Taehyung let out a loud, exasperated sigh as his bored eyes flitted back and forth between his hyungs at the dinner table.

It was another one of their weekly coven dinners that had quickly become an important tradition going on for the past half century and Taehyung’s love life was once again the main subject of their loud chattering. As per usual, his nosy coven mates were lamenting over his nonexistent romantic life - or at least that was what they were made to believe.

Another compulsory attendance to their weekly dinners yet they still talk of the same shit, unable to - more like not wanting to - move on from the subject of Taehyung’s love interest.

It was beginning to grow old for the youngest coven member and he began tuning it all out, just like how he always did.

For months now, the hyungs have been pestering him about finally settling down with someone special, completely unaware of the boy that had stolen Taehyung’s heart from right under their noses for more or less two years now.

Ah, his dear beloved human, most precious little Jeonggukie. The love of his love, the one he willingly allowed to keep his unbeating heart hostage. Just the thought of the apple of his eyes, his honeybun had Taehyung melting in his seat, a shy, secretive smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Oh, how Taehyung wished this dinner would just be over so he could be on his way and have his darling boy hold him in those strong arms.

But, of course, it was too much to ask for as Taehyung’s ears - involuntarily - picked up on his eldest coven member’s - Seokjin’s - worried tone.

“Tae, you know we only mean well, right? You’re not getting any younger, baby and we are worried about you… We just don’t want you to feel left out.”

Taehyung resisted the urge to scoff and roll his eyes.

As if age mattered when everyone knew that vampires have always been immortal as long as they had a stable supply of blood.

However, due to respect for his hyungs, Taehyung didn’t retaliate, “Yeah, I understand, hyung, but you can’t force these things. Now, it’s getting late and I’ve got things to do. Can I excuse myself?”

Taehyung let his eyes land on Namjoon this time, aware that he’s the only one who couldn’t say no to him. As expected, Namjoon relented, and after bidding everyone goodbye, Taehyung headed straight to Jeongguk’s apartment where he knew the younger one would be waiting for him.

True to his expectations, it only took one knock on Jeongguk’s door for the younger to open up, arms spread wide open for Taehyung to fall into. Instantly, Taehyung felt all the tension bleed out of his body, replaced by an overpoweringly tender affection towards the younger male who was pressing soft butterfly kisses on every expanse of golden tan skin he could reach as a means of comfort.

Taehyung couldn’t help the bubbling of emotions in the pits of his stomach. He just loved Jeongguk so much. After being subjected to Taehyung’s long rants centering on his endearingly annoying hyungs - rants that he had never failed to pay attention to, it was no surprise that Jeongguk was able to tell how the dinner went and provide Taehyung with all the emotional support he needed.

Burying his face in Jeongguk’s firm chest, Taehyung let himself succumb to the younger’s gentle ministrations, hoping that when he found the right time introduce the younger to his coven, they would accept him with open arms and love him just as much as Taehyung does.

...----------------...

When Taehyung thought of waiting for the right time to let his fellow coven members meet his baby, he never expected things to take such a turn. Then again, he should have expected it all the same, especially with how much fate loved to toy with him.

It was at another coven dinner, Taehyung happily sipping at the glass of blood after a satisfying meal of extra rare steak they had earlier when they brought up the topic of his love life again. Two months of radio silence and talking about actually interesting subjects at the dinner table and the hyungs decided that they couldn’t wait anymore and had to interfere.

Yoongi was the one to initiate the conversation this time around, the others curious yet not wanting to spoil their youngest coven mate’s positive mood.

“So… Any updates on your relationship status? It’s been two months now and we’d like to know if you’re finally seeing someone…”

“I thought we agreed to stop talking about this.” Taehyung’s eyebrows furrowed as he responded, not in the slightest bit amused with the direction the conversation was being steered in.

Jimin then interjected cheerily, “Tae, if you’re having trouble finding someone, I could help you with that! I’ve got a couple of friends who are interested. We could set you up on a blind date and see how it goes…”

Jimin’s voice trailed off at the dark aura now radiating off Taehyung. Just as he was about to ask what was wrong, Taehyung pushed himself off the chair with a loud squeak, eyes hidden beneath his bangs as he declined with a resolute “no”.

“Now, now, let’s not get too hasty. Jimin is only trying to help you, Tae. It wouldn't hurt to give it a try-” Hoseok tried to persuade Taehyung but was only met with a piercing glare.

“I said no . I don’t need it. I don’t need your help, or a fucking blind date, or anything else that you are planning.”

