A.N: This chapter wasn't beta read.

= Chapter XXIV=

Treat for Three?

To me, you are my first love everyday
Like the snow in the spring, I'm waiting for you
The day when I cried so sadly
The night when I was staggering
I feel strange When it gets windy
Even now

First love - Epitone Project

Jinki put away the remaining of their breakfast and closed the fridge. Soft steps coming from the bedroom made him turn around to check Hyejin's fifth outfit.

She was still fixing the green neckline of the dress and then stopped spreading her arms before twirling for him to see the back.

“So? What about this one?”

He moved his eyes from the skin showing above her knees up to the heart-shaped neckline ending it on the cute frills of the straps falling over her shoulders.

He thought about telling her the truth, that like with the other outfits before that one she looked beautiful, but she took the compliment as if it meant nothing and still changed, so this time he tried to be more convincing so that they could move on and actually go on their date. She had been excited about it for the past three days, so excited he had to listen to her make comments about what they would do together, what she could wear, what they had to definitely eat. She also made a mighty effort to remember him of how cute couple rings were and wow they were mentioned in all of the lists of what couples should do that she found online. Jinki effortlessly ignored it, acting as if he was totally oblivious to her hints but he was no fool and it was clear as day she wanted a set of couple rings.

“You look...fantastic.” he wasn't lying, she looked gorgeous but she did with all of the other outfits too. “Very…” he his lips and printed all the desire he felt in his voice “Beautiful.”

She studied him for a while and then nodded “It's this one then.” he smiled relieved but she didn't notice, running her hands down the silky fabric of the skirt of the dress. “I only need my black pair of heels.” he was going to advise her against that because they would probably have to walk a lot but she was already rambling on about catching her hair up with the ribbon that belonged to her mother.

Jinki followed her with his eyes while she entered the bathroom and then let himself sit down on the chair beside him. He yawned and rubbed his neck, trying to get rid of some of the tension and that was when he caught a sniff of something unpleasant.

“Damn it.” He cursed between his teeth and even though he knew someone was at the door he didn't move. Not even when the said person knocked a couple times.

Hyejin came out with her hair already ready and she passed by Jinki sending him a curious look before opening the door.

Jinki groaned when Jonghyun entered, passing by her almost gawking at his girlfriend.

“Wow, Hyejin you look absolutely gorgeous. Where are you going?”

“Date!” She grinned “Me and Jinki, we are going on a date!” She turned around and entered the bedroom in search of her heels, missing the disappointed expression of Jonghyun that passed closer to Jinki.

“What are you doing here?”

“I came to see Hyejin since I had a day off but apparently I have a date.”

Jinki stood up and rubbed his neck again. He wouldn't be able to get read of the tension he felt, not when Jonghyun was closeby trying to make a move on his girlfriend and ruin their date.

“You aren't going with us!”

“Oh come on Jinki, you know Hyejin needs all the protection we can get her.”

Jinki grinned dangerously and stood in front of Jonghyun, both of their bodies filled with animosity. They wouldn't fight, they made a pact but that didn't mean that they wouldn't hate each other's guts while doing so.

“We both know that isn't the real reason why you are here and why you want to stick with us. Don't ruin this for her today!”

“For her or for you?”

He was going to answer when Hyejin came out. They both stepped back looking innocently at her and she ignored the tension in the room and instead stood in front of the mirror using both her hands to secure the bow pin on top of her head.

Wearing heels and stretching her arms like that, her legs looked longer and her dress reached up showing more of her thighs. Jinki’s eyes fell on her smooth skin immediately, the same one he kissed and caressed the night before when they made out and things got a bit heated. They didn't have but he did take his time kissing her body. However, he wasn't the only one checking her out with impure thoughts and Jinki saw from the corner of his eyes Jonghyun's famished eyes on her body. He raised his hand and slapped the back of his head making Jonghyun's head dart back to look at him.

“What the ?!” he muttered and Jinki narrowed his eyes.

“She is still MY girlfriend.”

He stressed the word My and then pushed Jonghyun with his elbow crossing in front of him to meet Hyejin by the door. Protectively Jinki wrapped an arm around her waist, hiding her body from Jonghyun, and kissed her cheek.

“Ready?”

She turned to check his outfit and he waited patiently for her evaluation. He usually liked to dress casually and if it wasn't for his image as a doctor he probably would go the most comfortable to work. Still that day he chose to dress to impress too, a decision he made after he saw Hyejin’s choices of outfits. She nodded her head appreciatively liking his elegant green button-down shirt and the fine black pants he rarely wore before.

“We match!” She realized raising her shining eyes to him and Jinki nodded.

“We do!” maybe then he could escape the awful couple items she wanted to go shopping for.

