Archive of Our Own

Yoonjae was up to something. Mischievousness radiated across their bond, warm and bubbly. Changbin grinned to himself, looking across the practice room to make eye contact with his daemon. “What are you doing?” 

Yoonjae’s long brown ears twitched in amusement. “Jiho’s being cute again.” 

Of course he was. Jiho was always cute, because his person was always cute. Him and Jeongin were the most adorable pair ever, and no, Changbin definitely wasn’t biased. It was just an objective fact.

Changbin followed his daemon’s gaze to see Jiho curled up in the corner. The red fox had dragged a blanket from the nearby couch and was currently buried under it, his head just barely poking out to watch Jeongin move throughout the room.

Jeongin laughed at something Chan said, and Jiho’s ears perked up, swiveling to the sound. Changbin internally cooed, heart squeezing in his chest. “So cute.” 

His bond with Yoonjae hummed in agreement. The rabbit was tiptoeing across the floor towards Jiho, trying to be as stealthy as a nine kilogram bunny could be—which meant Jiho definitely sensed he was coming, but the fox didn't move. He said something Changbin couldn't hear, but let Yoonjae get close. Closer and closer until oh.

Changbin blushed as Yoonjae touched Jiho. No, not just touched. Licked. The same little lick he did when he wanted Changbin to pet him, except this time he was doing it to Jiho’s head. 

He instantly looked over Jeongin. Was he feeling this? Of course he was. He met Changbin’s gaze with wide eyes, cheeks rapidly turning red. Changbin took a step towards him. “Iyennie!”

“No!” Jeongin broke into a run, and of course, Changbin chased.

It was too easy to catch up to him, wrapping one arm around his waist to pull him closer. He used his other hand to hold his head in place, pressing a quick but loud kiss to his cheek. 

“Ah!” Jeongin cried out, nose crinkling. He tried to push him away and Changbin let him, loosening his grip so he could wiggle free. Jeongin was quick to put some distance between them, rubbing at his face with his sleeve. He glared at Changbin, but it was more embarrassed than angry. “Why’d you do that?”

“Because you’re cute,” Changbin said. His grin didn’t falter. If anything, it widened. Jeongin could act as disgusted as he wanted, but Changbin knew the truth. He had felt in his soul the warmth of Jiho’s tongue as he licked Yoonjae back. Just a tiny, gentle lick in between his ears but that was all Yoonjae needed to be sent zooming across the room, hopping and twisting in an excited binky.

Changbin would be embarrassed if he wasn’t so elated. If Jiho liked Yoonjae, then maybe he had a chance with Jeongin after all.

— — —

This living room wasn’t big enough for eight people and their daemons, but for movie night, they were making it work. Changbin had claimed the loveseat for himself and Yoonjae who had sprawled out with only his head in his lap, taking up the rest of the cushion. Or at least until Jiho had come trotting in.

After losing rock-paper-scissors, Jeongin was one of the members who had been sent to pick up snacks. Jiho, of course, had gone with him, and while he was one of the smaller daemons in their group, he was still determined to help. His teeth were carefully clenched around the bag handle, the canned drinks inside clinking together with every step. They were probably getting all shaken up but Changbin didn’t care because it was one of the most adorable things he had ever seen.

“Thank you,” Minho said as Jiho carefully stood up on his hind legs to deposit the bag on their coffee table.

Jiho bowed his head. “No problem,” he said, but his tail was wagging as he dropped back down. He lifted his head to scan the room, and then went to find a spot to sit. 

They had tried to make the living room appealing for all their daemon species which meant there was a weird mix of pet beds and crates and perches, half of which didn’t even get used half the time because their daemons decided to use the human furniture instead. Jiho chose a nice cushioned bed, big enough that he only took up half of it even as he stretched out.

Yoonjae shook his ears, stopping Changbin’s petting. The rabbit stood up and hopped off the couch, landing on the floor with a loud thump.

“Hey, where are you going?” 

Yoonjae looked at him over his shoulder. “Jeongin’s going to need somewhere to sit,” he said, and winked.

Oh. Had Yoonjae been planning this? This is why daemons were often considered the better half of your soul because man, he was smart.

