Tenderness and Bitterness

*

                Wooyoung was still feverish the following morning. Chansung looked over him and sighed softly. This was more than an illness. Chansung could tell that Wooyoung was struggling with whatever he was experiencing, what he was feeling. Sighing deeply, he turned his attention to the clock it read 6 in the morning. Min-Jun hadn’t bothered to wake either of them. Attempting to remove himself from Wooyoung’s body was actually difficult. Sometimes Wooyoung was a light sleeper, and Chansung didn’t want to wake him when he obviously needed more rest. When he had finally gotten to his feet and collected his towel and clothes, a soft whimper came from the bed.

                Turning, he found Wooyoung holding his head and sitting up.

                “Hey, you should stay asleep.”

                Wooyoung gave him a troubled look. Then his eyes strayed over the clock, “oh spirits! It’s this late?!” He made to stand but Chansung pressed him back down. “Chan-"

                “No,” he said gently but firmly. “Stay and rest.”

                “I can’t-"

                “Yes, you can.”

                The smaller male looked troubled again before immediately shaking his head. He looked even worse with his flushed skin and watery eyes.

                “You’re not well, Wooyoung.”

                The frustration in Wooyoung’s groan agitated him.

                “I’ll bring you up some breakfast okay?” He could tell that Wooyoung was not pleased with that, and it was both funny and silly at the same time. “What’s so bad about resting?”

                “Nothing...” Wooyoung grumbled.

                Leaning closer, he smoothed his hand down Wooyoung's neck and chest, “want some water?”

                Those beautiful eyes flashed with silver. “You’re really not going to let me work, are you?”

                Chuckling he shook his head, “absolutely not.”

                “I don’t take being pampered very well.” Wooyoung admitted softly.

                Chansung smiled, “yeah, I've noticed that.”

                Checking his temperature, he couldn't help but sigh again. He really thought his regenerative ability would have worked. Even if he had put it in water, it still should have done something.

                “I’ll add more of my regenerative stuff to your water, ‘kay? I’m worried about how ineffective it was...”

                “No, it helped. It works with your body, right?”

                Chansung nodded, “but something like an illness should’ve been gone by now.”

                Wooyoung’s eyes trailed over his face. “Would...” He his lips and looked away. “Would you be willing...to try and give it to me directly?”

                Chansung’s ears tipped red and his tongue felt thick in his mouth. Wooyoung asked him...he asked to – his heart started to hammer in his chest and his leopard was swirling in desire.

                “Like...mouth-to-mouth directly?” He dumbfoundedly asked. 

                Wooyoung, if possible, looked even more red, but his eyes were completely silver. “Yes – but if you don’t want to...you don’t have to.” He said after a while.

                Chansung shook his head and swallowed hard. Why was he so scared – no – why was he hesitating? Wooyoung was asking – well, sort of, he didn’t explicitly say he could kiss him or not. Maybe that’s why he was hesitant.

                “I could...I don't mind.” He said softly, and Wooyoung’s face brightened red again. “I just...want permission.”

                “Oh, an alpha asking for permission,” Wooyoung teased and sat up. “I already asked so isn't that permission-?"

                “Maybe...” Chansung didn’t mean to pull him closer but he did.

                Wooyoung didn’t pull back, instead he settled his legs around him. This push and pull between them the last little while had really been keeping Chansung on edge, which is why he shouldn't be surprised by this request, but he was. Wooyoung had given him enough signals that his advances weren't unwelcome. It was just that once he did touch him, he knew would be betraying his original purpose for wandering. It scared him but also excited him, because every day these feelings for Wooyoung were becoming stronger than the desire to find a fox. It scared him to no end. It's implications had him reeling the most.

                “It’s just...well, I guess it's a kiss huh?”

                Shaken from his thoughts, he heated instantly as Wooyoung cupped his neck, leaned closer and smiled, “Is that okay? It's only a kiss right?”

                Chansung nearly moaned. It wasn’t going to be ‘just’ a kiss. It wasn’t. His tail curled around Wooyoung’s calf and he couldn’t help but blush. ‘Only a kiss...’ He said in his head over and over. ‘Just...healing him, right?’ Lying to himself did not help. His leopard of course was swirling and racing wildly. All he could hear was the thud of his own heartbeat, and Wooyoung’s soft breaths as they neared one another.

