Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

BREAKING NEWS : “ The Missing Dozens Case ” Has Been Reopened 

“ Notorious and magically well known gang, HALAZIA, was this last week spotted invading what looked to be an abandoned factory. The government owned property had been vacant for decades and left forgotten to the public. The factory had played an important role here in a top secret cover up. Allegedly, there are underground tunnels below the factory that lead to a massive building. Unfortunately, the rumor is true.

What took place here, I must warn you. These things can be triggering. 

Viewer Districation Is Advised.

Inhuman experiments were taking place underground on the twelve children, now adults, that went missing over a decade ago. This missing children’s case had gone cold years ago and were thought to be dead, were now found alive. But sadly, only two of the twelve children survived. Investigators have reported that they have found ten unmarked gravesites, theorized to be the dead bodies of the ten children. The experiments that took place are unknown and being purposefully kept from the public. Police said what they discovered about the experiments that it would be too much for the public to handle right now and have decided to refrain from that information. 

The two surviving victims from the underground facility, who have been identified as follows:

- Kang Yeosang 

- 24 year old male

-dragon hybrid

- Jung Wooyoung

-24 year old male

-snake hybrid

The hybrids were found extremely underweight, malnourished, and unconscious. Reporting that they were barely fed and almost starved to death. They were kept in cell-like cages that were in a basement-like room with multiple padlocks attached to the front. Their magical abilities haven't been made public. 

The victims have mysteriously vanished into thin air. Authorities say they have searched day and night, still no signs have been found. It’s theorized to be HALAZIA who have taken the victims and police can’t crack where the gang resides, still a complete mystery. 

The killers have officially been arrested and will be awaiting trial. They also found the dead bodies of what seems to be the security/accomplices have been killed. With their bodies found inside the main part of the factory’s entrance.   

That's all for now. We will be updating this reopened case for more information. ” 

The gang had been tracking and keeping up with the cold case ever since they found out about it. It was all thanks to Yunho, their resident psychic and who has an obsession with cold cases, had gotten wind of it. He had always thought that factory was suspicious. Just couldn’t let go of that unsettling feeling in his stomach. 

And he was right. Because that is where they are now. 

“ Everyone ready? ”

“ Yes, Captain”

“ Always, Captain”

“ Hell yeah, Captain”

“ Yes, Captain”

“ Of course, Captain”

“ Everytime, Captain”

“ And my Queen? ”

“ Anytime, my Captain”

“ GO! ”

Once Hongjoong gives them the go ahead through their earpieces and they barge inside. Thanks to Seonghwa for melting off the locks and chains. It was dead silence and there was no one around in the front part. They must not be aware they have company, waiting for them to come out. They were split into groups of three, each paired up. Mingi and Yunho, the most magical duo among the other four, stayed on guard outside the building. Mingi had conjured up an invisibility spell that helped the two of them go unnoticed by the security guards, making it easy to take them out. 

Jongho and San, the two that deal all things with the mind, lured the accomplices out with Jongho using his singing to hypnotize them. While San made them go unconscious by putting his hand on their head and closed his eyes, focusing his ability into the person’s mind. 

“ Where’s the fucking trap door! ” San whisper yelled out loud to Jongho, who looked just as frustrated as he did.

“ I’m looking! Shut up! ” Jongho whisper yelled back, looking behind all the crates and boxes. This place was huge. Empty metal vats that are just as tall as the ceiling, many of them filling the entire room. Pretty sure they can hold thousands of gallons of toxic waste. 

“ Hey! Who the fuck are you two! ” A voice echoed out into the factory, making San and Jongho turn around to look behind them. It was one of the accomplices and a few of them at that.

“ Me and my friend here mean no - ” Before San could finish his sentence, they were being shot at and the pair quickly hid behind one of the massive metal vats. San taking his gun out of it’s hositer, firing directly at the man getting him in the shoulder. He cried out in pain, using his other hand to hold onto his wounded shoulder. But that didn’t seem to stop him. Until finally Jongho got him right between the eyes, the man dropping his gun and hitting the floor, now dead.

One of the men somehow dodged of Jongho’s shots but didn’t miss the second, instantly killing the man. For San the third one got him in the leg. He shouted in pain and dropped himself to the floor, now leaving Jongho to finish them off. Now the rest must have never dealt with a gun before because honestly it was a pretty sad sight. At least making it easy for Jongho to finish his job. Soon all the men were dead and lifeless on the cold concrete. 

“ San! Oh no! You're hurt! ” Jongho says in panic and reaches for his handkerchief, using it to wrap around San’s leg making sure it’s tight to stop the bleeding. 

“ Jongho, I’m okay. I’ll be fine when Mingi fixes me up but for now we have to continue. Now help me up. ” San says out of breath and in pain, holding out his hand for Jongho to take. Once he is back on his feet, the two continue on with San limping next to the other. 

Next to them was a room that had a good sized window, big enough to oversee the whole room. There was a set of metal stairs that were next to it leading up to a door that looked like it was unlocked. He’s got a feeling it might be in there. Without saying another word, Jongho speeds his way up to the stairs.

“ What are you doing? We are not supposed to - ” San cut himself off when he saw Jongho move a large filing cabinet out the way, revealing the trap door underneath. 

Without thinking, Jongho lifts up the door realizing it wasn’t even left locked. Stupid bastards. Inside was a ladder going hundreds of feet down underneath the building. The two looked at each other, scared out of their minds but they had to continue. Both climbing down the metal ladder and feeling like this would never end, finally make it where they can barely see the trap door above them. Having closed it on their way down the ladder. 

“ We have a lot of walking to do. Let’s get going. ” San says, having already started moving down the long tunnel. He could hear Jongho catching up to him and was now walking beside him. 

After what felt like hours, they finally made it to the entrance of this place. It looked like it was half the size of the factory itself. Just one heavy metal door could be hiding anything. The smell alone coming from the closed door was intense. Crawling up their noses like a thick fog. Putting their hands over their noses, San pushed open the door.

Words were not enough to describe the horrors that were inside. 

" Hello! San! Jongho! Answer me, Damn it! " Hongjoong says in frustration, wondering where the hell are those two at. The ear pieces had turned to static noise and couldn't hear anything. Stupid technology.

" Calm down. You’ve been saying that for the past twenty mintues. Maybe they found something, okay. '' Seonghwa calmly tells the other suppressing his own nerves, hoping they’re not showing. 

“ You’re right, just need to calm down. Jongho and San are fine. '' Hongjoong mutters mostly to himself, taking a few deep breaths to calm his nerves. Just after saying that, the earpiece comes back to life and Jongho’s voice is the first thing that comes through. 

“ Hyungs! Are you there? ” Jongho asks with a shaky voice, clearly nervous.

“ Yes! We’re here baby! Are you and San okay? ” Seonghwa asks, beating Hongjoong in asking the same question that they were both thinking. 

“ Bad news and good news. Bad news is that San got shot in the leg when these men attacked us. Good news is that we found the trap door. ” 

“ Wait! San you’re hurt! ”

“ Yes but I’ll be fine, hyung. Don’t worry. You need to come down here and see this. Now. ”

“ We're on our way. "

Making sure they have their weapons including the loaded gun strapped around their hip, it was time to head out. They couldn’t believe they found it. It doesn't sound all that good. The whole factory was empty. Not a single person in sight. Jongho was giving them the directions on where to find them and eventually all six of them were together. 

" Me and Jongho found where they were keeping the children and I think we're too late. Look. " San says while pointing inside the room.

The six of them carefully walk inside, the awful smell hitting their noses immediately. Nothing could describe it except for the one word they hoped wasn’t true but they were proven wrong. Way wrong. Metal benches lined the whole room with leather straps bolted to them for holding down their victims. All of them were caked in dried blood spots and other things they didn’t even want to comprehend. The walls covered in varies torture devices and a lot of them also had dried blood on them. Metal tables lined the sides of the benches, holding different surgurial tools that a doctor would use. It was straight out of a horror movie. Too much for anyone to witness. But they had a mission. To find surviving victims and help them in any way they can. 

The group spread out to try and cover more of this building. Jongho went on his own to only find another metal door. Seemed to be more secure and harder to unlock than the other one. They really didn’t want anyone to find these. Calling over Seonghwa to melt off the locks and chains, he could finally open it.

“ Oh my god. ” Jongho said more to himself, eyes widened at the unbelievable sight in front of him.

Cages upon cages lined the whole room. It looked like most of them were empty except the further Jongho walked inside, there were even more of them. How many hallways did this have? It was starting to feel more like a labyrinth than anything else. Floor to ceiling the walls was all concrete. It was so cold here, underground in this eerie room. Knowing what happened here was enough to make anyone sick. 

In the same room, there was another one off to the side. 

“ I found another room. ” Jongho announced to the other’s, getting their attention. Opening the door surprisingly it wasn’t even locked. Weird. 

What was inside nearly broke their hearts.

Two victims were found seemingly unconscious and it looked like someone just threw them in here in a hurry. One had the brightest red hair and the other had neon green hair with black stripes. There were just skin and bones, laying on the ice cold concrete huddled together. It more so looked like the green haired one was laying on top of the red haired, seemingly to protect them with their own body. 

“ Alright, Me, Yunho, Seonghwa, are gonna go back up and see if there's trouble and bring back supplies. San, Jongho, Mingi, you three are in charge of the victims. ” 

“ Yes, Captain. ”

Once Hongjoong and the others left, they all got to work. The poor hybrids were in such bad shape. It's hard to believe there are people out there who are so evil and would do something like this. To just not care at all. San could see the hybrids were littered in bruises and marks all over their bodies. They were so thin to the point where a few of their ribs were showing. He wouldn't be surprised if they had some broken bones. 

" Looks like they have a few broken ribs with some pretty deep bruising. They also have blunt force trauma to the head causing them to become unconscious. Both littered with needle marks that some have healed and some haven't. Can find signs of sexual assault and rape. " Mingi finishes his assessment and stands back up. One of the things Mingi can do is center his magic with his hands and use them to hover over them helping him get a more detailed read on the injuries.

" I"m back! Dropping supplies! Bring them up! " Seonghwa says into the earpiece in his ear, signaling everyone to get going. Hearing that Mingi runs out and comes back with two large tarps, blankets, and ropes.

Thankfully Mingi catches the supplies with ease and comes back to join the others. Laying the tarp down on the concrete floor and the blankets spread out on top, San and Jongho gently as possible move the hybrid onto one tarp and the other hybrid on the second tarp. As if on time, Yunho comes back down the ladder to help move the hybrids out from being underground. San and Jongho on either side, pick up one hybrid and carefully back out and eventually there back under the trap door. The pair tie the two ropes on either side, giving the signal to Seonghwa to start pulling them out. Yunho and Mingi do the same thing for the other hybrid as well.

" Fuck. Sounds like someone called 911. ”  Hongjoong says as he’s helping Seonghwa, he can hear the sirens in the distance getting louder and louder. They need to get out of here. Fast. Luckily they had found a back door and carried the hybrids through there. They have their own van specifically for missions like this one. It houses everything they would ever need. Literally. It also had bullet proof and blackout windows for safety reasons. They’ve been shot at on the road more times than they can count.  

With the hybrids now inside the van, the six of them drive off in the opposite direction of the authorities. 

Finally they get home and immediately get the two hybrids out and inside in their basement. They had turned it into a medical room/hospital and this was where Mingi stayed anytime one of them got injured. He was the one to always patch them up. Mingi made sure the mansion was secure and invisible, so it’s not visible to the naked eye. That’s how no one knows where the gang resides. Plus it’s a pretty complicated spell to pull off, so not just anyone or witch can do it. Meaning it’s easy for Mingi to pull off. Making it inside, they gently place each hybrid onto the beds next to each other. Yunho works on San’s leg to remove the bullet. San was knocked out from one of Mingi’s spells, putting the other to sleep. While Mingi and Yunho get to work on the hybrids and San, the others leave the two to there work.

“ I can’t believe we made it out. That was the toughest mission I think we’ve ever had. ” Jongho says with his head resting on Seonghwa’s shoulder, feeling exhausted like the rest were too.

“ I’m happy we got them out of there. Good work everyone. I’m proud of each and every one of you. Now I’m going to hit the shower. ” Hongjoong says as he leaves the living room, heading upstairs.

Now all they can do is wait.

Chapter Text

A week has gone by and no signs have happened to the two hybrids waking up from their coma. Of course with the amount of trauma they each have been through, it was to be expected. But that didn't reassure the worry that they all had. Especially Mingi. He's the one that has been looking after them. It's his job. Getting up a few times in the middle of the night. Checking their vitals and overall well being. They could tell it was affecting the other. Dark bags under his eyes and struggling to keep them open at times. Yunho even helped take his place when he was too exhausted and too tired. Mingi was very grateful for his boyfriend. Sometimes Mingi felt like he didn’t deserve the other but Yunho was always there to put those thoughts to rest. This time it was Yunho’s turn to check on the hybrids. It was still pretty early in the morning and everyone but Yunho was still asleep. Before he left their shared bedroom, he turned around one more time to look at his sleeping boyfriend's face. He looked so peaceful and pretty, not a worry or wrinkle on his face.

Making his way to the basement door and unlocking it, walking down the few stairs. He could hear the machines still beeping the closer he got. Finally making it, the two were still asleep. Everything seemed to be in order and he turned to leave when a whimper was heard behind him. Quickly turning himself around from the stairs and going back, it was the green haired hybrid. He was waking up seemingly from a nightmare as he was thrashing around and starting to scream his lungs out. Yunho moved quickly to stop him from moving around thinking he might end up hurting himself. Inturn as soon as Yunho touched his shoulder ever so gently, the hybrid flinched so hard he thought he was going to fall off the bed and luckily he didn’t. Suddenly, the hybrid’s eyes flew open in fear and seeing Yunho standing by his bed didn’t help either. Causing the hybrid to back against the wall of his bed and cover himself with the sheets.

“ Hey, hey, You’re okay. You have nothing to be scared of. ” Yunho says in a low and gentle voice, not wanting to scare the hybrid even more than he already is. His voice didn’t seem to register in his brain and instead made him even more afraid. A few minutes pass until Yunho hears a small voice realizing it’s coming from the hybrid. 

“ Where’s Woo, where’s Woo, I can’t find Woo, I have to protect Woo, they can’t hurt Woo. ” 

The hybrid kept chanting the same thing over and over again to himself. It broke Yunho’s heart hearing that coming from the hybrid. 

“ Woo is right here in front of you. He’s safe. ” Yunho says as he is pulling back the curtain that separated the two beds. Lowering the sheet covering him, that seemed to put the hybrid at ease seeing his friend was okay. The hybrid did try to scrabble from his bed and go to his friend’s but Yunho had to sadly stop him. He was attached to some very important wires and didn’t want him to hurt himself. Then he got an idea.

“ How about this, I’ll remove the curtains so you two can still see each other. ” Yunho suggested as he was removing the curtains and getting them out of the way. He could see his shoulders become less tense but still on edge. It did though get him to move from his spot against the wall and lay on his side, never letting his eyes leave his friend.

He knew he should go get Mingi for help, to let him know that one of them is awake but as soon as that thought crossed his mind, he could hear someone coming down the stairs. Not long after, a sleepy Mingi appears at the entrance letting out a big yawn. Seeing Mingi must have triggered something in him because instinctively he latches onto his friend’s hand and more fear is seen in his eyes. 

" It's okay, it's okay. I'm Mingi and this is my boyfriend Yunho. I'm the one who has been taking care of you. " Mingi explains calmly to the frightened hybrid, whose eyes were darting back and forth between the two. It seemed like after a few minutes the hybrid wasn’t going to say anything else beside what happened earlier.

“ Well, I’m going to go check in on the others. ” Yunho says before he kisses Mingi goodbye, effectively leaving the other off guard and blushing, making Yunho giggle at his boyfriend’s stunned face. Leaving Mingi and going back to the main part of the mansion, Yunho could see the kitchen light was on. Peeking his head inside to see it was Hongjoong.  

“ Hey Yunho, why are you up early? ” Hongjoong asked as he was sipping on his coffee.

“ Checked on the hybrids. The green haired one woke up when I was about to leave. Seemed to me like he was having a nightmare. I tried to calm him down but ended up scaring him more. He kept saying the same thing over and over again. When I suggested he could be next to his friend, I moved the curtains out of the way, putting the beds together. That seemed to make him calmer by holding his hand. Then Mingi came in and I left. " Yunho finished explaining to the captain. Before he would have time to respond, Mingi comes bolting into the kitchen. Seemingly loud enough to wake the others up, trailing behind Mingi.

" The other hybrid woke up and now I can't check him because his friend is all in some overprotective mode. Moving him is out of the question. I tried but he bit my arm. I can do this myself and the rest of you try and see if you have any luck. " Mingi says, raising his arm, showing the teeth marks and blood. Luckily it didn't look too bad but still needed to bandage up. The rest sped off to the basement and sure enough the green haired hybrid was using his body as a shield to protect the other. He had now gotten on the other hybrid’s bed and tangled in the wires but that didn’t seem to be that important. The hybrid noticing them come in, covering his friend even more. If looks could kill, they all would have been dead by now. He was glaring at them, completely covering his whimpering friend.

“ Hey hey, we’re not going to hurt you. We’re the ones that got you out and brought you here. Just want to help you. We mean no harm to either of you. My boyfriend, Mingi, just wants to give each of you a once over and some food. Then we’ll leave the two of you alone. Okay. ” Yunho explained once again to the hybrids, hoping that would make the both of them calm. It took a few minutes of waiting with the green haired hybrid deep in thought but slowly nodding his head in response. 

Yunho carefully got the both of them back in their separate beds. Surprisingly the red haired hybrid didn’t put up much of a fight but instead just let him do it. The other one was also the same way when instead he accidentally brushed his hand against his friend’s leg, the hybrid just like with what happened to Mingi but this time he almost bit his hand. Yunho can’t even be mad or blame him. They’ve each been through hell and it was understandable. 

When Mingi finally got to do his part, he was done for now. Now leaving the two hybrids alone for now, giving them some privacy. Everyone was gathered in their meeting room ready to continue their unfinished discussion. 

“ Me and San dug up more information on the killers. ”  Jongho stated to the others, pull out files of papers onto the table before he continued on, “ This guy was a failed scientist who used to work for this big multi million dollar corporation that weirdly no longer exists. The man had an unhealthy obsession with hybrids. Leading him to go insane, using his own children to perform the experiments on and no success in turning them into hybrids. Marking that as his first murders. Ultimately the company found out and fired him. ” 

“ Not long after getting fired, the company filed for bankruptcy even though they weren’t in any kind of debt that I could find. Of course getting fired pissed off the guy. Somewhere along the line, he contacts his old university friend, who was a very successful and wealthy surgeon. Since the surgeon felt awful for his friend, the scientist used that to manipulate his friend, basically gaslighting and guilt tripping his friend into joining him. Lying and saying they can be the first two to make humans into hybrids. ” San finished off the long story to the others. After Jongho and San were finished, everyone could feel their hearts sink. This was one of the most fucked up cases they have tackled. 

“ That’s so fucked up. ” Mingi mumbles most to himself, wondering what the hell they got themselves into.

“ How did they get the DNA to do this? ” Hongjoong asked with an unreadable expression on his face.

“ It really wasn’t that and it’s kinda hard to explain. Sadly, Jongho and I couldn’t figure it out. It was dead end after dead end and just kept on getting nowhere. We really did try but it’s a complete mystery, like it’s impossible or something. I’m sorry, hyung the both of us literally did all we could. ” San says feeling bad that was the one thing they were missing, even though it wasn’t the duo’s fault.

“ You two don’t need to be sorry. I know you tried your best. ” Hongjoong told the two, offering a kind smile that all is forgiven. Now he was looking down at the huge map that covered a good portion of the table. It was the map for the factory, even though they found that the underground part wasn’t marked anywhere or no signs showing it either. Someone really wanted to keep this a secret. Badly.  

Their meeting got cut short when something beeped. It's Mingi's phone, alerting him that something’s wrong. They had installed security cameras in their basement. It was to keep an eye on whoever they take in or if it was one of them personally, making sure no one tried to escape and for safety. The rest of them left except Hongjoong and Seonghwa, claiming they can go on ahead without them. 

Inside the two hybrids had gotten themselves unattached from the wires and machines they were connected to. Now their arms were bleeding some but nothing too bad. What was worse is the fact that they now have a very pissed off green haired hybrid, holding tightly onto the other in his bed hiding him behind his back. 

Now they were in a pickle.

Yeosang doesn’t like these humans. Even if they so called rescued him and Wooyoung. Still don't like them one bit. Especially the tall one that found him awake this morning. He wished they left him there to die and instead took Wooyoung. He was too sweet and innocent for the world, and deserved to have the chance to leave that hell hole behind. He’s protected him his whole life and nothing is going to stop him. Four strange men are staring at them. Men that he doesn’t know and won’t want to.

One of them was slowly creeping closer towards them. Causing him to back up even further to Wooyoung, the man lifting up both hands. Showing he’s intention wasn’t to hurt them, possessing no weapon. The man moved again after a few seconds had passed and was now a comfortable distance from the hybrids. Not wanting to scare them. This one had deep purple hair with a roundish face to go with it. In his opinion, he was the only one who looked less threatening and intimidating. Doesn’t mean Yeosang is going to just give in because of this 

man’s looks. Now the same man was crouching down in front of the two, holding out his right hand. 

“ Hello, I’m Jongho. I was wondering if either of you could give me your injured arm for me if that’s okay? ” The man, now named Jongho, gently says with a smile, waiting patiently for the hybrid to answer. 

Yeosang looked back and forth between the Jongho's face and his outstretched hand. He knew the logical thing to do was to let him have his arm so he could bandage it. On the other hand, what if it was all a sick trap? He was already fooled too many times and wasn’t going to let some stranger do it to him again. But his train of thought got cut off when a whimper was heard behind him.

“ My arm hurts. Make it go away, Sangie. Please. ” Wooyoung quietly says in a small voice, barely enough for Yeosang and Jongho to hear. He turns around to check on his friend and pull him even closer if that was possible. Seeing him in pain, Yeosang made up his mind. Deciding to trust this man crouched down in front of them. Nodding his head and carefully removing himself from Wooyoung, letting him take care of him first.

“ Thank you for trusting me. All I’m going to do is use this disinfecting spray. I’ll warn you it will sting a little but it’ll be over soon. It’s not going to hurt much, okay. May I start? ” Jongho explained, still waiting patiently, showing them the small can in his left hand.

" It's okay Woo. You give him your arm, okay. I promise you're going to be okay. " Yeosang quietly says loud enough for only the two of them to hear. Wooyoung sticks out his arm for Jongho to hold. Spraying the disinfectant onto his arm does make the hybrid flinch a little but not enough to make him remove his arm. He was right. It didn't hurt that much, only stung a little. 

" Now I'm going to wrap a bandage around your arm and it's important to leave it while your arm heals, okay. Don't try to pick at or take it off. " Jongho says, taking out the bandage and wrapping it snuggly around the hybrid's arm.

" See, it wasn't so bad. Can I do the same to your arm if that's okay. " Jongho asks softly with the same smile from earlier. Nodding his head, Jongho does the same exact thing to his arm like he did with Wooyoung. Jongho was undeniably gentle and sweet with both of them. Explaining every single step to them before he even did anything. It was like he wanted them to be as comfortable as possible. Not wanting to do something they didn't like. 

Now that both of the hybrid's arms are bandaged up and will no longer eventually get infected. It was time for the two of them to at least eat something. All they have been getting is this liquid stuff that Mingi made for situations just like this one. It's supposed to give the body all the nutrition and vitamins. It's like a whole meal in liquid form basically. Given through the IV drip in a plastic bag. Their bags were just about gone and it was time for Mingi to change them out for a new one. 

" Alright, It's time for the two of you to get some rest, okay. I'll be here when you wake. Goodnight. " Jongho says before he gets back up and heads towards the door. The rest of the gang left behind him.

Chapter Text

The rest of the gang were impressed and proud of Jongho. For doing such a wonderful job taking care and being gentle with the two hybrids. Over the next couple weeks, they were slowly starting to gain some weight but of course not nearly enough to be healthy. All that mattered was that they have been making progress. Anytime one of them, except Jongho or Mingi, tried to do anything like change the bandages was when they realized it would end with them getting bit or shoved. Hard. Especially the green haired one. Even if they do know their names, they’ve refrained from doing so in case of any boundary or bite again. 

Mingi was with the two hybrids, changing their arm bandages and giving them their breakfast this morning. It was still the same liquid he’s been giving them the past weeks. They can drink it instead but Mingi felt like that was a bad idea, since the taste was horrible. Through IV it was then. He was in the middle of disinfecting and rewrapping Wooyoung’s arm when the basement’s door opened. It was their captain, Hongjoong. 

“ Hey, hyung. What’s up? ” Mingi casually asked the other, quickly glancing at him while busily focusing on Wooyoung’s arm. He was almost done anyway. 

“ How are they doing? ” Hongjoong asks seriously, watching the witch finishing the red headed’s arm.

“ Well, their arms are just about healed and will be by next week. They’ll be good to go then. As for their weight, that’s going to take much longer. They have gained some weight but not to a health point yet. Just need more time. The bruising has faded and is getting better. Their ribs are still bandaged but will take a while to heal fully, six weeks at least. ” Mingi explains to the captain, seeing him nodding his head while listening to every word. 

“ Anything else you need? ” Mingi says, continuing on to the other, cleaning up and putting his things away. 

“ Yeah one more thing, Min. Can I stay here alone with them? It will just be a few minutes. Nothing more. ” Hongjoong says, watching Mingi stop what he’s doing, turning around to face the other. Having had his back turned. 

“ Yeah sure, no problem. ” Mingi says, questioning his captain in his head. With that Mingi leaves, now it’s just Hongjoong and the two hybrids.

The green haired one didn’t look all too happy about being left alone with the gang’s captain. He liked Mingi better. At least he cared to look after him and Wooyoung so kindly. He doesn’t know this man yet he guesses he’s going to anyway. His hair was split down the middle into black and blonde. He could tell this captain oozed power and confidence, something that scared Yeosang. With that he could do anything he wanted with the two hybrids. 

Getting himself in front of Wooyoung, not wanting this man nowhere near him. 

“ I’m not here to hurt you or your friend. I just want to talk if that’s okay. ” The captain said, looking between the two hybrids. Yeosang was in every right hesitant about this man. His aura and vibe he gave made him uneasy. Giving the man a nod, knowing he doesn’t have much of a choice. At that, he walks over to the hybrid’s beds standing next to them but still at a comfortable distance. 

“ You might be aware that if you two return back to society, you won’t be treated too kindly by the media and public. There’s going to be some people out there who will rip you to shards and will find a way to twist your words. What I’m saying is stay with us for a little while longer. I know you are nowhere near where you need to be but think about it. ” The captain, as soon as he finishes, Yeosang could feel something in him snap at the captain’s words. Standing up from his bed on slightly wobbling legs, he makes it to stand in front of the man.

“ Are you fucking insane! You really want us to think about that now while the two of us are not ready for that yet! We haven’t even known you long! Expecting us to just take your word and think about it ! ” Yeosang was practically yelling into the other’s face, noses almost touching. The captain’s face didn’t even seem fazed or flinch. Just looking ahead with that stupid unreadable expression on his face. It made the hybrid hate him even more at that moment.  

" I'm the one that got you two out of there. You should be grateful. Now again think about. Goodbye. " With that the captain leaves, shutting the door on his way out. Yeosang didn't know what to think about that man. All he knew was that he hated his guts all ready. Turning around to see Wooyoung, looking scared he quickly gets in his bed pulling him to his chest. 

“ It’s going to be okay, Woo. I won’t let him get to you or me. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything. ”

Over the next week, Hongjoong never came by to visit the hybrids. Yeosang was glad he didn’t show up. He didn’t want to see the gang leader anyway. First impression was a real shitty one. Of course Mingi came by to check up on them and feed them. He did ask where the captain was and why he hadn’t come by anymore. Finding out he was apparently “busy” whatever that means because Mingi couldn’t exactly explain what it was, just that he would find out at some point.

He did find out that they kept going out during the day, not coming back until very late at night. The hybrid only knew this because they weren’t exactly quiet. One night a loud bang woke him up and almost Wooyoung but he luckily got him to go back to sleep. He did want to go out and see what that was but at the same time that was the stupidest idea. Yet here he was, getting out of bed feeling the cold concrete on his feet and slowly making it to the door. Now it was pitch black inside and he had to use his ability to help him see. He did have night vision, well because he is a dragon hybrid afterall. 

His hand now on the door knob at the top of the stairs, he turns back to see Wooyoung sleeping peacefully. Reassuring himself that Wooyoung will be okay with him gone. Turning the knob and stepping out into the yet again pitch black mansion. Now that he was out, he put his back against the door and took a deep breath. Once realizing that this was dumb and he has no idea where he's going. Too late now cause it seems his feet have a mind of their own, taking him down the long hallway and into what looked to be a kitchen. 

Lucky for him no one was in there and just empty. Same for the living room that was bare too. Moving forward to the stairs, having to hang onto the railing and at some points hissing in pain because of his bandaged ribs. Having not paid attention to where he was going, he ran into someone’s chest. Fear coursing through his body thinking he’s going to fall onto the floor. But instead strong arms catching him, somehow being gentle and careful of his ribs. Looking up it’s Jongho, looking at him with concern and worry in his eyes.

“ Are you all right? ” Jongho says, still not letting go of the hybrid in fact holding onto him just a little tighter. 

“ Ahhh! ” Yeosang screams out in pain, having slightly moved his body from Jongho’s hold onto him. 

“ I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! I just didn’t want you to fall and hurt yourself more! ” Jongho says, scrambling and letting go of Yeosang, who’s trying not to let his tears fall from the pain. 

He was trying to get his breathing back under control, slowly going in and out. It pained him to breath but suffered through it anyway. A couple tears fell down his cheeks, putting his hand up to his face to wip away. He knew Jongho was just doing the right thing by not letting him land on the floor but maybe he should have anyway.  At least he wouldn’t have to witness how much of a mess he was anymore. Finally after a few minutes, Yeosang was back to normal and his vision was clear of any more tears.

“ I should be getting back to Wooyoung. Bye. ” Yeosang says casually, turning around and slowly making his way to the stairs and basement.

Shutting the door behind him and seeing Wooyoung was exactly where he left him. Sleeping. Getting back to his spot next to the other hybrid. Without another thought, he fell asleep holding on tightly to the other.

“ Good news, both of your arms are finally healed. I'm just going to take off the bandages now, okay. But your ribs still need more time to heal. At least up to six weeks of rest and with ice for the pain. ” Mingi says as he grabs his scissors to cut them off. Of course it was a pretty easy job, just had to make sure they didn't flinch from the cold metal. Next he changed out the already melted ice and replaced it with new ice on the both of them. A knock was heard from behind the door, a voice along with it.

“ Hey, can I come in? ” 

“ Yeah, hyung! ” Mingi yelled out to the person, the door now opening. 

This was someone else Yeosang had never met before. All he knew was that he had a sense of power but elegance. Just with the way he carried himself. Walking further into the room, stopping by the hybrid's beds.

“ Hello, sorry I couldn't come down here sooner. Joongie had me busy with something concerning the two of you. I'm Seonghwa. ” Seonghwa says with a kind and warm smile, making him look even more pretty and friendly. At some point Mingi had left the room, giving them some privacy. 

“ What are you doing here? ” Yeosang asked the man, realizing he sounded rude after the words left his mouth.

“ It's okay, I know you didn't mean to sound that way. I've dealt with worse. ” Seonghwa says, for a split second his face changed to sadness but was quickly gone before it was even there. But Yeosang saw it. Something told him he didn't like that look on the other's face. Much preferring the warm smile. But the other continued on speaking.

“ Well, I've come to tell you that we found both of your parents. ”

“ Wait! Really! You found them! ” Yeosang could feel the happiness bubble up inside of him, the most he has felt in years. Wooyoung was just as excited as he was, judging by the tight grip he had on him. 

Seonghwa didn’t share the same look of happiness. Instead he was serious. At that, the hybrids stopped celebrating and calmed down from their excitement. Yeosang had a feeling that this was something really bad. Surely they missed him and Wooyoung right? Could they have given up and accepted the fact that they are dead? Did they ever move on? He needed to know right now and seemed like he wasn’t going to like the outcome.

“ Your parents were alive and they did search for the two of you. For the first year but soon after with no progress, they gave up and accepted the fact that the two of you were dead. Even though your bodies were not found, of course. Until they got a visit one day. A police officer was at the door, saying they had found the two of you. And would get to see you that same day, letting the man inside the house. Turns out that was the last time your parents were seen alive. The man was impersonating a police officer, tricking your parents into false hope. He murdered them right then and there. Hiding their bodies somewhere we don’t know yet. ” 

“ T-ther-e d-dead, Sangie! D-dead! ” Wooyoung screamed out, his face buried in the other’s chest. Getting tears and snot all over his shirt.

Yeosang didn’t want to believe it. Both of their parents are dead, while he and Wooyoung have been alive this whole time. He could feel the tears streaming down his face, never once stopping. Wooyoung was no better and practically sobbing at this point. Feeling both of their hearts break into a million pieces. He didn’t even know Seonghwa left until he heard the door close. They were now alone with no one else to go home to after escaping. Wooyoung was the only person, the family he had left. He loved him with all his heart. 

Where were they going to go after this? After they have healed and ready to go back out into the world? The hybrid had a million questions going through his head with no answers. He didn’t even know what the world looked like now. How would people react to them being found alive and not dead? Would they be supportive? Or would they be ruthless? Honestly, Yeosang didn’t even want to find out. The world that he hasn’t seen in a decade scared him to no end. Just how different would the world look like? How different people would be? 

All Yeosang could do was tighten his arms around Wooyoung, his one and only, that has kept him going all these years. 

They were going to get out of this fucking mess.

Chapter Text

Yeosang and Wooyoung have been with the gang for a couple months now. That liquid stuff Mingi made really did work fast in helping the hybrids get to a healthy weight in no time. Mingi had released them from the basement, declaring their ribs healed. The bruises had pretty much gone away and could do whatever they wanted after. Wooyoung wanted to at least explore around the huge mansion. Honestly Yeosang could never say no to that face. He was still too cute for his own good. 

Something else that was on the hybrid’s mind.

They found out their parents were murdered. The two hybrids really didn’t have anywhere to go. If they did go back out into society, would the public be okay with it? Would they get hated on just because they are now “different” then they are? Not knowing how the world looked anymore, scared the hell out of Yeosang. Can’t remember anything. Their lives were taken from them at such a young age. Wooyoung and Yeosang literally had nowhere to go. No place to call home. No place to feel safe. No family or friends to see anymore. Only having each other.

This was their reality. All they could do was just accept it and move on.

“ Hello, I’m San. I came here to get the two of you. It’s pretty important. Also, you’re Wooyoung and you’re Yeosang right? ” San asked while pointing each name at the respective hybrid. The two nod their heads, conforming to San's words. He knew he probably shouldn’t have come down here, even though Seonghwa told not to, of course he didn’t listen. 

The two hybrids looked out to the door seeing San, another member that they have yet to meet. His leg was wrapped in gauze and saline, could already see a blood spot where the wound was. He stood there awkwardly on his crutches to help him get around without putting pressure on it. 

Wooyoung could feel his eyes widening in surprise. He wasn’t expecting nor did he know that he was injured this whole time, just not until he arrived. The others have been mostly quiet and never telling them anything no matter how much Yeosang pesters them with questions. Without really thinking, Wooyoung’s feet were moving on their own, still a little wobbly but he was okay. He could hear Yeosang behind him but chose to ignore him just this once. Now standing in front of San, realizing that he was pretty up close.

“ Why are you hurt? ” Wooyoung asked pouting up at San, not liking the fact that someone was hurt.

