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arrianna21 · 9 months

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~Caramel Eyes, Mocha Paws~ Chapter 4

Summary: With unexplainable occurrences on the rise, you begin investigating the random attacks on your own until someone else apparently has the same idea as well. And suddenly, you find yourself caught at the wrong time and place.

wolf!yoongi x fem!reader

Word Count: 12,774

#1 | | #2 | | #3 | | #4 | |

There’s always a strange irony to things you realize as you pour milk into the cup. It drips with ease and you stop once a sufficient amount has been added. Using the toothpick, you curve the cream into a crescent moon and slice the other little dots into stars before carefully delivering the drink to the woman sitting at her table.

She smiles and thanks you in return while you continue working on more orders. While not rare, the fact that someone else is thinking about the moon too can’t help but nudge at your suspicions. A lot of people like the moon but since finding that note, you’re wondering if that’s also a sign of some sort. Especially after the other gift you received this morning.

As you headed to the café during your usual walk you came across a squirrel that had been dashing up and down the trees before stopping short in front of you on the trail. You froze so as not to startle it, watching it look at you with a twitching tail only for it to scurry off. In its place was an acorn, one in pristine condition, the nut glimmering a pretty brown hue with small designs etched into the shell. Unsure of its meaning, you stuck it into your bag and continued on your way even more confused.

Between the will o’ the wisp and squirrel, you’re half expecting some other person or creature to deliver yet another cryptic message.

The note is sitting on your desk at home, tucked behind your books. It surely had to have come from the will o’ the wisp that you found in the storage room but it couldn’t have been the one to write it itself. According to your quick online search, these phantom creatures don’t exactly communicate with others, instead leading people astray in the fog. Yet this one seems to understand you. Maybe it’s just a messenger, but for who? This mysterious WW isn’t recognizable unless the initials are for a pseudonym of sorts. Yoongi was the only other person there that night yet he had been on his laptop the whole time.

“Are you going to finish the order or keep watching it blend into mush?” Elanor asks over the loud whirring of the blender that’s currently mixing the coffee.

You quickly pull the container free and serve the drink into a cup with ice cubes before handing it off. “Sorry, got distracted for a second,” you say in a hurry.

“With what, the blender?” She jokes.

“No,” you shake your head, “just getting lost in my head.”

Elanor reorganizes the desserts that’ve gotten knocked around in the display case, resetting them to look presentable. “Yeah, but about what?”

Nothing you could possibly say out loud in public. “Just about my walk this morning. I saw a cute squirrel running around and burying nuts for winter.”

She gives you an odd look. “Right.” Before she can prod any further, a woman dressed in a business suit quickly walks in on the phone and orders an espresso and a couple of scones.

While Elanor takes over making the drink, you fetch the food and ring up her order. Inadvertently you end up catching bits and pieces of her conversation. “Yes, sir, I just wrapped up the interview with the victim in Greenbriar and grabbing a coffee before I head to the second one now.” The woman pauses, listening quietly to whoever’s talking.

You slowly ease the chocolate and lemon scones into the bag, doing your best not to noisily crinkle the bag too much. What does she mean by second one? Second victim? There’s only been talk of one attack. Maybe it’s not the same case. Greenbriar is all the way in the next county.

“Depending on what this one says, I think it’ll determine if there’s a connection between the attacks. But I believe—yes, well, I already have those scheduled with experts to verify,” she sighs to herself before clenching and unclenching her fist, “yes, I’ll schedule some more meetings and look into it.” Hanging up her phone, she rubs her forehead and lets out another sigh.

“Boss being a little overbearing?” You guess, giving her a sympathetic smile while handing her the drink and bag of food.

“Yep. I finally start getting things on track for this story and now my supervisor wants me to interview paranormal investigators or something to see what they think about these attacks in the woods,” she explains, taking a careful sip of her coffee. “I’m well aware of the importance of hearing from both aspects, but he wants to spin it as some spooky ghost story.”

“That’s certainly quite a take,” you note, drawing a snort from Elanor who’s actively listening in nearby at the register but not engaging in the conversation. “So is it true there’s been two attacks?” You lower your voice as you ask.

The woman nods while typing out something on her phone. “Supposedly. That’s why I’m out here to verify and see if there’s any connection between the two cases. Though this is a little ways out to be honest.” Her phone begins ringing again and she answers it. “Yes, sir?” She lets out another sigh before rolling her eyes. “Yes, I’ll bring you a banana muffin.”

You’re already putting one into another bag by the time she hangs up. “Here, it’s on the house. Consider the muffin payment for having to do the runaround with him,” you tell her, giving her the additional paper sack.

“Thanks.” Setting her phone briefly on the counter, you notice her GPS is open and leading to her next location. Must be the second victim. While she’s still digging around in her purse, you take another look at the coordinates and easily recognize the address that’s rather close by. The woman, having found some spare change, drops the coins and handful of bills into the tip jar before gathering her things to leave.

You watch her step out the door before glancing at the clock. “Hey Elanor, can you cover for me this afternoon?”

Just more and more coincidences.

~*~

The two story Air BNB house sits atop the brick foundation with a short stack of stairs leading up to the porch. Neatly trimmed hedges line the front with a decaying birdhouse that hangs on the lone tree. A fresh patch of grass grows over the plot of dirt where the blooming lilies and poppies once used to be, the colorful flowers always drawing your attention on your walk home from school as a kid.

Before this became a vacation home, it used to be owned by Mrs. Reyes. She was the librarian for decades and so you were a familiar face since you were always studying there. She gave you the offer of coming by once or twice a week to help clean her two story home as dust easily collected all throughout the many rooms.

It’s still strange being here in quite a few years. While you hadn’t planned on investigating the attack, after hearing about the other one from the reporter, you’re wondering if this really could be the work of something supernatural. Sure you could just tell Wolfy about it, but what can he do besides keep guarding the forest? It’s not like he can go into the city to investigate or talk with people. At the very least you can be lending a helping hand in the meantime.

The faded white railing creaks as you use it to help steady yourself while you climb the steps. You knock on the wooden door while the wind briefly picks up and stirs the wind chimes hanging at the far end, the dull silver butterflies swaying in the air as the metal clinks faintly. Otherwise, it remains completely quiet. Normally, classical music would be seeping through the cracked open windows, but there’s only the swaying tree branches that serve as your ambience.

There’s the sound of fast-paced footsteps and the door swings open, revealing blonde hair tied into an unkempt bun. If the brown-rimmed glasses aren’t already recognizable, then the burgundy cardigan draped over her shoulders surely is. What are the odds of you running into the rude customers from the coffee shop? If memory serves you correctly, you think her friend had called her Diane.

“Can I help you?” She sighs. Dark bags hang just below her eyes as she practically stares through you.

“Hi, I’m looking for Miranda Hutchins.”

“Who’s asking?”

“I’m Y/N and I work with the local paper, the Hallow Howler,” you answer with a smile. “I don’t mean to intrude but I was hoping to speak with her about what happened in the woods.” Clearly you don’t work for the paper, but you figure at least it’s credible enough to investigate further into this mess. Better than saying you’re a barista with an apparent knack for sleuthing.

She squints her eyes before asking, “Don’t you work at the coffee shop?”

Of course. “I work there part-time, but this is my main job,” you smoothly respond.

Diane stares back, eyeing you over while silently contemplating if you’re worth listening to. “Come in,” she eventually sighs, opening the door wider, revealing the foyer that used to be decorated with all sorts of landscape paintings but is now bare.