                Wooyoung’s hands felt so hot against the skin of his neck. Everything was hazy and warm and...and right.

                A tingle flew up his spine as their lips touched. His eyes almost fluttered closed, but he never wanted to look away from those silver irises. Without further incentive, he held Wooyoung even closer and slid his tongue into his mouth. A small whimper from the enigmatic man caused him to on his tongue and cup the back of his head. This was so much different than before. It was intense.

                Remembering the reason why they were even doing this, and before he got carried away on that delicious tongue, and holding Wooyoung too tightly, too closely, he focused on his glands.

                The tangy liquid filled his mouth and Wooyoung gasped. His arms smoothed over his shoulders and held him tightly. While he didn't intend for this to become as as it did, Chansung couldn't help but shudder. It felt so good. They were kissing harder, deeper. More eager. The way Wooyoung on his tongue and kissed him so feverishly, if he didn’t stop soon...

                Wooyoung leaned back slightly, a trail of saliva between them. He was panting, eyes blazing silver, face flushed and lips beautifully red. Slowly he came close again and rested his hand against his cheek. Chansung’s tail tightened around his wrist making him smile. Tenderly, Wooyoung away the remaining saliva near his mouth and down his chin.

                “Sorry, Chansung...I got a little carried away...”

                Shaking his head, he looked over his face. “You...should rest now, let it work. I...” His body was fully aroused and he wanted nothing more than to indulge in the warmth of Wooyoung. He fought with all his instincts to touch. Wooyoung needed to rest.

                Slowly, Wooyoung lay back down, except it looked like a sign of submission, especially with how he bared his neck. “I...do feel really tired,” he chuckled.

                “Good, sleep now...” He pressed and smoothed his hand over Wooyoung’s stomach and chest.

                Gently, he ran his thumb over Wooyoung’s lips and cheek. In seconds, he was sleeping. He did not waste a second. Making his way to his bag he searched through with shaky hands. Finding the box he sought, he stole out of the room. He made his way to the bathroom as the heat surged within him. Removing a pill he swallowed it quickly. There was no way this should be happening since he was back on limiters.

               “Not yet...” He whispered and checked his eyes in the mirror. Sure enough, there were silver flecks amidst the gold. “...” He groaned and sat on the rim of the bathtub. “Just wait...just wait...” He murmured and released his arousal from the confines of his pants. He was so hard. Then he saw them, his leopard spots all over his legs and arms. Panting heavily, he ran his fingers over his arousal tentatively before himself fast and hard.

                Wooyoung filled his thoughts. Not only had he kissed him so intensely, but he him after. He had almost forgotten that he was supposed to give him the healing essence. What really got to him was how greedily Wooyoung had kissed him as he did so. His erupted from his and he leaned back. It wasn’t enough. This was bad. Even with a limiter it felt so unbearably warm, the feelings felt so deep. He would have to hide his scent for a while. His tongue was beginning to feel rough and he got himself ready for the shower. Feeling the limiter finally beginning to kick in, he couldn't help but feel scared. What he was feeling right now was something entirely different. It shook him right down to his core.

                So, as he came twice more in the shower, he finally gained control and sense. Min-Jun was totally going to torment him for the rest of the day. He didn’t know if he was prepared for that or not.

                As he made his way out of the bathroom, trying to keep his mind off of just how intense he was feeling about Wooyoung, he sealed his scent deep.

                Hearing the soft clearing of a throat, he turned to find the mysterious Nichkhun Horvejkul. He paused on the stairs and looked over him slowly.

                “So...you two are close, you and Wooyoung.” He said, expression completely neutral.

                There was something about Nichkhun's tone that bothered Chansung. He couldn't place it, but Nichkhun was hard to read anyway, much more than Min-Jun.

                “Have a seat...” He indicated to the furniture on the second floor.

                “Why..?”