“I match too!” Jonghyun declared ruining their moment. He smiled, with his perfect row of white teeth showing which annoyed Jinki to no end, and placed a hand on his waist posing as he used to for one of his album promotions. He didn't lie, he was also wearing green, more specifically a long sleeve pullover crewneck sweater over a white shirt and black tight pants that seemed out of a fashion catalog.

“You aren't going on our date!” Jinki repeated and Hyejin’s gaze moved from him to Jonghyun.

“What? You want to go?”

“Why not? It’s my free day after so many days working and I also want to have fun!”

“ off!” Jinki growled and Hyejin grasped his forearm trying to calm him down.

“Well, a date is for two people, a couple!” She said calmly but Jonghyun crossed his arms and shook his head.

“You can have a dinner date with friends.”

“We aren't going on a dinner date. It’s a couples date…” Hyejin explained as if she was talking to a small kid and Jinki had enough of it. He put his shoes on and grabbed her hand pulling her outside. He quickly climbed down the stairs with Hyejin awkwardly following him, tripping on her heels a few times.

“I haven't locked the door.” She complained about jumping on one leg to skip the last step of the stairs to catch up with Jinki.

“He will lock it!”

He checked behind them just in case and Jonghyun was already outside too, following them, the door of their apartment locked.

“Jinki this is so childish!” Hyejin remarked but she still entered his car while he held the door for her. When Jonghyun reached the end of the stairs he was already stepping to the driver’s side.

Jonghyun didn't try to follow them and run to his car instead and Jinki put his seat belt on as fast he could and stepped on the gas making Hyejin gasp.

“Holy Jesus!” she grabbed the seat belt around her and stared at Jinki judging him for his crazy driving when he was always the kind to safely drive. Jonghyun truly brought the worst on him.

From the rearview mirror, he could see his rival's car staying behind and he knew that if he made some detours he would be able to lose him.

“I can't believe you two!” Hyejin complained and Jinki slowed down after a few curves after he was sure Jonghyun wasn't following them anymore.

“You want a date or not?”

“I do but I think that if I explained to him he wouldn't insist!”

“He would. He is crazy about you and wants to ruin what we have!”

She nibbled on her lower lip mumbling that ruining a date wouldn't ruin what they had but he ignored her.

“I just want to be alone with you.” he confessed. Lately, they were not spending much time together and they were always too tired to have quality time together. Most of their time was spent having or cleaning, he wanted to talk with her, make her laugh, and do fun things like they used to do before. “I miss being with you out of your bedroom, out of bed, and our apartment.”

Her brown greenish eyes were filled with love and understanding and Jinki his lips trying to focus on the road ahead of him “I love making love with you and even arguing over chores but sometimes I want to just be with you, to have a decent conversation, to do something fun together, like a normal couple.”

“I feel the same.” She moved on the seat and leaned her head against his arm and he kissed the top of her head tenderly.

“So if we have to get rid of a stray dog for that we do it!”

She laughed loud and unrestrained and his chest shake with satisfaction. He was already making her laugh.

“What about this one?” Hyejin asked, pulling out a black sweater with a low battery drawn on it. “And mine is this one!” She pointed out to the other next to it with the same battery but this time full.

“That's…”

She could see in his expression how he didn't like it. Hyejin put the sweater back and shook her head. She knew he didn't want to get matching clothes at all, that he only said he would in the heat of the passion and that he would do it because of that, even if he hated it.

“Let’s go.” She said tangling her arm on his.

“Already?” Jinki asked confused “We still haven't bought anything.”

And they had checked several stores already.

“We got the matching mugs.” An adorable set of two mugs with cat ears, each one having a drawing of a cat, a male, and a female, looking adorably at each other with hearts coming out from them, the words “I love meow” written under them.

“Yes, but we haven't bought any clothes yet.”

“We don't need them. Let's take pictures outside, beside the pretty fountain for instagram.” She excitedly pulled him and he followed her outside, holding the plastic bag with the mugs.

He didn't insist on the clothes topic, probably relieved that he didn't have to go through it and she released his arm to prepare her phone.

“What will we have to do?'' he asked, showing his inexperience on taking selcas.

“We are going to use several funny filters and take loving pictures, like smiling and you kissing my cheek, acting cute…”

He frowned as if she had asked him to do a painting of them that matched Da Vinci's work.

“What's wrong?” it wasn't as if he couldn't act cute, he did that all the time, he also didn't care about doing skinship with her in public.

“I'm not good with pictures.” he confessed, “I’ve always been insecure about my image, you know, because of my fur.” Jinki rubbed his neck “It's weird to do things like that for a camera.

“It's not a camera, it's for me and I'm taking a picture of the moment.”

It was exactly the same for him but he didn't complain and stood beside her patiently waiting for her to prepare her phone and when she raised it and they saw themselves on the screen wearing cute cat ears, whiskers coming out from their cheeks Jinki chuckled.

“You look adorable!”

“You too!” Hyejin beamed at the camera and Jinki giggled amused and she took the opportunity and saved the picture.