He watched as the rabbit hopped over to Jiho, exchanging a few words before crawling onto the bed next to him. He laid down in a loaf, just close enough for their fur to brush against each other, but Changbin had a feeling he wouldn’t stay in that position for long.

Jeongin entered the room, and it was clear he was looking for a place to sit. There were very limited options. Chan and Jisung had claimed the smaller couch, which could technically seat three if Tony, Chan’s wolf daemon, hadn’t taken up a whole third of it. Seungmin, Felix, and Minho were on the other couch, and while there was one more space left, everyone knew that was where Hyunjin was going to sit. Meaning Jeongin could pull up a bean bag to sit on the floor or…

“Come sit with me!” Changbin called, patting the seat beside him.

Jeongin hesitated before nodding. He picked his way across the room, being careful not to step on any stray tails, before he reached Changbin. He basically perched on the edge of the seat at first, and Changbin pouted.

“Why are you sitting so far away? You should sit here,” he said, patting his lap.

Jeongin giggled. He moved not to sit on him, but to sit next to him, scooting so he was pressed against the back rest. Their thighs were touching, warm and firm, and Changbin loved it but it wasn’t enough.

He stretched, yawning in a way that was so obviously fake, and draped an arm across Jeongin’s shoulders. 

Jeongin glanced at him with crinkled eyes, but didn’t push him away. Not until Changbin tried to rest his head on his shoulder. Immediately, Jeongin shrugged him off. “Don’t get too comfy. The movie hasn’t even started yet.”

Changbin pouted but any arguments were shut down by Hyunjin turning off the lights, the intro beginning to play on the TV. 

It wasn’t a bad movie. In fact, it started out pretty interesting, but there was a lull about halfway through where nothing was really happening and Changbin’s attention began to wander. First to Jeongin who had made himself comfy, legs drawn up beside him. His eyes were focused straight ahead, practically glittering with the reflection of the screen. Something happened and he gasped, just a slight exhale parting his plush lips. 

Changbin swallowed. He wanted to kiss him. That wasn’t anything new—he often wanted to kiss Jeongin—but lately this yearning had felt different. Before he had just wanted to kiss Jeongin because he was cute, and the reactions he had to his affection made him even cuter. Now, it was different, more romantic. He wanted to kiss him when he was cute, yes, but also when he said something smart or funny or when he looked like he needed a reason to smile or just because. Changbin wanted to kiss him, and more importantly, he wanted Jeongin to kiss him back.

Warmth bloomed across his bond with Yoonjae, and Changbin swallowed down a gasp. He looked over to see that his daemon had made a move. Yoonjae had sprawled out so he was half on top of Jiho, and the fox was just letting him. In fact, Jiho seemed to be more than comfortable with it. As Changbin watched, the daemon just tilted his head, giving Yoonjae a better spot to rest against his neck with their faces pressed close together. 

Yoonjae’s connection buzzed with contentment. He wouldn’t be surprised if he was over there grinding his teeth, like purring but for rabbits.

Changbin blushed. Would Jeongin let him cuddle like that?

He tried to be subtle when he glanced over at him, just to find Jeongin already looking his way. They made eye contact and it was like time froze. 

Changbin had heard a saying once about how a person’s eyes were the window to their soul. He’d believe it. Jeongin’s eyes were so pretty he could stare at them forever. They were dark and deep, glimmering with secrets. When he looked at you, you could feel it. And when he smiled, eyes squinting from the force of his grin? It was pure infectious glee.

An explosion lit up the screen, and Jeongin blinked, breaking the moment. He blushed, and Changbin hated that he hid his dimples behind his hands as he looked away. 

“Innie,” he whispered and Jeongin shook his head, “look at me, Innie.” He leaned in closer.

Jeongin leaned away, one hand pushing against Changbin’s chest to keep him out of kissing range.  “Watch the movie,” he hissed. 

Changbin pouted. He’d get him eventually. For now…

He looked back at Yoonjae and Jiho’s adorable cuddling, heart clenching. There was no way Jeongin hated his touch. He was just shy or something, right? Maybe if Changbin just moved slowly, and kept it simple, he could have a fraction of his daemon’s experience. 

