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Chapter Text

'Never go past the line that divides the village and the dark forest. You are only bound to die on your way there.'

A dialogue that Hoseok had heard uncountable times to even remember or count. Ever since he was as young as the childe that learnt his first words, he was strictly pulled away from ever entertaining the idea of going further. This repeated line of advice to every new member of the village had ingrained into the young minds. There was always an air of caution when anyone brought it up in their conversations. His father seemed too wary to even let him to the ground closer to the outskirts, where all his friends played. Something he had longed for, but he knew from the firm frown lines on his father's forehead that his words were to be taken very seriously.

And like any other kid of his age, who loved the idea to seek and find out- in more rogue words as fuck around and find out, he was fascinated by the idea of whatever lay past there.

"But, the horizon would look so pretty without the forest covering it all."
Hoseok had wondered out loud as the dinning table stilled away.

That night, he had the harshest punishment he had experienced in his whole (little) life. Hoseok was a good youngling, never one to disturb others and simply kind. So this punishment of a 'time out' in the backyard at night was quite scary for the then 6 year old. The trees behind swayed in all their dark glory and sang hymns to him that night. Though, his mother had come to collect him with an attuned face and a warm hug, he was unnerved by the whole experience. The fifteen minutes felt like as if an eternity had passed in between. He had sobbed for another five, but calmed down at the sight of his father offering the peppermint candy bought from the fair that had taken place last week.

From that day on, he knew better than to bring this delicate topic as a point of discussion in front of anyone. Yet that didn't stop the lingering thought of what laid beyond those pitch black trees. There was something alluring about those lands. Some sort of weird aura that pulled him closer unlike the reaction what was expected of him-fear. It was like a siren begging the sailors to stray away from their course, by using their entrancing beauty. It was like beaconing light that pulled all the little moths in a rush of euphoria, only to be fried to death within seconds of their days-long life.

But this forest was neither the beautifully enamoured siren nor the hypnotizing light bulb. This was a dark place filled with unknown things that led to the birth of gruesome tales weaved through the lives that were lost. It was harsh and black and everything that screamed danger.

Of course, it was pushed away to the farthest parts of his head or replaced with thoughts of the things that he had to do as part of his normal life.

Years passed on, seasons changed too soon, Hoseok grew older and wiser. He had taken up his father's village bakery to continue the family business. Kneading the bread doughs and baking them seemed more like his thing. Atleast that's what he convinced himself as he prepared the next batch of dough with raisins in them. The raisin-bread wasn't quite people's favourite, but this was a special order to his nephew, a youngling who had seen three summers pass by in his life.

Baking was supposed to be easy, but at times he found himself questioning if this was what he wanted. It was nice managing the goods and seeing the bright smiles as he delivered the vanilla cupcakes. But was it really worth it all? Standing by the heated oven of high temperatures didn't really seem very pleasing. Especially when there were unruly customers who always had something to argue about. Though he understood that in order to survive in a village- a community- he had to work hard. He couldn't just take up things he loved, like painting or sewing. Those were futile activities in the eyes of the other people. It wasn't what was expected of him, a young strong man in his 20's. People already saw his main source of living as a joke. It wasn't too many like ploughing for crops or carrying heavy goods as part of the youth livelihood.

The last time he had conversation about him making socks for his nephew had drawn in quite a few harsh comments.

'Sewing really? Are you really taking up women's jobs? Can't expect anything better from a baker.'

'Next what? Will you be washing dishes and feeding the children?'

'If you are a man, try taking our load for a day.'

Hoseok had ended up excusing himself from the rough words that were outed at him. He didn't understand what was different from women. Especially when he did baking of all jobs. The same job that provided them the food, they sought for everyday. It was kind of stupid of them, really immature too. He didn't grasp the whole idea of what jobs were classified for what gender and why couldn't he do the things he loved. Also given that the many recipes he tested out in the bakery was all a culmination of his mother and grandmother.

That aside, this place of his own seemed to make him feel more foreign in his own body. Maybe it were the unspoken words among the others, or the way they despised for not being a fanatic over the dark forest's mishappenings. Maybe it was the way he had lost many of the people who kept him grounded on this land, or the overflowing determination to prove the others wrong. Maybe it was the lack of enthusiasm in baking as he had when he was six, curious-eyed peeking at his father's creations, or the complete disdain towards everyone here.

The village still kept on going with the wary warning of the dark forest beyond.

'The Raven comes out at nights, hunting for the souls of the good to fill his thirst. He, who lays behind the bushes is also the reason for the overgrown monstrous trees.'

The rumours and whispers got wilder and louder. It got bitter and scarier with each passing word that was spoken of the horizon beyond the forest. Creatures were made up, some supposed to exist, some clearly to make the kids fear their actions. Recurring tales of how everything would soon persih if the Raven set foot on their lands were told and re-told. Hoseok was quite frankly torn as to what he should believe in. The Raven was a recurring theme in all of the hushed stories that brought night terrors within him.

Hoseok had gone through the worst parts of his life. Or so he hoped.

Atleast that's what it meant with braving through everyone's dismissive words over every action he did lately. His parents had died over five years ago and so it had only been him and his brother taking up whatever was left of the business that his father left. His bond with his parents was one filled with love and care, so to lose one such crucial connection still left him crippling with its lack. Hoseok had cried when they passed away, all in a gap of six months. It had been long since he had shouldered the heavy weight of tragedies. Definitely not two. But he had braved through it just like what was expected of him.

Surely that was enough, right?

Apparently not.

There was more to come his way.

Hoseok had woken up before the red-feathered chickens in the farm could even scream their jarring voices out at the rise of another day. It was still pitch dark outside, as he finished up with his morning routine of washing up and making himself a bread and butter toast. His stomach grumbled at the smell of fresh butter that had just been made yesterday night. Rising awake, he had plans to complete the next batch of sourdough bread and trying the new recipe of blueberry pies with criss cross patterm on top.

Humming to himself, he got through the front door and into his bakery. The sourdough starter had already risen with pre-preparation from yesterday. Adding that to the bigger bowls of dough, he let them rest for another 2 hours to rise fully. Putting the normal breads and sheet cakes in the oven, he looked for blueberries in the storage but, found none to his avail. Knowing that the farmer's market wouldn't be open just yet, he thought of going on his own to get some.

"Good morning."
His brother mumbled, as he entered through the bakery backdoors with sleepy eyes.

"Morning Doyung-ah."
Hoseok said, smiling wide.

Hoseok was a morning person, to his younger brother's dismay.

"What's got you excited this early in the morning?"
Doyung asked, yawning widely.

"I'm trying a new recipe today!"
Hoseok exclaimed, washing his hands to get off the white flour.

"I will be going to the nearby farms to get some blueberries. Take care of the place and switch off the ovens if you aren't using it. I don't want to come back to extinguished coal ashes and a heated kitchen."
Hoseok sternly explained, to which his brother gave a cheeky smile and a wave goodbye.

Thus, with a basket for the blueberries and a satchel of his stuff, Hoseok moved in the direction opposite to the rising sun in search of fresh produce. He walked further into the farms to find not a single berry that would normally be perched on the greener bushes. The farms had apparently not given any yield in a week or so. But instead of walking back home with the acceptance of not making the pie today, he walked in the same direction, until he found himself standing right at the start of a new path. A path outside the village, untravelled and untouched with coarse mud covering it all over.

The infamous dark forest.

A place that ran deep with a terror that had all of the villagers in a chokehold. But as the first rays of sunshine hit the leaves, it didn't look as scary as he initially thought of. He contemplated long if it was worth going in. But he really needed those blueberries. Well, not quite need, but he was determined to make them today and no substitute would suffice. He was a bit too stubborn like that.

The perfectly grated voices of his late parents rewinded in his head, yet his mind jumbled with responses and decisions fit taking.

"Just going in to get some blueberries wouldn't hurt. Right? Yeah. I'll get those darn berries and make my way home."
Hoseok hyped himself before stepping in slowly.

The brownish haired boy was quick to spot the dark, shiny berries that he needed on the bush. At this distance he could see the entry to the forest just fine. Picking them was easy since all of them were ripe with juicy textures. He even popped some to feel the sweet, tangy flavour wash over his taste buds.

Going about his little activity, he took note of the fact that birds didn't quite chirp here as much as they would early morning. Maybe they were migrating somewhere else. Hoseok had this wonderful character of looking at the brighter side of things at any situation posed. Looking above at the giant canopied trees, he accidentally made eye contact with a raven-like bird with more beautiful features and shinier cost of groomed feathers. The bird seemed to be taking in account of every movement of the stranger in its home.

With a swish in the air, the bird flew near him which in turn caused Hoseok to duck down in fear. But the bird seemed consistent to stay by his side even when he did nothing but pick up the basket from the ground. The bird fluttered around him for some time and perched on the bush beside him. After some time, it suddenly chirped high and flew past his arms frantically.

"Hey, where are you going?"
Hoseok asked, half expecting an answer from a damn non-verbal bird.

But shockingly so, the bird stopped it's flapping to look behind and made a gesture that felt too close to follow me. Therefore, Hoseok chased behind the bird that looked like it was another version of the doves in hell. Seemingly so, none of his memory warned him of the way it looked so suspiciously close to a raven. Years of hearing the same words had numbed his brain to be alerted by the bird's sighting.

Hoseok ran deeper.

Deeper than where he was supposed to go.

Without a care of the time, he followed the bird. He did think of why the bird was frantic, maybe the bird's family is stuck somewhere and he was going the help them reunite. Or maybe the bird wanted to show him something beautiful. Like itself.

Maybe...maybe not.

But truth remained, he had breached past the safe limit of the dark forest.

His father would have been utterly mad if he were alive.

Hoseok clutched his flour-covered clothes as his feet followed the bird. It was like it had a mind of its own in the search of the destination that this bird seemed to lead to. And whenever the harsh path pricked his soles through the thinly sewn shoes that should have been discarded years ago, he would double down right there in pain. Hoseok was sure that his feet were covered with blisters in colours of pink and red. This might have just been the longest he has ever travelled in his 26 years of life.

The bright side of this was that the bird would gently place itself near to Hoseok and look at him with keen eyes.

Hoseok was no animal talker like Mr. Han and his circus crew in town, but he was sure that this bird was conveying emotions of concern and hurt towards him.

As he took off again, he noticed how the forest turned black from the lovely bright green at the entrance. If it weren't so spooky, he would almost appreciate the ombre effect if which this forest was upholding. Less vegetation was found, the farther they traversed. Bare branches with lone leaves as compared to the huge canopies was definitely an eye turner. Animals were so scarce that Hoseok had to double check if this was the same forest that the villagers talked of. He was starting to believe it was all a fabricated myth to keep people from straying away to the cities.

'Blood thirsty hounds and three tailed beasts lay by his side. The Raven has no mercy for your deeds. He's simply here to kill and soon our lands will vanquish."

The old lady beside his bakery always muttered variations of the same sentence. She believed that the Raven had eaten her son and left his bones to the hyenas there. But, Hoseok who wasn't quite in-tune with the village's idea of dark forest thought of it differently. He was sure the old lady's son had left to the city with his beloved on a secret elopement.

Maybe he wasn't too wrong.

Hardly were there animals and he was supposed to believe that there was a a ghostly creature that reeked of danger and provoked fear in others?

Feeling his throat parched with thirst, he looked around for any source of water. He hadn't carried his usual bag of water that he would normally carry in case he was on a long travel. To be honest, his original plan only included collecting berries for his pretty blueberry pie and not venture into the unknown.

This was a detour.

A big detour it would seem.

One where his return was jeopardized like no other.

Finding no other option around him, he removed the stalks of the blueberries he had plucked earlier. Munching on them was a total delight to Hoseok. He laid a few on the ground beside him, just in case the bird would like some.

"They're tasty, you can try a few."
Hoseok said to the bird, as he nibbled softly on the supple juice flowing out of the blueberry.

To his complete surprise, the bird swooped down to peck at the blueberries.

These forests, despite not having any cover against the sky above had a canvas so dark that one could hardly differentiate between mornings and afternoons. Hoseok wasn't sure what he was doing. He should be at the bakery, making fresh pies but here he was aimlessly following a bird into a place he didn't know if it even existed. Tired with all the exertion, Hoseok let himself rest against the withered tree's trunk. His eyes fell asleep under to get the needed rest.

Today, Hoseok's dreamworld was an imitation of the dark forest.

Days blended into nights and more for Jimin.

20 years was it? Or maybe 25?

That was how long Jimin was trapped in this death hole of a place. There was no escape for sure. But he had survived good. Harshly put in an environment that had nothing to nurture someone so soft-hearted like Jimin, he had braved it all. He had lived his part, and was still striving towards that. Afterall the curse has him bounded in this dangerous forest for life. And a life like his, one filled with ageless immortality, he was sure to live a long one.

Afterall, he was the one they feared wildly.

'In the darkest shades of black that illuminate the sky thrives a creature of death. The Raven. Everything and everyone in sight will absolve to nothing.'

Sleeping in was as good as staying awake. There was not much difference for Jimin. He hadn't needed sleep as much. His biological cycle had changed so variedly that sleep didn't matter. But the bones within him, fresh and young were exhausted like no other. Yet, the needed rest never made its way into Jimin's life. The only reason he slept was because the night brought more haunted horror that he wasn't ready to face.

At least not yet.

Jimin's day had been the same since years. Years that went with him being immortally young. Yet, as the day started he seemed to fumble with his schedule. There was something so melancholic of starting your day in a doomed forest for no one. One where people feared and animals ate your flesh. One where Jimin was once lost and his fingers shivered. But now, it was something he grew to be accustomed. The deadly ever growing creepers in shades of green no longer scared him.

Nothing in here scared him anymore.

Thus, when he encountered something strange in the ghostly region known as home, he was filled with equal portions of fear and intrigue.

The scent of fresh baked goods and vanilla enwrapped the air around Jimin. Something that he hadn't smelled in so long. A mouthwatering fragrance that he never knew he had missed in all his time here. A perfectly capable sign of civilization. Before he could even indulge himself in the wafting scent of everything nice, his eyes flew open with glimmers of red at the possibility of someone threatening his existence.

This was not his usual routine.

At least not with the prospect of a human on the other side.

"It's a human?"
Jimin loudly noticed, though it looked more like he was talking to himself.

Quite frankly, his voice was gratingly rough and his throat hurt since the many days of disuse.

No one ever spoke in this dark forest.

Jimin was the only one here.

A twig broke, and then someone cussed out loudly. FUCK. Jimin expected himself to be chasing behind the creature, human or not. But, he never got the chance to do so, since the said living being had plans. Another second late— with a lot more of pained shout OW and cursatory yelling— a petite man, a little taller than Jimin with big eyes and colourful clothes made an appearance into Jimin's space. He didn't seem to fit with the dark skies and the darker forests surrounding him. His  eyes that held stunned fear was marred with deep sleep.

"I'm sorry. I just lost my way. Please don't harm me. I didn't do anything."
The man spoke with a shiver that had Jimin looking keenly. The former's hands were covered in a deep shade of purplish-blue that Jimin concluded to be one of the fruits in the human village.

"Funny because you are the one with the knife."
Jimin chuckled, pointing out at the gleaming metal in his worn-out satchel.

"I- no...no. I just treaded too far and just wanna go home."
The man said, still in shock at being caught.

