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It’s painful.
It’s loud.
Until it isn’t.
Soobin opens his eyes, calmness washes through him and he feels at peace. He’s on a canoe, the water is calm, he isn’t afraid of falling into the water anymore.
“Hello, Soobin.”
Soobin looks at the stranger, but he’s somehow familiar. “Hello?”
“I’m Beomgyu.” The stranger smiled, he’s sitting at the other end of the boat with white clothes. “I’m here to guide you.”
“Did I die?”
He’s pushed down, it’s painful, it’s loud. He opens his eyes and he’s blinded by white lights and people running around him.
This must be why babies cry when they’re born.
Soobin wants to scream but there are tubes down his throat. He looks around as he hears the nurses telling him that everything is okay and encouraging him to stay awake.
The same guy with silver hair and white clothes from the boat is standing behind the nurses, his presence makes Soobin feel calm.
“Stay awake, Soobin.” He said it softly, yet it reached Soobin over all the chaos and noise of the room.
Nurses come and go, the guy dressed in white stays in the corner of the room. He isn’t a nurse, he isn’t a doctor. Who is he? What is he?
“You can see me.” He said matter-of-factly as he noticed Soobin staring at him. He walked closer to Soobin. “Oops.”
“Oops?” Soobin tried to speak with a weak voice, he furrowed his brows in confusion.
“I am Beomgyu.” He introduced himself again. “I’m your guardian angel.”
Soobin wanted to speak again, but all that got out was a broken; “Huh?”
“I know, it’s hard to believe. I’ve been with you your whole life.
That’s embarrassing. Soobin cringed as he thought.
Beomgyu chuckled. “Don’t make that face, I give you privacy when it’s needed.”
“Should I be more religious?” Soobin is sitting on his hospital bed, eating crappy jello.
“If you want to.” Beomgyu shrugged. “It doesn’t really matter as long as you’re a good person.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, free will and all that.”
Beomgyu is just like any other guy his age, except he possesses divine knowledge of everything in the world, but other than that he’s just a chill dude.
“Will you always stay by my side?”
“That’s the idea.” Beomgyu smiled, tilting his head slightly.
“Can a guardian angel get fired?”
Beomgyu stared at the bedsheets in between them. “I wish, but no. No matter how badly they do their job, they’ll be with their humans forever, unless they leave them.”
“What do you mean?” Soobin finished the jello and put it aside. “How can they do a bad job?”
“While I guide you to make good decisions, another guardian can guide their human to make bad decisions.”
“That’s crazy.”
“It is. We also have free will, but if we take it too far we lose what— Sorry, I’m talking a lot.”
“Wait, I am curious, keep going.”
Beomgyu smiled. “I just never had someone to talk to.”
“Can’t you see other angels?”
“Sometimes, but we don’t interact much… Unless, well… Imagine that you have a medical problem, I can go out and ask a nurse’s angel to guide them to your room to save you.”
“Guide them?”
“Yes, like those times you think ‘oh, I should check on that.’ Like every time you leave your stove on and I remind you to turn it off.”
Soobin pouted. “I thought I had good intuition.”
“You do.” Beomgyu nodded. “That’s why you heard me a lot. You made my job easy.”
“And what were you saying about bad guardians?”
“Oh, yeah, we have extremes,” Beomgyu put his hands out, “The good ones, angels.”
“That’s you.”
“I’d like to think I am in the good extreme. The middle would be close to a human, letting some bad things in.” He sighed. “And the other extreme is evil.”
“Demons?”
“Something like that, they let evil consume them. But don’t worry, they can’t harm you.”
“Their humans can.” Soobin pouted. “Are those the serial killers and stuff?”
“As long as you follow my advice, no demon will haunt you.”
“Doesn’t it get boring?” Soobin whispered as he continued studying, Beomgyu sat in front of him as he waited.
“Boredom is a human thing.”
“Can you read?”
“Of course.”
Soobin put a book out, he was sitting at the back of a coffee shop while studying for his finals. “Do you want to read?”
Beomgyu looked at the history book and frowned. “This is what they’re teaching you?”
“Yeah?”
“It’s so wrong. It didn’t go like this.”
Soobin glanced up to see a tall boy waiting behind the line to get coffee, distracting him for a second. “Uh, tell me how it really happened after my exam, I don’t want to get it mixed up.”
“Can you turn the page?”
Beomgyu can’t physically touch things, so Soobin helped him and turned the page to let him read further.
Soobin looked up again to catch the boy in line already looking at him. He quickly glanced down towards his books again.
“Hey.”
Soobin jumped when he noticed the boy suddenly standing next to his table, he looked back at the distance between the line in front of the counter and his table.
“Don’t.” Beomgyu stopped him. “Don’t look up. Keep reading.”
Soobin’s heart started pumping faster, he looked down at his book again. He felt goosebumps rise at the back of his neck.
“You can see me.” The man next to him laughed. “Don’t act dumb, I know you can.”
“He’s with me.” Beomgyu spoke as Soobin kept his head low.
“He put a book for you to read, he sees us.”
“Go back to your human.”
“My human is dead.” The man chuckled and leaned closer to Soobin, who flinched away. ”This is way more fun.”
“He can literally do nothing to you.” Beomgyu assured him once Soobin started crying in his apartment.
“That’s cute.” The demon smiled. “Why can you communicate with us? Are you a medium?”
“Mediums talk to the dead, not to angels.” Beomgyu rolled his eyes.
The demon looked back at Soobin, sending chills down his spine. “Angels are just dead babies.”
“We are not. Stop lying.”
The demon doesn’t have horns or black eyes or a tail, the demon is beautiful, ethereal. He’s a fallen angel.
“Soobin, listen,” Beomgyu stood in front of him, “Don’t be afraid, he can’t do anything to you. He will just lie and try to get you to do bad things. Don’t listen to him.”
“Your name is Soobin?” The demon smirked. “My name is Yeonjun, I’ll be your new guardian.”
“No, I don’t accept you as my guardian.” Soobin wiped his tears.
“Oh, he’s smart.” Yeonjun smiled. “This will be fun.”
Soobin doesn’t have a lot of friends, he talks to himself a lot and avoids people.
Actually, Soobin talks to his angels a lot and avoids people so he doesn’t make the same mistake as last year when he met Yeonjun.
He’s avoiding public spaces as much as he can, they’re too crowded, filled with judging people and angels that nobody else can see.
He can’t see every angel. Yeonjun was, for a lack of a better word, human-less, Beomgyu guesses that’s why he was visible to Soobin while the majority of angels are already “claimed”.
Having a good angel and an evil demon with him was enough to keep other spiritual beings away from him for now.
Also, Yeonjun sucked as a demon.
“You should sleep, it’s late.” Beomgyu crossed his arms.