That’s when everything broke loose, all of them talking over each other as they tried to make Taehyung understand their intentions and agree to the blind date. Taehyung, however, has had enough and without properly thinking it through, shouted.

“I have a boyfriend!”

A pin-drop silence washed over the dining area, interrupted by a clearing of throat before an incredulous “What?” blurted out of Seokjin’s mouth.

Taehyung gulped at the sudden change in atmosphere, meekly repeating himself.

“I said I have a boyfriend.”

“What? Since when?” Jimin questioned, feeling betrayed at having his self-proclaimed soulmate hiding such a huge secret from him.

“We’ve been together for two years…”

This time, it was Namjoon who responded, “T-two years?”

Taehyung could only nod in affirmation, hands clenched at his sides, already regretting telling them the truth.

“Well then, invite him over for our next week for lunch. It shouldn’t be difficult, right? Let us meet him and judge for ourselves whether he’s good enough for you.” Yoongi demanded.

Taehyung winced at that, because Jeongguk was not just good enough, he was almost too good to be true. Sometimes, Taehyung found himself wondering how he got lucky to be able to have Jeongguk as his romantic partner. Lost in thoughts of Jeongguk, he didn’t notice the disbelieving looks the rest of them were giving him, taking his silence as an objection when Yoongi asked again.

“What do you say? It should be easy, right? Unless you’re not telling us the truth and this boyfriend never existed in the first place…” Yoongi cocked his eyebrow and Taehyung felt challenged.

Not wanting to back down, Taehyung agreed on a whim, the thought of Jeongguk possibly disagreeing slipping his mind.

It was only half an hour later, when he trudged out of their coven bungalow that Taehyung realised what he just agreed to, dreading the thought of explaining to Jeongguk and convincing him to agree to a meal with everyone the next week.

Friday morning found Jeongguk springing out of bed and hitting the showers as he tried to wash off any possible grime that could have been on his body. While there was really not much need for it considering he had already showered the night before, Jeongguk couldn’t help himself as today was a special day and he wanted to present himself the best that he could. Finally, after three years of friendship and two years of being romantically involved, he was going to meet the hyungs that his boyfriend adored with all his heart - even if he stated otherwise.

Surprisingly enough, when Taehyung had explained in excruciating detail about what had happened the previous week, he wasn’t too upset about it. Even Jeongguk himself was surprised at how easily he agreed to the dinner. Then again, Jeongguk has heard a lot of nice stories about the other coven members from Taehyung himself and just from his boyfriend’s narration alone, he could tell that they were a rowdy but loving bunch who adored Taehyung more than anything else in the world. Considering how much they love Taehyung, everything should be fine… Right?

At least that’s what Jeongguk repeated to himself as he slipped on his favourite oversized sweater over a pair of jeans, styling his long hair into a soft half bun with his fringe delicately framing his face and applying a soft colourless gloss over his naturally petal pink lips.

Just as he was admiring his final look in the mirror, a pair of large hands splayed across his waist, almost like a belt wrapped around his lithe waist. A soft pressure on his shoulder followed by a gruff whisper of “You look gorgeous, baby.” into his ears had Jeongguk’s breath hitching, the reflection in the mirror showing Taehyung eyeing him like a meal.

Flushing beet red at the compliment, Jeongguk bashfully muttered, “Thank you, hyung.”

Taehyung, unable to bear just how adorable his boyfriend looked, manhandled the younger until his back was against the wall, leaning in to get a taste of those shiny lips when he was stopped by Jeongguk pushing him away, palms against the older vampire’s chest. Upset at being stopped, Taehyung mustered up the most petulant pout he was capable of, earning a tiny chuckle from Jeongguk.

“Hyung, you know we’ll get carried away if I let you. We need to go now if we don’t want to be late.”

Taehyung sighed at that, “Right. Are you ready though?”

Jeongguk hummed, not knowing how to answer the question.

Was he actually ready?

As much as Jeongguk wanted to believe he was, he knew that there was still some reservation in him when it came to meeting the centuries-old vampires that have been caring for Taehyung all this while. Unable to find his voice, Jeongguk frowned, hands reaching towards Taehyung’s for comfort.

Taehyung, being used to the younger’s nervous tics, immediately understood and took the younger’s smaller hands in his.

“Nervous, sweetheart? You know we can reschedule if you want to. I want you to be comfortable and if rescheduling would make you feel better, I’m sure they won’t mind.”

Jeongguk’s eyebrows furrowed, nose scrunching up as he thought it through.