"How do I know you aren't lying?"
Jimin questioned further, his eyes scanned all across the man's body.

"No. I mean it. I didn't know I would be in this deep."
The other answered and Jimin couldn't help but raise his guard up.

The skin under his pristine clothes of black leather threatened to break free for the inner parasite. And Jimin had to take multiple deep breaths to stop himself. His body wavered in its decision to take over, until it let go. The urge sated deep, would spring back soon and Jimin knew very well how it would go. It would always go the same.

Cycles of letting it take over, destroying himself, coming back to consciousness with not a single idea and an aching body of wounds had left him desperately hating the curse.

"I'm sorry for intruding your space. I don't mean any harm. I don't know what I thought of this thing, but don't hurt me. I'll not talk about this to anyone. I promise. Let me go please?"
The curly haired man continued explaining himself, quite fearful but not to the extent Jimin expected him to be.

Jimin had seen his fair share of people who screamed and ran at the slightest sight of the 'Raven.' So he had half expected the other to run in the direction at his first call of human. Yet, this wonderfully wide eyed boy stood in front of Jimin with a straight back and a head held correct, despite the pleas that left his mouth. People never entertained the idea of his existence and took it more of an offence to their world filled with 'normal things'

"Stop that. How did you even-?"
Jimin asked, pinching the nose bridge with his two fingers.

"That bird is the reason I'm here."
The latter replied, pointing to the bird that was perched on the tree, half-dozing in its nest.

Well, the bird was another story to say. And Jimin surely didn't doubt this stranger.

"Sure, love."
Jimin muttered, a bit sassily. He didn't mean to make it sound it that way, but being able to actually talk with another human brought out that part of him.

"I'm serious."
The man answered. His pupils going wider in fear.

"It doesn't matter. The sun's going down in an hour. You can't get back to the village by then. And the nights are the best preying time for the forest."
Jimin muttered, as he looked at the sky for any signs of an early night.

He was letting his day go by in favour of a mere human. Well, to be frank, his days were their nights. But this human needed some sort of shelter and Jimin may have been anything but a human for the past few years, yet that didn't mean he would leave this frail boy alone.

"Wild animals?"
The other questioned, taking a step closer.

"Oh, you naive child."
Jimin glanced at the other with a raised eyebrow.

"Monsters. Deadly and bloody."

Chapter Text

'The demon lurks in between the peasants, awaiting an opportunity to devour and end.'

"I am Hoseok!"
The curly haired man had introduced himself, urging Jimin to do the same. Not really something that he was keen on doing, but had to give into Hoseok's buzzing presence. They had established the fact that Jimin wasn't human, but the fact he was Raven was quite obvious to Hoseok.

Jimin knew he shouldn't entertain the thought of life so much. Of life that had banished him away at the slightest inconvenience. Of life that he wished was his in a way that he could feel the golden rays warm the skin. Of life that was never his to claim after misery struck him in ways unknown to all. He should have started away when he first smelled the sweet dough from his past. But something about Hoseok screamed at him in big red words. Something that made him want to explore life that he had lost. His unbound curiosity may also have been one of the reasons.

"Spit it out."
Jimin ordered the human, as he felt Hoseok twinge with a mix of nervousness and discomfort. It didn't quite look like Jimin was the reason for him to be in such a condition, but you could never be sure.

"Nothing. 'is just awkward. And I'm extremely confused."
Hoseok murmured in a quiet tone, like he wasn't supposed to disclose his secret.

"Okay, what do you want to know?"
Jimin sighed out lowly.

He knew the risks of entertaining a human, much less one who wasn't afraid to enter the infamous dark forest. Yet, the bigger part of him was too excited to accommodate life that was eager and receptive to him, despite his many unlovable flaws.

"Why is this part of the forest so barren and uninhabited? Well, of course except you and that bird!"
Hoseok asked, peering sideways to meet Jimin's calculative eyes.

"It's a long story. Parts of which I, myself am not aware of."
Jimin answered honestly, as he tore away from the innocently curious gaze that held him binded.

"Given that we are spending the night at least, i guess we have enough time."
Hoseok replied, as if suggesting him to continue.

"A few hundred years ago or so I think, the village you live in was under a different regime all together. A revered prince. He wasn't like the others. He had unwillingly ascended the throne on his mother's insistence. The queen wanted her son to become the bearer of the crown and scepter. It was told that the scepter had magic within its crystal and by claiming stake on the piece, it protects you. An old magic that was captured by a bigger war that had broken out between the gods. I'm not sure if it's true, but the magic is said to be so powerful that it could either envelop everything in its darkness or allow it to flourish like the heavens. It -"
Jimin explained, before coming to a halt, both in his steps and his words.

"Why did you stop?"
Hoseok asked, as he looked at Jimin's frowning face.

"...nothing."
Jimin replied, trying to look as unaffected as possible.

His eyes filtered through the trees that swayed in a way that signified one thing and one thing alone. The once a decade each thunderstorms were about to start in the next few days. And that also meant that uninvited creatures would come out of their hiding and to the ground where their limbs submerged.

It wouldn't be as much of a problem, if not for Hoseok's presence in this forest right now.

"So...uh the prince ruled for a nice decade. His entire life was mapped beforehand by his mother, meaning he didn't have much say in the choices. He never let that affect the subjects, but there were floating rumours of him being in disputes. In one such heated argument, he broke the scepter by smashing it on the ground, instantly killing him. That was the start of this elaborate story where misfortunes and curses went hand in hand. The creation of dark forest was all by the unleashing of the magic within that crystal."
Jimin finished the story, though it was just the beginning of the end.

"But that doesn't explain your existence here."
Hoseok said in a bubbling tone of interest.

Jimin didn't make a move to answer that, as he looked at ground that trembled under the foredooming entrance of havoc. He had to get them to safety, especially now that he was incapable of using any power to his advantage. As much as the thought of helping the human learn the history of the dark forest was amusing, he couldn't spare time.

"Something is wrong, isn't it?"
Hoseok murmured, as he felt the temperature of the place drop further.

"You shouldn't have come here. Fuck, we need to get you inside now."
Jimin hissed, grabbing ahold of Hoseok's wrist and running ahead into the forest's depths.

Hoseok tried his best not to panic, as he ran beside Jimin, who still had a firm hold on his wrist. After a good 20 minutes of more running, much more than Hoseok had done this year, he could see the small cottage like structure. It had creepers all around it, encasing the space to be not as seen for any ongoers. It was very similar to his grandparents' one in the neighbouring village. Jimin muttered a small sentence in an unknown language, making the door open instantly.

Jimin quickly went inside the dark cottage first and snapped his fingers for the overhead lights to flicker away, along with a small lamp on the floor.

"Get in and stay here, while I finish up some stuff."
Jimin uttered, moving inside to close the windows. He could see the clouds clear for a second long enough for the gibbous moon to peek out.

Jimin quickly shut the windows and pulled the drawn out curtains harshly. There was so much to be done before the actual thunderstorm of his nightmares would make an appearance. Mumbling all the protective spells he knew, Jimin hoped that this time it would be different. He couldn't be immobilized for the monsters to ravish him like last time.

"Can I do something to help?"
Hoseok asked, as he watched the shorter furiously stomping around to complete tasks.

Jimin didn't seem to have heard the question at all, as he went by to picking up cauldrons. Upon the lack of response, Hoseok's eyes filtered out to look at the interiors of Jimin's house. From where he sat on the floor, he could only see a multitude of books in one room and lots of trinkets in another. The lack of furniture as tiny as a stool made him give an unbelievable side eye. Despite the humor, Hoseok couldn't help but feel the seizing fear clutching his heart tightly. If the supposed infamous Raven was terrified, that surely meant something bad right?

"You cannot leave this place for the next seven days atleast. Not until the land outside is clear. Do you understand?"
Jimin ordered, standing right above Hoseok.

Hoseok stared at the Raven whose black leather blended into the background. It stood shiny yet impressively sleek on Jimin's body. The only thing that compared to the lamp lit beside him were the ruby red eyes on display. Ferociously wild, the red was in shades of the blood that seeped through the ground. They were like the pits of hell brought to life. Pulling himself away from the admiration point of view, he gave a small yes in answer. Upon the muted answer which was better than nothing, Jimin gave a satisfied nod to move about again.

After a whole while of moving about, Jimin seemed like he was confident in his preparations around the cottage. He had made sure to make the cottage as inconspicuous as possible to the naked eye. He took out the magical potions he had kept in storing for emergencies like these, as the cauldron simmered with a new one. He sat himself down beside Hoseok, who had started making shapes on the floor in boredom.

That was until Hoseok's stomach grumbled loudly.

"Haha... blueberries don't exactly make a fulfilling meal, do they?"
Hoseok nervously added, in hopes of getting a giggle from the demon.

Honestly, he was surprised by the way he seemed so comfortable around Jimin. Hoseok was the type of guy who was shy around new people, mostly because it took time to assess and adjust to their vibes. He was also the type of guy who didn't like the sharp and rough edges around life. The type who would be scared of a jumpscare, all done by the younger kids of the village in the name of fun.

But, as he was in the presence of the alleged Raven himself, he noticed how he didn't have a shiver in the bone. Not a single thought in his mind that went off in fear of his life. Opposite to that vilified thought, he felt himself relax and cin Jimin's watchful gaze. It was weird to have someone break down his barriers of being a stranger danger so quickly, but honestly it didn't matter. Not when he had strayed this inside the Dark forest.

"Shit. I forgot humans need to eat regularly."
Jimin muttered, getting up to procure some food.

After a few moments, Jimin came back in with a bowl of what looked like boiled meat in a stew. It smelled aromatic, especially to Hoseok's hungry tummy.

"Thank you!"
Hoseok whispered, as Jimin sat down beside him once again.

Taking the chopsticks, he broke apart the shreds of chicken to fit in with the stew that tasted even better than he expected. He ate it all quietly with chipmunk cheeks and slurped the soup full, before turning sideways to see Jimin's relaxed and almost likeable gaze on him.

"Where's your supper?"
Hoseok questioned hesitantly.

"I don't have to eat as often as you humans. It's the only additional bonus of this life I suppose."
Jimin answered, with a soft muted smile.

"It was delicious nonetheless."
Hoseok spoke, uncrossing his legs to stretch them as the silence grew.

"Do you mind if I ask something?"
Jimin mumbled, keeping his eyes straight on the ground below them.

"Sure, why not?"
Hoseok said, wondering what Jimin would be doing if he weren't stuck in this home with a mere human. He prayed that he didn't ask the various questions that were bugging him out loud.

How did Jimin know so much of humans? How old has he been living in this god forsaken place? Did he ever watch the flowers bloom? Was he cursed or was he born with magic? What was his lore of existence? How did breathe in those clothes? Was he really the dark, mysterious and fear-striking Raven that everyone warned him of? If yes, then why was he so unlike the picture that was painted of him?

"Why didn't you argue or reason with me when I said that you had to stay here?"
Jimin asked in a undescribable tone, as he seemed to struggle to string the words.

"I have seen many people in my life. People who strayed too far. People who came in search of me. People who were afraid of me. People who vowed to kill me. People who thought I was the reason for the unending doom of a forest. You...you aren't like them?"
Jimin continued quietly, staring away from Hoseok.

"When I was younger, my mother would always warn me of even uttering the name of this forbidden forest. It brought bad luck and would destroy your bloodlines, they said. Many more nasty things had been uttered. But something of how this place came to existence as compared to the other parts of the forest always intrigued me. I guess I just happened to give the benefit of doubt."
Hoseok replied, giving a tight-lipped smile towards Jimin.

"But...you seem to trust me? That's new."
Jimin commented with a little pinch in between his eyebrows.

"I'm said to be very gullible according to my siblings. But if you had to kill me then you wouldn't quite exactly allowed me reason my arrival upon our first sight."
Hoseok chuckled, imagining that if that was the case, then this evening would be the end of him.

"I don't kill humans. I have never done that. That's a lie."
Jimin muttered as his face fell into a frown.

"Well, rumours in the village do go wild sometimes. Once, the lumberjacks of the village had come up to me asking if I had some connection with black magic because they found my breads to be softer than any in town."
Hoseok added, his eyes crinkling with mirth.

And unknowingly, Hoseok had pulled Jimin out of his guilt spiral where only eternal darkness existed in between his weaknesses and insecurities.

"You said that the magical crystal unleashed its wrath in here. Is that incident also the reason why there's no other life here except you and that bird?"
Hoseok asked, equal amounts of curiosity and awkwardness as the silence had begun to stretch between them.

"Ah. There's life here in the form of bitter rotting trees and dirt thriving insects, but other than that animals don't prefer to live here. It's not very sustainable for their growth. That bird though, is a different story all together."
Jimin laughed softly.

"What about you? Why are you here?"
Hoseok asked again.

"Oh, that's hmm...When the crystal broke and hell found its way on this land, the prince's wife broke into rage and cursed the royal family. Apparently, her scream of anguish had thundered across the seas and it's said to have caused the flash floods during the start of winter. The curse included that the lineage will end with the seventh generation and the offspring shall be the reason for their downfall. And so, i came into this world, unknowing of the past but having to bear the brunt of it."
Jimin narrated, feeling lighter than the previous minute.

"Wait. You are the royal heir?"
Hoseok asked, baffled by the revelation.

"You could say so, I guess. I've never felt that connection so it doesn't quite hit as much. My own family despised me since the day of my birth. I was an only child which stood corrected by the curse. But then, my mother pleaded reverently to the gods above for a way out. Something that wasn't tragic to my existence. A little bit of mercy and a lot of patience led me to have magical powers in this godforsaken place of terror. After my first night of learning that my life was never normal and would never be, I ran away there. My powers are the only things I have here as my knowledge of that world is limited to memories that are fading steadily."
Jimin tapered off, thinking deeply of the words he had uttered.

"I'm sorry."
Hoseok said, not knowing what would be appropriate to be said in this situation.

"It's been a long time since that happened. Granted powers can only protect you so much. I unknowingly fulfilled her curse and no one knows of the royal family now."
Jimin sighed out, though hints of guilty could easily be found in his voice.

"Ha, this is the longest I've spoken to someone in my life. Anyways, you need to get some rest, I'll leave you to it."
Jimin sadly chuckled, before getting up to pull the worn out sack filled with hay to be used as a pillow for Hoseok.

The human didn't have any time to react to Jimin's statement and just opted to process the revelations that had occured. Despite, his plans of staying awake to guard himself from any kind of danger, sleep came in like a lullaby that pulled strings of his tired body.

On the other end of the tiny cottage was Jimin, who sat apprehensively in front of his trunk that held the only few precious things that he valued in this life. His eyes skimmed over the feather pen that he had stolen from his father's desk before running away. He was selfish for doing such a deed. A real coward in better words. But, he knew despite all the aura he carried, his fragile couldn't see the realisation wash over their faces. He just couldn't face them when he was the one wielding the curse's rotten fruits.

"Wish I didn't have to live like this, father."
Jimin muttered softly, holding that pen.

One tear drop rolled off his cheek to make a splattered dent on the crushed paper below.

To be fair, the way he was treated was worse than one could imagine. It was never punishments which was usually termed to be something that caused physical welts and hurt. It was the way he was practically invisible to their eyes. The silent words that were never spoken to him. The reassurance and praise that he never received. The eyes that never met his as orders were passed. The dismissive wave of their hands that pushed his inner child into hiding. Everything that was never his, had only made him bitter and cold. Deprived and unwanted in his own skin.

