Chapter Text
Euijoo found sanctuary in silence. As a store owner, he cherished the quiet of the ancient store, the way dust danced in the afternoon light, and the gentle rustle of turning pages.
His store was named "Sanctuary" for a reason.
His world was one of order and tranquility, a stark contrast to the chaos that lurked just beyond the bookstore's doors.
One Tuesday afternoon, the tranquility was violently shattered.
The heavy oak doors flew open with such force they slammed against the interior walls, the sound echoing through the silent store.
A man stumbled in, his breath coming in gasps. He was dressed entirely in black, and his dark hair was slightly disheveled, falling into eyes that darted around the room. He was beautiful in a way that made Euijoo's breath catch, like a model who had wandered off a high-fashion photoshoot and into Euijoo's quiet life.
He was completely, wonderfully out of place.
The man's gaze swept past shelves of forgotten books and landed on Euijoo behind the desk. For a split second, their eyes met. A grin, sharp and unexpectedly charming, flashed across the stranger's face before he vanished between the towering shelves of the history section, disappearing like a shadow.
Euijoo stood frozen, his hand hovering over a book he was reading. Confusion warred in his chest. Before he could process what had happened, movement outside the large arched window caught his attention. Six men, running in a tight, disciplined formation, sprinted past the store. They didn't glance toward the building, their focus fixed on some point further down the street. They were gone as quickly as they had appeared.
The silence that followed was heavier than before. Euijoo took a hesitant step toward the history aisle.
"It's safe now," he called out, his voice sounding unnaturally loud in the stillness.
There was a pause, then a soft rustle. The man in black emerged from between the shelves, looking slightly sheepish. He ran a hand through his dark hair, a sheepish smile replacing the earlier grin.
"Thanks," he said, his voice a low, pleasant rumble. "I'm Nicholas. I owe you one."
"Im Euijoo."
"Hello, Euijoo." Nicholas replied with a kind smile.
Euijoo leaned against his desk, trying to appear casual. "It's not most days a werewolf comes running through these doors."
The man's smile faltered, replaced by genuine surprise. He stared at Euijoo, his eyes widening slightly. Then, as if noticing his surroundings for the first time, he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. A look of understanding dawned on his face.
"Right," he said, nodding. "I didn't realize I was running into a wizard's store until right this second." He gestured vaguely at the air around them. "It's... strong here." He was referring to the magic.
"This store appears itself to those in need," Euijoo explained simply. "It seems you needed sanctuary."
The man let out a relieved laugh. "You have no idea. I really didn't feel like fighting those guys." He began pacing slightly, running a hand through his hair again. "Gods, I'm already so late to Taki's birthday party. Fuma is going to kill me. He told me to take the shortcut, but does he ever consider who might be lying in wait? No. Of course not. And now I'm going to show up smelling like sweat and vam—"
Euijoo watched him, thinking this was, without a doubt, the strangest man who had ever sought refuge in his store.
Suddenly, Nicholas's phone buzzed. He pulled it from his pocket, glanced at the screen, and cursed under his breath. "Fuma," he muttered, shoving the phone back into his pocket. He turned to Euijoo, his expression apologetic. "I have to run. But hey," he added with another one of those disarming grins, "I'll see you tomorrow."
Before Euijoo could formulate a response, Nicholas was gone, disappearing through the oak doors as quickly as he had arrived.
Euijoo stood alone in the silent book store, the scent of something wild and earthy lingering in the air where the werewolf had stood. He shook his head slowly, a faint smile touching his lips. He wouldn't see the man again. The store had already offered its help once, and twice was a stretch, even for a magical being like a werewolf.
-----
The next day, around noon, the store was steeped in its usual comfortable silence. Euijoo had just finished helping a banshee locate a particularly dense book on ancestral wailing when the heavy oak doors swung open. His breath hitched.
Nicholas walked in, and this time he didn't look like he was fleeing for his life. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit that fit his athletic frame as if it were made for him, the dark fabric a stark contrast to his fair skin. He looked less like an escapee and more like a CEO, and he still carried that same confident energy. In one hand, he held a crisp white paper bag, the top neatly folded over.
Euijoo felt a jolt of pure shock. The store had revealed itself again. The ancient magic of the place was reserved for those in true need of the store, and while Nicholas had certainly needed help yesterday, what could possibly warrant a second appearance in less than twenty-four hours? Had he come seeking something specific?
Nicholas spotted him behind the desk and a wide grin spread across his face. He strode confidently through the store.
"Hi," he said, stopping just in front of the desk.
"Hello," Euijoo managed, a shy warmth creeping up his neck. He felt suddenly awkward in his simple cardigan.
Without preamble, Nicholas held up the bag and carefully unfolded the top. The scent of sugar, butter, and warm fruit instantly filled the air. Inside were six pastries, each a miniature work of art—a flaky croissant dusted with chocolate, a vibrant fruit tart with glaze, a cream-filled éclair.
"These are for you," Nicholas said, his voice sincere. "A thank you. For helping me yesterday."
"I didn't really do anything," Euijoo protested, his gaze fixed on the delicious-looking offerings. "It was the store that helped you."
Nicholas tilted his head, his eyes twinkling. "Is the store yours?"
Euijoo hesitated, then nodded. "Yes."
"Then you did help me," Nicholas insisted, pushing the bag gently across the desk. "And I want to pay you back. I hope you like desserts. My pack mate Yuma runs a bakery, and seriously, these are the best treats in the city."
