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Namjoon growls as she storms down the street, fed up with Yoongi’s bragging about how she “scared the fucking shit out of the little boy’s mind, and oh, it was so great to hear him scream!”. Sure, Yoongi was her best friend, but she'd been bragging for days on end of her skills in bed- ahem, scaring people in bed.
She was a classic Nightmare demon: small, slept a lot, snappish, nasty as fuck when annoyed or woken up before ready. Yoongi loved the demon she was born as.
Meanwhile, Namjoon was not so pleased with herself.
As a Bajang, she was just a cat demon who went around and finished off dying children by sucking their blood. Like a vampire’s pet. And, to add to situation, despite being nineteen, she hadn't yet morphed into her mature stage. In her cat form, she still looked like a small black domestic cat. Her father was disappointed, having hoped she would morph into her mature form, a true panther with vicious demon blood, by the time she was sixteen, like he had.
“Can't you shut up for one second, Yoongi?” Namjoon scowls as she pushes her way through the crowds of humans. She had escaped into the Middle World, where humans lived, to be able to get away from Yoongi.
Her body is suddenly twisted to the side, having been knocked aside by someone else, and she snarls, turning on them in a rage. “Hey, watch where you're going, you-” And her breath is caught in her throat, because standing in front of her is the most beautiful boy she's ever seen. Pale, porcelain skin with large, innocent eyes and a head of blond hair make him up, and oh, he's tall. He towers over her, which surprises Namjoon, because she thought she was tall. He has broad shoulders that look perfect for laying her head on and his neck looks so tempting to bite and lick.
He smiles at her and Namjoon nearly swoons. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you. Please, forgive me.”
“O-Okay,” she stutters back, nodding dumbly.
“I'm sorry,” he repeats. “Let me buy you a coffee or something to make it up.” And Namjoon can only agree, so together, they walk to the coffee shop across the street.
“What's your name? I didn't catch it,” the boy says as he looks over the menu.
Namjoon hesitates. Should she tell him her real name?
He seems to sense her hesitation and smiles. “I should have introduced myself first. I'm Seokjin.”
“Namjoon,” she blurts out before she can stop herself.
Seokjin smiles brightly. “It's beautiful.”
“Thank you,” she murmurs, blushing. They give their orders to the barista, and as Seokjin is handing money to him, Namjoon catches a peek of his wrist and the tattoo on it.
It's a V with angel wings on either side, in shimmering gold ink.
Namjoon has to bite back a gasp. No wonder Seokjin was so polite and beautiful; he was an angel. A Virtue angel. From what Namjoon had learned from her schooling, Virtue angels were in the second tier of the hierarchy and were often sent to the Middle World to help humans and create miracles for them, not far related from Guardian Angels.
Namjoon’s aunt claimed to have once battled a Virtue angel over a dying child; however, the angel had won and her aunt had crawled back home, pride and body bruised and battered.
“Would you like to sit down, Namjoon?”
She starts and looks up at Seokjin, who is staring at her inquisitively. “What?”
He smiles gently. “I asked if you'd like to go sit down.” He nods to an empty table.
“Oh. Yeah.” As they sit down, Namjoon can't help but stare at his right wrist.
“Do you like it?” Seokjin asks, taking notice.
“It's… interesting,” Namjoon replies. Since Auras are too weak to be identified by one, the species are identified by other things, even when in human form. For instance, angels by their shimmering tattoos indicating their rank, Nightmares by their black eyes and white slitted pupils, Bajangs by their cat tails (which Namjoon keeps hidden in her baggy pants), Succubi by their wine red hair…
“It is, isn't it?” Seokjin's voice has a hint of pride in it. “I needed it for my work. It's like an ID.”
Namjoon hums. She knows exactly what it is.
“So, Namjoon.” Seokjin takes a sip of his coffee. “What do you do? You look like you're in university.”
“I…” Namjoon trails off. Truly, all she does is sit on the couch at home, watching dramas all day with Yoongi, being a lazy couch potato now that she's graduated. And when she does go out, it's to drink. But she can't tell Seokjin that, unless she wants one reveal herself or have him think she's a slob, and she doesn't. “I study mythology and animals.”
“Oh.” Seokjin sits up, seeming very interested, which Namjoon appreciates and cringes at. “That's really amazing. A double major. Are you at the local university?”
Namjoon nods. It's better to just go along with everything he says, she decides.
“I know someone there. Kim Taehyung, have you heard of him? He's going to be a doctor,” Seokjin says, pride evident in his voice. Taehyung must be the boy Seokjin is watching over and making a miracle for.
Namjoon shakes her head and takes a drink of her coffee. It's bitter and thin, disgusting her, but she forces it down. After this, she'll have to go out and drink.
“Mmm, you'll have to meet him. He's such a sweet boy,” her companion continues.
Namjoon’s tail tip zings, surprising her; it's indicating her father is looking for her. She stands, surprising Seokjin, who quiets. “Seokjin, I need to go. Sorry.”
“Oh, yes, of course. I'm sorry.” He stands as well. “Please, let me accompany you home.”
“No, it's okay,” Namjoon protests. If he sees where she escapes to the Under World, then he'll surely hate her.
“Really,” Seokjin insists. “Just allow me.”
“No, please,” Namjoon begs, as she's pushed out the door.
“Namjoon.” Seokjin faces her, determined. “I don't care if you're poor or rich. I don’t care if you live in a box or a mansion. Please, just let me take you home. It's getting dark anyway.”
It's more dangerous for you at this time, Namjoon thinks. But Seokjin is so insistent and polite and handsome that Namjoon finds herself leading the way to the underground abandoned subway, which is the portal between the Middle World and Under World.
She stops at the entrance, shoulders slumped and back facing her company. “This is my stop.”
Seokjin's breath hitches and she can feel his eyes boring into her. “N-Namjoon?”
She turns and sees him staring, eyes wide and scared, darting around him like he's expecting demons to appear any second; makes sense, it's about dusk and her kind will be crawling out in swarms in minutes. She takes a small step towards him, only to stop when he backs away.
“I've made a mistake,” he squeaks out.
“Don't you understand now? I tried to stop you, but damn it, you're just so fucking polite,” Namjoon hisses.