                “You’re a curious fellow, and you’ve been staying with my nephew and brother for nearly three months. Let me not sugarcoat it, I'd love to interrogate you.” He said and smirked softly.

                A part of him didn't want this, his senses were blaring warning bells. Something propelled him forward, however, and without further argument he made his way down. There was no way he was sitting near him if he could help it. He didn’t really want to find out the hard way what kind of hybrid Nichkhun was, or what he was capable of. He was still put off that that he came onto him so openly and freely, like it was nothing.

                “So, you’re the famous fox seeker, and son of Hwang Chung-Hee and Aurora.” He rested his chin in his palm as he made himself comfortable. Eyes bright and practically boring holes into his, Chansung nodded slowly.

                “I didn’t think I was that famous until I came here...”

                “Oh...your naive humility amuses me, truly." Nichkhun chuckled. "Hybrids all over know who you are, and let's not forget about your famous parents.” He said and lit up a cigarette. "Anyone who doesn't know about the work you've done to support hybrid rights are sheltered fools."

                “That doesn’t flatter me...” Chansung sighed and sat back in his chair.

                “No, I didn’t expect it to.” He chuckled and released smoke into the air. “You’re seeking a fox, and have written books about various hybrid clans. Taecyeon and your father are very lucky that you did - on top of that, you assisted in the capture of one of the most notorious Catchers. You’re very good at making allies and enemies.”

                “Quit beating around the bush, just ask your question.” Chansung said impatiently.

                If there was something he detested, it was indirect people. He could tell that Nichkhun had been building up to this and had probably been observing him with this conversation in mind. He didn’t like being toyed with, especially by someone he didn’t know, and someone who thought they knew who he was.

                “Will you enslave it, Chansung, and make this fox you're looking for help you accomplish your goals? Or are you truly just curious?”

                Chansung couldn't help but bristle at the man's tone. He knew better than to take the bait though. He wasn't about to let someone like Nichkhun unsettle the foundation of his values and insult him.

                “I guess you believe in gossip and rumours.” He said, unwavering. “There is a personal reason I’m seeking foxes, which, quite frankly you don’t deserve to know.” Closing his eyes, the memory of those dark, unyielding irises flashed across his mind. “I am very passionate about securing the future of hybrid rights, for yourself included, and I've done what I have felt is necessary to accomplish that. All the while, I've been trying to find someone very important to me.”

                It was inhuman, the depth of Nichkhun’s gaze. “What if by trying to find them you’ve hurt them?”

                “How dare you try and make me guilt-trip over that...like I haven't thought about that time and time again.” Chansung nearly spat. Nichkhun was officially on his list of people he really and truly did not like, no matter how close he was with Min-Jun. “What gives you the right to ask me that anyway?”

                Nichkhun’s eyes seemed to brighten once more. “I think it’s a valid question.”

                Chansung shook his head and suddenly felt dizzy.

                “You’ve been here for months now...and...” Nichkhun trailed off, and took a long drag from his cigarette. “It scares me how much you’ve managed to grow on them so fast. I mean...Min-Jun he protects you like a cub - and Wooyoung? I've never seen him the way he is now. So I guess I’m just wondering how much I can trust you. Min-Jun and Wooyoung are important to me. They do know about foxes, it’s just...not something that is easy for them to share. You're kind of the last person I would ever want to be here.”

                Chansung smiled tensely but briefly. “I understand, Nichkhun.”

                Nichkhun crossed his arms, “Not really, but that's what makes this so hard, and why I'm being so harsh. I do not want trouble to come here, Chansung. It already has many times before in many ways, through many people. Min-Jun will take in strays; he’ll help wanderers without ever asking questions. He’s had a few unruly guests before, but you...” Nichkhun righted him and looked him over. “You’re different and the reasons are purely related to your curiosity and your family.”

                “Unfortunately, I can't help who my parents are, but I'm here because I want to be. So, what do you really want to ask me?” He chuckled.

                “To what length would you go to protect them from your mother?” 

                The question set Chansung on edge.