“Just game a few more hours.” Yeonjun smiled from his other side.
Soobin sighed and disconnected from the server. “Beomgyu’s right, I have to wake up early tomorrow.”
Yeonjun groaned. “You always listen to him.”
“Yeah, because whenever I listen to you bad things happen to me.”
“That’s exactly how it works.” Beomgyu nodded.
“No, you will always live a boring life if you just choose the good thing.”
“I will live a good life.”
Yeonjun groaned again, he claims to hate it, but he never leaves.
You can still see the angel in Yeonjun, his sharp eyes sometimes soften and his smirk can become an actual smile.
Beomgyu, on the other hand, is almost always soft. Round eyes that crease with his big smile, soft features and nice voice.
“Of course, you’ll have a good life.”
Soobin stares out the window, he doesn’t know how much time passed since the last time he left his apartment.
He takes online classes, he has a job that lets him work from a distance. He doesn’t need to go out into the real world.
There is no need to meet more angels and demons, there is no need to meet judgemental people. He’s fine being locked in. Alone.
“There is nothing to eat.” Soobin sighed as he scanned his fridge.
“You should go out and buy something yummy.” Beomgyu smiled as he appeared at his side.
“I should order delivery.”
Beomgyu pouted. “Go out, please. I don’t like this anymore.”
Soobin has been living like this for some months now. At first, Beomgyu tried to console him, but he gave up after more time passed.
His parents were worried at first, but as long as their son was healthy and doing well in class they were content.
“Beomgyu is right.”
Soobin frowned as he turned towards Yeonjun. “What?”
Yeonjun rolled his eyes, he was sat on top of the table. “I know, shocker.”
“Even your demon thinks you should go out.”
“Isn’t that a bad thing?” Soobin asked as he closed the fridge.
“Are you too scared of angels? Why won’t you go out?” Yeonjun jumped from the table and walked towards him. “Most of us stay hidden anyways, we don’t need to be visible to others.”
“If Yeonjun tells me to do something, it’s because something bad will happen to me.”
“But I’m also telling you to do it.” Beomgyu groaned. “You stopped listening to me.”
“I listen, you just don’t understand me. I know what I’m doing, I don’t need guidance.”
“Then, I have no purpose.”
Beomgyu disappeared, but when Soobin turned towards Yeonjun again, he found him still staring at Beomgyu’s direction.
“Woah.” Yeonjun nodded. “Angel tears. You’d have talent as a demon, Soobin.”
Yeonjun disappeared too. Soobin bit the inside of his cheek. Beomgyu was crying? What kind of asshole makes an angel cry?
“Okay, I– I’m sorry Beomgyu.” Soobin said to the empty kitchen. He ran to his bedroom and looked for clean jeans to throw on. “I’m going out, okay? I’ll buy dinner from that place across the street.”
He finished dressing and searched for his wallet and keys. “Maybe I’ll sit at a table and eat there.”
Soobin looked around, but he didn’t find his angel. He took a deep breath and went outside.
It’s an easy thing to do, just cross the street, order food, eat, then leave.
His heart beat fast against his ribcage as he walked into the place, not many people were around but he still kept his eyes glued to the floor as he sat down on a table.
“Please,” He whispered, “I know you’re mad, but please tell me if there are demons here.”
“Only me, honey.” Yeonjun’s voice reached him, even if he wasn’t visible. Soobin looked around the place, calming down. “I know I don’t help you a lot, but here is a tip; angels don’t eat.”
He’s right. Soobin looked at the few customers sitting there and breathed out, way calmer now.
A waiter walked past and Soobin saw as a yellow cleaning rag fell to the floor. He looked at the waiter’s back as he attended to another table, thinking if he should say something.
“Leave it.” Yeonjun said.
“Pick it up.” It was Beomgyu’s voice.
Soobin knew he was being tested, so he stood up from his seat and shyly walked towards the rag on the floor, he noticed that the waiter was already turning around.
Should he leave it there and tell him instead? No, he should be a nice person and pick it up and give it to him. Soobin rushed to the rag just as the waiter walked to it.
In a split second, before Soobin could reach down to grab it, the waiter stepped on the rag, making him slip on it.
Soobin had to think fast, he put both arms out as the waiter’s body crashed onto him, catching the man before they both fell on the floor. With a surprised yelp, he looked up at Soobin.
This man must be an angel.
They stared at each other for a moment, both clearly surprised at what just happened before Soobin helped him get back on his feet again.
“Thank you.” He smiled. “Uhm, are— Have you been attended yet?”
“No.” Soobin blinked, getting back to reality.
“Let’s go to your table.” The man reached down to the cloth on the floor and then put his hand out, taking Soobin back to his table. “Sorry about that, I slipped.”
“Yeah, no,” Soobin sat back down, “I was going to grab it but… Yeah.”
“That’s kind of you, thank you for saving me.” He smiled and took out his notepad. “Ready to order?”
Soobin was still awed. He has seen angels with his own eyes before but this had to be the most angel-looking face he’s ever seen.
The way his bangs curled perfectly at the sides of his forehead, the pointy features, the pretty eyes, the moles forming constellations on his face.
“I actually… I don’t know.”
The man nodded. “First timer?”
“Yes.”
“Okie.” He quickly glanced up before looking back at Soobin. “We have a lot of options, but are you craving something specific?”
“I was thinking of just getting a burger and fries.”
“Good.” He nodded. “Just the classic cheeseburger?”
“Sure.” Soobin fiddled with his fingers. “Oh, and a Coke please.”
“Sure thing.” He nodded one last time and took a step before stopping and turning back. “Right, I forgot. I am Kai and I’ll be serving you today.”
Soobin smiled at him and nodded his head before Kai walked away.
He ate in silence, sometimes glancing towards the counter before scrolling through his social media to distract himself.
As he swallowed his last fry, he realized that he made it through a whole meal outside of his apartment. He smiled to himself. “Are you proud, Beomgyu?”
“Remember to leave a tip.” Is all that he replied.
“Was going to.”
He went to the counter, where Kai was speaking to his coworker before they realized that Soobin was waiting.
“All done?” Kai walked to the register, clicking on the screen in front of him. “How was your first time with us?”
“Good, food was great,” Soobin smiled, “The service was nice.”
“Good to know.” Kai turned the screen towards Soobin, who got his phone out to pay. “Hope to see you again.”
“Yeah, I live just across the street, so…” Soobin trailed off with a shrug.
“That’s great. I’ll see you soon, then.”
Once he got to the door, both Beomgyu and Yeonjun were already waiting for him.
“We did it.” Soobin smiled as he walked out of the restaurant.
“Not everyone on the street is human, so be careful.” Beomgyu warned him. “And yes, I am proud of you. Good job.”