Euijoo's fingers brushed against Nicholas's as he took the bag, and a small spark seemed to jump between them. "Thank you," he said, his voice softer than he intended.
A comfortable silence settled for a moment before Euijoo gathered his courage. "Did you make it to your friend's birthday in time yesterday?"
Nicholas let out a short, humorless laugh. "No. And I almost got my ass beat by Yudai for showing up so late, but what's new?" He shook his head, but then a real laugh came out. It was a beautiful sound, rich and warm, and it made Euijoo's chest feel tight.
"Why the suit?" Euijoo asked, gesturing to the impeccable attire.
"Ah," Nicholas sighed, the smile dimming slightly. "Boring werewolf meeting. A get-together to argue about territory and other nonsense."
Euijoo's eyes widened. The werewolf meetings were legendary, attended only by the strongest alphas and pack leaders. It was another confirmation that Nicholas was far more important than he let on.
"I have to run," Nicholas said, checking a slim, expensive-looking watch on his wrist. He turned to leave, but Euijoo's curiosity, and something else he couldn't name, compelled him to speak.
"Did you need anything from the store?" he asked, the words tumbling out before he could stop them.
Nicholas paused by the door and turned back. A slow, genuine smile spread across his face. He looked directly at Euijoo, his gaze open and clear.
"No," he said. "I just wanted to see you."
And then he was gone, leaving Euijoo standing speechless behind his desk, the bag of pastries feeling heavy in his hands. He didn't know how to react. The store seemed to hold its breath with him.
Then, from the romance aisle, a soft thump broke the silence. Euijoo looked over to see a book lying face up on the floor, having thrown itself from a high shelf. He walked over slowly and picked it up. The title on the leather-bound spine read: Unexpected Bonds: When Fate Intervenes.
Euijoo paused for 5 seconds and then said, "Shut up."
-----
The morning air was crisp as Euijoo made his way toward the quiet street that housed his store. He detoured first, a heavy, leather book tucked under his arm. The apothecary's shop, "Bubble and Boil" was already bustling with the soft glow of simmering potions and the scent of dried herbs. A small bell chimed as he pushed the door open.
"Euijoo! You're here! You're a lifesaver!" a voice called from behind a counter cluttered with vials and what looked like bundles of lavender. Yeji looked up, her silver hair pulled back in a messy bun, a smudge of some sort of black powder on her cheek. They had grown up together, two magical kids finding their footing in a world of spells and spirits, their friendship forged over shared textbooks and potion mishaps.
"I promised," Euijoo said with a small smile, placing the ancient medicine book on a rare clear spot on her counter. "Herbal Spells of the Third Age. I knew you were swamped with the Solstice preparations."
"You have no idea," she sighed, wiping her hands on her apron. "Speaking of swamped, the gossiping spirits are absolutely chattering today. You won't believe what they're whispering about last night's werewolf meeting."
Euijoo's interest piqued. "Oh?"
"Apparently, there's a new head alpha ascending," Yeji said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial hush. "A complete power shift. Goes by Fuma. Apparently he's taking over as head alpha for the entire city."
Euijoo froze, the name hitting him. Fuma. He remembered Nicholas's frantic muttering in the store, the way he'd cursed his phone. It can't possibly be the same person, he told himself, but the coincidence was too staggering to ignore. "Do they know anything else? Where did he come from?"
"That's the thing," Yeji said, shaking her head. "It's all hush. No one knows much. The spirits just say he's powerful, that the change was absolute. It's all very mysterious." They talked for a few more minutes about the potential upheaval in the supernatural community before Euijoo took his leave, his mind now a whirlwind of questions.
As he walked the remaining block to the bookstore, Nicholas pushed his way to the forefront of his thoughts. The memory of the werewolf's charming grin, the unexpected sweetness of the gesture, made his own lips curve into a smile. He'd eaten three of the pastries last night, unable to resist the buttery, flaky perfection, and had brought a fourth with him for a mid-morning snack. They were, as Nicholas had claimed, the best in the city.
He unlocked the store doors and stepped inside, the familiar scent of old paper and settled magic calming his racing thoughts. He wondered if Nicholas would try to come again. And if he did, would the store's magic deem him worthy of a third visit? A part of him, a part he tried to keep buried under layers of logic, secretly hoped it would. The thought sent a flush of heat to his cheeks, and he quickly busied himself with lighting the lamps, flustered by his own hope.
-----
The afternoon sun cast golden shadows across the store floor, signaling the approach of five o'clock. It had been a quiet day, a handful of customers drifting in and out.
There was a young witch looking for beginner's potion books, a gnome who needed help reaching a map of the city's underground tunnels, and a lost human couple who somehow took a wrong turn and found themselves at his door. Euijoo had directed them back to the main street, watching as the store's magic gently nudged their reality until the building seemed to fade from their view. He smiled to himself. He was proud of this place, of the quiet sanctuary it provided. It helped so many people, just as it had helped him all those years ago when he was just a lost, scared teenager in desperate need of a safe harbor.
He was deep in that memory, carefully stacking a pile of returns to be shelved in the morning, when the familiar chime of the door pulled him back to the present. His heart gave a little leap.
Nicholas stood in the doorway, looking less like a powerful werewolf and more like a man who'd had a very long day. He was still in his suit, though his tie was loosened and his hair was slightly rumpled. He hesitated, his hand on the doorknob.