As you step inside the warm house getting away from the chill air, you take a moment to examine the place you once knew. While the faded floral wallpaper has been updated with a fresh coat of green paint, the rest of the house looks about the same as you remember. At the entrance there are still little end tables with a vase of fake wildflowers on each one. You can’t help but notice the thin strings of cobwebs that decorate a few of the petals. At least the appliances have all been upgraded as you catch a glimpse of the kitchen from your position. The nineteenth century vintage stovetop with its multiple knobs and drawers is now replaced with a more modern type. Even the retro mint colored refrigerator has been replaced by a fancy silver one that has a touch screen on the door.

Gesturing for you to follow, Diane takes you to the cozy living room, where a red couch and armchair sit in the middle facing away from the entrance. Against the wall, a new flatscreen tv sits on a stand, having replaced the old fashioned one as well. The channel is on some celebrity news show and you see someone with their legs propped up on the red velvet ottoman, bare feet sticking out from beneath the quilted blanket.

“Diane, was that the delivery person with our takeout?” The person asks, turning their head to look over and your eyes end up meeting as you recognize the other woman who barked both their orders at you. “Why’s the barista here?”

A part of you is almost impressed she can remember all the people she yells at.

“She works part time there but also works with the local paper and wants to do an interview with you,” her friend explains, coming closer. “Do you need anything while I’m up?”

“Yeah, some more water,” Miranda holds up the glass and Diane takes it before heading to the kitchen. You awkwardly shift on your feet, soles creating imprints on the faded beige carpet. “Are you just gonna stand there or actually ask whatever questions you supposedly have?” She snaps without looking away from the screen.

Moving forward, you position yourself beside the couch before easing down into the side that’s closest to her. You pull out your phone, ensuring the notes with your questions are ready. “I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me. I’m Y/N by the way,” you introduce yourself, not that she actually pays much attention as she continues watching her show. “Are you sure you’re comfortable talking about this again?” You tentatively ask.

She finally glances over to stare at you, her blue eyes rimmed red, the dark smudges beneath them tinted with exhaustion. Her black hair is tied in a messy ponytail with some strands sticking out in various directions. Even her clothes, though certainly some high-end fashion brand, are slightly disheveled. Her fuchsia long sleeve shirt is rumpled and seemingly drowns her within in the fabric. “Yeah,” she scoffs. “It’s not like I haven’t told my story over a dozen times at this point.”

“I just wanted to make sure,” you respond politely, keeping the customer service voice enabled before your mouth gets the better of you. “Could you confirm when and where this happened exactly?”

“Maple Berry Way at about 9:30pm,” she recites just as Diane comes back with her water, setting it down on the little side table beside her before going to sit at the other end of the couch.

Your fingers quickly type in the information. “And what were you doing there?”

“Hiking.” Next to you, Diane hesitates to which Miranda gives a stern shake of her head in return.

Resisting the urge to press further about their silent conversation, you focus on the next question. “Did you mostly stick to the main trails or did you go off the path?”

“Stuck to the main trail, obviously,” Miranda scoffs.

“I’m just asking questions to better understand what happened. Either way I’m not here to judge,” you reassure, silently noting her stiff posture. “So you were hiking on the main trails and then what?”

Reaching for her glass, she takes a sip of water before setting it back down. “After I finished, I was on my way back to the car when I heard noises in the bushes. Next thing I know I was being mauled,” she answers, shifting in her seat.

“Could you describe what attacked you?”

“Not really, I was too busy screaming and trying to get away. But it was big, whatever it was.”

“Do you know what kind of animal?”

A shrug. “Some kind of wolf I guess.”

Your fingers stutter in their movements, disrupting the rhythm as you clear your throat. “Any distinct features, something that maybe stood out to you?”

Miranda readjusts again before shaking her head. Absentmindedly, she begins fidgeting with her necklace, fingers softly rubbing the sapphire pendant. “No, like I said, I was just trying to get away.”

“There wasn’t anything that seemed odd about it?”

“What do you mean?” She freezes, fingers still touching her jewelry, eyeing you strangely in return.

You’re debating whether or not to outright ask before eventually saying, “Like, did it ever stand on its hind legs? Or you know, just attack in an abnormal way? Something that wasn’t quite natural?” Raising suspicions won’t do any good but at the same time she may have seen something at least. And if you earn any weird looks in return, then you’re just some believer of the supernatural, that’s all.

Her eyes narrow as she sits upright from her slumped position. “How’d you know about that? Look all I said in that police report was that it was a big animal. I’m not some superstitious person that chases shadows in the night, okay? So don’t you dare write me off as crazy or anything.” As though catching herself a moment too late, she clamps her jaw, pivoting her head towards the bay windows that look out into the front lawn.

Crazy wouldn’t be the word you’d use to describe her, or anyone for that matter. Belligerent or demanding, sure. But even if you were actually writing a story about this, you wouldn’t use those words either. You already know what it’s like having your theories dismissed by one person, a whole audience would be so much worse than that. “I wouldn’t do that. I’m here to listen to whatever you want to share. Just because something can’t be easily explained doesn’t mean that it’s not real or isn’t true. And who knows, you might not be the only one either.”

“That other reporter said she was investigating another case too,” Diane quietly adds, her leg shaking as her bare foot taps the floor in rapid succession.

“See?” You gently encourage, setting your phone down in between your legs as you lean forward slightly, trying to bring Miranda’s attention back to you. “This other person might’ve had a similar experience. If so, then it’d probably be a relief—for both of you, knowing that at least there’s someone else out there who experienced the same thing.”

Breaking her gaze away from the window, she faces you once more, scowling though maybe not from your line of questioning. Uncertainty is clearly evident yet curiosity also lingers in her blue eyes. “Have you talked to this other person?”

“No, not yet,” you say, desperately hoping she doesn’t shut down the interview as a result of your lack of information involving this other case.

She chews the inside of her cheek, contemplating something as her eyes shift to Diane before returning to you. “Do you know what the wolfman looks like?”

The sudden question takes you by surprise as your brows knit together though you’re sure your eyes widen in response. “Yeah,” you answer slowly. “Basically an extremely hairy or furry man with claws and teeth. Goes on murderous rampages, involuntarily transforms on a full moon, and is vulnerable to silver.”

She sniffs in response, partially resembling a hint of a laugh. “You almost sound like some kind of expert.”

You can’t stop your own laugh from escaping. If only she knew. You’re certainly more so compared to others. “Thanks, but not exactly. Just a fan of the supernatural really.”

“Anyway, basically like that, but without all the fur.”

“So a person with wolf like features sharp claws, teeth, and all?” You try envisioning this creature, but the resulting image you conjure up doesn’t quite fit. All you really picture is Gollum from Lord of the Rings though more vicious and animalistic.

Miranda grimaces, struggling for words. “In a way, but I said werewolf because that’s the closest thing it reminded me of except it wasn’t quite that. The features weren’t fully human and it just looked. . .evil.”

Evil? It makes you wonder if this is a similar situation to your run-in with the goblins. A will o’ the wisp had led you right to them that night, could the same one or one of its friends have done the same to her too? “Did you happen to notice anything else strange or peculiar that night? Like any glowing lights or maybe a weird sound?”

She stares at the carpet, lost in thought before slowly shaking her head though she doesn’t seem completely sure. From beside you, Diane stiffens and sharply inhales. “What about shining lights?” She softly murmurs, drawing both you and Miranda’s attention though the dark-haired woman catches her eyes. Both exchange looks with each other, an exclusively private conversation that’s between them. Diane silently pleads to her friend only for it to be disregarded by her friend’s hard expression in return.

It prompts your memory to recall a crucial piece of information from the few articles you’ve been reading about the incident. “Wait, were both of you out there that night?” All the reports indicated there was only one victim.