Seokjin trembles, desperately looking for a way to escape. He could run, but demons are fast. He could fly, but there are humans around. “I t-think I should take m-my leave.”
Namjoon looks at him, eyes flashing gold. There's no need to hide it now that he knows. “Yes,” she says finally. “I think you should.” And with that, she disappears into the black, back to the Under World.
-
Seokjin whines as he crashes into his bed, muffling his screams in his plush pillow.
“Jin! Jinnie, what's wrong?” Jimin’s high-pitched voice reaches his ears. “Seokjin!”
“I'm dead!” Seokjin wails, flailing about. “How stupid of me! I'm so stupid, I can't believe it!” He sits up and stares at his hands. “But she was just so pretty and cute and why ? She even saw my tattoo, she knew!”
“Jin, please calm down,” Jimin whines, white wings flapping in panic.
“I’m such a fool,” the elder shrieks, slamming his pillow into his face. “I can’t believe I didn’t notice earlier!”
“Seokjin!” Jimin screams, chubby cheeks red. He grabs one of Seokjin’s pale blue wings and yanks out a small feather. Seokjin yelps at the dull pain. “Please, calm down before you bring the whole flight here! Now,” he continues, settling on Seokjin’s bed. “What happened?”
Seokjin twiddles his thumbs anxiously, avoiding the Cherub angel’s gaze. “I met a demon,” he says finally, and Jimin gasps. “It was an accident! I was just going down to check up on Taehyung and see what could be done, but I bumped into her and offered to buy her coffee as an apology. She saw my tattoo and asked about it, so I just told her it had to do with my work.” He groans. “Then she had to go and I insisted on walking her home and she led me to the abandoned subway station to the Under World.”
“Was there anything to indicate she was a demon?” Jimin asks softly, placing a small hand on Seokjin’s broad shoulder.
“No.” He shakes his head. “She must’ve hidden in inside her clothes or something.” Seokjin sighs dejectedly, and Jimin pats him placatingly. “She was just so… so pretty it was impossible for me to notice anything.” Namjoon was the prettiest girl he’d ever seen, and Seokjin has seen a lot of pretty girls. She had long turquoise hair twisted back into a braid, flawless tan skin, and adorably dimpled cheeks that Seokjin had just wanted to squish and dote over.
“Was she a Succubus?” Jimin asks, but Seokjin shakes his head.
“Blue hair, not red.” He sighs again and stares out his window at the setting sun and can't help but want to see Namjoon again.
-
“Where were you?” Yoongi spits as soon as Namjoon steps foot into her house. “Your father is looking for you.”
“I know,” Namjoon growls back, the tip of her tail itching aggravatingly. She yanks it out of her baggy pants, allowing it to wave around freely. Yoongi pulls it as she skips out the door, earning her a yowl from Namjoon.
“Namjoon!” Her father calls from his study. He sounds excited.
“Coming,” Namjoon mutters, padding down the hall to his room. “Hello, Father.” She bows.
“Namjoon, dear. I have something to discuss with you,” her father says, smile on his face. Namjoon curves in on herself, on edge. Something is wrong. “As you know, it’s been three years since you’ve come of age,” her father begins.
“Father-” Namjoon whispers, understanding where this is going, but he shuts her up with a glare, eyes flashing a deep gold.
“Namjoon, this is not for you to decide. When you have children, it will be, but for now, it’s about you,” he growls deeply. “You are going to marry the Jeon’s son.”
“Jeon?” Namjoon croaks out. “The Yenaldooshi family?” The Yenaldooshi family were skinwalkers, a little like weres, who wore trophies of wolf and coyote skins and gained power by killing a close relative. That was how Head Jeon had gained his spot, killing his father and then his brother. “Father, please, I can’t.”
“You will, Namjoon.” Her mother steps into the room, carrying a delicate crystal glass of blood.
“Mother,” Namjoon begs, dropping to her knees and bowing her head. “Please. I understand you’ve been lenient for three years, but I beg you. I will marry anyone but a Jeon. Please. ”
Her father sighs but her mother tuts. “You're right, Namjoon, I have been lenient for three years. And three years is enough . We've spoiled you, let you run around with the Min’s daughter and dye your hair and go up to the Middle World to do whatever you want. But now, you will have responsibility and marry Jeon Jeongguk.” Her tone is final, eyes flashing bright gold, and Namjoon quivers.
“Yes, Mother,” she whispers. She cannot disobey.
“They're making me marry the youngest Jeon,” Namjoon whimpers, burrowing her face into Yoongi’s black pillow. Her best friend snorts in amusement.
“Seriously? The kid is like, two years younger than you.”
“I know, and the Yenaldooshis are creepy! I don't want to have to stick around them, and their nasty canine trophies and dog pee and shit.” Namjoon and Yoongi wrinkle their noses at the thought. “Why aren’t your parents making you get married? You're twenty,” Namjoon whimpers, glaring at the elder.
Yoongi smirks and twirls a strand of grey hair around her small finger. “We had a deal. I scare the shit out of humans better than the other Nightmare brats and my dad won't make me get married. And look, I do a fan-fucking-tastic job.” It's true; Yoongi has scared many people in her night hauntings and done a good job. She's much more efficient than the other children of the Nightmare families, despite not being part of the Head Nightmare family.
Namjoon whines at the unfairness of it all. “You suck so bad,” she mutters, and transforms into her cat form, curling up in Yoongi’s pillow.
Her friend pulls a face. “You nasty fuck, you'll get hair all over it.” But she makes no effort to move Namjoon, who purrs as Yoongi lies down beside her. “When you mature, you'll have to lie on the floor. My pillow won't fit a full grown Bajang.”
Namjoon humphs. She’ll have to buy her a large pet bed.
“Joonie,” Yoongi says, laying back. “Do you think you’ll fall in love with anyone?”
The younger raises her head and twitches her small ears. “What?” She asks. “Fall in love?”
Yoongi nods and strokes Namjoon’s long tail.
The younger girl shakes her cat head, whiskers twitching. “No. I will not fall in love with Jeon Jeongguk.”
“I wasn't talking about that brat,” Yoongi says crossly. “I was talking about anyone.”