He glanced at the clock on the wall and winced.
“I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “I didn’t mean to come in so late. I can come back another time if you’re closing.”
“No,” Euijoo said immediately, too quickly, then cleared his throat. “No, it’s fine. Really.” He straightened, folding his hands together. “What did you need?”
Nicholas hesitated, as if the question itself surprised him. His shoulders dropped slightly, tension easing out of him in a way Euijoo hadn’t noticed before.
“I… honestly?” he said. “I’ve had a long day. And I guess I just ended up here without thinking about it.”
Euijoo softened at that. He nodded once, understanding.
“In that case,” he said gently, “would you like a tour?”
Nicholas blinked. Then his face brightened, that familiar warmth returning to his eyes. “Yeah,” he said, smiling. “I’d really love that.”
Euijoo stepped out from behind the desk, gesturing for Nicholas to follow. They walked side by side, their footsteps quiet against the wooden floors as Euijoo pointed out different sections, the historical grimoires, the multilingual spell indexes, the small alcove where lost things tended to reappear.
“This aisle rearranges itself,” Euijoo said, glancing fondly at a particularly mischievous row of shelves. “It likes puzzles.”
“Of course it does,” Nicholas murmured, amused.
They turned down another aisle, and without warning, three books launched themselves from a high shelf.
“Oh—!” Euijoo reached up instinctively just as Nicholas lunged forward. They collided mid-motion, arms tangling, hands brushing covers and then each other. One book hit the floor with a soft thump; another landed against Nicholas’s leg; the third was somehow caught between them.
They froze.
Euijoo became acutely aware of how close Nicholas was, the warmth of him. Nicholas laughed first, a startled, breathless sound.
“Wow,” he said. “Teamwork?”
Euijoo laughed too, flustered heat rushing to his cheeks. “Sorry about that.”
Nicholas glanced at the shelf, then back at him. “Do books fly often here?”
Euijoo sighed, long-suffering. “More often than I’d like.”
They picked up the fallen books together, their movements slightly awkward now, as if both were suddenly very aware of every inch of space between them. As they resumed walking, Euijoo glanced at Nicholas more closely.
“I hope you're feeling better. I hope you know the store can be an escape. From outside problems. Even if it’s only for a few minutes.” he said quietly.
For a moment, Nicholas didn’t speak. He stepped a little closer and lifted his hand, hesitating only briefly before gently brushing a strand of hair out of Euijoo’s eyes.
“You always make me feel better,” he said softly. Euijoo's face flushed and he let out a short breathe he didn't realize he was holding.
All of a sudden, Nicholas stilled.
Just a slight tilt of his head, as if he were listening to a sound Euijoo couldn’t hear. His eyes lost focus, the warmth in them dimming as something distant and internal pulled at his attention.
“Nicholas?”
Nicholas blinked once and let out a quiet breath and straightened, regret already softening his expression.
“I’m being called,” he said gently.
Realization followed, pack hierarchy, obligations, things that couldn’t be ignored even in sanctuaries like this. “Right,” he said softly. “Of course.”
Nicholas gave a small, apologetic smile. “I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to take up your time this late.” He glanced around the store once more, as if committing the space to memory.
“You didn’t,” Euijoo replied. “You were welcome.”
That seemed to ease something in Nicholas’s chest. He hesitated, then dipped his head slightly, a gesture that felt oddly formal and respectful.
“Thank you,” he said. “For tonight. I'll see you soon.” That felt like a promise.
Then, with one last lingering look at Euijoo, Nicholas turned and slipped out through the oak doors, leaving behind Euijoo with his heart and mind in confused tangles.
-----
Friday afternoon settled over the store. Euijoo kept glancing toward the door, every time it swung open, hope flickered in his chest, only to fade into disappointment when it was just another patron or the wind. As the day stretched on, he finally began to prepare for closing.
With a soft sigh, Euijoo locked the doors, flicked the sign to “Closed” and began his slow walk home through the quiet streets. His thoughts drifted, but not to his usual musings, today, they kept circling back to the desserts Nicholas had given him. The box had the name of the bakery: Whisk & Wonder, a name he found charming. He pulled out his phone, curiosity nudging him to look up the place.
To his surprise, it was only a fifteen minute walk from the store.
A small, impulsive smile tugged at his lips. Maybe he’d go for more of that delicious stuff, not because he missed Nicholas (though part of him wished he would show up), but because the desserts had been too good to resist.
He veered off his usual route and headed toward the bakery. As he approached, the air shimmered with a faint, inviting glow. The doorway was framed with glowing fairy lights, and the scent of baked goods and sweet spices poured out.
Inside, Euijoo’s eyes widened in wonder. The space was cozy. Shelves of colorful confections lined the walls, and the soft glow of fairy lights cast a warm, golden hue over everything.
Behind the counter stood a stunning man, tall, with delicate features, and an aura that hinted at his fae nature. His skin shimmered faintly in the light. He greeted Euijoo with a warm smile.
“Welcome,” the man said, his voice smooth and inviting.
He approached the counter, eyes scanning the display of pastries, tarts, and chocolates. The menu was a little overwhelming, the options endless and tempting.
The fae noticed Euijoo’s slight overwhelmed expression and chuckled softly. “Not sure what to pick? How about I recommend a pairing? A little something sweet to go with a drink?”
Euijoo blinked, then nodded gratefully. “Yes, please.”