Yet, even after so many decades of hiding away here, he couldn't find it in himself to let go of that past.

Jimin wasn't dumb to let those sly humans near him. He always had his guard up. Be it the vicious monsters who craved blood and destruction or the ungrateful humans who destroyed the lands together. But, Hoseok was here. Laying his tired body on the floor of his home. Hoseok, who was a human with piqued interest and far reach into the forest. Hoseok, who hadn't crashed and freezed under the overwhelming pressure of coming face to face with the Raven. Hoseok, who had been the receiving party to parts of Jimin's distinct woe in silence.

And of course, there was Jimin who hadn't been in contact with anyone. Thus, craving that peculiar comfort in the voices and scents of his human childhood. Hoseok seemed to be the reminder of all those sweet memories. When he had woken up this morning, he hadn't expected to be having the relief of his first heart-to-heart with someone, more a human. Folding the paper that had writings in cursive, he kept them back under the only sweater he carried.

Picking at his own outfit made of black leather and rugged cloaks in colours of deep black, Jimin walked back to the cauldron that had stopped simmering a long time ago. He wasn't someone who knew how to work with magical potions, but he had mastered a few that would keep him safe from the monsters that come out when the full moon is high in the sky. Pouring it in jars that were built for the ease of usage, Jimin slumped back feeling his magic exhaust him. He hated this part of the year when he felt bared of his powers, completely useless to defend himself. As he tried to close his eyes, the sound outside put him on guard.

Rushing to the window, he found his beloved pet bird that wasn't actually a pet in a domesticated sense but rather one that found its home in Jimin's surroundings.

"Tsk. It's just you."
Jimin uttered, opening the window to let the bird in.

Swooping beside him, the black feathered raven perched itself on Jimin's shoulders. The bird looked around what was equally its home as well, until it's eyes caught on the human who slept soundly on the ground.

"Just a few days. Things are bad for him to return back tomorrow."
Jimin answered, feeling the bird's inquisitive side eye at the addition.

"I know. I know. But floods will approach soon and I can't let him go into that."
Jimin continued, hearing the bird's consistent noises.

Glancing sideways, Jimin hummed the little tune he had learnt from his grandfather. He would sing the hymns of the heavens to Jimin when they went out for watering the plants. It was a simple hobby of sorts where Jimin would bond with the only family member that didn't see the dark in him. The dark that was never an outcome of his actions. But, it was still the dark that disgusted everyone away from him. It had been years since he even saw the green that smelled of freedom and tranquility. Oh, how he craved for that calm to consume him whole and carry him away from this wasteland.

"There's nothing here. I don't know why you still stuck along with me."
Jimin murmured, pulling out the grain jar that he had kept specifically for his bird.

He sat opposite to Hoseok, who slumbered away peacefully. When he ran away from the palace, he had taken a few books from his father's collection that spoke of myths and curses. Heavy with words able to last him so long, Jimin turned to the page that he had left off earlier. Time stilled as his eyes scanned over the sentences, all in hopes to try and break free. His bird had slept in his shoulder, making itself comfortable in the shelter of his long locks that were loosely put in a braid.

Jimin was startled out of his trance by the loud strike of thunder outside.

He had underestimated the time of its arrival.

The two napping beings also shook awake in distress. Hoseok stared at the door, trying to gain resemblance of where he was. As his eyes filtered out, he stared at Jimin recollecting the evening before. The confusing lore behind the Raven's existence had unfolded quite a bit under the oil lamp's light. Before he could look at his surroundings for anything further, the bird chirped up loudly.

"It's okay. We're okay."
Jimin crooned, bringing his hand up to pet between the bird's feathers.

Hoseok looked on, not knowing what to do at the moment. Too many things at once we're happening for him to focus on. He was unsure if his brother had called for a search party in his disappearance. Apparently there was danger outside for him to return back to the comfort of his home. And of course, there was Jimin. The last royal blood left who also happened to be the one and only fearsome Raven. If his parents knew how far he had travelled, practically into the lair of the power-wielding being of the dark forest, then they would scream profanities dragging him away themselves.

"You can sleep if you want to."
Jimin said, not looking at Hoseok though directed to him.

And as the human tried to answer, the thunder shook once again, except this time louder than before. This only made him scramble towards Jimin in a fear. He hadn't heard such a thunder in his life, despite only living a few kilometres away from this place of horrors.

"The thunders are going to stay for a while. You need to get accustomed to that. The rains that will accompany it will soon invite the demons from the darkest crevices of this hugs forest."
Jimin said, not commenting on how Hoseok practically jumped out of his skin.

"Uh?"
Hoseok made an unintelligent sound in response.

"Things go haywire during thunderstorms on full moon's here. You need to be careful."
Jimin re-emphasized it again, getting a nod from Hoseok who had blown wide eyes.

Despite being next to Jimin, who was cold to touch and speech, Hoseok tried moving even closer to the other's body with his own warmth.

Jimin knew the recuperations of hosting a literal human. And yet, he couldn't find it in himself to let Hoseok remain stranded for those bloodthirsty spawns of hell to devour him. Jimin might have an aura of someone entirely rock cold to maintain, but he was still someone who valued life in whatever form and size.

Even with his powers reaching low, Jimin was ready to protect.

Chapter Text

'Displaced through and through, love never found home in his arms.'

All his life- which had been more than what humans could comprehend due to the immortal curse that was upon him- Jimin had never thought of company in this lonely barren land. There was nothing here, nothing that made anyone stay if the fear hadn't already gripped their senses. He needs he wasn't the most pleasing thing to look at. The jet black darkness that loomed over him at all times, the piercing null eyes and dead pale skin was never inviting for anything. The only being that stayed with him was that bird which shared resemblance to his own.

But, here was Jung Hoseok.

Hoseok, who was surprisingly pleased to be here. Sure, he was scared of the happenings outside, but not of Jimin. If anything, he crawled closer to Jimin to seek some sort of protection that a being of this strength could provide. He didn't like humans given the tales that spun around him, and their little closeted perspective of the world. But, Hoseok was different. He held something too magical to be called human.

Jung Hoseok, despite having only seen for few hours, had engraved his spot in Jimin's dead heart.

"Stay here. I'll get a few things."
Jimin muttered, leaning down to Hoseok as the raven on his shoulder hoped off to find it's space on Hoseok's lap.

Jimin quickly rounded up the things he needed, while getting his spells ready to be cast on his humble home. He hoped that it would be enough to keep them away until the moon shone fully without the clouds. A few curses that the old books held together, some pots that clanged noisily and his beloved pendant that had history were all gathered to be brought to the main room where Hoseok sat. He seemed rather unfazed for a human despite the devious sounds that echoed outside along with the trembling thunders from the skies above.

Jimin even lent a few blankets he had, hoping the next seven days pass by quickly without any casualties.

Something that he feared, for the human was now his to be protected.

He has seen at least three of these occurrences in his life. Ones where the three eyed, rotten corpse-like demons awaken from the wet and dirty mud. Ones where the rabid, decaying hollow bones rattle with the sounds of the wind. Ones where the crawling, limbless beady-eyed monsters clutched onto anything that could breathe.

Those were also the times when his power was at its lowest. He had gotten hurt badly once and that was because he had let the window open for this bird that was cozily nestled under Hoseok's palms now. He had to stay in for the next month as the wounds took too long to heal. That was also the first time he saw the blood that bled through him. It was black in colour just like everything about him and it only made him more sick to look at it. He had retched out everything he had in the past month.

From that day on, he despised his own existence more than ever.

For his blood was a colour that reeked of bad omens.

Jimin spent the next two days, sitting at a comfortable distance away from Hoseok. He made sure to feed the human, but other than that he kept to himself and his books. And when he got sick of that, he turned to his crocheting devices. It was one of the only things that he still carried from his human ancestors. And given how he was bored out of his mind at times, this proved to be a great distraction.

"What are you making?"
Hoseok asked loudly, given the constant pitter-patter from outside had continued well into the third day of being here.

"A little nest for the bird. It seems to like the feel of the wool."
Jimin answered timidly, processing the fact that the other seemed to be interested in what he was doing.

But to be fair, if he was stuck with a stranger with nothing to do, it was likely that he too would be curious about the seemingly closed off person. Or in this case, a supernatural being with magic in his dark veins.

"Aw, that's cute. It's been asleep for a long time?"
Hoseok commented, staring at the black bird.

Jimin looked on as Hoseok's gentle fingers caressed the bird's feathers. It seemed to enjoy that as it snuggled closer.

And suddenly, he was struck that the bird that has been with him for so long, never had a name.

Or better yet, not given one to go by.

"It's best that way. At least, won't have to listen to the horrible noises."
Jimin said, mentally nothing to search for a fit name for the birdie.

"These noises are the closest I'll get to hell. Or so i hope."
Hoseok chuckled quietly, staring away at the window which was covered by dark curtains.

The implication of him going to heaven after death wasn't lost. And Jimin was sure for a human like him who had cracked that boundary of doubt upon meeting this creature of himself, there was decorated space designated for him.

"Better that. It will be warm, unlike this shell of a body."
Jimin chuckled, as his fingers moved rapidly to get the needle in and out.

He didn't receive a reply and instead saw Hoseok crawling across the space between them.

"I'm nowhere close to hell, but I hope this is enough."
Hoseok murmured, as he pulled up the blanket given to him across Jimin's shoulders and sat close enough for their bodies to touch.

The warmth of another body wasn't lost to Jimin either. His heart cluttered at the innocent gesture that Hoseok had done in his favour. He hadn't expected for Hoseok to willful sit beside him like this when he commented with respect to the bad shivers he had gotten. The powers within him were diminishing slowly as the spell around the cottage needed constant upkeep at the expense of Jimin's own. And with how the rabid noises hadn't decreased by the slightest or even shown any signs of going down, Jimin would have to let the spell stay for a long time.

Hoseok had simply chosen to wile away his time here. There was nothing of interest in Jimin's humble home. He couldn't bake his delicious bread nor create patterns on the fabric he owned. It was quite boring and for someone like him who thrives on movement, this was restrictive. Despite the fear gripping his heart, he wouldn't lie that this was a mildly anxious situation of being holed up. Oh, well a highly anxious situation, if you will. In a place that wasn't his own and with the threat of being devoured to the bones by the ravenous creatures outside. He didn't love his life in the village but that didn't mean he would give it up like this.

He loved living with its numerous wonders that nature offered. So yes, that was good enough reason.

And to his pleasure, there was Jimin who was an interesting character to say the least. It was evident that he had a past he couldn't escape; something that haunted every step he took. But he also didn't seem like that dangerous Raven that everyone raved about in the village. The Raven he had heard of had horns with wicked eyes and bloodthirsty looks. But this man here wasn't all that. Sure, he had soulless eyes, longer vampires-like teeth, and a black skin tight clothing that morphed into his skin until it was untraceable. Though, Jimin was also the one with soft smiles, awkward energy and an overall skittish nature.

And with him picking the crochet needles, Hoseok was left wondering about the unlikeliest of pastimes for this night creature of sorts.

"How do you get the wool? Did you shear sheep for this?"

"Of course not, silly. I'm a person with magic pulsating through my blood. I can perform a few miracles here and there."

Hoseok was left mesmerized by the rumbly rough chuckle that Jimin gave in response. It was addictive as his mind tried to capture that familiar sound.

"Oh, how did you pick this one? I mean you could've picked many other things."

"I saw illustrations in the books that were left from my ancestors. I saw humans there wearing beautiful pieces of clothing. All I've known through my life is this. It binds me too hard but I know this is what I was born with. There are times though, when I wish to be like those people in the book. So, I picked up crocheting."
Jimin answered, fiddling his fingers with his eyes cast away from Hoseok.

Hoseok honestly didn't know how to react to that. He felt sorry for the cursed being. It wasn't his fault and yet to hold the recuperations of the old was a horrible situation to live with. Especially if the said person was an immortal whose whole life had been scorned by others who didn't wish to know him. Hoseok was there to hear all the claims of being devoured by the Raven and the accusations of him being this devious monster who trampled anyone who dared to step into the forest.

He also knew that Jimin wasn't unaware of the rumors. Though, he didn't let it show, it was evident that his knowledge that existed was from beyond the dark forest's boundaries and into the unsuspecting lives of villagers like him. But all that knowledge also brought a loneliness that Jimin's uncovered eyes reflected. It was evident in how Jimin tried to make his little home as human as possible with appliances that wasn't ever needed in his life as The Raven.

"How long does this last usually?"
Hoseok asked as Jimin slumped against the walls, after renewing the spells.

Jimin would routinely wind up across the place every ten hours or so to strengthen the protective curse around his cottage. It also made it invisible for the demons' sight.

"Seven days usually. It peaks at around the full moon. One time, it did take longer up to 10. That was also the first time I had to fight them physically."
Jimin mumbled, taking in deep breaths periodically.

Hoseok could feel the nerves which hadn't made their existence known till now, bring a chill down his spine. There was something else in Jimin's voice that made it sound too real.

Sure, his life wasn't exciting or fulfilling in the village, but that would never warrant himself getting killed by savage monsters that have an unquenchable thirst for blood.

But his mind was at crossroads at not getting eaten (a given) but not leaving this place as the company was far better than the village that mocked his interests. Jimin was better than them for the slithering tongued Raven only terrorised the creatures he was wary about. And apparently that didn't include Hoseok now.

"You couldn't have chosen a worse time than now to appear here."
Jimin muttered with a shake of his head.

"I know you're missing home. I'll make sure you reach safely."
Jimin spoke after a few moments, in hopes to soothe Hoseok. He could sense the other's trickling thoughts despite the soundless environment inside the cottage.

"What's there to miss?"
Hoseok replied instead, leaning his head against the wooden beam.

"Hm?"

"I mean, I'm there only to work and help around. I'm not that important for them to miss me. Not that it was place good enough for me to remember it."

"Your family aren't..."
Jimin asked as the question lay heavy with the understanding.

"Mhmm...grown used to it. The ones who cared have left and even their care was questionable at times."
Hoseok answered, remembering how his father's love seemed too conditional at times.

"Mine died before I turned 7. Dropped like flies with no reason to find. I was too young to understand why they had disappeared especially with no one to explain what had happened. I feel like they're with me in spirit, alas I can never experience that."
Jimin continued, spiking Hoseok's interest.

"I'm sorry"

"What are you sorry for? They died and that's that. Nothing either of us could do even if we knew."

Jimin's voice seemed too far away into some place no one could follow him.

Hoseok didn't know what he could say or do that would make the other feel better. The loud thundering claps outside seemed to drown out any thoughts formation. That was until Jimin spoke up again.

"I just wish I could get that rest too."

"Huh?"

"Death. I wish for death. I'm tired of this life, one where I can neither live nor love. There's nothing that bounds me here. There's nothing that completely kills me. So yes, I do wish for death to consume me whole. None to spare for any to pick on."

"These monsters, they can't kill me. More like won't. They're here for the magic I hold. That thrumming music in my veins is what they seek, that's the very reason they crowd at my doors. Despite my immortality and contrasting wish for death, I will never want it to be taken away by their hands."
Jimin exhaled shakily, watching at the dark outside through the peeking curtain.