“No.”

“Yes,” Diane softly answers at the same time. Miranda sends her a scathing glare to which she helplessly responds with, “We already told the police.”

“So? She’s with the press and if this gets leaked, you’re screwed.”

You glance between the two of them. “Wait, what do you mean?”

Diane ignores the warning look Miranda sends her way. “My father is well-known. Actually he’s the CEO of Keaton Enterprises and word would’ve spread quickly if the media found out about the attack,” she explains, despite her friend’s obvious pissed-off facial expression.

“I won’t say anything,” you blurt, hoping they don’t get suspicious of your quick reassurance. While you truly do wish to prove your integrity, you also hope they don’t catch the hint of fear in your tone at the realization that her father runs the company your dad works for now. “Especially if you want your identity kept a secret. And if everyone knows it’s just one victim, we can stick with that,” you promise and Miranda rolls her eyes in return.

She shifts in her seat before taking another sip from her glass. “Like we’d believe you. You’re not the first journalist to spout supposed honest shit like that.”

“But I mean it,” you insist, “you’re identities aren’t important. I just want to hear from you directly to prevent misinformation from spreading about what attacked you.” At your mention of the attack, both women glance at one another before awkwardly looking away. “You can be honest with me. I’m not the paparazzi. I just want to know the truth.”

Surprisingly, it’s Miranda that speaks first, her voice somewhat low. “We could barely believe our own eyes.”

“Our minds can play tricks on us, but when our imaginations run wild that can make something seemingly normal a true nightmare.”

She shakes her head, black hair whipping furiously. “That’s what we’ve been telling ourselves, that the dark shadows were to blame and that it was just a normal predator. But it wasn’t.”

“And that’s okay, it’s why I’m here. Just try the best you can,” you encourage them. “Maybe let’s start with what you both were really doing out there that night.” When they visibly stiffen, you’re quick to reassure them again, “No personal information will be published without your consent.”

Both of them still look apprehensive before Diane sighs. “We were out drinking. Just a bottle of vodka between the two of us, nothing to make us too drunk. After having a busy day, we just wanted to let off some steam. While we were out there, we started hearing rustling in the forest. First it was quiet and far away, but as we started walking back to the main trail so we could get to the parking lot, something came running out and hit Miranda.”

“Could you describe the approximate size?” You ask.

“Big,” Miranda answers. “Probably similar to a bear but resembling more of a wolf.”

“Except it stood on two legs.”

“Yeah.”

A humanoid figure but with animalistic features, no wonder they kept saying werewolf. “That’s why you mentioned werewolves.”

“Not that it mattered because the cops are convinced we were just drunk off our asses and imagining it. Well, that I was too drunk,” she amends, a sharp edge in her voice and you catch Diane wince slightly.

“Do you remember any particular features that it had? Face, build, things like that?”

“Like, a hairless werewolf, I guess.” Diana grimaces in thought. “Maybe it was actually thin fur but the face looked sort of human while the body had long limbs with all the claws and teeth. Hence the wolfman comparison.”

“What did it do next?” You ask, still typing furiously on your phone.

From her seat, Miranda scoffs, “What do you think? It attacked us. Or me, specifically.” She points to her gauze-wrapped leg that’s propped on the ottoman.

“Miranda,” Diane softly scolds and turns to address you. “What she means is that thing didn’t hesitate once it saw us. Maybe we caught it by surprise when it came out of nowhere,” she guesses, “but there wasn’t any fear, just anger.”

“It could’ve possibly been hungry or rabid,” you theorize.

They shake their heads. “No, I don’t think so,” Diane says to which you look up in confusion. “When it bit Miranda, I slammed the vodka bottle over its head but it didn’t even react. Only when it kept biting at her did it eventually stop before taking off.”

Your fingers remain hovering above the screen of your phone and they helplessly shrug at your perplexed look. “It just stopped?”

“I know, it doesn’t make sense but that’s what happened. Something got it to stop, but nothing else was out there besides us. It was like a spell or the bloodlust was broken.”

At this rate, you wouldn’t be surprised if a witch or warlock were suddenly added to the mix. Will o’ the wisps, werewolves, and witches, oh my. “Could this be related to what you said earlier?” You look towards Diane. “About the shining thing you saw?”

“Maybe. Before it showed up, I thought I saw something shining or reflecting off the moonlight somewhere among the trees just before it attacked. But for all I know it was my eyes playing tricks on me.”

“The cops sure seemed to think so,” Miranda mutters.

“How bad are your injuries?” You ask her, looking at her bundled form.

She carefully eases the blanket back, revealing several long scratches that range from her thigh to her shin. In the middle of her thigh is a dark purple bruise.

“And is that where you were bit?” You ask, leaning a little closer but there’s no teeth marks anywhere to be found.

“Exactly where that disgusting bruise is at. And before you ask, yes, they didn’t find any cuts either. They think it probably just got close to breaking the skin but I know what I felt,” she insists. “My flesh was being torn apart.”

Despite her claims, her skin shows a different story. Maybe in the moment it felt like her skin was being torn open, but the lacerations aren’t actually that deep. “Does your leg feel weird where you got bit?”

“Not really, just…itchy,” she responds, her fingers automatically reach to scratch but she stops when Diane’s about to intercept. “I know, I know.” She gently massages the area instead. “I insisted they give me a rabies shot and everything else just in case.”

One can only hope that modern medicine will be enough to combat any diseases from possible supernatural creatures.

~*~

On your day off, you head to the opposite end of town towards Maple Berry Way in the hopes of finding anything useful about this strange creature that attacked the women. Maybe the police had missed something or believed it wasn’t crucial to the case. As you ride your bike, you stay on the sidewalk even though cars hardly ever come down this street as it’s rather secluded and takes you away from the heart of town. Even hikers and those who enjoy the outdoors tend to take other trails that are more lively and frequented.

As you reach the entrance, you hop off your bike and leave it resting against a tree that’s behind one of the few weathered-down benches near the road. No other cars are in the parking lot, leaving the area vacant like usual. Your feet leave indents in the sinking gravel as it throws your gait off-kilter until you reach the flat area where the path begins. Starting your trek down the dirt path, you follow the map on your phone where Miranda and Diane had marked the general area of the attack as best as they could remember, continuing toward the blue dot while looking for any evidence as you do.

Most of the trees are almost bare, with only a handful of brown leaves left in patches on some branches. An old wooden sign sits at an angle, the arrow pointing downwards instead of the direction it’s supposed to be in as you walk by. You can’t even make out the original writing as the letters are faded.

Up ahead, you catch a glimpse of a little orange flag peeking out from beneath the overgrown grass slightly away from the trail. You inspect the ground where remnants of shattered glass are still scattered about. This must be where they broke the bottle over the creature’s head. Avoiding the shards, you step carefully around the space, looking for any other clues but there’s not even a trace of blood whatsoever. You continue walking around, careful not to disturb any of the crime scene, but everything seems relatively normal. If they hadn’t told you about the bottle, you would’ve just assumed people were out here drinking and accidentally broke it. Basically normal.

“Can I help you?” A deep voice asks, startling you with a jolt. Turning around, you find two guys standing in dark clothes, the shine of police badges peek out from behind their jackets. Leave it to you to run into the cops. The one who spoke has pitch black hair perfectly styled to the side, revealing his smooth forehead and the arched brow that’s lifted, awaiting an answer. Beside him stands another man who’s slightly shorter with a mop of dark brown hair that makes him appear rather young.

“Hi, um, I’m just here to investigate the recent attack. The crime scene has been cleared so the public is allowed in now,” you answer, hoping it sounds as confident and professional as you try to seem.