“ I’m okay. Just nothing I can’t handle. ” San told the hybrid, hoping he’ll believe him because San doesn’t think he has it in him to tell the hybrid the truth. Surprising the other two, Wooyoung unexpectedly wrapped his arms around the other. Being extra careful of his leg and crutches. San was frozen in place. He didn’t even think about the hybrid hugging him all because he saw he was injured and on crutches.  

Fortunately before Wooyoung could respond, Seonghwa came inside to see what was taking San so long. Seeing the scene in front of him, he was more confused than anything but wasn’t going to question why the two were hugging. Just telling them to hurry up because their captain is getting impatient.  

********

This was the first time in two months that Yeosang and Wooyoung had been out of the basement. The mansion really was like a labyrinth, anyone could easily get lost inside. One thing about though was that it was so beautiful to look at. It felt good though to move around, getting to look at something that wasn’t concrete. In no time they made it to what were two wooden double doors. Must be the meeting room. With Seonghwa opening the doors, the room was just as grand as the rest of the mansion so far. Nothing simple about this place. 

“ About time, what took so long? ” Hongjoong asked out loud to Seonghwa with San and the two hybrids trailing behind him. Ignoring Hongjoong’s question instead giving him a look that said ‘  Not now, we’ll talk later’.   That seems to shut him up.

“ I did find out who the fake police officer was. Turns out, not surprisingly, he was the surgeon. The scientist guy had made him do the extra dirty work of getting rid of the parents. They wanted to distract the actual police, having them thrown off. Even though I really don’t know how that would work, shockingly it did. ” Yunho says, trying to ease the tense in the room. 

“ I’m not fucking surprised. Anyway, what are the police going to do with the killers being arrested? ” Hongjoong questions, looking around the table. 

While the others were discussing, Yeosang found himself lost in his head the whole time. He couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that both of their parents are dead. All this time, he hoped deep down that at least they're still alive, while he’s on the verge of death itself. The hybrid didn't know what to believe anymore. His childhood and teen years were stipped away from them just like that. Now the two find out that all the killers get is a life sentence. In his opinion, that wasn't enough. He needed death. If Yeosang wanted revenge, he couldn’t do it alone. That would end with him and Wooyoung being arrested or dead. Probably both. Realizing,  Somewhere in his mind must have snapped cause now he's getting funny looks from around the table.

“ Are you okay? If you don’t want to be here, you two can leave. ” Seonghwa says, breaking Yeosang out of his thoughts, the other wearing a worried look. Instead of answering, Yeosang just ignored the other, not wanting to express his thoughts out loud. 

“ What about the killers? I thought they were getting a death sentence. ” Mingi says, sounding confused.

“ Well, I thought they were too but turns out that's a lie. The only thing the judge did was find them guilty with reason of insanity and will be sent to a psychiatric hospital. That was all I could find out. ” Yunho states to the others, sounding slightly disappointed. Hongjoong had leaned back into his chair, thinking in his head of what they could do to turn this around. After a few minutes, he seemed to have figured out something because now there’s a deadly smirk across the captain’s face. 

“ This might seem a little crazy but hear me. Okay, how about we break into the hospital and we take care of them ourselves. I mean we have to put our second basement to use right? ” Hongjoong says, honestly sounding a little unhinged. Everyone is now looking at their captain like he’s crazy which he probably is, considering he is a gang leader after all.

“ And Yeosang over here can finally get his revenge, that’s what you want right? You two can come with us to get what you want.  Also if you're wondering how I know it’s all part of me being a psychic. I can feel your emotions and how you’re feeling right now.” Yunho says, smirking at the hybrid’s stunned expression, his turning red.

Now it was time to come up with a plan.

What made this plan even more crazy was that they were doing this at night. They were currently in the van, of course Yeosang and Wooyoung had to come with them. It would be too risky and dangerous if they left them at the mansion. Even though taking them with is just as bad if not more but too late now. No turning back.

Everyone had their guns and weapons strapped to them or in their hands. Except for Yeosang and Wooyoung, even if San and Jongho tried to teach them earlier before coming here it didn’t work out. Well Yeosang wasn’t scared of it per say but he was more nervous to be handling a gun, something he’s never done. Wooyoung, on the other hand, was definitely scared of the handgun, clinging onto San’s arm instead and hiding his face in the man’s shoulder. 

“ Alright, this place is heavily guarded outside and inside. Mingi and Yunho, you two take out the guards outside in the courtyard, keep a lookout for anything suspicious and then do the same for the inside. San, Wooyoung and Jongho, you two stay here in the van and hack into the security cameras, disabling the feed only if necessary. Me, Seonghwa and Yeosang will go around the building, find the breaker box and cause a blackout. We don’t want to take any chances of someone seeing us.  After that, San you sonic scream into your mic, that’s connected to the cameras, putting everyone into a coma inside the building only. Then all of us will meet in the front, got it? ” Hongjoong had finished explaining the plan with everyone nodding and agreeing, getting ready to split up and spread out. 

Once everyone was in position, chaos was about to be unleashed. 

********

Everything was happening so fast. Even though Yeosang had nothing to worry about, he knew the gang would keep him and Wooyoung safe. No one would recognize the two hybrids since the gang took them in first, the rest of the world had no idea what they looked like as adults. Walking inside, Hongjoong had to give the distraction while Seonghwa and Yeosang went to go find the breaker box outside. Wearing their night vision goggles, making it easier to see where they were going, courtesy of San and Jongho. After walking around the massive building, they finally find it. What happened next was something neither of the three were expecting to happen.

Without thinking, Yeosang lifted his hand and neon green electricity flowed through his arm and out into his hand. Directing it towards the breaker box, electricity shoots out of the hybrid’s hand and fries it, the breaker box sparking with a little bit of green smoke coming from it.

Before any of them could process what just happened, there was a loud vibration coming from inside the building. Now the three of them were booking it through the courtyard and running inside. Of course like the plan, San did his sonic scream and effectively put everyone within the hospital into a deep coma. It’s going to take a few days for anyone to wake up from that. 

“ Everyone, okay? No one got hurt? ” Mingi asks, looking over at everyone except he doesn’t see a certain someone with bright red hair. Then he continues on, starting to panic.

“ Where’s Wooyoung at? Don’t tell you - ” 

“ He’s right here, he’s okay. Just got a little scared and he shifted. ” San says as he reaches into his jacket, pulling out a red and black striped snake. After being pulled out, Wooyoung immediately started to go back inside the other’s hoodie. 

“ Hey, you’re okay. Mingi just wanted to know where you went. It’s okay. You can go hide now. ” San says as Wooyoung goes back into his hiding spot in San’s jacket. 

Thankfully to Yunho for finding out where their cells were and the numbers. Turns out they were on the third floor, at the very end of the ward. Since this place doesn’t have elevators for some forsaken reason, they had to climb up so many stairs but finally made it to the third floor. With Yunho leading the way and all of them being able to see from their goggles, they found the killer's cells. 

“ Alright, San and Jongho carry out both of the body’s then I’ll teleport us back home. Don’t worry about the van, it’s alright teleported back home. Now let’s get out of here. Also Yeosang, hang on tight. ” Hongjoong says before closing his eyes, taking everyone back to the mansion.

Chapter Text

“ Yeosang, wake up. Come on, sweetheart. There you are, open your eyes. ” 

Yeosang slowly blinked his eyes open, his head pounding with a headache. He could hear a sweet voice speaking to him but he can’t figure out who it is. Finally after a few minutes, he got his vision back under control and could see that Seonghwa was the voice he was hearing. The other was sitting next to him on his bed, looking at him with a loving smile. 

“ W-what happened… ” Yeosang says as he trails off, looking around the room and noticing he’s back in the basement again. As his eyes kept roaming, he realized Wooyoung was nowhere in sight. Instantly throwing Yeosang into a panic. His mind was racing with thoughts of what happened to Wooyoung while he was passed out. Suddenly that same sweet and caring voice slowly was breaking through his panic, easing him back into reality. 

Soothing and reassuring him that he has nothing to be worried about. After a while, Yeosang finally came out of his panicky state, looking Seonghwa in the eyes. 

“ You passed out when Hongjoong teleported us back home. Yunho had to carry you back here to the basement, he and Mingi have been looking after you. Before you ask, you’ve been out for a while, a week. And Wooyoung is okay. He's been with San the whole time you’ve been out but he just got panicky and scared when you fell. I guess you want - ” Before Seonghwa could finish his sentence, the door to the basement barged open and in came Wooyoung, throwing himself into Yeosang’s arms. Holding on tightly with a death grip as if he’s afraid Yeosang would disappear on him. 

“ Hey, hey, hey, calm down Youngie. You need to breathe, follow me. In. Out. In. Out. In. Out. There you go, feeling better now. ” Yeosang says softly after a few minutes have gone by with Wooyoung now feeling much better, only this time he's not leaving his side. The door opens revealing Mingi walking inside with Yunho in tow.

“ How are you doing? Anything that feels off? ” Mingi says as sits in his chair next to the two hybrids.

“ No, I feel mostly fine - ” Yeosang starts to say but cuts himself off when he feels a burning pain in hands. Lifting his arms from out underneath the covers, the hybrid lets out a horrified scream. His hands were extremely burned and blistered, an angry red and black staring back at him. Fingers were pretty much stuck in place, too much of an excruciating pain to bare to move them. Some spots were glistening with fluid, dripping out of the holes and onto his bed.

By that point, Yunho had grabbed onto a shocked and crying Wooyoung, carrying the snake hybrid out of the room. Only to hiss baring two long pointy fangs, a thin forked rogue poking out and red glowing eyes.

" Wooyoung. Stop right now. I know you don't want to leave but I will see you after, okay. Go back to San for me. " Yeosang says sternly, wanting his best friend to calm down. Fortunately, it worked and Wooyoung was back to normal. Now being carried out by Yunho and the two were out the door.

Getting over the surprise, which will have to wait for later, Mingi sprang up from his seat and started gathering supplies around the room. Going from shelf to shelf, seemingly having a hard time finding a specific item until he lets out a small ' ah ha ' sound. Turning around with a small container in hand, Mingi sits back in his seat.

“ Okay, Yeosang. Listen to me carefully. I need to treat your hands right away to prevent any type of infection. I'm going to clean it with this handmade solution and it might sting, just hold still and don't move. ” Mingi says as he holds a spray bottle in his hand, spraying both of Yeosang's hands front and back.  In the bottle is a solution which is a clear liquid. Anyone could honestly mistake it for water if it weren't for the tiny particles settling at the bottom. Yeosang lets out a small whimper at the pain but he's endured worse. It lasted for a few minutes until it slowly passed. He could feel a few tears fall down his chin and neck.

“ You're okay, just a couple more things and we'll be done. ” Mingi reassures the hybrid, now grabbing a jar of some kind of lotion that's a bright blue color.

" This is a lotion I had made and because of its blue color the main ingredient is blueberries. It will help reverse any burnt skin or not burnt skin into being back to normal. Plus it smells so good. " Mingi explains as he opens the jar, taking some from it and gently applying it all over Yeosang's hands. Mingi was right, it does smell really good. But this time, Yeosang didn't feel any type of pain at all. Just cold lotion. 

" Alright one more thing, just need to wrap both of your hands with some gauze. " Mingi says, wrapping both of Yeosang's hands, tying it off at his wrists that are normal. 

" Remember you need to come back to me every day so I can change your gauze and apply more lotion. That way I can always keep it clean and prevent infection. And here's two pain killers that you also need to take every day in the morning and at night before you go to bed. Other than that you're free to go. " Mingi finishes explaining, now putting away his supplies.

********

The next few days, Mingi's back in the basement with Yeosang, getting his bandages changed and applying more of the lotion, continuing the whole process of keeping the burns cleaned. The two stay in a comfortable silence until Yeosang asks a question he's been constantly thinking about.

“ Can I ask you something? ” Yeosang says to the other as he's peeling off the bandages.

“ Sure, go ahead. ” Mingi says now doing Yeosang's other hand.

“ Where's Jongho? He's stopped coming down here all week and just was wondering… ” Yeosang trailed off in thought, thinking this was a stupid idea. Why should he care about him? After a few seconds of Mingi not answering, he looked tense. Frozen from where he was peeling off the bandage from the hybrid's hand. 

“ Captain didn't want me to tell you this but… ” Mingi stopped his sentence midway, at a loss if he should tell the hybrid or not. But he continued, despite knowing he's going to get yelled at later on.

“ Jongho and San got hurt on a mission. Jongho was just trying to save San but in the end he got himself hurt just by protecting the other. Hongjoong made us swear that we wouldn't tell you anything. ” 

“ He got hurt.. ” Yeosang couldn't finish his sentence anymore. He couldn’t understand why it affected him at all. He shouldn’t care. 

“ He's going to be staying here for a while. Apparently from San, he got hurt pretty badly. Just I don't know how yet. ” As soon as Mingi was done explaining, the door opened to Yunho carrying Jongho on his back, with Seonghwa trailing close behind.

Yeosang felt his heart drop to his stomach. He had grown a little fond of the other, so seeing him hurt and not moving had his brain racing with thoughts. 

Once Yunho had carefully laid Jongho down onto the mattress, was when Yeosang could fully see the injury. There was a big gash on his forehead that definitely would need stitches. Around his face and neck were a few minor cuts but nothing to worry about. Done further along his body was where the real problem was. He had gotten stabbed in his lower stomach bleeding profusely, his clothes torn and bloody. Yeosang couldn't stop staring, no matter how much he wanted to look away. He just tears his eyes away from the wound. 

Mingi had already gotten started working on Jongho. After doing his put to sleep spell, hands hovering  over Jongho's body, mumbling some words Yeosang can't recognize under his breath. An orange red smoke was spilling from his hands. Yeosang could feel someone's hand lay gently onto his shoulder causing him to jump. It was Seonghwa.

“ I think you should leave for this, come on, follow me. ” Seonghwa says quietly , only for the two of them to hear. Leading Yeosang out of the room and closing the door behind them.

********

Yeosang couldn't ask questions even if he wanted to at that moment. Instead he just mindlessly followed Seonghwa through the mansion, and went up the stairs. The hallway was huge, seemingly looking like it could never end. Easily someone could get lost. Until finally Seonghwa stops in front of a door that could belong to a bedroom.

“ We were going to give you two rooms later but I think now is okay. Joongie might be pissed but don't worry about him. I'll take care of it okay. ” Seonghwa finished explaining as he opened the door at the end of the hallway. Yeosang was right. It was a bedroom. A pretty one at that, even though it was very much bare on the inside. Looks like it hasn't ever been lived in before. 

“ This is your and Wooyoung's room, figured you two would probably want to share. ” Seonghwa tells the hybrid,the two walking inside the room together. 

“ M-mine and W-wooyoung-g's r-room-m. ” Yeosang says quietly like he just can't fathom the idea of having his own room, especially with Wooyoung. He didn't know he was crying until Seonghwa was in front of him, wiping away his tears with a concerned look.

“ Do you not - ” Seonghwa gets cut off before he can finish his sentence, now very surprisingly having his arms full of the hybrid. The elder immediately wraps his arms tightly around the other and just lets Yeosang sob into his shirt.

Yeosang was feeling so much at once but in a good, overwhelming way. Ever since the gang rescued him and Wooyoung, they have been nothing but kind and sweet towards the two. Not once hurting them in any way and even if they did, it always was by accident. Never ever intentional. They would profusely apologize over and over again until either Yeosang or Wooyoung had to tell them they were okay and they didn't need to keep saying sorry. The hybrids couldn't be angry at them. The gang were the ones that saved Yeosang and Wooyoung from death. Literally the reason why they are still alive today.

“ N-no, no. I'm not mad. I just got overwhelmed is all. Thank you for everything. ” Yeosang says once he calms down, pulling himself away from Seonghwa, who looks now very much relieved to hear Yeosang wasn't actually upset. He was just happy. 

“ I'm so glad you love it. Let's go find Wooyoung. ”

Chapter Text

Yeosang didn't know how to process the fact that he used his power, electricity. He wasn't even thinking right, just did it without even thinking about it. It finally had sunk into his brain over the last few days. He hasn't said anything to the others, just doesn't know how or what to do. Even though he knows it's the right thing to do. How else would he get help, answers?

All Yeosang knew was that he was having a hard time adapting. He knew he and Wooyoung should stay with them because they have nowhere else to go. They couldn't go back out into society and expect everything to be all peachy. There are people out there who will never understand or be accepting of the two hybrids. In their eyes, hybrids were something that they didn't understand and chose not to. The one thing Yeosang kept thinking about, the one thing that was always in the back of his mind. What Hongjoong said to him that day. 

At first he hated him, to think he knew when they would be ready and would get to be back out into a world. To judge them so quickly like that. A world that the two hybrids had no fucking idea of what it even looked like anymore. He had gotten angry. Pissed off at the Captain. But now, Yeosang realizes he was right. Too right. He knew more than anyone right now of what it would be like out there. For fuck sake, the man is gang leader. Of course he would be extremely aware. 

Now that he and Wooyoung have their own room, it's given him a lot of time and privacy to think. He's already made up his mind.

“ Hello, Yeosang. ” Mingi says as he walks into the hybrids' room. He was carrying a container of supplies, obviously here to change Yeosang's bandages and to take his pain killers.

“ How's Jongho doing? ” Yeosang asked the witch as he was pulling up one of the chairs in the room, sitting down in front of the hybrid.

“ He's doing fine, no need to worry. ” Mingi says, digging through his supplies.

“ I didn't believe you. You're lying to me. Tell me now, I want to know. ” Yeosang demands, sounding a little pissed off that he was being lied to. That makes Mingi freeze, his hands stopping inside the container. He was avoiding eye contact, finding it more interesting to look down.

“ Tell me. Whether it's good or bad, tell me. Now. ” Yeosang was getting slightly impatient, wanting to know what happened. After a few minutes, Mingi finally spoke up. 

“ He's not dead if that's what you're thinking. The stab wound wasn't even that deep, all because of the knife used the blade was short. He did lose a lot of blood and was unconscious, still is. ” Mingi finishes explaining. 

He knew Jongho had gotten hurt, he saw Yunho carry his unconscious body inside the basement. He just didn't have the time to process how badly he had gotten hurt or even worse, if he wouldn't make it. But in a way, he was thankful for Seonghwa dragging him out of there because he probably would have acted irrationally. Something is that he can't figure out why he cares so much about Jongho. It must be because he saved his and Wooyoung life, yeah that's why. 

“ Can I do your hands now? ”

After Mingi re-bandaged and cleaned his hands, Yeosang was free to go. Even though it's only been a few days, his hands were going to be just fine. The healing is a slow and painful process, still can't move them without a tear rolling down his cheek. But he was going to be okay. He still couldn't understand why using his ability burned his hands. It was a complete mystery and he still hasn't asked the others about it either. 

His thoughts were interrupted when Seonghwa came inside his room.

" The Captain wants to see you in his office. "

********

The walk to Hongjoong's office was nerve wrecking for the hybrid. He still very well could get rid of him and Wooyoung but he also would have done that a long time ago. So, why did he want to see so badly for? Well, because Seonghwa made it sound like it was urgent. Now they were standing in front of two huge double wooden doors, Seonghwa knocking on one of them and then here a ' come in ' from the other side. Opening the doors with Yeosang trailing close behind, this office was huge. Tall shelves full of old, random books and other nick nacks. A large, mahogany desk sat with a floor to ceiling window that took up the entire wall. It gave a beautiful view of the forest behind it and the city was just barely visible in the distance. 

“ Yeosang, take a seat. And Seonghwa, you may leave. ” Hongjoong says before kissing the other's lips.

After Seonghwa left the room, that was the first time since Yeosang had been here he saw Hongjoong being affectionate and happy. It was weird to see him smile with hearts in his eyes like that. 

“ Now, the reason why I've brought you in here is because we've been looking more into this cold case. Come to find out, the government is the one behind it all. ” Hongjoong says, with his hands intertwined together on his desk. 

“ H-how is the government involved? ” Yeosang asked.

“ Well the factory is a government owned building, so it was an easy cover up that was in plain sight for anyone to see and to think nothing of it. ” Hongjoong says, continuing on.

“ You see, the killers were working for the government, specifically a politician. This politician was corrupt, only got in the election and won because of something that is incredibly special. Not even the public knows or the police. Just us. ”

Yeosang was stunned. They worked for the government and he guesses that can explain it in a way. But a politician? What would someone like with that amount of power needed with a crazed scientist and a brainwashed surgeon.

“ I can see the gears turning in your head, Yeosang. Are you sure you want to know more? ” Hongjoong asked seriously, with no room for joking around. Yeosang thought ‘ did he want to know more? ’ Of course he wanted to know more! He wanted to know why this had happened to him, to Wooyoung, and the other children who will never see the light of day again. 

“ This politician craved more and more control. She wanted to rule the world one day, of course they wanted the president out of office so she could take his place in the next election. But the thing is that she hasn't gotten caught yet and most likely never will, which means her plan is foolproof and we have until the next election to take her down. ” Once Hongjoong was done explaining, Yeosang felt like his head was spinning. This case is so much, so much bigger than Yeosang could ever imagine. His head was completely and utterly blown away, far far away from his own body it felt like. But he snapped himself out of his thoughts , now looking at the Captain sitting in front of him. 

“ In the morning, we'll have an important meeting about this where you'll learn more. For now, I just wanted to give you a heads start, letting you in on a few things before. I don't usually do things like this, so consider yourself special. You may go now. ” Hongjoong sent the hybrid on his way with Seonghwa waiting for him in the hallway. 

********

It was now the next morning and time for this meeting. To say Yeosang was nervous would be an understatement. What the Captain told him yesterday kept him up last night. Only getting a few hours of sleep sometime late last night. Right before though, Mingi did change the bandages and re - clean his wounds. Now he was walking with Wooyoung, whose arms were latched onto the hybrid's since his hands were still wrapped and healing. Seonghwa was bring them along, having gotten them that morning. Now they were in front of a familiar pair of double doors, Seonghwa opening one of them. Everyone was already inside, waiting on the last two to arrive. Once they took their seats, Wooyoung never let go Yeosang's clearly to the hybrid he was just as nervous. Of course, Jongho couldn’t be present. The man was still unconscious from the amount of blood he lost. That thought just made Yeosang miss the siren even more , something he won’t dare admit out loud. 

“ Alright let's begin. What else have you found out? Anything new? ” Hongjoong asked.

“ We'll I did find out that the politician is more fucked up then we thought. Ever since she got into office, she's been funneling money from the government's tax money and using it to fund the experiments on children. ” San says.

“ I'm not fucking surprised, the bastard. ”

“ Well, how did no one find out about this? ”

“ It was done anonymously and a fake name that turns out is actually a real person. Someone was getting falsely accused and harassed. ”

Yeosang during the whole meeting was just in pure awe at what he was hearing. The guy was laundering the tax money from the government and using it for the experiments. Yeosang felt sick to his stomach, his mind having trouble comprehending all of this. Yeosang could feel Wooyoung's grip on his arm tighten the more the gang talked. His mind was racing with many thoughts that he just couldn't keep up. But he wanted to, needed to hear the rest of the story. For his own sanity. " Do we know who this person is? "

" Not yet, I'm still working on it. Whoever this person is, whoever set them up they really don't want to be found out at all. "

Yeosang could hear the frustration in San's voice. He honestly felt bad for the man. Without Jongho, who always helps him and is by his side, he's taking more on than he should or normally would. Yeosang wished he would help him, he started to like him and felt bad for the amount of work that was on his shoulders. Of course, Wooyoung took notice from his spot with Yeosang, immediately moving and crossing the other side of the table. Wooyoung takes his seat in the other's lap, surprising San that he would do this in front of the others. Everyone else was also stunned but they weren't stupid to figure out something was going on with those two. But the meeting continued like nothing happened.

“ Turns out they're step siblings, and don't share the same dad. ” 

“ But why would she be funding his experiments? Doesn't make sense. ”

“ Actually, it does. Their whole lives they've never gotten along. Always hated the other. As children, their mom favored her daughter more and since the son looked so much like her ex-dead husband, she couldn't look at him anymore, at least not the same. The daughter was loved, cared for, and spoiled rotten. So, the son envied his mom and the daughter , and was so jealous and angry of the two. ” 

As Yunho kept going on about this man’s life, the tension in the room was getting thick. It could be cut with a knife, could hear a pencil drop, it was so quite among the others. 

“ But the only thing that kept him going was his love for the unknown. Things that can't quite be explained or seen by the naked eye. He quickly became obsessed which turned into an unhealthy one. Sending him into madness. The man was practically insane. Until he discovered the myth of hybrids one day in a library. When he got into college, he pretty much left his family behind, cutting them off entirely. He found himself knee deep into all things weird and magic. But he kept going back to hybrids and found a tale of a scientist from the 1800's who figured out how to turn a human into a hybrid but he died before he got to finish. Then meeting his surgeon ' friend ' who quickly turned to be his lover. It was a one sided love, only the surgeon falling in love with the man. And after graduation, they had broken up for unknown reasons and you can imagine the rest. "

The man had lived a depressing and unloved life. He was neglected by his own mother, who wanted nothing to do with him. His step sister was just as bad as their mother was. No wonder he turned out the way he did. But now things are different. This man had turned into a cold, blooded child serial killer. He took the innocent lives of children all because he had turned from being the victim to being the psychopath. It was a full fucking circle, coming back to bite him in the ass. Honestly as sad and as heartbreaking as it was, he deserved it. He deserved to rot below in the basement, alone. Just like how he left those children behind, to rot and die, to suffer the pain and loss of being taken away from their family and friends.

This meeting was coming to a close and would continue tomorrow in the morning. Giving Yeosang plenty of time to think, meaning the hybrid didn't get much sleep that night. With Wooyoung glued to his side and his head tucked into his chest, Yeosang's arms wrapped tightly in his hold. At least Wooyoung was sleeping peacefully. Surprised he didn't go to San and sleep in his bed, something that Yeosang has been wondering about and was there anything going on with those two. It wasn't like Yoesang was pissed or anything, he trusted his best friend. Even if he was a little naive at times, he knew he would be okay. 

It was late at night and everyone was sleeping except Hongjoong and Seonghwa. The two had some business to take care of first. After all, it was in their basement. This one was special because it was very well hidden. It wasn't visible to the naked eye, only Mingi's magic could access it. He was the one that made it in the first place. But with a special key, any one of them could unlock it. Inside was a nightmare of sorts. This was there torture room, were they kidnap anyone they think deserves it or has done them wrong. The walls were all concrete, including the floor. The room was pretty much bare and empty except a filthy mattress and a few tools that were used to force people to ‘ talk. ’

“ Well, look who we have here.  ” Hongjoong says with a sinister smirk as he walks further inside.

Chapter Text

The two killers have been inside their basement, well second basement, ever since that night of being here. They were still in their hospital uniforms, an ugly gray color resembling cement. Of course the main one was pissed off while the other was more terrified and scared than he probably has ever been in his whole life. It was what they deserved, even the surgeon. It doesn't matter if he's innocent or a victim, the only victims are the children and their parents. They had already been knocked out, thanks to Mingi for making a sleep potion that's pretty strong. Literally nothing at all could wake them up. And of course they were still ' sleeping '. And now to wake them up.

“ Nice to see you. And I believe this is the first time we’ve met. ” Hongjoong mentions, circling around the scientist's body. The man was slowly waking up, having been drugged with Mingi’s strong sleeping potion. He was still groggy, eyes opening in slow motion clearing his head.

“ W-who the f-fuck are you! ”

“ Good question, well you don’t know me but I know everything about you. ” Hongjoong threatens in a whisper while laughing, crouching down in front of the man. He grabs the man’s face in a bruising grip, his lips now resembling a duck. 

“ Listen here carefully, if you don’t cooperate I won’t hesitate to let my Star burn your sorry ass or drown it. Your pick. ” Hongjoong sarcastically said, watching the man deflate slightly in his eyes but as soon as it was there, it was gone. He tried to get himself out of the gang leader’s grip but it only tightened the more he moved and squirmed. Realizing, his hands and feet were tied up with rope, digging into his skin turning it red and raw the more he fought back. Inturn, making Hongjoong break out into laughter sounding more like the lunatic he is. Finding this very amusing, the leader was having his fun can’t blame him. 

“ You’re so cute. With all your squirming, really thinking you’re going to escape me. ” Hongjoong joked with a wide smile on his face, obviously faking it with the overly sugary sweet tone of his voice. Now it was like all that was gone, back to the serious hard cold leader he was in the beginning. Letting go of the man’s face, the leader stands back up on his feet. Hongjoong motioned back behind him with his hand for Seonghwa to come forward, having stayed quietly behind his lover with an emotionless face.

“ Now, my Star here is going to have his fun first with you. Oh, and don’t worry about the tools on the table, he doesn’t need those. They're just for show. ” Hongjoong smirks proudly one last time before kissing Seonghwa on the cheek, turning around and walking away with the screams of excruciating, mind melting white hot pain that no one can imagine in the background. 

After Hongjoong had left, hearing the heavy metal door of the basement shut, Seonghwa was left on his own. The whole room, including the door, was soundproof. No one would be able to hear anything, even if someone would press their ear to the door on the outside, it would silence. A silence so quite a pen dropping would echo throughout. Well, then again no one would be able to hear that either. 

“ A-alr-right, f-freak! W-what else are y-y-ou g-going t-t-to do to m-me? ” The man stuttered out, heavily breathing still from being set on fire alive. The pain was indescribable, words weren’t enough to tell how it felt like getting shot with lava. The hospital uniform he’s wearing was now scorched, pieces of the fabric have burned off and landed on the concrete floor. His skin was lightly charred, smoke emitting from his skin. It was nothing too serious, not nearly enough to kill him yet. 

“ You better watch your mouth or do you want the Captain? ” Seonghwa says in a bored tone, like this was the most casual, most normal thing. It was to him at least. Seonghwa had his back turned from the man, standing at the table that was lined with all kinds of tools. Most were for show, which was true, even though they have used them before. Only this time, Seonghwa was putting on a fake act. To make it look like he was thinking of which tools to use. That's just part of the fun. Now that seemed to make him stop his babblering, body tensing up with a small amount of fear going down his spine. 

“ Good choice. Your life just might be a little more prolonged. ” Seonghwa hinted at, of course not really meaning the words behind it. Turning back around after a few minutes of faking it, he could see the surgeon in a far corner much further away from his friend. He seemed much, much more terrified and scared, his whole body trembling in terror. 

“ I’m not going to hurt you, your friend here is going first. ” Seonghwa forewarned, seeing the color drain from the surgeon’s face turning pale white, drenched in a cold sweat. Without saying anything else, Seonghwa approaches the scientist crouching down in front of him like Hongjoong did earlier. Except this time, he unties his feet leaving his hands be. Standing up with him, Seonghwa walks to another part of the basement, really just moving him not that far but still. 

“ Sit. And don’t make me say it again. ” Seonghwa warned, the man immediately obeyed, laying down on what seems to be a metal operating table. The metal table was ice cold, his fried skin lightly sticking to it. The fluids from his hands emit tiny droplets of fluid, forming a little puddle of clear liquid. This side of the room was reversed for the torture. Especially to people who deserve a taste of their own medicine. On either side of the table was special coated material attached to the table, using them for strapping down a person, keeping them from moving. Neck, wrists, torse, legs, and ankles all had their own. After strapping the man in, Seonghwa began his work.

“ Where did you hide the Oddity? ” Seonghwa demands calmly, not wanting to get himself worked up just yet. The scientist began to laugh, the sound obnoxious to Seonghwa’s ears. Now he was quickly getting on his nerves, shooting him a glare and snapping his fingers. A small flame of fire appears on the tip of his finger, hovering it over the man’s face. That got him to shut up finally but still grinning like a fucking idiot.

“ You better fucking tell me or I won’t hestaint to burn you to a fucking crisp. ” Seonghwa growls out, the flame that was once on his finger, is now in his hand growing into a much bigger flame. 

“ I’m not telling you anything, you fucking psycho. ”

“ Oh, you poor thing. You must be mistaken, you’re just talking about yourself. Aww. ” Seonghwa says with fake sympathy, rolling his eyes.

It seemed to calm him only slightly, pissing him off more, the bastard is still grinning. Guess he's not afraid of turning into ash. Seonghwa thought he should try another method, the elementalist has a lot up his sleeve. Putting his flame away, it was time to drown him. Changing from fire to water, his hand emits smoke now disappearing into thin air. Seonghwa, holding a decent sized water ball in his hand, throws it at the scientist, aiming for his face. The water going up his nose caused him to be in a coughing fit, having gotten choked. His eyes burned and watered, vision having gone blurry for a few minutes. 

“ Where did you hide the Oddity! ” Seonghwa shouted, inches away from his face, holding up another flame in his hand, ready to melt off his skin. Just before he could do anything, the door to the basement opened. Hongjoong came walking in, having returned to see how everything was going.

“ Hello, my Star. ” Hongjoong says before kissing his lover on the lips. He could hear the man make a disgusting sound. Turning around, Hongjoong could feel his temper rising and without a second thought he slapped the scientist hard across his face. 

“ You got a fucking problem! ” Hongjoong yells, his voice echoing off the walls and ceiling, eyes wild with anger. The scientist visibly flinched against the restraints from the anger outburst, rubbing at this wrist more and turning his skin red with irritation. Hongjoong had slapped him so hard, his hand print visible on the man’s cheek.

“ That’s what I thought. San, bring Yeosang down. ” Hongjoong says after he pulls out his phone. Not even a few minutes later, the metal door to the basement opens. Walking inside is San and Yeosang, who's trailing behind the other. 

Yeosang had never been down to this part of the basement. It was more gruesome and grimy, just like how anyone would expect a gang’s basement to look like. San and Hongjoong were talking quietly, whispering to each other in their ears. Until San was back to standing next to him, almost like he was his bodyguard with the way he’s standing. It was just in time too because the scientist guy was laughing hysterically.

“ Ahhhh! This is so good! You’re alive, how crazy is that! You and your ‘ touched ’ friend were supposed to be left for dead! What a pilot twist! ” 

Something about that had Yeosang snap on the inside. Maybe it was the remark he made against Wooyoung. Maybe it was the fact that they were supposed to be left for dead, not still alive. In that moment, he realized he could feel something crawling its way up his throat. It felt all tingly and slightly itchy in a way but not uncomfortable. There were gasps heard around him but he couldn’t tell who it was coming from. All he knew was that he also could see a green hue around his vision. And his hearing had left him too. Without a second thought, neon green beams of electricity shoot through his eyes, zapping the scientist’s body but not killing him. Only hitting him lightly, just enough to sting a little. Even though it still knocked him out cold.

“ I think we are done for today. ” Hongjoong announced, his face void of any emotion, walking away and heading towards the door with Seonghwa and Yeosang trailing right behind him.

What they didn’t know, however, was that the surgeon had crawled his way towards the other man. Even with his hands and feet tied, that didn’t stop him from making his way to the metal table. He had to look up at the man since his ability to stand is restricted. All the anger and hatred was bubbling up inside him, feeling like at any moment it tip over exploding and covering everything in its path. He was going to get payback for what they did. For kidnapping them. For finding the two, still alive, hybrids that were meant to be dead. For hurting the love of his life.

He was getting his revenge one way or another.   

********

San had taken Yeosang back to his room. Yeosang was the only one in there, so he had the whole room to himself. Wooyoung had apparently gone back to the basement where Mingi makes all of his potions and spells. After asking San where his best friend was, that's what he told him. Before San left, Yeosang asked him, hesitantly, to stay as if he didn't want to be alone. Plus he wanted to talk to the demon, who seems to have gotten his friends attention, sort of speak. Now that the both of them were sitting on his bed, it was time to talk.

“ Alright, why did you want to talk? ” San asks, not convinced that's all the hybrid wants. Yeosang felt like he had been exposed. He didn't know he was that easy to read. 

“ I..just have been…so confused about my ability. It just showed up out of nowhere on that night of the hospital. Mainly I was just fueled with revenge that night. And I fried the breaker box, causing a blackout. Then I-I z-zap-ped the m-man t-that k-kidnap-ped, r-raped, b-beat m-me, Wooyoung and those other k-kids! Why me! Why Wooyoung! Why those other kids! ” By the time Yoesang was done, he was a sobbing mess. Somewhere in between San bringing him into his arms and his tears, he let out the most heartbreaking scream. He screamed because of the pain and hurt. Screamed for hatred and anger. Screamed for all of it. For everything they’ve been through.