“It's not that hard after all.” Jinki remarked while she played with filters to take another one.

“I told you. You are a natural.” he truly was and he looked so handsome and cute with cat whiskers, similar and yet different from how he looked as Onew.

She giggled searching for another adorable filter until she found one where hearts would pop all around them. She nuzzled his arm and they both posed to the picture. Like it was supposed, several pink hearts seemed to float around them on the screen. She peeked at Jinki wondering if that was too much for him. After all, he did think matching clothes was too cringy. Jinki said nothing watching their image on the screen of her phone.

She tore her eyes from his profile and stared at the screen too plastering an almost genuine smile on her face. Unlike Jinki she often had a hard time looking natural in pictures. She clicked on the button several times to be sure they had enough pictures so that she could choose the best one. He took that opportunity to kiss her cheek which made her pull back surprised and look at him.

“How did that turn out?” he asked shamelessly pointing at her phone. She cleared and checked her gallery. The last two pictures were of the kiss and the result of it. In one she widened her eyes startled by the kiss but the next one had her smiling with closed eyes, while he pressed a sweet kiss to her cheek.

“Adorable!” He expressed and she narrowed her eyes watching, wondering if he was mocking her and her need to have cute pictures of him for her instagram. “It's definitely Instagram material.” Jinki pointed out, making her even more suspicious.

He didn't give her time to study the case further and walked on making her rush to follow him. They passed by a jewelry store and Hyejin slowed down and pulled at the back of his shirt. He turned around and firmly grabbed her hand with his thinking she wanted to hold hands instead.

“Have you seen the beautiful rings they have?” She asked pulling back making them walk slower in front of the big window filled with jewelry she didn't care about and a few pairs of couple rings.

“Hum.” Jinki didn't even look at it, his attention on the other side of the street. She saw him sniff the air and press his lips together as if he smelled something he didn't like. “There is a nice restaurant for us to have lunch on the other side of this street.”

“I'm still not that hungry.” She remarked even though her stomach had growled ten minutes ago and he probably heard it. Jinki chuckled not giving away his thoughts.

“Really?” but when his eyes fell on her tummy she knew that he knew.

“Those are really pretty.” a voice behind her made Hyejin twirl around.

Jonghyun raised his eyes from the window to her and pointed out at a beautiful pair of earrings on display “Want me to buy them for you? Or anything really... tell me what you want!”

Hyejin looked at the rings wishfully. She didn't want earrings. She wasn't even particularly difficult about the design of the ring, but she wanted Jinki to buy them for her, not Jonghyun.

“No, I…” She couldn't say she didn't want them and risk that by saying that Jinki would never give it to her.

“Then maybe that pretty necklace over there!” Jonghyun excitedly pointed at it and Hyejin paled at the price “It will look gorgeous on you!”

She was going to politely answer him negatively when she realized Jinki wasn't beside them anymore. She turned around searching for her boyfriend and to her dismay, he was already crossing the street not caring at all about the rings and worse about the man trying to give her jewelry.

“He said he was hungry.” she told herself receiving a curious look from Jonghyun and yet she couldn't help but feel hurt. He wasn't the kind to go and leave her alone with Jonghyun, and for the first time, she wished he stayed and argued with him instead. When he ignored her like that it hurt way much more and it worried her. Hyejin ran across the street, her eyes barely moving from the back of the man she loved the most, the one she desired by her side always. As if sensing it, Jinki stopped and stood on the other side patiently staring at a big outdoor screen where a cf with a famous actress was being shown. She reached him huffing and wrapped her arm on his. He looked down at her with a blank expression and she eagerly leaned her head against his bicep.

“Let's go to eat.” She said awkwardly, trying hard to be cheerful and pretend he didn't leave her behind on what was supposed to be their day, that he seemed upset with her now. Jinki’s eyes moved from her to someone by her side and Hyejin didn't even have to look to know Jonghyun followed them.

She sighed, unable to hide her frustration, and squeezed Jinki's arm catching his attention to her.

“I was wrong. I'm hungry after all. Should we go?”

Jinki turned the meat over the grill ignoring the constant chatter coming from the other side of the table. He could feel Hyejin’s gaze on him and he could taste her anxiety but he couldn't understand how Jonghyun was ignoring it, talking to her as if he didn't notice the heavy mood.

As soon as he smelled him, Jinki decided to step away. It was the only way so that he could follow what he agreed on with Jonghyun, the only way to control himself and not jump on his neck to kill him. He didn't want to spoil the date with Hyejin by acting like an animal. The date was ruined already but at least it wasn't his fault.

Hyejin sighed deeply and Jinki raised his eyes to meet hers. She drank another glass of soju pouting her lips after so adorably that he couldn't help but smile. That seemed to make her relax a little. Jonghyun’s annoying voice, advising Hyejin to eat more and to not drink only made Jinki’s eyes dart down again.