That gave him mixed feelings, Soobin looked down at the floor and crossed the street, seeking the comfort and security of his own apartment.
Bathroom was off-limits. That’s all Soobin asked.
He knows Beomgyu has watched over him his whole life, but it’s still awkward to have someone else with you while you sit on the toilet.
Soobin looked at himself in the mirror, pale skin and tired eyes, it’s almost obvious that his only activity is staying inside and staring at different screens throughout the day.
Dragging his feet on the floor, he heads for the balcony, picking up his cigarettes on the way.
“Told you to stop.” Beomgyu pouted.
Soobin was already used to Beomgyu randomly appearing by his side, it startled him a lot at first.
“One won’t do anything.” Yeonjun appeared at his other side. “I can see how much you’ll live, this won’t kill you.”
“He can’t see how much you’ll live.”
“Beomgyu is lying.”
“Yeonjun is lying.”
“You’re giving me a headache.” Soobin sighed.
“You know what would calm you down? Nicotine.”
Yeonjun is right, but Soobin still feels like he’s being tested. He thinks about that night that he went to the restaurant a lot. What if Beomgyu gets mad again?
“Yeonjun,” Soobin opened the pack of cigarettes, “What do you gain by tormenting me?”
“Good question.” Yeonjun smirked. “You should die and find out.”
Soobin felt chills up his spine as he stared at Yeonjun’s dark eyes. It’s rare for one of Yeonjun’s comments to actually get to him, but right now his mind was full of dark thoughts of all the ways that he could die.
Soobin forced himself to look away from his eyes and put the pack of cigarettes back down on the table.
“Boring.”
“Good job.” Beomgyu praised him. “How about some water? Something to eat?”
“I’m not in the mood to cook.” Soobin groaned.
“Going out?” Beomgyu smiled as he looked hopeful at him.
“Maybe.”
Soobin thought of the place across the street he visited last week. It wasn’t such a bad idea.
He headed to his room and started to look for a change of clothes. Beomgyu and Yeonjun actually stayed quiet as he did so.
Beomgyu was at his side as he got on the elevator. “You could use a haircut.”
“I’ll get to it.”
Soobin’s stare stayed on the ground as he made his way across the street, not many people were around but—
“Car.”
Soobin stopped walking, a car drove in front of him at full speed. He could’ve died right there.
But he was already used to this dynamic. He can walk around with his eyes closed and Beomgyu would take care of him.
He got inside the restaurant, briefly looked at the cashier before choosing a table to sit at. He didn’t have to search hard for his server, since Kai was already smiling at him and waving from a few tables away.
Soobin smiled and waved awkwardly, already thinking of what to order once Kai got to his table.
“Good to see you again… Um, remind me of your name?”
“Soobin.”
“Soobin.” Kai said with a smile, tasting the name on his voice. “How was your day?”
He was taken aback by the question, it didn’t fit the dialogue that he made up in his mind. “Good, what about yours?”
“Good, good. Very few customers today.”
Soobin nodded, awkwardly trying to keep the conversation going. “Yeah, well, it’s a tuesday and it’s still a little early…”
“Yeah, right.” Kai nodded back.
Beomgyu was suddenly at his side. “His angel is coming, can you see him?”
Soobin quickly scanned their surroundings but he couldn’t see anything. That was good, right?
”Oh.” Kai raised his brows, scrambling to put the menu in front of Soobin. “I’ll be back when you’re ready to order.”
“Thank you.”
Soobin looked at the options once Kai left, feeling a little lost with the amount of dishes with names in other languages that didn’t explain much of what it was.
After talking to another table, Kai saw that Soobin was waving at him. “Yes, Soobin?”
The fact that he used his name made Soobin’s brain feel fuzzy for a second. “Uhh… The– Ra–ragù alla salsi…ccia?”
“Yes?”
“Um, I’ll have that.”
“Well, that’s a sauce.”
Soobin cringed, looking down at the menu (to be fair, he was mostly looking at the pictures shown). “Fuck, sorry.”
“It’s okay. Are you in the mood for pasta? I can recommend some dishes.”
“Just– Any shape of pasta, I don’t know their names, and some normal sauce.”
Kai gave him a small smile. “Any pasta with normal sauce coming right up.”
He left, and Soobin could cringe again as he replayed his mistake in his mind.
“It’s okay, he understands you.” Beomgyu consoled him.
“You’re a loser.” Yeonjun laughed. “Do you have a crush on the waiter?”
“He’s the first person I’ve talked to more than once in, like, a year.” Soobin whispered. “I mean, him and my parents… And my landlord.” He pouted. “And the–“
“Soobin, he probably has millions of people making mistakes. He also has tons of rude and disgusting customers. Your mistake is just another normal thing in his job.”
“I know,” Soobin sighed, “I know.”
It didn’t take long before Kai was back to his table, he served him the pasta and a beverage with a smile and; “Enjoy your meal.”
“You too! I mean–“ Soobin whined as he looked away, he should just shut up.
“Thank you, I was about to take my lunch break actually.” Kai giggled.
Yeonjun chuckled. “Worst thing is; he’s not even lying.”
Soobin nodded, he waited for Kai to walk away before deflating on his chair. “I forgot how to interact with other humans.”
“It was good, don’t worry.”
“It was awful, loser.”
Kai’s choice was good, Soobin has no idea what these round noodles were called, or if the sauce on top was what he asked earlier, but it’s way better than whatever he would be having if he didn’t come here today.
Another server came to pick up his plate once he was finished. “Would you like to order anything else?”
“Um, no, I’m ready to pay.” Soobin looked around the place that was mostly empty.
“Alright, I’ll bring you the check.” He nodded and went back.
Beomgyu tilted his head. “Kai is having his lunch break.”
“I know.” Soobin whispered as he glanced towards the register. “I just need to pay without embarrassing myself.”
The other server brought him his check, Soobin looked at the numbers and nodded. Thankfully, Kai hadn’t given him the priciest thing on the menu.
He paid with his card, got up and took a last glance back before heading for the door.
“Kai is around that corner.” Yeonjun pointed behind him.
“Should I talk to him?”
“It seemed like you wanted to.”
Soobin looked at Beomgyu with a frown. “Should I?”
“Why not?”
He noticed that he was standing alone talking to Angels that nobody else could see, so he started walking towards the corner that Yeonjun pointed at. “If Yeonjun is telling me to do something, it’s usually bad.”
“I mean, there is nothing bad about talking to Kai.” Beomgyu shrugged.
Just as he was about to answer, Soobin spotted Kai sitting on some steps leading to a Staff Only door. He was watching a video on his cellphone, looking up once he felt someone around.
“Soobin.” He grinned. “Good to see you before you left.”
“Yeah, same.” Soobin nodded.
