*Jongup’s POV*

At the crack of dawn we were on our horses again, resuming our adventure. Honestly, it was kind of awkward working with and relying on vampire’s to watch each other’s back. I’m not used to really trusting vampires at all, in general. It felt kind of wrong in a way, but yet I trusted them at the same time. I had to, if we were going to pull this off.

I was also surprised at how well Jaehwan was handling the whole situation. I felt terrible that his parents died the way they did. I don’t know what I would do if my parents were to die, and I’m 17, he’s only 10. It made me curious, but I didn’t dare to ask him how he was handling everything. “Uppie, what are you going to do after all of this is over?” Jaehwan suddenly asked as we were riding.

“Um, it’s quite early to ask that question.” I chuckled. “Oh~, yeah, you’re right. What do you PLAN to do after all of this?” He changed his question. I chuckled once more but took the time to think before answering. “Hm, I plan on living the same life I lived before, and continue to visit you guys and help you in any way possible.” I said. I never really thought about what would happen afterwards. I didn’t even consider what impact this trip would have on our lives (other than for Jae and little Jae).

Jaehwan poked out his lips, thinking intently. “I think this whole thing may change something in all of us.” He said. “That’s pretty deep for a 10 year old. What makes you say that?” I questioned curiously.

“Well, in every book I read or Umma read to me that had an adventure, something in everyone’s life changed at the end of the adventure. Umma used to always say there’s a reason why adventures happen, and that reason is to create something good!” He spoke delightedly. I couldn’t help but smile sadly, so that’s how he’s coping with it.

“Umma said that life is an adventure as well, but it’s a different kind of adventure. Anything can happen even the craziest things that we’ve never imagined. She said when things get bad not to dwell on it and to remember there’s a reason why it happened, and to keep living to find that reward. The good thing.” His voice cracked as he spoke. He was about to cry.

“Is that what you’re doing?” I spoke in a gentle tone. He nodded. “A lot of times I want to cry, but I don’t want to cry in front of Youngjae.” He sniffled rubbing his nose. “Why not? I’m sure he doesn’t mind.” I said. He chuckled lightly. “You’re silly Uppie.” He said between his sniffles. Then he looked over at Youngjae, who was flipping through the book about the garden. “…because I don’t want to make him sadder. He won’t say it, but I can tell.”

“He’s sad for himself, he blames everything on himself. He’s also sad for me because we lost our parents, he’s sad for D.O.’s mate because his mate is going to die soon too, he’s sad for you guys because he feels he caused you all trouble, he’s sad for Umma and Appa because he never told them everything.” He finished. “He’s not going to be happy until everything is right again, and I don’t want to make things worse by crying.” He smiled sweetly.

“You must know Youngjae very well.” I said impressed and a bit touched. He nodded facing forward again. “But I don’t think Jae wants you to feel that way.” I told him. “I’m okay.” He assured. Then he looked up at me with glossy smiling eyes. “But after this can we live with your family? I heard that werewolf families are very warm and friendly.” He perked up. I laughed lightly “I don’t see why not, but what about Kikwang’s family? I’m sure they’d want you two to stay with them.” I said.

“Oh! I forgot! Oopsies. Well, we can live half of the year with them and then the other half of the year with you!” he said proud of his idea. I just laughed at how adorable he was, he’s really a good kid. “Jongup-hyung…” He said. “Yeh?” “What do you think about Himchan-hyung?” He suddenly asked.

“Bwoh? What do you mean?” I asked. “What do you think he’s like?” he restated. “Um, I think he is how he is?” I answered still not quite understanding. “Hyung~!” He laughed. “What? That’s a difficult question.” I said still confused. He just looked at me, waiting for a better answer. “Hmm, he seems nice I guess. He likes to talk a lot.” I tried again. “Hahahaha, that’s not what I mean.” He laughed. “…but I don’t think he likes me very much.” I went on.