“Who else would I have?” Namjoon hisses. “I have to marry Jeongguk. I won't have a chance to be with anyone else!”
Yoongi stares at her, a plan formulating in her head; her white eyes are unnerving. “Unless Jeongguk finds someone else.”
“What?” Namjoon shifts back to her human form and brings her knees up to her chest.
Yoongi smirks and stands up. “Just think,” she says. “Jeongguk will be the head of the family soon. He'll kill his father, just like everyone in that family does, and if he finds someone he wants to be with, then he'll divorce you and marry them.” Yoongi grins, satisfied with her plan.
“What if the brat falls for me?”
Yoongi snorts a laugh. “Oh, Joonie, come on.” She dismisses the idea with a wave of her hand, much to Namjoon’s displeasure. “Just make sure he doesn't. Treat him like a little brother. Not too mean and definitely not too nice.” She shrugs as if it's so simple. Namjoon doesn't think so.
But she sighs and agrees to Yoongi’s plan.
Three days later, she and her parents have guests. Jeon Jeongguk and his father are over to discuss the wedding plans between the families and Namjoon is forced to come out of her room from watching The Heirs . She stands beside her parents, head down, as they welcome the two in.
“Welcome, Jeon,” her father greets, and they shake hands.
Namjoon glances at Jeongguk, who nods back. They've shared a few classes together at school in the past, but Namjoon had graduated a year ago and they had different social groups. He was a Yenaldooshi, from the powerful Head family, and was quite popular at school, known for his good looks and charms. Girls fawned over him, boys crowded around him, and Namjoon avoided him. She preferred to occasionally skip class to catch up on her dramas or join Yoongi on the roof.
“Jeongguk,” Head Jeon says harshly. “Introduce yourself properly to her.” He glares down at his son.
Jeongguk steps forward and bows down. “Kim Namjoon, hello and thank you for the invite to your home.”
At her mother's shove, Namjoon bites her lip and kneels on the floor. “Welcome, Jeon Jeongguk.” Afterwards, drinks are served in the parlor and the plan is being discussed.
“Jeongguk has come of age a September ago,” Head Jeon says. “And Namjoon three years ago.”
“Yes.” Namjoon’s father beams at her. “Namjoon has been looking forward to this for a long time.” At Head Jeon’s inquisitive glance, she offers a weak smile and a bowed head.
“As discussed before, the date should be set immediately and preparations started. My son graduates in nine months,” Head Jeon continues, sipping his wine. “This summer would be best.”
“Of course,” Namjoon’s mother purrs. “Perhaps in July? The night after the World Changing?” Her golden eyes stare into Head Jeon’s and he nods.
“Yes, very good!”
Namjoon stares at her mother in shock. The World Changing is the one day that angels and demons go into each other’s worlds to explore and play, as well as wandering the Middle World. It's a day that is peaceful and fighting is forbidden by both sides.
“Of course, Namjoon and Jeongguk will not be allowed out,” her mother voices with a glare at Namjoon. “Their wedding will be the next night and they can't find themselves being tired for their big day.”
“What?” Jeongguk cries out, only to be yanked to the floor with his father’s claws digging into his neck. Namjoon watches, terrified, and as Jeongguk howls in pain, thrashing around, and finally submits to his father. Blood drips down his neck and she flinches at the stench of it.
“Mother,” Namjoon whispers, still staring at Jeongguk, who is lying on the floor, panting. “Mother, what are you doing?”
Her mother smiles and lays a hand on Namjoon’s shoulder. “Setting you up for a powerful family, Namjoon.” She gestures to Jeongguk and his father. “The Jeons, the Kims, the Mins, and that girl's husband's family.”
“Yoongi,” Namjoon mutters.
“Yes, yes, her,” Her mother says dismissively. “It will be perfect. You'll rule the Under World.”
But Namjoon frowns. Only Jeongguk was from a Head family and who knew if Yoongi would ever marry. She doesn't agree with her mother, but stays silent for her own sake.
-
It's January when Seokjin and Namjoon meet for the second time.
Seokjin, who acts as a tutor/therapist to Taehyung, is coming out of a cafe from meeting the younger when he sees a head of long blue hair.
“Namjoon,” he breathes out. He breaks out into a run and catches up to her. “Namjoon!”
She whirls around, startled, and sees Seokjin reaching to grab her shoulder. Namjoon stares up at him with wide brown eyes and Seokjin’s breath catches in his throat. “Seokjin,” she greets, sliding out of his grip.
“H-Hi,” he stutters, hand falling limp at his side.
Namjoon turns away. “I’m surprised you wanted to see me again.”
Seokjin rubs the back of his neck awkwardly. “I had to,” he murmurs, causing Namjoon to stop in her tracks, face red and tail rigid.
Her heart is racing, her stomach fluttering; why is she like this? The only time she’s felt like this was around Woo Jiho, an older boy who had graduated a couple of years before her. But she doesn’t like Seokjin, does she? They’ve only met twice and they’re also opposites.
“It’s the blood I drank earlier,” she mutters to herself, blaming it on the child she had finished off earlier that morning. “I don’t like him. I can’t.”
“Namjoon, do you want to, um, I don’t know, maybe go get some-” Seokjin starts but Namjoon faces him and cuts him off.
“I’m betrothed!” She yells out, startling both herself and him. He stares at her, face turning a bright shade of red, and she avoids his eye.
“Well,” he says, voice tight, and pauses. Namjoon takes that chance to run, refusing to look back.
Once she’s safely in her room, she buries her head in her pillow and screams and screams until her throat is raw and she can barely speak.
Yoongi walks out of her bathroom, sour look on her face, and throws a towel at Namjoon. “What the fuck?”
“Why the hell are you always in my house?” Namjoon moans. “Don't you have your own place?”
“Of course,” Yoongi answers. “But my little brother is always a bitch so I don't like hanging out there.”
Namjoon just sighs and lets it be. Even if she told Yoongi to leave, the elder would just scoff and ignore her.
“So, what did you do this time?”
“I told Seokjin I was betrothed,” Namjoon whines, and then is wrenched up by Yoongi, whose white eyes flash.
“Who the fuck is Seokjin?” She snaps, irritated that her best friend hadn't told her of this Seokjin.