"So you hold on. Protect that magic in you while simultaneously not letting these creatures creep out of the dark forest."
Hoseok continued for the other, finally letting the words sit in.

"Well, that's the name. I'm supposed to keep up with that, don't I?"
Jimin said, with an easy smile.

And Hoseok's lungs were suddenly too tight to breathe.

It was the fourth day of Hoseok hiding away in Jimin's cottage with the other idly doing his crocheting as the raven fluttered around, looking over at the window.

Hopeful that the clouds would clear soon and its wings could feel the breeze yet again.

It was on that day that Hoseok finally came face to face with the gravity of the situation. Everything had begun off normal but the winds outside had changed, unbeknownst to them. Humongous beasts had uprooted the remaining threads of the forest and brought out the true dark of their nature.

A crackle too loud for anyone not to notice and a splitting second of absolute silence, only to be followed by ear piercing screech.

He could see how Jimin's energy lowered slowly as his shoulders sagged slightly and his eyes drooped low enough to be considered asleep. It was a split second change and Hoseok wasn't sure what he should be doing, considering this was totally not under his expertise.

"...c-close..."
A whisper from Jimin and Hoseok couldn't help but lean forward to support the other who tumbled further.

The voices roared outside, louder and clearer as if a barrier was broken between them. The screeches had him flinching as if burned to crisp by it all. Hoseok tried covering his ears with his own hands, only for the Raven to come to his rescue with his own palms. Jimin's bloodshot eyes opened up at that, causing a little flutter in Hoseok's dumb heart.

"Y- you hurt?"

Allowing himself to be pulled by the other's feeble yet frantic hands, Hoseok stared at Jimin's form. Something had changed with how Jimin's leather embedded skin contracted and expanded with each breath taken. His sullen face had the look of someone zapped out of the last bits of their energy.

The powers were fading and it would just get worse.

Hoseok supported the other as he fell down, crashing his knees to the ground. And suddenly, all of his focus was on Jimin, laser focused to each sound made and each movement occurred. The breaths were shallow and the pain as painted on the other's face was getting bad. The lines on the Raven's forehead pinched and pulled.

All too quick, there was clawing at the door.

Horrible, vicious, disgusting claws scraping at the wood.

Impatience ebbing even through the blockade and Hoseok just closed his eyes, trying to run through his head for anything to protect themselves.

"Potions, under there."

Jimin's voice came in, as if he had read Hoseok's mind.

Pale eyes looked up with sunken cheeks. A hand pointing to the room where the cauldron was placed. Everything from Jimin's posture to the slight sickness under the skin showed that this greatly feared creature in the village was rapidly draining of his powers. One to indicate that the holding barrier of protection was weakening.

As if JImin was to stumble hard this time. Nothing to protect the forest from this ravaging souls of the dark.

"I'll get it."

Quickly scrambling up, Hoseok rushed to get the supplies. Jimin gave a small smile as he brought it back, juggling with all the containers. Hoseok's heart eased softly, as if the world won't be crashing today. As if everything was safe and Jimin would be here.

Jimin took to it and drank a few of the liquids, eyes squeezing at the supposed bitter taste. But soon enough, colour returned to his skin. Pink flushed across his cheeks as if blood had flowed underneath with a vigour unknown. There was a shine, a new sparkle from within.

But the promise of it not lasting long also hung in the air.

A promise that would be kept no matter what.

"Thank you."
Jimin breathed out and Hoseok couldn't help but reach out in their crouched position to brush his fingers against Jimin's rather glowy skin.

"The effects won't last, but I hope we can make through the next few days."

The howling had faded and their little bird had nestled down, calm under the hay. The monsters seem to have taken a break. Hoseok just stared at Jimin, thinking about everything that must have led them here.

"Don't worry, I'll not let them harm you."

"And what about you?"

The counter question was unexpected in Jimin's book, if they were to go by the slightly widened eyes and parted lips.

"I'll be okay. Yeah, I'll be just okay."

Hoseok didn't know what had changed but, he didn't want Jimin to be just okay. He wanted him to be happy, enjoying the golden sun rays breath life into him. He wanted to hold the other's hands as he experienced the warm sea water under his delicate feet. He wanted Jimin to close his eyes and live the life he had seen in his books, rather than worry about this decaying hellhole.

Hoseok wanted to make sure Jimin was living his best life.

An awful realisation to have about a stranger, much less in between a apocalyptic destruction of everything, where their lives at line wasn't guaranteed to see the next day.

An awful realisation to have for someone like Hoseok.

"Think some more and I'll be able to see your eyes pop out."

"Rest those gears, human."

Jimin's cheery tone was in absolute contradiction to the pale creature on his knees, a few minutes ago. Like he wasn't vanishing bit by bit if not for those purple and pink potions.

Hoseok let his hand fall into his lap, tearing his gaze away to the ground that seemed more interesting by the minute. He didn't know what to do with this sudden realisation and the best course of action was to let that thought marinate.

When Jimin was young, his aunt had taken him to her chambers where paintings stood at large. Ones with royal jewellery around their necks, ones with robes made of silk and muslin, ones with swords and horses, ones with riches far more than his fingers could count, ones with porcelain skin and ones with smiles, timid and intimidating.

Those larger than life paintings had been etched into his little mind, ever since he was 5.

"Sweetling, I don't know if you'll live long enough to have paintings of your own, decorated on these walls. But, if you do, promise me you'll make a presence enough to be painted by all."

Jimin hadn't understood all of it, but he had made sure to nod reverently. There was something underneath, a sadness too palpable and he just hoped that his little fingers that wiped his aunt's teary face softly had been enough.

(It wasn't, but his aunt had a rush of fondness that overflowed enough to hold him against her chest and press the gentlest kiss against the apple of his cheeks.)

Now though, he wasn't sure if he would get out of here.

The monsters were rabid, as if the presence of the human in his cottage was evident. A lure for them to get their hands on him, on them. He had almost lost the holdings on the barrier but luckily Hoseok was there.

Jimin wasn't sure what to name that gnawing feeling in the chest. It came in waves and had the strength of crushing it out on him. Something that indicated it would go wrong, something that meant he would be losing this, something that meant danger in forms unseen. But he hoped that he was wrong.

His leather covered hand smoothened across his crotched piece of cloth, feeling it through the black material, wishing once again if he was a real boy.

One that could feel and touch the world around him. One that could feel the warmth of the sun nourishing his worn out soul. One that allowed the rush of feelings beyond terror-invoking fear and brooding sadness.

"Thirsty?"
Jimin muttered quietly, petting the back of his now-pet bird with his fingers.

Pulling away from the scene of Hoseok sleeping soundly, despite the relentless rain outside Jimin walked towards his supplies for some clean water to be put in a bowl. Chirping softly, the bird hobbled along to take in sips as Jimin reached to the cupboard to see if he could make more of the potions.

Alas, luck wasn't on his side.

The crucial ingredients were dwindling down and it could only be enough to make one potion and he had to be careful in making that choice. A life-saving one was better than one that would increase his powers and opening his books carefully, he set on making it before the earth rotated once more.

"Do they hurt you?"
Hoseok's soft rumble pulled Jimin out of his concentrated gaze on the dancing words.

"Hmm?"

"The pulling taut skin. The leather stretched over like it was one with you. The black veins running along your neck. The thorns against your shoulder. Do they hurt?"

"I wouldn't know. They have been with me for as long as I can remember. Only gets worse during the season of dread with thunderstorms rolling down and moon in its full glory."

Jimin had shrugged along as he could still feel the human's eyes trained on each of his movement.

But truth be told, his shoulders had resorted to hunching again, a habit he had been trained out of by his mother. His fingers felt numb to any temperature which made it difficult for him to feel around, only having to rely on texture. His torso felt incredibly cold like his non-existent heart had been ripped off without a care in the world (he wasn't so sure if his body worked the way humans' work, after all he was an immortal curse.)

He couldn't tell that to a stranger, to Hoseok for reasons apart from his kind, for he was a human that Jimin cared a little too much about. 

And that meant, he didn't want the baker boy to worry further, especially stuck in the eye of the disaster around.

The feeling in Jimin's chest grew, ugly and raw and all he hoped was it wasn't true.

'Pray for all the deeds to be undone and yet the world moves against you. For you, my child carry the curse of the ones before you. This forest shall be your graveyard before it becomes your home.'

Chapter Text

Park Jimin's story was one of misery.

It was said and done. There was nothing that could change it, as far the scriptures went back. There was nothing to support his maniac mind that spiralled every moment as he lived in the heart of the dark forest. There was nothing to help his aching, empty soul that craved for better, for more, for love.

Things that he could never have, despite all his immortal life spent, years gone and ones coming.

Jimin was bearing the brunt of a crime he hadn't committed. All he had done was be born in a family that didn't want him, born to ancestors that had wronged the lords and ladies alike, born for everyone to ridicule and curse as he watched them writhe in their death beds, years later. There was no way to change his fate, reverse the curse, kill the soul that has caused so much pain.

He was alive and dead at the same time.

A heart that bled inky black in thick rivulets hardly ever was alive.

Jimin had simply accepted it with a serenity that came with years of solitude. He could do nothing as he watched it decay, always surrounded by the stench of rot and decompose. It killed him to even look outside, the black and the greens that were so vile to stare at; the sky was putrid in its shades. Everything he wanted was unreachable for even going out of this cursed place would be a brandish on his reptile-like skin— one with red hot iron until his nerves were numb and dumb.

So, he existed. He didn't live, he merely existed. Not breathing, just staying. Staying until one day his magic would extinguish completely.

And then, perhaps his respite would come as he would lay on the bed that was prepared in Hell's fires, since the day he was born.

He was sick of going through the never ending cycle of each day, until they melded as one long day, in and out like tapes of a broken recorder. Tireless in each movement, a hamster on the wheel that kept spinning just like the ground underneath his feet. His world was limited and all of his energy was focussed on keeping this cursed magic alive within him.

For this thrumming and pulsating magic at the tip of his fingers were all he had left, all he was given as an inheritance, all he was as a being.  

But the past few days had been different, a totally new change to the mundane of Jimin's life for there was a new element at play.

Jung Hoseok, a human.

Things hadn't drastically changed but for the first time Jimin had something to look forward to, someone to protect and care, someone who looked at him for who Jimin was and not the Raven, that had everyone fearing for their lives. 

Hoseok was truly one of a kind, his kind, humans and Jimin would make sure this fragile yet firm human would never suffer, at least not under his watch. Hardly five days in and Jimin had experienced a type of warmth that you couldn't find in this bleak forest— after all, Jimin was thoroughly aware of every corner in here. He could and absolutely would bring heaven and earth together if it meant that this personal sunshine of his, would be safe and comfortable.

"Are you hungry?"
Jimin's soothing voice made it to Hoseok, who shook his head in response.

Jimin had been fretting all day, moving things from one place to another, removing the potions and arranging them back again, continuously muttering words of a dead language and cleaning his leather skin with some sort of stone— quite harshly, if Hoseok was honest, but the other didn't know that he was awake when Jimin did that.

Hoseok didn't exactly understand where it came from, that ticking energy in Jimin, but he was sure the screeching, blood-thirsty monsters outside weren't of much help either. 

"Eat up anyways, I'm not sure how long this may take."
Jimin muttered, placing a hot steaming soupy rice dish in front of Hoseok.

Jimin got back to his task of "cleaning his skin" except if it were the real skin, it would've bled through the wood underneath. It would've sunk farther if the stone he used was used on human skin, but he wasn't human. He was the Raven, the feared, the cursed, and the ruthless. So all it did was sand the leather with marks that disappeared in seconds. His magic was strong after the potion that he had taken yesterday.

Hoseok took the wooden spoon and slowly ate the rice with blows of air to cool it down for he really wasn't keen on burning his tongue.

At least not yet.

It was absolutely delicious, considering the situation in which it was made. Hoseok was still clueless of how Jimin procured the items to make food in this deserted land of his. Perhaps his magic made room for all these needs of survival.

"It's okay."
Jimin's whispers to the little bird that had perched itself onto his shoulders were heard enough to grab Hoseok's attention.

There was a new cut on his reptile-like skin, irritated but not enough to bleed. The distress-filled chirps from the bird was spotted by Jimin's gentle hands, so unlike his dangerous  self that commanded revered respect by all. His skin stitched itself up in minutes and with Jimin choosing to abandon his ritual in favours of the black bird, the stone was put away in a cupboard.

Hoseok took to the tiny corner of cottage where the water flowed to wash his vessels. It was only polite of him to be of use in a guest's home after having received food, shelter, and protection.

Protection from those unruly demonic spirits, waiting for a single weak link to breakthrough and ravish him, the human.

He hadn't exactly seen the demons outside, the ravaging eyes, the demonic horns, the blood-stained teeth, the extremely pointy nails, the ugliness of it all. He was sheltered from the view outside by the thick curtain put in place by Jimin. He had seen the shadows, lurking around with intent of killing and greed but he wouldn't dare to open that curtain.

Hoseok was fearless and that was to be taken as the truth. But he was still a power-less human and that made him vulnerable enough to be prey to those pounding beasts outside. He wasn't losing his life trying to be unafraid (foolish).

"You will need rest so lay your body down for the night."
Jimin muttered, eyes focussed on his own hands and the book cradled between them.

"And what about yours?"
Hoseok asked, sitting by the window, his favourite spot in this tiny house.

"I'm not human, I can manage a few days without sleep. Someone has to keep a lookout for them, after all."

Jimin had omitted the reason.

He couldn't sleep even if he wanted to, for his curse didn't let him sleep during the full moon week of this exact period. He hardly got a wink of sleep, soulless eyes glazing over with draining energy, but he would persevere like always. All he could do was lay his body and let his back rearrange itself for another gruelling day against those demons.

What kind of curse prevents you from resting on the same days he needs it the most?

It was messed up, this place was and he, above all, was the most messed up.

Hoseok hadn't yet caught on, or even if he did, he hadn't mentioned it to Jimin, urging him for a reason, an answer. Jimin wasn't mentally capable to divulge more, not today when he could feel his mood worsening already. He was pissed at the world that didn't care, angry at the gods that allowed such a curse to be brought to life, enraged at everything that made it worse for him to survive.

How very convenient of his family to let him go when he wasn't the one to bring this adversary on them!

"Not getting any sleep?"
Jimin asked, as he saw Hoseok blink up at the ceiling even after 30 minutes of trying and failing to sleep.

"No, just not tired enough, I think."
Hoseok replied, crawling to sit beside Jimin with a blanket wrapped around.

"Hm, want to pick up a book? Reading a book puts me down and by the time I've finished ten pages, I'm dreaming of the green grasses and blue skies, just like in here."
Jimin said, pointing to the illustration as Hoseok peeked in.

It was like those drawings and paintings he had seen in his younger brother's books. Doyung loved to replicate that on breads, using the juices of fruits and leaves to get the same colours, but it took too long and Hoseok had to get the orders done quickly, which meant it couldn't be entertained more than once a fortnight. 

Strangely, he didn't miss baking, at least not yet.

Maybe because over the years, baking became more of a chore and a job than just a hobby on the side or just helping his father on the busy days. Baking had been his respite from the world outside that screamed for him to do better, it blocked it away as he would hum under his breath, kneading the doughs. But, with changing times, it had ruined that experience too. 

