The turtle hybrid didn't have time to defend himself when Baekho bit down on him where his shell wasn't protecting him to make him let go. Jonghyun screamed, gaining the villagers' attention. Baekho ripped the rope apart with sheer strength and his eyes gleamed sharply as he bared his fangs at them. He pushed Jonghyun who was clutching his bleeding shoulder away and shoved the villagers aside as well, growling at them. He dashed to Minhyun and lowered his stance over the injured hybrid who looked at him with teary eyes. He hissed at anyone who dared take a step forward.

"What are you doing, Baekho? He's a monster," one of the villagers said.

"No! You're all the monsters here," Baekho snapped back, his tail hitting the ground angrily. "He isn't even fighting back yet you still hurt him."

"He will hurt all of us if he has the chance."

"Baekho, child, come back here." Baekho whimpered when his parents showed up but he refused to budge away from Minhyun's side.

"Leave," Minhyun whispered weakly and Baekho looked down at him. He shook his head.

"I promised to come back."

"You can still live a happy life here," Minhyun cried softly and Baekho growled at another villager who had picked up his spear.

"I'm not letting anyone hurt or kill you," Baekho hissed and lifted Minhyun in his arms. He was surprised when he found the spider hybrid was actually really light despite his size.

"Put him down, child! Have you lost your mind?!"

"Yes, dear, let the villagers deal with him." His heart broke hearing the people he thought would be able to accept and understand Minhyun side with the villagers. 

"I'm sorry, mum, dad. I thought you would understand but I see clearly now that you won't so I'm leaving."

Baekho kept Minhyun close as he started running away from the yelling crowd, snapping his fangs at anyone who dared to come close. His parents, his friends, the villagers. He didn't want to stay if that meant Minhyun getting hurt. He didn't know where to go but his legs brought him back to the cave. He slowed down when he smelt the burning stench that lingered in the air and wisps of smoke still trailed out from the entrance. He cried out when he saw what had been done. "No, nonono. Your home."

Minhyun glanced at the entrance and closed his eyes. "I've lost everything. You should go back. You can still make this right."

"You're wrong. You didn't lose me," Baekho said firmly as he held back his tears. He put Minhyun down and freed him. Minhyun curled up this time and hid his face in his hand as he wailed in pain. Baekho hugged him tightly.

"Go away," Minhyun cried, trying to push him away. "You deserve a better life. I can't give it to you. I have nothing left."

"I'm not leaving you anymore!" Baekho argued and Minhyun stopped struggling. He just cried and cried until he could no longer cry and passed out in Baekho's arms. Baekho carried him again and started walking further away from his village. He didn't know where to go but as long as Minhyun was safe, he would go anywhere.

Minhyun woke up, feeling uncomfortable. He glanced around and realised that there was a pair of arms wrapped around him tightly, thus making it a little difficult to breathe. He knew whose arms it belonged to even without having to be sure. They made him feel warmth and comfort even when he didn't want them to. They were in the thick of the trees and he didn't recognise the area at all. He sniffled and shifted to a better position so his airways wouldn't get cut off again. His movements made Baekho wake up and clutched onto him again, afraid he was being left behind.

"Ahh.... It hurts if you hold me so tightly," Minhyun groaned since he had sustained injuries earlier.

"Ah. I'm sorry," Baekho apologised while loosening his grip. Minhyun rubbed his eyes and glanced at the tiger hybrid.

"You're really... Not going back?" He asked in a timid tone. Baekho nodded his head.

"I can't stay there if they can't accept you. Somehow it feels like we have switched places. You're crying so much," Baekho said softly while gently caressing Minhyun's cheek. He realised how cold the spider hybrid actually was now that he was up on the surface where it was warmer. He could see the other's tired face clearer and his hair. His body. His legs. "You're actually... Really huge."

Minhyun blinked and glanced at himself. "Yeah?"

"The cave was so dark. I never really could get a good look at you. But you're way cooler than I originally thought you would be."

Minhyun blushed a little and cleared his throat. "Shut up."

The tiger hybrid giggled and Minhyun smiled a tiny bit. He leaned in and gave Baekho a gentle kiss. It surprised him but he reciprocated willingly. "Will you tell me your name now?"

Minhyun fluttered his eyelids at Baekho and pursed his lips as he moved back, straightening his back. "M-Minhyun."

"What was that? I can't hear you," Baekho said while going closer again.

"I'm Minhyun."

Baekho beamed. "Minhyun!"

The pale pink cheeks of the spider hybrid became red at the sound of his name being said. Its been so long since someone had uttered his name that it made him feel a little embarrassed.

"Minhyun. I like that. Also, you said my name for the first time just now. I knew you would remember it!" Baekho said happily and Minhyun groaned slightly.

"I didn't want to but it stuck to my head," Minhyun replied honestly and Baekho pulled him into a hug again. He relaxed and returned the hug.

"Let's rebuild a home together, Minhyun. It can be in a cave. It can be in the forest. Anywhere! As long as we stay together."

Minhyun let out a squeaky giggle as he squeezed Baekho. "Thank you..."

"Also... I want to know how you feel towards me."

Baekho looked Minhyun in the eye and waited patiently. His tail swaying behind him expectantly. "Eh?"

"I told you I like you but you never said it back."

"I..." Minhyun gripped Baekho's shirt and chewed his lower lip. Did he dare let himself be hopeful? He looked into Baekho's sincere eyes. Yes, he dared. "I like you too."

Baekho grinned and they shared another kiss. Life wasn't going to be easy for them and they both knew it but maybe, just maybe, this was all worth something.