“Yes, but our specific department still needs to gather more information so if you could come back tomorrow we’d be most appreciative,” the taller one explains, giving you an apologetic yet polite smile in return.

While he may be actually telling the truth, there’s no doubt that him or his department doesn’t exactly want you snooping around the area. Even if they haven’t found anything, this guy is smooth and most likely a pro at deflection. You wouldn’t be surprised if he’s in charge of public relations for the station.

Before you can respond, rustling sounds from nearby as another person appears from amongst the trees. “Hey, Namjoon, should we split up and check the northeastern area for—what’re you doing here?” The familiar voice wonders, original question abruptly replaced by another one. Yoongi, dressed in his usual hoodie carries a backpack over his shoulder, stops abruptly upon seeing you. His tone is hard, annoyed almost, so different compared to his usual demeanor.

“I could ask you the same thing,” you reply.

“We know each other,” is his pointed answer. “Besides, my help was requested by the department. Did they give you the same clearance?”

“No,” you scoff, fishing a small paper from your pocket and briefly flashing it to them. “It’s my journalist pass, and technically we don’t need them since the crime scene is currently clear now.”

His brows raise at that, humor glinting in his eyes as though he can clearly see right through your lie. “You’re a journalist too?”

The shorter man besides his tall partner with the deep voice smiles excitedly. “You work at the Hallow Howler too? That’s cool, so do I! I’m new so I don’t think we’ve met. What department do you work in?”

You’ve got to be kidding. Luck just can’t give you enough of a break. “Actually I’m more of an intern,” you backpedal, “my mom’s the journalist.” Was, your brain silently corrects. Technically you did borrow her press pass just for a moment like this. As long as they don’t notice that the expiration date is almost a decade old. “I’m just here inspecting the area while she follows some other leads.”

“Oh that’s cool! What’s her name?” The same guy asks, seemingly oblivious to your deceptions. Next to him, Yoongi faintly smirks, also expectantly waiting to hear your answer.

While you say her name, you frantically think of something else to switch topics to before you somehow slip up. “So is there much evidence besides the broken glass?”

“This is still technically an open investigation, we can’t disclose any of that yet.” Yoongi interrupts before the journalist can answer.

“Once we fill out our report and get all the details, we’d be happy to release it to the public.” The tall guy, Namjoon you presume, also responds.

“Then can I at least get statements from you, your partner, and your…assistant?”

“Yeah, though we’re still searching for evidence on what kind of animal this might’ve been which I’m sure is what you’re mainly wanting to know,” the shorter guy answers remorsefully.

Namjoon clears his throat. “I know that’s what everyone is most concerned about and we’re working quickly to figure that out. You’ll even be the first to know if that’s any consolation.”

“Does that have anything to do with checking the northeast area?” You point out and Yoongi narrows his eyes.

“We’re just covering our bases.”

“Are you checking that direction to rule out nothing came from the supposed legendary dark forest?” You guess.

While you know your question would throw out any credibility as a serious journalist, the sudden widening of the shorter guy’s eyes is enough to send your mind into hyperawareness. Even Namjoon inquisitively glances over to Yoongi who’s glaring you down.

“All those fairytales are seriously getting to your head,” he tells you snidely.

“Yeah, then it must be spreading because even the victim isn’t exactly sure what she saw.”

“Because she was drunk, terrified and in complete darkness,” he dismisses.

“Either way, something dangerous is out there.”

Namjoon hesitates before interjecting, “I’d be happy to talk with you privately once we finish up here if that’s alright. But he’s right, the dark forest is just a myth.”

If only that were true. “Maybe you’re right. And that’s very much appreciated but I think I’ll follow some other leads in the meantime. I understand this area is closed off so I’ll make my way to Briar’s Creek,” you politely answer. While not too far away, you have to head northeast to get there and the others seem to know this as well. Even if he’s throwing you a bone, you’re not biting. You doubt you’d get much out of him anyway. There’s too much authority within his tone, this man has definitely done plenty of damage control and PR speeches.

“Unfortunately, none of the forest is considered completely safe as we don’t know where this supposed creature is,” Namjoon says. “We’d advise not wandering alone. That goes for everyone, even if it’s overcautious on our part.”

“But what about for you all? That’s a lot of land to investigate and there’s only three of you here. Isn’t that just as dangerous for you too?”

“We have time as well as weapons for self-defense,” Yoongi reassures though a precursory glance shows none to be openly found. “They’re concealed if that’s what you’re wondering.”

“If temporarily assisting us with this part of the investigation will put your mind, and questions, at ease, we can allow that,” Namjoon amends much to everyone’s surprise. Yoongi sends him a dark look but doesn’t object.

At this point, you’ll take whatever information you can get. “Actually that would be great, thanks.”

“It makes things even,” the shorter guy adds, “and you’re more than welcome to come with me.”

“Perhaps you should head east with Yoongi,” Namjoon suggests to you. “Jimin and I can check the north since there’s less pathways.”

You spare a glance down at your shoes, just an old pair of sneakers that have certainly seen better days. Probably should’ve gone with actual hiking boots. “Sounds good,” you tell him, smiling before following after Yoongi who’s already on the move.

While the other two head in the adjacent direction, you walk after Yoongi as you try to catch up. The quiet ambience of the woods and two sets of footsteps are the only sounds for a few minutes before you bluntly ask, “Why the cold shoulder?”

His face pinches at your question before he uneasily looks away. “I’m not giving you the cold shoulder.”

“Fine, then why’re so grumpy?” He’s never been this cold with you except for maybe the first time you met after he caught you falling in the library. It’s not like him, and it makes you wonder what could possibly be bothering him. Unless he was sour before, something about your presence here has him upset.

Sighing, he shoves his hands in his pockets and hunches his shoulders while ducking beneath to avoid a low hanging branch. “Because I’d rather be somewhere else than here on some wild goose chase,” he admits. “And everyone seems convinced there’s some monster in the woods when it’s probably just a wild animal.”

“Those two seem like they could handle this on their own. Why do they need you?” It’s not a scathing remark, but genuine curiosity that drives your questioning.

“I told you, I know my way around these woods. Better than they do as they’re both still new and getting acquainted with the area.”

“Seems like you all know each other pretty well,” you comment, struggling to watch your footing while also trying to keep up with him.

Yoongi stays quiet for a moment before admitting, “We live together for the time being.”

“So this is more of a favor and not an extra side gig.”

“Basically,” he nods, attention more so focused on his surroundings as he scans the woods. Besides the occasional draft of wind, hardly anything stirs except for the sporadic falling leaves. “Just helping them out since it’s the least I can do.” Yoongi glances over at you. “What’s your motive? Honestly.”

You point a finger at yourself. “Me?” Shrugging, you’re about crouch beneath another low branch but Yoongi lifts it, holding it up so you can easily walk under. “Thanks. Look, I just want to get to the bottom of this before more people get hurt.” And to also figure this out before the wrong people come investigating the woods and end up finding a certain werewolf.

“That’s why there’s an ongoing investigation. Do you not trust law enforcement to take care of it?”

“No.”

Your immediate answer catches him off-guard as he lets out an involuntary laugh. It’s the first smile you’ve seen today, resembling his relaxed demeanor you’ve already grown used to. “Okay, fair point. And I get it, I really do. But that’s why Namjoon’s department was called in to provide assistance. They specialize in complicated animal attacks like this one,” he mutters, apparently already expecting your response.

“So there is something going on,” you confirm.

He rubs the bridge of his nose and runs his fingers along his cheekbones. “No, they’re here to determine the exact cause. And before you ask, no, they can’t confirm anything yet until they rule out all factors.”

