho on his back.

The son of Phobos gave them a proud smirk.

✴

A few days later, Minho found himself back in the library. Changbin was meeting with Felix so the purple haired decided to take a small nap.

They had been making him feel better after his blow up. Perhaps he had needed that in order to feel like himself again. He was still far from achieving that, but he was on the right track.

However, he was starting to suspect that a certain someone was for something in that drastic change.

Since the last time he had taken a nap in his usual place and felt those gentle fingers, he had tried to remain awake a little longer in order to know if that person was there every single time. And they were.

Therefore, he started a solo investigation to try and find who it might be. And his attention very easily turned to Chan.

For one, it had to be someone who dared approach him while his frightening aura was out. The dark demigod also supposed that it should be someone who wanted his well-being, since their touch was delicate and gentle.

His suspicions very easily pointed toward Chan once again.

The light demigod was touching him a lot, and every single time, there was that sensation. It was like the light demigod was pulling the fatigue out of him. Minho came to think that perhaps, during all those naps, Chan was there. However, it seemed also a little high perched if you’d ask him. Why would the son of Eirene do that for him?

So one day, he decided to test his theory.

He acted like usual, making his way to the library and sitting down at his table. Minho leaned his head down on his arms but this time, he didn’t let himself relax. He let out a bit of his frightening aura to make it more real, more believable.

Then he waited. Thankfully, not for long.

Because as he had guessed, his prey wasn’t too far from him.

He heard a chair being drawn back, the sound of someone sitting down and a familiar soft chuckle. He tried to avoid flinching when the fingers started caressing his forehead, in a soothing motion. Minho let it happen for a minute or two before moving quickly. He caught the person’s wrist in a tight grip, opening his eyes.

Sure enough, Chan was there, staring at him like a deer caught in headlights.

“Explain.” Minho said, still holding onto his wrist, schooling his expression in order to show nothing of his inner feelings.

The light demigod looked down at the hand holding his wrist before gazing into his eyes again.

“I’m sorry…” He mumbled, which made Minho tighten his grip.

“That isn’t what I asked, Chan.” The dark demigod insisted.

Chan sighed before nodding.

“Alright. You caught me, but I only wanted to help you, I promise I had no other intentions.” He pleaded, his eyes showing just how true his words were. “I just saw you sleeping here one day and you were frowning like you were having a nightmare. My powers bring calmness and peace so I thought that might help…”

Minho blinked.

“So, that is what your touch does? It brings me peace?”

Chan nodded.

“It is supposed to, yes. Did it make you feel any better?”

“Yes… But I don’t get why you would do all this for me?” The purple haired frowned. “Surely, there must be a reason behind your actions.”

Upon seeing the blond opening his mouth, he glared.

“I swear to Phobos, if you dare tell me that it is a secret again-” He threatened before being cut.

“Don’t say that! I want your father to like me…” The light demigod hurriedly said, looking worried.

That confused Minho a little. Chan wanted his father to like him? Why?

“Why?” He voiced out.

The blond swallowed nervously, his demeanor confusing the purple haired even more. It wasn’t like Chan to act nervous or shy.

“I suppose that I have no choice.” The blond mumbled before looking right into Minho’s eyes. “I have feelings for you. I have been cherishing them for quite some time now.”

That made the dark demigod feel like he had no oxygen in his lungs. Or even into his brain at this point.

Chan, the popular light demigod who looked like he had been sculpted by the angels, had feelings for him. Him, the son of the God of fear with issues. He couldn’t believe it.

“Are you playing a prank on me?” Minho asked, unsure about what else to say.

The genuine look of confusion he received confirmed that the blond had been nothing other than honest.

“I would never joke about my feelings. I would even less play with yours.” The older replied, a little vexed that the dark demigod had even suggested that.

Guilt made Minho sigh as he realized that he was being unfair to Chan.

“You’re right, I am sorry. I’m just not used to… this.”

“You mean confessions?” The light demigod asked, arching an eyebrow.

Realizing that it was indeed one, the purple haired felt his cheeks burn. He didn’t like it. He hated the smile Chan harbored upon seeing the red on his face even more.

“Yeah, that.” He grumbled.

That soft chuckle answered him.

“So, how long have you been spying on me, exactly?” He asked, curious to know since when the light demigod had been helping him in the dark.

It was Chan’s turn to blush, apparently very embarrassed by his answer. He cleared his throat, trying to win some time before having to voice it out.

“Since that day you have rescued Changbin from bullies…” He reluctantly admitted, making Minho gape in shock.

Over a year. Chan had been trailing him for over a year. Wasn’t that stalker behavior?

Chan, always reading his expressions easily, groaned loudly.

“I wasn’t stalking you, Minho-yah.” He almost whined. “You just seemed to be in front of me at the right moment. I can’t explain it, but I have never had to seek you out. I knew when you would take naps, there’s this feeling inside of me…”

The dark demigod tilted his head curiously at that.

“Are you saying that we might be linked?” He questioned.

A link was quite like a bond, except they were accidental. It could be born from Chan’s desire to help him. And since Minho had warmed up to him a long time ago, the constant touching had helped that link come into existence. However, it wasn’t only a one way thing, which meant that he had wanted something to do with Chan.

The light demigod nodded, looking apologetic.