While the man prepared his order, he leaned slightly forward, offering a friendly smile. “First time here?”
Euijoo hesitated. “Yes. I was handed a box of desserts a few days ago, and I wanted to come back for more.”
Slowly, he turned around, eyes widening just a little. “Wait.” He tilted his head. “Euijoo?”
Euijoo’s heart skipped violently. “—I’m sorry?”
“Oh oh gods, I’m sorry,” the fae rushed out, flustered all at once. “That was weird. Nicholas told us about you and I just..he mentioned your name and-” He clapped a hand over his mouth. “I’m Jo. Hi.”
Euijoo’s eyes went wide. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Oh… I see.” His voice was barely above a whisper, flustered and shy.
Suddenly, a second figure emerged from the back of the shop, an elegant looking man with a warm smile. He approached quickly, leaning in to give the faerie a gentle kiss on the cheek. “Sorry I took so long,” he murmured. He then turned to Euijoo.
“This is Euijoo.” Jo introduced him.
Euijoo’s face heated further under the attention. The new man radiated supernatural, but Euijoo couldn’t quite read him. How strange, he thought.
Yuma’s grin was broad and welcoming. “Nice to meet you, Euijoo. I’m Yuma.”
Yuma grinned at Euijoo again. “Did you come here to see Nicholas?”
Euijoo stumbled over his words, uncertain how to answer, but Yuma quickly cut in, saving him. “Nicholas is on the other side of town right now, dealing with a wolf issue with Fuma and Yudai. Won’t be back for hours.”
Euijoo tried not to look disappointed and managed a small smile. “I just came for the desserts.”
Jo handed over a neatly wrapped box along with a drink. Euijoo reached for his wallet, but Jo shook his head gently. “It’s on the house,” he said softly. “Since we’re practically friends now.”
Euijoo blinked in surprise. “Next time, I’ll pay.”
Yuma and Jo exchanged pleased smiles. As the evening deepened and the sky darkened outside, Euijoo decided it was time to head home. He said his goodbyes, grateful and touched by their kindness.
Yuma called out softly, “Be careful on your way home. There have been some dangerous people around lately.”
Euijoo paused, confused, but nodded. He carefully cast a protective ward around himself.
By the time he reached home, his thoughts were a mess.
Tomorrow, he decided, unlocking his door. I should talk to Yeji.
Something was happening in the supernatural world.
And Euijoo had the feeling he was standing closer to the center of it than he realized.
-----
The bell above Bubble and Boil chimed softly as Euijoo shifted another crate onto the worktable, the wood humming faintly under his hands as his magic adjusted its weight. The shop was brighter than usual this morning, sunlight filtering through glass bottles that refracted it into bands of color across the floor.
Yeji groaned from where she was crouched beside an open cabinet. “I forgot how much inventory I actually have,” she muttered. “Every year I swear I’ll start earlier for the Solstice, and every year I lie to myself.”
Euijoo smiled, setting the crate down gently. “You always say that.”
“And every year you still show up to help,” she shot back fondly, straightening and brushing dust from her knees. “Store closed, day off, and here you are lifting boxes like a saint.”
“The magical community gets… energetic around the Summer Solstice,” Euijoo said mildly. “Someone always gets hurt.”
“Exactly,” Yeji said. “Power peaks, tempers spike, old grudges crawl out of whatever hole they’ve been festering in.”
A faint shimmer near the ceiling turned into a translucent figure lounging upside down in midair, arms folded comfortably through his own chest. Jun, the resident ghost spirit, watched them with lazy interest, his long robes drifting as if caught in a current only he could feel.
“You’re not wrong,” Jun drawled. “The vibes lately? Awful.”
Yeji snorted. “That’s a very scholarly assessment.”
Jun grinned. “Hey, I died in the fifteenth century, not last week. I know a bad omen when I feel one.”
Euijoo glanced up. “You mentioned trouble earlier. Between who?”
Jun’s expression shifted, humor fading into something more serious. “Vampires and werewolves.”
Yeji stilled. “That’s… new.”
“Very,” Jun agreed. “They’ve been playing nice for centuries. But lately?” He made a vague slicing motion through the air. “Tension.”
Euijoo’s fingers tightened briefly around the bundle of dried herbs he was sorting. “Why?”
Jun shrugged. “Hard to say. Word in the spirit currents is that it started not long after the new head alpha took over.”
Yeji’s brows knit together. “Fuma.”
“And the head vampire isn’t exactly thrilled,” Jun added. “Heeseung doesn’t like sudden changes in leadership.”
Yeji sighed. “Of course he doesn’t.”
“Pixies saw something yesterday on the other side of town. A few vampires, a few wolves. Claws out and fangs showing.”
Euijoo’s heart dipped. “Did anyone get hurt?”
“No,” Jun said. “Not this time. They walked away.”
Euijoo exhaled quietly. He couldn’t stop the image from forming, Nicholas standing in the middle of it.
Yeji leaned back against the counter, arms crossed. “The strange thing is why now. Vampires and werewolves don’t fight unless something personal happens. Politics alone wouldn’t push them this close.”
“That’s what I think too,” Jun said. “This doesn’t feel like territory disputes. It feels… emotional. Like someone crossed a line.”
Yeji met his gaze. “Someone important to one of them.”
“The Solstice is only a few days away,” Yeji said. “If things don’t settle before then…”
“They might explode during it,” Jun finished.