“ You’re okay, you’re safe. I got you, I got you. ” 

 All San could do was hold him tight. Whispering reassuring words into his hair, kissing the top of his head every few minutes. Not once letting him go, just waiting patiently. Giving Yeosang the chance to let everything he’s been bottling up out. It took a long time for Yoesang to finally calm down. His sobbing had slowed down to sniffles. He could hear people coming in his room, hearing those people talk but couldn't make out who it was. But he still won’t leave where his head is buried in San’s chest. At some point, he must have fallen asleep, his whole world turning black. 

********

“ Sangie, wake up. Wake up. ”

Yeosang could feel someone’s fingers were combing through his hair. It felt really nice, leaning into the person’s touch more. Slowly trying to get his bearings figuring out immediately who the voice belonged to. Opening his eyes to see if he was correct and sure enough, Yeosang was right.

“ Wooyoung, what are you doing here? And where did San go? ” Yeosang mumbled out on his pillow.

“ San wanted to stay but the Captain needed him for something. So, he came and got me. And you can go back to sleep if you want. ” Wooyoung explained.

“ Okay. ”

Was the last thing Yeosang said before snuggling back into his best friend's arms, heading to sleep.

Chapter Text

The next time Yeosang woke up was the next morning. Wooyoung must have stayed with him all night since he was still in his arms. Untangling himself from his best friend's grip, he was successful in not waking him up. Instead he just rolled over onto his other side. Making sure to fix the covers back once he was on his feet. Yeosang looked over at Wooyoung, smiling to himself at his peaceful and relaxed face. Brushing his red hair out of his eyes, revealing his forehead. Yeosang leaves a gentle forehead kiss, petting his head carefully before leaning back. Deciding to let Wooyoung sleep more, Yeosang thought he would head out and see if he could find any of the others. 

More specifically a certain siren he’s anxious to see again.

It must have been too early this morning, well it seems no one is up yet. Which gives Yeosang an advantage because he really doesn’t feel like being interrogated on where he’s going. Making it to the basement with ease, he unlocks the many many locks the metal door has and opens it, walking down the one set of stairs. Luckily Mingi wasn’t down here yet and that means Yeosang gets a few minutes to talk to Jongho. Even if he can’t hear him or see him. 

Jongho was still lying there, unconscious. The only way Yeosang knew he was still alive was by the beating noise of the machine next to him. Sitting down in Mingi’s chair and sliding it closer to the bed, all Yeosang could do was stare. Stare at the bandage that was wrapped around his torso. Stare at his peaceful, relaxed face. Not a trace of worry or concern visible. Without thinking, even though he could hear Mingi’s voice in his head telling him to wait until his hands healed, ignoring it Yeosang carefully reached out with his injured hand to him. Gently as possible trying not to hurt himself, he scooches his hand underneath the siren’s hand on top of his. 

Yeosang just sits there in silence, too busy being lost in his own thoughts. With so much going through his head, he did fail to notice the hand on top of his twitch only slightly. Then not long after, a certain pair of eyes slowly opened. And a carefully hand squeeze, barely there but enough for it to not hurt and feel through his bandages. Yeosang felt his heart race, eyes widening in surprise but also relief. 

“ Y-you’re a-awake. ” Yeosang stuttered out, eyes still in shock. All Jongho could do was chuckle. He had just woken up from a coma and yet he thought the hybrid was the cutest, all wide eyes and sparkly. 

“ Cute. ” Jongho mutters under his breath, even if he was still a little loopy. He must not have been quiet enough because now the hybrid’s face is blushing. That just made the siren smile even more if that was possible. 

“ S-so, I probably should go get Mingi. ” Yeosang says as he tries to pull his hand away and stand up to leave. But Jongho grabs his wrist, his hand gently wrapping around the hybrid’s wrist so as to not hurt him accidentally. Something that the siren would never forgive himself for if he did by accident. 

“ Stay. Please. ” 

Yeosang was secretly hoping that he could leave and he wouldn’t need to tell the siren how he felt about him. Maybe he didn’t feel the same. Maybe this crush was all in Yeosang’s head. To be honest, even the hybrid couldn’t put his feelings into words, not just yet. It scared him, terrified him even. But at the same time, if Yeosang didn’t tell Jongho he felt like he might explode. 

“ I-I like you. Like a lot. And this might seem sudden but I couldn’t just keep this to myself anymore. I know you probably don’t feel the same but I just wanted to let you know, I guess. We haven’t known each other that long but I felt something when you were so gentle and sweet to me, especially Wooyoung when we first met… ” Yesang says as he keeps on rambling and rambling. 

Of course, Jongho was quietly listening, not once interpreting the hybrid from his ramble. Well, it did seem like he had been bottling this up for a while now. The siren just watched the other talk, his hands moving at some points but not a lot. His deep honey was mesmerizing to hear. Jongho could listen to the hybrid talk all day and not get tired of it. Guessing he should stop him before his face turns even redder, Jongho reaches out his hand, sadly taking the hybrid’s hand off, and gently cups Yeosang’s face in his hand.

Once Yeosang was done and his heart racing when he finally felt Jongho’s hand on his cheek, he realized Jongho was looking at him with hearts in his eyes. Now it was the second time his face has turned red. Really needs to get a grip on himself around the siren. 

“ I like you too. Like a lot. ” Jongho says. Repeating what Yeosang had confessed to him not that long ago. The two just stared at each other, no words were needed between the two of them. It was like time had stopped, no need to rush or to put a label on them. It was perfect for them, just how it already is. 

Sadly, their moment got cut off by Mingi.

Immediately, the parted ways, hoping Mingi didn’t just see them.

“ There you are, I was wondering where you went. Oh! And Jongho, you're finally awake! I’ll get to you in a minute, okay. Come on, I have to change your bandages. ” Mingi says as he rushes to pull Yeosang with him over to another table. They were just relieved Mingi didn’t question them for the rest of the day. 

********

Hongjoong was getting down to business. He had been at his office all day, not once coming out. Even though Seonghwa did come in there to keep him company and eat his lunch at the same time. Also making Hongjoong eat too. Updating him on the two men in the basement and some other things. With the two of them cuddling on the couch in the leader’s office and sharing kisses after they ate. It was really nice to have some quiet time together with everything going on, it was rewarding. 

“ I’ll leave so you can get back to work. Seonghwa says as he gathers up their trash and was ready to leave when Hongjoong grabbed him by his wrist. Of course making him drop everything and land on Hongjoong’s lap instead. Seonghwa gasped in surprise but was cut off by a pair of lips on his. 

“ You’re not going anywhere just yet, my Star. ” Hongjoong says, almost in a whisper as leans up to place delicate kisses along his jaw. Warm, calloused hands wrapped around his slim waist. Relaxing in his hold, Seonghwa practically melts into a puddle of goo. He’s missed this. Missed the silent intimate moments they rarely get anymore. He was gonna soak up as much of it as he could.

Hongjoong was taking his sweet, sweet time. Trailing kisses from his jaw to his neck and collarbones. Wanting to cherish, borderline worship Seonghwa. They had all the time in the world, there was no need to rush anything. He could tell Seonghwa was just as affected as he was. But that was for another day. Maybe tonight if they aren’t too tired. To Hongjoong,  Seonghwa was the most precious and treasured person in his life. Of course he loved his boys dearly, and would do anything for them. But when it came to Seonghwa. He turned into a whole different man, the complete opposite of what people see him as. They see him as the stone cold hearted leader who radiates power, respect and charisma. But not as the loving partner, a partner who loves deeply of what’s his. The partner who he keeps locked behind doors, only for the Star sitting in his lap to witness.

“ You’re so beautiful, perfect even. ” Hongjong mutters, lips grazing Seonghwa’s shoulder, muttering more praises into his shoulder. Having pushed back the shirt he was wearing to place even more kisses along. All Seonghwa could do was close his eyes, dipping his head back to allow Hongjoong more access. Once the leader was done with one shoulder,  he moved on to the next one. Seonghwa’s hand is buried in the leader’s hair while the other one is resting on the couch behind the other. 

Somewhere along the way, Seonghwa’s shirt was now discarded onto the floor behind them. Allowing Hongjoong even more access to his skin, hands caressing his sides up and down. Kisses upon kisses all trailing down his chest and stomach, it flexing with how much Seonghwa was breathing deep through his nose. Before they would advance further, they got interrupted by a knock.

“ Captain, are you in there? It’s San. I have some good news to share. And before you ask, it can’t wait. ” 

Seonghwa could feel Hongjoong let out a sigh against his skin, making the older chuckle. Running his fingers there his hair on last time before getting up and putting his shirt back on. Even if he had to escape Hongjoong’s possessive grip, at least this time there were no handprints left behind. That’s for tonight.

The good news was that Jongho was finally awake. Even though he wanted to move from the bed, Mingi advised him not to move too much. Afraid he might open his stitches along his stomach. As stubborn as he was, Jongho listened to him only if Yeosang could stay with him. Mingi being slightly confused as to why but again deciding not to question. 

Once everyone had left except Wooyoung, Jongho and Yeosang. 

Wooyoung could see the faint blush and smile on his best friend’s face. He could already tell that he must really like the siren. With the way the two seem to be holding hands, well as much as Yeosang could, it was really sweet. Wooyoung was happy for his best friend, after all he found his one and only too. Deciding to leave the two of them behind, Wooyoung quietly stepped out and closed the door behind him.

" Ah! You scared me. " Wooyoung says sulking, his heart racing from being accidentally scared by San. 

" Oh, I'm sorry. It didn't mean to. I'll make it up to you. If you let me give you cuddles. " San sincerely says, genuinely feeling guilty. 

" And kisses? " 

" And kisses. As you wish. "

********

Mingi was most likely the only one who was beyond relieved that Jongho woke up from his coma. He really did think for a split second he was about to lose his best friend. The one person out of everyone that he has known his whole life. Mingi was the one who found Jongho, hurt and stabbed, unconscious in the alley way that night. 

Seeing him like that again had brought back bad flashbacks. Mingi had bridal carried him to the hospital, using his hoodie to soak up the bleeding. His hands were covered in blood, so was his shirt. He was terrified on the inside, hoping the boy he found was going to be okay.

" Mingi, snap out of it. It's me Yunho. " 

At hearing someone's voice that was trying to get his attention and it worked. Mingi finally recognized the voice as Yunho. His sweet, sweet boyfriend, who he loved and won't know what to do without. The two had been asleep since it was 4AM. 

Bursting into tears, Yunho brings his boyfriend closer, his head resting on his chest. They both may be 6ft tall but that doesn't stop him from curling into a small ball, hiding himself in his boyfriend's arms. No words were needed between the two. Since this isn't the first time Yunho has had to comfort Mingi after a nightmare. It took a few minutes but Mingi eventually calmed down. 

" Do you want to talk about it? If you don't, that's okay too. " Yunho says as he runs his fingers through Mingi's hair. All Yunho got from Mingi was a non verbal answer, shaking his head no. Tighten his arms even more around Mingi, the two of them fall back asleep. 

Chapter Text

The next morning Mingi had left his sleeping boyfriend in bed. He knew he was exhausted, so he let him sleep some more. After getting himself dressed, he left there shared bedroom with only one thing or person on his mind. Jongho. He had to talk to him. Had to make sure he was okay and it didn’t matter that he saw him yesterday. Well for Mingi, he didn’t sleep much last night. After Yunho had comforted him, he had woken up not long after. Only this time, he couldn’t sleep. Everytime he’d close his eyes, no matter how heavy they felt, all he could see was Jongho’s lifeless unconscious flashing behind his eyes. Blood, so much blood just gushing from the wound. In his panic state, Mingi immediately pulled off his hoodie ripping it in half in the process and wrapping it tightly around his torso. 

Opening the basement door, Mingi could see Jongho wasn’t alone. Yeosang had already been here, seemingly long before Mingi came down here. Instead of walking inside immediately, something inside him settled a little. With the way Yeosang was moving his hands, as much as he could still with them being wrapped, making slight motions. To infantilize whatever he was talking about. But what really got Mingi to stop was the way Jongho was watching the hybrid. The way his smile kept growing the more Yeosang talked. The way his eyes sparkled, shined, never leaving, never losing focus. Always listening intently. 

The sight warmed Mingi’s heart, seeing his friend like that. It was rare to see their youngest look so content. So happy. So in love with someone. He was the only one of them, besides San, who wasn’t dating anyone. Clearly now that has changed, but only if he could confess. And clearly Yeosang is just as down bad, just more oblivious to his feelings.

But he had his job to do. Feelings can wait a little longer. Plus it was just as amusing as it was heartwarming to watch.

“ Oh! Good, you're up. Yeosang, I need to change your bandages. ” Mingi says casually as if he hadn’t just evadropped on the two, pulling up another chair beside the bed. 

The other two were of course startled at Mingi showing up but thankfully they didn’t ask any questions. Too lost in their own world. He knew something had to be going on with those two. Thinking back to the few days when they rescued the two hybrids, Yeosang didn’t put up much of a fight. Even though he did try to bite them a few times, they have dealt with worse. They’ve rescued many people over the years of being a gang. But none of them stayed tho or fell in love either. After Mingi finished re-bandaging Yeosang’s hands, he left the two alone. He needed to check on his boyfriend anyway.

********

“ What do you mean you don’t have the money! ” Hongjoong shouted on his phone, his voice seething with anger. 

“ S-sir, I-I ap-polog-gize - ” 

“ Is that all you can say? One lousy sorry? If you were here right now in front of me, I’d put a bullet through your brain. Understood. ” Hongjoong threatened the man, who was by now trembling and scared for his life. Probably regretting ever agreeing to work with Hongjoong. Poor bastard.

“ Y-yes-s s-sir. ”

“ Good. Oh and one more thing. The next time I visit the docks I run, you're in for a surprise. ”  

That was the last thing Hongjoong says into his phone before he hangs up. Not even giving the guy a chance to respond. Inturn, Hongjoong was pissed. Even that was an understatement. There supplier had backed out at the last minute, claiming that they didn’t have enough money to give everything they owned Hongjoong. Finding out that news, the leader had Yunho and San do some digging on the guy. Turns out the reason why he didn’t have all the money was because he was also supplying Hongjoong’s rival gang leader. Well, more like they were rookies. Hasn’t even been that long since they started up. Making phone call after phone call wasn’t helping the headache that was beginning to form. After sending Yunho and San away, he was left alone in his office. 

That was until his office door opened revealing Seonghwa, who hasn’t said a word and letting himself inside. Knowing his lover didn’t mind when he comes in unannounced, shutting and locking the door behind him. Walking over and rounding the corner of his desk, Seonghwa takes his seat on Hongjoon’s lap. Sitting cross ways with his arms wrapped around the leader’s neck, his face buried in his neck. Hongjoong’s hands immediately grabbed onto his slim waist, keeping him steady and balanced from falling. No words were spoken between the two. They’ve been together for so long they weren’t needed in moments like this. 

“ I figured I should come in here to check on you. ” Seonghwa says after a few moments of silence.

“ I know, my Star. ” Hongjoong says, feeling at peace and content. Laying his head against Seonghwa’s, leaving a little kiss there even if he did linger a little longer than needed. It was worth seeing the small smile on his love’s lips, feeling it against his neck where Seonghwa left his own kiss too.

“ You know, I did help San and Jongho find out more about this case. Just see what we could still find and um…… ” Seonghwa suddenly had cut himself off, not really knowing how to explain this part. Now that made Hongjoong nervous, never has he seen Seonghwa hesitant to tell him something. 

“ You know you can tell him anything right? We’ve always been that way. ” Hongjoong says, reassuringly. His hand had now sneaked under Seonghwa’s shirt, thumb rubbing soothing circles on his hip. It took a couple minutes but eventually Seonghwa finally spoke up about what was bothering him.

“ We, as in me, San and Jongho, think there might be a possibility that our supplier and the politician are connected somehow. ” 

That made Hongjoong stop his hand and freeze in his chair. Shock and surprise going through his body, his brain spinning with so many thoughts. It could make sense. Because ever since they rescued Yeosang and Wooyoung from that horrid factory, their supplier has been making excuses from time to time. It was always small things, things so small no one would think twice about because it had become so normal. He knew the man had a family to look after and take care of. And sometimes that would be the excuse. Family. The one thing Hongjoong valued the most. And the bastard took advantage of that. Hongjoong was gonna make him pay. 

“ Tell me what you three found out. ” Hongjoong finally says after being quiet for so long, Seonghwa was starting to get concerned. 

“ Well, we discovered that one crate keeps going missing every time we get a new shipment in. It's always crate number 1117 that goes missing. We dug as far as we could on this and found more that could tie them to it. On the records, that number crate is missing on every single log. It's like it was purposely skipped. And the name on the crate matches the same fake name, the person who is getting harassed. ” Seonghwa had finished explaining, waiting for Hongjoong's reaction. 

Of course it was their anonymous person. He knows San and Yunho, even Seonghwa helps them whenever he can, have been working on overdrive to find out who this person was. A tough case to crack. Hongjoong has even gone to them, checking up on them when they all should have been asleep when it was 2AM. Literally sitting in front of multiple computer screens and files.

“ My Star, thank you for telling me. And thank San and Jongho too for me. I’ll see them later. Now I have to get back to work. And I love you so much. ” Hongjoong says before gently kissing Seonghwa and letting him off of his lap. 

Yeosang and Jongho have been talking for what felt like hours. Honestly they would have gone on for more but Seonghwa had interrupted them with of course Wooyoung barreling out from behind him. Claiming, Wooyoung hadn’t seen him all day and missed him, wondering where he went. And upset about the fact he woke up without him. Saying he had spent his day with San, even though by the deep red blush on his face Yeosang knew he wasn’t that upset if was with the demon all day. Yeosang didn’t even think about that. All he had on his mind was Jongho, anxiously wanting to see him. How could he completely forget about his best friend? But Wooyoung made him promise to make it up for him tomorrow. Of course he couldn’t argue, not when he pulled out his best pleading eyes and pout. Really and truly, Yeosang was going to make it up to him anyway. After Wooyoung left, it was just him and Seonghwa. 

“ Come on, there’s something I want to show. ”

********

What Seonghwa had to show Yeosang was something the hybrid wasn’t expecting at all.

He never once knew there was a greenhouse behind the mansion, hidden from plain sight. Filled with flowers, scrubs, succulents, even moss. And so much more. Different colors, sizes, types, species, varies. Yeosang wasn’t even aware of the amount of plants there could be. Most of which he couldn’t recognize, have never seen them before. He must have been in so much amazement that he didn’t hear Seonghwa call his name until he snapped himself out of it.

“ You look like you can’t look away. It’s cute. ” Seonghwa said fondly with a smile. Yeosang turns around at that, face turning red from being caught. 

“ I figured you might like this and plus I know you want to know more about me and Hongjoong. And follow me so we can talk. ” Seonghwa says, walking ahead of Yeosang and towards the bench swing set in the back.

“ So, ask away. I’ll try and answer anything you want. ”

Yeosang really didn't know where to start. He obviously had so many questions, just not knowing where to start. But he went with the one that first came to his mind, which was the only one that has been taking up the majority of his head recently. So, without much thinking, Yeosang just blurts out the question that has been eating at him. Ever since that incident in the Captain’s office. 

“ Are you and the Captain married? ” Yeosang says, blurting out the question leaving his mouth before he could even stop the words. 

“ Good question, straight to the point. Yes, we’re married. ” Seonghwa says as if he has said those simple words a thousand times. As if it was autopilot.

“ You say that as if you’ve said ‘ we’re married ’ a lot. ”  Yeosang says, curiously wondering why though. At that statement, he could see Seonghwa’s face fall. No longer is the warm and welcoming smile there is now gone.

“ I should start from the beginning. How me and Hongjoong meet was when we're young. I had just discovered my ability on my 18th birthday. I had loving parents and an older brother. I had a family then. Until when my mom had brought out my birthday cake, with all the candles lit. Staring back at me were the flames from the candles, I was memorized and couldn’t look away. Instead of blowing out the candles after making a wish, it triggered something inside of my head and next thing I know I’m standing in what is the remnants of my childhood home. ” 

Half way through his story, Seonghwa was trying and failing to keep himself together. Tears were already falling down his cheeks, holding back from sobbing. But nonetheless, he pulled through it and continued. 

“ I had burnt down my own house. Killing my parents and my brother in the fire. One of the neighbors must have called the fire department and police because all I could hear in the distance were sirens. In that split second I knew I had to run, run away as far as I could. Away from my hometown. Away from everything I knew. So, I ran through the woods that were behind my house. Running and running until I could no longer hear the sirens anymore. I had to keep running because if I stopped they would catch up to me and take me away. They would arrest me for murder and arson, that's a life sentence. ” 

Yeosang couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He didn’t have words for what Seonghwa went through, losing all you knew just like that. No wonder he ran and ran, escaping from being arrested for three murders. Murders that were a complete accidented. The police won’t see it that way, they probably would have assumed he was mentally unstable. Insanity plea. 

“ After days and days went by, I found myself in another city. I knew I had to have gone pretty far to end up here. So, I lived my days in alley ways, stealing when I could, food and clothes mostly. I had laid low for weeks and weeks turned into months. One day as I was in this store, of course stealing some food off the shelves very late at night. After escaping through the back door. Just across the street was a boy who looked to be my age, was getting beaten up by these men who were twice his age. For some stupid reason, I yelled for him to stop while I was running across the street. Before I could get to the boy, the guy in the suit pointed his gun at me. Ready to put a bullet through my head. But the boy must have had one of his own, shooting both men. He took my hand and we both ran. And that’s how Hongjoong and I met. ” 

Once Seonghwa was finished, there were no more tears, just a sad but fond smile on his face. Almost bittersweet. Yeosang now had even more questions. This did answer some of them but this just had more for him to be curious about. Seonghwa could see the gears turning inside the hybrid’s head, willing to once again answer whatever his thinking. They did have all day of course.

“ After we ran, Hongjoong pulled me inside of his car and took off driving like a mad man down the street. Everytime I tried to ask him questions, he would ignore me and kept on driving. What felt like hours, he pulled up to this huge mansion that in the middle of nowhere, deep into the woods. Far from civilization. At this point, I had just shut my mouth but that didn’t stop my confusion and being terrified of what the hell happened. Hongjoong had dragged me into the mansion, passed the many guards on the property. Once inside and into a random office room, Hongjoong had shut me up even before I could open my mouth. Instead of killing me for witnessing a murder and putting him behind bars forever, he gave him a choice. Stay with him in the mansion and he won’t kill me, just stay with him. And you can imagine the other opinion. So, I stayed. ” 

After Seonghwa finished telling his story, Yeosang’s head was spinning. He would have never imagined that that’s how the two met. Even though with how the Hongjoong is and the kind of person he is, it kinda makes sense. It lines up with how they act with each other, how they are with one another. And yet, how did they fall so in love? How did they get married if Hongjoong is a gang leader? Did they even get married legally or they just call each other that even though they never will be? A good thing the two had all day to talk. With the amount of more questions Yeosang had, Seonghwa was willing to answer. 

Chapter Text

“ Anything else you want to know. I’m all ears. ” Seonghwa says, still with that same warm and comforting smile. How could he keep such a smile after talking about his past?

“ Um… What was your new life like now, you know after you met Hongjoong? ” Yeosang asked, feeling so curious yet nervous at the same time. He thinks he might know how this might go. At those words, Seonghwa’s face fell once again, but then was back to normal like it never even happened. 

“ At first we didn’t even speak to each other. It was more like I was his hostage and he was always watching over me. Making sure I didn’t do anything stupid like try to escape or steal. Which of course I didn't, I was too damn terrified. He never did anything that would harm or hurt me in any way. It was honestly weird at first, well anyone would expect to become their kidnappers personal servant but nothing happened. It was the complete opposite. ” Seonghwa finished explaining with an unreadable look on his face but continued on.

“ Instead, even though it took a while, he treated me like I was royalty. Always made sure I’d eat every meal everyday, had clean clothes, a bed to sleep in, really just everything. If I even looked at something, he would get for me and I’d have it the same day. I didn’t know what to do with him treating me this way, even though I kept asking why. I just couldn’t understand. Hongjoong wasn’t the easiest person to talk to, words were something he wasn’t good at. But this time, he finally told me why after months of me being there. ” Yeosang was on the edge of his seat, desperately wanting to know what Hongjoong said. Just looking at Seonghwa’s expression, it was yet another fond smile, laughing a little at the memory.

“ He said it was because there was something about me. Something about me that, to him, told him to protect me. To never let harm or anyone hurt me ever again. Then he walked away. But that same night, my questions were answered. As I was getting ready for bed, there was a knock on my door. It was Hongjoong. He said he had come to finish where he left off earlier. Both sitting on my bed and Hongjoong grabbing my hands, looking me in the eyes and saying he liked me. Liked me a lot, more than he should in his line of work. But he said he had to do, had to tell before he let someone else snatch me up before he got his chance. ” 

“ It took him that long to realize he liked you. Wow. What did you say to him? Did you like him back too? ” 

“ Of course at first I was shocked. I never knew or put together he saw me in that way at all. Again, I have been with him for months and I just always thought he was being nice, friendly and nothing more. I guess I was wrong. Once I came over my shock, I told him I liked him back. Like a lot. So then and there he asked me if he could kiss him. I gave him permission to and he kissed him. You know, we have come close to breaking up a few times in the beginning. Had more fights and arguments than I could count but we made it through. So, here we are now. Still stronger than ever. I remember always thinking he was cute. My face would turn red anytime he did something sweet for me. That was his way of showing he cared. It took me a while to realize what that meant but I’m glad I figured it out. ” 

Seonghwa finishes off his story while looking down at his left hand. On his ring finger, where the studded diamond ring rests. It was a beautiful ring, probably one of a kind ring. The ring had three diamond studded bands, two outer thin bands with teeny tiny diamonds and the middle one had medium sized diamonds. All wrapped all the way around his finger. On the very top of all three bands, were two more diamonds sitting proudly next to each other. They weren’t so big to the point someone won’t be able to wear it, fearing it might be too heavy. But it was the complete opposite, even though they were pretty good sized diamonds. Sparkling so prettily in the sunlight. Coming from all sides of the greenhouse. 

“ It’s a very beautiful ring. ” Yeosang compliments the other’s ring, genuinely finding the ring so pretty.  

“ Thank you. Hongjoong never would tell me the price he paid for my ring, claiming it didn’t matter. That I was worth every single diamond in the whole world, that he would get it for me in a heartbeat if I asked him too. But he also said the diamond’s sparkle reminded him of me, of our late night dates on the rooftop looking up at the stars. That I was the sparkle that ignited something in his heart the first months of me living there in the mansion. That it reminded him of our rooftop dates, looking at all the stars in the night sky sparkling. He said that’s why you’ll always be my Star. Reminding him of the sparkle that started this all. ” 

It was silent in the greenhouse once Seonghwa was done except for the quiet sniffles and tears streaming down his cheeks. Yeosang assumed it was happy tears, never wanting to see the older one upset. Something inside of him hated that thought. Without thinking, Yeosang leaps forward embracing the other in a tight hug. Seonghwa was caught off guard at first, not excepting that from the hybrid but nonetheless, he returns the hug just as tight. The two stayed there for a while in each other’s arms until eventually pulling away. 

“ That was the night Hongjoong proposed, asking me to marry him. And of course I said yes. ” Seonghwa says as he pulls away, smiling like an idiot at the memory. Feeling giddy all over again.

“ How did the two of you get married then? Are you two actually married like on paper? ” 

“ No we’re not and you already know why. But it’s okay. I’m perfectly content without it. It’s just a piece of paper. We do tell people we are husbands. It’s okay really. All we need is each other, not some stupid paper confirming it. ” 

Yeosang knew he was telling the truth. Knew he wasn’t lying. Seonghwa looked utterly content and happy, really never needing a piece of paper to prove the two are married. 

“ So, what’s going on with you and Jongho? ” Seonghwa says, teasing the hybrid but he was also curious.

“ N-nothing’s going on. ” Yeosang stutters out, all of a sudden feeling nervous. Him and Jongho did confess to each other but it didn’t go any further than that. Honestly, all they did was talk and talk for hours every time Yeosang visited him down in the basement. He could feel his face heat up every time he thought about the siren. Big, round brown eyes that never failed to make the hybrid shy every time they were directed at him. His eyes were probably Yeosang’s favorite thing about Jongho. Well, besides him intently listening to him ramble and ramble about nothing. 

“ You're blushing. ” Seonghwa says, giggling at the hybrid’s face. Yeosang didn’t even know he had zoned out. He wondered for how long? Doesn’t matter. What matters is that he just embarrassed himself in front of Seonghwa, who just spilled his entire love story to him. And here he is like a school kid with a massive crush.  

“ Hey, hey. It’s okay. No need to be embarrassed. ” Seonghwa gently says, pulling Yeosang into another hug. Running his fingers through his hair and holding him tight, letting the hybrid have his moment. 

“ Are you okay? ” Seonghwa asks the hybrid after a few minutes have gone by. Receiving a nod, that yes Yeosang was just fine. After a little while longer, Seonghwa tried getting himself out of Yeosang’s grip only to realize the hybrid fell asleep. Looking down and smiling at the hybrid in his arms, he just continues to hold him. Laying the both of them down onto the bench as gently as possible and somehow succeeding in not waking up Yeosang, Seonghwa too joins him not long after. 

********

He had already talked to Yunho, who was already up. Sitting on their bed, back against the headboard. His boyfriend was wondering where he had gone. Considering Yunho had woken up to a cold, Mingi-less bed. Mingi had sat down next to this boyfriend, explaining how he couldn’t sleep last night after his nightmare. He didn’t want to wake up Yunho again, already knowing how exhausted he was. Having pulled many all-nighters with San and Seonghwa, sometimes including Hongjoong too. Mingi knew how tired Yunho was so instead of waking him up, he decided to let him sleep more. While Mingi went to check up on Jongho in the basement, explaining how anxious and all over the place he was to see him. Make sure he’s okay. After lots of reassuring with cuddles and kisses of course, Mingi was feeling much better.  

But sadly, Mingi had to untangle himself from Yunho’s hold as much as he didn't want to. Mingi has to get back to the basement, only this time it is to actually check on Jongho for real this time. 

Mingi was now back down in the basement later in the day. After his talk with Yunho went well, of course. As soon as he walks in, he sees Yeosang must have left sometime after Mingi did. Jongho lay there wide awake, still with that goofy ‘ I’m in love ’ smile on his face. Honestly, Mingi has never seen the siren so smitten, so happy before. Of course they wanted him to find someone but with the work they do, it’s near impossible. Letting someone in like that means it’s a very high chance they will spill to the police. Ending with all of them getting arrested and life sentences, especially Hongjoong and Seonghwa.

“ I see you're still awake. How are you feeling? ” Mingi asks the siren, gaining his attention. 

“ Oh, hey. Yeah, I’ll feel fine. Just wish I could get out of this bed. ” Jongho jokingly says, still with that same smile on his face. Must be permanent now. 

“ Good, good. Well, I think you're fine. Just be careful okay. Don't want you to open up your snitches, alright. You can go. Oh and make sure to take these for any pain or discomfort. ” 

After helping Jongho up from the bed and double checking to still be sure he's okay, Mingi let him go. 

********

Hongjoong had left the mansion for the day, taking Seonghwa with him. They had more business to take care of at the docks. Ever since that phone call, Hongjoong has been waiting for the moment to give the man his surprise. After all, he owned him anyway. Time to fulfill that promise today. Finding him outside, standing where Hongjoong told him exactly to meet them at. Today their meeting was inside of the many warehouses Hongjoong owned and ran, not just the docks. Once inside, his extra security men surrounded the building and were well armed. Instance death of someone was to try and escape. 

“ Well, looks like you did show up after all. Good for you, making the right choice. ” Hongjoong says in a mocking tone. Starting the man with his presence, jumping out of his skin almost. The leader has that reaction out of people.

“ Y-your-r h-here. I-I’m s-sorry, it will - ”

“ I’m not here for pity. ” Hongjoong scolded the man, almost like he was already bored. 

“ What I’m here for is why are you also working for my rival? Tell me! ” Hongjoong says, desperate to know the answer as to why he thought it was a good idea in the first place. 

“ H-he s-said he w-would offer m-more p-pay. M-more s-shipm-ment-t f-for more mon-ney. ” 

“ Pathetic. He could never offer you more pay because he lied to you. Lied about all of it. He doesn’t even have the money or supplies to do so. ” Hongjoong explains, already getting frustrated. The man in front of him keeps rambling on and on, spewing out nonsense. The leader was getting sick and tired of this man, and wasn't even listening anymore. 

“ Listen here, if you don’t shut up right now I won’t hesitate to blow your brains out, got it! Or better yet, I’ll do it now since you're no good to me anymore. ” Hongjoong says right before he pulls the trigger on his gun, shooting the man right between the eyes. His men immediately take care of the body, disposing of it properly.

“ Let’s head home, my Star. ” 

Chapter Text

After the murder of that man, no one could do anything about it. When they had no body of course. Police were suspicious like always but with no body or evidence to go by and the fact that his family can’t say anything. Not when Hongjoong paid them enough money to leave the country and start a new life. It was all over the news that the gang leader did it. But in time, it will blow over and everyone will forget about it. Like it never happened. Hongjoong has been suspected of worse things in his life.

But now he had something else that needed to be taken care of.

“ Well, good to see you're still holding on. ” Hongjoong said, mocking the scientist and was now standing in front of the man. 

His skin had blistered and was now an angry red. Some parts of it had blackened, a slickly gray color. Eyes barely kept open anymore, not when they were swollen. Red and puffy around each eye. But the fun wasn’t over yet. He was still strapped to the same metal table as before, the leather straps now caked on with dried blood. From all the tugging digging into his skin, breaking the surface leaving a thick ring of blood around his bruised wrist. 

“I’m going to ask you a question and you make sure to answer correctly the first time, understood. ” Hongjoong threatened him, earning a weak but still there nod in return. 

“ Where did you hide the Oddity? ” Hongjoong demanded of the man almost growlingly, a crazed look in his eyes showing just how desperate the leader was. At first, the man didn’t answer but instead had the audacity to laugh weakly in Hongjoong’s face. Pissing off the leader even more. 

“ Y-you’ll never-r find it-t. ” 

“ Wrong answer!  Try again. ” Hongjoong yelled out before slapping the man across his face, his voice echoing off the concrete walls. The scientist’s head lolled to the side from the impact of the being slapped hard. 

“ I’m going to ask you one more time! Where did you hide the Oddity? ” Hongjoong was on the verge of kill this man right then and there, even when he hadn't gotten the answer he wants yet. 

He knew his eyes must have been glowing red at this point, feeling his inner demon resurface. The voice in his head telling him this man in front of him is no good to him anymore. But he couldn’t kill him just yet. He has to wait a little longer. They could figure it out without him, sure of it. Now, the man was rightfully terrified as he should be. Seeing a man with glowing red eyes. 

“ A-alright, I-I t-tell you. ”

The HALAZIA gang was now back to the same abandoned factory from all those months ago. Well, except for Mingi and Yunho, who stayed back to watch over the scientist and the surgeon. It still looked the exact same except for police tape and signs warning people this building is off limits from the public. They sure did a shit job at trying to conceal this place down. Even had a big padlock that was wrapped around chains and the door handles, meaning it was locked tight. At least it was free from people and with no one else around considering it was nighttime. Ever since finding out where the Oddity could potentially be hidden, it sounded too good to be true. After the scientist spilled to Hongjoong on what he knew, the leader had to find out for himself if the bastard was lying or not. 

“ Can’t believe we're back. ” San mumbles to Jongho, who was walking next to him, agreeing. 