“I’m sorry, Minho-yah. I didn’t mean for it to happen but I kept seeing you walk around, looking paler and sicker each time. I really wanted to be able to help you. But I didn’t know how to approach you since you kept glaring at others. I thought that I would only bother you, and even if I walked up to you, what would I ever tell you? We were strangers to each other.”

He sighed softly.

“So I took that group presentation as a blessing in disguise. I really wanted to get closer to you, to get to know the real you since I had gotten a glimpse of it that day.” Minho saw how Chan’s eyes softened. “I have to say that I am not disappointed in seeing who you are. You fiercely protect your friend despite everything others could say about you. You avoided using violence whenever you could, you remained courteous with light beings despite the treatment you received from them. But above all, you suppressed your powers to avoid making them, us, uncomfortable when you could have done the opposite. Frankly speaking, they would have deserved it.”

The light demigod gently shifted his hand, holding Minho’s.

“You are my secret, Lee Minho.” He said gently, with so many emotions that the dark demigod felt like his breathing had stopped again. “Your actions made me fall hard for you.”

“But… you truly weren’t scared of me?” He asked, his insecurities surfacing.

Chan shook his head, not once lying.

“I promise I was only surprised. I could feel your inner storm thanks to my senses, so I ran after you in order to offer my help.”

“Thank you for that…” The purple haired mumbled shyly.

The older blinked, then smirked slightly.

“Don’t thank me, Minho-yah. I very much enjoyed hugging you so tight.”

Gaping, the dark demigod stared at the other, he could feel his cheeks and ears turn red once again.

“Don’t say things like that!”

Why not? That is what happened after all.” Chan said with a wolfish grin.

A realization made Minho gasp loudly, pointing an accusing finger at the other.

“You already knew about my hair, didn’t you?!”

The light demigod laughed, nodding to confirm the dark demigod’s suspicions.

“I did, yes. But I was very happy to finally tell you how pretty I found your hair. I need to see it shine under the sunlight, Minho. You don’t understand how much I need to see it.”

The younger flushed, flattered to hear those words.
“You are exaggerating…” He mumbled, to which Chan shrugged.

Now, one question remained: what did Minho feel for Chan?

The newfound existence of a link between them changed a lot of things. Even though they were accidental, they were still precious if both parts consented to nurture it. Of course, they had no obligation.

Thinking, he started to compare Chan to Changbin. Since the latter was his friend, he supposed that thanks to the comparison, he could decide whether Chan was a friend or something more.

Minho accepted both of their touches, but he had to admit that the light demigod’s made him crave him sometimes. It had confused him more than once, but that hug in the staircase had made it clear to him. He wanted to be hugged like that more.

Both were immune to his frightening aura, which he was immensely glad about.

Chan had the ability to ease his inner tornado, meaning that they were complementary. It just showed how compatible they were to each other. Minho also loved his bright aura, his dimpled smile, his soft chuckles, his high pitched laugh, his reliability, and above all his honesty.

“Did you send that file to the rector for me too…?” He questioned, scared to be wrong.

But the nod he received shocked him more than anything.

The blond had gone to that extent for him.

Minho couldn’t deny that he felt a lot of affection for the other. It was undeniable or he would want to be hugged more and for longer. But was that love? He had no idea…

He felt ridiculous for not knowing that.

“I’m sorry, Hyung.” He said, embarrassed as he averted his gaze. “I don’t know what liking someone feels like…”

The older smiled softly, squeezing his hand in comfort.

“That’s totally okay, Minho-yah.” He said gently. “If you want, we could test it?”

Curious, the purple haired nodded.

“How?”

He blinked when Chan leaned closer.

“May I kiss you?” The blond asked, his eyes glancing down at his lips.

Swallowing nervously, Minho did the same thing. Chan’s lips looked soft and were very plump. He needed to know how they felt against his own, despite having never kissed anyone else before.

“Yes…” He mumbled, blinking quickly when the light demigod leaned even closer.

Closing his eyes, Minho felt when their lips finally touched. It felt like his whole body had become even more sensitive to the older’s touch. Chan was gentle, coaxing him into mirroring his actions, which he did. One hand cupped his cheek, guiding his head as the kiss deepened. He let out a small surprised sound when Chan’s tongue slipped past his lips, gently gliding against his own. It felt a little weird at the beginning, but then, upon realizing what was concretely happening, a curious sensation erupted in his stomach. Were those the famous butterflies?

The kiss lasted a few minutes. Minutes which Minho gladly let Chan lead.

When the light demigod pulled away, he smiled at the dark demigod’s dazed expression.

“Cute…” Chan whispered, gently caressing Minho’s cheekbone with his thumb. “You are adorable.”

The purple haired blinked as he was manhandled onto the blond’s lap, but to be fair, he didn’t fight it. Thankfully, Minho’s favorite table was hidden from sight.

Chan’s strong arms wrapped around him as he tucked Minho’s head under his chin.

“What did you think of the kiss?” He asked softly.

The dark demigod hummed.

“I liked it. A lot.” He admitted.

He felt how tighter the grip got around him, so he let himself melt into the embrace.

“I think I like you too…” He said, turning in order to hide his blushing into the crook of Chan’s neck.

He couldn’t see how wide the older grinned, but he felt it in his words.

“You will have me, just like I will have you.” Chan whispered in his ear. “You will be the light of my existence. So, let me ease your shadows.”

Minho smiled softly, knowing that he had found his partner for life.