-----
Midday sunlight filtered through the windows of Bubble and Boil as Euijoo finished tightening the lid on the last jar of moon-salt. Yeji was already elbow-deep in a box of herbs, humming absently, when Euijoo wiped his hands on his cardigan and took a step back.
“I’ll head out,” he said. “If you need help later-”
“I’ll summon you,” Yeji replied without looking up, smirking. “Witch privilege.”
Euijoo laughed softly and stepped outside.
He had barely gone half a block when it hit him.
Not a sound, but a pull. An insistent tug deep in his chest. His magic stirred uneasily, attention snapping toward one singular point.
The bookstore.
Euijoo stopped short, breath catching. The store never called to him unless something was wrong, or someone needed him.
Heart kicking into a faster rhythm, he turned and hurried back the way he’d come, pace quickening into a near run.
When he rounded the corner, the familiar stone structure of the store came into view, and so did Nicholas.
He was leaning casually against the outer wall, one foot braced behind him, phone in hand. No suit today. Just dark jeans, a soft looking sweater pushed up at the sleeves, hair slightly tousled by the breeze.
Nicholas lifted his head suddenly, eyes locking onto Euijoo.
Shock flashed across his face. “Euijoo?”
Euijoo slowed, magic settling now that he’d arrived. “Hi.”
Nicholas glanced at the door behind him, at the clearly visible CLOSED sign, then back at Euijoo. “I—I didn’t think you’d be here. I mean, I saw the sign-”
“It’s my day off,” Euijoo said, still a little breathless. “But the store called to me. It doesn’t usually do that.”
Nicholas’s expression softened immediately, guilt flickering through his features. “Oh. I’m sorry...I didn’t know. I came about ten minutes ago and realized it was closed. I’ve just been waiting.” He gestured vaguely down the street. “Fuma and Yudai are picking me up.”
Euijoo studied him more closely now. “Are you okay?”
Nicholas blinked. “What?”
“I heard some things,” Euijoo said carefully. “About the vampires.”
Nicholas rubbed the back of his neck, sheepish. “Ah. Yeah.” He quickly added, “No one got hurt. Promise.”
Euijoo let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.
Nicholas’s mouth curved into a teasing smile. “I’ll admit though, I’m kind of flattered you were worried about me.”
Euijoo’s face warmed instantly. “I wasn’t- I mean..”
Nicholas chuckled, clearly pleased.
Euijoo shook his head, trying to regain composure. “Then why did you come here again?”
Nicholas didn’t answer right away. He slipped his phone into his pocket, straightened, and looked at Euijoo with quiet honesty.
“I wanted to see you,” he said simply. “Every time I’m here… everything else goes quiet. The meetings. The tension.” His voice softened. “You make it all disappear.”
Euijoo’s heart stuttered.
Before he could respond, the low purr of an engine cut through the moment. A dark car pulled up smoothly to the curb.
Nicholas glanced over and smiled. “That’ll be them.”
The driver’s door opened first.
Power stepped out.
The man who steps out does so with unhurried confidence, tall and broad shouldered, his presence immediately dominating the space without him needing to assert it. Euijoo feels the power all the same, ancient and disciplined. It presses against Euijoo’s senses, testing, the way powerful magic often does when it encounters another source. This was not a wolf who needed to prove himself.
Euijoo swallows.
He’s encountered alphas before, but this...this is different. This is ascension earned, not inherited.
The passenger door opens next.
The man unfolds himself from the car with an easy grace that contrasts sharply with Fuma’s intensity. He’s taller than the three of them, his presence warm and Euijoo feels something else entirely when he steps into view.
It makes Euijoo blink.
Is he a wolf? Euijoo thinks to himself.
Both men approach slowly, their body language careful. Euijoo appreciates it more than he knows how to articulate.
Nicholas shifts closer to him without a word, and his hand settles at the small of Euijoo’s back, warm and steady.
“Euijoo,” Nicholas says softly, before lifting his chin toward the newcomers. “This is Fuma. And Yudai.”
Fuma inclines his head first, a respectful gesture that surprises Euijoo despite himself. His eyes are sharp and assessing, but not unkind.
“So you’re the wizard,” Fuma says, voice deep and even. “I’ve heard quite a bit about you.”
“You’re even cuter than Nicholas described.”
Nicholas groaned. “Yudai.”
Euijoo laughed despite himself, nerves easing slightly.
Yudai smiles immediately, wide and genuine, the warmth Euijoo sensed earlier blooming openly now. “Taken quite a hold of Nicholas, apparently.”
Nicholas groans again.
Euijoo can’t help the small laugh that escapes him once more.
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Yudai adds. “Nicholas doesn’t stop talking about your bookstore.”
Nicholas scowls faintly. “That is not—”
“—true,” Fuma finishes dryly, a hint of fondness threading through his tone.
Euijoo flushes, acutely aware of Nicholas’s hand still resting against him. He bows slightly, habit more than necessity. “It’s… nice to meet you both as well.”
“You don’t need to be nervous,” Yudai says gently, sensing it anyway. “We’re not here to scare you off.”
“Though you could,” Nicholas mutters under his breath.
Fuma’s mouth twitches.
Yudai’s attention shifts then, eyes brightening. “I'm glad you're here. We were actually hoping you might join us for dinner tonight.”
Euijoo blinks. “Oh- I, um”
“It’s nothing formal,” Yudai continues easily. “Just the pack and good food.”