“But it’s complicated enough that a whole department specialized in strange cases has to come out and determine what happened.” Yoongi looks away while you mull over your own words. Department specialized in strange cases. If magic exists, and something supernatural is possibly the culprit, then are the cops also aware of it? How deep would it all go? Is that why Namjoon, and whatever department he represents, is here? To determine if a werewolf or something else is responsible for the attack?

And then a horrifying thought comes crashing into focus. A shiver cascades along your nerve endings and it feels as if a bucket of ice water is poured down your back. Is this department specialized in hunting supernatural creatures? What if they’re here for Wolfy?

You glance over at Yoongi who’s staring intensely off into the distance, seemingly listening for something. He did say they have concealed weapons for protection, apparently himself included. “See anything suspicious?” You wonder, drawing his attention away from the tree line as he jerks his head to you.

“No. Sorry, got lost in thought.”

“So I can’t help but wonder,” you start, choosing your words carefully while he waits, “do you really think the victim was exaggerating what she experienced?”

Your eyes meet and hold his and you see a flicker of remorse from within before he exhales. “Saying yes would be easier, less complicated,” he admits, “but no, I think she saw something that terrified her. But assuming it’s supernatural or anything like that is a bit of a stretch, don’t you think?”

For once, you’re willing to accept his dose of reality. “Actually, yeah, I agree. There’s got to be some sort of logical explanation, we just have to find it.” And get them to leave your wolf alone, damn it.

“Exactly.”

“I mean, given the victim’s description, it could just be someone in a costume that attacked her.”

“What?” He glances at you in confusion until realization dawns. “Oh, did you interview the victim by pretending to be some journalist? Did you flash them the expired press pass and she just didn’t think twice?” Yoongi smirks, shaking his head while he deftly climbs over a log.

How could he actually see the date standing several feet away? You set your jaw, refusing to be sidetracked by his rather astute observation. “Look, you may think this is being blown out of proportion and just a waste of time, but there are others at risk. I have friends in the area that may be in danger.” You follow after him, hoisting yourself up the log with a grunt of exertion. He offers you his hand, patiently waiting while you crouch down before grasping it.

With a swift tug, Yoongi pulls you forward and you yelp at the sudden shift in weight, falling directly into him. Mind going blank, you barely have time to process that you’re in his arms before he sets you down. “Pretty noble of you to go all private detective the moment your town is in possible danger,” he notes, releasing you before slowly backing away.

Even through your clothes, you can still feel the warmth of his fingers that grazed along your waist before you shake your head in an attempt to reorient yourself. “Oh, please,” you scoff. “I’m just a concerned citizen if anything. And besides, this is a problem for the wildlife because if people start assuming it’s a dangerous wolf, then any local wolves in the area could be killed,” you say, your thoughts automatically returning to Wolfy. Supernatural strength or not, the general public wouldn’t take kindly to him. There’d be mass panic and hunters would be out in full force.

“I’m pretty sure your wolves will be fine,” he answers.

“Not if scared people take matters into their own hands,” you counter.

After passing beneath another drooping branch, the ground shifts, tilting downwards with cracks of rocks and roots protruding out sporadically. Both of you take the earthen made steps carefully, doing your best not to slip. Yoongi stays beside you, keeping his arm just within reach should you stumble. Once you’re near the bottom where the floor levels off, does he finally answer. “Y/N. It’ll be fine. You have nothing to worry about, trust me.”

When you reach the flat surface, you continue walking until a flurry of crunched leaves come from just ahead. Yoongi rushes in front of you and you watch as a cute, little dormouse scurries across before diving into another pile of large auburn leaves, squeaking as it does so. He lets out a huff and you notice that his hands are curled open, as though he were about to take a swipe at it.

“Then why are you nervous?” You wonder, to which he immediately relaxes his stance and looks at you from over his shoulder.

“I’m not,” he laughs.

“Well, you’re not completely at ease either.” Realization dawns. “That’s why you’re upset, isn’t it?”

He shakes his head, walking forward until you grab a hold of his sleeve, forcing him to face you. Yoongi stops, standing still as he uses his shoe to lightly kick at the pile of dead leaves. “No, I’m frustrated that there’s no definitive answer as to what exactly did this. It’s hard to tell based off what they’ve found which isn’t much.” You continue to skeptically glare at him before he lets out an exasperated sigh upon sensing it. “Okay, fine. It is a little worrying. Is that the response you’re looking for?”

Keeping a tight grip on his sleeve so he can’t turn or walk away, you ask, “What do actually think did this?”

“Not a wolf, if that’s what you’re worried about,” he answers. He’s looking at you now, unwavering and without a trace of doubt. “And what about you?”

Suddenly, you feel shy almost, having your questioning redirected back at you. His dark umber eyes feel as though they’re piercing straight into your mind. Like he’s searching for something. Confirmation? Honesty? You’re not sure. But it’s you that ultimately breaks eye contact before you release your hold of him. “Same,” is all you say.

“Glad we’re on the same page then,” Yoongi notes, moving in between the clusters of trees.

It’s annoying that he can just render you speechless with hardly any effort. And from such a simple question too.

“Are you coming?” He calls from up ahead and you rush after him before you get left behind.

Huffing, you try keeping up, doing your best to not trip or get caught on any stray roots. “Slow down, will you?”

Though your complaint is cut off by your own yelp as you stumble unexpectedly. You flail, pushing your arms out so you don’t faceplant into the ground. Instead, a hand grabs your elbow and you spin as your falling momentum gets realigned before you pivot, swinging directly into a warm body. You grab onto Yoongi, his other hand now holding your waist to keep you from falling backwards. Your hands had automatically reached out for support and now you’re clutching onto his shoulders as well.

Others would consider this a romantic pose, sweet, yet this feels. . .comfortable. “Why’re you really out here? Even if you’re a concerned citizen, people don’t usually just start getting involved themselves.”

For a minute this felt briefly comfortable. “To look for answers,” you say.

“Why not just let the people do their job?”

Of course you should just let the professionals handle it. But then they might find out a werewolf has been living in the forest, so close to civilization. A part of you wishes you could just tell him the real reason, but he probably won’t believe you. And even if he did, should you even be sharing secrets like this anyway? Despite that, the words are practically at your lips, on the verge of being spoken aloud. But instead you swallow them. “They could miss something and not know that it’s important.”

“And you would?”

“No, but I have a friend who might. They know their way around these woods too.”

“And you trust them?”

“Yes.” You say it so fast that it surprises even yourself.

The moment the word leaves your lips, you watch something shift within his eyes. It’s like a droplet of caramel hitting a pool of coffee and then spreading out, replacing the dark brown with a lighter shade.

You don’t even realize that your hands have moved until you feel the ends of his long hair grazing along your fingertips. They almost have a mind of their own, acting of their own accord as they reach up and get lost in his head of hair, feeling the soft strands. Flinching, you pull away and the sudden movement breaks the spell weaving you two together as you both let go.

Looking down at your feet, you find something metallic hidden between the blades of grass. You get closer, bending down to investigate the strange object and Yoongi crouches beside you as well. It’s a statue that’s about a foot long, depicting an angel with feathered wings open wide. In her left hand she holds a lantern while in her right is a staff with a crystalline orb attached at the top. Down at her feet are a bunch of flowers. Inspecting it closer, you see there’s writing engraved at the base that reads Radiance Everlasting.

“Radiance Everlasting?” You murmur the words aloud. It’s a pretty statue, but it’s odd that something this intricate would be all the way out here, seemingly in the middle of the woods. Surely someone wouldn’t forget to leave something like this behind.

Yoongi mutters under his breath and you think you catch the words, “damn nuisances.”