                Nichkhun knew about his mother. It was clear that Nichkhun knew enough about his family to know that his mother was not someone you would want to cross. Feeling tired and vulnerable, Chansung sighed. What lengths did his mother go to destroy his chances to find out what really happened? What did she do here? While illuminating, Nichkhun's interrogation felt like deep cuts that sliced him right down to his core being; digging into places he had left buried for a long time. He wanted nothing more than to go up to Wooyoung’s room and fall asleep with him. He could do with a nice long cat nap.

                “There isn't anything I wouldn't do to protect the people I care about from her.” He said finally.

                Nichkhun seemed to relax a little bit. “Well then, that makes me happy...”

                Chansung’s whole body finally released the tension, but he remained weary.

                “Sorry if I stressed you out, but I hope you understand why I asked those questions.”

                “I suppose if a stranger I didn’t know was staying with my family I’d probably pick at their soul to see what darkness they were hiding, too-"

                “Okay...” Nichkhun sighed which perturbed Chansung just a little. “Look, I know I pressed your boundaries. I’m just super protective of them.”

                “Nothing to apologise about, I can see that,” Chansung assured and crossed his arms. "I know better than to expect an apology from you at this point."

                Nichkhun smiled. “Still...you saved him from re-living some pretty nasty memories.” He said quietly. "He's not well right now, but this is the kindest 'episode' he's had after something triggering about his past."

                “I would do whatever is necessary to make sure he feels safe. If he ever decides to tell me about those past pains, I'll wait patiently.”

                Nichkhun sat back and looked over him. “I don’t think he’ll ever tell you.”

                “Then that’s his choice. I want his trust and respect, and I’m patient – most times.” He chuckled at himself. “I...” He looked down at the table. “I’m not here to hurt them. I don’t know why I’m defending myself to you, and no, I really don’t know who you are to them. You can try and read into my intentions however you want but I have never meant to harm anyone. I’ve already asked them if they want me to leave - numerous times.” Chansung couldn’t help but smile sadly. “I don’t know why I’m here yet, but the answer is becoming clear...very clear.”

                The heat he very nearly experienced, the number of times it happened, and the increasing strength and intensity of it was indicative of just how deep his feelings were for Wooyoung.

                “I understand.” Nichkhun said and smashed his cigarette in the ashtray between them. “You really look like you haven’t slept, do try and get some rest.” He said no more and left.

                For a long while he sat and took in just what had happened the past two days. When he finally got himself to the kitchen, he found Min-Jun baking. The bear smiled and waved him over. All he could think was ‘and so it begins’.

                “We’re making about 3 dozen batches of various things for the wedding tomorrow.” Min-Jun said and took out a list. “I need you to go to the grocery store and get these things. Nichkhun is going to help me bake and Junho will be watching the counter today.”

                “What’s the theme of the wedding?” He asked as he got ready.

                “Winter wonderland,” Min-Jun chuckled, “Snowballs, white cookies and cakes, and vanilla mousse, going to be interesting.”

                “Don’t forget you’re also making the reception cake.” Nichkhun reminded as he descended the stairs.

                Chansung shook his head, “I’ll be back soon. Can you bring breakfast up to Wooyoung?”

                “Yes, I’ll take care of him.” Min-Jun looked him over and he saw that glint of red. “There’s no need to rush, take your time.” He said with a wink.

                Chansung couldn’t help but groan.

                “Nichkhun and I have made enough for the bakery for today and tomorrow, especially with the preparation Wooyoung did before. We’ll finish that and then this evening and tomorrow morning we’ll be doing wedding prep.”

                “Okay,” he said and grabbed the keys for the van.

                “We’ll be eating at Joan’s too, tonight, so none of us have to make supper!” Min-Jun called after him.

                “Okay!” He closed the door and made his way to the van. Many of the items were things that were coming in their big stock order the following week.

                Looking up, he basked in the brightness of the sky and watched the snow falling gently. He should have felt cold, but his body was still exceptionally warm. Shaking off the feeling he climbed into the van and set out to complete his tasks.

                It was a strange day. Sure, everyone was nice, helpful and made his errands much easier, but he didn’t feel right. Shaking his head, he decided on making his way to the dens for a little bit. He needed some space to think for at least five minutes. Stepping out of the car, he walked up into the woods and sat amongst the empty dens.