Namjoon squeaks. “Okay, promise you won't tell, and promise you won't freak out.” Yoongi stares at her. “He's this angel I met in November. We ran into each other and he offered me coffee and I saw his tattoo and I was like, oh shit, so I left but he insisted on walking me home and I was like, um okay you're going to freak out, and I took him to the entrance and whoopdeedoo, he did freak out, and then I left.” Yoongi doesn't say a word so Namjoon continues. “Then I just ran into him today and he said he had to see me and I was like, what the fuck, and my stomach was all tingly and fluttering and I thought I might like him but I don't, I can't, and then I yelled, Yoongi, I literally yelled, that I was betrothed and he looked super tense and pissed and then I ran home.” Yoongi just looks at Namjoon like she's not at all surprised. “Say something!” Namjoon shrieks.
“You're going to fuck yourself up,” Yoongi drawls, and Namjoon screams in frustration. “I mean, come on, Joon. You're totally fucked. You like an angel. An angel, Joon. And from what your story told, those feelings could be reciprocated. Which means your little virgin babe is fucked too.”
“Oh my God,” Namjoon whimpers, and slams her pillow over her face. “I'm so fucked.”
“You really are,” Yoongi replies, not sounding concerned at all.
“If anyone finds out, I'll be killed,” Namjoon says. “My parents will skin me and hang my sad, pathetic, domestic skin on the wall. It wouldn't even be pretty! I'm not fully matured! I'm such a disappointment!” She wails, and Yoongi plugs her ears in aggravation.
“Shut up!” She snaps. “I always knew you were screwed up.” Namjoon nearly claws her eyes out for that comment. Yoongi sits back with a sigh, serious. “Namjoon. What are you going to do about this? It's illegal you know.”
“You think I don't know that?” Namjoon hisses, pulling her braid anxiously. “I don't know? Never go up to the Middle World ever again?”
“If the boy really does like you, I bet he'll come here during the World Changing,” Yoongi says, examining her sharp nails.
“Oh my God,” Namjoon moans, running her hands down her face. “The World Changing.”
Yoongi eyes her curiously. “Usually you're excited for it.”
“I'm getting married the day after.”
Yoongi’s eyebrows knit and she frowns. “Yet another thing you didn’t tell me.”
“I know and I'm sorry, it's just I've been trying to convince my mother to move it but she refuses. She has Father wrapped around her finger and all Head Jeon wants to do is please her, so he's agreeing to everything she says.” Namjoon groans and slumps back against her bed frame. “Mother wants us to become the Head Bajang family and she thinks that me marrying Jeongguk will help her towards that goal. Tornaq has told her that the night after the World Changing is the best for marriage.”
Yoongi snorts. “Oh, that old fucker.” She rolls her eyes and reaches over to pat Namjoon’s hand. “Look, Joonie, everything will be fine. We’ll find a way to stop this and I’ll make sure to get you out on World Changing Night.”
Namjoon smiles and hits Yoongi playfully. “Thanks, Yoongi.”
-
Winter and spring pass quickly and before everyone knows it, the first summer month has come. Namjoon’s and Jeongguk’s mothers have been busy planning the wedding, making sure it’s going to be the most extravagant of the year.
Seokjin is always the first thing on Namjoon's mind. Unallowed to go up to the Middle World, she constantly wonders what he's doing and how he spends his days. Does he miss her? Is he thankful that he doesn't see her?
“Seokjin,” Namjoon will whisper, staring up at the sky, “I've done something terrible. But if you love me back, is it so terrible after all?”
Namjoon's husband-to-be manages to be a distraction from the angel. They don't talk much at first, making it more awkward between them for when they're forced to meet by their families.
Namjoon stays with the plan Yoongi created: keep Jeongguk close but not too close. She does her best and after some extremely uncomfortable situations, Namjoon just decides to treat him like a younger brother. They grow more friendly and comfortable around each other and Namjoon is grateful because she's glad to know that there's someone else who doesn't particularly care for their wedding.
Eventually though, Jeongguk starts following her around and does everything that needs to be done, even if Namjoon doesn't ask for help.
“Look, Jeongguk, I'm just going to say this first,” Namjoon says one day when she's had enough. She takes a deep breath. “I'm not into you.”
Jeongguk smiles, a little kid smile, and Namjoon is shocked to see the expression on his face. He shrugs like he was expecting it and replies, “It's okay, noona. I'm not into you either.”
“What?”
Jeongguk stares her straight in the eyes. “I'm gay.”
Namjoon squeaks in surprise and Yoongi bursts out of the closest she was hiding in, howling with laughter. Jeongguk looks at her, not at all surprised. “Hello, Yoongi-noona. How nice of you to eavesdrop on our conversation.”
Yoongi looks up from laughing and her eyes flash. “Watch your tone, you little brat,” she spits, causing Jeongguk to squeak, backing away with his head down.
Namjoon turns to the youngest. “You knew she was there?”
Jeongguk nods. “Of course. I could both hear and smell her.”
Namjoon turns to Yoongi with her eyebrows raised. “This is going much better than I expected it to.”
“Yes, except for the fact that you're still fucked,” Yoongi comments, and Jeongguk shoots them both confused looks.
Namjoon ignores her. “Why did you follow me around? I thought you liked me.”
“Well, I thought we were friends,” Jeongguk whispers hesitantly. “So I wanted to be helpful and be there if you needed anything.”
Namjoon feels her heart swell and she pinches Jeongguk’s cheek, making him squeal. “Aish, Gukkie, you're so cute! Thank you, though.”
Jeongguk blushes and swats her hand away. “I'm not cute, noona,” he mutters.
“I'm bored,” Yoongi speaks up. “Let's go up to the Middle World.”
Jeongguk’s eyes light up but Namjoon bites her lip nervously. “Yoongi…”
“Come on, Joon. The World Changing is in less than a month. If I don't get you out, which I will, but if I don't, this could be your last chance. You'll never know who was up there today if you don't go.”
“Right,” Namjoon snaps. “I don't know who could be up there.”
“Noona, come on!” Jeongguk whines, tugging on Namjoon's sleeve like a child. “Let's go torture some people.”