As they approached the massive building, everyone seemed to notice Hongjoong was slightly on edge. Even Yeosang and Wooyoung were nervous, given the fact they were wearing their classic all black outfits with their black masks. Yeosang and Wooyoung each had wings on to conceal their real hair so as to not expose them as the victims. The two hybrids stayed close to each other while Seonghwa melted off the chains and lock but that still didn’t help when he tried to open it. This factory being so deep and so far away from civilization, there was little to no chance of anyone seeing or hearing them from miles away. It was near impossible to get caught. 

“ Finally, I got this stupid thing opened. ” Seonghwa announced, even though it was more to himself.

But the inside was different. It had been wiped clean. 

“ What the hell happened here? ” Jongho says, dumbfounded at the completely empty factory. 

The factory was in fact just now an empty building. Everything was just gone, like it never even existed in the first place. Wasn't even a factory anymore. Now converted into another random abandoned building. No more cobwebs, caked on dust, sheets covering the equipment. Literally everything was gone. All that was looking back at them was just an empty room. Everyone could see Hongjoong was slowly losing it just by the sight but he had to hold himself together. Maybe they still have hope for finding the Oddity. He can't lose his composure yet.

“ Alright, everyone split up and searched for any potential hiding spots. ” 

Soon, everyone had split up and gone separate ways. Once everyone was gone it was just Hongjoong and Yeosang left. The hybrid didn't know why he wanted to pair up with him in the first place. Usually he stays with Seonghwa all the time during these missions. But this time was different. 

“ I need you to help me with something. Since you're the only one that can know. ” Hongjoong stated as he was walking along side Yeosang, both shining there flashlights through the many hallways. 

“ What do you need to know? ” Yeosang asked the leader, nervous but curious to know what he was talking about.

“ I know this might not be the right time or place and I probably should have done this earlier, so please forgive me. Sometimes I still don't make the best decisions. ” Hongjoong confessed to the hybrid, taking him off guard with surprise. Yeosang wasn't expecting the leader to be insecure like that in his decision making. It took awhile for Yeosang to respond but eventually he finally found his words.

It was a nice but strange change. 

“ I wanted to give you the opportunity to find the Oddity for yourself. ” Hongjoong simply stated as if it was just something casual that had come out of his mouth. 

Now the hybrid had been caught off guard twice since they started walking. 

“ W-what do you mean? ” 

“ What I’m saying is I want you to discover it for yourself. You deserve to know what happened to you and how you become the hybrid you are. And of course the same for Wooyoung too. The two of you have been through so much, so much to the point I would never understand but I want the two of you to have that moment together. ” 

Once Hongjoong had finished his speech, Yeosang was touched by the leader’s words. He never knew he had such a good heart like that. The only side he ever saw was the persona Hongjoong put up. All he had ever since so far was the cocky but confident Captain that led the biggest and most powerful gang in the country. The Captain who knew what he wanted and when he wanted it. Who knew how to break people, molding them into confessing information that would ultimately lead them to their death. Not the considerate and almost sweet leader, who looked out for his family. Yeosang didn’t even know he was crying until he felt a tear slide down his cheek. He had the sudden urge to hug him but felt like the leader might not appreciate that. 

“ Thank you. ” Yeosang says, glad his voice didn’t crack from the sudden lump in his throat. Instead of saying something back, Hongjoong just smiled and winked in his direction. 

But there moment got interrupted by a loud bang and someone screaming that sounded an awful lot like San. The both of them started running, running towards the noise and when they finally made it, it wasn’t like anything they’ve ever seen before. 

Jongho must have broken off the air vent on the wall, judging by his bloody knuckles. That wasn’t the most concerning part. The thing that made Yeosang’s jaw drop to the floor was what Seonghwa was holding in his hands. It was an empty oxygen tank that looked like it had been turned into some kind of makeshift/homemade gadget. The air vent wasn’t even a real vent, it was fake. Behind it was a hole that had been dug through, big enough for the tank to fit into. With a hollow metal tube that looked like two of them were welded together, giving it a bend look. The perfect illusion to fool anyone into thinking this was a real air vent if someone were to look inside with just a mere glance. And behind it was the oxygen tank. This was a very well thought out hiding spot, meaning someone didn’t want this exposed or more specifically a certain someone exposed. Plus the top part of the tank looked to be sawed off judging by the jagged and uneven edge. Top part was used as a lid of sorts with metal hinges that were drilled into it and a lock on the front. It was all hidden in plain sight.

“ What the hell? ” Seonghwa said to the other’s, all of them wondering the same thing.

 As Seonghwa was opening it while at first struggling but with the help of San who helped him stand the tank up on the concrete floor. Hongjoong had nudged Yeosang to go forward and look inside the oxygen tank for himself. Just like the leader had told him. And judging by the looks of the others, they had no idea either. But they let the hybrid do his thing. Getting closer and finally being able to look down inside the tank. 

Immediately Yeosang recognized what these papers were right away. 

“ Do you know what these are? ” Seonghwa asked the hybrid, who had a terrified look on his face. 

“ Um, yeah I do know. These papers are all of his plans, notes, formals everything is in this oxygen tank. I remember he always kept track of his progress of literally everything little to big thing he did to us. And we found it. ” Yeosang explained, looking up at Seonghwa and Hongjoong, who was now standing next to his husband. 

As Yeosang had finished, he saw something out of the corner of his eye from where he was kneeled down. There was an electrical outlet on the opposite wall. If a person didn’t look at or think about it for long, no one would notice it looks just slightly out of place. With it being the only outlet on the wall, it looked quite strange. Almost like it was purposefully put there by someone. Getting himself off the floor and walking towards the outlet. Kneeling down once again, the others watched in silence. Not disturbing the hybrid when he so clearly looked like he was on a mission to find out what was about that outlet. Once he got it off, inside was yet another nightmare. 

Inside was not just a hole. It was a large space in the wall housing even more oxygen tanks. Judging by the small space created by the outlet, it was like the tanks were puzzled pieced together. All lined perfectly parallel next to each other, embedded so deep into the wall’s foundation no one would ever notice, not even the police, the microscope sized lump. Even if a person’s hand had grazed it, they wouldn’t feel a damn thing. But the other part was the tanks were leaking some kind of rancid smelling liquid but it had dried and was caked on over time. A thought had popped up in Yeosang’s head of what could be inside these tanks. He had a very strong feeling he might be right but at the same time it terrified him. At the same time, he needed to know what happened to their bodies. 

“ Sangie? Are you okay? ” Wooyoung asked in a small timid voice, who was currently hiding himself in San’s arms with his head buried in the demon’s chest. 

“ Youngie, I’m fine alright. Don’t worry about me. ” Yeosang said lying through his teeth, even though he knew Wooyoung could tell right away he was lying but thankfully didn’t say anything.

But for the other’s they could tell what Yeosang could potentially be thinking and they didn’t want it to be true either. Another was that they couldn’t rule it out right away, no matter how much they wanted to. They were going to have to steal those oxygen tanks somehow. 

“ Hey, don’t worry about the oxygen tanks. Let me take care of it, okay. I got you. ” Hongjoong whispered into Yeosang’s ear, just loud enough for only the two of them to hear. And somehow Yeosang believed the leader. 

Before Yeosang could dwell on that thought any longer, he heard something. Raising up his hand to quiet the others from making any noise, he heard the same noise again. It sounded like footsteps, someone was here. And seemed like soon enough they all heard it too. 

“ We need to get out of here. Now. And I’ll teleport us back before they come in here. ” 

********

Once Hongjoong had teleported everyone back home, something immediately wasn't right. Something felt off and Yeosang could feel it. Without even thinking, he runs quickly to the basement with the others trailing behind him. And the scene in front of them was straight from a nightmare come true. The whole place had been trashed. Tables and chairs flipped over what looked like rage. The shelves were wiped clean with all the items shattered onto the concrete floor. Like someone had purposefully done it. 

The surgeon had the scientist in his arms, hiding in the far corner of the room. Both of them were covered, caked in blood. He was holding a weapon, it was a knife pointing it at them. 

And that wasn’t the worst part. 

On the floor lying lifeless were two bodies. 

Yunho and Mingi.

Chapter Text

Everyone was in shock. No one moved from where they were standing except for Jongho, who broke down in hysterics. Shouting and screaming for Mingi to wake up. Screaming for this to be a nightmare instead. Because at least Mingi wouldn’t be badly injured. Wanting so badly to kneel down beside Mingi’s body but San had to stop him from doing so. They were in an extremely delicate situation and one wrong move, someone is not going to make it out alive. Jongho kept thrashing and squirming in San’s arms, so desperately wanting to be freed. Yeosang could tell from a mile away that Jongho’s breakdown held a much deeper meaning. But that would have to wait. 

“ MINGI! ” 

“ LET ME GO! PLEASE! PLEASE! JUST LET ME GO, SAN! ” Jongho screamed out with never ending tears running down his face. San had to grab him quickly, trapping him in his arms. While San was comforting Jongho, Seonghwa was the only one who was somewhat level headed in this situation, stepping forward slightly. 

“ S-step-p b-bac-k! D-don’t c-come a-any closer! ” 

“ I’m not going to harm, okay. I just want to help my friends. And for you to let go of your friend too. ” Seonghwa said in a calm voice, putting his hands up to show he was unarmed. It got the surgeon to think for a moment before tightening his grip around the scientist's body. 

“ Lee Minho, right? And Hwang Hyunjin? ” 

Minho looked stunned for a second but then nodded, confirming their names. Seonghwa used that chance to step forward a little bit more, causing Minho to relax the tiniest bit. Somehow knowing their names made the other seem not as scary to the surgeon. 

“ And you wouldn’t want to hurt your friend would you? So please, lower your weapon and let me have it, okay.

”

That seemed to do the trick. Minho’s demeanor changed, his expression crumbling turning into sobs. Seonghwa was able to get the knife from Minho, getting his own hand covered in blood. He didn’t even want to know who’s blood it belonged to. But he successfully controlled the situation and got the weapon from the surgeon. 

“ I-I jus-st w-wanted r-revenge. O-on all of-f y-you. ” Minho had broken down into even more sobs, shoulders shaking from how hard he was crying. By then San had taken Jongho out of the room. Even if he had calmed somewhat down, it still wasn't good for him to be in the same room as Yunho and Mingi.

Before Seonghwa could do anything further, he felt a presence behind him and a hand around his waist. It was Hongjoong.

“ Let me take care of them, my Star. You and the other’s go look after Mingi and Yunho, okay. And make sure Jongho is okay too. I'll come back later to check on all of you. I love you. ” Hongjoong had whispered into his husband’s ear before leaving a gentle kiss on his cheek. Having not realized how worried and scared he was, Seonghwa knew Hongjoong was right. Agreeing and giving him a small smile, Seonghwa steps out of his way to the side with the other’s. 

“ You two are coming with me. Now. ”

********

“ Yeosang, Wooyoung help me carry Mingi and Yunho onto the table. On the count of three. One. Two. Three. ”

The three of them successfully lifted Mingi and Yunho from the floor and onto individual beds. The both of them were heavily caked in dried blood. Yunho had gotten the worst of it while Mingi was also in pretty bad shape but still wasn’t nearly as bad as his boyfriend. Yunho had a deep gash on his head, his lip and nose were busted like he had gotten punched pretty hard. First, Seonghwa immediately checked for a pulse on the two of them. Thankfully and to their relief, Yunho and Mingi were both still alive. 

“ Yeosang, I need you to get me a large bowl of warm water and lots of towels. Wooyoung, help me strip them of their clothes. And since we can’t save their clothes, we have to cut them off with scissors. ” Seonghwa ordered the two hybrids with instructions on what to do and get. Also making sure they all put on rubber gloves.

Yeosang bolted to the conjoined bathroom before he managed to grab the largest bowl that somehow hadn’t fallen. His mind was still racing along with his heart. What the hell happened to Yunho and Mingi? The one who did it was already confirmed when they got back. It was pretty obvious to figure out. Why would Minho do this? Why would he want revenge on them? Want to harm Yunho and Mingi or most likely kill them? When Yeosang finally got back with the bowl of warm water and towels, Seonghwa and Wooyoung had just finished cutting off their bloody clothes. Handing Seonghwa the bowl and towels, he immediately goes to work on them. 

“ Are they going to be okay? ” Wooyoung asked the older man as he had stopped working and let Seonghwa take over.

“ Don’t worry, they’ll be okay. ” Seonghwa told the hybrid even though he himself wasn’t sure either. Thankfully, Wooyoung didn’t say anything else further when he knew the other was just trying to stay positive. 

Seonghwa continued on cleaning up Yunho and Mingi, slowly starting to look a lot less bloody and more so themselves. After he was done having used every towel to clean their bodies up, it was time to move on to the injuries next. Starting with Yunho since he was in the worst condition. He had a pretty deep gash on his head that needed disinfecting and wrapped with a bandage. Next was his stomach and it seemed to have a stab wound. Meaning Yunho needed lots of stitches. 

“ Wooyoung, hand me the sewing kit. ” 

After disinfecting the head wound with the spray can, Seonghwa begins to thread the needle and sew the wound shut. It was no big deal for Seonghwa to sew someone’s wound closed. He has done this many, many times whenever his help was needed. He’s also sewn up Hongjoong more times than he could count. The many late nights Hongjoong has come home, waking up Seonghwa from his sleep or he was already awake. Having not been able to sleep some nights without his husband by his side. The leader would come home extremely late at night, badly wounded and bleeding. Needing Seonghwa to sew up where he had gotten hurt. It was always either a stab, bullet, or punched. He’s dug out more bullets from Hongjoong’s body and including the others too. 

“ And done. Both of Yunho’s worst injuries are cleaned and sewn shut. What about - ” 

“ Y-yunho….”  

All three of them turned around at the sound of Mingi’s voice behind them. They were honestly so shocked but relieved at the same time. 

“ You’re awake! How do you feel? Hurt anywhere? ” Seonghwa asked, frantically searching Mingi’s body with shaky hands. 

“ Hyung, I feel fine. Where’s Yunho? ” Mingi asked, taking a hold of the other’s hands, feeling how shaken up he was. 

As soon as Mingi looked over to see Yunho, he felt his heart stop in his chest. Yunho was just lying there still on the table. It looked like the others cleaned both of them up from all the blood and removed their clothes. His head wound had been stitched closed along with the stab wound on his stomach. Nose and lip were busted, his nose was definitely broken. All bruised and swollen. 

“ Yunho’s going to be okay. We found him just in time. I had Yeosang and Wooyoung help me with taking care of the two of you. And sadly, for Yunho to wake up we have to wait. There’s nothing we can do right now but wait patiently. ” Seonghwa explained to Mingi, watching his expression change into guilt.

“ Yunho was just trying to protect me. That’s why he got the worst of it instead of me. ” 

Mingi broke down in tears. He knew it wasn’t his fault. Wasn’t his fault Yunho was in much worse shape than he was. He couldn’t help but to feel guilty. Seonghwa had pulled Mingi into a hug, letting him cry and get it out. Yeosang and Wooyoung just stood by and watched the scene in front of them. It was heartbreaking to see Mingi or any of them cry hard like that. The two hybrids have now grown attached to the gang members, so seeing one of them like this isn’t easy to watch. Eventually Mingi had calmed down and was reduced to only sniffles, but still had his tight grip on Seonghwa. Meaning he isn’t pulling away anytime soon. 

“ Mingi, can you tell us what happened? How did you and Yunho end up in the medical room? ” Seonghwa asked in a gentle voice, not wanting to scare the younger with such a question.

“ We were standing guard like we were supposed to. It just happened out of nowhere. Minho had somehow gotten a hold of the knife. Immediately, Yunho pulled me behind him and out of the way while he tried to fight off Minho. Until he stabbed Yunho with the knife, pushing him into one of my bookcases. Crushing Yunho with the shelf and the heavy books. Then he came after me before I could do anything. Knocking me out too. They must have dragged our bodies in here, so you’ll find us. I guess, I don't know. ” 

Hearing the story on what happened, it all made sense on how and why they found the room completely trashed. 

Now, all they had to do was wait for Yunho to wake up. 

********

“ Tell me why the hell did you attack, almost kill, two of my men! ”

Hongjoong was fuming with anger, having already snapped as soon as he left. This room they are in now is a lot more special. A lot more advanced in the torture aspect. Hongjoong’s ability has to be self-contained and done in this room only. It was Hongjoong proof, all thanks to Mingi. If it wasn’t self-contained, then well it would be very easily spread out and into the world. An ability that is strong and powerful has to be kept in a controlled environment. Only rarely used when it was extremely necessary. This is where people go who have, in Hongjoong’s eyes, wronged him beyond worthy of death itself. 

And this fucker was a stubborn one. 

“ I’m not telling you anything! You fucking psycho! ” Minho yelled out into Hongjoong’s face.

“ Alright then, since you want to be stubborn. I’ll give you a reason to change your mind. ” 

The leader closes his eyes for a second before he opens them again. Eyes were now glowing a deep dark red, his pupils have long disappeared. On the leader’s head, solid black horns were starting to grow and emerge from his scalp. Curling a little at the ends. Just red and white staring back at the surgeon. Who was restrained in a chair, bound by leather straps digging into his still red and tender skin.

“ Now, I’m going to ask you one more time. Why. did. you. try. to. almost. kill. my. men. ” 

Hongjoong could see the effect his ability, fear inducement had on the other, starting to work beautifully. Sweating down the temples and forehead was the first sign. The next was the trembling hands, eyes unfocused and shifting in every direction. Hongjoong’s personal favorite was when they stuttered, finally giving into confessing. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for the man to blab and spill what he knew. 

“ I-I wanted r-rev-venge! F-for t-taking us in a-an-d-d for hurt-ting-g H-hyunj-jin! So, stop! Stop! Stop! ” 

“ There now, was that so hard? ” Hongjoong faked mocked in a sickly sweet tone before laughing like the insane person he is. His eyes and horns disappeared, now looking back to normal. The absolute look of terror had made the leader laugh even harder than he was before. Finally claiming down and getting himself together, Hongjoong had one more thing to say. 

“ Oh and one more thing before I go, your punishment is far from over. Your loverboy over there is next. ” 

Chapter Text

It’s been a grueling week. Yunho still hasn’t woken up and the most noticeable one who's the most worried is Jongho. He’s been the quietest while the others try not to think about the worst possible outcome. Keeping themselves busy with smaller missions here and there. Jongho has been a complete wreck since finding Mingi like that on the floor, lifeless and not moving. The image was engraved into his brain. It was the reason why he couldn’t sleep at night anymore. The bags under his eyes just kept growing. Everytime he could close his eyes, it was all he could see. The image of Mingi’s lying lifeless body. They all were of course worried sick about him.

But the universe must have been on their side.

“ Ahhhhh! ” 

“ What’s wrong? Why did you - YUNHO! ” 

Immediately San and Seonghwa rushed towards Yunho, who was trying to sit up and frantically looking for Mingi. Eyes looking around scared out of his mind not seeing Mingi nearby. It was his job to protect him at all cost. 

“ Hey, hey, calm down. Don't set it up, okay. Lay back down.  Mingi’s just fine. ” Seonghwa says in a gentle voice, trying his best to reassure him. 

“ M-mingi’s okay. He’s alive. ” 

At that, Yunho breaks down into tears. He had woken up in a panic, worried and scared of what happened to Mingi. So scared his boyfriend didn't make it. He was the one to pass out first. Feeling someone's arms pull him into their embrace, holding him until he calms down. 

“ I got you, you're okay and so is Mingi. ” San says, being extra careful of Yunho’s stitches that were still fresh and needed to heal first. Once Yunho calmed down and was now reduced to sniffles, he felt much calmer afterwards. Judging by the death grip Yunho has on San, he wasn’t letting go. 

“ Baby, can you tell us what happened? ” Seonghwa asked, desperately wanting to know his side of the story.

“ I remember Minho had somehow gotten a hold of a knife and he had this crazed look in his eyes. Like he finally snapped or something. Then he was holding Hyunjin hostage but also in a protective way while pointing the knife at me and Mingi. I tried to calm him down and to give me the knife but he just wouldn’t budge. All of a sudden, he stabbed me and pushed me into the book shelf. Knocking me out cold. And I don’t know anything else after. ”

“ Well, at least we know your story and Mingi’s story match. ” San says, feeling so relieved that they were both okay.

“ Now we owe you an explanation. We had just gotten back from the factory. Also we had discovered something that Yeosang was able to recognize for us. And we’ll tell you about it later, promise. We’re going to have a meeting about it. Anyway, when he got back you and Mingi were already knocked unconscious, that’s how we found you two. Lying lifeless on the floor, in your own pools of blood. We all thought the two of you were dead. I had to hold back Hongjoong from murdering Minho and Hyunjin. San had removed Jongho and taken him out of the room. But I was able to take control of the situation and get the knife from Minho. Hongjoong had taken care of those two while me, Yeosang and Wooyoung took care of you and Mingi. ” 

After Seonghwa’s long explanation and filling in on what happened to Yunho, he felt better knowing what he had missed. Just imaging the sight of Mingi’s unconscious, unmoving body on the floor. All lifeless and not waking up. Not waking up from this nightmare where they were attacked. Almost borderline murdered. 

“ Anything else I need to know about? I feel like you two aren’t telling me something. What is it? ” Yunho asked the two in front of him. As much as he wanted to sit up, he knew he couldn’t and that it was a bad idea. He could feel he had stitches, lining his stomach. That will most definitely leave a nasty scar. 

Hearing someone open the door behind them, San and Seonghwa both turn around to see Jongho and Mingi. Deciding to leave the three of them alone, San and Seonghwa leave to give them some privacy. 

“ You're alive. I really thought you were both dead. ” 

Jongho immediately broke down into heart wrenching sobs, rushing towards Yunho. Of course, being mind full of his stitches that still needed to heal properly first. But that didn’t stop either of the three into a group hug. Hugging each other as securely as possibly, never wanting to let go of each other. Fearing that one of them will disappear if they do let go. Giving themselves a few minutes to soak in each other’s embrace but sadly they had let go all too soon. After having a long discussion of what happened and more tears later, the three of them were okay. 

“ Are we all okay now? ” Yunho asked, slightly laughing at their teary eyed faces.

“ Yeah, we are. ” Jongho and Mingi had said in sync with each other causing all three of them to burst into giggles. But their little happy bubble got interrupted with Seonghwa opening the door.

“ Sorry to ruin the moment here but Captain wants all of us. ” 

“ There’s nothing here! Why would he keep any of this if it wasn’t any good? ” 

The gang was currently at the meeting table going through the papers that were in the makeshift oxygen tank. It was filled with blueprints that looked like failures, scribbles of random notes and drawings, and literally everything was kept inside of this oxygen tank. The table was completely covered in papers, having to completely go through them was a task in itself. Hasn’t even been an hour yet and already they were getting frustrated. 

“ San’s right. There’s literally nothing good here we can use. ” Mingi says, wanting to rip his hair from getting dead end after dead end of nothing. 

" Wait a minute, what the hell is this? " Jongho announced, looking down at a set of papers in front of him. After that he went quiet for a few minutes, eyes concentrating  on whatever he was looking at. Then finally after waiting in anticipation, he was done.

" You gonna tell us what you just did? "

" I kept thinking about how all this papers look similar to one another. I mean of course they would but my point is that I think that if you put them together like a puzzle. You'll get this odd shape that weirdly goes together. " Jongho finished explaining his theory, watching the expressions of what they could be thinking.

Yeosang was the one who was the most intrigued. He couldn't tear his eyes away from it, couldn't stop looking and observing . There was just something about it that the hybrid couldn't quite figure out yet. Having zoned out everyone else's voices, the hybrid was in his own head. Thinking and thinking of where he could have remembered or just seen it somewhere in his memory. Until finally it dawned on him what it meant. Honestly he wanted to be wrong rather than right. Wanted to be wrong so badly. What Yeosang hadn't realized was that a tear had escaped, running down his cheek and landing on his lap. 

He couldn't believe what he was seeing. It shouldn't be.

" Yeosang? Sangie? What's wrong? " 

Yeosang finally snapped out of his trance, looking to his right of where the voice came from. It was Wooyoung. The snake hybrid looked concerned, worried for his best friend. And looking around the table, so was everyone else too. All wearing them is the same expression of concern. Especially Jongho, who looked two seconds away from jumping out of his seat in an instance. 

" Um, I'm okay. It was just this shocking. " Yeosang says, telling the group vaguely of why he had zoned out.

" Can you explain more because that might help. " 

Grabbing the laid out papers and sliding them towards him, Yeosang began to fold, creasing each piece of paper. Or course, everyone else didn’t know what they were watching but they let him continue. Putting one piece into another piece, connecting them together as one piece of paper. Yeosang kept up that pattern for a while, there was a lot of paper to get through. Until he was finally done, revealing a strange shape none of them have ever seen before except Yeosang and Wooyoung, who had finally caught onto what his best friend was up to. 

“ Why is it blank? Shouldn’t there be something on it?  ” Seonghwa asked, peering over to see.

“ Do any of you have a black light? ” Yeosang asked, all of them looking at him slightly crazy until Mingi suddenly ran out of the room and came back a few minutes later with the black light in his hand.

Without saying another word, Yeosang pushed the button to turn on the light and shined it over the folded papers. It wasn’t blank at all. There was a hidden formal written on it that Yeosang couldn’t in a million years ever understand what it meant. So many different symbols and abbreviations that the hybrid didn’t recognize. That was until Mingi took the papers and light from him, looking it over himself with the light. Not long after, a small victory noise escaped the witch’s mouth.

“ I know what this is. I recognize these symbols and chemicals. It’s the Oddity, the formula for creating something called Super Hybrids. To me it seems to enhance the hybrid gene and bring more to the surface. Unlocking a fictional, more sinister version of the said hybrid. ” 

Once Mingi was done explaining it to everyone, including Mingi, didn’t know what to do. It was a lot to take in and just how were they supposed to handle this information. That was clearly over their heads. This must have been part of his plan this whole time. But why tho? Why go through all this trouble of creating something so evil? 

“ There’s more. You see all these. This is just part one of his plans. I have a feeling there’s more hidden in those oxygen tanks that we don’t know about.  And we need to go through them. ”

Deciding to listen to Mingi, well because they knew he was right and not doing what he said would be utterly stupid on their end. Luckily Hongjoong had hidden the rest of the oxygen tanks and it was time to dig through more papers. As they went on digging and digging with so much reading later, it was still nothing. Absolutely nothing was in the first few tanks. Until San had found something a couple hours into it. It was the second half of the formula. It was the same as the first half, using a black light to read what it said. Of course that was now Mingi's job to do. Since he was the only one who understood and knew what they meant. After a while, that was the only breakthrough they had. 

At first it was until Hongjoong brought out the rest of the tanks. Wearing an extremely disgusted look on his face. Before they would ask why, it was too late. The smell coming from the tanks was too much to bear. It was an indescribable smell that words were not enough to us. It seemed Hongjoong knew what the smell meant, including Seonghwa who was just as disgusted as his husband was about it. But for Yeosang, he seems to be the only one kind of confused. Of course it smelled to fucking bad and everyone was trying to cover there noses with there clothes or hands. But nothing worked to prevent the god awful smell from hitting their noses.

" Guys, please tell me this isn't what I think it is. " Hongjoong says, pleading for this to not be real as he slightly opens one of them. Unfortunately, Hongjoong was right. It's dead, rotted bodies that have been dismembered and shoved into it. 

But there weren't any bodies. They had found the ten children, equaling to the ten oxygen tanks.

Chapter Text

The stench filled the room, everyone looking away and holding their noses. Even though it really didn’t help with it being so strong and potent. They couldn’t believe what they found. Finding out the police had lied about finding the ten children’s bodies in the beginning of the investigation. Why the hell would they do that? Were there corrupt police officers and detectives? That could be the only explanation for all this. 

“ I can’t fucking believe this bullshit! ” San explained loudly, now as far away from the tanks as possible. 

“ What are we supposed to do with them? ” 

“ Everyone just calm down! I can't think straight with everyone talking over each other! ”

Hongjoong yells out, his voice booming across the room. He knew he shouldn't have yelled. He knew it was a bad idea when San flinched from the impact. Immediately, he calms down and reaches out to San, a million and one apologies on the top of his tongue. But San instead pushes his leader away and walks off, slamming the door behind him. In turn, it was the very first time Yeosang ever saw the leader being so close to breaking down. With his tears threatening to spill, he storms off with Seonghwa trailing behind him. Leaving the rest on their own. 

“ Great, now we done fucked up even more. ” Mingi mutters, mostly to himself but still the other’s heard him perfectly clear. 

“ We? There’s no we! I’m not the one who fucking made San upset! ” 

It didn’t take long for Seonghwa to find his husband. He knew where he would be immediately and for Seonghwa, he was never hard for him to find. Having known each other for years, it was like second nature to him. Making it to the rooftop of the mansion, Seonghwa could see Hongjoong lying there looking up at the night sky.

“ You really should pick a better hiding spot. ” Seonghwa says, teasing him as he climbs up.

Hearing Seonghwa's voice, Hongjoong sits himself up and turns around after being startled by someone. Even with the bright ( fake ) smile, Seonghwa could tell right away that smile was far from what he must be feeling. Or else he wouldn't be on the roof of their mansion. And also the fact his eyes are red and puffy from the crying. 

" You found me. I knew you would. " Hongjoong says smiling, patting the space beside him for his husband to join him. Seonghwa did just that. Lying next to him with the pillowed blankets that were layered upon layered up with their stash of blankets and pillows the two keep up there. Just for times like these. When one of them gets too upset in a situation and needs room to cool themselves off for a while. The two sit in silence for a while, neither of the two saying a word. Until one of them breaks the tension.

“ You know, I didn’t mean to make San upset. I know he can’t stand yelling and especially if it’s directed towards him. Which you already know I didn’t mean. Damn it. I fucked up and he probably hates me now. Hwa, What I am I supposed to do - ” 

Hongjoong was cut off before he could even finish his sentence. It was by a certain pair of lips he was all too familiar with. Getting over his stupid shock and actually reciprocating the kiss. Unfortunately, for long they had to pull away or else they might get carried away.

“ You have to apologize later, right? You know that, right? And San knew you didn’t mean to trigger him. He will understand when he calms down, Wooyoung’s probably with him right now. As for you, are you okay now? ” Seonghwa finished explaining, concern and worry evident in his eyes.

“ How are you always right? ” Hongjoong asked fondly, now feeling much more calm.

“ Why are you looking at me like that? And of course I’m right, someone has to keep our tiny leader in line. ” Seonghwa says, giggling at the scandalous look Hongjoong was looking at him with.

“ Don’t you laugh at me! My own husband, I don’t believe it. ” Hongjoong exclaimed with his hand over his chest, of course faking it. Inturn, making Seonghwa laugh even harder. It was music to Hongjoong’s ears. Once more, he was the cause of that laugh.

********

When Seonghwa and Hongjoong got back, everyone was where they had left them. In the basement with still all the oxygen tanks lined up against the opposite wall. Far, far away from everyone. They weren’t trying to be rude but the smell was way too much for them to handle. Surprisingly, San was back with everyone. He seemed much calmer now and had Wooyoung by his side for comfort. 

Now it was time to get down to business.

“ Alright, here’s the plan. Mingi, I want you to run an autopsy, just try your best and then report back to me with a cause of death. San and Jongho,  I want you two to help Mingi in moving the tanks. After that, research as much as possible on Kim Minji. I think I may have a theory. Yeosang and Wooyoung, come with me and Seonghwa. Get going. ” After Hongjoong gives his orders, everyone disperses and gets to work. Except for Yeosang and Wooyoung, who Hongjoong had stated that he and Seonghwa wanted to see them in the leader’s office. 

“ Over the course of the months that you and Wooyoung have been here, we’ve been doing everything we can as you know and we may have more information. ” Hongjoong explained, leaning back into his chair with Seonghwa standing beside him. 

“ Can I ask what that may be? ” Yeosang asked, holding onto Wooyoung’s hand who was sitting in the chair next to him. The both of them were of course scared to know but at the same time they had every single right to find out. 

“ Kim Minji. And we may think she has paid off many police officers and detectives, which can explain why the ten graves that were found turned out to be fake. Instead of finding human remains, what was buried were mannequins. Child sized mannequins to be exact. What we found were the ten children’s remains in the oxygen tanks, Mingi had confirmed that. ”  Hongjoong says, looking Yeosang in the eyes, making sure he knew he was serious. 

“ I knew it. ” Yeosang mumbled more to himself but he guessed they all heard him too, judging by the look he’s getting from Hongjoong.

“ What I mean is that I had a feeling when I found the tanks in the wall at the factory. I could smell it. ” Yeosang said, feeling so disgusted and not at the tanks, at the corruption of the politician, police officers and detectives who seem to not care anymore. Or maybe they never did. 

“ What do we do now? ” 

Yeosang turned his head to see Wooyoung, who looked so scared and confused with tears threatening to fall. Pulling his best friend into his arms, holding him tightly. His shirt was getting soaked with tears but that didn’t matter, Wooyoung was more important than his clothes being ruined. 

“ San and Jongho looked into her finances, finding out that she did fund the experiments. When those millions were meant to go to the different charities she sponsored and was the face of. She was trafficking children by using those fake charities as a cover up. The only way to disguise where the money was to create a fake charity that doesn’t exist, funding that instead. Cause that’s where all the money went too, the fake charity that ironically helps children in need. All went to her step brother, Hwang Hyunjin and his one sided lover, Lee Minho. ” Seonghwa explains, his hand resting on his husband’s shoulder giving it a tight squeeze. 

It all made sense. Everything was starting to come together. The many charities that just didn’t quite make  sense the more they looked. Mannequins buried instead of giving the children the rest they needed after all they’ve been through. 

“ And there was one more thing, Yeosang and Wooyoung. San and Jongho also found that Minji targeted homes of poor families. Such as your own. And you already know the rest. ” 

Yeosang could feel his whole world spinning. That's how Hyunjin targeted children and brought them to the factory to be experimented on. Turning every single child into hybrids. But instead, it ended up killing them. Killing them for his sick, disgusting pleasure. To create and make his fantasies come to life. Yeosang and Wooyoung were the only two survivors, the only two who made it out alive. 

Now, they know how Minji helped her step brother with the money that was supposed to go to the charities she was practically the face of. She was their main sponsor and funder of money. Extremely well liked, unlike many other politicians who were not, plus she was beautiful. She had the looks and the power to raise her to the top, fooling everyone and lying. Fooling people into thinking she was one of the only good ones left, giving her the picture, perfect image. Enough for her to win every election with flying colors. It was a tight plan, a solid plan that was excellent. 

But that doesn't explain why she would help her step brother when they hated each other? Why send him millions for the experiments? Why didn’t he have high tech medical equipment if he had the money? 

“ Good questions, Yeosang. ” Hongjooong commented, a small smile present on his face. Yeosang snapped out of his thoughts, realizing he must have said all that out loud. 

“ It may be because it was a way to still keep her step brother at a distance but not completely cut off. Plus it gave her the advantage to have some of her own fun, satisfying her needs as well. It gave her the opportunity to torment him, slowly break him bit by bit even if he was already broken and twisted on the inside. So, shoving millions of dollars into his face shut him up. ” Hongjoong explains, hands now joined together on his desk. 

“ Then that also doesn't explain the non-existent of the equipment? Why would he splurge on it when he had the money and the means to do it? ”

“ It boils down to keeping the experiments on the down low, not wanting anyone to find out why there was medical equipment being bought. When instead Hyunjin used Minho to steal from the hospital for him. There was a report written for the stolen equipment but of course, nothing was done to retrieve what was stolen. Instead they bought brand new equipment with, you guessed it, Kim Minji’s money.  ” Seonghwa explains then continues on more. 

“ Everything was in that oxygen tank. Literally every single thing that could destroy Kim Minji’s career. Transactions, addresses, phone numbers…etc. We have everything to get rid of her for good. Enough to send her to prison for life. ”

Before Yeosang and Wooyoung could answer back, the two hybrids got cut off. The doors to the office slams open, hitting the walls behind them. It was Mingi and San,  rushing in looking frantic and with a terrified look in their eyes. Something must have scared them so bad to the point they were both shaken up and trembling like a leaf. San was having a hard time getting his words, all that he could say was nonsense. Nothing he said made any sense or came together. Mingi wasn't even better than San was. He was more worried and scared than any of them have ever seen him look. It took them a while to calm down and even a harder time trying to get them to stay still. 