                “I should’ve brought an offering,” he murmured, thinking about the shrine.

                “You look troubled, leopard.”

                Jumping up in fright he turned to find the mother fox.

                “Don’t scare me like that!” He gasped and clutched his chest.

                She chuckled and rubbed her face. “Ah, you are so lost in your thoughts you're distracted.”

                Blushing, he retook his seat and leaned back. “I suppose...”

                “Or perhaps, you are seeing clearly, but you just don’t know what to do...”

                “Yeah...both sound accurate.”

                She snorted, “Sounds troublesome.”

                Chansung grinned. He appreciated her honesty. “It is...” Looking around, he spotted a deer off in the distance. “Where are your kits?”

                “Off playing in the fresh snow, being children.” She said and sat beside him. “You met Old Grandmother?”

                “Old Grandmother..?” He repeated. “Oh, yes, I did.”

                “She does not approach many. Her spirit has been vanishing lately. I believe she is readying to cross over.” She said and looked up into the sky.

                “She told me that I was where I needed to be.” He said as he lay back. “I’ve been wandering and searching for a long time, following a single trail of tracks in my dreams, I'm not really used to staying still.” He admitted and closed his eyes. “I reached the flame in my dream, but now...it's like time has stopped...”

                A gentle paw touched his arm, “you only need be patient, cub, like I said before.”

                “That’s what everyone says,” he growled and sat up. “I don't know what or who I'm being patient for?” 

                Wooyoung flashed into his mind and he groaned in frustration.

                “As I said, you are seeing clearly, but I guess you just haven’t accepted it yet." She said with calmness. “Or...perhaps, it is not you who must seek now, perhaps, it is his turn to be honest.”

                Leveling her with a contemplative stare, he sighed.

                “I've started thinking..." He trailed off and looked back over the wintry landscape. "There are so many things I want to know about him, but he won’t tell me.” He said softly.

                “Perhaps he is terrified.”

                “That’s what Min-Jun said...”

                “Would you love him even if he wasn’t a fox?”

                Chansung flushed, the answer was obvious. “That’s the problem, I already do. I - I know I'm searching for my Significant. I assumed that my dreams, this journey, meant it was a fox. I still believe it..." He clenched his hands tightly together. "What I'm feeling, I can't deny what it means anymore...” He sighed deeply. “It feels good to be with him, even though we both are still keeping secrets. I want to stay by his side. I want him to be mine and I want to protect him. ”

                “Oh, such deep feelings. I'm envious.” She chuckled.

                “Now I feel embarrassed.” He couldn't help but laugh.

                “No need, young leopard. Your openness is refreshing. What else is troubling you?”

                “I get this feeling that I might be able to return home soon...but I...I don’t want to go.” He said brokenly and smiled bitterly. “I want...to be with my siblings. It nearly killed me to watch them leave. Something inside of me is terrified. Like, this deep ache that I've felt before, is even worse. And with certain things coming to light, things I've experienced, a part of me is scared to keep going." He sighed. "I feel like I'm so close to what I'm looking for, and I don't know what to do to take the next step. I don't know what to do with all these feelings.”

                “Forgive me, young one, for being blunt.”

                “It’s okay, I also appreciate your honesty...”

                “Family matters aside, why have you not told him about your feelings yet?”

                He blushed madly and covered his face. “I don’t know.”

                “Yes you do.”

                He groaned, “well I do, but I don’t want to admit it to a celestial fox-"

                “Humour me, I am most happy to listen. You have done many good things for hybrids so I want to help if I can.”

                Chansung sighed and gripped his hair. “Because...I want - because I don't know if he feels the same,” his face and ears were on fire, "he's been giving me a lot of mixed signals so I'm not sure.”

                She tilted her head and then sighed, “ah, I understand why you seem frustrated, but if you feel this strongly, why not just tell him? You are feeling desperate, and from what I can see, the feelings are mutual, leopard." She chuckled. "He shows me when he comes to the shrine.”

                "I would rather him tell me..." He admitted and hugged himself.