He slouched down in his seat, rearranging so his legs were on the couch next to him. Holding his breath, he gradually leaned down, further and further until his head touched Jeongin’s thigh. The muscle tensed beneath him. Changbin froze, barely resting any weight. Then Jeongin relaxed and his tense lap turned into the softest pillow known to man.

Changbin exhaled, eyes fluttering shut. 

“Is he comfy?” Yoonjae asked him.

Changbin sent visions of plush beds made of clouds across their bond. “The comfiest.”

And then, just when he thought things couldn’t get any better, they did. Jeongin laid a hand on the top of head, fingers idly playing with Changbin’s hair.

Changbin’s brain short circuited. He melted into the touch, relaxing fully against the body beneath him. Jeongin’s hands were so gentle, neatly trimmed nails scraping with just the right amount of pressure along his scalp. Changbin shivered, pressing his face into Jeongin’s thigh.

And yet it still wasn’t enough. Changbin was greedy. For every scrap of affection Jeongin gave him, he couldn’t help but yearn for more.

— — —

“Jiho’s following me.” 

Changbin tilted his head as Yoonjae spoke across their bond. “Do you want me to tell him to stop?”

Yoonjae giggled. “No, it’s fine. I like it.” 

Changbin laughed. Of course Yoonjae did. His daemon loved attention, especially from their favorite fox. He racked his weight so he could see what exactly Jiho was doing. 

It was him and Jeongin in the gym today, working out together. These days were always dangerous for him. Jeongin was cute, yes, but he was also undeniably sexy, especially with his thin tank top clinging to his sweaty chest with his shorts riding up with every movement to flash his inner thigh. If Changbin wasn’t careful, he might stare for too long and get caught drooling. Which was why he refused to look at him now, instead focusing on their daemon’s activities.

Daemons weren’t real animals, so they didn’t technically need exercise, but some still enjoyed it. Yoonjae definitely did. There was an obstacle course set up on one side of the gym for him— well not just for him, but he was the one who used it the most. There were tunnels and ramps and hurdles and plenty of space to run around. Throw in some toys and it was everything a rabbit needed to stay entertained.

Right now, he was exploring it pretty lackadaisically, stopping to sniff around and rub his chin against the obstacles as he went through him. But for every step he took, Jiho was one step behind himself. The fox’s ears were tipped forward, tail looking extra bushy as it extended in a straight line from his back.

Changbin’s lips quirked up. Well that was certainly different than normal. He knew Yoonjae had said it was no big deal, but honestly he didn’t know much about fox behavior. “Jeongin,” he called, eyeing the way Jiho’s muscles tensed like he was about to pounce.

“Hm?” He looked over at him instantly, and Changbin nearly squealed. His bangs were plastered to his forehead, almost but not quite covering his eyes, and his disheveledness was unfairly attractive.

“Should I be concerned?” He pointed at their daemons, more teasing than not.

Obviously, Jiho wouldn’t actually hurt Yoonjae. Daemons attacking each other was rare—the kind of thing that only happened between enemies which they definitely weren’t. Plus, while Jiho was technically a predator and Yoonjae was technically prey, it was hard to imagine Jiho as a serious threat. Not when the two of them were about the same size. Honestly, Changbin wouldn't be surprised if Yoonjae actually weighed more than Jiho. Changbin hadn’t ever picked him up—hadn’t even touched him actually—but he was on the smaller size for a fox and a lot of his length came from his tail, which was pretty much just fluff. Yoonjae was built big, big and dense.

It had been an insecurity at one point. When most people imagined a rabbit daemon, they thought of a cute fluffy little bunny, and Yoonjae had tried that form out but it just didn’t stick. It had created some awkward contrast when Changbin was younger and hadn't grown into his body as much. Now that he bulked up, they matched each other well.

Jeongin blushed, covering his face. “Jiho!” He said. “Leave him alone.”

Jiho tilted his head to the side. “Why?”

“What do you mean why? You know why?” Jeongin said, and Jiho flicked his tail. The two of them stared at each, probably communicating their minds before at last, Jeongin broke eye contact, his blush even darker than before.