He was more and more bothered by his presence. It didn't seem like it, and Hyejin had no idea, but he had everything more or less planned. He was going to hear her talk about her silly list the whole afternoon, he would act uninterested every time she spoke about the rings and in the end, at the right moment, by the Han river, after they ate a good meal, they would share romantic words and he would surprise her.

Jinki groaned realizing that he couldn't surprise her with Jonghyun following them around.

“Jinki…” Hyejin interrupted Jonghyun who was running out of interesting topics to talk about, not that any seemed interesting to her. But Hyejin did try to be polite and answer him back.

He looked up and she opened and pointed at the meat he was grilling.

“Feed me!”

Jinki blinked his eyes and then he remembered how it was on her list, the same one he read the previous night without her acknowledgment, sharing a meal. Feeding each other. Hyejin was still trying to go according to plan and that made him hate Jonghyun even more.

Jonghyun didn't seem happy with Jinki either, looking at Hyejin as if she wounded him deeply.

He prepared it for her, placing a piece of meat and ssamjang on lettuce and wrapped it. Hyejin grinned as if he was giving her more than food and parted her lips to accept the gift. She hummed as if it was the most delicious thing ever and Jinki laughed for what was probably the first time since they entered the restaurant.

He turned the last pieces of meat on the grill, ready to prepare them for her again when she picked up one with her chopsticks. She carefully wrapped it like he did and offered it to feed him.

“Open your mouth!” She asked sweetly as if they were alone as if there wasn't another man at the table watching them acting lovey-dovey and hating every second of it.

It wasn't proper to admit it but that only made Jinki savor the moment even more and even the food tasted better.

“Hey feed me too!” Jonghyun complained, nudging Hyejin’s arm like a begging puppy, but those usually stayed under the table and were way less annoying.

Jinki finished eating and served more soju to himself watching Hyejin through the corner of his eyes knowing that she would give in to the request, that she wouldn't be able to say no to Jonghyun.

“No.”

Jinki’s hands swayed with surprise and he dropped precious alcohol on the table.

He wasn't the only one surprised because Jonghyun wasn't even blinking.

Hyejin pressed her lips together and looked from Jinki to Jonghyun “I'm sorry but I’m on a date with Jinki and therefore I’m only feeding him. Besides, you said you have finished already since you are on a diet.”

Jonghyun stared at the table in front of him and silence settled in.

“I’m still hungry after all, screw the diet!” Jonghyun said pointing at the meat that Jinki just finished grilling. “Give me that.”

Hyejin frowned and Jinki smiled to himself knowing that Jonghyun still had a lot to learn about his girlfriend. She was stubborn and way different from the calm, controlled, and gentle person she wanted to convey to the world when he met her.

“Hyejin…” Jonghyun moaned, filling Jinki with nausea. He hated how he was saying her name as if she was intimate with him, as if they were close.

He turned around on his chair to drink another shot of soju and then placed the empty glass on the table signaling the end of his patience. He was going to save that date and give Hyejin what she wanted, what he wanted.

“Enough.” he muttered more to himself than to the others and then prepared another set of lettuce, meat, and sauce and wrapped it neatly. However this time he didn't feed Hyejin that was waiting for it, he pressed the food against Jonghyun’s mouth making him open it with surprise. While he chewed, widening his eyes, Jinki was already using the rest of the meat.

Hyejin laughed watching the scene. Jonghyun frowned, raising his hands to stop Jinki while he chewed, unable to talk anymore. Jinki didn't give up and once he tried to scold him, he once again slipped more food on Jonghyun's mouth. He groaned, pushing Jinki’s hand away.

“Still hungry?”

Jonghyun cried and stood up abruptly. He closed his eyes, his cheeks full of food, and then walked away.

“Where is he going?” Hyejin asked, confused.

“Bathroom I believe.” Jinki explained placing the meat tong down. “Let's go.”

“Where?”

He stood up and grabbed his coat and Hyejin's but not Jonghyun’s from the back of their chairs.

“Let's end our date properly.”

She liked the idea “But what about Jonghyun?”

“You want him to go with us?” Jinki asked, grabbing her hand in his.

“No, but can we leave like this? Shouldn't we pay or tell him…”

“I'm sure he can pay for our dinner, it's the least he can do after he ruined our day. Also, I'm sure he will know we are missing as soon as he comes out of the bathroom.” Jinki looked over the place that led to the bathroom “Soon he will be back, so the time to run away is now. Are you in or not?”

“Run away with you?” She asked as if he was asking her for more than a small prank on Jonghyun. “Of course.”

Hyejin stole a glance at Jinki but he was focused, looking straight ahead, holding the plastic container with ice cream to his mouth.