Kai stood up from where he was sitting. “Thought you lived the other way.” He pointed in the direction of Soobin’s building.
“Yeah, but I was going to, uhh…” He gulped. “Get a haircut?”
“Oh, cool.” Kai put his phone in the pocket of his black trousers. The lack of the brown apron he usually wore showed the white button down and fitted dress pants that he was wearing. “Come around again, so I can see your haircut.”
“Ask him if he wants to go to your place later.” Yeonjun stared intensely at him. “He can see more than just a haircut.”
“No, ask for his number.” Beomgyu stepped in. “Or give him your number so he can decide if he wants to–“
“Take him to your place.”
“Sure, I will come back.” Soobin forced himself to smile calmly. “Get another recommendation ready for me.”
“Will do.” Kai gave him a half smile.
“See you soon, then.”
“Bye bye.”
Soobin started walking, he continued going in the opposite direction of where he lives.
“That was… Incredibly smooth.” Beomgyu frowned as he walked by his side.
“Could you both please don’t distract me while I’m in the middle of a conversation? I almost started crying.”
“Really? I’ll keep doing it then.” Yeonjun chuckled. “Good job or whatever, it would be better if you just invited him over.”
“No, I’m not inviting a stranger to my house for a one night stand.”
“Where are you going now?”
“To get a haircut, I don’t like to lie.”
“Good.” Beomgyu smiled.
The doctor took off his glasses as he put the results down. “Everything looks okay.”
“Good.” Soobin fiddled with the hem of his hoodie.
He’s used to running tests after what happened a year ago. The few months after the accident were the hardest for everyone.
“It could be better.” The man sighed. “Take care of yourself, alright? Try to exercise more. Do you smoke?”
“I stopped.”
“Good, great.” He nodded. “Well, the results show nothing out of the ordinary. You said there was nothing abnormal after the accident, right?”
Soobin glanced behind the doctor, where Beomgyu and Yeonjun snooped around his stuff. “Nope, everything is normal.”
“What do you recommend tonight?” Soobin smiled at his usual server.
“Lobster bolognese with truffle sauce.”
Soobin stared a Kai for a second, not wanting to be so obviously shocked. “That sounds a little expensive.”
“That’s true.” Kai nodded. “What about fried chicken?”
“Well, that’s…” Soobin scrunched his nose. It’s not bad, he actually loves fried chicken, but it’s extremely different from the other option.
“Pizza? Maybe wanna try another type of pasta?”
“Is this an Italian restaurant?”
“We have a mix of everything. Tacos?”
“Uhh…” Soobin looked at Beomgyu, who just shrugged his shoulders. “What would you recommend?”
“Ha,” Kai chuckled, “I’ve been craving pizza myself.”
Yeonjun put his hands on top of the table. “Tell him you can get pizza delivered to your place.”
Beomgyu rolled his eyes. “Just give him your number at the end of your meal.”
“You know,” Kai continued, “My shift ends in one hour.”
“Yeah?”
Kai looked at him straight in the eyes, waiting. “If you want to–“
“Can I get two of your favorite pizzas to go?” Soobin gulped. “I’ll come back to pick them up in an hour.”
Kai smirked. “And you’ll eat two pizzas alone?”
“I will also pick you up in an hour.”
Kai bit his lip to conceal his smile. “Alright.”
“Oh my god.” Soobin rushed through his apartment, picking up everything that wasn’t in its place. “Wait, I also need to clean my room, right?”
Yeonjun nodded. “Absolutely, or you could just do it on the couch.”
Soobin ran to his room, thankfully it wasn't such a mess. He just picked up a few clothing items from the floor and did his bed.
“Beomgyu.” Soobin called out. “You’re being oddly quiet.”
“I don’t want to ruin your mood.”
He stopped cleaning and looked up to his angel. “Am I doing something wrong?”
“Technically no.” Beomgyu shrugged. “But… Are you sure you’re not rushing things? I think you like this boy, but treating him like a one night stand is–“
“Oh, boo.” Yeonjun crossed his arms. “He needs to check if the attraction is there.”
“As I said, there is nothing wrong here.” Beomgyu glared at him. “I just think that there are better ways to start a relationship.”
“What would you know about relationships?” Yeonjun shook his head. “Go shower, Soobin.”
“And what would you know?” Beomgyu narrowed his eyes.
“I don’t. That’s the point. I’m helping him get what he wants, and he clearly wants the waiter.”
“Guys.” Soobin groaned. “Can I ask one favor?”
The two Angels looked at him, forgetting their argument.
“Unless it’s something important, could you not interrupt tonight? I don’t know what will happen, but I want my attention to be on him and not on you two fighting all the time.”
“Oh.” Beomgyu nodded his head. “Yeah, I understand. I’ll stay out of sight.”
“I don’t care.”
“Yeonjun, please.” Soobin whined. “I want to at least pretend that I’m normal.”
“You said you wanted to help him get the guy.” Beomgyu pointed at him.
“Whatever, I’ll go shower.” Soobin glanced at the time on his phone. “Fuck, I’m running out of time.”
He tried to dry his hair so it’s not so obvious that he’s preparing so much for this… Date? Is it even a date? He just asked a guy to eat pizza together.
Once he’s inside the place, he goes to the register, where the server from last time smiled at him.
“Choi Soobin?”
“Yes, that’s me.” Soobin nodded.
The man already had his pizzas ready, glancing towards Soobin’s hand holding his card. “These are already paid for.”
“Huh?” Soobin frowned. “They are?”
“Yup.” He pushed the boxes towards Soobin.
“Um,” He took the boxes, “Do you know where Kai is?”
“Huening Kai? He just left.” He pointed to the back, probably referring to the staff exit.
“Okay.”
Confused, Soobin thanked the man and left the place. Kai wouldn’t just leave like that, right? They clearly made plans for the night. Soobin clearly told him he was going to pick him up now.
He stepped outside, looking at the people walking on the sidewalk. He pressed his lips together.
Beomgyu was next to him. “Soobin.”
“I don’t…” Soobin took a deep breath. It’s okay, he can just go home.
Yeonjun groaned. “Oh, I hate helping. He’s around the corner.”
Soobin looked up, slowly walking towards the corner but he was stopped by Kai himself walking towards him.
“Sorry, had to take the trash on my way out.”
“Oh, I thought…” Soobin chuckled as he shook his head, he looked down at the boxes in his hands. “Did you pay for these?”
“Yeah.”
“We could, um, go somewhere else to eat these. It doesn’t need to be my place, if you’re not comfortable with that.”
“I’m okay with that. Are you okay with that?”
“I am.” Soobin giggled. “So… Let’s go?”
He nodded his head towards the building across the street. Kai chuckled and nodded his head so the two could start walking quietly.