Jaehwan stopped laughing and furrowed his brow. “Why do you say that?” He asked. “Because when we talk he doesn’t say much, like he doesn’t want to talk to me. But I don’t mind. I am a werewolf and he is a vampire, so I understand.” I shrugged completely unaffected by the thought. “Hahaha! Aigoo~! Hyung, are you that clueless?” He laughed hard.

“What? Does he hate me?” I asked seeing that I was apparently missing something. He stopped laughing and thought hard about how to answer my question. He poked out his lips mischievously. “Maybe…maybe not. How am I supposed to know? I’m not Himchan.” He said.

“Fine. What do you think about Poppy then?” I asked chuckling slightly. Jaehwan hugged his bunny tightly. “Poppy is fluffy, soft, funny, sweet and he loves me very much. And I love him too. Right Poppy?” He said and kissed the top of his bunny’s head. “…but I secretly know that he loves food more than me…especially fresh carrots.” He whispered to me.

We rode for a few more hours when Jaehwan’s stomach suddenly growled. “Hungry?” I laughed. “Yeh.” He nodded, holding his tummy. “I didn’t get to eat breakfast. I don’t think any of us did.” He said. I nodded in agreement. We hadn’t eaten all day, I wasn’t very hungry I can last a couple of days without much food, but it’s a different story for Jaehwan, Youngjae, and Zelo. “We’re not stopping.” Bang said overhearing us.

Jaehwan frowned pouting. “Why is he so mean?” he folded his arms staring at the pureblood that was right in front of us leading the way. I shrugged then leaned in by the younger’s ear. “I wouldn’t say that, just to keep from getting mad.” I whispered. “I’m not scared of him.” Jaehwan whispered back.

“On the outside he seems like a scary grizzly bear! But on the inside he’s just a soft squishy teddy bear!” Jaehwan cheered excitedly. Himchan and Daehyun busted into laughter. “Oopsies. I think I said that too loud.” Jaehwan whispered to me. I nodded, chuckling once more. “Hey Bang, I guess you’re a new species of purebear.” Daehyun laughed. Zelo chuckled lightly. Yongguk didn’t say anything and kept facing forward. “He’s smiling.” Jaehwan said quietly, smiling to himself.

“How much further do we have to go?” Himchan asked from the back. “A lot.” Was Bang’s simple answer. I frowned. If he gets the privilege to get to talk to Himchan, he shouldn’t give such a blatant answer. He shouldn’t take what he has for granted.

I sighed to myself, even though I don’t really mind the fact that Himchan probably doesn’t like me, it would still be cool to have a regular conversation with him. He seems like a really cool person, especially after that day when it was just the two of us. It made me want to know more about him.

“Well it’s going to take us a few weeks to actually rid e there. But if we find the hidden portal we can definitely get there in no time.” Youngjae answered the vampire, still flipping through the ancient book. “How are we going to find the portal if…it’s hidden?” Himchan continued to question. “I guess, we’ll just have to keep an eye out for it.” I answered this time. “…Oh…” was all the elder said.

We traveled way past after it got dark, before we finally settled down to rest. “Finally~!” Jaehwan sang jumping off the horse. “I’m starving.” He said rubbing his tummy. We hadn’t stopped to eat at all except to munch on some bread while we were riding.

I helped Youngjae unpack the food and hand it out to Zelo and Jaehwan. The four of us ate while the others set up the sleeping bags. “Shall we start a fire? I’ll go search for some wood.” Daehyun said dusting his hands together. “I’ll go with you.” Youngjae offered, standing up. Daehyun nodded and the two walked off alone together. “I guess we’ll need some water as well. There should be a stream nearby. I’ll be back.” Himchan said.

“I’ll go with you.” I stood up. Himchan stared at me blinking repeatedly. “You shouldn’t go out alone.” I smiled warmly. “O-Oh…Yeh.” He said quickly nodding. He quickly spun around on his heels and walked off towards the stream without for me. I slightly frowned before following after him.