"Would love to, but another time. My head's hurting and words make it worse."

Hoseok could hear a whine in his own voice and he really couldn't be blamed because everyone knew how his headaches usually evolved to something more vicious, until he needed 3 days of bed rest in a dark room. But, Jimin didn't know that. Of course, he didn't. 

Who even tells that to a stranger?

Hoseok second-guessed himself as JImin kept his book side with a twig in the page to make his read pages and stood up with his leather grating against the cottage's floor. He slowly walked away, steps deliberate and one foot after the other. After the sounds of rummaging ceased to exist, he came back with a small heavy sack and another sturdier cloth.

"Put this on, it'll help."

"I don't k—"

Before Hoseok could get through, Jimin crouched down to his level, eyes staring into Hoseok's as he covered the sturdier one over his ears in some sort of scarf-like accessory. Suddenly, the noise reduced by a hundred as it blocked the murderous sounds outside. Then, the sack was placed on Hoseok's head with gentler hands than what could ever be expected by the Raven. 

It was a heated stone sack to help relieve pain—the old healer style.

As Jimin looked on for a few more seconds, Hoseok felt like time stopped. Up this close, he could see Jimin's uncovered face that was almost translucent and bare, yet so beautiful. The scales and ridges on the leather skin of his faded into oblivion as Hoseok could see the man for who he was. 

Magnificently beautiful, just like the Gods intended.

"What is your village like? You haven't spoken about it much and I haven't been there, so humour me."
Jimin questioned, sitting back with his book.

"It's nothing special. There's a town head, a seemingly kind old man, the town square since the start of time, a storage structure that was built with the transition to better instruments and equipment for the village. More than half of the people are in farming or herding or animal rearing. We have the usual blacksmiths and tailors and soldiers and intellects, though the latter are considered more crazy than genius."

"What about your home?"

Hoseok had no concrete answer. It was the same old, parents who were parenting in the way they knew,  not unkind in their ways. Just not nurturing in the same way like the soil underneath helped the sapling grow stronger each day. He was okay with it, after all what could be even do, they were gone and he was left with a stable business and loyal customers to tend to.

Luckily enough, Jimin was forced to drop the topic as the gush of water loudly echoed. The rippling waves crashed against the sides of the tiny hut. The floods had begun and hell would soon be unleashed until the water levels receded. The moon up high was only a perpetuator in this mess of destruction leaving Jimin all alone.

Jimin had no one to fall back onto, he never did and likely, never will.

But for once, there was someone whose presence motivated him to keep his spirits high, who needed to get back to the human world and Jimin had to make sure that this cottage would stand strong through it.

And Hoseok just knew that he had to wait it out, patient and calm. 

Given how Jimin was still sat beside him without a rush to renew spells, Hoseok only assumed that closing his eyes for a little while wouldn't be of harm. Especially with Jimin's mere presence that brought out a seren so opposed to what the Raven was. And the warm sack of stones didn't help as the lull in his breaths got deeper and his head rolled to rest against Jimin's shoulders.

It was one of the best sleep he had in months and he could only reason it out to the vivid dream of Jimin grazing his black nails against Hoseok's soft scalp in soothing motions, akin to his mother's movements when he was a babe against her bosom. 

(What Hoseok didn't see as sleep took over his senses, was how tenderly Jimin stared at him, how softly he wrapped the falling blanket on him, how carefully he maintained his posture to make sure that Hoseok wasn't awoken by any jerks. 

Jimin was unknowingly growing fonder with the human and that was just a heartbreak waiting to happen, a failed attempt filled with breaking hearts and late-night wishes on shooting stars, a worse life to lead knowing that he'll never get what his heart wishes for.

Sorrow at its finest.)

"Good morning!"
Jimin's voice cheerily came through, albeit frantic in its undertones.

Hoseok had just woken up to the barest of sunlight peeking through the shut-off windows. The little raven, now named as Kila by Jimin after some passage he had read two days ago, was resting on his chest, eyes staring at Hoseok. He simply pet it, moving it to his lap as he looked around to find Jimin in front of the cauldron, nervously muttering words, unrecognisable to his ear.

"I'm sorry it's taking so long, but we have a lot of work to do if you wish to get back home soon."
Jimin started off, his aura having changed overnight.

There were hints of that dark energy in his eyes, black smoke and uncatchable sparkles in each of his hand's swipes as he summoned magic, scales that stood guarded, waiting for the inevitable danger and skin turning darker with the leather polished to perfection. 

But, there was this twinkle in his eyes, the faintest glimmers of a smile, the nervous twitch in his fingers, the stumbling feet as he rushed and an overall change in the beats of a non-existent heart, long dead and gone. Jimin had changed by the slightest, just enough for Hoseok— who had noticed every move of his for the past week— to notice, just the bare minimum but a progress nonetheless.

"What can I do to help?"
Hoseok offered, as he removed the study cloth that had muffled the noise.

Only to be hit by the loudness, increased ten fold.

Jimin moved to wrap it back on, just as he caught a glimpse of Hoseok's wide eyes at the noise. His hands tightly gripped on Hoseok's to guide it back on his head, careful of his hair that was wild after the nap.

"Don't remove this until I say so, it's bad out there and I don't want you scared and faint now."

Hoseok nodded, wide eyes focussed entirely on Jimin. There was something enchanting in how Jimin moved, in the way his mouth moved, in everything he did and Hoseok was slowly coming to the realisation that he was utterly down to whatever this was— the growing affection in his heart.

"We need to start blocking the doorways soon. The water will seep in soon, but this might help slow it down."
Jimin explained, clearing his throat and his foot against on the go, away from Hoseok.

That broke the moment between them, as Jimin gathered the fabrics and hay mixture to plaster it against the nooks of the walls. Moving like two hands of a clock, in what seemed like practised synchronisation (except they hadn't) the two of them kept filling it all in. The ceiling upward needed the same treatment and Jimin took to it.

Hoseok kept glancing to make sure that Jimin wouldn't hurt himself. It was silly to think of it that way, especially when the other was a ferocious cursed being who could summon magic on a whim. He couldn't even get hurt from a fall, as the flowing magic in his veins would correct the damage. But Hoseok's stupid little heart didn't entertain any idea of the other being hurt by the slightest. 

It wasn't that he refused to fully believe Jimin was invincicble, but rather just didn't want his beliefs challenged at the expense of Jimin.

"Do we have more of this?"
Hoseok asked, as his mixture was empty after finishing all the cracks against the wall.

"Yeah, I'll get it for you."
Jimin said, as he came down from the step-ladder to help fetch it.

"Just tell me, it'll be a hassle for you otherwise."
Hoseok suggested softly.

And just like Hoseok had wished for it not to happen, Jimin slipped by a step and Hoseok moved to support his back before he could even think. His hands were firm against Jimin's rough, scaled skin and after a minute of clarity, he realised that in this exact position he could see Jimin's entire face in such detail like never before.

From the bloody red eyes that were slowly fading to the blackish red after the scare, the long, beautiful eyelashes that had no business on a demon, the pale plump lips that were caught in between Jimin's fangs and the pellucid skin that made for the bluish-black veins underneath, Hoseok was spellbound.

Jimin's usual narrowed eyes with the look of a siren that waited to pounce on a prey was exchanged with an almost wide-eyed, wistful, innocent look of shock, all too momentarily but cherished just the same by Hoseok. 

"Are you okay?"
Hoseok whispered, getting a nod and a tiny sigh that was felt cold on his skin.

Jimin ran cold, his breath chillier than the nights. The icicle in his anatomy having never thawed since the years of his cursed existence. And for once, Hoseok believed that this was better than the furnace within himself, the human temperature. It was a perfect clash of the worlds they came from. 

Jimin leaned in just a little closer and all Hoseok could think of was how any more closer would have their lips meeting. But in the next second, Jimin was stretching back, gaining the needed momentum to stabilize himself. Hoseok let go reluctantly, though his fingers could still feel the ridged patterns on the other's back.

Hoseok had never experienced this rollercoaster of emotions, not even with his rumoured bride to-be back in the village. It was an arrangement at the end of the day and no one was entitled to it. 

His face heated up and he could feel his ears redden as he scurried away. There were thoughts in his head, ones that weren't exactly worthy of that place. Images— happy and ruined, barely present yet all consuming. Hoseok turned away hoping that they would vanish. But alas, they struck like burr on the cloth wrapped around his waist. Greedy enough to stay and make Hoseok shamefully acknowledge their presence— a secret in itself, a hush topic, and one which had Jimin's eyes all over him.

And when he laid to rest that day with the night shadowing and a heartbeat rivalling that of a rabbit, he thought back to Jimin's question of his home.

He had no answer yesterday, clueless as to what fit his description of a home.

But Hoseok knew very well that the home he wanted and lived in was no longer there.

Hoseok loved 'love'. Everything about it was so wonderful and beautiful. To love was a gift and he was a miraculous worker in spreading love. He loved the sunny days, just like how he loved the windy ones. He loved the pleasant greetings in the morning, just like how he loved the quiet hugs. He loved it all, even the in-betweens of it all. Something precious bloomed in him each time he loved.

And his home back in the village, was devoid of it. Not entirely, for his family wasn't cruel. The love he knew was all too practical, machines moving relentlessly until one day, the engine would stop untimely. It wasn't what he dreamed of, for that revered love he envisioned was one that crossed boundaries set, one that was subtle and caring, unafraid of pointing fingers, reveling in the life given. 

He couldn't be guaranteed of that love anywhere on this planet, not on set stone with nails hammered against the wood. But there were instances of it, tales old as time, souls intertwined forever and lives bound to each other till the end of time. 

So, he was willing to try. Even if he was unsure of its outcomes, he had faith in the beyond.

And perhaps, it was time enough for him to move past his familial home, not out of disrespect, but maybe the space to grow could open unknown channels.

Maybe this wild, free spirit of his was the reason his parents had punished him. His inquisitive nature, the ever-questioning, curious brain of his thrived on the unknown and out-of-the-normal. He had been the odd one out of the bunch, and all his parents knew was to discipline it out of him. They hadn't been successful, he realised as the past week had unlocked that part of him where he was just Hoseok.

That Hoseok who could soar past the clouds and into heavens unseen. He was all that and no one could shut it in him now.

His answer was clear now.

His home was surprisingly here, with Jimin by his side.

Even if he wasn't sure that Jimin felt the same way about him.

A ridiculous and hasty claim, a sane-minded person would likely say.

But Hoseok didn't care. He very well, knew that this was quick, even for a person like him. It was quick to crush on another, to fall in love, to abandon any resemblance of his previous life, to commit himself with no means of knowing if the other felt the same, to be willing to give it up to spend another day with him.

It was too quick, just a week in.

It was too quick to fall for a monster, none the wiser.

Jimin was a cursed being, incapable of joy and happiness, incapable of memories pertaining to the warmth of sunshine and the scent of ocean breezes, incapable of everything human. It wasn't his fault, but people didn't care, no one had and no one would.

Except Hoseok. For he had spent eight days in here and he had never seen a being so wonderful, despite everything. 

"The floods are receding slowly, perhaps by tomorrow morning you can pack and leave, though the water might be a hindrance."
Jimin mentioned as Hoseok was served with a bowl of congee. 

The Raven had spent the better part of the morning, strengthening his magic and spells that kept the loathsome demons away, but water wasn't something he could control, which was the main reason for all the plastering yesterday. It was said to be the peak of monsters clawing their way in today and then by the time midnight would strike, they would be gone until the next time.

Hoseok simply sipped on the mildly salted rice water as he stared at Kila who was seemingly more restless than ever. He hadn't yet addressed all he had felt the day before, it just didn't seem like an appropriate time to tell it, especially when Jimin was fretting with eyes redder than ever.

He would do so tomorrow, perhaps ask the Raven, if there was a space for a human like him in his home and maybe, his life. Until then, he would keep up whatever Jimin thought of him. 

Jimin sat down by the corner for just a bit as tremors ran their course through his body. This time was different with a human soul to protect and that meant the magic utilised was higher. He would have to make it last until midnight at the very least. His powers were draining and he could feel it the zap of his own hand.

Taking a breath in, Jimin got up to put on his cloak. He was feeling colder than usual, a bad sign  with how it was going. The cloak was one made with the finest cashmere by his grandfather during his expedition to a faraway land, the only heirloom received of importance. Jimin cherished it beyond words for it made him feel like a five year old once again, looking up at his grandfather's marked wrinkles and warm smile.

Jimin shook his head, going to collect the last of his supplies which included all kinds of stuff needed to ward off spirits, petals of a golden marigold to tail of mountain goat to blood of a sea orca to teardrops of a seven-limbed spider. All combined with his learnt literature in the dead language of ghosts and witches would work their magic.

Or it had been so in the past.

"Would you like for me to nurse a flame to provide some heat?"
Hoseok asked, as he watched Jimin clutch the cloak closer towards his ruined body. He had thought of providing the warmth of a hug, a better alternative but second guessed himself afraid of being too wanting.

"It would—"

"Jimin!"

It was so sudden. One moment, Jimin was asking something, in the middle of a sentence, a syllable rolling off his tongue and the next he was howling in pain with legs buckling underneath him. His knees hit the ground hard enough to make a noise of its own, but the scream of pain was enough indicator that things had gone south.

A better indicator came when Jimin's whimpers of hurt was drowned by the creepy shouts from the blood-hungry demons and the water gushing down as the flood levels rose. It broke through the plastered cracks, feet instantly engulfed by the water.

Hoseok didn't waste any time, waddling in seconds to reach Jimin and cradle his body. He didn't fear for his life more than he feared for Jimin's. Holding him up with arms tightly wound against the back, Hoseok helped him reach a corner, but it was too late for they had arrived inside the Raven's humble abode.

The spells of protection had broken and with Jimin on his knees, there was no way of renewing the powers lost, especially not with them barging in.

Hoseok couldn't fight those monsters that looked on with slime and dirt on their wretched skins. He had no powers, no tools, no weapons, nothing at all to work away but an injured Jimin meant he would have to find ways.

"Don't close your eyes, okay?"
Hoseok's frantic yells to Jimin who was almost dead on his feet were met with no response.

Hoseok used a stick to keep those uninvited limbs from entering his corner, he pushed them away with all his might and all of a sudden, the monsters fell back on their knees and butts. Hoseok turned his back to Jimin's wide open eyes were redder than any blood he had seen, colder than anything he had experienced, and there was a resemblance of a ward that protected him and the bird who were huddled beside Jimin.

"You are okay? Oh my, I was so scared."
Hoseok said, water rippling as he turned to hug Jimin tightly.

His fear of losing Jimin was more than the nerves of whatever he was feeling emotionally. Jimin's arm weakly came up to cradle his head against his own neck in comfort, his nose lightly twitching against Hoseok's hair. There was just a mere minute of bliss before they were aware of snarling beasts and their own drenched bodies.

"What do you want me to do?"
Hoseok asked, firm as he held his head higher.

"Get...those potions."
Jimin muttered, pointing to the swirling purple liquid. 

Hoseok moved quick, dodging any attacks with his deer-like fast reflexes and got hold of the potions. Jimin, on the other hand, was using his last remaining powers to fight against the monsters. Back turned to help Jimin drink the potion, the apparatus against Jimin's lips, Hoseok made sure to keep an eye on Kila who had flown out. 