Wooyoung was glued to San's side the whole time. Well more like his whole body was glued to San's. He had immediately pulled the hybrid into his lap after Seonghwa had convinced him to sit down on the couch that was in the couch. San had a death grip on Wooyoung, looking so scared that if he let go Wooyoung would disappear into thin air. Of course that would never and will not happen. San knew that very well but at the moment he couldn't think clearly, not having the brain power to think or form anything coherent. 

Mingi was with Yeosang and Hongjoong onto the opposite couch, Hongjoong kneeled onto the floor, his hands gripping Mingi's thighs. Providing a grounding point for him to focus on. Yeosang was sitting next to him on the couch. Sweat was dripping down his temples and cheeks, almost like he ran a marathon coming here. It wasn't until someone asked the burning question they're all thinking.

“ Mingi, baby, can you tell us what happened? ” Hongjoong asked, in a gentle and calm tone. Wanting to prevent spooking Mingi further, even if just by the sound of his voice. 

“ Um...Y-yeah, um, We d-did like you said. A-and when we g-got to op-pening them, of c-cousre we wore the protected hazard suits and masks. It smelled so fucking bad. Not just because it's dead, rotted bodies. It was because I recognized the smell. The acid that was used. ”

“ What did you smell? ” Yeosang asked, feeling scared for the answer.

“ It was a mixture of different chemicals but the main ingredient was Sulfuric Acid. It can liquid human bodies within like a few weeks to a month. That's what I smelled, the bitter and sour, irritated smell mixed with the dead bodies. I couldn't perform the autopsy like you wanted, so I can't confirm the cause of death. Oxygen tanks filled to the brim with the liquefied bodies. ”

Once Mingi was done explaining and much more calmer, it was a lot to process. The thought of that happening was terrifying. All evidence of their bodies were gone. Dissolved into a liquid and stored into oxygen tanks that were stacked, masked into a wall that for sure looked brand new. Until like the rest of the factory. 

“ Yeah, that was what we found. Me and Mingi had run in here to tell you what we discovered. There was also a lining of thick plastic in each of the tanks, preventing the metal of the tank from dissolving.  ” San explained, seemingly looking and feeling much better. Even though his grip on Wooyoung had lessened, the hybrid looked too comfortable and he’s sure San wouldn’t let him move anyway.

“ It’s because Sulfuric Acid can’t break down plastic as in why the oxygen tanks are still in one piece. ” Mingi explained once more, now fully calm and collected, finally back to normal.

Suddenlying the doors open again and this time it’s Jongho, who still looks calm but not fully. There was a wild and panicked look in his eyes. 

“ You need to see this. ”

Was all Jongho said before they all ran out trailing along with Jongho. Was there something wrong with Yunho, who was still in the med basement? It could literally be anything but nothing could have prepared them for this. Believing him when they saw what had him so panicked. 

Chapter Text

The sight in front of them was horrific yet confusing. Jongho had led them to Hongjoong’s special room, which was where the leader had them at last time. Of course Minho was still bound, he wasn’t going anywhere. He couldn’t move anyway, not with him being as tightly bound as he was now. But what was concerning was the fact that his body was rigided. Perfect posture, looking straight ahead. He looked to be in some kind of trance, hypnotized was more like it. His eyes were the giveaway, glossed over and unfocused. He was also mumbling something under his breath that none of them could make out. 

“ What the fuck did you do to him! Answer me! ” Hongjoong yelled out furious, immediately making his way towards Hyunjin, who was laughing maniacally against the chair he was also restrained against like Minho.

“ You’re too late! She’s already inside his head! ” 

“ What the hell are you talking about! Tell me now! ” Hongjoong was now in front of the man, hand gripping his neck. 

“ Joongie! Calm down, okay. ” Seonghwa says, now dragging away his husband from murdering the man.

“ Kim Minji. She knows the two of you are here. Damn it. ” Yeosang says quietly, a stunned look of realization present on his face. The others were sharing the same look. 

At first, Minho just did nothing. Staring into space for a few moments until he seemingly snapped out of it. His head luled to the side and passed out. Everyone was silent, no one said a word on what the hell they just witnessed. The only sound through the room was still the laughter of Hyunjin and was starting to get on Hongjoong's last nerve. The leader was tempted to put a bullet through his skull but he had to remind himself that he just can't kill him yet. One day he will, not now. He can’t now, not when Seonghwa had to drag him away from murdering him right then and there. What the hell were they going to do now? They needed to come up with a plan. 

“ How about this? We all calm down and talk through this, okay. Don’t even think about arguing back. ” Seonghwa says, more like demanding. Looking more specifically at Hongjoong.

Currently they were back to looking through the oxygen tank. Trying to see if they missed anything last time, even just something small. Really anything at all was what they were looking for. The table wasn’t even visible anymore, covered up by the amount of papers, documents that were shoved into it. They each had a stack in front of them, deciding it would be easier to split up the workload. In the beginning, they had already thought they had gone through every little thing in there. But apparently, the first time wasn’t good enough. Looking through some file folders that were somehow hidden in a door on the side of the tank. Something they hadn’t even noticed the first time looking through it. 

“ Why is there nothing useful? It doesn't make sense. ”  Mingi says, frustrated having gone through and read everything over and over again.

“ I know. It's literally everything we already know. “ Jongho says, just as frustrated as Mingi was.

“ I found something! ” Wooyoung shouts to everyone, looking so bright eyed and excited to have found something. 

“ Wooyoung, what is it that you found? ” Hongjoong asks the hybrid, who's holding a file folder in both hands. 

“ This folder has everything to do with Lee Minho and the same for this one too, Hwang Hyunjin. It says here that Minho has experienced spacing out, dissociating. Then passing out after. Someone was keeping tabs and notes on them. Why else would they have their own folders? ” 

Once Wooyoung was finished explaining, it all made sense. This was the breakthrough they wanted. It's a good starting point that they can work with. They were all thinking the same thing.  At least they have somewhere, something to go with. 

“ Kim Minji. She’s been the one behind this whole thing. She’s the one that’s been keeping these folders, making sure she has updated and kept the information she has one those two for her own personal gain.  Something she can use against them. ” Hongjoong says, suggesting the last part. 

“ Maybe… , wait. Why does she have a folder on someone else? ” San questions, looking at her folder in his hands. Flipping through the profile, there’s a picture of a woman but it’s not her. 

“ This woman is someone else, named Lee Yubin. ” San says once more, reading out loud the profile on this woman.

“ Lee Yubin. Born March 7th. Job was at a children’s daycare as a teacher but left her job 10 years ago. It says for unknown reasons, just one day she left her notice on her boss’s desk. Didn’t show up to work that day or since then. Never saw her again. ” 

“ Why would she quit her job? Anything said about her? Does she have any family? ” Seonghwa asked, leaning back into his chair.

“ Well, this doesn’t list a reason as to why she would up and leave her job. That she was well liked by the children and her co-workers. Also she did live alone in her apartment, didn’t have a partner or was dating anyone. Everyone seemed to like her, and couldn't find any problems except just before she disappeared. Her co-workers said that she was much more quiet and reserved than before. Staying in her classroom more and would be the last one to leave. From the security cameras that showed her leaving and locking up last. She was reportedly shown leaving much often in a panic. As for her family, she does have an older brother but looks to be no contact has been made with the two. Must be estranged siblings. Parents are deceased, unfortunately and that was when they lost contact.” San says, finishing up explaining. 

“ I just had a thought. Could by any chance she be the person that was getting blackmailed? Even though we said that said person didn’t exist? What if that was faked too? ” Jongho says, suggesting his theory.

“ You could be on to something, Jongho. It would make sense though. Explaining her disappearance, how she was acting and behaving at her job. We’ll have to look into that more later. ” San comments before continuing to where he left off of. 

“ As for Lee Minho, born October 25th. No siblings, an only child. Can’t find anything on parents, only that they are still alive. Graduated from a prestigious university and went on to become the head surgeon at another, again prestigious hospital. Of course we know how they met at the same university.And Hwang Hyunjin. No siblings, an only child. Has a troubled and dark past. We know his step sister is Kim Minji and step-mom are still alive. And not much else. Mostly this folder is blank and filled with empty sheets of paper, like she was on purpose trying to cover up his missing files. ” 

Well, that wasn't much to go by at all. There is literally nothing about this guy anywhere. It was like his whole existence was wiped off the face of the planet. A clean slate to cover up and hide what the hell they didn't want getting out in the public. It was a damn mystery one after the other it seemed. This just raises more and more questions than answers. The more digging and looking they did, the questions that would pop up for them to figure out, to solve and find the answers to. Going round and round in a circle, sometimes starting back a square one. 

But all they could do now was to continue digging. Looking for the answers that Yeosang so desperately wants to know. To know why this happened to him and Wooyoung? Why target children and do the most horrendous things to them? For years on top of that. What so wrong in their lives that made them, urged them to do these things? It has been all Yeosang could think about ever since. And now, he was more determined than ever to get to the bottom of this as much as he could. Of course with the help of his new found family that over the many months, he’s considered them home now. No longer scared or frightened by them. Can’t really blame him, not when he and Wooyoung have every right to do this. It was their own choice, they wanted to know. Even if it will be hard to swallow at times, they were as ready as they ever could be. 

Especially now when Yunho is still recovering from his injury, they were down one member. Having to continue on with him. It wasn't right nor did it feel right at all to them but there was nothing for them to do. The only thing they could do was let Yunho rest and heal, so he can come back stronger. And they can tackle this together. It wasn’t until someone had snapped Yeosang out of his thoughts. 

“ Hey, it’s going to be okay. Yunho’s going to be okay. Don’t worry, alright. I could hear your thoughts from all over here. ” Jongho reassured the hybrid, sending him a wink. Making Yeosang turn into a blushing and shy mess, hiding his face with his hand. 

“ I think our plan should be to break into the government building, more specifically Kim Minji’s office. ” 

Everyone had turned their heads at what Hongjoong had blurted out. Basically just voicing whatever he was thinking out loud. They knew their leader was crazy but this was the icing on the cake.

“ Are you crazy?! We can’t pull that off! ” Mingi exclaimed loudly, earning himself a glare from Hongjoong. 

“ Hear me out, alright. The next election is coming up in a few months. So, I think that should give us plenty of time to plan and do it before the election starts. And I just might have an idea on how we can do this. ”

After Hongjoong was done explaining his insane plan, they all had to admit that it sounded solided. Even if some of them didn’t want to say it out loud. It could actually work if everything goes like it should when they do it. Executing this huge of a plan was nerve wrecking to Yeosang. Literally the perfect plan for everything to go horribly wrong. Which was of course what they all were afraid of. Anything could happen, it was a fifty/fifty chance they were taking here. Gambling with the highest chance of something going wrong instantly even. 

It was all they had come up with. What else were they supposed to do? Let all their hard work go to waste and just let Minji go free? No, is the answer. As long as Yeosang and Wooyoung were still together, they weren’t going to let her get away with everything she’s orchestrated over the ten years. They were going to get back at her for all she’s ever done. Everything. All they had to do was pay her a visit.

******* *

They had informed Yunho of their plan. At first he thought Hongjoong was crazy, just like how they all reacted at first. But as they went on and explained more, trying to convince him that this was their literally best shot. He eventually came around and was on board with this crazy plan. Of course Mingi had looked over his boyfriend right away after, asking him a million and one questions on how he was feeling. He kept reminding Mingi that he was feeling much better and less sore now. All thanks to Mingi's handmade creams and medicines. Yunho was going to be just fine, even though his stitches had fallen out and were all healed. It did leave a pretty nasty scar though, but it would be okay. All that mattered was that Yunho was healed and in a lot less pain. He now had an easier time moving around, hurt less to bend down or stretch his stomach. 

Now that Yunho was on board and was able to join them, it was time to plan the biggest and most dangerous ( they’ve done a lot of those ) missions ever. But worst of all, the election that was coming up in a few months from now. Meaning that they only had a limited amount of time.

Let’s hope they can pull off a mission that will be globally known. Gonna go down in history. Whether it’s a success or not, it was already too late to change their minds now. 

Chapter Text

As soon as Yunho was back on his feet and he could finally join them again, their plan was in full swing. Letting him have all the time he needed while the rest immediately got to work. Keeping Yunho informed as they went and gave updates when they could. This was the biggest mission they’ve ever attempted to pull off. So many things could possibly go horribly wrong. Trespassing, breaking into a government building. It can’t get crazier than that. Everyone was on edge, even the ones who tried their best to not show it. Everything had to go perfectly right or else they wouldn't make it out alive. It was too dangerous, too risky and life threatening to even go through with it. But what other choice did they have? They didn’t have the time to come up with another whole new plan. How else would they be able to confront her, expose Kim Minji for the disgusting excuse of a human she is. Even though Yunho agreed, claiming he was fine with it. Anyone would clearly see he wasn’t fine with it. Of course he wouldn’t be, they can’t blame him. It was in the way he seemed perfectly calm and normal on the outside. But on the inside, he was a wreck. So many feelings and thoughts swirling around in his head. He knew the others had already figured it out. He wasn't the only one feeling antsy.

“ You can take a break, you know that. ” Yunho said to Mingi, who was sitting next to him. He had been working on this new potion but as it looked, it wasn't working out so well. 

“ Just give me a little bit longer and I'll have it done. Then I'll quit. ” Mingi says, still so focused on the potion that he wasn't even looking at Yunho. Hasn't been for the last five minutes that Yunho has been trying to get him to stop.

“ Fine, be stubborn. I’ll just leave you alone then. ” Yunho says, standing up from his seat and walking out the door. 

Mingi didn't even try to stop him. That's what hurts the worst. He knows they are both stressed beyond relief with this big mission weighing on everyone's heads. Yunho can't blame him, he wasn't even mad at his boyfriend but that doesn't stop the hurt in his heart. Plus it wasn't the first time this week that they've snapped at each other. As for the rest, they were just as bad if not worse. Hongjoong has been locked inside his office even ever since. Only letting Seonghwa in and when one of them had some new information to share. Most of the time, it wasn't even worth it. Knocking on the door and then getting shooed away when the information wasn't to his liking and wasn't what he wanted to hear. 

Wooyoung was spending his time more with San and less with Yeosang. More time sleeping with the demon in his room at night. The more Yeosang was left alone, the less Wooyoung was with him. Mingi was always alert, more than normal. Yunho could tell his nerves were getting to him, badly. Looking around at the smallest noise, dropping his tools and jars, shattering of glass spreading over the cold concrete floor. From his shaky and trembling hands not being able to hold anything without breaking it or dropping it. 

As for Yeosang, he felt like he was the worst out of everyone. This involved him and Wooyoung. His best friend, the only person he has had in his life since forever. He can't lose him. It would tear him apart inside. All he can think about is if they find Minji, she could very easily kill Wooyoung too. Killing off one of the only two survivors from the case. Who after a decade were finally found. Putting an end to them as well, she would be free. Free from ever getting caught again. This was their only hope, only chance at being finally free and at peace.

********

Yeosang had a sleepless night. He had woken up from a nightmare that he can't even remember what it was about. After tossing and turning, there was only one person on his mind that he wanted to see. But he couldn't go see him, especially not in the middle of the night. Also he couldn't go see Wooyoung, not when he's been glued to San. It will make him look like a third wheel. Like he’s trying to crash them and be nosey. He knows San is a good guy and will take care of his best friend just fine.

Yeosang makes up his mind. 

Hugging the blanket from his bed around his body, gets himself out of bed and walks towards the door. Placing his hand in the knob and twisting the door open before he can change his mind. Change his mind to go back into his bed where he would never get the chance to do this again. Knowing exactly where his room was, even in the pitch black darkness of the hallway. Yeosang was very happy to see the hallway was free from everyone else. Eventually, he finds his door and knocks quietly. Not even a few seconds later, he hears a small ‘come in’. Stepping inside, careful to make his way in and shutting the door behind him. Using the moonlight from his curtains to guide him, Yeosang makes it to the other's bed.

“ What are you doing here? Not that I don't mind. ” Jongho asked, sleepy rolling over to face the hybrid. Even though he could only make out Yeosang’s face somewhat, he thought he looked cute with the blanket wrapped around him. Like the most adorable blanket burrito Jongho has ever had the privilege to see. 

“ Yeah, um I just didn't want to disturb Wooyoung cause you know he's with San. And I didn't want to do the same with the others. ” Yeosang confessed, only telling half the truth. Hoping Jongho buys the half lie. 

“ I know you're only half lying, what's the real reason? ” Jongho says as he makes room, moving himself for Yeosang to climb in with him. 

As they laid there in silence, Yeosang really didn’t know how to start this conversation. His mind just went blank, all the words leaving his brain. But it was a comfortable silence. They’ve been so busy with his own case and everything else with trying to figure out so many things. He kinda forgot about Jongho and he didn’t mean to. Clearly his heart didn’t forget with the way it’s beating out of his chest, ready to jump out at any moment. 

“ I had a nightmare. ” Yeosang says, finally confessing why he’s here.

“ Do you want to talk about it? And you don’t have either. ” Jongho asks carefully, not wanting to upset him further.

“ No, I don’t even remember it. It’s just what if this all goes wrong? Our whole plan explodes in our faces. ”

Finally, voicing his thoughts, Yeosang was expecting the siren to make fun of him. For having such an irrational fear and that they’ve done this so many times - 

“ Hey, hey, it's okay. We feel the same way, including me. Every mission is scary but we are going to get through. No matter what happens, we’re going to be okay. ” Jongho says, reassuring Yeosang or at least hopes so. 

“ Thank you. ” Yeosang says, letting out a yawn and feeling so sleepy and tired.

All Jongho could do was just watch Yeosang slowly fall back asleep. He couldn't help but watch, even if it might be considered slightly creepy. He was so cute and handsome in Jongho's eyes. Including all the other words to describe his beauty. Not that looks matter, of course. It was his still kind and sweet soul that drew the siren in. Almost pure and innocent in a way after everything he's been through. He knew it would take some time before Yeosang actually one day opened up but Jongho was willing to wait. Wait for however long it would take. He knew it would be worth it. Not for long, Jongho soon joined him in dreamland. 

The next morning another meeting was to happen. They've been having this for the last few days and haven't made that much progress. They were having such a hard time finding anything else on Kim Minji. It was almost like she had wiped most of her record clean. Even though what they have found wasn’t much, it still was something they could go off of. Trying their best to do everything they can do. It wasn’t until Seonghwa made a breakthrough. 

“ Joongie! I got something! ” Seonghwa exclaims loudly as he barges in all too excitedly into Hongjoong’s office. Who was now standing in front of his husband’s desk. 

“ What’s got you all excited for, Hwa? As long as you look cute all happy and excited, please calm down. You’re vibrating at a frequency that can shatter glass. ” Hongjoong says, trying and failing to sound stern when he’s wearing a large smile. He's only a weak, weak man when it comes to his Star. He was working on some paperwork when Seonghwa came in. 

“ I dug through the oxygen tank one last time because there was something about it that I felt like we missed. Yeah, I know we had already looked and went through it but I had too. There was a secret compartment in the outside of the tank that blended in so well no one would be able to see it. So, after looking and pressing around it for a while, I felt something unlock. I have no idea what I did but it was a small door that opened in between all the layers of metal. ” 

Once Seonghwa was done explaining what he found out, he handed Hongjoong an envelope and a small notebook. Taking the items in his hands, Hongjoong was in shock. Just how in the world did they miss something like this? He had made double and even triple certain that they had gotten everything from inside that oxygen tank. Now, there were not one but two things they completely missed. Hongjoong’s mind was spiraling, spiraling with all the possibilities of what could be in them. Deciding to just go for it and not wait any longer, surprisingly the envelope wasn’t even sealed. The flap was just tucked inside. Making it so stupidly easy for anyone to open it. Inside was a folded up piece of paper, it was a letter. More specifically a typed letter. 

“ It’s a letter…a typed letter. ” Hongjoong says, losing his words on what to say. All he could do was stare at it, not even reading it yet.   

“ Wow…, um what does it say? And is it addressed to anyone or signed? ” Seonghwa asked, feeling just as speechless as his husband was.

“ Um…, yeah, yeah I’ll read it out loud. ” Hongjoong says before actually reading the letter this time instead of just staring at it like the piece of paper would read it back to him.

 " Dear my sweet son,

If you're reading this letter, I'm long gone from this Earth. I know you never really knew me even if I was in your life. I was never the mother I should have been for you. You have every right to hate me, I can't blame you for how your upbring turned out. You'll most likely never forgive me and I deserve it for what I've done to you. For all things I've done that you never deserved. I'm writing this letter to you for one extremely important reason only. This might come as a shock, so please continue reading. I beg you too. 

Your step-sister, Minji, was the one behind everything. She’s pure evil and needs to be stopped. 

Her father wasn't the best husband.  He used to beat me and your sister. Would take out his cigarettes on our arms until they were red and bubbling with blisters. Me and my husband would spend so many days and nights fighting, arguing, screaming and  yelling at each other non stop. Minji would always hide in her room, bedroom door locked and hiding underneath her bed or in her closet. 

Hiding, beaten, screaming, just everything was all too much until one day we had the biggest fight ever. My husband was a gun collector, used to practice at this shooting range. I don’t know how but Minji escaped from her room and had gotten a hold of her father’s gun. Most of the time, he would always leave them loaded with bullets. Always telling us he would kill us one day, just wanted to be prepared. 

Minji had killed her father, shoot him in the heart. 

Then we both packed our bags and escaped before the cops came. We stayed at a friend of mine’s house. She hid us in her basement underneath this hatched door that was a cellar for wine. But ever since then, she changed after we escaped. Become just like her father. 

There was literally nothing I could do for years, she was a teenager when it happened. Until I got back on my feet because of my friend that took us in. Met another man, remarried and got a job. The case has long since been cold, left forgotten by the police. All because they never found the gun. 

Please, please, whatever you do, tell the police. Show them this letter. Get Minji behind bars. Don’t worry about me, she’s probably already gotten to me. Now this before she gets to you. Please. ” 

Love, Your mother,

Kim Yongsun

Chapter Text

It couldn’t be. There was no way this letter was real. Couldn’t possibly be real. They were so sure, in fact, that the step mom was still alive. This didn’t make any sense. Nothing about this letter made sense. Adding and adding more questions than answers. Feeling like they were going around and around in one big circle. 

“ How…just…I… ” 

Hongjoong was at a loss for words. Rarely was he ever but this time, he genuinely had nothing to say anymore. Seonghwa looked to be in the same state as he was. The whole room was quiet, so quiet that any one of them would be able to hear a pin drop. Until Seonghwa spoke up for the both of them, voicing what they were both thinking.

“ You know,....this changes everything we knew about this case. Now we have two more murders. ” Seonghwa says, finally getting the words out.

“ I know. It’s just how? How is she dead and who killed her? Why would someone want her dead? ” Hongjoong says, letting out an exhausted sigh before looking at the letter and slamming it down hard onto his desk. 

“ I don’t know, Joongie. I think we need to get the other’s in on this, okay. You stay here and I'll go get them. ”  

“ What the hell! How could she be fucking dead! ”   

“ I don’t know! It doesn’t make anysense! ” 

“ Hush! You two! If you keep arguing, we can't get anything done. ”

Everyone was once again gathered in Hongjoong’s office. Hearing the surprising news, it was almost hard to believe. 

“ What are we going to do? We can’t just barge into her office. What if when she sees Yeosang and Wooyoung, she’ll kill them. ” 

“ We’ll yeah, they were supposed to be dead, not still alive. ”

At those words, Yeosang felt something inside of him shift. It was a weird, small feeling at first. Trying to ignore the slowly overwhelming feeling that was in no time taking over his body. Slowly taking over his mind. He knew the others were watching, noticing something was off. Something was wrong. Yeosang could feel Wooyoung’s grip on his hand tighten, tighten so much it was painful and would definitely leave a nasty bruise. Something else also happened, up and down his arms were tinglingly glowing green. His eyes were now too glowing green as well. But all too soon, his body changed and formed into something else. Something different. 

A neon green and black dragon with electricity as his ability.

The whole room was silent. Not a single word was heard from anyone. Everyone was quiet, just staring at the sight before them. The most surprising thing was that no one ran away. No one moved and bolted out the door. No one left screaming in terror at the sight of the magical reptiles. More like they were all too fixated on looking in amazement. But not in the way the two hybrids were used to. This gang was different. Different in that they were accepted as they were. No matter how ‘ terrifying ’  they may appear to most people, they were safe. 

Next thing Yeosang knows is that he is now no longer in his seat but flying in the air. Good thing for the extremely high ceilings or else this whole office space would have been trashed in mere seconds of him being here in the air. His vision was also unique. It was like he had his own night vision with it being the same neon green as his shiny scales were on his body. Black, neon green wings and body covered on scales, shining and sparklingly in the sunlight from the floor to ceiling window. Piercing eyes that are now black slits with the rest being the neon green. Wings flapping kept Yeosang afloat in the air, causing some of Hongjoong’s papers to land on the floor instead. 

Wooyoung was in the same exact state as he was. Except he was a large red and black snake. The red was just as fierce and fiery as his hair was. This time he was much bigger and longer than last time he shifted was when San had to carry him. He was tiny then. Not now when they have a fairly large snake with black spots all over his red body. At least much have been a few feet long.  Wooyoung must have freaked himself out by shifting, slithering to San for help and comfort. Carefully wrapping his snake body around the other’s waist. At first, San was a little spooked by the surprise but calmed down right after. Just ever so gently holding him as best he could.

But it also wasn’t for long when Yeosang and Wooyoung shifted back to normal. 

“ That was so cool! Do it again! ” Mingi says, exclaiming loudly with a beaming smile before that smile turns into a pout after Yunho lightly slapped him on his arm to shush him.

“ I, I um…I didn’t know I could do that. ” Yeosang says, confessing with an unreadable look on his face. 

All he could do was avoid eye contact with everyone, including Hongjoong. He doesn’t think he could bear to look at the Captain’s face. Seeing the disgusted look on his face that he knows is there. Yeosang doesn’t need to see or find out what everyone's thinking. He can’t help his thoughts from wandering to where they shouldn’t be. Knowing that they are irrational and would never happen to him. Wooyoung was still wrapped around San after shifting back to normal. This time his legs and arms were wrapped around San, the demon’s arm around his middle and the other around lower thighs. Holding up safely and securely in his arms so the hybrid doesn’t fall. He must have been lost in his own head when someone finally speaks up. 

“ That was amazing. You said you never knew that about yourself. ” Hongjoong says, staring at the hybrid with an unreadable look. 

“ Of course I didn’t know! And now I don't know what to do. ” Yeosang says, already feeling so utterly confused and hopeless.

He could feel himself become teary eyed. Trying so hard to not have a breakdown with so many eyes on him. Even though he was in good hands, heck, had been for months now. But his effort wasn’t enough. A loud, heart wrenching sob broke out from the hybrid. Waterfalls of tears flowing down his face, shoulders shaking with each sob. With each cry let out. Yeosang couldn’t take it anymore. He had been trying so damn hard to keep himself together. Especially for Wooyoung’s sake. Ever since, he’s always been the stronger one of the two. Always doing anything and everything he could for Wooyoung. Literally every single thing Yeosang could do for his best friend. Used to be the only person in his life that he genuinely cared and loved with his whole heart. 

Their parents. Oh their parents. 

Both of the best friends had came from low income families. Barely keeping food on the table or not being able to shower every day when there was never enough water for everyone. Having to wear the same tattered clothes and shoes to school. Kids were always so mean and cruel. Yeosang's mother was mentally ill. Always staying locked in her bedroom everyday. He had hardly ever seen her during the day. He had to always walk himself to and from school, since they didn't own a car and just had to take the town's bus. 

His mother wasn't a good mother. 

She was the type of woman who should have never had kids in the first place. Since he was an only child, he only had himself to look after. Even if his mother couldn't look after herself, he knew she didn't love him like any mother should for their child. No matter what. But that wasn't the case, sadly. She would rarely leave the house, only to ever go out and would spend the small amount of money from the government checks every month. Just to buy more cigarettes and alcohol. He never understood why she was always smoking off a whole pack or drowning herself in a whole case of beer. 

For Wooyoung, he was raised in a bigger household than Yeosang. Having an older brother and a younger brother, he was the middle child. Wooyoung's mother was the complete opposite of Yeosang's. She was everything and more Yeosang had ever wanted from his own mother. She practically raised him as her own, even with her having three sons already. She still so kindly took Yeosang into her home. Yeosang mainly stuck to Wooyoung's side as he lived with him when he practically did live there. Sure his mother never took notice that her own son was never home anymore. She probably forgot all about him, only ever needing her cigarettes and beer. Getting drunk in her bedroom and staying there all night. 

When the two had found out that their parents were murdered, their whole lives crumbled. The only hope they kept onto was the thought that just maybe, a tiny bit that they would get to see them again. Even if Yeosang's own mother didn't care, he still deep down wanted for some reason to know she was still alive. In some sort of way. That realization that they were truly gone had set into the fact that they were completely alone. Only having each other. But now, they have gotten a whole new family to appreciate. Maybe life wasn't so bad after all. But one thing's for sure in Yeosang's mind was that he had enough. He was ready to let go of all the pain and suffering they have both gone through. It wasn't easy of course but it won't hurt to try. 

“ You okay, now? Jongho tried to snap you out but nothing worked. Glad your back. ” Hongjoong asked, who was now kneeling in front of him on the floor. Yeosang didn’t notice him getting up from his seat. He really was out of it. 

“ I take great pride in knowing that our little family here can come to me whenever they need to talk. That goes for you and Wooyoung. Of course, you can come to any of us. I know I haven’t been the most welcoming person and I’m sorry. So, please don’t ever be nervous too. ” 

Once Hongjoong was with his speech, it was like Yeosang was looking at a completely different person. This wasn't the same cold Captain he had met in the beginning. This was someone who genuinely cared about the people around him. Even them a family of all things. Hongjoong was the only one who Yeosang had a hard time with. He knew very well that the man wasn't great at expressing hi words and can come off as cold at times. He understood that every one of them was so uniquely different. It was such a relief to have him finally come around on his own.

“ Thank you. ” Yeosang says, thanking Hongjoong who was still looking at him with such a warm smile. Something Yeosang is pretty damn sure he’s only seen him do towards Seonghwa before. 

“ No need to thank me. ” Hongjoong says once more before getting himself up from the floor and back into his seat.

“ Alright, back to this letter. Let’s rethink this. What do we know so far? ” 

“ We do know that this letter to me seems pretty legit, right? It does make sense as to why the whole perfect family image was fake to begin with for them. ” Mingi says

“ So, that would also mean that what we know from Hyunjin’s point of view is a lie. My guess is that it was a cover up by Minji to protect her reputation and image. Just look at the news now, people absolutely love her. ” Seonghwa says before reaching for the remote to turn the large screen TV on in the room. 

“ The next candidate up next is Kim Minji. Now taking the stand and beginning her speech this morning. ” The news report says, who’s on the split screen with them showing Minji in her suit and heels. 

She was waving and smiling brightly at the audience in front of her. With such a huge audience who were holding up the usual banners and posters, showing their support. Finally, standing in front of the podium speaking into the mic. 

“ Welcome everyone! Now before I get started here, I would like to make a huge announcement. ‘ The Hope of Childrens and Families ’ will be holding an event this month to raise money. Before you all leave today, there will be many booths set up for you to take a flier home with you. - ”

Not being able to watch or listen anymore, Seonghwa turns the TV off and throws the remote somewhere in the room out of frustration. They were all thinking the same thing. It was just as dangerous yet stupid but what else were they supposed to do. There was no better option left, this was the only way to get things done right. But first with one plan at a time. 

Crashing the charity event. 

Chapter Text

It had been weeks since that conference. Weeks of them planning and discussing how this was going to go. Now with more than half of the city’s population going to be attending, they had to work carefully. No need for any one of them getting caught by the many policemen that will be acting as the security. It was extremely tricking with how they were going to pull this off. Nothing can go wrong. Everything needs to go perfectly smooth. One wrong move and they all go down together. The most important thing was that they just couldn't show their faces at the event. A single look from anyone causing mass panic of the whole event. So, of course Mingi figured out a way to hide their identities. He truly is a powerful witch.

“ I have made all of you, including me, these fake but extremely realistic face masks. Luckily, I had started on these a while back and now we get to use them. ” 

Mingi was passing out everyone’s masks for them to wear. Masks that were made out of silicone. A rubbery, smooth like texture. Especially for Yeosang and Wooyoung, who couldn’t show their hair and faces. It was the most important part for them. To keep the masks on. No one could know the still missing hybrids were there. The masks were a snug fit, fitting over everyone's heads when trying them on for the first time. 

Tomorrow was it. The day of the charity event the gang was going to crash. Yeosang didn’t know how everyone seemed so calm and collected together. Granted they probably have done stuff like this thousands of times already. The hybrid couldn’t keep his nerves down or stop his hands from shaking so badly. Almost slipping from his sweaty hands and falling if it weren’t for Jongho, who he didn’t realize was next to him and caught the mask. 

“ I didn’t know you were standing there. Sorry. ” Yeosang apologies, feeling a little shy under the siren’s gaze. 

“ Oh, no, no. You’re fine. It was just that you looked lost, like you zoned out. ” Jongho says, can’t help but admire the pretty red blush from embarrassment on the hybrid’s cheeks. 

“ On the day of the event, which is tomorrow, we will all ride in separate cars. As to not draw attention and keep ourselves on a low profile. Act like we are strangers and don’t know each other nor are we together. Remember to keep your earpieces so we all can communicate with one another. Make sure to spread out and don’t stay close together. ” Seonghwa starts explaining and then Hongjoong continues on for him. 

“ When we arrive, don’t let each other out of your sight. Keep an eye out for anything suspicious or you might think is important. I’ve marked where you’ll be attending on this map of the event. ” 

A large-scale map was laid out onto the table. It showed the whole stadium. With every detail and label showing the place. Circles and arrows drawn with a permanent marker show where they either needed to avoid or the few spots where it was safe to be. The stadium of course was fucking huge, easily fitting thousands upon thousands of people all at once. Making it an extremely busy and crowded event to take place. Anything and everything could go wrong here. They were quite literally walking into the lion's den. There couldn’t be any moments of hesitation. Marking them suspicious guests, possibly would get wind of the massive amount of security guards and kicked out. Leading this mission to fail. Something that just couldn't happen. 

Except after Mingi had stayed behind for Yeosang and Wooyoung, claiming he wanted to see them for something he wanted to test out. 

“ I want to see something, okay. Just a small check up. ”

Was the first thing Mingi says as he makes his way towards where Yeosang and Wooyoung were sitting. Ever since the incident in Hongjoong's office, Yeosang wanted to know what was going on with the both of them. He honestly didn't have a clue he could shapeshift into a dragon. Well, yeah he is a dragon hybrid but that couldn't have meant he literally had the ability to shift into one. Never knowing that all these years. It was something that had never crossed his mind. Not once. Yeosang already knew he wasn't like everyone else. Believing he was a freak. Something society didn't understand yet and probably won't.

“ I had noticed something that may have caused the two of you to shift. Now, what I'm about to say may or may not make you uncomfortable. So, if at any point you feel like you want me to stop, please don’t hesitate to tell me or tap me on my arm. Okay. ” 

Yeosang was nervous. If it wasn’t by the fact that his heart was beating a little too fast and fidgeting in his seat. He knew deep down he wanted answers. Answers as to why this is happening to him. It was confusing to say the least. Something wasn’t right and he wanted to know now. 

“ It was when the possible mention of the two of you getting hurt was when it happened. And I think it might have something to do with it. ”

“ Really, that it's. ” Yeosang replied back, now even more curious. Looking down, he saw Wooyoung intertwine their hands giving them a reassuring squeeze. Must have been feeling just as nervous, judging by how quiet Wooyoung was. 