After they ditched Jonghyun successfully they went to watch a movie together and took a few more pictures before Jinki drove them back home. However, as soon as they arrived he decided that he wanted to eat ice cream so they traced their way to the closest convenience store to buy chocolate and vanilla flavored papico.

He seemed relaxed as if he completely forgot about Jonghyun and how their date wasn’t what they wanted to be even after they left Jonghyun. She did have fun though and even though he was treating her well he seemed a bit distant as if he was thinking of something else.

“It’s so dark already.” Hyejin pointed out doing small talk “ I wish I could see the stars.”

Jinki chuckled looking up “Here you can never see many stars. You can see them better near the mountains. From my parent’s house balcony, you can see them perfectly.”

“Well, we aren't there right now.” She mumbled her ice cream.

“I actually never tried the vanilla one.” Jinki said, suddenly eyeing her ice cream.

“You are joking?!” How was that even possible?

“I didn't eat this brand often before and I always bought other flavors.”

“Want to try?'' Hyejin asked offering the small plastic container to him. Jinki reached out for it but instead of grabbing it he grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him. She looked at him curiously before he leaned down and kissed her lips. His tongue immediately parted her lips and he so boldly and eagerly that reminded her of how he used to other parts of her. She trembled overwhelmed with the desire that thought provoked in her and Jinki wrapped his arms around her protectively pulling her against him.

He hummed and with a last of his mouth against hers and a of tongue he pulled away.

Hyejin blinked her eyes in a daze slowly realizing that they were on their kissing spot and that Jinki was looking down at her with intense mint eyes, a teasing smile on his lips.

“Hum tastes like vanilla.” he stated as if it wasn't anything special at all that he practically devoured to try an ice cream.

“Just like vanilla…” She blurted out still in a daze and Jinki kissed her again, this time softly pulling away almost immediately.

“With a hint of Hyejin, the best kind of flavor!” he blinked one eye at her and she chuckled looking down at her ice cream that she was sure that melted by now with how hot her skin felt.

“I was going to do it in another way.” Jinki sighed deeply and pulled her by her chin to look at him again “I had everything planned out but that mutt ruined it.”

“What are you talking about?” She searched his eyes where the small hint of mint was slowly giving way to his dark eyes. She was used to seeing his eyes change into blue when they made love and she always connected them to that intimate moment but she especially liked their normal state.

“Close your eyes Hyejin.”

“Are you going to kiss me again?”

“Yeah.” He caressed her chin, his eyes moving from back to meet hers. The passion in them was unmistakable and Hyejin couldn't wait to arrive home so that she could fall into his arms and show him how it was reciprocated.

“Close your eyes.” he said quietly, leaning closer, his lips inches from hers. Hyejin did as he said and held her breath parting her lips for his. Soft, warm, and yet wet lips moved against hers and she inhaled his scent, delighting in the way he held her in his arms, how her senses were filled with him.

“Kiss me too.”

She opened her eyes to see him before she fulfilled his request but Jinki placed a hand over her eyes cutting her vision.

“Jinki?”

“Close them.”

“I don't see your lips this way!” She complained, finding the whole situation amusing.

“God your mouth is beautiful.” He mumbled letting his hand fall from her eyes. She had them closed and stayed like that waiting for his instructions. “I'll guide you to mine.”

Hyejin nodded still with eyes closed and giggled when Jinki held her by the back of her neck pulling her to him.

He ignored her giddiness and pressed her lips against hers as soon as they touched. She parted hers, sliding her tongue against his and it was as if that was what he expected because he released a soft breath of satisfaction and opened his mouth against hers. Something cold was pushed by his tongue to and Hyejin opened her eyes and pulled away.

Jinki grinned while she pulled out from whatever he gave her with a kiss.

In her hand was a small silver ring with a blue stone in the middle with what seemed like a princess diadema on top of it.

“This is…”

He raised his hand with his palm turned to him so that she could see the matching ring in his finger, a slighter ticker ring with the design of a diamond in the middle, and what seemed like swords coming out from it and around the ring.

“I wanted to give you something meaningful. You keep saying I am a prince and well this seemed fitted and yours...well it’s a moonstone fit of a princess.”

Hyejin raised the finger to her eyes and the small stone seemed to shine brighter now that he mentioned what it was.

“It's not a real diamond or a ruby or something precious like that. But it's a blessed moonstone. I asked someone I know from the clan to make them. Moonstones are supposed to be able to grant wishes and remember how we talked about the moon when we first met, how our first kiss happened after that…”

“It's beautiful.” She mumbled unable to tear her eyes off from the ring. That was so much more than she ever dreamed. She wanted couple rings, the kind you buy in a jewelry store, she never thought she would ever own something special like that. “It's a magic stone then?”

“Kinda, not the usual moonstones you usually get on…”

“How?” She interrupted “Why did you get me this?”

She spent such a long time hinting at it but he always seemed oblivious. Something like that took a while to prepare though.