Just as the last drop was consumed with a twisted face, Hoseok was met with a yell of 'Look out, Hoseok-ah'  from the Jimin and in the next second there was a powerful jot of hot energy emanating from the Raven. The light was blinding and extremely volatile. And before Hoseok could feel the grimey hands of the demon behind him, it had vanished to dust. And so did every other demon in the cottage, pure dust that fell to the ground, amounting to nothing. Vanished in seconds, as the water pushed through carrying it out.

Jimin had done that.

But that wasn't of Hoseok's concern as he saw Jimin's failing body fall on the ground dramatically, a fall far worse than before and a concrete chance that looked bad.

Hoseok rushed to the floor, knees sliding and splashing against it as his hands grappled to hold the Raven up, but it was all dead weight. There was no sign of life. No breathing, no response to the nudges, nothing at all. Jimin's hands flailed helplessly against his sides and all the glory of the ravenous beast of the dark forest had gone out with him.

"Wake up. Just open your eyes, please. Just wake up."
Hoseok's pleas were met with silence, a eerie silence mostly found in graveyards.

Jimin, the oh so great Raven, was dead.

Chapter Text

'Quiet calls of guilt filled the space vehemently. And he could do nothing to help.'

When Hoseok was 14, he had a tiny doll made of wood, carved to perfection with the remaining blades after his father had used it. Dulled and rusted blades that had been used relentlessly by Hoseok’s own inexperienced hands to make the cutest little doll with dangling limbs and a round tummy. 

He adored it more than anything he owned, always carried it along and despite the other kids of the village making fun of him for the oddity of its shape, he named it, cared for the dead wood and made a small space on his bed for it. 

When Hoseok was 17, he lost that doll. He had misplaced it, as it would seem, though the stinking suspicion that his younger sister had thrown it away in a fit of anger never went away. The truth remained that it was missing. He had looked for it, helplessly and hopelessly, for days at stretch.

And when he didn’t find that doll, he berated himself for losing it. And then some more, for getting attached to an inanimate object, for treating it like it was valuable and indispensable. As the self-criticizing exhausted itself with him, he cried to sleep, willing away from dinner despite his mother’s angry words. 

He cried for the lost thing, for everything, for the memories that the doll had kept alive, for himself and for his displaced doll.

After the tears had dried, he had learnt not to associate happiness with objects. They cannot be a replacement to who he was and how he felt. One doll cannot dictate how his life would be, no, he’s gotta be stronger.

He learnt not to attach himself, let it course through him like they were part of him and he was incomplete without that. Not to be the one that let emotions get the better of him, wash him away like he meant nothing with the waves of the ocean.

Perhaps, those words were ones regurgitated by his own father, an emotionless man with a deep frown on his face almost every second Hoseok knew him.

Well, the best option was to act like nothing happened- a face no one would suspect, just exist like any other despite everything crumbling within.

Now, that Hoseok had experienced 28 winters, he was unsure of how well that had worked for him.

Especially at this moment, when he held the Raven’s limp body, devoid of any sign towards life, breathing ceased minutes ago, nothing but the shell of his body.

Hoseok held onto that body, emotionless like his father when he had seen his wife cry over the death of their to-be baby. Hoseok just let Jimin’s head rest on his lap, staring at the pale features.

Eyes closed, cheeks losing the healthy glow even by the Raven’s standards, colour greying with each second, scales slowly breaking off from the lustre they held, dulled and dead. The leather of his skin, shine lost to the winds howling outside, the little skin that could be seen was turning blue and rigid, Everything that Jimin was had been killed.

Killed all because he was saving Hoseok.

Killed all because Hoseok was here.

The cursed had lived and protected the forest as best as he could for the past decades, quietly and successfully. But, Hoseok had to come here right at the steps of Jimin’s humble abode, tread in following a mad bird whose intentions were still unknown and mess the balance created for years.

Jimin who had lived most of his life in these woods, knowing how to navigate the full-moon chaos that were brought in regularly, each marked with scary thunderstorms, ugly and ravenous demons from under clawing their way back to his magic, and weakened links to everything, was now dead because of him.

Hoseok had gathered enough that the magic coursing through Jimin’s dead cursed body, despite dark in nature with a history of sorrow had power, had the ability to grow and was essential to thrive if the monsters that had turned to dust were any clue. It was vital to this dark forest that breathed along with each of Jimin’s.

And the effects were gradual as the dead and barren trees wilted further, falling over themselves to the ground. The huge branches folding in and breaking with each second passing. Kila who had rested on the window sill was quiet, not a chirp heard as everything was going to doom.

Jung Hoseok held himself accountable.

The monsters had gone, but at what cost?

He sat there, stroking Jimin’s head, wishing the other was slive and they were under the sun, relaxing their bodies. After the realisation that Jimin was his home, someone he had found to be his comfort through it all. Sure, he had only known Jimin for a week and a few days more, which is not enough time to characterise and take big decisions like the one he had— he had planned to tell that to Jimin after all of this dies down, except now he was holding the person who had died.

“How I wish this wasn’t how we ended!”
Hoseok whispered into the air, no one there to listen to him.

Hoseok had never known love like this, but he was willing to take that even if it was one-sided. Jimin might not have reciprocated it, but he would have surely been cordial with him. It was better than the village where Hoseok had always felt trapped by the rules and hush-hush topics of everything that brought curiosity.

And Jimin, in all of his contrary fashion, was a ray of hope, something to show that Hoseok’s world needn’t be withheld by the boundaries of the village. He was caring to a mere stranger, one who had only heard the vicious tales of the Raven. He was kind enough to protect him from the impending danger. He was courageously selfless to sacrifice his everything for Hoseok.

And the latter could only lament the fact that he was alive. 

His mind just replayed the events that had taken place, all quickly, all too hastily. One minute, he was helping Jimin up and reaching for the purple potion— now shattered into a million pieces on the ground, the next minute, he was watching the powerful Raven, in all his black glory drop down like the strings in place to hold his body were cut off— a marionette in action.

Slowly, his body unfroze with his mind still in shock, he could feel wetness all around him. Bringing his hand up to his face, he found it damp with tears, grimey with the dirt of all that had happened. His body was entirely wet, especially his lower half that was still submerged in the receding waters, but he couldn’t care less. 

Hoseok had no clue as to what would happen or what he should. 

The only thing that kept him tethered in reality was the weight of Jimin’s body on his thighs, surprisingly lighter than he had expected. He had seen the leather stretched across the other’s skin, scales and what looked like remnants of feathers meaning Jimin should have been at least slightly heavy.

“You would–”
Hoseok started, looking at Kila who was now laid in a cocooned position, like she was asleep. 

He sighed slowly, for the only other creature was lost to the world, despite their ability to communicate.

Too many things had occurred in the span of an hour.

But, he had to act fast, if there was still a chance for the floods to barge in unexpectedly, a chance for the monsters to rise from the ashes and now with no Jimin, he had to find a way to survive with no magic or charms. Hoseok wasn’t ready to part with the him just yet, knowing all too well that he couldn’t cling to this body of someone he loved.

The irony wasn’t lost to him, Jimin couldn’t die, no but he was incapable of it, but he had and Hoseok, the dispensable, fragile human was alive.

Hoseok reached to his own robes, folding the disused one to make a padding to lay Jimin’s head on. He couldn’t fathom a reality where the other was pained even if it was him dead.  Quietly making his way, he took the tiny bird in his hands and placed it on Jimin’s limp figure, hoping that comfort would be sought in each other’s arms.

And then he got to work, firstly with closing the cottage’s door and working his way to shut the windows to fix the physical structurality of it, a firm foundation to work with. It was to the special book behind the doors from which he had seen the Raven read the charms and spells. 

He was completely clueless as to what had to be done, it was like he was going on autopilot, just working through what he would have done if he had to live. He would not dare to imagine a day where Jimin’s sacrifice was lost due to his carelessness.

What he didn’t expect was to find the first page of the book to have a note attached to it, one in elegant handwriting and it read as such,

‘To the person who has come across this book,

There are multiple scenarios as to why you would have found it. But, as I write this, it is intended for my grandson, Park Jimin. I’m sorry to disappoint others though, I wish you find what you are looking for, perhaps between the lines.

I know you are to be abandoned soon, not voluntarily but a vivid premonition graced me two nights ago. It was detailed to the step and I can’t seem to erase the memory. So, it would seem our reign shall end pathetically for the curse has taken its place in you.

I’m sorry that this is the thing I’m handing you over, a jinx of sorts where there’s not a single good turn. I’m sorry you will have to live many years, perhaps even decades before breaking free, but I hope you know that I’m always looking out for you. Always.

There is unfortunately no ‘set in stone’ version of how you’ll be back to leading a normal life or even die naturally given your curse had limitations of you being an immortal. But, if the latter ever happens, just know that I’m here to hug my little boy.

~your old man who has a magical cloak and a timeless watch.’

That was about it. Hoseok couldn’t help sob ugly at how these words were framed. Jimin was a precious kid to his grandfather, just not enough to help him avoid his fate of being this beast whose entire life revolved around the dark forest and its miseries.

A price paid for someone else’s mistake.

Hoseok was ready to keep it away, wipe his tears and move on to the important parts on how to protect this cottage for the full moon hadn’t ceased yet. As he flipped the note, he found a small separate note, hidden brilliantly for no one to see, yet be seen by the ones needed and it read further.

To anyone reading this, read between the lines. Light the way and you shall find it after all, for one can never be that cruel to wish that. There’s love found in corners unexpected, love that shall redeem you, love that shall resurrect you. Mere words don’t make for it all, but there’s hope in them, hope in the angels above, hope in the most unused routes for that’s where the sailors make their bid. 

Hoseok stared at it hard, trying to make sense of it. The lines had repeated in both the notes and he tried to think of what it could mean and how he could potentially make use of it. Sure, it could be a waste of time, but there was a nagging feeling in his gut just like the time he had followed Kila to the inside of this hideous forest.

As he read through them over and over, something in him clicked as he suddenly jumped to get to the dry hay kept above and the sticks used to make fire he always kept on himself— one of the basic necessities to a baker. He made a quick work of lighting it, despite the murky area around him and then held the note to the light again. There was something at the end, a small phrase.

‘ dilige et vives quia mundus noster est’

He kept it folded, slightly disappointed but then something clicked. The light could also work on the other pages if it were true. The problem was that the book was too huge for it to be done in the span of time. But then as he read the last line of unused routes, he quickly looked through the pages to single out the ones not touched. 

They were easy to find, whiter than usual and didn’t have any smudges. The reason for them to be such was that they were purely blank. Not a single touch of ink on those pages. Hoseok tried to carefully hold the three unused, plain pages separately to the fire and it was clear as day as everything was written perfectly.

‘If you have solved this, it would mean that the cursed is dead. 

These pages were sealed by his magic, ugly in its wake as it locked away his chances at survival. His enchanted mastery which had to be his escape had trapped him farther. If you can read it, we believe you have been through the hoops expected. 

Before we delve further, you must know that these pages are only visible when one with the flesh of an animal is brought to life and the soul of a fallen angel treads into the cursed one’s indestructible heart. 

This is not an act of love, a pretext to reach the human parts of the cursed, an elaborate method for him to seek life. But, rather hapless circumstances and doomed fates where he is not at fault but bearing the fruits of labour by the blood he carries in his veins, dark and black.

But a human breaking him free by making a sacrifice of his own to resurrect is indeed, out of love. 

Love makes humans selfish and selfless at the same time. Noted by their words and actions for the better part of the millenia. Your lives as meagre and replaceable as they are, can be a source of his path to better. 

The watch holds importance beyond this realm, use it to do what feels right. And you shall unlock a portal where time and space coexists. There’s more to the words unseen, but they shall be muttered for it to bear results. He shall be alive for mere minutes, make it count and work the magic within you.

You shall figure the path with each step, but there’s a phrase to be uttered for any of your magic to be unlocked, oh fallen angel. Your memories are erased by the disgrace caused, but you shall have to rewind, remember and save what’s yours, the very reason you were reborn as a human.

The clues to your very existence is that the fallen angels only ever find their way on Earth for their selfish reasons of protecting others. And with a soul as pure as yours, you just need to find the things before time runs out.

clavis est in manibus meis in aeternum’

To say Hoseok was even more confused than before would be the ultimate understatement of the year.

He needed to get his facts checked— Jimin was cursed, Jimin was dead, Jimin’s ancestory tale was known; A phrase exists on the secret note, leading to more pages; Hoseok is apparently not human, and a fallen angel (he still wasn’t sure about that, sounded way too suspicious for it to be true); and lastly that there was a way to get Jimin back to life.

Except the clues were scattered and none of it made sense. 

A few words kept repeating through the all the three places: love, time, angels, hope, and cursed. And he really needed to find the connection between the five of these words. Fast as it would seem, given that the pages withered away after he had read it, as if their purpose was done.

Hoseok needed to fix this.

He immediately searched for the cloak and watch that was apparently in Jimin’s hold if the notes were anything to go by. He found the cloak but the watch was a mystery. Uprooting the cottage and searching every nook of it, he finally got to the old watchpiece hidden in one of the smaller cauldrons.

It was a rusty, old one but with perfect antique accents of gold and encrusted jewels along the chain. There was a a screw by the side and pretty much apart from that, it was useless given that there was indication of its working. But he knew it was important according to the numerous mentions in the notes.

“Please, let this be right.”
Hoseok prayed to the God above, one whose existence seemed all the more crucial now. 

He took both those items, laid the coat on Jimin’s body and kept the flame alive as he opened the screw rewinding the watch seven times, uttering ‘clavis est in manibus meis in aeternum’ with each turn. Closed eyes, as the chanting went on, and Hoseok felt stupid to be doing this.

He was a rational man, learnt everything by the fierce hand of responsibility and discipline, but here he was forming some sort of witchcraft on a dead body. But really who could blame him, when he had spent 8 days with an unnatural being, facing one of the worst rainfalls and horror stories of his lifetime?

Anything to make amends and make it work.

The astonishing part of it was how with each of those movements, recollections flashed past his eyes. Memories lost in time, flashing over and soon enough the words in the last page started making sense. 

“Do you really wish to give up your riches and powers for that cursed being, laying to waste with each passing second? A rotten nobody who holds the blood of viciousness?”

A booming voice echoed through the chambers. 

Hoseok didn't know if he was transported into another body or if he was a spectator to the chaos unfolding, but there was a lady whose energy was beautifully visible, loud colours clashing against the pale pastel decorations around. The lady had a crown atop her luscious black hair, the piece of jewellery made with cut diamonds and emeralds and rubies, and that signified her position, if her stature still made anyone question it. She was the goddess who was mentioned in the scriptures.

“Yes, I do wish to be one to help the poor soul, whose fault lies in the fact that he was born. And if not that, I’ll be one to walk among the many.”

Another voice came about and this time it was a smaller man as compared to the goddess, looking all too much like Hoseok hinself. Similar hair, adorned with flowers, giant angel wings, a halo of light above him, and the same determination he had known since he was a child.

“If that's your final decision, then I shall let you be born in that village. But know that you shall die a man than an angel. Be stripped of your wings and it shall hurt. There's a balance to be restored. All your life will lead you there except you are a shell of the memories you've forgotten.’