“Yeah, that sounds great! Joon, come on, it's been forever since we've had fun like that!” Yoongi adds, reaching up on her tiptoes to wrap an arm around Jeongguk’s shoulders.
Namjoon sighs and nods in agreement. “All right.”
They leave the Under World and step out of the subway entrance into the Middle World, the bright light making them squint. The three wander the streets, looking for a victim to have fun with. Namjoon’s eyes flicker back and forth, watching for any sign of Seokjin.
“Look!” Jeongguk points to a lonesome boy ambling down the sidewalk. His shoulders are hunched and he's looking over his shoulder as if someone is stalking him. Even Yoongi can smell the fear wafting off of him.
Yoongi nods to Jeongguk and he closes eyes and throws his head back with a high-pitched yip and howl. Immediately, three coyotes are by his side and he points to the boy, whom they go after.
The boy shrieks and breaks into a run, but he's quickly overpowered by one and falls. The coyotes lunge forward and Namjoon hears the ripping of cloth and the screams of the boy.
All of a sudden, a bright light shines down from the sky on the boy and it burns the demons’ skin, causing them to go behind shelter.
“An angel!” Jeongguk squeaks, catching his breath, rubbing his burned forearm. The screams have stopped and blood drips from Jeongguk’s throat, signalling the end of his beasts.
“Taehyung!”
Namjoon's breath catches in her throat. She knows that name. And that voice. She scrambles out from behind the building where they his and sees Seokjin kneeling over the boy, his blue wings trembling.
“Seokjin,” she breathes, watching as he picks Taehyung up and gently cradles him against his chest, wings wrapping around him protectively.
“You demons!” Seokjin howls angrily. He looks up. “You-! Namjoon!”
“You know him?” Jeongguk and Yoongi are walking out from behind the shelter, eyes wide with surprise.
Namjoon spares a glance at Seokjin. “This is Seokjin.”
Yoongi’s eyebrows raise and she gapes. “This is Seokjin? Your angel?”
“W-What is she talking about?” Seokjin asks nervously as he eyes the two demons behind Namjoon. “Namjoon?” He starts to back away, torn between staying to talk to her and flying away for both his and Taehyung’s safety.
“Namjoon, who is this?” Jeongguk growls and Seokjin flinches at the sight of wild dogs ready to pounce at Jeongguk’s order.
“Jeongguk, stop it,” Namjoon orders. “Both of you, leave him alone. Let him go.” She ignores the sad look Seokjin gives her and turns her back to him. She feels the wind as Seokjin flaps his strong wings and flies off, leaving the demons behind. After he's gone, it's silent until Jeongguk asks, “What the fuck is going on?”
Namjoon turns to Jeongguk with desperate eyes. “Jeongguk, please, don't say anything about this. I've committed a crime and I'll be punished for it, but for now, please don't say anything!”
The younger stares at Namjoon in shock and then realization. “Noona,” he whispers. “Did you fall in love with an angel?”
Namjoon can only nod once before bursting into tears. “Please, don't say anything!”
“You can be killed for this,” he murmurs and Yoongi wraps a hand around his arm.
“We know,” Yoongi growls, tightening her grip. “But Joon has never wanted anything more. Jeongguk, don't marry her.”
“Noona, it's not my choice,” Jeongguk replies, shaking his head. “If it was, we wouldn't be getting married. You know that.”
Namjoon takes a deep breath. “It's okay. I understand it's not his choice.” She smiles reassuringly at Yoongi through her tears.
Yoongi sighs, frustrated. “I hate seeing you like this, Joon.” She grabs Namjoon’s hand and they lead her back to her house, leaving her to herself in her room.
Namjoon sits on her bed and brings her knees to her chest, staring vacantly at the wall in front of her. “Why did I fall in love with an angel?”
She doesn't come out for weeks.
-
Today is the last day Namjoon is giving herself before her marriage to Jeongguk. She rides the elevator up to the surface of the Middle World and takes a step into the bright sunlight.
Immediately, Seokjin appears in front of her, wings on display and Namjoon stumbles back, surprised. “Seokjin!”
“Namjoon.” Seokjin takes her hand and pulls her close to him before taking off into the sky. Namjoon squeals in fear and buries her face in his neck, holding onto him tightly.
They land on a tall business building that overlooks much of the city and Namjoon feels dizzy as he gently lets her down. Her knees wobble and she collapses against the concrete. Seokjin rushes to her side, wings flapping in panic. “Are you alright?”
“Fine,” Namjoon gasps out. She sits up and rubs her head, glaring at him. “Give me a warning next time!”
“I'm sorry.” Seokjin laughs weakly and sits next to her, the two looking out at the horizon. “I just had to talk to you. I knew that you wouldn't accept if I left you on the ground.”
It's silent for a while before Namjoon whispers, “I'm getting married in four days.” She turns to see Seokjin staring at her, his brown eyes sad. “To the boy. Jeongguk.”
“Do you love him?” Seokjin asks. He's not surprised at the news.
“No,” Namjoon replies quietly. “He's like a brother to me.” She sighs. “But it is to unite a Bajang family and a Yenaldooshi family and our parents have ordered it. We cannot disobey.”
The sun sets and the world is darker, only a faint orange on the horizon. Namjoon stands and says, “Let's leave. It's dangerous for you to be out this late.” She reaches her hand down to help him up, but Seokjin takes it and pulls her down into him. Namjoon can't do anything in her shocked state as he quickly arranges her so she's straddling him. Seokjin's wings wrap themselves around her and Namjoon shivers at the feeling of the feathers on her skin
“No,” Seokjin whispers, pulling her closer. “Let's stay.”
“Seo-”
“I want to make you happy,” he murmurs, his fingers resting on the back of her neck. “If you allow me, I'll make you happier than anyone could.”
“Seokjin,” Namjoon chokes out.
The angel leans forward slightly and presses his lips to hers for a few seconds. “Namjoon, marry me .”
Namjoon sobs and cries into his shoulder, Seokjin rocking her back and forth gently. It's what feels like forever before a response is given, but Seokjin feels the tiny nod she gives.
-
Namjoon shifts in her bed, restless. The red moon is full and she can hear the crowds walking past her house on their way to the Middle World, talking excitedly about what the night holds.