“No, I do want to meet them, I really do. I guess I’m just a tiny little bit anxious. What if they don’t like me, hyung?”

“Oh, Ggukie…” Taehyung flashed the younger a sympathetic smile, lifting the younger’s delicate hand towards his lips and placing soft pecks on them.

Jeongguk flushed at the gesture, before quietly voicing out, “H-hyung?”

Staring directly into those starry doe eyes that captivated him, Taehyung responded, “They will like you. I don’t doubt it for a second. After all, how could they not like a person so exquisite and endearing?”

When Taehyung flashed him that smile, the one that was reserved for Jeongguk and Jeongguk only, the younger’s fears and insecurity instantly melted away. Trusting in Taehyung’s words, Jeongguk let go of his doubts and squeezed Taehyung’s hands.

“I think I’m ready now.”

Taehyung nodded in response, glad that his precious was no longer doubting himself, and told Jeongguk to wait for him in the car while he locked up. Jeongguk obeyed without any hesitation, skipping out the front door with a happy tune leaving his lips while Taehyung just watched over him with a fond smile.

It was when they were settled in the car, driving out of the bustling city and into the serene countryside that Taehyung placed a firm hand on Jeongguk’s thigh while his other hand was on the steering wheel. Jeongguk, startled at the sudden action, tilted his head in confusion with a question hum when Taehyung addressed him.

“Jeongguk-ah, about earlier. It doesn’t matter whether or not they end up liking you, it’s their loss, really. Just know that no matter what happens, you’ll always have me. I promise that I won’t let anything get between us, so don’t be scared, okay?”

Jeongguk’s eyes widened at the declaration, not realising how much he needed the reassurance until he had it. Overwhelmed with emotions, the younger felt his eyes water slightly and immediately reached for his boyfriend’s hand, whispering out a watery “I love you, Tae.”

“I love you too, my bun.”

...---------...

Jeongguk was deep in dreamland when he felt a gentle shaking of his shoulder. Blinking the sleep out of his bleary eyes, his ears caught on to the soft melodic laughter that he adored coming from Taehyung, the older male leaning over the console to push a strand of Jeongguk’s long hair behind his ear. The gesture was so soft that it almost had Jeongguk sagging himself even further into his seat, ready to doze off once again when Taehyung spoke up.

“Honeybun, no, no… You need to wake up, we’re here.”

Jeongguk, in his languorous state of mind could only respond with an unintelligible hum, “Here where, hyung?”

Taehyung didn’t respond, too overwhelmed and endeared at the sight of Jeongguk, all warm and soft from his nap. Noticing the lack of response, Jeongguk pouted and rubbed at his eyes before finally focusing them on his surroundings. Instantly, an astonished gasp escaped Jeongguk’s parted lips as his doe eyes wandered over the huge bungalow standing right in front of him.

As if entranced, Jeongguk pushed the car door open without a second thought, mindlessly allowing his feet to bring him closer to the gorgeous building and soaking in the scent of nature all around him. The bungalow was gorgeous, the design modern - which was completely different from the vision that Jeongguk had in mind - stealing his breath away, the tall trees surrounding the building and the rows of floras perfectly arranged to look like an elegant garden seeming as though they had bent out of their regular shape to shield the vampire coven residing in the rich-looking home.

Jeongguk wouldn’t be surprised if that was how it was. After all, it was a well-known fact that older, more ancient vampires tended to have special powers that are beyond a measly human’s comprehension.

Being so enraptured by the beautiful architecture, Jeongguk failed to notice his boyfriend calling for him until the older decided to wrap an arm around his shoulder and steered him towards the front door. Instantly, the anxiety that Jeongguk was burying down returned in full force, causing trepidation to course through his veins. All of a sudden, the house no longer felt as welcoming, Jeongguk’s knuckles freezing before he could push himself to knock. Like this, with an unpredictable fate awaiting him, even the front door seemed menacing to Jeongguk, as if the opening of the door would lead him to an untimely demise.

Taehyung, noticing Jeongguk’s hesitance, swooped in with a teasing lilt, “Hey, there’s no need to be afraid. I promise they’re all vegetarian and only consume from blood packets.”

Immediately, Jeongguk’s nose scrunched as he glared at the vampire, throwing a gentle punch at Taehyung who only laughed. Steeling himself, Jeongguk was about to try again, hands raised towards the door when instead of feeling the alder wood of the door, his hands made contact with the cold forehead that could only belong to Seokjin, one of Taehyung’s coven members.