That was the finalé and with the last turn of the watch, Hoseok understood how he was a reincarnation of that angel, allowed to walk this Earth by the grace of that magnificent goddess. All this for his angel self who had empathized hard with the cursed Raven— an instant connection formed only by peeping through the clouds in heaven.

Maybe that also explained how drawn he was to the dark forest as a child, asking questions despite the numerous tales spun around it. And maybe even the reason he had followed Kila here, who had led him straight to Jimin himself.

With that new realisation, the surging feelings he had felt through the course of the week all made sense. It was strong in a way that made him question everything he knew about Jimin. That instant pull towards the leathered man, like they were magnets drawn to each other, opposites of one cursed by the vilified words and another, pure enough to let his status go. 

There was something undeniably present which made Hoseok go crazy because it was so unlike to fall for another within days of talking, especially in such dire situations. But there was an added reason along with how Jimin as a person was. 

The Raven was kind, gentle and adoring in his ways despite the hardened texture of his palms. And none of their history as one-sided star-crossed lovers could change that. But it did help solidify what Hoseok felt and make sure that it was true. He had made his sacrifice from being an elite angel experiencing the joys of heaven in exchange for a human life filled with struggles and sorrows— all for Jimin. 

The bond they held laid beyond just this blip, for Hoseok had apparently watched and worried over the Raven, his Jimin, unable to pull any strings to let him experience the warmth of the beautiful sun. They were special, a push and pull, all in Hoseok’s hands one sidedly– as Jimin was seemingly unaware of it, only a magic charm in his blood.

But none of that mattered, if Jimin was dead. He had to be revived and that was Hoseok’s duty.

For the truth was in the words he chanted seven times over.

For Hoseok’s hands held the key forevermore.

And so it began.

Hoseok’s eyes opened to a blinding light and when they finally adjusted to the light, there was Jimin standing alive in front of him with Kila perched on his shoulder. They were in a different place, unlike any he had seen. An infinitely dark space with bottomless floors and the light source emitting enough for them to see each other.

An abyss with nothing more as they stood face to face.

As Hoseok locked eyes with the other, he didn’t hesitate to leap forth and hold Jimin in a tight hug. There wasn’t a single moment of hesitation as his arms wound around Jimin fiercely, his eyes moist with the beginning of what felt like tears for the nth time today. And when he finally reached down to feel his feet touch the floor, he belatedly realised that Jimin had just stood still.

“Why are–”
Hoseok said, cutting himself off when Jimin groaned loudly.

“Are you hurt?”

“Yeah, my sides.”
Jimin muttered soft and in pain.

Hoseok looked at the watch where the minute hand was moving slowly but surely as compared to its inactivity since he found it. He was running out of time, he had limited seconds in his hands.

“I need to get to you fast before you forget it all and I only have this chance.”

“Who are you and where am I?”
Jimin asked, quite lost in his words.

“I have no time to explain, maybe I’ll do it when you come back from death.”
Hoseok said, hands still holding onto Jimin’s leathered and rough ones.

He knew it was extremely confusing to this Jimin, who had no idea what will happen to him in the future, especially with a stranger clutching his hands like they had known each other for centuries. But, Hoseok had seen the reality where the other was not alive, so forgive him if he wanted to revere and relish this very moment of seeing Jimin alive, perhaps for the last time if everything went wrong. 

He needed Jimin’s presence being felt physically.

“Damn, I finally go to hell?”

“Stop that. And now respond neatly to the questions asked. When was the last time you felt alive?”

“Ten summers ago when the clouds were gracious enough to let me see the flowers bloom right past the dark forest. It was glorious and purple in colour, beautiful in its wake. That was the only time I felt like it was worth living.”
Jimin answered instantly, not a second to spare as Hoseok listened intently.

“Do you have anything that’s unlikely to fit in along with the other parts of your cottage? Perhaps something you found or were given to?”

Jimin hesitated for a few seconds, thinking over and over until it tumbled out with a meek,

“A necklace among my yarns, it is silver for the touch is as precious as it can get. There’s sapphires along its length, small to make way for a locket, which is empty. I found it on my daily surveillance walks.”

And with that, Hoseok finally got his answers. He knew there was nothing more to do except collect those things and say the words. He might be completely wrong, but if the words held any truth then he had a chance. Sure, he could have warned Jimin about the impending doom and everything that follows, but he would ultimately forget it since those were the conditions of anyone being summoned to this realm of magic and angels.

“I promise you that you’ll see the sunshine every day of your life until you get sick of it.”

“I doubt I can get sick of it after decades spent in the dark.”
Jimin laughed and Hoseok had to physically stop himself from crying for this might be the very last time he could hear the heaven’s harps in the other's voice.

“You mean so much to me.”
Hoseok muttered, holding Jimin as close as he possibly could.

Until the watch ticked with a loud sound and his closed eyes opened to the same view of the cottage. One where the marsh had melded to make the floors dirty and grimy, one where Jimin was laid to rest and one where Hoseok clutched his own body in desperate attempts to feel Jimin’s hugs.

His hands wrapped around like he was still there, holding Jimin like they had meant something beyond all this. His body crumbled to the ground as the cries echoed in the small cottage–loud and painful.

His eyes were puffy and red, unable to continue that journey of falling teardrops, failing in the want to persevere. His skin was rubbed raw with how many times he had wiped his face. He was tired, bone-deep weary as he wished this wasn’t how it was, but it was ultimately something he had chosen, abandoning what was rightfully his for Jimin.

Weak in his knees, Hoseok still got up from his bent position on the floor. He searched for the yarns that were kept in the pockets of the same cloak and unravelled the brown and yellow threads one by one until the necklace fell through onto his lap. The necklace was as beautiful as ever, so uniquely described by Jimin.

But, he still needed to search for those purple flowers that were beyond the forest edge. And he had to hurry before the night fell through. Rushing past the door with the cloak on his frame, watch and necklace in the pocket, he ran and ran to where he found the blueberries, it must be along those areas.

His legs were quick owing to his lithe figure, finally coming in handy. And just as he reached the threshold of the forest where green sprouted yet again, beautiful and healthy unlike the barren lands, he spotted the perfect purple verbena clusters, swaying with the wind.

Just as he went to take two stalks of it, he looked up to find people walking along the very path he had before entering here. As he saw the two women whispering to each other, he was reminded how close he was to civilization, back to the life he had to be leading, damn the scrolls and magic.

He could easily choose to reach there. A few steps out and he would be among the people, normal as ever. A few more and he will be back in his bakery, letting his younger sister fuss over him for disappearing into the dark, perhaps even cry at his presence. His younger brother would likely scold him but be relieved he was alive, right?

He could take those steps and leave all these behind.

But the question was would he be able to?

Would he be able to live that life like he hadn’t survived all that? Would he be able to continue knowing that the chance he should have taken at the shot of Jimin being resurrected was lost? Would he be able to live without feeling Jimin’s presence after having experienced the delights of it? Would he be able to pursue further knowing that the watch hidden away was one that has the ability to access the realm?

Would he be able to live with the fact that he was indeed a fallen angel?

The questions swirled through his head, with no clear answer. All he knew was that he had to get back, fast even if there was a clear path to normalcy.

He wasn’t normal. He was the fallen angel who had to save the cursed from the doomed fate that held him captive. 

And he would be damned to think otherwise if his selfish reasons kept him away from it. 

Every effort made was for Jimin, his kind saviour, his cursed Raven, his love.

Chapter Text

Hoseok had made his choice.

There was no hesitation when he had taken that step back, 

Wild purple verbena clusters clutched tight in his hands, as his feet took control backing himself against the solid eucalyptus tree, eyes still focussed on that well-used mud track, easily shadowed under the canopy of large trees. Three steps in and he swiftly turned his body to the direction of his destination, the dark forest.

Hoseok raced against time, picking pace with each turn as it led back to what was left of that cottage, four walls that barely held it up. Jimin was still there, laid down with whitish lips and no sign of the rise and fall of humanity, but what really could it be considered if he was never human in the first place?

Was breathing still a criteria for life in cursed beings?

Hoseok slid across the floor, water splashing by the slightest, as he placed both the flowers, the pretty necklace on Jimin’s chest. There was also something about a human’s sacrifice and with nothing as valuable on his hand, he needed to think out of the box. Anything that could be considered a sacrifice, parting from his life.

His knife.

The same knife that had ‘I want you alive under the sunshine, holding my hands as we experience the wonders of the world’ engraved into it. The same knife that had gleamed at Jimin when they had stumbled upon each other, Hoseok not quite terrified but just confused while Jimin waited for him to flee away. The same knife that was bought with six silver coins he had sneaked away, his first real purchase because the designs on the handle, carved to perfection, were stunning to his eye. 

Sure, the whole ordeal came to notice when his mother had tried to search for money to pay the milkman and when they found none, he never confessed. He had simply redirected her attention to some other likely place of loss. He had kept the knife close to him, strapped against his waist, his protection against the world. 

And that would be his sacrifice.

‘Would it suffice or not?’ was a question to be asked only after having tried the said ritual. Perhaps it was the blood that flowed through his veins that was more precious than this decade-old knife, but he would try parting with them both, if it meant Jimin would be brought back to life.

Placing all three of those items on Jimin’s folded hands against his chest, Hoseok took out that note from Jimin’s grandfather, one that was carefully folded and not yet in flames to ash like the other three pages of that book. 

“Please let this work!”
He muttered to himself, a tilt of hope in his words.

There was nothing more to do than mutter the words written in the back, all unfamiliar to Hoseok’s tongue, an old language that had died down with the generation. Hoseok wasn’t so sure, but he repeated the words once, not knowing how many times it would take for effect, unlike the previous time he had spoken the words of the key being in his hands forevermore .

‘ dilige et vives quia mundus noster est’

It just didn’t work given there was absolutely no reaction. Not one bit of life had awakened in Jimin and Hoseok was left wondering perhaps it was his blood that was required for this to work. Perhaps he had done it wrong, perhaps he wasn’t what the notes had said.

Maybe there was something wrong with him. And now that chance of seeing Jimin was gone.

Hoseok’s mind was a lair, jumping to the wrong conclusions for the very first time in his life. He wasn’t as such, ever the carefree guy, letting the sails of life take him forth—the very reason he was here in the dark forest without having thought of the consequences. But, right now, he just couldn’t think of anything except how everything had gone wrong and how he could never see Jimin’s pretty black eyes.

Curling into himself with eyes tightly closed, he muttered the words over and over, wishing it worked. Hands in tight fists as he rocked himself, trying to calm himself before he could do the only other logic thing he had seen those ladies do, the ones that practiced curses, hexes and worshipping of entities beyond.

Blood spilled with the same knife he had hoped to sacrifice.

Blood of the fallen angel.

A small whimper in the air, but Hoseok was busy soothing his frayed nerves. Another groan, a small splash, and a flutter but none of it reached his ears. That was until there were hands on his hunched shoulders and Hoseok’s eyes flew open with a loud shriek of terror.

“Hoseok, are you–?”

It was Jimin. Alive with his eyes open, sitting up with Kila on his shoulder. His eyes were concerned as his mouth moved but Hoseok couldn’t pay attention to the words said. Jimin’s eyes were secondary to him as the human focussed on the fact that the other was awake and breathing.

It only called for the one thing that Hoseok had wished for when he last held Jimin.

Hold and never let go.

He didn’t give much thought before throwing himself onto Jimin, hugging him closer than anything he had ever held. Tears rolling down his face, despite tightly shut eyes while his arms were wound tight around the other’s torso. A bruising grip, maybe enough to blue it out, but he couldn’t care less for that. Jimin was alive. He was okay and he was there, breathing. 

Breathing.

Breathing that the Raven didn’t quite do.

The movement of his chest, so subtly present but enough of a reminder to know that he was alive.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”
Jimin’s soft voice came through, as he pulled away just enough for him to see Hoseok face to face.

“You are not dead. And you are not the Raven.”
Hoseok whispered, a little stricken as his eyes widened.

“What are you talking about?”

Hoseok just reached with his soft fingertips to feel Jimin’s cheeks in response. Feather light in its wake, soft enough for them to glide against the latter’s pudgy cheeks. His eyes traced the patterns held, unblemished and baby-like except for the hardened scars against the right side of his temple. Hoseok’s hands tried feeling the texture of this new skin, new like it was made at the moment, weirdly human with the crease lines unseen, the leathered feel, one akin to lizards and crocodiles had all vanished, like they never existed.

And when Hoseok looked up, he could see none of the scales or clipped feathers against Jimin’s side. It was so different, like Jimin was human and not the being that had terrified the people beyond the dark forest.

“What did you do?”
Jimin asked in a non-accusatory tone and more of a shocked one as he stared at his own hands that were squishy and soft, not rock hard like he had known for most of his life.

Jimin wasn’t looking for an answer as he just sat there, waiting. His hands were his by function but weren't his by feel. This was strange and so unlike the person he knew of himself. He blinked for a few more minutes and before Hoseok could explain or even utter, he took the same knife that was sacrificed for this ritual and used it to slash his palm unprompted.

“Jimin! Why did you do that?”
Hoseok’s loud gasp followed, quick hands moved to tear a piece of cloth and wrap it around the wound to secure it.

But Jimin sat there, unblinking at the blood that swirled down. 

Drip, drip and drip.

His attention was on the red that flowed, awake and bright, alluring to the eye unlike the black that had evaded his senses. Black that meant danger, black that engulfed his veins and the black that caused his decay. Everything bad sprouted from that in his body, black and dark like his enraptured soul.

No, this blood was vibrant and lovable.

He had changed.

Was he no longer cursed?

“Is it hurting, Jimin?”
Hoseok’s softer voice came through making Jimin look up from his hands.

Now it was his turn to hold and never let go.

Hoseok yielded into the embrace, head leaned against Jimin’s shoulders as his wet face nuzzled into the curve of Jimin’s neck, pulse beating along the length, one that held the promise of life. The other seemed uncaring of how the dirt had become part of it, water that had shaped everything around them and thus only focussing of the human in his arms, breathing for they were alive. 

There were words stuck in his throat, ones that needed an out, ones that needed to reach Hoseok, ones that needed to transform them, for Jimin doubted he could survive without Hoseok. A little more than a week and his body had accustomed far better to Hoseok than his own self.

His heart was an unforgiving mess and he had to have Hoseok by his side, that was the only way to go.

“I’m human.”
Jimin hiccupped gently, while Hoseok cupped his face in between his hands.

Hoseok stared into the black eyes, the same ones that had been engraved in his head. Catching the sunlight from outside, Jimin’s eyes were shiny and pretty like everything good in the world. Kila chirped against Jimin’s other shoulder, happy and alive.

“Don’t die again. I can’t bear the thought of it.”
Hoseok muttered as Jimin tilted his head into the other’s palms.

Like a soft kitty cat nuzzling into the palm of its owner, full of love and harmony.

“I promise, it wasn’t intentional.”

“I don’t care for the reasons of it, holding your dead body caused me more grief than I have ever felt. There’s nothing more haunting than to see someone crumble in your arms, leading themselves to a light from which they don’t return, unless you are the Raven.”

“And if that came at the cost of your death? Do you think I would be able to live on?”

Hoseok had no answer to that, as he remembered how all of that what happened leading to Jimin’s death was in seconds’ time. One moment he was showing the way to get the purple potions and the next he was screaming Hoseok’s name till there was a wave of something to wipe out those gnarly monsters at once and the water finally calmed.