“How was your day at work?” Soobin asked once they were on the other side of the street.
“Good, not many people today.” Kai took the boxes when he noticed Soobin trying to unlock the door with just one hand. “What about your day?”
“It was good, nothing much.” Soobin entered the elevator and let Kai do the same. “I got two annoying roommates, let’s hope that we don’t see them tonight.”
“You do? Are you allowed to bring people over?”
“Of course I am.”
“Okay, cool.”
The door opened and they stepped out, silently walking towards Soobin’s apartment. He’d forgotten how awkward first dates can be.
Once they were already sitting at Soobin’s table, with no sight of his Angels around, they began eating.
“Tell me about you.”
Soobin smiled as he cut a slice. “What do you want to know?”
“How old are you?
“Twenty three. You?”
Kai gave him a slight nod. “Twenty one. When is your birthday?”
“December fifth.” Soobin raised an eyebrow.
“Ooh, Sagittarius.”
“What does that say about me?”
Kai chewed on his pizza for a moment. “I have no idea.”
Soobin laughed. “Do you believe in that?”
“Kinda?” Kai smiled shyly. “I’d like to believe that there is something bigger than us.”
“Like a god?”
“Just Something.” Kai shrugged. “Anyways, do you have a job? Are you a student? A serial killer?”
“Are you a serial killer?”
“Hey, you never know.”
“Yeah, no. I’m a graphic designer, I work from home.”
“That’s fun.”
“Trust me, it’s not fun.” Soobin smiled as Kai chuckled. “What about you?”
“You already know I work as a waiter.”
“I mean, anything else?”
“Woah, is a waiter not enough for you, mister graphic designer?”
“That’s not what I mean.”
“I’m kidding, I used to work as a barista too, but I quit to start studying again.” Kai took another slice. “International relations, let’s see how it goes.”
“Hey, be positive.”
“Now, tell me a fun fact.”
“You first.”
“My dad was a famous singer in China when he was younger.”
“Really? Well…” Soobin thought of something that could match that fact. “I died a year ago.”
Kai froze in his place. “What do you mean? You died?”
“Obviously they brought me back.” Soobin motioned at himself. “But I was legally dead for a moment.”
“Fuck.” Kai slumped back on his seat. “I thought I was seeing ghosts for a second.”
Soobin laughed, enjoying the reaction. Little does Kai know that Angels surround him.
“Like, I picked up an Ouija board I found in the garbage, I thought I was seeing demons as my punishment.”
“You picked up a what from where?”
“Listen, it was clean. Somebody threw it in the dumpster by the restaurant.”
“Have you used it?”
“Not yet, I want to try it.” Kai finally brought the pizza slice to his mouth to take a bite.
“You know, I think this place is haunted. A Demon lives here.”
Kai rolled his eyes. “You’re trying to scare me.”
Just then, Yeonjun appeared at his side. “You don’t want me to interrupt you, yet you can’t stop thinking about me.”
“I can hear him.” Soobin continues. “He’s really annoying.”
“I can’t tell if you’re joking or not.”
“I’m telling the truth.” Soobin chuckled, knowing it sounds crazy. “I wonder if he can talk through the board.”
“I’ll bring it next time.” Kai pointed a finger at him. “We will watch horror movies and try to use the board.”
“You like horror stuff?”
“I love it.” Kai opened his eyes wide.
“You don’t seem like the type to like horror.”
“I love cute things, I love horror things, I’m full of surprises.”
“I can see that.”
“Do you like to–“ Kai was interrupted by his own phone vibrating on the table. “Excuse me, it’s my roommate.”
Soobin put a hand in front of him. “Go ahead.”
“Hello?” Kai furrowed his brows as he listened. “Again? I told you I had plans– Okay, okay. Yeah, I’ll go.”
“What happened?”
“I’m so sorry, Soobin.” Kai stood up from his chair. “I have to go.”
“What? Already?”
“I know.” He pouted. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise. Okay?”
“Okay…” Soobin looked down at all the pizza they still had left. “Do you want to take these?”
“No, you can have it. Give it to your roommates.”
“Yeah, sure.” Soobin chuckled nervously as he took Kai to the door. “Um, see you?”
“Yes, bye. Sorry again.”
Soobin locked the door and went back to see almost a full pizza left for him to eat.
Well, him and his “roommates”. Who can’t eat.
“So,” Yeonjun put his hands on his hips, “You have a demon living here?”
“Well, yes, I do. Technically I didn’t lie, I just skipped the part where I can see you and communicate with you.”
“It’s not wrong, but it’s risky.” Beomgyu frowned. “I have no idea about the rules of… People who can see us. I guess you can tell people, as long as it doesn’t affect the way they behave.”
“It will affect it very much.” Yeonjun laughed. “Come on, you think humans can comprehend that they can’t think by themselves?”
Beomgyu glared at him. “They can think. We are here just to protect them, to guide them. Not like you would understand.”
Yeonjun smirked and looked back at Soobin. “Don’t you think Beomgyu has gotten meaner ever since he met me?”
With a gasp, Beomgyu walked towards Soobin. “Have I?”
“He’s playing with you.” Soobin shook his head as he closed the pizza boxes.
Truth is, Beomgyu has been feeling more human lately, but Yeonjun feels human too. They balance each other pretty well.
But he doesn’t care right now, he’s too busy thinking about this failed “date” he just had (if he can even call it a date). It just felt like two friends having dinner.
And that is fine too! Of course, having friends is nice. He’s open to just being friends and nothing more. He won’t try and force feelings if there isn’t a spark.
Soobin still feels kind of dumb for thinking that Kai also felt attracted to him, maybe he got too ahead of himself with the little crush he had on a pretty waiter.
“Do you want to be alone?” Beomgyu asked him.
“Yes.”
His Angels disappeared and Soobin sighed loudly.
Soobin rubbed his eyes as he finished saving the file. ”Ugh, I really need those UV protecting glasses.”
“You need a break.”
Soobin turned around to watch Beomgyu crossing his arms. “I’m taking one now.”
“Go out, breathe fresh air.”
“Stalk your favorite waiter.” Yeonjun added.
“I don’t need to see Kai every day.”
“It’s been more than a week.” Yeonjun shrugged. “Somebody will steal him from you if you don’t move fast.”
“Wait… Have you seen his Guardian?”
Beomgyu nodded. “Of course.”
“Does his Guardian know that Yeonjun haunts me?”
“Oh, well, most likely.”
“You’re right, Soobin. His little Angel will convince him that you’re bad for him because you have a Demon on your back.”
“That’s not how it works, everyone has free will.”
Soobin frowned as he thought. “Maybe it’s a bad idea to have him bring the Ouija board for Yeonjun, right?”