This was definitely not the first impression that Jeongguk was going for.

The two stared at each other with eyes blown wide, Jeongguk enchanted by the vampire’s striking features, the wide shoulders tapering into a thin waist giving away his identity, the slicked back hair exposing his forehead, the plump lips pursed into an unfairly gorgeous pout while Seokjin sniffed the air, eyebrows furrowed at the sickly sweet scent emanating from this… non-vampire stood beside his baby brother, Taehyung who was holding back his laughter.

Before Jeongguk could even stammer out an apology for the purely accidental knock on his forehead, Seokjin slammed the door in his face, causing Jeongguk to flinch in his place. That instantly made Taehyung forget his own amusement, rushing to turn Jeongguk his way. Just as he had suspected, Jeongguk already had tears welling up in his eyes, looking at Taehyung with so much hope and confusion at what just happened.

“Oh, no, baby. Come on, don’t cry.” Taehyung cupped the younger’s face in his hands, kissing away his tears before they had a chance of running down his apple cheeks.

“Hyung, I didn’t mean to… It was an accident…” Jeongguk sniffled, so utterly dejected at the thought of Taehyung’s family resenting him.

Taehyung shushed Jeongguk, planting a gentle kiss on the younger’s forehead, “I know, baby. It’s okay. Jin-hyung’s probably just startled, that’s all.”

Allowing Jeongguk to bury his face in his neck, Taehyung let himself focus, hearing the thudding of light footsteps - Yoongi’s footsteps to be exact - and sensing the presence of Seokjin behind the door, most likely listening in on their conversation and feeling guilty if the sour scent permitting the air was any indication of his remorse.

Reluctantly, Taehyung pushed Jeongguk away, only to coax him once more, “Hey, why don’t we try again, hm? I’ll knock the door this time and you can hold my hands the entire time.”

Jeongguk nodded eagerly in response, hands reaching out to intertwine Taehyung’s slender fingers with him, the older male squeezing his hand in reassurance. Clinging onto Taehyung, Jeongguk watched as his boyfriend brought his free hand up and knocked on the door firmly.

This time, it wasn’t Seokjin who opened the door, but Yoongi, the oldest of the coven hanging at the back as he flashed an apologetic look at Taehyung. Taehyung let out a sigh, already worrying about how things would go. He was hoping that Seokjin or Namjoon would be Jeongguk’s first exposure to the coven, considering they were the only ones who wouldn’t overwhelm the poor boy.

Yoongi sniffed the air, face scrunching in distaste as he scowled at Jeongguk who pushed himself closer to Taehyung.

“Who the **** is this?” Yoongi crosses his arms in defence, eyes never leaving Jeongguk’s shaking frame.

“Yoongi-hyung, Seokjin-hyung, meet Jeongguk. He’s the boyfriend I was talking about. Jeongguk, meet Yoongi-hyung and Seokjin-hyung, I promise they won’t bite.” Taehyung narrowed his eyes at the other two, but was ignored by Yoongi.

“You don’t know that.” Yoongi’s eyes then flashed crimson, causing Jeongguk to whimper as he moved behind Taehyung completely despite packing a lot more muscle mass than the older vampire.

Taehyung squeezed Jeongguk’s hand then, eyes dark as he regarded Yoongi defyingly, “Oh, but I do. Try anything and we’ll leave right this second and I won’t come back.”

Yoongi immediately shut up and left, making sure to stomp his feet as loud as he could to show how unhappy he was.

Seokjin could only watch as Yoongi went back inside grumpily, torn between talking some sense into him and welcoming poor Jeongguk who looked terrified. He settled on the latter, making his way towards the younger couple, expression pinching when he noticed Jeongguk making himself smaller than he already was.

“Jeongguk-ah, can you please look at me?” Seokjin stayed where he was and asked, giving Jeongguk space and time to decide his next action.

Thankfully, Seokjin’s soft persuading tone was acknowledged, the boy looking up at him with the most clear and gorgeous eyes Seokjin had ever had the pleasure to lay his eyes on, though they were red rimmed and glossy with unshed tears.

“I’m so sorry about Yoongi just now, but don’t worry, he’ll come around. Yoongi may seem mean and scary, but I swear he’s just a soft and grumpy grandpa.” Seokjin flashed the boy a non-threatening smile, glad that Jeongguk was listening to him, seeing from the way he slowly stepped out of Taehyung’s shadow.

Still clinging onto Taehyung, Jeongguk responded, “It’s- it’s okay.”