“Does this mean something to you?”

He shakes his head. “No, but I’m sure the department will have an idea,” is all he says before taking off his backpack and unzipping it. “We’ll send it in as evidence and see what they can find.”

“Wait, at least let me get a picture of it first,” you protest. Retrieving your phone, you snap a quick shot of it.

“Hang on, we don’t even know if it’s related to the case. You can’t just share it on your blog, I mean, your article,” he emphasizes with a pointed look much to your chagrin.

“I’m not going to say anything about it,” is your quick reassurance. “But I can at least do some research of my own.”

Rifling through his backpack, he pulls out a purple bandana. Using the cloth, he picks up the strange artifact and places it inside a plastic bag. It’s then that you manage to catch a glimpse of what’s inside. “Going camping later?” You presume, noticing the extra pair of clothes.

“I’m not planning on it, those are just extra in case I need to crash somewhere else for the night,” is his response, zipping the bag before standing upright. He’s already walking while you stare at his back before following after him.

Curiosity has different common scenarios running through your mind, yet you can’t help but press further. “Don’t you live nearby?”

“Yeah, but sometimes I stay for a few days at a friend’s place.”

As you continue walking, your eyes wander across the trees and ground, looking for any sign of something out of the ordinary. You see a set of pawprints, a wolf’s pawprints to be exact. Although it doesn’t seem like they’re from your wolf unless he was running around here recently on four legs. Reaching for your phone, you snap some more pictures of the tracks.

“Taking more pictures for your blog, I guess,” Yoongi wonders, hearing the shutter click as he looks back at you with a smirk. But the grin fades when he takes note of the prints though he doesn’t comment on them.

“You know,” you say, turning back to face him, “I’d sure love to see this supposed blog you think I have. At this point, even I’m wondering if it actually exists.”

“So the research is for stories then,” he presumes. “Or is it art?”

“Neither.”

He looks at you expectantly, waiting. “You said once that the research is for fun. Which kind of fun?”

Oh, if only he knew. “Werewolves and all sorts of supernatural creatures interest me. I like learning about them even if they might not be real. Gives me a better understanding of them, you know?”

The sideways look he gives is indiscernible, an expression you can’t quite pinpoint. It almost seems like painful longing or desperation. Or you’re just misinterpreting things. “Yes, actually I can understand.”

When he doesn’t elaborate, you eventually ask, “So then what’s yours?”

“My what?”

“Your interest, the thing you know or want to know everything about, even if it’s not for work or considered worth your time?”

He blinks, incredulous. “Are you asking me what my hobbies are?”

“Yes. Though would you consider researching supernatural creatures a hobby?” Under your circumstances, it almost feels like a case study of sorts. It makes you wonder how Wolfy would take it knowing that he’s been your main subject. He’d probably flick his tail against your back like he tends to do.

“Not all hobbies have to be skills which you perfect over time, Y/N,” Yoongi says, drawing you from your internal musings. “You learning about fantasy creatures is still knowledge you gain.”

“Even if I can’t apply it to “reality”?” You snort, doing air quotes at the end.

He stops walking, staring at you directly. “Is that what you believe?” He murmurs, his voice gentle.

“No,” is your immediate answer and you stumble over your words as you attempt to explain when he quirks a brow. “It’s more so just my parents would consider it a waste of time. Not that they’d try discouraging me, they just wouldn’t understand the purpose or use of it. They’re very,” you struggle to find the right word, “technical, analytical, take your pick.”

“So I assume they’re not too fond of the arts then.”

You wince, pursing your lips. “Well, no, they understand the concept of creativity and inspiration. It’s just, they see things from a realistic perspective. Why spend all your time learning about creatures that don’t exist when you could be learning about actual wolves instead?”

“Regardless of what they think, you’re doing something you enjoy. Even if it means sneaking around through a crime scene and interviewing traumatized victims,” he jokes, and you lightly smack his arm in retaliation.

“You make me sound like some suspect that’s inserting themselves into the investigation.”

He rubs the spot where you hit him, still smiling. “Clearly you’re not because you’re terrible at it. I’m kidding,” he laughs when you playfully scowl at him. “You just got unlucky by running into us.”

“Got that right. Your friend sure is proficient with his words.”

“Namjoon? Yeah, he’s been with the agency for a while and he’s an experienced communications liaison.”

“Honestly,” you mutter as he states what you already guessed. “He’s certainly good at dodging questions like someone else I happen to know.”

Your implication is met with him rolling his eyes as he shakes his head. “I’m not dodging questions. Going back to your earlier one,” he shrugs, “I guess my hobby is cooking though I don’t always have time. Like right now for instance,” he indicates to the sunlight that’s slowly descending below the trees and it’s then that you notice how the sky is a glowing orange rather than the clear blue it once was. “We should probably head back. It’ll be dark soon,” he recommends.

“Well, if you ever need a taste tester I don’t mind volunteering,” you offer, feeling your face immediately grow warm beneath his gaze, the faint amber of his eyes returning. “I mean, it’s the least I can do since you always try my various coffee flavors.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Yoongi says with a fond smile.

Both of you begin heading back towards the main trail and it surprisingly doesn’t take long as you’re soon arriving at the parking lot. “Will you be out searching tomorrow too?”

“No, most of the evidence has already been logged. We just came out to do one last thorough check. And good thing too,” he notes, nodding to you, “because we could’ve missed that statue. Thanks for the help.”

You shrug. “All in a day’s work.” Stepping across the uneven gravel, you make your way back towards your bike. “So how’d all of you get here?” You wonder, motioning to the empty space where not a single car is in sight.

“Jimin and Namjoon took Joon’s scooter,” he motions to where you just barely see a lilac colored moped parked near the tree line, “and I walked.”

“Wait, is that his personal vehicle? Because I like it and kind of want it now. And why’re you always walking around everywhere?”

“Yeah, it’s his. Let’s just say a scooter is more his speed. And he really enjoys it, so good luck getting him to give it up. As for your other question, I just prefer walking compared to vehicles in general. It’s just easier. Why does it matter?”

“Because that’s a lot of walking to do, not to mention more time to get everywhere. I know this is a small town, but this area is still a ways out.”

“There’s a lot of different trails that I use for shortcuts.”

“You know what? I’ll take your word for it. See you tomorrow hopefully.”

He nods. “Yeah, I’ll probably stop by the coffee shop for a bit. Have a good night.”

You tell him the same and he watches you get on your bike, standing in the middle of the lot while you ride away.

~*~

Like most days, the shop is bustling with people coming in and out for hot drinks and to warm up before going back out into the chilly weather. And true to his word, the next day Yoongi is there that afternoon wearing his hoodie as always.

“Just your usual black coffee?” You ask, and he nods.

The bell chimes again. More groups of customers stepping inside while a few exit with their food and drinks.

“Okay, for here, right?” You turn towards him, already holding the porcelain mug in your hands.

As he opens his mouth to respond, his eyes go wide, brown bleeding into a glowing scarlet and it’s like he’s looking through you at something else. His hands tense, sharp nails digging into the counter, creating jagged lines in the worn wood.

From behind him, you see two customers in line with one looking around the shop while the other raises an eyebrow but doesn’t say anything. You hadn’t paid them any mind, yet now you can’t help but notice the one watching Yoongi as the bulging muscles of his arms seem to flex with every move. How often does he work out?

“To go, please.” You barely hear Yoongi mumble, his voice low and practically unheard amidst the loud sounds of blenders and people talking. He releases a shaky breath as he hunches over and rests his palms on the counter.

“Okay. You alright?” You ask, concerned by his odd demeanor.