Jiho cackled, the high pitched sound halfway between human laughter and fox vocalizations. “Fine,” he said, and then walked off to sit against the wall.

Yoonjae thumped a foot in annoyance, and honestly Changbin was inclined to agree. “You didn’t have to do that,” Changbin said, “I’m sure they were just playing.”

Jeongin shook his head. “No, Jiho wasn’t.”

Really? “What was he doing then?”

Jeongin’s face scrunched up. “I can’t tell you.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t want to. Just please”—he stammered looking everywhere that wasn’t his face—“drop it.”

Changbin exchanged a glance with Yoonjae. “Do you know what this is about?”

His nose twitched. “I have an idea.”

“Are you going to tell me?”

“No, I’m sure you’ll find out eventually,” he said, and turned away. Changbin blinked at the backside of his tail. Wow, betrayed by his own daemon. Was it because he had snitched on Jiho? He didn’t get why it was such a big deal.

But he also wasn’t going to push to find out. If it was important, someone would talk about it eventually. For now, he’d respect Jeongin’s boundaries.

“Sure,” Changbin said, plastering on a grin that he knew didn’t meet his eyes. “You’re doing bench press next, right? Do you need me to spot you?”

Jeongin nodded. The tension faded but didn’t totally dissolve as they resumed their workouts. Yoonjae threw himself into zooming around the obstacle course, until he got tired of that and switched to one of his toys. He chewed on it for a little bit and then started throwing it around, picking it up just to throw it again. One particular throw brought it close to Jiho who hesitated for just a second before biting it. He took off running, leading Yoonjae on a chase after him.

Changbin could see their antics out of the corner of his eye, but this time he kept his mouth shut, happiness and excitement and some other warm feeling radiating across his bond. It continued until Yoonjae caught up to him, legs scrunched up for one great big hop.

Jeongin jerked as Yoonjae lunged and tackled Jiho to the ground. 

Changbin winced. “Sorry, do you want me to tell him to stop?” He didn’t want to, but he would if Jeongin was uncomfortable.

“No, it’s okay. They’re having fun.”

Changbin raised an eyebrow. Why was it fine now but not earlier? Was it because Yoonjae had initiated it this time? Or was there something more going on? He regretted never learning more about fox behavior. 

Still, he wasn’t going to complain. Yoonjae and Jiho seemed to be having a good time tumbling around playing with each other. Every time they touched he could feel it, a pleasant little burst of energy against his soul that fueled him through the rest of his workout. Their glee was infectious. Even when Changbin was sweaty and slightly out of breath, his grin never wavered.

He stretched his arms up over his head, a devious thought forming in his head as noticed Jeongin bent over digging through his bag. Changbin lightened his steps, sneaking across the room to smack him on the ass.

Jeongin yelped. He whirled around, his face redder than an apple. “Changbin!”

“You’ve been working out so hard. Your ass just keeps growing.”

“It hasn’t even gotten that big,” Jeongin said, “not compared to yours.”

Changbin’s grin widened. “You think my butt is big?”

“Well, it’s definitely bigger than your brain.”

“Oi!” It wasn’t even that good of a comeback. From an anatomical perspective, of course his butt was bigger than brain, but he still couldn’t let Jeongin’s cheeky attitude slide. He yanked him closer, ruffling his hair.

Jeongin squealed and squirmed in his arms. Changbin’s fingers drifted down to tickle his sides and Jeongin’s squeals morphed into laughter. He banged against his chest but Changbin didn’t let up until his giggles started to sound out of breath.

Although he expected Jeongin to immediately yank away, he surprised him by lingering. He slumped in his arms, burying his face in his neck. “I hate you,” he said, his lips brushing against his skin like the delicate caress of a butterfly.

Changbin repressed a shiver. “Aw baby, I love you too,” he said, pressing a kiss to his forehead partially just to hear him whine. 

He wished Jeongin knew just how sincere his words were.