“We don’t even know if he can move that.” Beomgyu rolled his eyes.
Yeonjun can make a candle flame flicker, he can alter the TV and radio static and he can give Soobin goosebumps when he places a hand on his nape. He does all this to annoy Soobin, while Beomgyu has never tried any of it because he’s not interested.
“Beomgyu,” Soobin turned to him again, “If you saw me talking with someone who has a Demon with them, would you guide me away from them?”
“Well I… It’s different, because we can talk and I can just tell you the situation.”
“But you’d tell me about it so I can keep my distance.” Soobin pointed out. “What if he ran away because his Guardian told him to?”
“His Guardian did not do any of that.” Beomgyu furrowed his brows. “He did almost nothing, he just stood in the corner watching you.”
“That’s so creepy.” Soobin grimaced. “Spooky. Even when I know he’s a literal Angel.”
“What if he’s also a Demon?” Yeonjun smirked.
“If that was the case–“
They were interrupted by the doorbell. Soobin let out a confused sound as he stood up, he headed for the buzzer and leaned down as he pressed the button to speak.
“Hello?”
“Soobin?”
Soobin raised his brows and looked back at his angels before replying. “Kai?”
“Yes. I’m glad I remembered the apartment number. I, uh, I have a delivery for you.”
“But I didn’t– Hold up, I’ll go downstairs.”
“Why not invite him up?” Yeonjun followed behind Soobin as he left his apartment.
“Because.” Soobin whispered as he got on the elevator.
“Because you’re a coward that’s afraid of success?”
Soobin just glared at him and didn’t answer. Waiting for the doors to open and walking up to the entrance.
“Hey, Kai,” Soobin greeted him, “I haven’t ordered anything.”
“I know, I–“ Kai lifted the bag with the restaurant logo on it, “It’s my recommendation.”
“Okay, but…” Soobin frowned, reaching for his pocket. Does Kai see him as a source of income? Why would he force Soobin to buy a meal when he’s not even going to the restaurant?
“It’s on the house.” Kai cleared that up. “On me.”
“Again? But the pizza–“
“I know, but you can repay me someday.” Kai laughed. “With another meal.”
“Okay.” Soobin took the bag. “Do you want to come up?”
Kai put his hands in front of him and shook his head. “I still have to work for a few hours.”
“Sure, of course. So, uh, have a nice shift?”
“Thank you, have a nice day. See you, Soobin.”
Once inside the elevator, Yeonjun spoke up again. “He is so weird.”
“He is.”
“And you’re into that?”
“I am.”
“That’s cute.” Beomgyu spoke from his other side. Soobin hadn’t realized that he was with them.
Soobin hurried back to his place, placing the bag on his table and taking out the food.
“He’s crazy.” Soobin shook his head to himself as he opened the lobster with truffle sauce that Kai mentioned before.
“Take out the napkins.”
“Huh?”
Beomgyu pointed to the bag. “Napkins.”
“I have napkins here–“
“Take out the napkins.” Beomgyu ordered him again.
Oh, he’s doing his Guardian stuff. Soobin did as he was told, freezing as he realized why Beomgyu was so insisting on the napkins.
On the one at the top, written with messy handwriting, was a phone number and right under it was a message: txt me? -kai
‘’I brought the board, unless you’re too scared.’’
‘‘I’m telling you, this demon is my roommate already.’’
‘‘I’ll ask him about you.’’
Soobin moved to the side so Kai could walk in before leading the younger to the living room. ‘‘Do you want to watch a movie first?’’
‘‘A scary movie?’’
‘‘If you want.’’
Kai smirked. ‘‘Are you sure you won’t get scared?’’
‘‘I know nothing about it is real.’’
Kai laughed loudly as Soobin covered his eyes. ‘‘You are laughing?’’ Soobin grimaced. ‘‘I’m starting to think that you are a serial killer.’’
Soobin thought that they would be watching some movie about ghosts and demons, the ones that make him glance at Yeonjun hovering around the room and snicker. But no. Kai decided to watch a thriller about some murdered based on a real story.
That is a real thing. There is nothing scarier than reality.
‘‘I’m laughing at you.’’ Kai reached out an arm to playfully smack Soobin, who was still covering his eyes. ‘‘You said you weren’t scared.’’
‘‘I’m not scared, I’m disgusted.’’ Soobin peeked from between his fingers. ‘‘I don’t wanna see bodies cut in half.’’
‘‘Okay, let’s pause it here.’’
Yeonjun crossed his arms as he stood by the TV. ‘‘He’s going to think that you are a coward, keep watching.’’
‘’He will understand.’’ Beomgyu argued. ‘‘Pause it.’’
‘‘Keep watching, impress him.’’
‘‘Uh,’’ Soobin tried to focus back on Kai, ‘‘Are you sure you don’t want to finish it?’’
‘‘Nah, it kinda sucks.’’
Soobin avoided watching the screen as he heard another character scream for their life. ‘‘You sure?’’
Kai reached for the remote himself and paused the movie before turning back to Soobin. ‘‘I am sure.’’
He smiled at Soobin, such a calming and kind face. Soobin couldn’t help but smile back. ‘’So, uhm, the food is arriving soon.’’
With a chuckle, Kai reached for his bag. ‘‘Should we wait for the food or should we try to contact that Demon of yours?’’
‘‘We can try.’’ Soobin watched Yeonjun as he got closer.
They sat on the floor, the board is open in between the two. ‘‘Put your fingers here.’’ Kai told Soobin, he put his fingers on the heart shaped planchette and Yeonjun followed after.
‘‘There is no way this works.’’ Soobin shook his head, looking at the cheap copy of a board under their hands.
‘‘Not with that attitude.’’ Kai furrowed his brows. ‘‘Should we just ask if he is here?’’
‘‘Call me by my name, we don’t want to invite something else.’’ Yeonjun laughed at his side.
Soobin glanced towards Beomgyu, who was watching him but he didn't seem happy. Can Soobin ask him if this is okay right in front of Kai?
‘‘Yeonjun.’’ Soobin spoke loud and clear, making Kai raise an eyebrow at the sudden name. ‘‘Can you answer me?’’
The pointer moved as they pushed it. Kai gasped as it slowly reached Yes. ‘‘Are you doing this?’’
‘‘No, Yeonjun is.’’
‘‘How do you know his name?’’
“He told me.’’
“That’s so cool, so you can actually hear him?’’ Kai watched him with a smile. He didn’t seem weirded out.
The pointer started moving. “Come on, I’m bored.’’ Yeonjun groaned.
Kai read the letters out loud. “K… A… Kai? Me?’’ He furrowed his brows. “Are you doing this, Soobin?’’
“I told you, Yeonjun is moving it.’’