A figure jumps into her open window and Namjoon knows it's just Yoongi. She turns over and faces the wall, ignoring her best friend.
“Yah.” Yoongi walks around her bed and crouches in front of Namjoon's face. “Are you coming?”
“No.”
“No?” Yoongi frowns. “Why? We've planned for this ever since you met Seokjin, remember?”
Namjoon sighs. “That was a stupid plan. This isn't going to work, Yoongi.”
“It's my job to be the pessimist,” her best friend snaps, “Not yours.” She grabs Namjoon's arm and hauls her out of bed, tugging her tail lightly. “Look, you're disgusting. Get dressed and then we're leaving. Your mom and dad are asleep so don't worry.”
Namjoon sighs again before ambling over to her closet and getting dressed in something suitable. Yoongi makes sure she's following before climbing out the window, Namjoon shifting and following the Nightmare demon.
They wander the Middle World streets, stealing pork sticks from under vendors’ noses and swipe any little thing that catches their eye. They meet up with some of their other friends: Mark, another Bajang; and Jinyoung, a Gorgon.
“So, Namjoon,” Jinyoung speaks up as they're casually walking down a street filled with angels, demons, and humans. “Your wedding is tomorrow.” Her snakes are gone, glamoured from view, but Namjoon can still hear them hissing beside her.
The Bajang sighs. “Please, don't remind me. It's all my mother has been speaking of for weeks.”
“Jeongguk is a good kid,” Mark says, snatching a little sparkly trinket from a stand they pass by and shoves it in his pocket. “Take care of him, Joon.”
“Of course I will,” Namjoon scoffs. “I'm not a terrible person.” Yoongi gives her a look that she ignores. Namjoon changes the subject. “Mark, don't see your boyfriend here.”
“Jackson is coming out later,” Mark replies. “Had to take care of his little sister.”
Jinyoung snorts, punching Mark's arm. “You and that Familiar. How long have you been together again?”
“Five years.”
Namjoon sighs again. “You both passed coming of age six years ago. How could your parents not make you marry?”
Make shrugs and smiles. “Just haven't. Jackson and I are happy where we are.”
“If only I were,” Namjoon growls quietly.
Mark leaves a little while later to meet up with his Familiar boyfriend and Jinyoung goes home after having too much of the human world. Yoongi and Namjoon start on their way back to the Under World, the moon indicating it's near four in the morning, when a blond head catches Namjoon's eye. Her breath stops in her throat and she scans the crowd, heart hoping for a glimpse of Seokjin.
“Namjoon.”
Both demons turn and there is Seokjin, in all his glory, wings glamoured. A young angel stands by his side and stares at Yoongi in fear, his lips quivering.
Yoongi grins as she sniffs the air, smelling the angel’s fear. “Cute.”
“S-Seokj-jin,” the angel squeaks, terrified, and hides behind him.
“Yoongi,” Namjoon says and Yoongi scowls. “Seokjin, what are you doing?”
“Well, it is the World Changing.” Seokjin grins and Namjoon flushes. “Just came out to wander around a bit.” He steps forward and grabs Namjoon's hand in his. “I meant what I said. About being with you.”
Namjoon stiffens as she remembers Seokjin's proposal on the roof a couple days ago.
“Seokjin.” Namjoon stares into his eyes. “Do you know anything about me? About Bajang demons?”
“No.” Seokjin furrows his eyebrows. “Surely you can't be that bad.”
“I drink blood. Human blood.” Namjoon watches his face for any sign or disgust or anger. “I'm literally a cat that drinks blood. A vampire cat.”
The angel laughs. “Well, when you say it like that, it's not that bad.”
“Sounds pretty bad to me,” the other angel whimpers.
“Jiminnie, don't be shy.” Seokjin pulls the angel out in front of him. “This is Jimin, a Cherub angel. Jimin, this is Namjoon and Yoongi.”
“I don't want to stay here,” Jimin squeaks, avoiding Namjoon's gold eyes and Yoongi’s white gaze as they look at him curiously. “Please, Jin, just check on Taehyung and then let's leave.”
Seokjin sighs and ruffles Jimin’s head. “Alright, alright.” He pulls Namjoon close and whispers in her ear, “Don't forget what you said. I'll save you.” He steps back and winks before walking off with Jimin by his side.
Yoongi stares at Namjoon. “What was that?”
“Nothing,” Namjoon says, causing Yoongi to narrow her eyes dangerously.
“You will tell me.”
“Won't,” Namjoon giggles as they start their way back to the Under World.
“You will.”
“I won't.”
-
The wedding is the most extravagant Namjoon has ever seen.
Black diamonds drip from every surface, catching on the low lights that shine from the ceiling. Silky black fabric covers the tables and Namjoon just wants to take a strip and wrap it around her neck. Tables surround the dance floor and Namjoon cringes, because she doesn't dance, and how could her mother even know this many people?
She's dragged to her dressing room by her mother, who has Succubi do her makeup and hair before whisking her away to put on her dress. It's very elegant, something that Namjoon feels she is not. The arms are long and lace, the plunging neckline making Namjoon beet red when she sees herself. “Mother, this isn't really me,” she says.
“Nonsense,” her mother replies, pinning dark crystals into her blue hair. She tsks, “We should have dyed your hair back to black before. It just will look awful.”
“I like my hair blue,” Namjoon protests.
Her mother stares at her in the mirror, eyes flashing harshly. “I don't.” Her tone is final and Namjoon says no more.
She's finally left on her own when there's a knock on the door. “Come in,” Namjoon calls, fumbling with her earrings.
The door opens and in walks Yoongi. The Nightmare’s eyes widen as she looks at her best friend and she gapes. “Wow, Joon, you look so… Different.”
“Yoongi,” Namjoon whines. “I can't do this.”
“You can,” Yoongi says, holding Namjoon's hand. “Everything will be okay. It's for the better, Joon,” she adds gently. “I know you love your angel, but with this happening right now, this is the best thing you can do. Forget about Seokjin.”
Namjoon lets out a shuddering sigh and slumps in the chair she's sitting in. “Thanks, Yoongi.” She offers her best friend a broken smile and Yoongi’s heart cracks.