— — —

Another day, another photo shoot. Changbin had been awake for hours, but they were only now finishing up his hair and make up. He supposed he should just count himself lucky that he wasn’t one of the members they usually adorned with more elaborate styles that required them to sit in the chair for even longer, although really it wasn’t that bad since he got along well with his usual stylists. As they began packing up their supplies, he thanked them and wandered off to chat with the other members who were done. Which for now was just Seungmin and Lee Know.

After several minutes, Seungmin’s eyebrows furrowed, head tilting as he looked at something behind Changbin. “What is Yoonjae doing?”

“What?” Changbin whirled around. He hadn’t sensed him getting into trouble, but that didn’t mean much. Yoonjae could be sneaky sometimes. Plus Seungmin didn’t necessarily sound worried but more so confused, meaning he was probably doing something weird but not problematic. Although that wouldn’t reflect any better upon Changbin.

He didn’t have to look far to find Yoonjae. The rabbit was hopping around someone’s feet, circling them again and again. Changbin had a sinking feeling he knew who it was even before he looked up, trailing long beautiful legs up to a face that took his breath away.

“Oh.” The makeup team had gone above and beyond styling Jeongin. His hair was permed into soft fluffy brown curls, bangs long enough to skim his eyes. His eyeshadow was soft and shimmery, and they had gone heavy on the blush and highlighter, turning his whole face glowy. Giggles fell from petal pink, glossy lips that were practically begging to be kissed. 

Changbin swallowed hard. No wonder Yoonjae was circling him. Jeongin was always pretty but now he was beyond beautiful.

“Oh, I think I know what this is,” Minho said, and Changbin didn’t even have to look at him to know he was smirking.

He blushed. “Shut up. No, you don’t.”

Seungmin made a soft sound of understanding. “I’m guessing it has something to do with Changbin-hyung’s crush on I.N,” he said.

“It’s not a crush.” Calling it a crush was too juvenile. Maybe it had started as just a crush, but with time, his feelings had grown and now it was something else entirely.

Seungmin nodded. “Right, sorry. You’re in love with him.”

Changbin’s blush deepened but he couldn’t argue against it without outright lying. Although that didn’t mean he was willing to continue this conversation. “I’ll be back,” he mumbled. 

Seungmin and Minho laughed as he walked away, and he was sure they were watching him as he approached Jeongin.

Jeongin’s eyes lit up when he saw him. “Changbin,” he whined, “Yoonjae won’t let me walk.”

His circling was tight enough that Jeongin could only take slow little baby steps. “Have you tried stepping over him?””

Jeongin lifted a leg in a high exaggerated step and instantly Yoonjae moved, raising up onto his hindquarters with his ears perked up right so he couldn’t easily go over him. And when Jeongin swiveled to step down elsewhere, Yoonjae jumped into his path, nearly tripping him as he overcorrected to avoid treading on him. “Yoonjae, please,” Jeongin said.

Changbin was torn between amusement and embarrassment. 

“Why are you doing this?” He asked.

Yoonjae responded with laughter, ears flicking.

Changbin took pity on him. “I think he wants your attention.”

“Well, he’s got it.”

“Nuh-uh,” Yoonjae said, “you haven’t pet me.”

“Oh, um.” Jeongin’s eyes widened, flickering over to Changbin and then back down to Yoonjae. “Am I allowed to do that?”

Changbin blushed. It wasn’t like they had never touched daemons. Discounting the couples in their group, everyone had at least brushed against every one else’s daemon a handful of times. Those sort of touches happened when you were sharing close quarters. However, any sort of intentional prolonged touch was incredibly intimate. Changbin hadn't petted anyone’s daemon or let anyone pet Yoonjae. That wasn’t to say he had never thought about—Jiho always looked so fluffy—but it was too daunting. Especially since Jeongin barely tolerated normal skinship.

Yoonjae thumped just once. “Don’t ask him! I’m saying I want you to, so do it.”

“Yoonjae,” Changbin hissed. “Oh my god, why are you doing this?”

“Because you won’t,” Yoonjae responded smugly.

Jeongin’s makeup wasn’t thick enough to totally hide his blush. “Right, sorry,” he said, but he still glanced at Changbin one last time before bending down.