Euijoo opens his mouth to refuse out of reflex, but Nicholas turns to him, expression softer than Euijoo expects.
“Come,” Nicholas says quietly. “Please.”
Euijoo finds himself nodding before he can overthink it.
“Alright,” he says, cheeks warm.
Nicholas grins, victorious.
They pile into the car moments later, Fuma behind the wheel, Yudai in the passenger seat, Nicholas and Euijoo in the back, and the proximity only sharpens Euijoo’s awareness of them.
“So,” Yudai says over his shoulder as the car pulls away, “how long have you owned the bookstore?”
Euijoo hesitates, then answers honestly. “Three years. It was… left to me. The previous owner was a witch I was very close with.”
Nicholas’s hand finds his knee without looking, thumb pressing gently, and Euijoo lets the contact steady him.
“And you’ve lived here your whole life?” Fuma asks.
“Yes,” Euijoo replies. “That’s why I was surprised. I’ve never seen your pack around before.”
“We moved here four months ago,” Nicholas explains. “Yuma opened his bakery about a month back.”
Euijoo brightens slightly. “I was there yesterday. Yuma and Jo were incredibly kind.”
Yudai beams. “They told us. They loved you.”
“And you can meet the rest of the pack today,” Fuma adds. “Maki, Taki, Harua.”
Nicholas squeezes Euijoo’s knee gently. “You’ll fit in just fine.”
-----
Euijoo notices the neighborhood changes. The houses grow farther apart, iron gates rising, each one carrying its own signature ward, protection layered upon protection.
When the car slows in front of a tall iron gate, Euijoo’s breath catches.
The gate opens on its own with a soft sound. Beyond it stands a massive three story house, all pale stone and dark windows, balconies curling with ivy.
Euijoo swallows. He instantly feels out of place.
The car pulls to a stop beneath an arched overhang, and before Euijoo can second-guess himself, Nicholas is already beside him.
“You okay?” Nicholas murmurs, low enough that only Euijoo can hear.
Euijoo nods, though his pulse has picked up. “Yeah. Just… this is impressive.”
Nicholas smiles like he understands exactly what Euijoo means.
The front door opens into warmth, both literal and otherwise. The house smells like baked sugar and citrus. Euijoo barely has time to take in the high ceilings and sweeping staircase before sound crashes into him.
“YOU RUINED MY FAVORITE JACKET”
“I SAID I WAS SORRY”
Footsteps thunder across the hardwood, followed by frantic laughter and screams. Yuma bursts into view from deeper in the house, hair mussed, face flushed, clearly in pursuit, holding what looks like a glitter-dusted sleeve.
“DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO FIND ONE THAT FITS LIKE THAT”
Another man darts around the corner, eyes wide with mock terror. The moment he spots them, his entire face lights up.
“FUMA”
He sprints across the foyer and dives behind the head alpha without hesitation, clutching the back of Fuma’s shirt like a lifeline. Fuma doesnt flinches, merely sighing as if this is the fiftieth time today something like this has happened.
Yudai pinches the bridge of his nose.
“I would say it’s not usually like this,” he says tiredly, “but I would be lying.”
Yuma skids to a halt a few feet away, chest heaving, eyes blazing. “Don’t think you can hide behind him forever!”
The man peeks out from behind Fuma’s shoulder, sticks his tongue out, and promptly ducks back again.
Euijoo stares.
Nicholas, utterly unfazed, leans in slightly. “You can leave your shoes and jacket here,” he says gently, nodding toward the entryway as if chaos isn’t unfolding five feet away.
“I WILL GET YOU LATER,” Yuma snarls, pointing.
Fuma clears his throat.
Yuma freezes. Straightens and smooths his hair. “Welcome home. Oh- Hi Euijoo!” he says brightly, as if he hasn’t just been threatening murder.
Euijoo blinks, says a quiet hello, then carefully slips off his shoes and jacket, placing them where Nicholas indicates. The moment he straightens, Nicholas is already guiding him forward, a light hand at his elbow, steering him past the foyer and deeper into the house.
Behind them, the man who was running from Yuma gasps.
“Oh oh! You’re the wizard.”
Euijoo startles slightly at the sound and turns back.
“Hello,” he says quickly, bowing his head just a little out of habit.
The man steps fully into view now, no longer hiding behind Fuma. He’s short but lean, short dark hair, eyes a striking pale shade that almost seem to shimmer.
“I’m Harua,” he says, smiling wide. “And before you ask, yes, banshee.”
Euijoo blinks. Then he smiles. “Euijoo.”
Without waiting for permission, Harua gently takes Euijoo by the wrist and smoothly slips him from Nicholas’s side.
Nicholas makes a small noise of protest, but Harua is already moving.
“Come on,” Harua says cheerfully. “You need the full tour. Starting with the living room.”
The space opens up into something far cozier than Euijoo expected. A large sectional couch dominates the room, blankets draped over the arms. Tall windows let in the fading daylight, and shelves line the walls, cluttered with books, trinkets, and the occasional enchanted object.
Two men are sprawled on the couch, controllers in hand, fully absorbed in a fast-paced shooting game playing on the massive screen in front of them.
“HEY,” Harua announces, clapping his hands once. “Pause it.”
“Harua” one of them groans.
“NOW.”
The game freezes.
Both men look up.