Yoongi’s still for a minute as though processing your words. “Yeah, fine.” He takes a breath, inhaling deeply and the crimson soon fades away, melding into liquid caramel instead. He sniffles and wipes a finger across his nose.

“Hey, I can help with the next one while you help him,” Elanor mutters from behind, causing you to jump slightly.

Both you and Yoongi move to the side as Elanor takes over at the register.

“Are you sure everything’s okay?”

“Yeah.” His attempt to reassure you isn’t exactly convincing. “Just got a headache all of a sudden.”

“I think I have some painkillers in my bag if you need some,” you tell him, pouring his coffee into a recycled cup before handing it to him.

“No, it’s okay. I’ll probably head home and take a nap. See you later,” he says, quickly taking his drink and immediately leaving before you can so much as wave goodbye.

Later that night, you realize that Wolfy isn’t here today either. Strange. Maybe he has other things to do. As you continue down the path, you hear a low rumble in the distance. Your feet slow to a stop so you can listen more.

Straining your ears, it takes a minute before you hear a bark out in the distant forest. You head off the trail and begin going towards the general direction of the sound. There’s a good chance this isn’t Wolfy as he’s definitely not the only canine out here. But what if it is?

Without the light from the lampposts, seeing is difficult and you have to resort to using your phone’s flashlight so you can watch your step. Intuition is smacking your curiosity within you, reminding you of what happened the last time you went exploring in the woods at night. Yeah, you were almost eaten alive but you were led astray by a will o’ the wisp. And you got to meet Wolfy as a result.

A cawing crow startles you and you nearly stumble into a tree as a result. Looking up, you raise your light high and find the blackbird staring down at you from a leafless branch. Wasn’t there a crow Halloween night too? It caws again before taking flight, swooping right over your head and you duck away.

By the time you look up, you see it heading back the direction you came. You think. Just to confirm, and actually be on the safe (smart) side, you check the GPS on your phone to ensure you know how to get back to civilization.

From not too far away, you hear a louder bark that’s followed by a growl. Shutting your light off, you continue walking closer. There’s a break in the trees as the forest grows thinner and you hide behind a bush before cautiously peeking over the bramble.

In a small clearing are two men and one very pissed-off werewolf. What once was a grassy field now resembles a battlefield as destroyed trees are scattered across with trunks splintered and branches snapped. Both men’s clothes and hair are slightly disheveled, but otherwise they remain in one piece, and it’s then that you recognize the one with big muscles from the coffee shop earlier today. The werewolf, on the other hand, has a few thin open wounds across its arms and upper torso. All the noises you’ve been hearing must’ve been from their fighting. A brawl you’ve just idiotically walked in on.

Another growl sounds from the lupine that reverberates the ground beneath you. Though the moonlight doesn’t help much, you can tell it’s not Wolfy, the body being more lithe and fur being a lighter shade than his. Its lips peel back, showcasing sharp fangs as it snaps its jaws in warning. The taunt has the two men adjusting their stances, leaning down into crouches as they prepare to lunge while you can only watch in muted horror, unsure of what to do.

You flinch in anticipation, preparing for the brutal fight to restart, until a loud cawing sounds from behind. Slowly looking over your shoulder, you see the black bird sitting nonchalantly in the branches of the tree, quizzically staring back at you. It cries again and you wave your arm in a pathetic attempt to try and silence it.

Instead, it does a nosedive, buzzing you in the process and lets out another caw. You hiss for it to pipe down, but it simply squawks in return. Nearly getting a face full of feathers, you duck low but trip into the bush, the branches breaking your fall with a loud cascading crunch as you fall forward and hit the ground.

Lifting your head, you ease up and see the men and werewolf staring directly at you. Crap. You fumble with the half-dented bush and get to your feet. None of them have moved, but even if you run now, you’re not sure that it’ll make much difference. Maybe you could lose the guys, but not a freaking werewolf.

When the one guy you’ve never seen before takes a step towards you, the wolf growls before lunging at him. The coffee shop guy actually tackles the werewolf, forcing it to the ground. Both begin fighting, the guy avoiding a near bite to the arm as they both try getting to their feet and gaining the upper hand. While they’re duking it out, the first guy shoots forward, suddenly appearing directly in front of you.

How the hell did he move so fast? Dread pools within your stomach upon realizing that they’re not human either.

“Don’t worry, everything’s fine,” the man murmurs softly, his eyes flaring bright ruby red before he utters a word you can’t understand.

Your body stills, rushing thoughts going quiet as your fear evaporates. It’s not that you feel calm, just…quiet. Like your emotions have been sedated with a dose of tranquility. What’s wrong with you? You try forcing yourself to move, but even internally you feel lethargic, and your limbs won’t cooperate.

“Relax and listen to my words,” the man says, his command instantly filling you with ease. “You will forget us and what you saw here. You’re going to turn around and go home once I—”

Before he can finish, he’s slammed by something dark and massive, causing you to break free from whatever spell or magic he cast as you fall to your knees. You see the large werewolf loom above the man, keeping itself in between you two. It growls in warning while the guy merely stares up at it in return, shifting his weight as he adjusts his stance.

A blurred figure appears from the trees before a third werewolf joins everyone. Sparing a quick glance at the wolf next to you, it heads towards the other one still engaged with coffee shop guy before joining in on the fight.

Since they’re all preoccupied, you finally take the opportunity to run back into the woods. Your feet dash across the forest floor, shoving tree limbs and shrubs aside as you head in what you hope is the right direction of the main trail. Flapping bird wings sound from above and you look up to find the same crow flying in the air. It lets out another caw, gliding in between the trees as it stares down at you.

For all you know it could be leading you to more trouble, yet you don’t have time to think about it before something eventually tries coming after you. So you follow after the bird and thankfully soon notice the shining lamps from the path. Pushing yourself faster, you race towards the lightened area and emerge from the forest only to crash straight into someone.

The person grunts from the impact but manages to keep from falling over completely as they stumble back a few steps. “What the hell? Y/N?” They ask, and you immediately recognize the voice. You pull away and find Yoongi standing before you, straightening his shirt to get rid of the rumpled creases where your face once was a second ago.

“Yoongi? What’re you doing out here?” You ask, glancing over your shoulder into the dark wilderness but find nothing chasing after you. Maybe those guys and the werewolves will keep each other distracted until you both can get far enough away.

That hopeful thought is struck down as a loud howl pierces the night sky. Your eyes widen as you look to Yoongi, wracking your brain for an excuse or casual response only for him to beat you to it. “We should get out of here,” he suggests, and you agree, not even hesitating to trek down the path with him, intent on going straight home.

“Maybe you should head home too. I can manage the rest of the way,” you say, but he shakes his head, keeping his hand against the small of your back.

“Just walk, Y/N,” he tells you, his voice tight.

The two of you walk in silence, only your quickened footsteps sounding against the dirt as you stay within the dim glow of the guiding path lights. You resist the urge to look back, afraid of seeing what could be lurking in the shadows while Yoongi’s eyes flicker in every direction, checking either side of the forest for anything drawing near. A snapping branch can be heard from the right and Yoongi immediately slows his pace, keeping his position standing just in front of you.

Another twig snaps from behind and you both whirl to find a guy standing on the trail, another one you haven’t met before. The bangs of his brown hair hang just above his eyes and overall he seems like an ordinary guy, down to the band t-shirt, skinny jeans, and converse. “Oh sorry,” he apologizes, giving a bashful smile as he rubs the side of his arm, “didn’t mean to startle you. Just out enjoying the view. Nice night for a walk, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it is,” Yoongi answers, his words clipped. “Enjoy your walk.” He silently urges you towards the way home and you begin taking a few steps in that direction, afraid of turning your back on the guy.