“What about me, Yeonjun?’’ Kai looked intently as the pointer slid across the board. Yeonjun started giggling as he spelled it out. ‘’K…I… Kill?!’’ Kai gasped. ‘’Oh, no. Kis… Kiss?’’
Soobin glared at Yeonjun, who continued giggling. “Kiss? Really?”
“The band?’’ Kai cocked his head to the side.
“He can’t be serious.’’ Yeonjun looked up, he dragged the planchette to the corner. No.
“Then…’’ Kai looked in front of him, to a nervous Soobin. “You want us to kiss?’’
Yeonjun dragged the pointer towards the Goodbye at the bottom of the board and disappeared from Soobin’s side. Soobin stuttered, taking his hands off the pointer. “He– He just left.’’
“Soobin.’’ Kai gave him a half smile. “You didn’t have to make up a story about a demon haunting you.’’
“Huh?’’
“You can just ask for a kiss if you want one.’’
“No, it really wasn’t me.’’ Soobin raised his hands in defense. “It really wasn’t.’’
Kai bit the inside of his cheek as he looked away. “So you don’t want to kiss me?’’
“I– Uhh, you see, it’s not like I don’t…’’ Soobin gulped. “It’s– Yeonjun was teasing me–’’
“You can just say no, so I can laugh it off.’’ Kai scratched his neck, looking at the floor between them.
“Do you want to…’’ Soobin trailed off. For the last time, Soobin looked to the side, not knowing if he would find someone there.
Beomgyu, his Guardian, his Guide, was watching him. Soobin pleaded with his eyes, a silent question, to which Beomgyu replied with a nod.
With new spirits, Soobin turned to a shy Kai. “Can I kiss you?’’
Kai looked up, eyes wide before he smiled. Instead of answering he just leaned in, letting Sooin meet him halfway to get a peck.
Soobin was going to sit back again when Kai’s hands grabbed him back. “That’s it?” Kai asked.
“What?”
“A demon tells you to kiss me and that’s all you got?”
Soobin put a hand on top of the board and leaned in again, feeling Kai’s smile against his lips before they kissed.
A loud noise startled them, making Soobin jump slightly before he noticed it was the doorbell. “Food is here.” He sighed with annoyance.
Laughing, Kai left a small kiss on his cheek. “Let’s go.”
A few hours later, Soobin is standing on the doorframe as he bites his swollen lips, Kai is standing there smiling at him.
“I’ll go visit you at work soon.”
“Please do.” Kai nodded. “I will be waiting.”
“Let’s, uh, text later.”
“Yes.” Chuckling, Kai looked down at his feet. “I enjoyed tonight.”
“Me too.”
“Then… We should do this more often.”
Soobin smiled at him, leaning in for another short kiss. “We should.”
“Goodnight, Soobin.”
“Text me when you get home.”
“Will do.”
Soobin closed the door, sighing before turning around and finding his angels standing behind him.
“Let’s pretend you weren’t watching the whole time.”
Beomgyu shook his head. “I wasn’t watching.”
Yeonjun snickered. “I was.”
“Nothing new.” Soobin moved around the couch to pick up the empty plates and took them to the kitchen.
“So…” Yeonjun followed behind him. “What are you waiting to fuck him?”
“Yeonjun.” Soobin glared back. “We are taking things slow.”
“Why?”
“Because a relationship is built–“
“Do you really think he wants to have a relationship with you?”
Soobin froze. Oh.
“This demon is trying to bring your mood down.” Beomgyu came closer to the pair. “He seems really into you.”
“It’s not like I want him to be my boyfriend.” Soobin shrugged a shoulder.
“I can tell when you lie.” Yeonjun laughed. “So? Will you try to take things slow? What if it doesn’t go anywhere and you waste your time?”
“Things don’t need to go anywhere.” Beomgyu glared at him. “You two are on the same page, everything is good.”
“I don’t know what page I’m on.” Soobin furrowed his brows as he thought. “But I know one thing; I have to tell him that I can see you guys if this gets serious.”
“Are you free after this, handsome?” Kai put both hands on the table as he leaned forward.
Soobin stared up at him, stuttering as he saw the smirk forming on Kai’s lips. “Y-Yes?”
Kai raised an eyebrow. “You don’t sound so sure.”
“Yes, I’m free.”
The younger nodded, he looked at Soobin for a second before twisting his lips. “I’m waiting for you to ask me out.”
“Oh!” Soobin cleared his throat, embarrassment filling him in the form of a blush going up his neck to his face. He looked at the other people there, tonight was a busy night for the restaurant. “Are you free after your shift?”
“No.”
“What?”
Kai giggled, so sweetly after just acting so seductive. “I’m kidding. I am free after this, yes.”
“Do you want to go to a bar? Or maybe my place?”
“Your place sounds good.”
They didn’t get straight to making out. Kai actually had a card game that he wanted to play first.
The cards had random questions to get to know each other better. Some questions were deep, some were funny, but Soobin is just glad to know that Kai wants to get to know him too.
Kai was in the middle of telling his story, hands moving around as he explained his most embarrassing fall.
“It was face-first, I still have no idea how I didn’t break my nose.”
“It would be a shame if you did, I like your nose.”
“I–“ Kai paused as he smiled. “I wasn’t expecting that, uhmm…” He laughed nervously, shifting to sit better on the couch. “Thank you, I like your nose too.”
Soobin chuckled. “Go on.”
“Yeah, so,” Kai shook his head as he tried to focus again, “Face-first. Everyone was there, my manhwas fell out of my bag.”
“Not the manhwas.”
“Yes, so not only was I the loser that screamed as he fell down the stairs, I was also the otaku loser.”
“I’m sure it wasn’t that bad.”
Kai scrunched his nose. “It was terrible.”
“My turn.” Soobin reached for a card and gave it to Kai to read it out loud.
“Are you scared of death?”
Soobin didn’t have to think about it. “No.”
“You said you already died.” Kai watched him as he put the card down, Soobin nodded.
“That’s why. I don’t want to die, don’t get me wrong, there is so much I still want to do with my life.”
“Of course.”
“But, I don’t know, I know that if I live a good life I will live a good afterlife.”
“There is an afterlife?” Kai leaned in with curious eyes.
Beomgyu appeared to his side, he was keeping his promise of not interrupting his date until now. “Soobin.”
Tensing, Soobin looked away. “I mean, I didn’t see anything or get anywhere. It was just a feeling. You know? A feeling of calmness and familiarity.”
When he looked back to the other side, Beomgyu was nowhere to be found. Soobin understood his warning.
“Oh.” Kai nodded. “Can I ask about it?”
“Afterlife?”
“Dying. How did it happen?”
“I drowned.” Soobin could feel his throat closing up, he looked down at his hands. “I was already terrified of water and they convinced me to get on a boat… It’s not something I like to think about.”