“Good luck, Namjoon. You're my best friend, no matter what.” She gives Namjoon one last squeeze before letting go and leaving the room.
The demon stares at herself in the mirror, unable to even recognize herself. Her blue hair is twisted up into a complicated updo, her makeup makes her face shine, and her black wedding dress makes her look like someone she's not. It all makes her look like her mother.
“I'm already in hell,” she whispers to herself.
The guests are gathered and Namjoon's father stands proudly by her side. “Oh, look, my beautiful daughter, a grown up.”
Namjoon gives him a smile. “Thanks, Father.”
The doors open and her father leads her through them down the aisle. Namjoon prays that she doesn't trip in her high heels with everyone watching her and almost makes it before she misjudges the distance she has to move to step up to the alter and trips, falling without her father's support. “Fuck!” She hisses.
Jeongguk lets out a sharp laugh as well as some other demons, before composing themselves.
Namjoon hears her mother moan in misery before she manages to pick herself up and smile at the crowd brightly.
She and Jeongguk turn to Tornaq, the shaman, who will marry them. He smiles at them and begins. Tornaq faces Jeongguk. “Jeon Jeongguk, son of the Yenaldooshi family. Do you take Kim Namjoon to be your wife?”
Jeongguk looks at Namjoon, eyes apologetic. “I do,” he murmurs.
“And do you, Kim Namjoon, daughter of the Bajang family, take Jeon Jeongguk to be your husband?”
Namjoon risks a glance at the crowd and her parents’ gold eyes burn into hers, silently telling her to respond properly. “I-” She's cut off by a pounding as the door to the ballroom bursts open, the crowd standing in alarm.
“What's going on?” Her father roars.
“If Kim Namjoon is going to marry anyone, it'll be to me.”
Namjoon chokes at the sight of Seokjin standing in the doorway, blue wings spread out threateningly, surrounded by other angels. The crowd titters, uncertain about the situation, and Namjoon grins at the man down the aisle. She feels a light shove from behind her and turns to see Jeongguk, a smile on his face.
“Go on, noona,” he urges and Namjoon wastes no more time as she kicks off her heels and runs as fast as she can to Seokjin, grabbing his hand and dashing out the building.
“Namjoon! Kim Namjoon, you get back here, dammit! Namjoon!” Her mother shrieks but Namjoon ignores her, smile on her lips.
She laughs with disbelief when Seokjin lets go of her arm, both panting from having run away from the hotel. The dark sky above them cracks and Namjoon's ears ring with her mother's screams of rage.
“Are you alright?” Seokjin gasps out.
Namjoon nods, giggling. “I-I can't believe you just did that! I can't believe I just did that! I just left my own fucking wedding!”
“ Well isn't that what you wanted?” Seokjin questions. He reaches over and pulls her body flush against his, causing her to squeak. “To be with me?”
Namjoon nods fervently and shies away from his smirk. “Yes! I just… They're still my parents.”
Seokjin smiles gently and unfurls his wings. “Come on.” With a powerful push, he lifts them both into the sky and flies to a high rise building, making sure to settle between the hideous gargoyles. “Joonie, I know you don't want to disappoint them, but they're your parents. Shouldn't they understand that what you want if love, not power?”
Namjoon shakes her head at the possibility of her parents accepting Seokjin or anyone else who wasn't their choice. “My parents married for power. They don't think love should be a factor in anything.” She clears her throat and grins up at Seokjin. “Let's talk about something else. Tell me about Taehyung.”
The angel’s eyebrows raise in surprise. “Okay. I've been watching over Taehyung for four years, since I was seventeen. He'd had a tragic childhood; his mother died when he was eight and his father started the abuse when he was eleven. I was assigned to him three years later. Taehyung had no friends, no one close who could help him. I was a newbie, just graduated, but I was the top of my class and more advanced than the other angels that I was immediately given Taehyung. I watched him from afar day and night, helping him if needed.” Seokjin takes a deep breath, as if calming himself. “Fifteen was when the drugs took control of him. Sixteen was when the razors cut into his skin by his own hand. Seventeen was when he thought of killing himself.”
Namjoon can see the tears welling up in Seokjin's eyes and she bites her lip and takes his hand in hers, lightly tracing his tattoo with her fingers.
Seokjin squeezes her hand and carries on. “I really had to take action then. I managed to convince him that death wasn't the answer, getting away was. So he moved out and went to college and I accompanied him.”
“Oh, Jin,” Namjoon whispers.
“He's doing so much better than he was a year ago. He's still timid and shy, but he goes out occasionally and he has some friends who accept him for who he is.” Seokjin smiles down at the city beneath them and then at Namjoon.
“What's his miracle you're creating?”
Seokjin laughs. “Done your research, huh?”
The demon shrugs. “It's required in high school.”
“Taehyung’s liked this upperclassmen for a while, but of course he's too shy to talk to her, even with my encouragement. So she's going to talk to him first, they'll date, get married, have three children, grow old together, and be happy. She will care for him with gentleness that disappeared after his mother died, gentleness that his father never gave him. They'll never leave each other, which is what Taehyung wants most.”
“Seokjin, that's amazing,” Namjoon says. Her own eyes are filled with tears and she leans forward to kiss Seokjin's cheek. “I think what you're doing for him is wonderful.”
The angel beside her smiles and is about to say something when the air around them is stirred up and a Merihim demon appears in front of them. “Kim Namjoon, you are under arrest for being romantically involved with an angel. He will be detained before given to the Upper World for his own punishment.”
“No!” Namjoon cries as more Merihim appear. They grab her and Seokjin, pulling them down and surrounding them on the ground. “This is ridiculous!” Fury soldiers step forward and separate them, taking Namjoon in one direction and Seokjin in the other.
“Namjoon!”
“Seokjin!” Namjoon screams and attempts to escape but the Fury soldiers hold her back. She catches a glimpse of her parents’ faces, both disappointed; of Yoongi’s snarl and wild eyes, her body being held back by her brother; of Jeongguk, his eyes wide with terror; of Seokjin, his expression hopeful and full of love, before she's whisked away.
-
After a month of being confined to her room with constant Fury soldiers standing guard, Namjoon is brought to the Demon Court and is informed that she'll allowed one person to speak with her.