Changbin held his breath as Jeongin extended his hand, slowly coming closer and closer to Yoonjae until he got fed up and just nudged his head against him. Changbin took a step back.

“Oh,” they said in unison.

It was warm. He hadn’t felt cold, but now it was like snuggling in bed with your favorite blanket still fresh from the dryer, or standing so close to a campfire that you could feel its heat radiating against your skin. It was the type of warmth that sank down deep into your bones. Changbin’s first reaction was to flinch, nearly overwhelmed by the sudden burst of heat, but it didn’t burn. It curled around his heart, melting the tension from his soul. 

Yoonjae wiggled, prompting an awestruck Jeongin to move his hand and start properly petting him.

“Wow, your fur is even thicker than I expected,” Jeongin said, “and so soft.”

Yoonjae giggled. “Thank you, Changbin helps me groom it.”

“Well he does a good job. You’re really pretty.”

Yoonjae’s presence in their bond was like a burst of sunlight. “You’re really pretty too. Don’t you think so Changbin?”

Changbin’s brain stuttered like a half turned car key before it properly turned on the ignition. “Of course,” he rushed to say, “you’re gorgeous.” It came out more sincere than he had intended, but he stood by it. 

Jeongin’s smile widened into a grin, showing off the cutest pair of dimples. “Aw, thanks. You’re gorgeous too.”

“Really?” Changbin hadn’t been called that word often. He knew he wasn’t as conventionally pretty as some of the other members, but he was attractive in his own way. The muscles he worked hard for had most people calling him hot. Sexy, handsome, good-looking; if he was being praised for his looks most stuck to the more masculine descriptors. And he appreciated all of them.

But something about Jeongin calling him gorgeous hit differently, stoking the fire in his heart.

“Yeah, you’re stunning,” Jeongin said, and it was clear he meant it. He could feel the truth—the adoration behind his words seeping into Yoonjae and their bond. He didn’t want to presume anything, but it almost felt like love.

Changbin’s breath hitched. “Thank you,”

Yoonjae’s whiskers twitched, a sign that he was probably purring as Jeongin scratched behind his ears. Was it wrong for him to envy his own daemon? He wanted Jeongin to touch him too. What would it feel like to have those long fingers exploring his body? Would he touch him softly, treating him with gentleness like he did with Yoonjae? Or could he be rougher? Changbin yearned for both options, anything Jeongin was willing to do with him.

He opened his mouth. Should he say something now? His jaw snapped shut. No, not with this many people around.

Eventually Yoonjae was satisfied with the amount of attention he had received from Jeongin, hopping away to hang out with the other daemons just in time for Changbin and Jeongin to be swept up into the photo shoot. 

Sometimes their daemons were used in marketing but not often, and it was one of those things that really depended on the idol. If their daemon fit their brand, they were more likely to be included in photoshoots like Minho with Junyeong, his panther daemon who not only looked cool but also aligned with his feline image. If a daemon was more unconventional and different than fans would expect, like Jisung and his tegu daemon Dongha, they were less likely to be included in various media. It was honestly really unfair, but fortunately when they were doing group promotions, Stray Kids subscribed to an all or nothing motto: they had to include either all of their daemons or none of them.

Today they had chosen none of them.

It was easy to fall into the flow of the photo shoot. Pose, adjust, smile, don’t smile, look this way, that way, etc etc. After all these years, Changbin knew the drill. There were group and solo shots and then they were being split into duos. Fate must have been smiling upon Changbin because he was paired up with Jeongin.

The first few poses were tame. Normal poses with a normal amount of distance between them. Then, they were instructed to stand close to each other. No, closer. They need to tilt their heads together and stare into each other's eyes like they were challenging one another.

Changbin could feel Jeongin’s breath against him, and count his individual eyelashes. He smirked like the director told him, and he could’ve sworn he saw Jeongin’s gaze dart down to his lips. Which of course inspired him to do the same. 

Jeongin raised an eyebrow.

Changbin’s heart could be the beat for their next song; it was thumping so fast. It would be so easy to just lean in and close the distance between them. 

A camera flashed. “Great!” The director yelled. “I’m loving the tension.”