“Hey, you wouldn’t happen to know where QualiTea Treats & Trees is, would you? I’m supposed to meet my friend near there later,” he suddenly asks, rubbing the back of his neck.

Your mouth nearly opens to automatically answer, but you stop yourself short, afraid of giving this stranger the location of Jin and Hobi’s tearoom.

“It’s in the town square, you can’t miss it. So why don’t you and your friend go run along,” Yoongi suggests, turning to face the patch of trees to the left.

When you follow his gaze, you think you catch a silhouette hidden amongst the shadows, but it’s hard to tell exactly where. A shiver wracks your spine. The guy also looks in the same direction before sighing and jerking his head to side. From the woods, out walks another guy with striking blue hair that’s partially tied in the back. Dots of freckles form along his cheeks, and with the colorful hair, it gives him an air of etherealness. Even you can’t help but become enchanted. He goes to stand by his friend, both relaxed while you and Yoongi are anything but.

Your eyes meet blue hair’s and you watch as they faintly begin glowing red, muting whatever thoughts you once had. “Don’t look into their eyes,” you vaguely register Yoongi mutter beside you and you immediately look away, keeping your focus on the ground. You think you hear blue hair guy let out an exasperated sigh.

Multiple growls accompanied by short, rapid barks sound off somewhere nearby in the woods. They’re slowly coming closer.

“Someone should get those wolves on a leash, they sure are noisy tonight,” the first guy comments while blue hair snorts, barely hiding his smile.

“Take it up with the locals,” Yoongi says.

“Why? Surely someone with your credentials can easily take care of it.”

Beside you Yoongi tenses, but doesn’t say anything, instead glaring hard at the mystery men. While you’re beyond confused by what he means, you try diffusing the situation before things escalate here too. “Look we don’t want any trouble,” you start, grabbing a hold of Yoongi’s arm, tugging it lightly. His hard gaze doesn’t break from the guy’s, but he allows himself to be pulled back.

The first guy clears his throat. “I know, we don’t either. So if your friend could come with us, we can get this all sorted out.”

“We’re not going with you.”

“Oh, no she doesn’t. You do though. I mean we don’t want to cause a scene, right?”

“I’m not leaving her alone.”

The guy motions to blue hair next to him. “Felix can make sure she gets to where she needs to be. Won’t you feel better knowing she’ll be away from all the commotion?”

Yoongi flexes his fingers, taking a breath to steady himself. “As if I’d take your word for it. Just let us go and we’ll forget this ever happened.”

“Sorry, but we can’t let you do that, man.”

“I wasn’t asking.”

Felix whispers something to the other guy who thinks for a second before nodding. “So how’d you earn her trust? Did you just become friends by chance or you two know each other through school or work?” He asks.

“That’s none of your business.”

“How’d she take the news?” The guy smiles. “Or having you been sharing trademark secrets?”

“Neither. She’s smart.”

Such a strange line of questioning, one where you’re seemingly the only one completely lost in the conversation. “What does he mean?” You quietly ask yet the other two can somehow hear.

The guy with dark hair raises a brow in surprise. “Oh, she doesn’t know. Are you ashamed or afraid she’ll run away screaming?”

“It doesn’t matter. I haven’t broken any rules,” Yoongi calmly responds though a slight tremor begins coursing through his body every few seconds.

“Maybe or maybe not. Either way, you or one of your friends certainly have.”

“We haven’t done anything wrong,” you insist, despite not knowing everything. It doesn’t matter so long as you two can get away from whoever these people are.

“I’m sure that’s exactly what he wants you to think. Don’t you wonder why he’s always in or around the woods all the time?” He catches the surprise register across your face, his mouth turning up in a small smile. “So you have. Has he been agitated or more stressed by any chance lately?”

“That’s enough,” Yoongi quietly orders.

“I agree. Now if you’ll just come with us, we’ll make sure she gets home safe. Clearly, she’ll be better protected with us than you.”

Yoongi leans closer to you so he can whisper in your ear. “Run,” he urges, “I’ll make sure they don’t follow after you.”

Before you can answer, he strides towards them and it’s as if they’re expecting it because the first guy suddenly throws a punch which is blocked by Yoongi. The two begin fighting and dodging each other’s moves, almost like a dance in which neither is led by unfiltered anger. Instead, they’re poised, focused on feinting away before either can land a hit. And then their speed increases, moving faster and faster until your eyes can barely keep up.

Felix, who’s been watching like you up to this point, then springs into action and immediately lands a harsh kick on Yoongi that causes him to stumble though he doesn’t fall. His movements are graceful yet dangerous as he joins in, more hits and kicks successfully knocking into Yoongi.

And you’re just standing there. Using your pepper spray won’t work in this case, not when you could potentially hurt Yoongi. Even if you tried getting in the middle, you’ll end up getting hit or miss your target because all three of them are moving so fast that they’re almost beginning to blur.

From the forest, a loud hiss sounds from the undergrowth that draws your attention away. The air around you seems to pick up, forcing the thinner trees to bend in submission as another strange, unearthly, noise comes from close by.

“Yoongi,” you murmur, knowing your voice is lost to the wind as he continues fighting with the other men. The rustling in the trees grows louder, shuddering the branches as something makes its way closer in this direction, moving fast. Inhumanely fast. “Yoongi.” The hair all across your body is standing upright as dread fills you, natural instincts sensing an impending doom.

There’s a flash of white before something launches itself at you and you barely have time to react as you duck aside. Only you’re not quick enough as the thing hits you hard, knocking you to the rough ground. “Yoongi!” You scream, looking up in terror at the humanoid figure with sharp fangs and bottomless black eyes. It’s completely bare and hairless with patches of silver scales forming all across its skin. The figure screeches and you flinch, raising your arm to protect your face when there’s a stinging gash cutting into your flesh.

Even though it doesn’t cut deep, it still burns like hell and you cry out, both in pain and absolute horror when the creature leans in for a bite, saliva dripping from its mouth. Managing a solid punch, you turn and see that Yoongi and the other men have stopped fighting, shock etched across their faces.

But what catches you off guard is the glowing crimson that’s coming from Yoongi’s eyes. Fury engulfs whatever surprise is left and in the next instant he roars, his body contorting before there’s suddenly a brown wolf standing on hind legs, one you’ve become rather familiar with recently.

“Wolfy,” you breathe, the nickname lost in the sound of chaos.

The werewolf launches himself at you, tackling the creature with ease and the uplifted weight leaves you feeling exposed, vulnerable. Scrambling backwards, you kick at the ground, your legs feeling like lead but you keep going until you find yourself backed into the trunk of another tree once more. Yet there’s not much to see, only blurs of brown and white can be distinguished as bodies wrestle with each other.

Deep growls and shrilling shrieks fill the air, blood spraying every so often. The two strange guys watch, with Felix stepping closer, seemingly looking for an opportunity to jump into the fight. That is, until another figure suddenly appears beside them. As he tells them something, more and more guys keep appearing, showing up in an instant.

Your head feels like it’s about to overload just as yet another figure materializes next to the others and then they move in a blur before instantly kneeling beside you. Chan, the guy from the library, carefully grips your face within his chilled hands and forces you to meet his scarlet eyes. “I’m sorry. Sleep,” he commands, the word instantly forcing darkness to consume you as you fall in an unconscious heap.

— — —

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A/N: The next chapter is finally complete! I wasn’t expecting it to take this long, but I’m at least happy with it so thank you for being patient with me. As always, feedback is most appreciated and I love hearing your thoughts. Thank you for taking the time to read my stories. Much love!

#icymi

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