                “Well, yes, I would too. So, I think your first step is to truly accept how you feel for him, if you haven’t already. Even if you still wish to find a fox, there’s no reason why you can’t do it together.”

                “Yeah...but I'm pretty sure the fox in my dream represents my Significant.”

                “Oh...well, that’s different then. But...that also means your feelings for Wooyoung...are becoming stronger than the want of the fox Significant, is that right?”

                Chansung sobbed slightly, “yes...”

                “Interesting...” She said and brushed at her tail. “I now see there are many sides to this dilemma. However, I think you're beginning to piece some things together about Fortune, the bear, the small one, and all that you have experienced here. Your journey is still ongoing, but as I said you must exercise patience. I realise that might anger or frustrate you, but your senses would not lead you astray. You are settling, leopard. If you go against accepting that, you will experience pain and lose the path.”

                He nodded in understanding. She was right.

                “Do not fret. I enjoy your visits here. Please bring some wine next time so we can talk more. I would like to tell you the history of the dens, and, when the time comes, there is another place you must visit that I wish to accompany you - but only with the small silver one.”

                Chansung blinked and looked upon her intrigued. He brushed it off and brightened instantly, “I will! Thank you so much for listening.”

                “Do not feel guilty for loving him. He is a difficult one, sometimes, but his fears...I do believe you will diminish them.” She vanished.

                Taking a deep breath, he couldn’t help but smile.

                Well, he supposed he needed to stop whining now, and just wait for Wooyoung. Once he had a regular course of limiters on the go it would be fine, but he could still feel the thrum of heat deep in his belly.

                Making his way back to the bakery, he wasn’t surprised when he saw Wooyoung adorned in his baking attire. Although, he did look a little sheepish. Sending a look in Min-Jun’s direction the older male shrugged, pointed to Wooyoung and mouthed, ‘stubborn ’. He couldn’t help but laugh. Indeed he was.

                They worked until well after supper. Most preparations for the wedding were finished, which set Min-Jun and Wooyoung at ease. Chansung and Junho finished cleaning while the two bakers discussed their new schedule for the morning. Feeling Junho lean against him, Chansung looked down but made no move to touch him. He didn’t want to admit it, but he was still affected by what happened that morning.

                Soon, they piled into the van and made their way to the restaurant. Chansung watched from the back as Junho spoke animatedly with Min-Jun, and Nichkhun haggled Wooyoung. Sometimes, the enigmatic man would look back at him and plea with his eyes for help. Chansung only smiled and kept to himself. It was the only thing keeping him calm. He walked beside Min-Jun as they made their way into the restaurant.

                “Oh! Good evening Min-Jun!” A bubbly woman greeted and made her way over. “Wooyoung, Junho, even Nichkhun is here, haven’t seen you around too much Mr. Handsome.” She nudged him in the arm.

                “Always good to see you, Yuna.” Nichkhun greeted and hugged her with one arm.

                “Ah, and this must be Mr. Hwang. You’re the talk of the town, and a hot topic among the ladies.”

                He laughed awkwardly.

                “No surprises there, he’s super handsome!” Nichkhun boasted and clapped him on the back.

                “He is, even I feel flustered.” She laughed, but then whipped out a small pad of paper and a pen. “I assume that Min-Jun and Wooyoung would like their usuals?”

                “Of course, of course,” Wooyoung sang happily.

                “Now, deluxe-cheeseburger and wedge fries, right, Junho?”

                “Yes!” He cheered.

                “Nichkhun?”

                Chansung looked over the menu. It was like a classic burger joint. He couldn’t help but smile. He never got to go to places like this when he was a kid.

                “Chansung?” He heard Wooyoung call.

                Snapping to attention he looked up, “I’ll have the same as Junho, please.”

                “Alright, anything to drink, gentlemen?”

                “Water,” they all said.

                “Hard day huh?” She asked.

                “Always,” Min-Jun answered.

                Yuna’s expression fell. “Won’t be happening around here all that much soon...”

                “I heard,” Min-Jun said. “Not enough business?”

                Yuna shrugged, “family problems mostly, I’ll drop by for a tea and biscuit sometime this week and tell you all about it.”