That was good because it probably wasn’t being resolved today.

Changbin's next exhale was dangerously close to a sigh as they were directed into a different, more separated position. 

— — —

Changbin rarely locked his bedroom door. He liked being available for the other members, offering his bedroom as a safe space for them to come to for advice or comfort or whatever they needed. It didn’t bother him to leave his door cracked open.

He was on bed on his phone when he heard two subsequent thumps against his door, a mix between a knock and a thud. He raised his head up to see the door swing open just enough for Jiho to trot in. His head was held high as he walked to Changbin's bed and hopped up on the mattress, beelining straight for Yoonjae.

He paused to lick Yoonjae’s forehead. “Hi.”

Yoonjae tilted his head up, nuzzling their cheeks together. “Hello.”

Jiho’s tail wagged. “Can I cuddle with you guys?”

Yoonjae flopped back on his side. “Of course.”

Changbin expected Jiho to lay down on the other side of Yoonjae, instead he stepped over him into the space between him and Changbin. There was just enough room for him to turn around twice before settling down, curling up around Yoonjae’s back only a few centimeters away from Changbin. He draped his tail over Yoonjae’s back.

Changbin watched them snuggle fondly. “Is Jeongin coming too?”

A daemon and their human were never found far from each other. Although idols went through training to stretch their bond enough to stay comfortably separated from across a stadium and they could probably wander this whole house without discomfort, they still normally stuck close to each other's sides. But the doorway was still empty and Changbin couldn’t hear any footsteps in the hallway.

Jiho tilted his head. “Probably,” he said, but he didn’t seem too concerned about it. 

Minutes ticked past. Changbin returned his attention to his phone, not paying much attention as Yoonjae and Jiho whispered to each other. If they were talking about anything important, he’d find out about it eventually. Eventually, even they fell silent. 

Changbin yawned against his hand. His bed was so comfy, and Yoonjae’s energy across the bond was relaxed and content. He was already having a bit of a lazy day, maybe he should make it even lazier by taking a nap.

Jiho seemed to have had the same idea. His breathing had deepened, occasionally coming out in soft breathy snores. 

“Apparently they didn’t sleep well last night,” Yoonjae whispered across their bond to avoid disturbing him.

“That’s unfortunate.” He wondered what had kept them up but Changbin wouldn’t press for details. He had experienced his own share of sleepless nights and rarely did he want to discuss them. Although of course he would listen if Jiho or Jeongin brought it up, his bigger priority was offering them a place to rest. “Let’s not disturb him.”

Yoonjae rolled his eyes. “Of course not,” he said and snuggled deeper into the bed. He was close to dozing off himself.

Both of them probably would’ve succumbed to sleep soon if Jiho hadn’t rolled over.

It was like opening the door to a heated oven and reaching inside. A sudden burst of heat washed over him, searingingly hot for just a moment before he acclimatized and it became a gentle, comforting warmth.

Jiho’s eyes shot open, molten gold and staring into Changbin’s soul.

“I’m sorry!” Changbin exclaimed, rolling to put space between them. He shivered. He had only experienced his warmth for a couple of seconds, but the loss of it was enough to make his bed feel cold. 

Jiho shook his head. “Why are you apologizing? I’m the one who touched you. Besides, don’t you want it?”

Changbin blushed. Yes, of course he wanted to pet and cuddle Jiho. He loved the little fox, and the temptation to express that love had only gotten stronger now that Jeongin had touched Yoonjae— and continued to touch him, petting him regularly in the handful of days since that photoshoot. However, it didn’t matter what he wanted because it wasn’t meant to be his decision. Changbin may tease and push Jeongin’s boundaries on occasion—he was too cute not to—but this was one he refused to cross. 

“I can’t,” he stammered.

Jiho cocked his head. “Why not?” He stood up, paws sinking into the mattress with every step he took to close the distance between them. “I want it too,” he said, stopping when he was close enough for his fur to tickle him.

Changbin inhaled shakily.

There was a clatter in the hallway, footsteps hurrying to his door. Jeongin burst in. His face was flushed as he panted, and although his eyes were wide, his shoulders seemed to relax when he saw Changbin.