“This,” Harua says proudly, gesturing to Euijoo, “is Euijoo.”
Euijoo gives a small wave, suddenly very aware that both of them are staring.
The first man, broad-shouldered, with an easy grin, stands immediately and walks over. “Maki,” he says, holding out a hand. “His boyfriend.” nodding to Harua.
Harua beams.
The second man stays seated but offers a lazy salute with his controller. He has a mischievous smile. “Taki. Don’t let Harua scare you.”
Euijoo shakes Maki’s hand, the unmistakable pull of werewolf. Taki radiates the same thing, pack magic, steady and strong.
“Nice to meet you both,” Euijoo says, cheeks warm but smiling. “Sorry for interrupting.”
“You didn’t,” Maki says easily. “We were losing anyway.”
Harua snorts.
Euijoo laughs softly. The house no longer feels overwhelming, just loud, lived-in, full of people who clearly care about one another.
From the doorway, Nicholas watches him, eyes soft, clearly pleased to see Euijoo settling in.
The moment Harua finishes introducing Maki and Taki, Nicholas steps forward, slides an arm around Euijoo’s back, and gently but firmly pulls him away.
“Hey” Harua protests, reaching for Euijoo again. “I was showing him things.”
“You showed him enough,” Nicholas says lightly. “He’s mine now.”
Euijoo’s face heats instantly.
Harua squints at Nicholas, clearly preparing another argument, when Yudai’s voice rings out from somewhere deeper in the house.
“Harua! I need help in the kitchen, now.”
Harua groans dramatically.
He points at Euijoo. “We’re not done talking.”
Then he disappears down the hall at a jog, already calling back complaints about being used as free labor.
Nicholas chuckles and looks at Euijoo. “Sorry about that. Come on, I’ll show you the rest of the house.”
They move through the rooms at an unhurried pace. Euijoo takes everything in quietly, the dining room with a long, scarred wooden table clearly built for loud meals and crowded chairs; the small reading nook by the stairs, stacked with books and mismatched cushions; the hallway walls lined with framed photos and little notes pinned between them.
Nicholas leads him upstairs, steps slowing as they reach the second floor. “This is mine,” he says, pushing open a door at the end of the hall.
Euijoo steps inside.
The room is warm, dimly lit, curtains half-drawn. Books are stacked everywhere, on shelves, the desk, even the floor. Clothes are draped carelessly over a chair. And photos, so many photos, line the dresser.
Nicholas in different stages of life. Nicholas laughing. Nicholas bruised but smiling. Nicholas surrounded by the rest of the pack, arms thrown over shoulders, pressed close together.
Euijoo drifts toward the dresser without thinking and picks up one frame.
All eight of them are in it, packed together, grinning, some of them mid-laugh, some of them clearly teasing whoever took the picture.
“They look… happy,” Euijoo murmurs.
Nicholas steps closer, stopping just behind him. Euijoo can feel his heat immediately. “We are.”
Euijoo glances back at him. “How long have you all been a pack?”
Nicholas thinks for a moment. “Five years. It sort of… just happened. One by one.” He smiles faintly. “Maki was the last to join. That was nearly three years ago now.”
Euijoo nods slowly, studying the photo again. “I can tell,” he says softly. “That you were meant to find each other.”
He sets the frame back down and turns.
Nicholas is closer than Euijoo expects, right in front of him. Close enough that Euijoo has to tilt his head up slightly, close enough that he can feel Nicholas’s breath.
The world seems to narrow, the air thick and charged.
For a heartbeat, it feels like they might kiss.
Then...
“DINNER’S READY!”
Yudai’s voice echoes up the stairwell.
They jump apart instantly.
Euijoo’s face burns. Nicholas rubs the back of his neck, sheepish. “Uh..yeah. We should”
“Yeah,” Euijoo agrees quickly.
They leave the room together, still flustered, and head downstairs, neither of them quite looking at the other, but both smiling all the same.
The dining room smells incredible.
The table is already crowded when they enter, every inch of wood hidden beneath platters and bowls, thick cuts of roasted meat, trays of grilled vegetables, bread still warm and crackling, dishes Euijoo recognizes and others that he can’t quite place. It’s abundant in a way that feels meant to be shared, meant to be enjoyed loudly.
Nicholas pulls out a chair for him without hesitation.
“Sit,” he says softly.
Euijoo does, heart fluttering a little at the simple gesture, and Nicholas takes the seat beside him.
The rest of them settle in around the table. Euijoo watches absently, waiting for Fuma to take the head, but instead, Taki drops into the chair at the end, sprawling back comfortably, already reaching for a platter.
Euijoo blinks.
Nicholas notices immediately and leans in. “We don’t do the hierarchy thing at the table,” he murmurs.
That… makes something in Euijoo’s chest loosen.
Yudai takes the seat on Euijoo’s other side and immediately starts serving him, piling meat, vegetables, and bread onto his plate with alarming enthusiasm.
“Oh-” Euijoo starts.
“Yudai,” Fuma says mildly, placing a hand over one of the serving spoons. “You don’t even know if he likes all of that.”
Euijoo laughs, startled, and waves his hands. “It’s okay. I like everything. I promise.”
Yudai freezes, then breaks into a wide grin. “See?” He resumes piling food on. “Perfect fit.”
They dig in almost immediately, conversation overlapping, plates clinking, laughter bouncing off the walls. Euijoo takes his first bite, and nearly closes his eyes.