He rubbed his neck and she bit her lower lip trying hard to control the passion in her so that he could speak before she kissed him senseless.

“You were very obvious about it. You mentioned it too and I saw your list two days ago.”

“So these were made after that?”

“Yes. To me, a ring doesn't mean much, Hyejin. “He raised her hand still holding the ring to his lips and kissed the small scar on her wrist “We have these that connect us already but I knew what it meant to you. Now we are truly a couple like the others, right? My beautiful princess Hyejin.”

His sweet smile and the way his eyes turned into beautiful half-moons that made small wrinkles show in the corners was the last straw. She slipped the ring on her finger, gave it a last glance marveling at how beautiful it looked in there as if it seemed like it was meant only for her, and then pulled Jinki towards her by the collar of his shirt.

He laughed genuinely like he didn't for that whole day and kissed her back.

It was short happiness because the sound of someone clearing his throat nearby and the way Jinki groaned against her lips signaled the arrival of Jonghyun.

“That wasn't nice, leaving me to pay for our meals like that. Not even a goodbye.”

Hyejin hid her face against Jinki’s chest, not caring anymore if she seemed impolite, too tired to deal with Jonghyun again and Jinki held her close, loving her reaction.

“Well, apparently you didn't get the message behind our actions.”

“I did, I'm not proud of what I did today but I don't regret it one bit.”

Jinki grabbed his and Hyejin’s ice cream that were by now completely melted and pulled away from her to throw them at the nearby garbage can.

“I'm really tired.” Hyejin said crossing her arms over her chest facing Jonghyun “I think this time you should go home Jonghyun. You completely ruined my day alone with Jinki.''

“I’m sorry but I can’t feel really guilty about it.” His lips parted into a smile “I won't bother you two more though. I just wanted to see if you arrived safely.”

“Don't trust me?” Jinki asked.

“I trust you, not your fighting skills.”

Jinki chuckled humorlessly and then his phone rang. He ignored it for a while since he wasn't used to receiving any calls and then fished it out of his coat pocket.

He frowned worried and Hyejin stepped closer to peek at the id of the caller.

“Your mother?” Hyejin watched him take the call and stood next to him trying to listen to it.

“Mom...are you crying?” Hyejin held Jinki's arm “Tell me.”

Jonghyun approached them feeling that something was wrong too and after a few more minutes of Jinki trying to calm down his mother he turned off the call.

“What happened?” Hyejin was finally able to ask.

“My brother.” His eyes stirred to Jonghyun with urgency “I might need your help. You know this area better than me.”

“What do you need?” Jonghyun asked without a second thought and even though the moment was tense and something was definitely wrong, Hyejin was happy to see that their relationship has improved.

“My brother got into trouble again. Apparently, he now likes to visit underground casinos.”

“Oh boy.” Jonghyun frowned typing on his phone “Do you know which one he is at?”

“I have some clues. My mother called one of his friends to know about him and got the information from him. He is in the Hongdae area.”

“Can't we simply call him? “ Hyejin asked not sure why they seemed so worried with Taemin. Yes, gambling wasn't a good thing and was illegal but it wasn't as if Taemin was in anger.

Jinki shook his head “We won't have his phone with him because you can't use it inside the casino and this kind of gambling places are dangerous, worse than illegal ones.” Jinki explained as if he read her mind.

“It's not the kind of places common humans go too!” Jonghyun added, “And if they find out he is one of us it will be even worse.”

“Why?” She asked.

“My contact sent me a list of the most known ones. We probably should start with a big one. Want to check it out? I can drive.'' Jonghyun asked, pulling his eyes from his phone.

Jinki grabbed Hyejin’s hand “I'll explain it to you later, now you should go home!”

Before he released her she grabbed his forearm stopping him.

“No, I'm coming with you. No way I'm going home now that I know that you two are going to a dangerous place, when your brother is in danger, when you are...”

“Not a good idea.” Jonghyun said from the door of his car “It's a dangerous place for a human woman.”

“I don't have anything to fear. I have you and Jinki protecting me, right?!”

Jinki didn't seem convinced and Jonghyun was even less.

“Hyejin we can’t really reveal who we are to these people, and things might get out of control or…”

“She is going.” Jinki gave in “She won't give up now that she decided on it. She will try to follow us, it's better she goes with us rather than do something silly.”

Hyejin kissed his cheek and nodded. He knew her so well and even though he wasn't pleased with the idea he was aware that it was better she went with them.

“Just don't do anything crazy and do everything we tell you to do.”

“I will!” She joined her finger with his and pinky promised it.

Jonghyun groaned dissatisfied with Jinki’s decision but didn't say anything more about it.

Hyejin had never been to a casino and the only image of one that she had were the ones she had seen in movies and eastern tv shows. However, for sure an illegal underground casino couldn't be like that, with the same glamour, amount of well-dressed people, and many slot machines and gaming tables.