“Only one?” Namjoon stares at the Imp demon behind the pedestal in shock.
“Ms. Kim, I'm afraid that is all.” The Imp stares at her sympathetically. “I suggest you choose wisely.”
Namjoon is guided out of the room and back home, all the while thinking about who she could have by her side. She thinks of Yoongi, Jeongguk, even Seokjin, and then realizes that none of them would help her prove her point to the Under World leaders at all. So she asks to leave to have access to the library and is granted permission, as long as at least one Fury accompanies her.
Namjoon is looking through the old history books when she finally snaps and turns on the Fury right behind her. “Stop fucking breathing down my neck! I’m in a library, do you think I’ll beat you unconscious with 300 pages of paper and then escape? Get real!” The Fury guard growls threateningly but Namjoon flashes her eyes gold and turns back to the books, feeling the looming presence back away.
“Let’s see what we’ve got here,” she murmurs and grabs A Devil’s History. “This looks interesting.”She hums after skipping through the pages. She'll need Yoongi’s help for this part.
A week later, Namjoon is called to court to speak for herself. She’s ushered in and put in front of the Devil family, rulers of the Under World. The jury gathers around them and she ignores the stares and mutterings.
“All rise, for Head Devil Yifan,” Devil Baekhyun says, and all the demons stand, waiting for the entrance of the highest ruler.
A tall and handsome blond man enters, large black horns sticking out of his head. His long red cape flows behind him and the crowds murmur amongst themselves. “Please,” he says, voice thundering in the silent room. “Sit.” The demons do as he says and Head Devil Yifan sits down as well, adjusting himself in his seat. “Let’s begin. Kim Namjoon, you have committed the crime of falling in love with the angel, Kim Seokjin,” Head Devil Yifan speaks loudly, eyes burning into Namjoon's. “Do you have anything to say?”
Namjoon leaps up and faces the jury in front of her. “I do!” She cries. “Why is it a crime to fall in love? Shouldn't it not matter whether they’re angel or demon? All that should matter is the fact that they're in love--just like the fact that Seokjin and I love each other!” The jury erupts as she turns back to Head Devil Yifan. “Head Devil Yifan, perhaps this face will remind you that difference didn't stop you hundreds of years ago.”
Everyone turns to the door as it opens, revealing a young man with handsome, delicate features. Head Devil Yifan chokes and the man smiles, dimples in his cheeks, and he spreads his large white wings out. “Hello, Yifan.”
Devil Sehun stands, slamming his palm on the table. “Head Devil Yifan, what is this? What is Kim Namjoon speaking of?”
“I'm speaking of Principality Angel Zhang Yixing,” Namjoon says loudly over the chaos. “Head Devil Yifan's old lover.” Immediately, the room breaks into shouts of disbelief and outrage. Demons are shrieking and screaming obscenities while the other Devils mutter amongst themselves, staring at Yifan in shock.
Head Devil Yifan stands and calls for order, managing to quiet the crowd down. “What is your point, Kim Namjoon?”
Zhang Yixing steps forward and places a hand on Namjoon’s shoulder. “Namjoon and Seokjin are not the only case,” he says. “There are many more put there who hope for a happy ending with each other. Perhaps, Yifan, by legalizing the unity between angel and demon, you could give them the chance we never had.” Head Devil Yifan's face tightens and he sits down, shifting uncomfortably.
“We have unity,” Devil Baekhyun speaks up. “The World Changing represents the unity between us.”
“But only for one night a year,” Yixing replies calmly. “I mean forever.” His eyes turn to Head Devil Yifan as he says this, who fidgets in his seat.
Devil Minseok stands up, his cold gaze looking over Namjoon and Yixing. “Perhaps,” he states, “the girl and the angel are right. Maybe it is time for our two worlds to have peace. There are no resources we share, save for the human world, and I see no problems with uniting us. This agreement may save us from any oncoming wars, as well.” The room murmurs its agreement and the other Devils nod.
“What about King Jinki?” Devil Kyungsoo asks, speaking of the Upper World angel king.
“King Jinki has already approved of the matter. He is willing to go with whatever choice you decide,” Yixing informs them, staring straight at Head Devil Yifan. “I hope you make the right choice,” he murmurs softly.
Head Devil Yifan sighs before standing to address the crowd. “My decision is made. It is now legal for demons and angels to be together as long as they truly love each other.”
Namjoon laughs with happiness, sharing a hug with Yixing, and she bows low to the Devils, thanking them for their choice. The demons applaud their approval at their leader’s choice and many greet Yixing warmly as they make their way down from the stands.
“We did it,” Namjoon whispers, grinning from ear to ear. “We really did it.”
-
“Your mother scares me,” Seokjin murmurs as they walk out of Namjoon's house. He's holding onto her hand tightly and his wings are puffed up with nervousness.
Namjoon laughs. “Don't worry, Jinnie, she'll get over it. At least Father likes you.”
“Barely,” the angel huffs. “They still haven't forgiven me for crashing your first wedding.”
They walk down the street, hand in hand, and the ring on Namjoon’s fourth finger glints in the dull sun. She smiles and admires the small blue stone with golden wings surrounding it. “I love you,” she whispers lovingly, “So much.”
“I love you, too.” Seokjin smiles and leans down, placing a kiss on her head. “You know, I've never gotten to see you in your other form.”
“You mean my cat form?” Seokjin nods and Namjoon bites her lip before forcing her body to shift.
Seokjin stares at the large black panther standing in front of him, her black fur shining in the light and her gold eyes looking straight into his soul. “Namjoon, you're beautiful.”
The panther catches a glimpse of herself in a store window and gasps. “I've matured!” Her whiskers quiver with excitement and she laughs. “I've finally matured!” Namjoon admires herself a bit more before shifting back into a human and pressing a kiss to Seokjin's cheek. “I've been waiting for-”
A sudden commotion breaks across the street from them where the travel elevator is. Demons are running around and the few angels that are there have flown high into the sky. Namjoon and Seokjin stare as the elevator door closes behind the tall figure; he has no wings nor demon markings indicating that he's an angel or demon. “A-A human!” Seokjin gasps.
A human has entered the Under World.