It’s amazing. Rich, comforting, perfectly balanced.
“This is incredible,” Euijoo says honestly, glancing at Yudai. “You’re really good.”
Yudai brightens. “Thank you. I like feeding people.”
Euijoo smiles, then hesitates before adding, quieter, “I haven’t had a home-cooked meal this good in… years.”
The table stills, just for a fraction of a second.
Harua tilts his head, voice gentle despite his usual energy. “Do you live alone? Or… with family?”
Euijoo swallows but keeps his smile. “It’s just been me for the last three years.” He pauses, then continues. “Before that, I lived with Jiwoo. She was very old. Passed away in her sleep.” His fingers tighten briefly around his fork. “She left me her house. And the store.”
Taki opens his mouth. “What about your parents-”
“Hey,” Fuma cuts in sharply, shooting him a look.
“It’s okay,” Euijoo says quickly, though his voice softens. He exhales. “They passed away when I was really young. I don’t remember much.”
The room stays quiet, not awkward, just attentive.
“I grew up with Jiwoo,” Euijoo continues. “Learned magic from her. My best friend, Yeji, also learned alongside me.”
Nicholas’s hand slides onto Euijoo’s thigh beneath the table, warm and steady. Euijoo doesn’t hesitate, he covers Nicholas’s hand with his own.
Across from them, Yuma clears his throat lightly. “Hey, uh- would it be okay if I stopped by your bookstore on Monday? I’ve been trying to track down a specific magical recipe book.”
Euijoo’s face lights up instantly. “Yes, absolutely. I’d love to help you find it.”
Fuma watches him for a moment before speaking. “What kind of wizard are you, Euijoo?”
“Innate,” he says. “I come from a pure bloodline, so I have… a bit of everything.” He shrugs slightly. “I never found out which bloodline, though. My parents passed before they could tell me.”
Harua practically vibrates. “Wait, so you can heal? Elemental magic? Necromancy?”
Euijoo laughs. “To a degree, yeah. I’m best at wards and ruin magic, though.”
Nicholas looks at him then, unabashedly proud.
Euijoo feels it like warmth spreading through his chest, surrounded by food and noise and people who feel, suddenly, dangerously close to becoming something important.
-----
An hour later, half the pack is completely down for the count.
Yuma is slumped sideways on the couch, one arm dangling dramatically, while Jo hasn’t moved from his chair in a solid five minutes, staring into space like he’s contemplating the meaning of life. Harua attempts to stand, sways once, and immediately gives up.
“Nope,” he declares, collapsing back down. “I’m stuck here forever.”
Maki snorts, gets up, and loops an arm around Harua’s waist. “C’mon. You’re walking.”
“I physically cannot,” Harua whines, though he lets himself be hauled upright anyway.
Euijoo laughs softly. He rises from his seat and bows his head politely. “Thank you so much for dinner. Really. Everything was amazing.”
Yudai waves him off, already half-reclined. “Anytime. You’re welcome back any time.”
“I should head home,” Euijoo adds, glancing toward the door.
Nicholas is on his feet immediately. “I’ll drive you.”
Euijoo opens his mouth.
“And don’t bother protesting,” Nicholas continues smoothly.
Yudai lifts a finger. “It would genuinely make me feel better knowing you got home safe.”
Euijoo hesitates, then nods. “Okay.”
He makes his rounds, thanking everyone again. Harua hugs him without warning. “Come back soon, wizard,” he says firmly. “We like you.”
Euijoo’s face heats. “Okay.”
Nicholas guides him outside to a sleek, expensive-looking car. He opens the passenger door, and Euijoo slides in, still a little dazed. Nicholas circles to the driver’s side, gets in, then leans over to help him with the seatbelt.
Their faces are suddenly very close.
Euijoo freezes, heart stuttering, cheeks flushing as Nicholas’s fingers brush his side. “Thanks,” he murmurs once the belt clicks into place.
Nicholas smiles softly and straightens, turning on the engine and setting low music to play. Euijoo tells him his address and the city lights blur past as they pull away.
“Did you have a good time?” Nicholas asks after a moment. “Sorry if it felt like we kidnapped you.”
“I had a really good time,” Euijoo says honestly. “I… love your pack.”
“Good. I'm glad.”
They drive in comfortable silence for a bit before Nicholas glances over. “Is the bookstore open tomorrow?”
“Yes,” Euijoo says. “But only from ten to two on Sundays.”
“Would it be okay if I stopped by?”
Euijoo smiles. “Of course.”
Fifteen minutes later, they pull up in front of Euijoo’s house. Nicholas gets out first and walks him to the door, hands tucked into his pockets.
“You have magic on the place?” Nicholas asks quietly.
“Always,” Euijoo replies.
Nicholas nods, satisfied. “Good.”
“Is there something I should be worried about?” Euijoo asks, pausing with his key in hand.
“Probably not,” Nicholas says gently. “But I don’t like taking chances.”
Euijoo nods and unlocks the door and turns back.
“Good night Euijoo,” Nicholas says softly, already stepping away.
Before he can think better of it, Euijoo reaches out, catches Nicholas’s arm, and leans in to press a quick soft kiss to his cheek.
Euijoo pulls back instantly. “I...goodnight!” he blurts, then darts inside and shuts the door.
Outside, Nicholas stands there for a long moment.
Then he smiles, wide and stunned and walks back to the car feeling lighter than he has in years.