                “Alright...” Min-Jun said and she wandered off.

                They all sat back and exhaled deeply.

                “It’s not like you to get so stressed out you become ill, Wooyoung.” Nichkhun commented. “You’ve been working way too hard.”

                Chansung looked over Wooyoung slowly but then caught Min-Jun’s gaze. The bear’s eyebrows rose and Chansung shrugged.

                “It always gets crazy around the Christmas season. Besides, you can’t expect me to not be stressed out after unexpected situations arise.” Wooyoung said, voice tense.

                Junho sighed deeply and leaned into him a little bit.

                “Well, I do have an announcement to make.” Min-Jun said. “I’ll be heading into the country shortly after Christmas, and hibernating, finally...”

                A mixture of emotions passed over both Wooyoung’s and Nichkhun’s faces.

                “What about the bakery?” Junho asked. “I know me and Wooyoung would be okay...but...”

                “That’s what I wanted to speak to everyone about. We have enough money saved that the bakery can be closed until spring, although I know my babe will not do that."

                Wooyoung smiled briefly.

                "Hibernation lasts most of winter, so I’d be back home in the spring anyway. I don’t want you to be without income, Junho, but you spoke about maybe returning to school, perhaps this is a good time.” Min-Jun said.

                “January is always a slow month anyway, but February is good for business.” Wooyoung said and leaned against Min-Jun. “I...I’m happy that you’re finally going, but this is really sudden.”

                “I spoke with Taecyeon last night. The vote for the bills is in December.” Min-Jun informed. “There will be more protections in place for hybrids so I’ll feel safer actually going to sleep. I won’t need to worry about you or Junho.”

                Wooyoung nodded.

                “What about you, Chansung?”

                All eyes focused on him, which made him slightly uncomfortable. “I...don’t know yet.”

                “Well, you’re welcome to stay, you know that.” Min-Jun said. “Of course, that’s also up to Wooyoung.”

               “If you want to stay, kit, I’d be very, very happy.”

                Chansung fought the blood rushing to his cheeks. Wooyoung smirked at him. Jerk.

                “Chansung and I can talk about that.” The enigma said.

                “Oh...you really , Woobaby.” Nichkhun cooed.

                “Shut up...” Wooyoung huffed and kicked him.

                “Ah! You little ...” Nichkhun grumbled.

                Wooyoung stuck out his tongue and leaned into Min-Jun’s embrace.

                Yuna returned with their beverages and Chansung took an eager sip.

                “So, Junho, I heard that you were getting closer to Min.” Nichkhun said causing the pup to blush a deep shade of red.

                “Ah...well...no,” He replied sheepishly.

                “Oh?”

                Even Wooyoung and Min-Jun looked surprised.

                Junho smiled a little sadly, "I don't..." He was struggling. "After what happened with the Catchers, I just..."

                Chansung wrapped an arm around him and hugged him close. "It's okay..." He whispered.

                Junho thanked him quietly and took a deep breath. “I've spoken with Min every now and again since I got out of the hospital. She's applied to universities in the Capital. I...I want her to do what's best for her, but I've got a lot to process and work through. She's been a great friend to me, I just...”

                Chansung smiled tenderly and held him even tighter. He knew it took a lot for Junho to say those things.

                “How exciting for her.” Min-Jun said softly. “Seems a lot of us have to do our healing, and I think this is a good time for it...” He said with encouragement.

                “Yes, you really need to heal and sleep properly.” Wooyoung reprimanded.

                “Oh, and what about you, my sweet babe?” Min-Jun asked with a twinkle in his eyes.

                "I'll plan when I'm ready..." Wooyoung blushed and glanced at Chansung.

                "Something with Chansung?" The bear turned to him instantly and wiggled his eyebrows.

                “Min-Jun!” He grumbled and took up his water.

                “Here you are gentlemen. Enjoy!” Yuna arrived with their food and was most timely.

                They did not skimp at all. Chansung was salivating the moment his plate touched the table. It looked so good!

                “If you need anything just holler.”

                “Thank you!”

                “Thanks Yuna.”

***

Next chapter...Touching Desire