“ Alright, I want you two to close your eyes with me okay. Then breathe in and out. Breath in and out. Breathe and out.  Now just listen to the sound of my voice. ” 

Following Mingi's instructions, it was actually working. Feeling their nerves were slowly dying down, much calmer now. His deep yet soothing honey like voice, having them feeling relaxed and their head’s fuzzy at the edges a little. The pleasant sensation didn’t last long until something else replaced the feeling. Fear. Fear that Wooyoung had to be okay. Had to be alright. He knew it was all fake, that it was Mingi using a spell on the two hybrids. He told them this was an extremely light version of the spell. Just enough to see if it will trigger it. 

Apparently, it worked.

That exact same feeling from the incident came back. It was also the same case for Wooyoung too by the bruising grip he had on Yeosang’s hand. At first it was again a slight buzz, a tingling feeling just underneath his skin. Coursing through his veins, traveling down towards his hands. Feeling Wooyoung flinch and immediately pull away from him. He must have zapped him by accident. Before Yeosang could stop whatever was happening and with an apology right on the tip of his tongue, it happened again. 

Feeling himself levitate in the air and his body changing into the same dragon as last time. Since he couldn’t feel Wooyoung next time him anymore, the same thing must have happened to him too. Yeosang opened his eyes to see that in fact he was in his newfound dragon form. He wasn’t enormous like anyone might think. He was actually a decent size, probably the same size as a child would be. Covered in scales, shining and shifting in the light with the same neon green and black as his hair. 

As for Wooyoung, it was the exact same thing. Red scales adored with black dots, scattered around his body. He was much larger than any normal snake would be. Almost a giant in comparison. Enough to wrap himself around someone completely covering them whole, squeezing the life out of them in seconds. A long, black and skinny forked tongue. Eyes that were all red and glowing with black, narrow slits as the pupils. He was now on the floor, the seat he was previously on too big for him to lay on anymore. Plus, for the both of them, they would hold up their heavy weight anyway. 

“ Wow, just wow. You’re both so beautiful. I can’t look away. ” Mingi confesses, looking in awe at the two hybrids. It wasn’t disgust in his voice. The witch was genuinely fasciated in a good and supporting way. A few moments later, the door opened to the basement and everyone else was filing inside. Wearing the exact same expression as Mingi. It was a heartwarming feeling to see them look so lovingly at them. Something the two best friends haven’t felt in years.  

San was in a trance. He couldn’t look away from Wooyoung once again. Like he never could anyway, something he was horrible at doing. Can’t blame him when he had found the most beautiful person ever in his life. Inside and outside. He knew he was sporting the most lovesick smile on his face, but San didn’t care. Not a bit about how stupid or in love he looked. He knew he was in love, so badly in love with the hybrid it should be considered unhealthy. 

As for Jongho, he was ten times worse than San was. Even though he wasn’t like San who wore his heart on his sleeve, he felt himself slowly breaking on the inside. Yeosang was of course beautiful as a human but when he was in his dragon form. To Jongho, he was even more beautiful in his eyes. The shiny and pretty scales, reflecting in the light. Jongho couldn’t tear his eyes away, even if he tried his best too. He was a gone man. The siren felt himself fall even more in love with Yeosang at that moment.

Seonghwa and Hongjoong had decided to stay further back in the room. While Yunho went to Mingi’s side to help him. It was almost a comical sight to see San and Jongho as they are. It was painfully obvious they were both so badly in love with the hybrids already. Of course, they were going to get teased for it later that's what they do. There was no harm in it, no feelings hurt. It was like they were watching their kids grow up before their own eyes. In a way they were. 

“ This is hilarious, Hwa. They're such idiots. ” Hongjoong says, whispering to his husband with a fond smile on his face. 

“ I know.  It gets more painful to watch every day. At least Wooyoung and San have made some progress. Can’t say the same for the other two, though. ” Seonghwa replies back, also whispering to Hongjoong. He was also trying to hold back a few giggles but really was failing to do so. 

Eventually, Yeosang and Wooyoung were back to normal. Deciding to call it night, since they had such a big day tomorrow ahead of them. 

********

Yeosang, once again, couldn’t sleep. He was too busy thinking about the event. Just at the thought of seeing the one person who was the sole reason why all those children were murdered. The reason for everything they’ve been through in the last decade of their lives, sadly they will never get back. Something that was unforgivable. Nothing in this world could fix all the hurt, pain, and trauma. There was no undo button. No magical spell or potion won’t do anything. He could still feel Hyunjin’s hands caressing his body, like he was some kind of doll. Something to be proud of. Never forgetting the look in that man’s eyes. Forever burned into his brain. 

Wooyoung was the same way. They both were as to be expected. But at least he had San to rely on. Even if Wooyoung doesn’t come to him as often, he’s happy for him. His best friend deserves someone as sweet and caring as San. Yeosang can’t blame him either, not when he’s caught him numerous times secretly stealing glances at the demon. Especially when Wooyoung thinks San doesn’t see him or knows yet. Looking at the said demon like he hung the moon for him. With those practically heart shaped eyes following him around everywhere he goes. Like San’s own personal little shadow. It was cute.

As for Seonghwa and Hongjoong, the leader was still wide awake with his husband lying next to him. Curled up by his side, looking so peaceful. Sometimes he wonders how he got so damn lucky with Seonghwa. Speaking of luck, that’s what they needed for tomorrow to go smoothly. Anything and everything could go wrong in a matter of seconds. That’s all it takes for chaos to happen. Especially in such a big city. 

Deciding to try to get some sleep with an overthinking brain, Hongjoong finally closes his eyes with Seonghwa safely next to him. 

Chapter Text

“ Baby, what’s wrong? I’ve never seen you this stressed out before. ” 

The first thing Seonghwa asked his husband as soon as he stepped foot into Hongjoong’s office. Sighing, Hongjoong knew he was right. The Captain was stressed, so stressed and worried that he locked himself inside his office all day. It was mostly towards Yeosang and Wooyoung, which were the two he has been thinking about the most. He knew they needed this. More than anything. He couldn’t help but worry and worry himself to no end. And of course his caring and attentive husband would figure it out before the others would. 

Without Hongjoong even having to explain yet what’s on his mind, Seonghwa makes his way over and beckons Hongjoong to follow him to the couch. Doing as he was told, Hongjoong sits down first but just before stretching his body. Hearing his bones crack loudly, hinting at the fact he really has been sitting in his office chair way too long. With Seonghwa in his husband’s lap and his arms wrapped tightly around him, Hongjoon felt like he could breathe again. There was just something about holding Seonghwa in his arms that brought a certain peace to his brain. Just his mere existence was enough but having the absolute privilege to just hold him and nothing else.  It calmed down a part of him that was reassured and at peace. 

“ Do you want to talk? Or just stay in silence? ” Seonghwa asked his husband, who had gone quite in the minutes they had been sitting. 

“ It’s just I can’t help but think that are we doing the right thing? Like is Yeosang going to have a fucking mental breakdown just at the sight of this horrendous women? Or what about Wooyoung? What if he has one too and breaks down and hides behind like San or something and and…. ” 

“ Shhh, it’s okay and they will be too. Please for me to not worry so much about them. They are a lot smarter than you give them credit for, you know. ” Seonghwa says, trying to help his ranting husband about his what if’s.

“ You’re right. Thanks for shutting me up. ” Hongjoong says, feeling so grateful for his husband. Not wanting to know what he would do without him.

“ Of course I’m right. ” Seonghwa says with a bright smile, teasing his husband.

“ Alright, don’t rub in it, Hwa. ” Hongjoong says, looking up at his giggling and smiling husband. Honestly, Hongjoong could listen to that same giggle over and over again. It was music to the Captain’s ears, his favorite sound to hear. 

“ I think I have an idea of how to help you out. So, this time let me take care of you while you just sit there. Don’t move. ” Seonghwa suggests, leaning down to peck his husband in the lips. 

Seonghwa had started placing small but gentle kisses all along his jawline and making his way down Hongjoong’s neck. Automatically, Hongjoong leaned his head back against the couch giving Seonghwa even more room and more area to leave his sweet kisses behind. Letting out soft little moans here and there, escaping from his mouth. Hongjoong couldn’t help it, not when his husband’s lips were so skilled at their job.

“ You’ve already turned into a puddle and all I’ve done is kiss you. ” Seonghwa says, mumbling against his husband’s collarbone area. Having already made his way down to his chest. 

“ You know your lips are like magic, never will get enough of them. ” Hongjoong says, completely blissed out with his eyes closed and his head still leaning against the back of the couch.

Subconsciously to Seonghwa, he had started somewhere along the way grinding his half hard crotch against his husband's. Judging by the loud gasp the Captain lets out. 

“ H-hwa, don’t stop. Please, feels so good. ” 

“ Wasn’t planning on it. ” 

A few moments later, Seonghwa did indeed stop his hips. Causing Hongjoong to let a high pitched whine at the loss. But not before Seonghwa climbs off his lap, already missing his warmth and weight. Until Seonghwa gets on his knees, quickly unbuckling his husband’s belt and unzipping his pants. Already seeing the wet patch of precum on his underwear and his hardening bugle. 

“ Ahhh! Hwa! ”

Hongjoong was had already turned into a fucking mess when he felt the warm, velvety heat of his husband’s mouth. Hips jerking and twitching the further Seonghwa took more of him in his mouth, not gagging at all when his tip hit the back of his mouth. After taking a moment to deep breathe through his nose where it stopped at Hongjoong’s pelvis, cheeks hollowed out. 

Then starting to move his head up and down, the downright pornographic sound was all that could be heard beside Hongjoong. Who felt like he was seeing stars behind his closed eyes, not daring to open them and look down at Seonghwa. Knowing immediately if he did, he would just cum right then and there at the sight. Head thrown back against the couch, eyes screwed so tightly shut. His mouth left open, jaw having gone slack.

“ Oh my god! You’re going so fucking well, my Star - Ahh! ” Hongjoong almost screams at the feeling of teeth slightly grazing his cock, just enough to feel but not enough to hurt him either.

The moment Hongjoong decided to just screw it in his head and peek down, it was all over for him.

Seonghwa looked so pretty with his plush, pink lips stretched around his cock. Drool was running down both sides of his mouth, eyes lidded and glossed over in pleasure. Big, rounded eyes staring back at him was all Hongjoong needed to be tipped over the edge. The tight, warm feeling in stomach has him spilling down Seonghwa’s throat. Who swallowed every bit of it, not one single drop left. 

“ Feel better now? ” Seonhgwa croaked out, his voice not all there yet and hoarse sounding. 

All Hongjoong could do was nod his head, of course he felt better. He just had what felt like his soul literally sucked out of him. Still breathing heavily, trying to catch his breath. 

“ Yeah, I feel better. ” Hongjoong says, before he notices his husband’s problem.

“ Don’t worry about me, okay. Later. ” Seonghwa says, coming back from the bathroom and cleaning both of them up with a wet cloth.

Hongjoong did, in fact, take care of Seonghwa later, just like he promised. 

This was it. The most important day. Everything had to go according to the plan they had. Nothing can’t go wrong, not even something so small. Which was probably why Yeosang hadn’t gotten much sleep last night. His mind kept on wandering and wondering about the worst case things that can happen. So many what if’s swirling through his brain, keeping him up at night instead of sleeping like he should have been doing. 

They had to be okay. Yeosang thinks he won’t know what to do with himself if anything happens to any of them.  

“ Hey, are you okay? ” 

Yeosang looks up and sees Jongho staring at him with worried and concerned eyes. 

“ Uh, yeah I’m fine. ” Yeosang said, lying to the siren. Not even believing himself. He knew he wasn’t okay. His nerves were sky rocketing up and up, never stopping the tight feeling in his chest. 

“ If you ever get nervous, just hold my hand okay. I don’t mind. ” Jongho says, a kind and warm smile on his face, eyes showing he really does mean his word.

“ Thanks. ” 

Was all Yeosang could do, just mumble out a small gratitude towards the siren. A red blush was now permanent on his face the more Jongho looked at him with hearts in his eyes. That was all Jongho needed to know that he was very much appreciated by the hybrid. Somehow along the way, Jongho had captured the hybrid’s heart without Yeosang even realizing it himself. Thinking back, he was a bit oblivious in the beginning but who can blame him really. The two didn’t even have a label yet for what they were but it wasn’t needed. They knew how they felt. Knew their feelings for one another. Having each other was enough.

Everyone was just wearing the same classic black and white suits, posing as more security for the event. It was the most efficient way to listen in on conversations that might be happening. Anything they could gather that might be helpful was worth the risk. It was the easiest way to blend themselves into the crowd. Also how else were they supposed to get themselves close to Kim Minji while not outing themselves. Getting caught and arrested once everyone knows who they are. Most likely would be shot dead on the spot.

Once everyone was in the van, Yeosang's nerves didn't fade. The more they drove, the more he was getting antsy. He couldn't stop his brain from overthinking and coming up with the worst case scenarios in his head. He knew he was safe with them, they would never let anything bad happen to him or Wooyoung. Speaking of Wooyoung, who was currently holding onto San’s arm in the back seat. But the one thing Yeosang noticed was that San was wearing the exact same lovesick expression as Jongho did earlier. Looking down at Wooyoung, who had closed his eyes from the gentle petting, San was giving his red hair. 

In no time they were now out of the woods, away from all the dirt roads and grass. Now they were in the city, tall as ever buildings with cars and people in every direction. He could hear Wooyoung in the back, being utterly fascinated by everything he was seeing out the tinted windows. Once again, Yeosang felt his own heart break at the innocence of Wooyoung being amazed. It was sad they didn't get to experience anything like the city.

“ We're here. Now, everyone remembers the plan. Wooyoung, San, and Yunho are staying in the van. They will be monitoring you through your ear pieces and body cams. Me and Seonghwa will take the front part and Mingi will take the middle part. Yeosang and Jongho stay in the back part. Remember to keep your distance. Alright, let's move.” 

Was the final order Hongjoong gave them before stepping out of the black van. As soon as they got out, it was nothing but crowds and chaos everywhere. So many people with signs and banners, holding them up in the air. What was worse was the screaming and the chanting of her name. It was like they worshiped her, almost if she was a god to them. So devoted and passionate, innocently thinking they were voting for a good person. Who has her reputation locked in. Ready to spew out lies and empty promises of filling the goal to raise money for charity. A charity that doesn't even exist. 

Yeosang was so forever grateful that Hongjoong let him be paired up with Jongho. Also to be in back of the crowd, the only area that wasn’t loud and overwhelming for the hybrid. The Captain did ask him, in secret, one night if he wanted to stay home instead. Saying that he didn’t mind at all, asking if he thought he could make through it. It had at the time surprise Yeosang. He knew the Captain had a caring heart for those around him, who he considered as family. At first Hongjoong thought he was about to get rejected, the hybrid saying he wanted to stay home and not go with them. So, now it was his turn to be surprised that night. When all of a sudden after a while of Yeosang not saying a word, he immediately broke down into sobs. Falling into Hongjoong’s, holding him while he sobbed his poor heart out.  

Looking up at the front right away, they were just in time. The charity event was about to start. Not long after, here comes Kim Minji walking out from the back of the stage. Waving and smiling so innocently, causing the crowd to immediately go into an uproar of screaming. It was just so weird to see, to see thousands and thousands of people go so crazy over one person. Still with Jongho standing by his side, he felt him inch closer to the point where their shoulders where their shoulders were barely touching.

Now it was time to make her speech. 

“ Welcome, welcome everyone! Wow, there’s so many of you here! Now, you all know why you're here and the purpose of my charity event, The Hope of Childrens and Families. I promise you that I will become the person you will all need and admire. My job is to make you proud, be your role model that there is still hope out there in the world. I know you all can count on me to make that come true. Again, thank you all for coming! ”

Once she was finished, stepping down from the podium and the mic. Instead of going backstage, she went down into the crowd. Greeting everyone and shaking hands with them. It was like she was made for this job, soaking in all the attention and praise with every hand shake or wave out into the crowd. She really did have the appearance of someone who genuinely cared but it was fake, a front she put up to get whatever she wanted. Using innocent people for her own benefit because it was never about them. Never about the people of this city,  who desperately need and want someone like Kim Minji. 

At first it seemed like after a while of looking around, nothing was out of the ordinary. Until he saw Seonghwa stealthily grab a guard with a knife at the guy’s throat. Dragging him away from everyone with Hongjoong in front covering the sight from the crowd. Without even having to say a word to Jongho, who must have seen the same thing as him. Was already on it, alerting San and Yunho, who were still in the van watching over them. 

Now, it was time to move. They had found their target. 

Chapter Text

“ WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED OUT THERE! ” 

Minji was beyond angry, borderline fuming in rage. She knew what she saw out of the corner of her eye during her speech. Knew damn well. It made her blood boil, itching to get her hands around that so-called Kim Hongjoong’s neck that had done this. Just to strangle the life out of him, blocking his airway completely until he was no more. He was the only major obstacle in her way and he had to be eliminated. She wanted the Captain dead.

“ I, I don’t know! I - ” 

“ Shut up! Now, we have to devise a plan. I will have Kim Hongjoong’s head. ” Minji says, sitting in her office chair. All that was left was a plan and she might have one already forming. 

Once they finally left her alone, they were getting on her nerves. Still pissed off at what that Captain had done, she needed something she could use against them. Something that would tear them apart and make them beg her for it back. But could it be? 

“ You wanted to see me? ” 

Looking up at the door, it was her trusted personal assistant, Siyeon.

“ Yes, I did, Come in. ”

Siyeon had been with her since they were kids. She was the first friend Minji made in school and they were inseparable ever since then. Having been there for when she and mother were abused by her dad, then murdered her dad after with his gun. She knows everything and has been there for her in the darkest parts of her life. Plus Minji has her wrapped around her finger.

“ I need you to find more on The HALAZIA gang, since we already know where they reside it shouldn't be that difficult, now right? ” Minji says, smirking when Siyeon agrees eagerly like a small puppy would do. 

“ Yes, I will do that. Anything else? ” Siyeon asked, who was looking at Minji like she hung the moon. With big eyes still after all these years looking so innocent. 

“ You may go now, I’ll see you later. ” 

“ I already know who you work for, so you are already screwed there. So, I’ll ask one more time, tell me what do you know about Minji’s plan? ” Hongjoong asked the guard, feeling calm and collected. Even if he already wanted to kill this man right then and there.

Hongjoong had been integrating this guy, more like torturing him, for the past few minutes. He wasn’t going to crack so easily, probably because of who he works for. Seeing as if he did talk or not, either way he’s a dead man. And Hongjoong was losing his last fucking nerve. But that’s why he has Seonghwa by his side, so his husband can keep him in line. Of course, the others were around too. Watching the scene unfold, standing by just in case something goes wrong. Also they weren’t in the ‘ special room ’, since Hongjoong’s ability was more so the last thing anyone wanted. He was the most dangerous and powerful out of all of them combined.

“ I’m waiting. Or do you want to get waterboarded again? ”  

While still not saying a word, the guy was soaking wet. His receding hairline, more like what was left of it, dripping wet like the suit he was wearing. Whole body shivering from the ice cold water constantly dumped onto his head. Eyes and nose burning from the extremely cold water, snot was dripping running down his nose. His whole face was a complete mess. Tremblingly in the chair he was tied up in, hands and feet secured with rope. Rubbing into his skin turning it red and raw, so tightly wrapped it broke into the skin bleeding and soaking into the rope slowly turning it red. 

Motioning for Seonghwa to blast him with water again, using his hands to create a large sized water ball. The cool and icy feeling coursing through him. Blasting the water right on his head, causing him to hunch over as much as he could with being tied up and into a coughing fit. 

“ Alright, alright! Minji only hired me to dig dirt on you! She’s preparing something for you! ” 

“ What is it! Tell me! ”

“ I, I don’t know! I really don’t know! Minii always kept it a secret! I swear! ” 

“ Let's assume you're telling the truth and what else does she know about me? ” Hongjoong calmly stated, circling around the guy’s hair. When he got quiet again, Hongjoong slapped him hard across his face.

“ What. does. she. know. about. me. ” Hongjoong says, pronouncing each word separately. Making sure to look him in the eyes with every word, scaring him even more than he already was. 

“ She knows where your hideout is! ” 

Hongjoong decided he had enough of this blubbering idiot. Taking out his gun from its holder on his waist, pulling the trigger going straight through his skull, between the eyes. 

“ Get rid of him, I’m bored. ” 

Hearing absolutely nothing of the guy behind him as San and Jongho dragged his dead body off in his chair. He would be going to be no more except a surprise waiting at a certain someone’s doorstep. 

********

“ I found something else regarding Kim Minji, hyung. ” 

“ What is it, San? Tell me.” Hongjoong says, while skimming through all the flies and papers, marking different things on the map that was laid out in front of him. 

“ She's the owner of the factory. ” San stated, handing over the copy of documents that proved it was her. 

Honestly, it wasn't much of a surprise. It does explain a lot on how they were able to get away with so much for over ten years. How they were able to get all the expensive medical supplies, the resources needed to pull something like this off. It was an extremely sad and heartbreaking thing to happen to just anyone. But they were going to make it right for Yeosang and Wooyoung, at least that was what Hongjoong kept telling himself every day and night. 

“ Thank you, San. You can go back to Wooyoung. ” Hongjoong said in a teasing tone, laughing at the way San’s face turned beet red. 

After San left and stumbled on his own feet out the door, it was back to being quiet again. Leaving Hongjoong to his own thoughts. He wondered how San and Wooyoung were doing. He knew the demon was smitten with the red head since day one. Anyone could have figured that out just by looking at them, glued to the hip already. They were good for each other, completely the other perfectly. Now, the other mystery was Yeosang and Jongho. The most quiet and reserved duo out of everyone. No one really would suspect a thing if they didn’t look close enough that is. He had heard there was a confession sometime ago but who knows how that worked out. It seemed they didn’t know what they were doing. Hongjoong could be wrong in all this but the only thing he hoped for was that they were happy. That’s all that he needed to hear, needed to know. 

“ Hey, Yeosang. What do you need? ” Hongjoong asked the hybrid, who looked extremely nervous judging by the way he was avoiding eye contact, looking at the ground instead.

“ Um…, I, um, wanted to ask something of you if that was okay. ” Yeosang asked, now sitting in front of the Captain not making any effort in the whole eye contact thing. 

“ Sure, tell me anything. ” Hongjoong says, now leaning forward on his desk giving Yeosang his full attention.

“ It's just this whole thing that has got me on edge and I can't seem to stop worrying about it, thinking about it, letting it consume my brain all the time and I just… ” 

Immediately before he could finish his sentence,  the dam finally breaks. All the confusion, pain, hurt, and his new found ability. It was all too much for the hybrid to handle. Weighing on him like bricks, one by one constantly stacking themselves on top of him. Building the highest, strongest wall. Or so Yeosang thought it was the highest and strongest. Until he met Jongho and the rest. It was almost like the siren understood on a level Yeosang couldn't comprehend yet. Heck, he doesn't even know his own story or how he met the others at all. Yeosang was so lost in his head that he didn't even notice Hongjoong get up from his chair. Until he felt arms wrap around him, his head buried in the other's shoulder.

All Hongjoong did was hold him. Not even saying or asking anything of him, just letting Yeosang sob his heart out. Yeosang didn’t even flinch or try to push him away, just held on tighter with his fist clenching tightly on the leader’s shirt as if he was scared he would disappear. Almost like how a child would do to their parent. Clinging and finding comfort in them when upset or scared, knowing they were safe in their embrace. That nothing could harm them, safe in their own little protective bubble. Which was something Yeosang never got to experience. Never got to know what it was like or how it felt to be held in such a way like that before. 

Of course Hongjoong wasn’t going anyway, he would never do such a thing. He would be more than happy to hold the hybrid for however long he needed. And now that’s exactly how Yeosang felt at this moment. Back to being a small child, who was scared and in need of comfort. Of feeling safe again. That thought alone made the hybrid cry even harder, not realizing just how much he had been holding in bottled up to never be seen again. But now, that was long gone. He could register the leader’s hand on his hair, softly petting his neon green and black striped hair. His grip never looses up, only holding him closer. Reminding him that he really wasn’t going anywhere. 

“ You okay now? Or do you need longer? ” Hongjoong asked, ever so patiently waiting for an answer.

After thinking about it for a minute and deciding he doesn’t feeling like talking anymore, just nods his head.

“ Ah, don’t want to speak. That’s completely fine, you don’t have to. ” Hongjoong says, while carefully standing the two of them back up. When they did, a loud sounding crack traveled through the office and it came from Hongjoong. 

“ Ah, fuck! I feel old especially after that one pop. ” Hongjoong curses out with a grimace expression on his face as he was stretching. 

All Yeosang could do was giggle at the funny sight of the leader, thinking it was hilarious. A beaming smile stretched across his face, failing miserably at hiding it. Even if he wasn’t trying to anyway.

“ Yeah, yeah, laugh at me all you. Gosh, you sound like San, Yunho and Mingi combined. Now, that’s scary, you know. ” Hongjoong says, smiling, obviously, not meaning his words at all. No matter how true they were. 

“ Let’s go find the other’s, alright. ”

Stepping out of the leader’s office, the empty hallway was bare of anyone in sight. As the two kept walking and walking in comfortable silence, somewhere along the way Yoesang had subconsciously slipped his hand in Hongjoong’s. Realizing and panicking a little on the inside, thinking that he was going to immediately pull away drawing his hand to his side. But that didn’t happen, at least not the way Yeosang thought it would go. Instead Hongjoong just holds onto his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze back without even looking at Yeosang or down at their intertwined hands. The sight made Yeosang feel at peace in his heart, something he didn’t even know himself was missing. He couldn’t help the small but proud smile on his face.

********

“ Put it right here in front of her doorstep. ” 

It was well after midnight. Hongjoong was on Minji’s doorstep of her home, mumbling out loud to himself reminding him of what to do. He had to come alone for this one or else Seonghwa wouldn’t be too happy with his decision after all. He was safely at home sound asleep in their bed, he was fine. But he couldn’t take any of the others with him, he had to do this one mission alone. It was personal, very personal after all. He had to leave her a prize, a gift if it would be called one. It will surely be one she’ll recognize immediately. Only if Hongjoong could just see her reaction, take a picture of it as a little reminder. But he had to get out here before someone saw him, even though that was highly unlikely. She did live in an extremely gated community but it wasn’t ,clearly, enough to keep out Hongjoong. Not when he had to kill the guard at the front, hiding his body in a nearby bush. They’ll find him in the morning, something to be all over the news the next day. Deciding to was time to go, Hongjoong leaves through the back and into the wooded area behind all the houses.

The gift was the head of her security guard, the informit. But turns out he was just so fucking useless.

Chapter Text

BREAKING NEWS:

“ Early this morning, a severed head was found on politician Kim Minji’s doorstep of her home. A nearby neighbor had reported the gruesome sight to local authorities after seeing it through their window. The head has now been identified as one of the security guards for Kim Minji.

Security cameras had been disabled around the perimeter of her home. Including all the neighbor’s cameras as well.  Reportedly, one of the neighbor’s had witnessed a strange hooded figure in all black leave the scene at 3 AM that same night. Could that person be the one who did this? Police say there were no fingerprints left behind around the home nor the severed head.  Unfortunately, we may never know who this mystery person may be. ”

Once the guy’s head was disposed of by Hongjoong himself right in front of Minji’s home. His head was the trophy as a warning for what was to come. Especially for her. She wasn’t even fazed by the behead of her once security guard. In fact, it made her smile in happiness. She never liked him anyway, so it was a job well done. Even though he was her informit, she could so easily just replace him and would be no loss to her at all. It would be such a tragedy for his family, of course. But with enough money and hosting a fake funeral, burying the dummy corpse into the ground. All was good with them hushed up. As much as she wanted to kill them, it would bring too much attention and therefore not worth it, sadly. 

Of course the news spread like wildfire. The city in distress and panic, wondering who would be next? Their curious little minds were scared of what’s to happen next.  Especially getting to watch such a thing on TV was so exciting for her. Almost laughable in a sick and twisted way. She had her own entertainment, something that was enjoyable to witness. The severed head was quickly taken care of, that’s what she had people for. To do her own dirty work, preserving her neat and tidy image to uphold. 

********

“ You did what! In the middle of the fucking night! ”

Seonghwa was pissed. Pissed at his husband for what he did. After waking up that same morning, this is the first thing he hears. Not a good morning or even a kiss, no it was worse than that. Hongjoong knew he was screwed, fucked even and not in the good way either.

“ Baby, listen. Let me explain - ” Hongjoong says desperately trying to get Seonghwa to listen to him. But of course, he got interpreted instead.

“ Don’t baby me! You just went out and did something that was so fucking stupid! Do want them to find us! It was all over the news, you fucking dumbass! What you did was so irresponsible, don’t you fucking realize that! ” Seonghwa yells, swearing, almost having a screaming match with his husband. The man was fucking livided. 

“ Hwa, I had to do something! Do want me to just sit by and fucking wait! I had to give her a message, a message so she knows what’s coming for her. Plus they will never figure out it was me! ” Hongjoong yelled just as loudly back, feeling like he has lost this argument. 

“ Really! That’s your reasoning for your immaturity! Sounding just like your old self! Fine, you can go off and do your own thing without me. Until then you're sleeping alone from tonight onward. ”

With that Seonhgwa leaves his office, slamming the door behind him. Hongjoong couldn’t take it anymore, he had to go after him. Bolting out of his office, speed walking down the long corridor. His head was racing, racing with every single possible worst thing that would come out of Seonghwa’s mouth. He didn't think his heart could take it, it was already broken as soon as he told him what he did last night. Sneaking off while Seonghwa was sound asleep, blissfully unaware what was to come. It wasn’t fair on him and the other’s as well. Not when they had all agreed to keep themselves low until the big event. But Hongjoong’s dumbass had to go and break that.

“ My Star, wait! ” Hongjoong yells, finally caught up with the other.

“ Don’t you dare use that name with me! It won’t work! ” Seonghwa yelled back, still sounding completely pissed off and not even turning around to stop. He just kept on walking forward and eventually reaching the stairs, skipping a couple at a time to try and get away from his own husband. Someone he didn’t feel like talking to right now but of course, Hongjoong just couldn’t respect that, could he. 

This time, Seonghwa heads out the back door that’s in the kitchen, disappearing outside and leaving Hongjoong behind. But not before slamming the huge glass sliding door, the sound echoing off the extremely high ceilings. 

********

Hearing them argue was painful. It was something Yeosang wasn't used to seeing from the couple. Well, he knew couples have disagreements but this one has his brain spiraling. He didn't mean to eavesdrop on them, not when all he could hear was yelling coming from the other side of the door. They were in Hongjoong's office, which explains a lot. The Captain has been holed up in there for who knows how long at this point. Proving once again the workaholic that he truly is. But he has a feeling it wasn't just all about work, it had to be something more to it. It wasn't even his place to be thinking this. His fault for stopping in the middle of the hallway when he was looking for Seonghwa. Wanting to speak to him again and take him to the greenhouse, something he’s been missing lately. Yeosang guesses it wasn't going to happen anyway, he’ll just go alone then. 

Without thinking, his feet carried him to the greenhouse for him. This has already become his most favorite place, getting away from everyone else for a while. He thought he was alone, lying on the same bench swing and turning over onto his side, his back towards the swing. Closing his eyes, thinking he might get a nap to rest his brain. Until he heard something. Thinking he could just ignore whatever it was, going back to his nap when it happened again and again. 

“ What is that noise? ” Yeosang says, mumbling to himself wondering what in the world he was hearing.

Deciding to just get up and investigate the noise, walking out of the greenhouse once more. Thankfully, Yeosang didn't have to go that far when just rounding the corner towards the back was Seonghwa. He was in another building just across from the greenhouse, throwing then building back up mounds of dirt, rocks, even sand. He seemed to be still angry from his argument with Hongjoong, judging by how quickly and fast he was going. Must have and still is pretty damn upset. Yeosang still doesn’t know what could have gotten him so livid with anger when Seonghwa was the most patient and understanding person Yeosang has ever met. It was a complete and utter mystery as to why and what the hell happened.

But at the same time, he thought it would be better to just leave Seonghwa alone. To him it looked like he didn't need to be disturbed or he might have felt Seonghwa's wrath. Which wouldn't have been fair for either of them. Leaving his favorite greenhouse behind and heading back inside, staying in his room instead. But that also may have been a bad idea too when he walked in on yet again another screaming match between Hongjoong and Yunho. They were in the middle of the living room this time and seemed like they didn't even notice his presence or if they did, neither of them cared. Choosing to ignore the newcomer in the room as them. Beelining for the upstairs and to his room, which was his second destination. Luckily, this time he wasn't alone. Wooyoung was curled up in bed with a pillow wrapped around the back of his head, blocking his ears. 

“ Hey, Youngie what’s wrong? ” 

As soon as Yeosang had gotten himself comfortable next to his best friend, Wooyoung had lost it even more. Sobbing ecstatically, strugglingly to properly breathe while in Yeosang’s arms. He was taking heavy gulps of air through his mouth but clearly wasn’t helping, just making him feel worse than he was. All Yeosang could do was just hold him, letting Wooyoung cry his heart out before he could tell what had made him so upset and distraught. Yeosang instead let his mind wander to Seonghwa and Hongjoong, the two people he practically saw as the parent’s he’s always wanted so badly as a child. He knows he can speak the same for Wooyoung too, knowing already he feels the same way about them as he does.  

He kept thinking what had they argued about that caused them to yell. Yell and scream who knows how but it left a teary eyed Seoghwa walking out of his husband’s office. Who looked like he was seconds away from having a full on breakdown. What could have been so bad? He will admit, he tried to listen through the door but all he could hear were two muffled voices. All the time that Yeosang has been with this gang, he had never seen them have an argument this bad before. It was something that was new and he didn’t like one bit. It wasn’t okay and needed to be fixed soon or else they are all screwed. 

“ Are you okay now? Do you want to talk about it? ” Yeosang asked his best friend, who just pointed at the door without saying anything. It took a minute for Yoesang to understand what Wooyoung meant by his pointing but he thinks he has it figured out. 

“ You don’t like the yelling from downstairs? Correct? ” Yeosang asked once more and this time receiving a nod confirming his theory.

“ I’m sorry you don’t like it and frankly, I don’t either. But I don’t think there’s anything we can do, Youngie. ” 

********

“ What the hell were you thinking! Trying to get us exposed like this! ” Yunho screeched out, not believing a single word he just heard with his own two ears.

“ You sound like Seonghwa and I, just let me explain - ” Hongjoong says, trying desperately to explain but it seems like he was getting nowhere. 

“ I wonder why.  Give me one damn good reason as to why. ” Yunho said for one final time, his arms crossed in front of him waiting for an answer. 

Hongjoong tried to open his mouth but instead nothing came out, looking like a fish out of water. He knew he fucked up big time. If Seonghwa didn’t want to listen to him then how the hell was he supposed to get any of the others to listen? Impossible. Yunho won’t listen to him and he knows for a fact that if he went to Mingi, he would just stick up with his boyfriend instead. Yeosang and Wooyoung were out of the question. After he heard Wooyoung, who was crying so loudly that he heard him all the way downstairs. Yeosang was most likely with him right now, comforting the upset hybrid. San and Jongho were a no go, and didn't even want to try them. Knowing his fate would end in a punch to the face with a broken nose and two black eyes. Maybe he should go see them just so he can get what he deserves for being a dick. It would probably make them feel better but would also end in him getting the cold shoulder. 

“ That’s what I thought. I’m leaving. ” 

Was the last thing Yunho said before disappearing, most likely to find Mingi and tell him all about it. Since he’s been in his med room all day, he probably has no idea what happened. Now, all Hongjong wanted to do was cry. Cry for being such a fucking idiot. Cry for all the frustration and hopelessness he’s been feeling lately. The election was drawing closer and closer, making the Captain nervous as hell. Something he hasn't been about in years. The worst of all was that he couldn’t exactly pinpoint why he felt this way or where his feelings came from. Feeling was something he’s shit at doing. 