“It’s not what it looks like,” Changbin said, hands raised to his shoulders defensively. He couldn’t roll any further away from Jiho without falling off the bed, but he could obviously see and feel the lack of contact between them.

Yoonjae bounded off the bed, running over to circle Jeongin. “Jeongin!” He greeted. “Do you want to cuddle too?”

“Traitor,” Changbin hissed across their bond.

Yoonjae flicked his ears. “Coward.”

Jeongin and Jiho stared at each other, clearly communicating something before he smiled down at Yoonjae. “Maybe in a minute,” he said, and Changbin’s heart sped up. That was a good response, right? “It’s okay that you touched Jiho.”

“Really?”

Jeongin nodded. “It caught me off guard, obviously, but um,” he paused, staring at the wall above Changbin. “I kind of liked it. Maybe because I like you.”

Whoa. There was no way he had heard that right. A victory song began to blare in his brain but he cut it off before it could get to the crazy part, because what if Jeongin didn’t mean it that way? “Aw, Innie, I like you too,” he said in an upbeat tone that straddled the line between joking and sincere. 

Jeongin blushed, fists clenching. “Not like that. I mean, yes like that, but I know that you like to joke around a lot, and I know you love all your friends, but this time, I’m serious. I really like you. Actually, I might even love you.”

Oh! 

“I love you too,” Changbin replied immediately, still grinning but one hundred percent seriously. “Genuinely. Maybe at some point it was just teasing, but the truth is I’ve been in love with you for quite some time now. Honestly I thought it was kind of obvious,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “I haven’t really been subtle, and neither has Yoonjae.”

Jeongin giggled. “I noticed. Him and Jiho have really gotten close.”

“You guys were taking too long,” Yoonjae complained, nudging against Jeongin.

Jiho wagged his tail, not caring at all when it brushed Changbin’s leg. “Yeah, if you like someone, you should just act on it.”

Changbin laughed. “You guys make it sound so easy.”

Maybe he could’ve confessed sooner, but at least it was happening now. He hesitated, and then stroked a hand across Jiho’s head, petting him down his back. His fur was even softer than he had imagined, so long and silky.

Jiho yipped and wiggled beneath his touch. He climbed onto Changbin’s chest, licking his cheek a couple of times before laying down. His tongue was so wet and tickly; Changbin couldn’t help but giggle. Was this revenge for all the times he had kissed Jeongin?

The bed shifted as Jeongin joined them on it, laying down on his back just close enough for his shoulders to brush against Changbin’s. 

Changbin pouted. “You’re too far.”

Jeongin inched closer so they were pressed side to side. “Is this better?”

“Hm, not quite,” he said, “I still can’t kiss you.”

Jeongin blushed. “You could if Jiho wasn’t on you.”

Jiho stuck out his tongue at his human. “I’m not moving,” he said.

Changbin’s heart melted as he relaxed fully across him, and then melted even more as Yoonjae joined in on the cuddle pile, flopping across Jeongin.

Jeongin huffed. “Fine,” he said.

He leaned in and pressed his lips against Changbin’s in a quick but soft kiss. Changbin made a pleased noise in his throat, one hand coming up to cradle Jeongin’s head. His hair was nearly as soft as his daemon’s fur.

Jeongin tried to draw away, but Changbin stopped him, lifting his head up to kiss him back. This kiss was longer, more intense, only stopping when Jeongin broke away with a whine.

He tried to cover his face with his hands but there was no hiding his blush. 

“Too much?” Changbin asked, stroking his cheek. 

Jeongin shuddered. “Maybe just a little,” he said, “sorry, I’m not used to this.”

“That’s alright,” Changbin said, “we have plenty of time to figure it out together, right?”

Jeongin’s nod was tiny. “Yeah, together,” he confirmed, and then bravely darted forward to give him one last kiss before retreating back.

He settled against Changbin’s pillow, one hand trailing down to scratch Yoonjae behind the ears.

Changbin’s heart clenched as his daemon purred. The two of them made eye contact. 

“So cute,” Changbin thought, and Yoonjae wholeheartedly agreed.