“Don’t blame yourself. Your life meant more to me. And even if I had no path to resurrection, I would still do it again.”

“But why would you do it? I’m a stranger who has known you for just a little over seven nights.”
Hoseok asked, confused and wanting.

“Stranger?”
Jimin chuckled low in his throat.

“You were the first human to ever seek me out and not run away. You were the first one to ever try and warm that cold shell of a body. You gave me a reason to hope for better days, you made me believe in more than just this dark forest. And you call yourself a stranger?”
Jimin’s voice was a little harsh and angry as he spit out the last sentence but all Hoseok could see was the sincerity behind those eyes, burning hot.

“I know for a fact, you didn’t just go through the lengths of it to bring me back to life because you were remorseful of the mishappenings that led to my momentary demise. Rescuing a stranger from a death sentence he voluntarily chose. ”

“I am not sure…”
Hoseok’s trembling voice came to life as he withdrew his hands back to his lap, eyes now locked on them instead.

Jimin gently took Hoseok’s hands in his own, making Hoseok follow that moment, thus locking his eyes with the other. No words to push him further, just silence until Hoseok repeated again.

“I don’t want you dead, especially on my account.”

Jimin didn’t push further, seemingly understanding that Hoseok was still trying to catch up with the events that had led them to the moment at hand. Everything a hundred times more terrifying for someone who doesn’t have a lick of the magic that had coursed through him. Powerful magic as the only respite in that life of darkness, enough to manipulate and bring anything to life from thin air.

But the question lied in did he still have the magic within him now that he was human?

And how exactly had he turned human?

To test the first question, he concentrated on getting the discarded book from the floor beside the cauldrons. He wished for the book to be open in his lap, trying his best to find that magic within him. And just like that, he could feel the familiar warmth engulf him whole, making his heart race with excitement as the heavy weight of the book was felt on his thighs. 

It had worked all too well.

As for the second question, the answer came in the form of Hoseok’s words. He hadn’t realised that he had asked it out loud.

“The book has some notes written by your grandfather, secret ones brought to light by the flame. And then digging through it, I found the revelation of myself. Well, there were some things, unreal to my own voice, but it asked for sacrifice and two things that meant more than worlds to you. I just said it out loud and you were alive. Apparently, humaner than ever at that. But, um, your magic still works though.”

Jimin took the notes, reading each line with reverence, the same lines he had seen when the life he was cursed to live got harder. He had held it close, crying to sleep the first few months of banishment, but now to see them in a new light brought more meaning to it.  

“Love and you will live because the world is ours”

“Huh?”
Hoseok’s questioning voice came about.

“The words you repeated, ‘dilige et vives quia mundus noster est’ meant that. They were the reason my curse broke, enough to bring me back from death’s claws.”
Jimin explained softly, hand slowly feeling the paper.

Hoseok had no idea how to respond. It would seem like he was more tongue-tied than ever. His body locking in for the words couldn’t define the emotions he had felt and was feeling at the moment. But, he tried, finding the courage within him to provide that shoulder for Jimin to cry on, if needed.

“You are not human, are you?”
Jimin asked, quiet in his tone as his eyes stayed stuck on the paper.

“I don’t know, for this is as much news to you as it is to me. All the details lost in the haze. Learned that I was a fallen angel with wings cut, choosing my fate against the ones written on stars just for the cursed here.”
Hoseok replied, eyes earnest as ever.

“You chose a peasant’s mortal life against the riches of the heaven above for me, is all I’m getting. And you dare consider yourself a stranger to me?”
Jimin chuckled, putting on a confident face.

Meanwhile, he could feel his newly beating heart melt at the revelation. This wasn’t a daily occurrence, especially to someone like him who had no explicitly written way of breaking his cursed cycle. But here was someone who took it on himself to come on Earth, accidentally stumble into Jimin’s way—well, that would be Kila’s doings as well— and jump through the loops to figure a way out just for him.

How could he forgo what he had just heard of mythical creatures that existed beyond this realm just like him, of Hoseok being one who had made a bigger sacrifice even before he completed his purpose today, of the overflowing love-protect-care …

The already present buzzing underneath his skin intensified. 

“As far as I am concerned, I feel human.”
Hoseok smiled and Jimin had to physically stop himself from clutching his chest at the display of overwhelming cuteness.

“You are just like me, just voluntarily. We can define being human on our terms together.”

Jimin’s words were accompanied with a few tears, because he was finally the being he had dreamed of living as, the one that he had wished for on shooting stars, the one that could do everything else that isn’t constricted to this barren land of rot. Hoseok’s hands were immediately on his cheeks, wiping the few drops that had escaped, quiet, cautious and worried in his movements.

And Jimin could feel the warmth of the other’s hands rivaling his own body heat, a perk of being human. Despite all the wetness and ruins around them, Hoseok didn’t miss the opportunity at being a true gentleman, something innately in his nature. Jimin couldn’t help but chuckle softly, a few more tears escaping which was swiftly dried away with the pads of the other’s fingers.

“If you continue to do this, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to restrain the brewing explosion of emotions within me. Intensities of whose likeness I’ve never experienced.”
Jimin muttered, eyes staring right into Hoseok’s.

“This, as in me not wanting the apple of your cheeks to be wet from tears of yesterday?”
Hoseok asked with a joyful tilt in his voice, while not making a move to remove his fingers.

“This, as in the compassion you show me. Because if I say the words that threaten to change our trajectory, then I’m afraid you can never call me a stranger.”

“Try me, Raven.”

A challenge in front of him.

And Jimin had never been good at refusing to participate in one, especially when the chances of his win heavily laid on the worth of his feelings.

“My heart yearns for your presence in the same way a sunflower yearns for the sun. You are my sun, Jung Hoseok. You've saved me, the terrifying outcast Raven of this hellhole— practically a stranger. You are my hope, my salvation and redemption for better. I love you with all my being, doesn't matter what the outcome of this confession is. Nothing could ever change that, for this love I have within me fuels my breath.”

There was a moment in between, filled with silence as Jimin tore his eyes away from the intense gaze of something unreadable in Hoseok’s eyes. Something he had not noticed until today, but it was present with a fierceness unseen. Jimin wasn’t all too worried about the rejection, though there was a real chance at him misreading it all.

But, before he could dwell further on that, the hands that loosely held his face were pulling him back to face Hoseok.

“I know what compelled me to save you. It was this intense blooming in my heart that made me wonder if you were my soulmate. Regardless of my past life in the scriptures, there’s something between us, beyond love. And I want to cherish that just as much as you do. I want you alive under the sunshine, holding my hands as I see the joy of your smile lines.”
Hoseok muttered, taking Jimin’s hands in his and putting them on his own chest where the sign of his life was the strongest, a beating heart.

“I want to be your hope leading to better days for the rest of our lives.”

Jimin took the hint in between those eyes, caressing Hoseok’s cheek with his thumb as he finally closed the distance between them, effectively ending the sentence spoken by the baker. There was a spark as their lips met, golden in its glow as the world around them changed for the better.

One wave out and the water was fully drained from the ground underneath them, the cottage breaking down completely, making way for the newly blooming trees in the span of seconds as the wilted leaves and broken branches sprung back to life, green and lush. There were flowers in shades concealed to the dark forest, and soon the breeze that blowed in was that of promise with life from beyond the edges.

Meanwhile, the two lovebirds had their hands tangled in each other, as the electrifying sweet kiss which left the breathless finally ended. Breaking away, they closed their eyes, leaning their foreheads against each other, unknowing to that around them. 

The curse had broken fully. 

No more thunderstorms and deadly beasts that Hoseok was warned of on their first meet.

Hoseok had served his purpose of breaking the cursed being free and now all there was left for him to experience life with renewed eyes and a warm body beside him.

“It’s…it’s beautiful.”
Jimin’s words broke the silence as he stared at the muddy trail leading to canopied trees and white flowers along the path.

“Hm, and you will love it more when the sun is up in the sky.”
Hoseok muttered, as the oranges enveloped enough for the light blue of the sky to be replaced by violets and indigos.

“Still can’t believe I’m human.”
Jimin said, eyes shining bright as he moved his hands as if testing the range of its motions for the very first time.

“And still can’t believe that you are mine until the earth parts.”

“Well, we have a long way to go and I’ll be sure to remind you of it every day.”
Hoseok replied, his legs stretched with the feel of cramps creeping up steadily.

“You are saying that I can kiss you senseless, feel your heart beat against my palm, look at your beauty without feeling out of place every single day?”
Jimin asked, a teasing smile on his lips.

“Our lips colliding did cause quite a scene.”
Hoseok said, a smirk as his eyes drifted to the flourishing flora around them, nurtured growth like never before on thai patch of land.

“And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Jimin muttered, pulling Hoseok close enough for another sweet kiss, one enough to melt the bones within them. 

“Ready to see my world now?”

Hoseok’s words came out confident and happy as he helped Jimin to his feet. The human world awaited the Jimin, with all its inventions and lustre so unlike his solitude in the dark forest. It lured him out as he carried the most important of his items like the yarns and trinkets of his past, the book tucked under his arm. 

And he could go as far as he wanted now, no curse hanging over his shoulders of a threat towards everything beyond the edges—which were now blurred by the rows of pink hibiscus flowers. His mortality was a proof of his turning, beyond his appearance. He could go as far as his legs carried him, but the truth was that the dark forest had sheltered him in its own ways for the better part of his loneliness.

The truth was that he was the Raven, with or without the curse, for his soul still enraptured that magic within itself. 

He couldn’t escape his truth and he was proud of it.

He was the feared Raven of the dark forest.

“Can you get me some basil from the garden please?”
Jimin asked out loud.

There was a flap of wings by the window opened across where the fire was built for cooking. Jimin looked out, waiting for the familiar perch on his shoulders. And just as he counted to three, it was there, the easy weight he had known for decades.

Kila with her beak holding out a few stalks of green, herby basil.

“Thank you, love.”

A soft chirp from the small raven came through, as beady eyes followed the movements made by Jimin which was basically washing the basil off to be pounded in the mortar with a pestle and then mixing it along with the stew prepared.

Jimin had easily adapted to the world here, having his theoretical knowledge from books of over a century ago. Things had obviously changed but the excitement of doing human things overpowered all unease in the transition to this kind of life. 

What he did have difficulty with, was having to eat and sleep regularly, something he hadn’t quite done as often when he was cursed. He had spent sleepless nights staring at the moon or threading the yarn and using nourishment from the offerings that Kila brought over every once in a fortnight. 

And so there were quite a few times when Hoseok had to carry his limp body to their bed after having missed a few meals. The first time it had happened, Hoseok had panicked hard upon seeing Jimin fainting in the middle of their shopping at the town’s square. Of course, there were lectures following it, about how it was vital to rest and as such, but Jimin in all his enthusiasm of a baby deer taking its first steps had missed the memo.

(From then on, Hoseok closely monitored Jimin’s meals, making sure they had them together by the tiny table that Jimin had made, quite successfully for his first try.)

Hoseok had been understanding, helping Jimin adapt seamlessly to this, aiding his hobbies and interests and protecting him from ill words of the others in the village.

Well, Jimin wasn’t deaf to them despite Hoseok’s best efforts. 

When Hoseok had returned to his home with Jimin in tow, he had got multiple suspicious eyes, bombardment of questions from his younger siblings and then some more but Jimin’s head had hurted bad, making Hoseok shout for all of them to stop. Jimin had covered his ears instantly, not afraid for Hoseok’s anger was never directed at him. But rather for the pain in his temples that increased steadily.

After that, they had moved villages to the south, closer to the grasslands and beaches. Jimin was hesitant at first, given the distance to his sole place of existence for years increased, despite all its enormous changes. But then, Hoseok too had left his home for the better and if they were taking this leap, it was done together, for the both of them.

“Are we moving because of your disappearance for the week?”
Jimin had asked him, hand clutching Hoseok’s arms which tugged along a trunk of items of interest for their new life.

He had obviously meant the state in which they had arrived home, rugged for wear, muddy and torn clothes on their bodies. Scars lining with dried blood while their eyes sunk in and with a stranger behind Hoseok only had raised the shackles.

Hoseok had dropped them on the ground and turned to Jimin, holding his chin lightly and thus muttered the words that soothed Jimin’s nerves.

“I’m not leaving because I’m ashamed of you. I want your existence to be celebrated and respected, not ridiculed at the slightest. You are not a secret, despite my wishes of only keeping you to myself.”

Much later, Hoseok had opened up to him about how he had felt trapped in his town, something always off with how people treated him, the strange kid with good hands at baking and a happy personality—what a clash!

But Jimin was quick to dismiss it all saying how that was the very reason he had tripped over his legs and fallen in love with Hoseok. 

They adjusted well to this place, population sparse but kinder to them. Hoseok still had his business of baking for his skills seem to be popular and as for Jimin, he had taken up a lot given his ability to learn, yield and adapt accordingly.

Maybe the added advantage of being able to wield magic was a bonus.

And now, here they were, living together under the same roof with matching rings made of gold on their fingers, engraved initials underneath.

“Morning, sweetheart.”
Jimin said, eyes still focussed on the stirring pot, not even turning back to look at the other in question.

Jimin's heightened senses did come in handy, much to Hoseok's displeasure. But they were acquired from having to spend hollowed days in the barely alive forest of everyone's nightmares. Jimin didn't like to dwell on it, much rather preferring to look forward at this new life he was gifted.

“Ugh, I can never catch you off-guard. You and your stupidly good magical sixth sense.”
Hoseok whined, coming from the back to hug Jimin, arms wrapped around his waist.

“Careful your annoyance is starting to sound like a compliment.”

Hoseok petulantly twisted Jimin’s face with tender hands to kiss him right on his lips while the light streamed across their faces beautifully.

“Sleep well?”
Hoseok asked, as Jimin leaned back until his head was supported by Hoseok’s shoulders.

Jimin hummed low as Hoseok took over the business of letting the fire die down slowly with his arms still caging Jimin's waist from the back. He felt protected in this embrace while Hoseok swayed them softly, like a slow dance of their own, one on the tunes of the world around them. Music unheard to everyone else, two souls entwined to feel it in their fingers. 

The rings shone brighter in this angle and Jimin brought Hoseok’s hand to his lips to press a kiss on the knuckles, a gentle gesture of their love that had persevered, through the dark nights and lifeless eyes.

“Can we go out today? Just want to feel warm under the sunlight.”
Jimin requested, wide eyes on Hoseok. 

“There is no reality in which I would say no to you. My promise for you to see the sun dance on your skin until you get tired of it still stands.”

Jimin laughed at Hoseok’s words, pretty and high in his throat. 

Nudging closer, Jimin stared at the sun that was still rising in the distance, yellow and orange bursting through the skies as the delicious smell of stew wafted through the air. The touch of the floor underneath his feet felt solid, not judging against his weight, real like never before. Hoseok’s arms around him, the feel of his body keeping him grounded to this reality.

Park Jimin had never thought that this reality of being human was on his cards not an year ago but here he was, happily (unofficially) married to Jung Hoseok. And he would do everything to cherish their reality and the person who made it possible for him to enjoy it. 

Hoseok deserved the world and Jimin would definitely give it to him, in his own little ways.