Hongjoong did exactly that. Falling to his knees right in the middle of their living room, sobbing with his face in his hands. 

Chapter Text

The next day things weren’t better. Hongjoong and Seonghwa still weren’t talking, didn’t even sleep in the same bed or let alone room. Hongjoong had to stay in the spare bedroom they had, at least this time it came in handy for something. The way the two weren't talking to each other was borderline scary yet comical at the same. Just at every chance Hongjoong gets they'll catch him following Seonghwa sometimes like a lost puppy. But what was even more hilarious was the fact that Seonghwa still ignored the poor Captain, committed to giving his husband the cold shoulder. One might think Seonghwa was legit serious and still upset about the whole situation but secretly after, Yeosang could see him smirking to himself. Grinning from ear to ear, pushing his lips together. Trying his hardest to not bust out laughing. It seemed he was doing this on purpose just to mess with Hongjoong. And poor Hongjoong fell right into the trap Seonghwa laid out for him. It was honestly a good plan, teaching him a lesson in the end. The day the Captain broke down was just as funny. 

“ Alright, fine! I'm sorry! So so sorry, Hwa. I won't do something like this again. Just please stop ignoring me, I can't take it anymore. ” Hongjoong pleaded, knowing damn well how desperate he looked but that didn't matter to him. What mattered was his husband's forgiveness.

“ You’ve been forgiven this whole time, so stop with the sorrys. ” Seonghwa says, teasing his husband and watching his face go from desperate to horrified.

“ You’ve been messing with me this whole time! To think I bought you an ‘ I’m sorry ’ gift. ” Hongjoong says, teasing his husband right back.

“ Wait, you bought me a gift? You didn’t have to - ”

Before Seonghwa could utter another word, he was cut off by Hongjoong kissing him. Of course he reciprocated the kiss, wrapping his arms around his husband’s neck. Feeling warm but calloused hands going up into his shirt holding his waist tightly. Lips moving in sync, getting lost in one another. Even though this started because of a fight, it still no matter what felt so good and so right to have a moment like this. When it’s been a while since it was only the two of them. Being so swept up in this case and work, this was much needed. 

“ As much as I would love to kiss you all day long, I have to get back to work. ” Hongjoong mumbles out in between kisses, never will get sick of those lips. Been married for all these years and yet it's Hongjoong worst addiction, obsession even. 

“ Alright, stop, you have to go. ” Seonghwa says, giggling with a small little smile on his face, hearts present in his eyes.

********

After Hongjoong leaves, going back to work in his office. Seonghwa was left on his own, still in the hallway where he had meant to go find San and Jongho. 

Remembering that they must be in the basement after overhearing them talking about it. It was probably something that Hongjoong had ordered them to take care of. Reaching the door, surprised to find it's locked. It was only ever locked when they weren't using it, so it was a little weird. But luckily, they all carried a key to unlock the door if it was needed in a situation. As soon as Seonghwa opened it, he was hit with an overwhelming scent of something he couldn't place a name on yet. Walking further down the steps, the more potent the smell was and an awful one at that. The sight before him was something that words couldn't describe. Finally knowing where the smell came from, he should have known that it was. Now that it was obvious to him and knowing that this scene made much more sense. 

“ What are you two doing? And you couldn't get me to help? Rude. ”

At the sound of someone’s voice, the duo turned around realizing it was Seonghwa. Which was a relief and a curse at the same time. He was more the forgiving and forgetful person while Hongjoong was the complete opposite. Seonghwa liked to let people hold onto what they have done, letting them live with whatever horrible thing they’ve committed. Doesn't meant he didn't like his fair share of torture. That was his specialty, using it to his advantage. Hongjoong didn’t like to give people mercy like his husband.  Possessing an incredibly powerful ability that has had many people tremble in fear, which was the ironic part because that’s exactly what he does. They may be polar opposites but it was what made them so wonderful together. 

Without any of them getting the chance to respond back, Seonghwa makes his way over to the two barely hanging on men. They were obviously in horrible condition, having still worn the beyond tattered clothes that don’t really resemble anything anymore. Just worn out pieces of fabric that were barely on by a few threads. Giant holes that have either been pulled apart or have already sagged by being stretched out too far. The mental hospital uniforms looked nice more to be rags than actual fabric. 

The room was filthy, just like the two men in it were. Even though Seonghwa could call them worse names, that wasn’t important right now. They had their own special plan for them.

“ You're lucky it’s just me, so be grateful. ” Seonghwa emphasized, biting back a little for the reminder that he knew he was right. His face was neutral, void of any emotion as he spoke. 

The two were now tied back to the metal table with their neck, hands, torso, legs and ankles all bonded by the same thick leather straps. That hasn't been cleaned or changed out since, still caked with blood and pieces of dried, rotten dead skin practically glued to the leather. Same can go for the table also, more layers of caked on dried blood and the blackened scorch marks from where Yeosang had zapped them. Walking up to the two men, now standing in front of them. Grabbing onto what was left of what used to be a collar, into his fist wearing a hardened expression. Eyes darkening, piercing holes into them. 

“ This is going to be your very last chance to confess what Minji’s plan is. Or your death is going to come a lot sooner. And it won’t be me who pulls the trigger. Now start talking. ”  Seonghwa demanded, leaving no room in his voice for fighting back against his words. 

“ She wants to….take over the whole…..country. Getting elected…..president…is just the beginning. ”

“ Just…kill me. Please. That’s all..I know. ” 

Now that was surprising. Seonghwa half expected him to put up a fight, argue back how he just wanted out of here and how to only spare his ‘ lover ’. But the man just admitted defeat. Waving an invisible white flag, showing mercy and already giving up in his life. It would be such a sad way to go out. No fighting back needed, just already wanting death. At least this was one less thing for them to hold onto. Also strangely enough, Seonghwa felt in him that this man was telling the truth. He seemed to not be lying about this and is actually telling the truth. 

“ Alright, deal. I’ll believe you. But your death goes my way. ”

Nodding towards San and Jongho, who were still left in the room. The two knew what Seonghwa meant with no words needed to be spoken. Having already discussed this beforehand, it was easy to figure out what was about to happen. Leaving and returning not long after with Yeosang and Wooyoung in tow. Not long after were the rest of them coming in. The hybrids had already before said that this was what they both mutually wanted. Something that had been buried in them, an urge to get back. An urge to have their revenge and plus some fun for their own amusement. Of course Hongjoong had explicitly told them that this is what they wanted and there was no backing out of this once it started. He wasn’t judging them for their choice but just double checking that this is what they both wanted. After coming to an agreement, it was settled. Once Yeosang had stepped foot inside, the reaction from the man was so amusing to watch. To be able to witness. Panicked look in his eyes, rocking back and forth against the table. Even though it wasn't easy with how depleted their energy was. 

“ Oh, don’t be scared. It’s only going to hurt a little. Now hold still. ” 

Without even having any of them give Yeosang the go ahead, he can do this on his own. That was what he kept telling himself with Wooyoung by his side to help. No matter how much he was pent up in nerves, this had to be done. For his own sanity, which had by now slipped and left him completely. No more was he the terrified hybrid he was in the beginning. No more will he be scared of what or who hurt him and Wooyoung in the past. Sick and tired of carrying around the hurt, the pain, the memories that burden them so much. It was time to just let it go, to just stop carrying it around with him. 

“ Use this if you want or do it however you want. ” Hongjoong said, whispering in the hybrid’s ear. He had come up behind Yeosang, handing him his most prized possession of his gun collection.

Taking the gun in his hand before giving it back to Hongjoong after thinking about it for not even a second. The Captain wasn’t even fazed by that decision when he was the one who told him that he could do whatever he wanted. Hongjoong also took notice of how nervous Jongho was. That was something unlike him at all, not when he was so composed and put together. But he can understand where the siren was coming from. Just one look was enough to tell Hongjoong everything he needed to know. Jongho did express this, bravely, in the meeting they all had previously before any of this. So, it wasn’t hard to put those two things together. 

Just looking at this piece of shit, an excuse of a human being. It ingated something in the hybrid causing both arms all the way down to his hands to light up. Neon green coursing through his veins, almost glowing in the dark. Eyes a solid neon green, just glowing green spheres. The static caused his neon green/black striped hair to stand up on his own, floating and glowing above his head. Wooyoung was in a similar state as he was. Glowing fiery red hair, eyes turned into black slits. The chocolate brown of his eyes were replaced with a glowing red, the same as his hair was. His tongue was now forked and black, split down the middle only going so far down. A thick, black liquid was salivating from his mouth, down his lips and to his chin. 

In just a split second, Wooyoung had pounced on Minho. Going for his neck, sinking his teeth in the flesh. His veins turned black with each pump of Wooyoung’s venom into his neck. Slowly creeping up his neck and finally reaching his face. Eyes rolling to the back, his head now slumped completely back onto the table. His screams of pain had stopped, body no lying limp and lifeless on the metal table. 

He was now dead. 

Yeosang had been more than ready to take out the bastard. Feeling all the anger and hurt, he zapped his body. Watching it violently twitch and move, shaking vigorously on the table. Loudly banging and clanging against the concrete flooring. It was the most satisfying thing Yeosang had ever witnessed. Something about watching, seeing the life of a body leave. Just like that. It was all he had ever needed since joining this gang. His new awakening, him becoming a whole new person. Soon he was now dead too. With his body having stopped moving all together. 

Chapter Text

“ I’m proud of you and Wooyoung. Now, let me take care of the bodies. ”

That was the last thing Hongjoong told Yeosang, whispering it in his ears. Like it was just meant for the two of them to hear only. It felt weirdly nice hearing Hongjoong praise him but also in the best way possible. It was also one of the first times this has happened and he hoped it won't be the last time either. 

After coming down from what just took place, Yeosang was quickly back to normal. He literally transformed into another person almost. A feeling like no other, nothing he has never felt before in his life. He was somewhat aware of how his ability worked but nowhere near to that extent. This was beyond his own imagination, going over his head on just how powerful he really is. It was an exciting feeling, making him feel alive again.  Yeosang had already made up his mind when he agreed to do this. He was sick and tired of feeling so much hurt and pain, carrying around a burden on his mind. Weighing him down so much everyday. When that weight was lifted off of him for good, he could almost scream in happiness. Just pouring every single thing into him killing his abusers. Pouring out all the pain, hurt, memories into all he had. Making them feel, having them suffer just like they did to them all those years ago. 

Feeling so free from the two people that took away his life. A feeling Yeosang never ever thought he would be worthy of getting to experience. He had wholeheartedly believed that this was his life forever. So strongly believing that this was how his life would end. End with him being murdered, long forgotten by everyone. Closing the chapter, marking it as the end. But now things are completely different. Something only Yeosang could have dreamed of, not it becoming his reality. His own life of all things. 

He never wanted that feeling to end.

Wooyoung was in the boat as he was. Except this time he was wearing a bright beaming smile on his face. A grand contrast to what he just committed not even five minutes ago. But the one thing that mattered was he was happy. So happy in fact he had almost squished the life out of San in the giant hug he gave him. Nuzzling his head into his neck still wearing that same happy smile. San was whispering something into the hybrid’s ear causing Wooyoung to start giggling, his face quickly matching his hair. For San, he looked no better than Wooyoung did. A small, fond smile on his face with a dimple poking out of his cheek. All the while looking down at Wooyoung like he was the most precious person ever. Especially with those lovesick eyes that can’t go unnoticed either. 

Once Hongjoong had done what he said, sticking to his word like he always promises. The two bodies were taken in by Mingi, saying he wanted to do something with them. It was probably another one of his ideas or something. But Hongjoong didn’t seem to care, so he let the witch do as he pleases with the bodies. Also with Yunho helping his boyfriend and coming back for the body. Now that the basement was free of corpses, Seonhgwa worked on cleaning the whole room. Since he can manipulate water and really any liquid, it's no surprise that cleaning is another specialty of his. 

“ You okay? ” 

Jumping from the voice behind him, turning around it was Jongho. He didn't even notice the siren behind him nor did he hear him coming.

“ Oh! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I need to stop sneaking up on you like this, I'm sorry. ” Jongho pleaded, apologizing frantically.

“ No, I'm not mad. Stop apologizing, please. You're fine. ” Yeosang says jokingly, still can't help but giggle at the hilarious sight of Jongho waving his hands around.

“ You're laughing at me. ” Jongho says, pouting, trying to sound mean but failing with the growing smile on his face.

“ How about I make it up to you then? ” 

Now that got Jongho’s attention.

********

Yeosang had decided to take Jongho to his favorite place on the property. Which of course was Seonghwa’s greenhouse. In the hybrid's opinion, it's the best for him at least. So, sharing it with Jongho was a big deal even if it wasn't technically a secret place. But still, that didn't matter to Yeosang. All that mattered was that he was showing him something that was special to him. 

“ You took me to the greenhouse? Not to be rude or anything but why? ” Jongho asked in confusion, his eyebrow raised looking around at all the plants. 

Yeosang knew he wasn't trying to be mean or disrespectful. He really did sound genuinely confused, so it wasn't a big deal nor was his feelings hurt in any way.

“ This is my favorite place, I guess you could call it that. This isn’t ridiculous is it? ” Yeosang asked, feeling shy all of a sudden. Already doubting himself in his head, thinking this wasn’t a good idea. 

“ No, that’s not what I meant. I love that you felt comfortable enough to share this with me. ” Jongho reassured him, meaning every word even if he wanted to say more.

“ Okay. ”

Once the two sat down on the same bench swing Yeosang and Seonghwa were using a while back. He had loved talking with the older male. He also had come to love his greenhouse even more since that day. Visiting every time he got the chance to escape from the others. Don't get him wrong, he has over time come to love the others. He won't trade them for anything. They were his found family. Giving them a nice view of the greenhouse with its many plants and flowers. It really was Yeosang's favorite place to be. With how quiet it was and the silence that came with it after. Working to calm down his spiraling brain, shutting down all the negativity. His way of pushing the off button, just letting himself relax.

“ So, um, I was just wondering if I could know your story. ” Yeosang asked, feeling once again shy all over again. 

“ Oh. Okay that's fine. ” Jongho said, taking back slightly at the question even though he shouldn't really be surprised. 

“ If it's too much for you - ”

“ No, it's okay. You have every right to know. ” 

With that, Jongho starts off in the beginning of course. How he was a choir student in high school, taking extra music courses. Explaining that his dream was to be a famous singer. Singing was his passion, something he was determined to thrive for. But it wasn't until one day in rehearsal, he had discovered his ability. It was by complete accident, he didn't ever mean to chase any harm. Just out of his control. What happened was that every student, including the teacher, was mind controlled by his singing. Outing the fact that he was a siren. Who’s song can lure people into doing what he wants since he now has control over their minds. As crazy as that might sound, it was true. After Jongho had snapped out of the daze he was in, he was horrified to find out what he had caused. 

That very same day everyone was terrified of him, running away whenever he tried to profusely apologize over and over. His teacher wrongly accused him of doing this own purpose, like this was his plan all along. Now that was fucked up to blame a high school student of such a thing that wasn't even true. The next day, Jongho had received the worst news of his life. They expelled him for good. He wasn't allowed back into the school even again. And who would want a kid who got expelled when it wasn't even his fault to begin with. 

Somewhere halfway through the story, Jongho felt something gentle land on his shoulder. Stopping himself mid way to look down he sees that Yeosang had laid his head on his shoulder. Eyes that had fluttered closed, eyelashes resting gently on his cheeks. To make matters worse, he had both of his arms wrapped loosely around Jongho’s. He seemed to have lightly dozed off with his eyes closed and his breathing steady. 

Jongho could feel heat rise up to his face, coating his cheeks in a red blush. He couldn't believe this was happening. This was something he had only dreamed about, not something to actually happen to him. Of course he wasn’t upset or angry, how could he be? Not when he had the most beautiful person nuzzled into his side. Hanging on to his arm and shoulder like this. Someone who he has had the world’s massive crush on. It was doing something to his already increasing heart rate, hoping he was the only one that could hear the thumping in of it in his ears.

But now he has to gain back his focus, not getting distracted ( rightfully so ) by the literal sleeping beauty next to him.

Deciding it was time to run away, the guilt and shame was too much to bear for him. Never wanting to show his face ever again in the town he lived in. Stupidly leaving without anything except the clothes he was wearing. All Jongho could do was run and run to just get away from everything. Of course he didn’t even get that far, only into the city. But sadly luck wasn’t on Jongho’s side, next thing that happens is he sees a group of kids from his school. Once they find him, they immediately recognize him. Before he could even think about running in the opposite direction, they already caught up with him. 

Dragging him into an alleyway, scared out of his mind. Trying to escape the students grip who were the ones to throw him against the brick wall. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees something shining. It was a pocket knife. A knife that was soon impaled into Jongho’s side over and over again. At first Jongho couldn’t register what was going on until a few seconds later when he felt the pain after. Instantly shooting up his entire body, blood pouring out of him at a rapid rate. His hand flew to hold his wounded side, hand immediately covered in his own blood.

It didn’t take long for Jongho to collapse in the alleyway, mind floating somewhere far away. Until everything was dark. Didn’t even seem to notice the screams of terror, hurried footsteps leaving Jongho to slowly bleed out. 

“ I'm sorry you had to go through with that. ” Yeosang said, trailing off in thought in his sleepy state, not knowing what to really say at all. 

“ It’s okay, it was a long time ago. I’ve accepted it, come to peace with it. ” Jongho says, having nothing more to say.

“ Mmm. ”  

Was all Jongho got in return as a response from Yeosang who had fallen asleep on his shoulder. The siren couldn't even be mad when he fell asleep after telling his life story. It might have seemed kinda rude but Jongho couldn't care less. He really didn't mind nor did he feel angry about this. Blame it on him for being too smitten and in love with the hybrid who has stolen his heart in a short amount of time. 

Thinking he might just sit here since he really can’t move without waking up Yeosang, which was something Jongho definitely didn’t want to be the cause of.

However much time had passed was beyond Jongho, who also dozed off for a while. Even then through droopy eyes, it wasn’t enough to stop him from watching Yeosang sleep. It might come off as a little creepy but Jongho didn’t care. Until he had gotten woken up by someone coming inside the greenhouse. Settling the small panic he felt after realizing it was just San with Wooyoung beside him.

“ Oh, sorry. It’s just we’re about to have a meeting and I was looking for you. ” San says, apologizing. Eyes landing immediately on a sleeping Yeosang. 

“ It’s okay, I didn’t want to wake him up. He seemed tired when we came in here. ” Jongho shared while not even looking up from Yeosang.

One thing was for sure, Jongho didn’t even realize the expression he was wearing. Looking like a lovesick fool, so fondly and content right where he is. In the midst of them trying to talk quietly without waking up Yeosang, it didn't work. Who's eyes flutter open, looking around at everyone before letting out a big yawn.

“ I’ll leave you two alone, come on Woo. Let’s leave the lovebirds alone. ” San says, teasing the other with a knowing smile on his face. Glaring at the demon who just laughed at him, tugging Wooyoung with him out of the greenhouse.

“ What did they want? ” Yeosang asked, who was now awake but still was feeling a little sleepy. 

“ You’re so cute and all sleepy. ” Jongho says, thinking that thought out loud before he can stop his mouth from forming the sentence. It was already too late. 

“ Wait! I didn’t mean that! Well, yeah I kinda did…No I didn’t! I’m sorry - ” 

“ It’s okay. ” Yeosang says, smiling from ear to ear. Finding the other too endearing to just look away. 

What Jongho didn’t expect to happen was a kiss. Not just any kiss. A kiss from Yeosang, something he never thought would happen. It wasn’t by all means perfect but to Jongho it was. It was so perfect in every single way for him. Much more than he could ever dream of, it was just so perfect or he really must be in love. But sadly, it was gone to Jongho’s disappoint. 

“ W-what was that? Not that I’m complaining, just confused. ” Jongho says, eyes widening in surprise.

“ You were also too cute to resist and not just because of your rambling. ” Yeosang giggled, still smiling. 

“ I think we need to go meet with the others. ” 

********

“ Now that everyone is here. Let’s get started. This election is a few more months away, just enough time for us to come up with a tragedy. Mingi, you have something. ”

“ I have changed the formula for the masks. Adding more of the removable glue to the inside so it will have a chance of less wrinkling when putting it on. Being able to smooth it out more and blending it into the skin. Even though I had to use a bit of my magic to even out what I couldn’t with just a paint brush. ” Mingi says, holding up an example of a sample mask he had made. 

It really was an improvement on Mingi’s end. They looked too realistic, like he was holding this person’s severed head in his hands. Just minus all the blood and the never forgetting smell. Mingi really did do such a wonderful and convincing job, it was completely astonishing on how damn good of a job the witch did. 

“ Damn, you really out did yourself. This is so awesome. ” San says, complimenting the witch’s work.

“ I did find something that’s quite concerning and I thought everyone should be aware of this. ” Jongho says, hesitating to even voice what it was. 

“ It’s about Minji and her ability. She can tap into someone’s mind, only going in with the sole purpose of whatever she wants. Meaning that she can do that to any of us and finding out who knows what she’s after without us knowing what that is. ” 

Once Jongho had finished in the best way he could, the whole room was silenced. He did make an excellent point that was indeed a terrifying one to think about. Another mystery that was at least solved about this woman. 

“ Her ability is a unique one to put it lightly but it does have its limits. It can only be used on one person at a time for a few minutes. Basically possession. ”

“ That opens up a whole new door for us. ” 

“ I know which is why we need to have a foolproof plan of how to prevent her from doing such to one of us. But that thought is also a mystery. ” 

This was the very first time that no one had anything to add at all. It was the weirdest yet scariest thing Yeosang had seen from them. Usually, everyone was so talkative and lively during these meetings and this one was a rare exception. No one seemed to be brave enough to say anything. Not a single one of them wanted to take the bullet and say something, anything really. Maybe the things they’re thinking are sending them downwards into their own thoughts. Preferring them to just stay there and not out in the open, sharing it with everyone else to hear. But someone had to speak up, keeping themselves quiet might have seemed to be the safest. Would much rather take the easy way out instead of facing whatever was plaguing them. 

Yeosang was more than willing to take it for them. 

“ Alright, I can’t take this silence any longer. One of you just stop being scared and voices whatever it is you’re thinking. ” Yeosang demanded, leaning back into his seat with his arms crossed in front of him.

“ You’re right. ” 

“ We really need something to go by. We have absolutely nothing to work with. ” Yunho says, feeling already defeated.

“ No, we have to have something here. If she can possesse, then we have to find how it works and the weakest that maybe we can use to our advantage. ” Seonghwa suggested, looking around at everyone with nervousness. 

“ That’s a wonderful idea, Hwa. Let's use that. ” 

********

After working a bit more on it before deciding it was getting late and calling it quits. They’ll just meet again in the morning tomorrow. So far, they’ve made excellent progress despite the minor seat back but everything was good for now at least. Heading to bed for the night hoping to get some much needed sleep except for Hongjoong. 

Hongjoong who just couldn’t stop thinking about the fight he and Seonghwa had earlier in the week. He knew Seonghwa had already forgiven him and wasn’t even mad anymore half way through him giving Hongjoong the cold shoulder. But for some strange reason, it was all he could think about. Lying in bed next to the love of life, the one person who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with was currently in his arms. Who he thought was asleep already but at last, was not. 

“ Why aren’t you asleep? I can hear your thoughts turning your head, what’s wrong? ” Seonghwa says, finally opening his tired eyes looking up at his husband’s face. 

“ I can’t seem to stop thinking about our fight. ” Hongjoong confesses, already getting it out and in the open knowing damn well Seonghwa would eventually figure it out on his own. 

“ Why? I forgave you, remember? There’s nothing to be worried about here. ” 

“ I know, you’re right but It just reminded me of my old self. Back when we first got married, living in that shitty ass apartment. Back when I had high hopes and dreams to make the world better, when I was careless with what I thought was right. Never thinking about the consequences after. ” 

For a moment, Hongjoong had thought that maybe Seonghwa accidentally fell back asleep given how it was 2 AM. But, he was once again wrong. Seonghwa had removed himself from Hongjoong’s arms and has now pushed himself up further so he was eye to eye with his husband. 

“ Don’t talk like that, I don’t like it. If you think that’s where you are reverting back to, you’re wrong. You’ve grown so much over the years and us being married. Don’t think about those things. Yes, those things did help shape you into the person you are today. But they don’t define who you are. I loved you then and I still love you now. Just how you are. Does that make sense? ”

Right when Seonghwa was done giving his heartfelt speech, he could feel warm yet gentle hands cupping his face. Thumbs wiping away the tears that Hongjoong didn’t even realize were falling nor did he realize he was sobbing. Falling into Seonghwa’s arms, letting his husband just hold him tightly. His shoulders were shaking, face buried into his neck. It felt so good to be able to hear those words, something he hasn’t heard in such a long time. After it took a while for Hongjoong to cry himself out,  he was finally fresh out of tears. Having them all out on Seonghwa’s pajama shirt.  

“ Hey, don’t worry about me. I’ll change while you get nice comfortable again in bed, I’ll be back in no time. ”

With a kiss onto his forehead, Hongjoong was out like a light as soon as his head hit the pillow. Soon being occupied once again by his Star right next time just like he said he would. 

Chapter Text

Wooyoung was startled awake when he heard a noise that honestly scared him a little. Jolting awake in the middle of the night wasn't the best thing in the world. Getting himself out of bed, heart still hammering his chest from being woken up. It was a good thing that Yeosang was still asleep, curled up in the comforter and his green hair a complete mess on his pillow. The sight alone brought a smile to Wooyoung’s lips curving up into fondness for his best friend. 

Quietly as possible, Wooyoung opened their bedroom door making sure to stay as quiet as he could. After gently closing the door behind him, luckily no one was awake at this hour. The only light source was the moonlight shining through all the floor length windows. Hallway was bare of anyone, which was a good thing in Wooyoung’s favor. Making it highly unlikely that he would get caught. 

Immediately finding the source of the noise after walking around, listening patiently to see if it would happen again. Almost giving up, thinking it was just nothing and should probably head back to bed before Yeosang realizes he's gone. But before Wooyoung could turn himself around, he heard that same noise again. This time it sounded a lot like it was coming from one of the meeting rooms. 

“ Sannie? ” 

Was the first thing Wooyoung said when he poked his head through the slightly opened door. He started to be quiet, just whispering as to not startle San. But it seemed to not even work, the demon jumping out of his skin and turning around to see where the voice came from. Dropping the pen that was previously in his hand was now on the floor, rolling underneath the large table. Luckily, it was Wooyoung.

“ Oh, it’s just you. Why are you still awake at this hour? ” 

“ I heard a noise that woke me and wanted to see where it came from, sorry. ” Wooyoung says, apologizing with a slight pout, feeling guilty for even disturbing San and his work. 

“ Please don’t be sorry, it’s okay. I had dropped one of these smaller books by accident. Plus I think you should go back to sleep, I’ll see in the morning. ” San said, getting up from his seat, bending down to pick the pen up from the floor and getting himself right back to work. 

“ But I don’t want to leave. ” Wooyoung says, pleading with San to let him stay. 

“ Go back to sleep, Woo. ” 

Deciding to go against his words, Wooyoung stayed standing right where he was at the door. He wasn't going to leave until he got what he wanted. Might sound like he's a brat but Wooyoung didn't care. After a few minutes, San seemed to realize that Wooyoung wasn't going to leave. Not like he didn't want him to never. Even though what San was doing involved the hybrid too, he just didn't want to drag him into it. Especially when it's in the middle of the night like right now. 

“ Alright, come here. You can sit in my lap but in your snake form, okay. ” San said, who couldn't keep the smile off his face at how Wooyoung’s face brightened up. He was too cute at times.  

Climbing into his lap and getting himself comfortable, head buried in his neck.  Forlong, Wooyoung had already shifted into his snake form. This time it was his small form, not his large and scary one. Which was something else he had discovered about himself with the help of Mingi earlier that same week. It didn’t take long for Wooyoung to eventually fall asleep, curled himself up around San’s neck. Of course he wasn’t even close to being strong even to squeeze with him being too tiny and small to do that. That was fortunately a huge plus and relief for the hybrid. 

It wasn’t long after where San got comfortable with the hybrid loosely around his neck, a comforting sensation that was very much welcomed. Even though Wooyoung was cold to the touch, it was a nice feeling around his neck. In a way it cooled him off a little bit with how stuffy this room was, which he was just now realizing. Since he was so into his work, he never took notice of how warm it was here. 

Soon, Wooyoung fell asleep. His snake body became still, heating up from San’s body heat. 

“ What are we going to do now? ” 

The only thing that could come out of Yunho's mouth. Honestly none of them didn't know what to do either, since this was extremely important yet terrifying at the same time. But they couldn't be scared, just like Yeosang said, it wasn't going to help them in any way. 

“ After digging through some old books on the topic of the mind, I found a section that’s strictly for possession. I tried my best to understand the text but even this is out of my knowledge. ” San said, defeated and frustrated at himself. 

“ It's okay, Sannie. You tried your best and that's all that matters. ” 

Wooyoung was right. He had found San in one of the meeting rooms with a dim lamp next to him. Hunched over stacks and stacks of books, a well loved and used notebook next to him with a pen in hand. Fastly writing and scribbling notes on the paper. He had been there with San, trying his best to keep the demon company. Even though San had protested at first, eventually he had given up and let Wooyoung onto his lap in his snake form of course. Making it a lot easier on San to do his work and actually see the text in front of him instead of trying to look over the hybrid’s shoulder. 

In the end when San had just finished, Wooyoung had fallen asleep around his neck. 

“ We need to know how her possession works or how to pervent it, which is just been a fucking mystery at this point. No matter how much research I do, it’s always a dead end. ” San says, who was feeling quite guilty.

Of course Wooyoung always takes notice of San, trying his best to bring back that pretty dimpled smile that the hybrid has come to love. 

“ Tell us what you’ve found out so far, San. ” 

“ All we know is that she can get inside a person’s mind to gain whatever she’s after. Forcing the host to give up their consent and letting her inside. That was it. Everything I had read had said the exact same thing over and over again. ” 

Once again as everyone else started to converse and discuss things, Yeosang wasn’t listening to a single thing. Her ability was intriguing, that much was true. Plus with knowing how little it works or the prevention of it was almost like it didn’t exist. A made up thing that’s sole purpose was to throw people off. It was kind of genius, really. But that also couldn’t have been it either when she was the literally living proof that it did exist. Something about it was nagging at the hybrid, something Yeosang couldn’t quite figure out yet. To him it seemed extremely odd because there should have been records kept of this. But as far as San could find, there was absolutely nothing written about it. Through all of the books that were practically tombs with how thick they were, it was always a dead end. 

The more Yeosang thought about it until one thought suddenly occurred to him. 

“ Have you thought about it maybe being something that was made up? ” 

Once the words had left Yeosang’s mouth, everyone looked at him like he was a little bit crazy. Maybe he was for suggesting something that was a stretch but at least it was something to go off of. If it didn’t lead to more dead ends than maybe they have a shot at this theory.

“ Imagine if it was all made up. It would make sense as to why San can’t find anything written, records nothing that talks about possession. Yes, there are some myths out there that exist but what if they were all true. Then covered up because the truth of it all was too terrifying to comprehend. ” Yeosang explained his reasoning, finishing and nervously watching the reactions of everyone. 

“ That does make sense, actually. Wait, I remember reading something about a myth or really a legend about this creature. ” San says as he is frantically flipping through pages and pages until he stops, finding what he was looking for. 

“ Here it is, I found it. It says here that hundreds of years ago a peaceful day was disturbed in this village where all of a sudden everyone who lived there dropped dead out of nowhere. When the word spread of what happened, no such village existed. Since there were no witnesses or sightings of anything unusual, it was left forgotten to be erased from time. ” 

“ If that was what had happened, then maybe it was a cover up? Like someone didn’t want to get themselves caught? ” Yunho added on his thoughts.

That actually made sense. With no records of it ever existing, who could have possibly done something so drastic all to just hide away? 

********

“ What is it? ”

Yunho had wiped himself around at the sound of Mingi’s voice. It honestly had startled him, making him jump and accidentally hit his head on the closet’s ceiling. Which also had his foot collide with something, kicking it in the process. A good thing he was wearing shoes. Looking down after stubbing his toes, he realizes looking at it that it was the makeshift oxygen tank. On closer inspection, something was sticking out of it; the little door on the side was slightly opened. It was something they had all forgotten about, storing it away somewhere in the med room. Deciding to just pull out whatever the item was, it’s a notebook. 

“ Mingi, look at this. This must have been the notebook Hyunjin kept. ” 

In Yunho’s hands was just a small black notebook with a hard cover and an elastic band to keep it closed. Said elastic band had frayed over time, losing the shape it once had if it was still brand new. Giving away it was constantly used and written in. Mingi had now appeared behind his boyfriend, looking over his shoulder to see. Since they were thinking the same thing, Yunho carefully removed the elastic band and was surprised it didn’t just come apart just from him moving it off the notebook. But that didn’t matter now. 

Opening it to the first page was just as they expected it to be. Horrifying. Horrific images and words scribbled onto the lined paper. The weirdest thing was the fact that everything was so neatly written, the drawings looked to be he took his time with them. Making them look as if they were normal drawings. Except they weren’t normal. Nothing about this notebook was normal. Every page was dated with it at the top, all dating back ten years ago. Detailed descriptions of the things that took place, the same things that Yeosang and Wooyoung had to go through. Just trying to skim through it instead of actually reading it. Reading it would just make them more sick to their stomachs than they already were in the beginning. 

“ We have to show the others that you found it, Yun. Plus I can't look at that thing anymore. ” Mingi says, turning himself away. 

“ Me too. And you're right, the other's have to know about this. Wait, what about Yeosang and Wooyoung? ” Yunho asked, wide eyed and internally freaking out a little.

“ Hey, it will be okay. If Yeosang and Wooyoung want to know, they can since they have every right to that. If they don't, then that's their choice and we can't force them into anything. ” Mingi says, reassuring his boyfriend. 

“ Okay. But can this wait until tomorrow? It's late and I really want to sleep. ” 

“ Of course. Come on. ” 

Chapter Text

Why did this have to be true? Why did this all have to happen? It wasn’t fair and just so fucking fustrating. No one could believe what they were reading, seeing right now. Down right disgusting of how such a human being can exist. Well, not anymore since the man is dead now. Yeosang felt like he might throw up, emptying his stomach right there. But most of all he felt anger, anger towards the one dead man that made his life, Wooyoung’s life and the ten children’s life a fucking hell. He was glad the man was dead, that the both of them are dead. Just how they deserve to be. 

The worst was yet to come when Hongjoong let out a shocked gasp since he was the one holding the notebook last. But soon that turned into more anger, practically seething in his seat. 

“ Fucking bastdard. Damn! ” Hongjoong exclaimed angrily, slamming his fist onto the table making it shake with the force of it. Jaw clenched tightly, eyes narrowed set on one thought only. 

“ What is it? ” Yeosang asked, feeling brave enough to confront the Captain. 

When Yeosang got no response back, he decided to just grab the notebook himself. Growing impatient and now with the notebook in hand. Looking at the already opened page in front of him, he freezes in his seat. Not in anger but in fear. Dread running down his body, fulfilling his mind with what’s to come when he reads what’s inside. The first thing was the date as it caught Yeosang’s eye at the top of the page. Below it read something that sent a chill down the hybrid’s spine. 

“ Lee Yubin. A sweet girl she once was. It was almost sad she had to go, but she was in too deep. She had to be taken down. A traitor like her deserved what was coming for her.  

The absolute wonderful fear in her eyes when I showed up to the daycare after hours. A beautiful sight to never forget. Cornering her in her office was too easy.  

I tried threatening her, making a deal with her but to no avail. 

Stabbing her was the best part. The satisfying feel of my knife penetrating her stomach. My hand over her mouth for cautious reasons of course. Don’t want anyone to come in and ruin all the fun, now. 