There was quite a distance between us, so I had to jog a little to catch up to him. He was speed walking pretty fast. “Hey, why are you waking so fast?” I asked chuckling light-heartedly. “Oh…I was walking fast?” Himchan slowed down his pace seeming somewhat nervous. “Sorry.” He apologized. I sighed silently, just when I thought he was getting used to me. Did I do something wrong? I know I’m not mean. I’m open and always make myself approachable. I don’t see the problem…maybe he really doesn’t like me.

We walked together in silence until we reached the stream. Himchan bent down to fill the bucket he had with water. I couldn’t help but smile watching him. Everything he does, he does with care, making his movements look graceful. I blushed lightly at the sudden observation. Himchan is actually very attractive for a vampire. It was obvious that he took good care of himself and was concerned about presentation. But even if he didn’t do all of that I bet he would still be just as attractive, possibly even better.

I tilted my head studying him curiously. I wonder what he looks like when he’s not all prepped up.

“Okay done.” He stood up straight dusting himself. He turned around and froze when his eyes landed on me. “Y-Your still here…” he breathed, sounding surprised. I stood up straight and furrowed my brow. That actually slightly hurt. “Why would you say that?” I asked quietly. The vampire’s eyes widened as he opened his mouth in panic. “I-I…I didn’t mean it like that. It…it came out wrong. Erm…oh gosh…” he was lost for words. I walked up to him to where I was standing close in front of him.

His eyes grew large and his breathing was shaky. “Why are you so uncomfortable around me? Do you knot like me?” I asked genuinely wanting to know if I did anything wrong, I didn’t want to make him feel so uncomfortable. He blinked hesitantly seeming even more surprised. I looked at him innocently, waiting for a response. “A-A-Aniya~. I…” he looked away as if to think.

I narrowed my eyes my sense triggering. Something wasn’t right. “We have to go.” I said grabbing his wrist and ran off without waiting for a response. I didn’t want to find out what my senses were tingling over…not alone at least. “The water.” Himchan said. The water was spilling out as we ran back to the others. “I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.” I said.

In no time we returned back to where everyone else were. Daehyun and Youngjae were back, also empty handed. Daehyun’s irises had already turned red. “What’s going on?” Zelo asked seeing as everyone (except for him, Youngjae and Jaehwan) were on edge. My irises turned a bright yellow as my werewolf slowly began to take over in anticipation.

Himchan extended his fangs sensing the presence as well. “Where’s Yongguk?” Zelo suddenly asked looking around. “I don’t know, weren’t you and Jaehwan here with him?” Daehyun asked. “Yeah, I know but he just disa-, Himchan watch out!” Zelo called out. But before Himchan could turn around and I immediately jumped in the way and diverted the attacker’s jump into a different direction with all of my strength. The creature slid across the ground growling.

Himchan stared at me wide-eyed. “You’re stronger than you look.” The person said standing up, dusting himself off. His voice was rough and unfriendly. He was shirtless, and built, his white pants were tattered and patched.

“Who are you?! And what are you doing here?!” Zelo was the one to step up. “Oh? You can’t tell? Oh yeah I forgot you humans can’t tell when there’s a demon standing right in front of them.” The man chuckled gruesomely. I narrowed my eyes at him. “He’s a stray.” I growled. “A stray?” Youngjae questioned.

“They’re werewolves that have pretty much been kicked out of the werewolf community, because they refuse to comply with the basic rules and go off and do their own thing.” I explained, my eyes never leaving the intruder. Zelo stumbled backwards suddenly afraid. The man let out a toothy grin. Strays were wild and dangerous, and manipulate their abilities to inhumane degrees to make themselves stronger without having to transform fully. Although they are relatively weaker compared to regular werewolves, they were still dangerously reckless, and kill for pleasure.

Just then 2 other buff men walked up on either side of the intruder. “Oooh~ looks like a feast to me.” One of the men said his lips. Daehyun stood protectively in front of Youngjae and Jaehwan. Himchan grabbed Zelo’s wrist and forced the younger behind him. “What are a bunch of teenagers and a child going to do?” The third man laughed, sincerely amused by the situation.

“Just let us go and we won’t get in your way.” I said not wanting a fight.