She wasn’t wrong but she wasn't entirely right either. The casino they were at was like a small copy of the one she saw on tv and if it wasn't for Jonghyun’s connections they wouldn't even be allowed to enter. She was glad that Jinki was holding her hand firmly guiding her through the room filled with several gaming tables where groups of men made their bets. One side of the room was filled with machines where several men mechanically played, staring at the screens.

“How can they hide all of this?” Hyejin asked in a low voice “If the police came they immediately know what this place is.” they were quite obvious.

“They won't come.” Jonghyun answered before Jinki, leaning closer to her, both men staying on each side of her for what she was grateful since the place gave her bad chills. “They get paid by their silence.”

Hyejin tried not to be too obvious looking around for Taemin, she couldn't miss the several bulkier men looking dangerous, scattered around the room. One beside a red door had a terrible scar on his neck and his narrowed eyes settled on them immediately with suspiciousness.

“Hey, we are looking for Kim Joohun. He is expecting us.”

The scary man didn't answer and instead studied all three of them, taking a long time on Hyejin.

“She is with me.” Jinki explained with a heavy tone immediately pulling Hyejin by her waist to him “My girl.”

The man’s lips turned into a small smile “Boss was expecting company so I thought…you came to deliver her.”

Hyejin gasped indignantly realizing what he thought.

“I don't think you are paid to think!” Jonghyun expressed Hyejin’s anger and the man stepped aside, giving them space to pass.

“So all women here.” That weren't many, to begin with “Are…”

“Yes, probably most of them.” Jinki answered squeezing her against him “Let's just try to lay low, alright?!”

She frowned hating the whole situation and how he was holding her. She knew it was to keep her safe, to show everyone she was with him, and yet she hated that it also made her seem like an object that belonged to him.

The room they entered was small and empty. An antique fancy navy blue loveseat was against the wall next to another door, and a few bookcases filled with files were on the other side beside a closed window.

Jinki slowly released Hyejin after realizing that they were safer there and Jonghyun made a noise with his tongue and checked his phone.

“Who is this guy?” Jinki asked, eyeing the closed door that probably led to his office as if he had x-ray vision to see through it.

“An Earth god like us.”

“Really?” Hyejin didn't expect that “A wolf?”

“No, actually he is a fox Earth God.”

She had no idea there were more types in South Korea, she always thought the country only had wolf and tiger clans.

“It's a smaller clan.” Jinki explained in a low voice “They usually keep away from disputes and are at peace with us and the Wolf clan.”

“I see. So everyone here is..”

“No.” A man answered from the door that was now open. He was short and had chubby cheeks even though he was slim. His hair was light brown and his eyes were small and dark. He truly reminded her of a fox. Even though his voice was melodious and he smiled at them amicably, Hyejin didn't like him. “God no. No one can know who I am or any of us are. Even though my powers are very useful in this business.”

He stepped into the room and closed the door of his office behind him discreetly as if he didn't want them to peek inside.

“Earth Gods aren't allowed to play in these casinos, not openly. They would win easily after all.”

“They would?” Hyejin asked, raising her eyes to Jinki beside her.

He swallowed and explained “We can taste feelings, we can know when someone is bluffing. That makes us experts at winning on card tables. On cheating.”

“And that's why you are here, because one of yours is playing and in danger.” Joohun said looking from Jonghyun to Jinki trying to find out to whom he was related “It's curious to see two future clan chiefs of different clans looking for him. He must be important.”

“He is my younger brother.” Jinki explained, “Where is he? Is he here?”

“He might have been but what would I win by telling you?”

Jonghyun groaned, losing his patience “I helped you before. I think you owe me a favor, don't you? Or do you want me to cut the protection I give you?”

“What?” Hyejin couldn't believe Jonghyun was helping that sleazy man keeping an illegal business. Jinki softly elbowed her to keep her quiet.

Joohun bit his lower lip studying what was best for him and then nodded “He was caught cheating. As an Earth God myself I easily can detect others. My men took him outside to give him a reprimand. That's where he is right now.”

“They are beating my brother?” Jinki stepped forward, and Hyejin couldn't help but notice how he once again seemed to grow in size, to become more dangerous, the animal side taking over his human one.

Jonghyun pushed him back and grabbed Joohun by his collar. He wasn't much taller than Joohun but was way more intimidating.

“If they killed the boy I'm coming after you next!”

The fact that Jonghyun was helping them to that extent warmed up Hyejin and hopefully, it would ease up Jinki’s relationship with him too. Maybe they could be friends in the future, she would like that. If both became chief clans they could make a true change and unite the clans through a friendship. Then maybe she would feel less guilty that she was the main reason for them to hate each other.

“Where is he?” Jinki growled behind Jonghyun.

“O-Outside in the back. I didn't know who he was. Ask my bodyguard outside to take you there.” Joohun nodded towards the door and Jonghyun pulled him closer and then yanked him back making him fall against the door of his office.