Watching the life drain from her terrified eyes, slowly disappear into nothingness. So memorizing. I could watch it all day on repeat. 

But at last, disposing of her body into one of the oxygen tanks. Dismembering her body first, making it so much easier to stuff inside.

All thanks to Minji for opening and funding that daycare. It’s a genius idea. We had agreed on a deal. She supplies me with all the medical equipment with the children of course. And I give her in return. 

Power.

Letting her own and fund the daycare was just the starting point. ”

As Yeosang kept on reading, the whole thing was so detailed. Everything little thing was described in great lengths. It made something inside of the hybrid want to read more, so flipping through some of the pages and landing on a random entry. It was just as sickening as the rest of it was. Words so vile and horrific for someone to write it as if it was just a normal journal entry. He just kept on reading and reading, not being able to stop himself when his own eyes can’t leave the pages. The words staring straight through his soul. It wasn’t until Yeosang stopped on a page, his breathing coming to a halt. It was about him and Wooyoung. 

“ I now have my first experiments. Two small little boys. ” 

It hit Yeosang like a truck, almost knocking himself off his seat. This was about him and Wooyoung, he was right along. Hands trembling terribly with the notebook still in his hand. It was a fucking nightmare all over again, thinking he might would have been okay. But he was far from okay at this moment. More and more of it was making the hybrid sick to his stomach. Knowing that this was written about him and Wooyoung shouldn't come as a surprise. Since Yeosang knew that they dude wrote and took notes on every single thing he ever did. Every entry, every page was all about the types of experiments. Explaining how he did it or made something like it an instruction manual. A cookbook of recipes to use on them. Written so casually, so normal. 

Yeosang was done. So fucking done of feeling so hurt, so much pain from everything. He wanted to put an end to it. Wanting all these emotions to just stop for good. Needing a change, needing to turn himself around for the better. For Wooyoung. 

“ I think you need to put this down. ” 

Starting Yeosang out of his trance, not realizing that he was crying. Crying out of anger and frustration. Feeling so fucking done with everything, wanting so desperately to put it all behind. Never wanting to think about this ever again. Seeing Jongho gently take the notebook from his hands, placing it on the table in front of them. 

Without even thinking, Yeosang throws himself into the siren's awaiting arms. Feeling them engulf him, wrapping tightly around his body. Sobs were shaking his body, feeling so much at once. All the hurt, anger and pain escaping through his tears. Wetting Jongho's clothes, who didn't even care about that. What he did care a great deal about was the hybrid in his arms. The one that stole his heart from the very beginning. The one that has been through literally hell in life. 

Jongho won't trade him for anything in the world.

But now they had a much bigger problem. 

“ You okay? ” 

“ I’m, I’m fine. Just get this away from me. ” 

Yeosang had somehow pulled himself together, but still not removing himself from Jongho’s arms. At least that horrid notebook was out of his sight. 

Wooyoung felt just as scared as Yeosang did. He knew what he was feeling, what it felt like. Something the two best friends would never forget. He was currently glued to San's side with his arms wrapped around the demon's waist and his head buried in his neck. San was holding him just as tightly, knowing very well how scared Wooyoung was. He felt bad for him, never wanting him to feel this way again. But sadly, there was nothing for San to do. Just hold him, letting the hybrid have all the time he needed. 

Mingi and Yunho weren't even better since they were the ones to have found the notebook in the first place. Thinking they should have just left it alone, to never see the light of day again. To just prevent upsetting Yeosang and Wooyoung. Which is something not just for them but all of them never wanted that. It was all Yunho could think about while it was running through his mind. 

For Hongjoong, the man wasn’t even paying any attention to what was playing out in front of him. He was too busy reading what was in the notebook. Not being able to resist the urge to read more, even though he knew he should wait. But he couldn’t just wait. Hongjoong had to know now or it would eat at him not knowing. Someone can call it whatever they want but that wasn’t going to stop Hongjoong. The more he read, the more he felt himself getting more and more pissed off.

And seeing for himself on just how torn apart Yeosang was, it was about damn time he did something about it.

“ You really think this is a good idea? I knew we would have to do this eventually but are you sure? ” 

Was the first thing Seonghwa asked when he pulled him into their bedroom. Usually it would Hongjoong’s office they would have this type of conversation in. But to lower the risk of them getting themselves caught or interpreted, this was the safest room. The rest know not to come in here until they know it’s okay with permission from either him or Seonghwa. That happened rarely, never any of them ever getting in trouble. To where they need to have a more private conversation instead of in the office. 

The two had settled into their bed with Hongjoong lying on his side looking up at his husband. Seonghwa had his back against the headboard playing with Hongjoong’s finger-covered rings. 

“ I know, I get it and understand but you saw how Yeosang reacted. We can’t just do absolutely nothing, it won’t be fair to Yeosang and Wooyoung. He practically super glued to San the whole time. The boy was scared. And so was Yeosang, we have to make this safe for them. It’s what they deserve, what they need. ” Hongjoong desperately tried to explain to his husband, who was by far the more logical one of the two.     

Seonghwa’s silence was killing Hongjoong on the inside. He couldn’t take it, never liking it when he got so quiet like that. He just hoped it was for a good reason. Even so, he could very well turn him down. Which Hongjoong would understand completely and that would hurt him in the end. He won’t even want to know how that would turn out. It sounds more like a nightmare than anything. Plus he would feel so guilty, so ashamed that there was really nothing Hongjoong could do.

“ We’ll do it. That’s my decision. ” 

“ Really? That easily? ” 

Hongjoong’s answer was granted when a pair of lips met his with Seonghwa lying next to him, facing each other. Slowly moving in sync, feeling so good with content settling in his chest. Those same lips he will never ever get sick of with it being his one and only true addiction. But all too soon, they were gone. Too soon for Hongjoong’s liking, anyway.

“ You big baby. ” Seonghwa says, giggling at his poor pouty husband. 

“ Stop laughing at me. ” Hongjoong responded back, only teasing with a smile slowly growing on his face. 

Once the two were comfortable in bed since it was already late. It was quiet, neither of them wanting to say anything. Too busy in their own thoughts to talk more. The election date was getting so close, so close that it was just around the corner. With already a plan in mind, all from Hongjoong's idea, it would be the most risky and nerve wrecking thing they have ever done. And that's saying something with everything they have done. Which can be questionable and enough to put all of them behind bars forever. They all were on high alert with the biggest day of their lives coming so soon. Wondering if all this was going to blow up in their races? Breaking into a politician’s office sounds completely made up. Maybe it would be better if it was made up. They just go to the police with the information they do know, that would get themselves killed. No matter how much they would try to look like the heroes of the day. All they were to their eyes were wanted criminals.

" You think Yunho feels bad? " Seonghwa asked out loud, voicing his thoughts sounding nervous. 

" Most likely he does even though it wasn't his fault. Just wish he could realize that. " Hongjoong responded back by mumbling while agreeing with his husband.

Heart feels heavy for Yunho. Knowing that it wasn't his fault to have just found the notebook. They all never wanted to cause any, even if it was unintentional, harm on the two best friends. But sometimes it was unable to happen, to be prevented. Things happen whether they like it or not. Not everything was under their control, which at times was frustrating. With Mingi to lean on, Yunho will be just fine. 

Maybe this time things will work out for better. After all, the big day was coming closer. 

Chapter Text

Tomorrow was a big day. Everything they have been planning for was about to happen. They were all on edge, fidgety and nervous that literally anything could possibly happen. It was scary to not know the outcome until it was too late. Which was why Yeosang couldn't sleep that night. All the worst case scenarios running through his mind like a marathon. So much could happen even if it was just a split second moment  that was wasted. Wasted away where there was nothing any of them could have done. It wasn't their fault if something happened. All they could do was just hope for the best, doing the best they ever could. Bringing Kim Minji to justice. 

The plan that they had all came to agree on, which took forever it felt like but eventually everyone settled on an agreement. With Hongjoong expressing the idea he had, which didn't go over too well in the beginning. Seonghwa was the only one who had calmed everyone down. Yeosang wasn't the least bit surprised, feeling like the only one who was expecting something crazy from the Captain. Breaking into a politician's office was fucking insane, a death wish waiting to happen. San and Jongho had not taken the news well, each claiming that this was insane and not worth risking their lives. 

The problem wasn't that they didn't understand, they did get it but the most terrifying part was that they easily could end up dead by the end. Having no chance at winning this fight. It was understandable to be scared, terrified but in Hongjoong's defense this was their only shot. Yunho and Mingi were somewhere in the middle of this argument. Always wanting a safer way of this but at the same time there really wasn't one to begin with. It was much easier to just give in than argue with their Captain.

Yeosang was spending his time in the greenhouse, needing to calm down his mind. It was his favorite place to be with its calming and peaceful presence. He understands why Seonghwa loves it so much and not just because of his ability. He was in here with him now, planting some more flowers. Yeosang was sitting on the same bench swing while watching the other work. Even though Seonghwa can use his ability, he still claimed to prefer doing it with his hands and getting himself dirty in the process. 

“ I kissed Jongho. ” 

Without even thinking about it, Yeosang had confessed what he was thinking in his head. Meaning to just keep it to himself, not blurt it out to someone. Even though he did want to talk to Seonghwa about it. But of course he had chickened out. He was the one to make the first move, just so comfortable and content in that moment Yeosang couldn’t help himself. He honestly thought Jongho would be the one to beat him but at last he was wrong. 

“ I hope that's a good thing? Right? ” Seonghwa asked, looking up briefly at the hybrid before getting back to work.

“ Yeah, it is, I mean but at the same time I was in the moment. I’ve never felt so safe and comfortable with anyone in my life before. That's a terrifying feeling. I mean I don’t regret anything, it’s just I’m scared, you know. I don’t want this to just ruin everything between us. I’ve gotten so used to all of you and have come to love each of you as the family I’ve always wanted. And I don’t want that to change. ” 

Yeosang knew he had rambled a little bit there but he couldn’t help it. This had been all weighing on his mind, feeling like he might burst at the seams. If he didn’t tell someone about all the thoughts he had swirling in his brain like a tornado. So, Seonghwa ended up being that someone for him to confide in. Especially with something so personal like this was of him. The calming presence calmed the hybrid, giving him a chance to breathe and clear his mind with someone. Who gave him a judgment free zone. 

“ Hey, calm down and breathe okay. You’re gonna get yourself worked up like that. ” 

Seonghwa had now stopped what he was doing to come down to Yeosang’s level, sitting next to the hybrid before putting away his tools. Removing the gardening gloves and placing them beside him on the bench. Taking Yeosang’s hands in his, holding each of them in his own hands. 

“ Let him tell you a story. When me and Hongjoong first got married, it wasn’t perfect. We have had a number of arguments over the years. Most of which were just over something stupid and not worth mentioning. But you know what, we never had fights. We always, at the end, talked it out and discussed it. Turns out we needed to just communicate better with each other. Once we worked on that and had gotten a good flow between us, our relationship had never been stronger. ”

It made sense with what Seonghwa was telling him. Settling any unwanted fears he still had, feeling a little more at peace with himself about that situation. They still haven’t talked about it yet though. Something else one day Yeosang will have to cross eventually, he can’t just keep one ignoring this. Not when it involves the two of them to just sit and talk it through. They’ll get there in the end, Yeosang just knows now they will be okay.

“ Here’s another thing too, remember that you’re always going to have bumps to cross over. It may seem like at the moment it’s impossible but not when you have Jongho by your side. I can see how much you like each other already. I’m happy for you two. ” Seonghwa finishes off with a genuine and happy smile on his face. 

“ Thank you. For everything. ” 

“ Ah, stop it. You’re gonna make me cry. Anytime. ” 

“ I don’t care! Tell them I have absolutely nothing to do with them! Please, fuck off and never call me again! ”

Threatening the other person on the line before slamming the phone down, effectively hanging up on the person. Getting that surprised phone call was the very last thing Hongjoong wanted to hear today. Even then he really shouldn’t be as shocked as he is, considering who his father was. Finding out his father had owned some loan shark's money all because at one point his company was failing. Instead of filing for bankruptcy, his father thought it would be a brilliant idea to use loan sharks instead. Of course it ended up failing miserably and since his father can’t pay for it they want Hongjoong to cover the cost. He was next in line for the CEO position just like his brother was too. But it went to his brother instead, because clearly Hongjoong wanted absolutely nothing to do with it at all. Cutting himself off from his family for good and finding a new one instead. 

He knew it was bound to happen. The thought had always been in the back of his mind, nagging at him that it was coming soon. He just wishes he was wrong, that he didn’t have to clean up his father’s mess. It wasn’t his responsibly to pay them the money, not when he wasn’t the one that started this whole fucking mess. Wondering what he is going to tell Seonghwa, the one person who he is terrified to disappoint. Carrying his father’s burden on his shoulders, even if it wasn’t his fault that this had happened. 

“ What the hell I’m I going to do? ” Hongjoong asked himself, speaking out loud with him alone in his office. Head in hands, already feeling the stress of it all weighing in on his shoulders. 

Feeling lost in his head and not knowing what to do, Hongjoong stands himself up from his desk. Walking out of the room and into the hallway. Maybe if he went outside and walked around the garden, he’ll feel better. Plus he was wondering where Seonghwa went. Wondering how he was going to tell him. 

It was a pretty day out, sun shining making it a warm day. It didn’t take long for Hongjoong to find his husband. In fact he was where Hongjoong had suspected him to be in his favorite place, the greenhouse. But he also found Yeosang, who was sitting on the swing bench. Seonghwa was kneeling in one of his many flower beds, planting some new types of flowers. Yeosang was talking about something, something that seemed to be troubling the hybrid. Hongjoong wasn’t close enough to them to listen, just distancing himself to where he can just watch but not listen in on their conversation. 

Fortunately, they didn’t seem to notice Hongjoong was watching them from afar. He didn’t want to intrude on something that was clearly none of his business. Knowing Yeosang sometimes seeks out Seonghwa, claiming that he finds it easy to talk with the older male. His presence calming his nerves on whatever could be troubling him at the time. 

After a while, Hongjoong decided that he had enough. Smiling softly at the warm sight, happy to know they’ve gotten along really well. It warmed his heart, which was usually cold given the act he has to put up everyday. 

But at least he had thought of a way to break the news to Seonghwa. Hoping his plan might work in his favor. 

********

“ Almost there, Hwa. Keep going forward. ” 

Hongjoong had his hands covering Seonghwa’s eyes, guiding him in the right direction. Not wanting him to see just yet what Hongjoong had planned for him. He had immediately put this together for them tonight, spending all day decorating and laying out everything all while hoping Seonghwa will love it. He had never been so nervous in his life, scared to know the outcome. 

“ And you can look now. ”

When Hongjoong had removed his hands, Seonghwa was in complete awe at the sight. Hongjoong had taken him to the rooftop, the place decorated so beautifully with the fairy lights glowing along with actual stars in the sky. Food was laid out on a picnic blanket with two wine glasses and a bottle of wine next to it. Soft music was playing in the background, just enough to not be distracting or too loud. 

But most of all, it was an exact replica of their first date as a married couple.  

“ You did this for me… ” Seonghwa said, who was at a loss for words. 

“ Of course I did, my Star. ” Hongjoong said, meaning it with all his heart. Plus he knew he looked in love, not being able to tear his eyes away from his husband’s, looking so sparkling in the moonlight. But worst of all, knowing that he was about to soon diminish that spark.  

Leading Seonghwa to the blanket and then getting himself comfortable after. The two enjoyed a nice relaxing time together under the stars. Talking and chatting about nothing of importance but it was extremely pleasant to just let this night be the two of them. As much as they love the others, having alone time was needed for them. To just get themselves away for a while. 

As for Hongjoong, he was getting more antsy by the minute. He felt like he might bust it out just from his nerves alone. It’s only been a day of him knowing this information but it felt like a fucking lifetime. He just couldn’t find the right moment or words to say it. His brain was disconnected from his mouth, making him feel like a fish out of water. He had to ease Seonghwa into the new, letting it soak in and prepare himself to get yelled at. Which was irrational thinking on his part but still, felt like something pretty damn good to get yelled at for. So lost in his own head and thoughts, a cold sweat forming on his forehead. Plus his hands were shaking, spilling a few tiny drops of the wine on his pant’s leg. 

“ Are you okay? I’m worried. ” Seonghwa asked in a gentle voice, noticing that something felt off about Hongjoong. 

“ I have something to tell you and it’s pretty big, so just please listen. ” Hongjoong says, hoping his voice didn’t give away just how much of a wreck he was. Now with Seonghwa’s full attention, it was now or never. 

“ I got a call this morning about my father. He owes some big loan sharks money because his company was in a shit ton of debt. Now, they want me to pay off the debt since I’m the other heir to the CEO position. ” Hongjoong explained, rambling so fast he was surprised to get it all out. 

“ And one more thing, I’m going to have to leave and go into hiding for I don't know how long. I know this is a lot to take in and I just didn’t know how to tell you without - ” 

Hongjoong’s rambling was now this time cut off by his worst fear, that he hoped so fucking badly won’t be the reaction that he got. 

“ You have to leave! This is fucking pathetic! You really thought trying to butter me up with a romantic dinner plus it was exactly like our first date as a married couple! Are you fucking insane thinking that you can use me like that! Spoiler, it didn’t fucking work. ” 

With that Hongjoong’s whole world crumbled right in front of his eyes. How was he going to fix this?      

Chapter Text

That night Hongjoong knew he fucked up big time. Thinking that the date would help ease the news, did the complete opposite. Even as he tried to talk to Seonghwa, trying his best to get the other’s attention but nothing worked. Nothing Hongjoong did or said seemed to not satisfy his husband. Not nearly enough to forgive him. He really was pissed off at him, giving him the cold shoulder and ignoring him when he tried to have his attention on him for more than two seconds. It was driving Hongjoong up the wall, borderline insane. He couldn’t take it whenever Seonghwa ignored him, especially if he was the cause of it. Which is something he’ll never forgive himself for. Always wanting to make the older happy, his top priority. Just to have the love of his life happy. He couldn’t be asking for much right? Maybe he was with the way Seonghwa still wasn’t acknowledging his presence, like the leader didn’t even exist in his world. Didn’t sleep in the same bed that night. Getting the door slammed in his face as tried to follow Seonghwa to their shared bedroom. He was only hoping to get the chance to talk with the older, seeing if he can just speak with him for a few minutes. It was all he was trying to do but of course like always nothing worked. Pushing a certain button in him that shouldn’t have even happened in the first place. Something that could have been prevented, something that was unnecessary for them to have this outcome. 

They have never had such an argument as this one. More like a screaming match, throwing such nasty words at each other. After Seonghwa had stormed off during their date, Hongjoong tried to go after him. But instead got stopped with another door slammed in his face. A door slam wasn’t going to stop Hongjoong from fixing this. Making it back inside the mansion, that ended with them yelling at each other. Of course everyone else could hear them too. Being so damn loud how could anyone not hear the yelling between the married couple. 

It was sadly getting out of hand with the way they were acting towards each other. Everyone could see just how desperate Hongjoong had been getting and it hasn’t even been a full day yet. Keeping everyone up in the middle of the night. No one got enough sleep, especially Hongjoong who had to sleep in the extra guest room. 

Now, the next morning was just as bad as the night before. They still haven’t changed one bit even after sleeping. Nothing had or would improve their relationship, no matter how much Hongjoong wanted that. He had given Seonghwa what he wanted and that was space. Something that was new to him since they have always been glued to each other. And sadly they had no time to even attempt to talk even though Seonghwa clearly didn’t want to. Not wanting to have anything to do with his husband just yet. 

But back to the actual plan, arriving there seemed to be the easiest part of it all. It was quiet for it being the time that it was, given that it was in the middle of the night. Finding out a way to go around the back side of the building and thanks to Yeosang for sneaking in from a nearby bush,  zapping the security cameras that lined the whole building. Getting inside was the more difficult part of this, seeing as San and Jongho were going in as the new security guards. Good thing for Mingi to be able to alter their appearances. Once in, they both could tell right away the inside was fancy as hell. Larger than life itself was a chandelier hanging above, sparkling in the artificial lighting. A grand staircase was on the left side, assumingly leading up to another floor of some kind. 

“ I’m inside. Going now. ” San said, whispering as quietly as possible into his tiny earpiece. 

Earning a nod from Jongho, who was a little bit ahead of him, signally that it was safe to continue on. After walking for a few minutes, trying to take everything in as they could. Walking past a few of the staff members, making sure not to bump into anyone they passed by. The building was just as huge as it looked, especially on the inside. Everything had to be perfect, not one thing can go wrong. Spending the day here was going to be a challenge. Getting to know the ins and outs of this place was a highly risky thing. One of the biggest missions they’ve ever done. 

Inside, they had to take out a few people. One woman who almost screamed when she saw them in the hallway. Good thing San got to her in time so he could put her to sleep and as well erase her memory of ever seeing him and Jongho. With Jongho dragging her unconscious body into a random utility closet. Making sure to lock the door as well to just be safe she won’t be found in time. 

“ You two must be the new security, follow me. ”

Until they got approached by what they assumed to be the head of security. Judging by the fact that they were all wearing the same suits. Walking just behind the man to put enough distance between them but not to the point where it’s suspicious. Having the map of this building memorized was paying off, making them comfortable enough to not appear too awkward. Thanks to all of their own research that went into this making it look as real as possible. Plus Hongjoong knew a few people who could get it for them anyway. 

San was trying not to show his nerves. The more they walked and the further they got, wasn’t helping in the slightest. He wondered how Jongho was holding up and if he was just as nervous about this as he was. Wondering if it was actually going to work and they can finally put this whole thing behind them. This was Yeosang, Wooyoung, and the ten children. This was for them. Having to keep reminding himself of why they were doing this in the first place. It’s going to be all worth it in the end or at least he hopes it will be. 

Thinking of Wooyoung, he was the main thought on San’s mind that kept him going. Someone that shined so much light into his life, brightening his days just a little more. He knew he had fallen for the hybrid fast, blaming his weak heart. Never in his life would he think to find someone like Wooyoung. The one person who loves so much even though they haven’t put a label yet nor has San voiced his love for the hybrid either. The demon was too much of a coward to do that, fearing that Wooyoung might not feel the same way. He also wonders if Jongho was thinking of Yeosang the same way too. To answer that he was thinking of the other hybrid. Even if he was on his mind all the time, still thought about what would happen after this. Yes, they’ve confessed and kissed one time but that was it. Nothing else has happened or been processed since then. 

Plus the plan was working already when the guy saw the disabled cameras on the many large monitors. Some on the wall and the rest on the large desk in front.   

“ Here you are, this will be where you’ll be working.  Oh, sorry I have to go now. Something’s wrong with a few of the cameras. Excuse me a moment. ”

With the guy leaving in a hurry, it was time for San and Jongho to get to work. Even though this was more so their speciality, it didn’t take away from the fact that it was nerve wrecking. The van that the others were waiting in was parked a few blocks down, just far enough to not look suspicious. Somehow remembering what to do, San’s fingers were typing vigorously across the keyboard. With Jongho doing the same thing right next to him and after a few minutes, there’s a problem. 

“ Guys, we have a problem. There's a firewall up on a camera A8 and I can’t gain access to the feed. ” San said, frustration was already settling in and the more he tried to guess the password, the more the dumb thing beeped as it was an error after an error screen. 

“ Does it have somewhere for you to type? Like a password? ” 

“ Uh, yeah it does. But I can’t figure out what it is yet, I keep getting an error. ” 

After San finally gets through it with some help, it was time. The password was just a jumbled up mess of numbers and letters, all varying in size. Whoever made that password must have not known what they were doing. Cause that type of password just doesn’t work for keeping out, so it made San wonder who the hell made that weird password? They didn’t have enough time to speculate about this mysterious person. Once San had gotten the access to the camera feed, what he saw was something he wished to unsee in that very moment. 

Where she was didn’t add up either, which was what made this so much worse. 

Minji was on the screen along with one of the security guards. It looked like they were in the city with the two of them covered up to hide themselves and blend in more with everyone else. Walking along the pavement, passing by people, cars and different businesses. Wasn’t until a car had stopped near them with Minji and the guard getting inside. It was the weirdest yet strangest thing to San to watch. From anyone else’s point of view, it looked completely normal with nothing out of place. At first glance that’s what it was but to San, he saw something that had an alarm bell ring in his brain. Minji was holding something in her hand, keeping whatever it was in her fist trying to conceal the item from view. But what she didn’t think of was when she turned to get in the car, the back of the item was on display. Just enough for San to see and make out what it was on the camera. 

Zooming in on her fist and also improving the slight graining quality of the screen shot. It looked like it was some kind of tube, like lipstick or chapstick. But to San it had to be more than that. He couldn’t just seem to let it go for whatever reason it could be. Maybe it was just San thinking too much of the item. Maybe it was just nothing and it really was lipstick. But the nagging part of him was somehow convinced that it was much more than that. Without any proof or evidence to show that it was something else, San was unfortunately at a complete loss. Still going to file that away for later in his brain, getting back to filing through the rest of the other footage. Surprisingly, they kept only a few months worth of footage from each camera at a time. Judging by the timestamp of the dates and times in the bottom right corner of the screen. 

The next time San saw Minji was much later in the day, it being way past midnight to be out that late. Getting out of the same car as before, but this time she was by herself. Dropping her off and then leaving in the opposite direction, at least this time San had gotten a clear view of the license plate number. Quickly using his ability once again to file that away for a later date. Now that he was looking through the rest of the footage left, that was all San could find. Nothing else seemed to be out of the ordinary. Even though San was double, triple checking to just make sure he didn’t miss anything. 

“ Find anything, yet? Cause I haven’t found anything.  ” 

“ Yeah, I did. Come look at this. ”

“ I don’t see anything - wait, I see it, what is that? ” 

Looking at the screen, Jongho could see what San was talking about. He had to admit though, it did look suspicious. Watching further and just before she gets in the car, whatever item was in her hand she used it to stab the guy in the neck. At first, Jongho thought the guy might fight back to try and get himself away from her. Maybe a His body immediately went limp, almost as if he was a rag doll. Then she literally shoves his unconscious body into the car just before getting in herself. 

It was so fucking weird yet creepy at the same time. What the hell were they looking at? 

“ See what I mean. ” San said, eyes glued to the screen in front of him. 

“ We have to tell the others about this - but wait a minute, what is this? ” 

Turning around at Jongho’s words, the siren was looking down at something in one of the drawers in the desk. He must have somehow opened it by accident. Getting up to take a closer look, inside was a file folder. Only looked to be filled with a handful of papers. Now, what was one of them was horrifying to put lightly. They were personal files on seemingly real people. People that the two recognized from the case. 

“ Why would they have this? It doesn’t make sense. ” San said, in confusion eyebrows pushed together, thinking what it could possibly be. And it seemed Jongho had beaten him to already. 

“ She’s drugging the people that work for her. To be her puppets, so they will do as she says. ”

But unfortunately, they got cut off. One of the security guys had caught them snooping around, yelling at them to leave. Bolting in a panic, San and Jongho get out of there as fast as possible. Moving past the security guards, more like shoving them to the ground. Having no time to put any of them to sleep, getting away was more important in that moment of running. 

********

“ What’s taking Jongho and San so long for? ”

Hongjoong had more so said to himself out loud than to the others. He was worried, so worried for the two as to why they haven’t updated them on their whereabouts. They would be anywhere in that building, doing anything and he wouldn’t have a single fucking clue as to what was happening. He wouldn’t forgive himself if anything were to happen to them. Wouldn’t be able to live, breathe if he didn’t have two of the most important people in his life. It was a truly terrifying thought and sadly it wasn’t the first time this has happened. They’ve done some pretty messy missions in all the time they’ve been together. And this one was by far the most dangerous and fucked up one yet. 

He couldn’t help but let his thought’s wander. Wonder to a dark and scary place, full of the horrors of what could happen. He knew he was being irrational and the likelihood of that happening was next to zero. It has been instilled in him over time to worry and overthink things when it wasn’t even necessary to do so. Something he was aware of but that didn’t help him stop. Nothing really stopped him when his mind took over for him. Worried about San and Jongho. What if something happened to them and they’re just sitting here. Doing absolutely nothing and just letting whatever is happening happen. Hongjoong could bear the thought of that, something happening to them. He couldn't do it, couldn't go through that loss.

Plus what was even worse was that Seonghwa still wasn't talking to him. He knew he has been fucking up lately a lot. He knows that, he's very much aware of that fact. Especially when Sownghwa won't even look in his direction, ignoring his existence all together. Every other time they had an argument, Hongjoong always knew how to fix it. Knew how to solve it, preventing whatever happened to never repeat itself again. No matter how careful he was, it came back to bite him in the ass. Reminding him that he doesn’t know every solution to a problem or knowing immediately how to fix it. Carrying a burden of having to know automatically how to get out things. But this time, he felt like the biggest failure.Snapping out of his thoughts was something he never thought he would hear. 

“ We need your help! Come get us! ”

At the sound of Jongho’s voice ringing through the radio, it was go time. Sending everyone into a frenzy and them getting out of the van in a somewhat orderly manner. They had parked the van a couple of blocks down,  just enough to not alert suspicion. The walk wasn’t even that far, even though to Hongjoong it seemed like it took an eternity. An eternity alone with the dreadful thoughts running through his mind. 

But they made it to the back of the building, going through there instead of the front like San and Jongho did. Not wanting themselves to get caught, going in with no problem. Except it was quiet, too quiet to be normal. An eerie feeling went through Hongjoong, a shiver down his spine. The inside wasn’t even better, not a single thing looked to be out of place. Nothing touched, broken, or knocked over. Walking further in, running into a long hallway. No one was in sight, just an empty hallway. Something definitely wasn’t right, that was clear. Something felt so off, so wrong at the same time. How could there not be a single person? Not a staff member, not even security was nowhere to be found in sight. Assuming that it was clear and safe to go further, away they went. Hallway felt like it would never end, just a maze to get someone lost in so easily. 

Until they had unexceptingly ran into some trouble. 

Yunho was the first one to approach the men with the rest of them waiting behind him. In front of them was more of Minji’s presumed security team, at least part of it anyway. Three bulking, middle aged men standing on either side of a younger woman. She was dressed in an all black suit and matching black heels, her dyed blonde hair was pulled up in a bun combined with her professionally done makeup. The three other men were in traditional black suits and ties with the same black and shiny dress shoes.

“ Hello, I don’t think we’ve met before. My name is Siyeon. Lee Siyeon. ”

Hongjoong could tell that Siyeon was lying. She knew who they were and yet they hadn't even been kicked out yet. Lying for what reason was a complete mystery to him. He knew that she was Minji's own personal assistant, own puppet just for manipulation. Brainwashing her, molding her for Minji's own personal gain and power. Her smile was a giveaway to her fakeness. Such a sweet, innocently played smile that it was almost convincing. Hongjoong already knew everything he had to know about this woman. Every little thing about her. 

“ How about I show you to Ms. Kim? Come this way. ” 

Was all Siyeon had said before she turned on her heels walking away. The three men side eye them before following her. Feeling like it took forever, Hongjoong chose his time to look around. Nothing was out of the ordinary, everything seemed to be normal to the naked eye. The walk wasn’t even that long with Hongjoong straying behind this whole time. Before long, they had reached a large door at the end of the hallway. Opening the door, revealing an office. An office that looked to be worth millions and it most likely was. The door was closed behind them, trapping them inside with Minji. Who had been sitting at her desk this entire time. She had her legs crossed over each other, lying back causally in her chair. As if they were friends visiting her. 

“ Good to see you guys, don’t be scared to come in. ” 

Her smile was just as fake as her personal assistant. But the difference was the sinister undertone, in her voice and smile. She was so laid back and casual about this meeting that it made Hongjoong feel nervous. More nervous than he was getting here in the first place. 

Being here made something inside of Hongjoong just snap. He had to make this right, make this right again and leave it all behind them for good. It was all Hongjoong could do, think off even. It was all he had been thinking of, nothing else occupying his mind. Like he was obsessed with it, an addiction that won’t ever break or get cured if he didn’t do something to fix this. Making his way towards the front, determined to make things right, back to how it used to be. Pulling out the gun Hongjoong has strapped to his side and somehow they missed to check him. Even as he was holding it, he felt the others take a step back from him. Hands shaking and trembling in his hand. 

As for Yeosang he thought Hongjoong was insane. How could he do something like this when it wasn’t what they agreed to? He was going completely off course, off of the plan they so carefully crafted to be just perfect. With no room left for flaws, for anything bad to happen. He was going to stop the leader but someone’s hand had taken a hold of his wrist, preventing Yeosang from moving any further. It was Seonghwa who stopped the hybrid in his tracks. He had a look in his eyes telling him to just leave Hongjoong alone. Meaning there was nothing they or he could do to stop him. Just let Hongjoong do his thing, no matter the outcome whether it’s good or bad. Just let him go. 

And so, Yeosang did just that. Maybe that was his biggest mistake.    

“ Awe, what are you going to do, uh? Point your little gun at me? ”

“ I know what you did. You used your step brother, Hwang Hyujin to kill those innocent children. Using Lee Minho as an accomplice. Plus he was a surgeon, a well known one in fact. ” Hongjoong says with so much bitterness in his voice, eyes hard and cold, not missing a beat. 

“ Oh, please, they had it coming. ” Minji said in a mocking tone, rolling her eyes as if she was bored with this conversation.

“ Using them to conduct experiments, sense Minho was a surgeon that was your way of getting all the supplies you needed. Plus you constantly donate millions to that hospital, which wasn’t even true at all. We know everything about you. Your mother and your abusive father, how you shot and killed him. Everything. Don’t make me repeat myself, bitch. ”

That must have been it for her. The final straw was pulled, harshly yanked out. Left out to be bleeding dry. Somehow, pulling it from her desk, was the same exact gun that she used to kill her father with. Now said gun was pointing at Hongjoong, ready to put a bullet through his skull. Killing and getting him out of her life, where he was no longer a problem. 

Hearing something or more like someone coming, Hongjoong knew he had to do something. Having a bad gut feeling of what was behind that door, waiting on them. It was all he could do, to just get them to be safe. For his own peace of mind, for his own sanity. 

“ GO! Leave! Now! You don’t have much time! FUCKING GO! ”

Hongjoong screamed at the top of his lungs, feeling breathless. Fortunately, the others listened after getting over the shock. Luckily, not arguing and escaping through the back door of her office. All but one of them left, Seonghwa. Tears streaming down his face, lip wobbling in sadness. 

“ I can’t just - ”

“ My Star, please go. Please. ”

Hongjoong had pleaded with his husband. Pleading for him to just fucking listen to him. A pair of lips crashed into his mixed with tears and snot but it was gone in flash. Leaving Hongjoong with one last kiss before he might never see him ever again. At least he would be safe with the others. That was all Hongjoong could hope for, for them to just fucking safe. But all too soon, the doors were busted down behind them. The police must have been called, bursting inside with their guns raised.

“ We have found the two missing children. Kang Yeosang and Jung Wooyoung. Including Kim Hongjoong, the Captain of the HALAZIA Gang. ”

Was what one police officer had said into his radio before instructing his team to take Yeosang and Wooyoung into custody. Handcuffing the two hybrid’s, escorting them away. But of course without telling them where they are being taken to. 

“ Kang Yeosang and Jung Wooyoung will be sent to Utopia Mental Hospital And Asylum. Take them away. And as for Kim Hongjoong, you are under arrest for the murders of Hwang Hyujin and Lee Minho. ”  

As Hongjoong was being handcuffed, the reality of what was happening had finally set in. This was it. Their lives were over. It was all Hongjoong’s fault. If he hadn’t been so careless and fucking stupid, then maybe they won’t be in this damn mess. He had failed. As a Captain. As a friend. As a hyung. As a husband.

But most of all, the one thing that hurt more than anything. Feeling like a straight dagger to his heart would hurt way less than this. 

The one person he swore to himself every single damn day of his life that he would never do such a horrid thing.

He had failed Seonghwa. His one and only spark. His Star.