And Seokjin melted on the spot.

If that wasn’t the softest, prettiest, babiest voice he’s ever heard in his long and boring life. Seokjin couldn’t imagine anyone who would want to hurt this poor little thing. Not to mention his intoxicatingly sweet scent, a major giveaway that the boy was as innocent and pure as they came. Seokjin may have only known Jeongguk for a couple minutes, but he was ready to take the boy under his wings, place him under multiple protective charms and keep the boy warm and full at all times.

However, they still had a few things to discuss, so Seokjin held himself back from smothering Jeongguk who still looked out of place.

“Jeongguk-ah, just so you know, I have no problem with you being Taehyung’s boyfriend, in fact I’m glad Taehyung found someone like you as a partner.”

That instantly got Jeongguk’s attention, doe eyes filled with so much hope as he regarded Seokjin, “You are?”

Seokjin’s unbeating heart might actually just start beating again if Jeongguk didn’t stop being so precious.

“Yes, yes, of course I am! But… Jeongguk, you… You’re not a vampire.”

While Jeongguk only tilted his head in confusion, turning towards Taehyung for help. However, Taehyung was frozen where he stood, body tensed and eyes unblinking.

****.

That was the only thought that he had. Taehyung couldn’t believe that he had accidently left out a major detail about Jeongguk - that he was human. Suddenly, Yoongi’s negative reaction made sense, what with the older vampire’s history with humans in the past. Taehyung felt a twinge of guilt pinching at his heart at the thought of forcing his hyung to relive his past without warning him about Jeongguk’s human status. He’ll apologise later but for now, Taehyung had to make sure that Jeongguk was okay and if his hyungs weren’t willing to accommodate Jeongguk, then they’d leave and let each other cool off first.

Seeing how Taehyung was not helping, Jeongguk mustered up the courage to ask, “Is it a problem? That I’m a human and not… a vampire?”

Taehyung was shaken out of his thoughts at the question, the uncertainty and doubts reflected in Jeongguk’s expressive eyes triggering his protective instincts and he without thinking, hissed at Seokjin. He, Kim Taehyung, who had nothing but respect for his eldest hyung, had honest to God hissed at Seokjin, almost like a wild animal.

Jeongguk was shocked at the sudden change in Taehyung’s behaviour while Seokjin… Seokjin was very much not impressed, his eyes twitching at the blatant show of disrespect coming from his youngest. Though he understood the protective urge Taehyung had towards Jeongguk, Seokjin had not done anything to deserve Taehyung’s anger and frankly speaking, he was not happy.

“Jeongguk-ah, I’m sorry you have to see this but-” Jeongguk trained his eyes on Seokjin who walked closer before smacking the back of Taehyung’s head, “it had to be done.”

Taehyung yelped at the smack, glaring at his hyung before shouting, “What was that for?”

Jeongguk, however, couldn’t help but snort at what just happened, he had never seen Taehyung look so flabbergasted before. It was quite… refreshing, to say the least.

Seokjin met eyes with Jeongguk and gave the younger one a playful wink before regarding Taehyung, “You need to calm down, fledgling.”

“I am not a fledgling!” Taehyung grumpily shouted, stomping his foot in petulance.

Seokjin raised a mocking eyebrow at that, “Are you sure you’re not? Cause you sure do act like one.”

Taehyung sputtered at that, grumbling like a child when Seokjin continued, “Listen, I have no problems about Jeongguk being a human and I think most of us feel the same. It would have been nice if you had given us a heads up, though, Tae.”

“What difference does it make, though?” Taehyung pouted, upset that his hyung had revealed his less cool and more childish side of himself to Jeongguk who had not stopped smiling at him.

Seokjin pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration, “It makes a lot of difference, you big doofus. I spent hours slaving away in the kitchen cooking your favourites but Jeongguk won’t be able to eat any of them. Do you want the poor boy to be sick?”

“O-oh um, you don’t need to worry about me Seokjin-ssi, I’m not really hungry so I should be fine-” Jeongguk tried to reassure but was interrupted by his stomach grumbling. Very loudly at that.

Instantly, Jeongguk felt his face grow hot at his own body’s betrayal while Seokjin fretted, mumbling something about not wanting the poor precious little thing to starve under his breath, ushering the couple inside with a warm smile.

Jeongguk truly thought that he would’ve chased him out after the whole knocking-on-the-forehead, but this unexpected turn of events - save for his first meeting with Yoongi - was quite nice. He could definitely get used to having Seokjin’s warm and calming presence around.