Jinki didn't wait and was already crossing the door outside. Hyejin followed after him with Jonghyun immediately after.

Her heart was beating faster while she ran after Jinki, trying to keep up with his large strides. She always wished she could read his feelings but once she stepped outside, once she saw what expected them she was glad she couldn't.

Taemin was on the floor, laying with his tummy down, a puddle of blood under him, his face laying with a side up, his eyes closed and a big red bruise on his cheek. Two men, his attackers, were beside him and Hyejin trembled hugging herself even though the night wasn't cold. Her eyes darted to Jinki and her heart broke in pieces. His expression was haunted and his eyes were like two pools of mint blue. She blinked her eyes feeling strange and a bit dizzy and then she realized what was happening, Jinki was draining energy from her, unable to control his anger towards his brother's attackers.

“Jinki…” Her voice didn't seem to reach him and she raised a hand to her forehead suddenly feeling very cold. A warm hand firmly grabbed her arm and pulled her back to the door. Jonghyun pushed her inside and yelled at the man with the scar that guided them out.

“Take care of her and don't let her go outside, find a place for her to lay down.” He narrowed his eyes dangerously and added “ You will regret it if something happens to her.”

The man nodded and firmly grabbed Hyejin to his side. Jonghyun’s serious expression became softer and he leaned closer to talk with her. Her eyes drifted from his now almost mint eyes to the still-open door where she faintly could hear the sound of screams, human cries.

“J-Jinki…”

“He's not the one you should worry about right now. Stay away, it's safer for you now. Jinki will be upset if something happened to you if you see him like this.”

“L-Like what?”

“I'll take care of him. I’ll control him. Alright?”

She nodded not sure what Jonghyun meant and even though she wanted to follow him and fight the man with the scar she seemed to have no strength. He pushed her away from the door that led outside and she looked around confused, the sound coming out fuzzier, once in a while small images flashed through her eyes, mixed scents and emotions ran through her and she cried feeling like her head would explode. Blood, anger so strong that it made her teeth grind together, screams that left her nauseated, and the sound of something breaking, something she wasn’t sure she wanted to know what…

For a while, she lost consciousness and when she came back to herself she was laying on the blue navy loveseat with Joohun looking down at her seeming worried.

“Oh thank god you are awake.” he fidgeted his hands and pulled a chair closer to the loveseat.

Hyejin blinked her eyes slowly and tried to make sense of what just happened. Her head hurt a lot but she wasn't as confused as she was before.

“W-where is Jinki and Jonghyun?”

“Outside. Jonghyun is trying to calm down your boyfriend. He did a mess. I almost lost two men today. Tigers can have a bad temper.”

Hyejin stared at the cracks on the ceiling above her and furrowed her brow.

“No, Jinki doesn't…” he did though. Lately, it was getting worse too. She had seen how he acted when he was jealous, how he barely could contain his anger towards Jonghyun sometimes. He did warn her about it and now that she was able to properly think the anger she felt was probably Jinki’s, the images and sounds, the scent of blood was what Jinki was seeing. Their link woke up the moment he attacked the men who hurt his brother and Jonghyun pushed her away not only to try and lower the effect on her body but also so that she wouldn't see Jinki’s animal side.

She bit her lower lip and closed her eyes. Suddenly she felt so sad and she wasn't sure if that emotion belonged only to her but also to Jinki. It was so overwhelming that tears flooded her eyes. He always tried so hard to control that side of him but lately, it seemed like it was getting stronger. He probably felt awful for what he almost did and she had to go to him, to comfort him.

“He didn't kill them, right?”

“No, Jonghyun was with him.”

She the tears from her lips and smiled. She had to thank him later.

“How is Taemin? Jinki’s brother?”

Joohun rubbed his head, making his hair spike all over the place “Fortunately alive. He has some bruises and was stabbed but he will be alright. My people are healing him. Soon you can leave. “ And Hyejin was sure he wanted to get rid of them fast.

“Can you take me to them?” Hyejin asked, sitting up on the loveseat feeling way better now that Jinki’s rage was over.

“I would but I don't think your boyfriend wants to see my face right now. I don't trust that my business deal with Jonghyun would be enough to stop him.”

“Business deal?” Hyejin couldn't help but ask. She was surprised when he answered.

“I keep drugs, minors, and traffic away from here, and in exchange, Jonghyun helps me out with possible legal problems I might have.”

Hyejin touched the side of her head and rubbed her temple. That wasn't ideal but it was better than nothing. That was one of the biggest differences between real life and fairytales. In fairytales everything was either black and white, there were the heroes, honest, perfect, and always righteous and the villains that had no trace of good in them. In real life things were not that simple, in real life even someone gentle and good, someone who wanted to be a doctor to help others, like Jinki, was able to hurt others too.