“Sorry, you don't have to answer.”
“It’s okay, I know you were curious about it.” Soobin shrugged. “Enough. It’s your turn.”
He took one card from the deck, ignoring Kai’s soft “sorry” as he read the question and gulped.
“Do you have a crush on someone?”
Kai smiled. “I do, yes. I’ve liked someone for a little while but I didn’t know if I should make a move or not.”
Soobin played with the edge of the card. “Did you make a move?”
“Yeah, I couldn’t stand it anymore. I knew he was handsome ever since I first saw him, but the more I know about him the more I like him.”
Soobin chuckled, still not looking up. Is it wrong to assume that Kai was talking about him?
The sofa cushions moved under him as Kai sat closer, their knees were touching and Soobin finally looked up to catch Kai smiling at him.
“Even if he has a demon haunting him and if he needs me to do the first moves…” He grabbed Soobin’s hand and stroked the back of it with his thumb. “I think I really like him.”
“Kai…” Soobin sighed.
The younger’s smile got smaller as he took his hand away from Soobin’s. “Ah.”
“No, it’s not that.” He groaned.
“It’s okay. I can accept rejection.”
“I am not rejecting anything, hey, listen.” Soobin grabbed his hand again. “I also have a crush on you… Ugh that sounds silly.”
“Silly?”
“Not in a bad way.”
Kai was already pouting, he leaned back, creating more space between the two.
“I also like you, but I think we barely know each other.”
“You know me well enough.” Kai shrugged. “I wasn’t asking you to marry or anything. I just said that I like you, I don’t need to hear it back.”
“But I like you back.” Soobin leaned closer, trying to look at Kai in the eyes. “You are the reason why I’m forcing myself to get better. Did you know? I’ve been so scared to leave this apartment, but I started eating out to see you.”
“Really?”
“Yes, there is still so much you don’t know. I’m not saying this to invalidate your feelings. I am just scared that you won’t like me if you actually knew my secrets.”
“Secrets? They can’t be that bad.” Kai let out an awkward chuckle. “You’re not a murderer. Right?”
“No. I can promise you that.”
“Okay, then…” Kai looked around, clearly uncomfortable with the situation.
“Kai.” Soobin made him look back into his eyes again. “Kai, I like you.”
Kai gave him a short nod before smiling again. “I like you too.”
“Sorry for ruining your confession.”
“You can make up for it.” Kai pursed his lips. Soobin understood and leaned in to kiss them.
“Come on, Soobin.” Yeonjun interrupted him. “Take him to your bed already.”
Soobin pretended not to see him and smiled at Kai. “It’s my turn again, ask something.”
Kai grabbed a card from the deck, but all Soobin could hear was Yeonjun’s annoying complaints. “Ask him if he brought the Ouija board again, I have more stuff to tell him.”
“Sorry.” Soobin shook his head before looking at Kai again. “Can you repeat the question?”
“How was–“
“Ask him about the board.” Yeonjun insisted.
“Yeonjun, leave them alone.” Beomgyu was at his side again. “He asked for privacy during dates and we should respect that.”
“Respect my ass. Have you forgotten who I am?”
Kai looked at Soobin expectantly, waiting for his answer. “Should I read it again?”
‘‘Hah… Do you remember Yeonjun?’’ Soobin pushed his hair back in frustration. ‘‘He is here.’’
Beomgyu turned to Soobin with big eyes. ‘‘Be careful, we don’t know what happens if–’’
“What do you mean?’’ Kai asked. “He’s here?’’
“Yes, I can hear him. He’s talking over you.”
“Go on, scare the kid.’’ Yeonjun laughed.
Kai frowned. “I can’t hear anything?”
Soobin looked directly at Yeonjun, then at a shocked Beomgyu. “Actually, ever since I died–’’
“Soobin, we can’t affect the way that Kai lives.’’ Beomgyu stepped closer. “He can’t know th–“
“I can see them.’’
“Them?’’ Kai asked. “I thought it was just one?’’
‘’I can see different demons, but I can mostly see angels.’’
“This is interesting.’’ Yeonjun whistled.
“You’re playing with me.’’ Kai frowned. “Like ghosts?’’
“No, I don’t see dead people.’’
“So… Angels.’’ Kai raised an eyebrow. “And are they here with us?’’
“Yes, I asked them to leave me alone when I am with people, but they kept interrupting our conversation.’’
“Have you tried to get help?’’
“Like a priest? I thought about it–’’
“No, like a psychiatrist.’’
Soobin’s breath got knocked out of his lungs. ‘’What?’’ He looked at his Angels, Beomgyu looked sad and Yeonjun’s expression was blank. Did they know this would happen?
Of course, Soobin had thought about it before, maybe they were hallucinations, ways for him to cope with trauma. But if that were the case, how would his hallucinations know more than him? How could they spot dangers that he couldn’t?
“Sorry, Soobin, I didn’t want you to feel bad.’’
Soobin looked one last time at the Angels to his side before facing Kai. “I told you, you wouldn’t like me after you actually met me.’’
“I believe you, I just thought that it could be an option.’’
He should’ve never said anything.
Their text conversations have been dry recently, Soobin can’t say that it’s not his fault. Even if Kai said that he believed him, Soobin can’t let go of the fact that he thinks Soobin is just crazy.
He actually mustered up the courage to go to the restaurant, he headed straight for the counter, finding Kai’s coworker there.
“Hello…’’ Soobin looked at the nametag, “Taehyun, is Kai here?’’
“Hey, sorry, I can’t give you that information.’’ Taehyun pouted.
Soobin was about to answer when Beomgyu appeared to his side.
His Angels, especially Beomgyu, have been quiet lately. They seemed to feel bad after what happened with Kai that night.
“Could you tell him that I came here to see him?” Soobin smiled politely.
“Why are you impersonating a human?”
Taehyun looked straight at Beomgyu, sending chills down Soobin’s spine. He’s not human?
“Why can this human see us?” Taehyun raised an eyebrow.
“Didn’t you hear his story? I was already guiding him when they brought him back to life.”
Soobin took a step away from the counter. “Is it a Demon?”
“My apologies.” Taehyun smiled. “I am Kai’s Guardian.”
“I thought I couldn’t see him?” Soobin spoke to Beomgyu.
“I didn’t make myself be seen.” Taehyun walked through the counter, hand going to his chin as he thought. “I knew something was off when I saw two Guardians guiding you.”
“So? Will you guide Kai away?”
“Hm? No.” Taehyun shook his head. “I know you are a good person, even when you can hear that annoying Demon–“
“Hey.” Yeonjun appeared behind him, frowning as he looked at him. “I think you’re annoying too.”
“Kai believes you, he still likes you.” Taehyun kept talking as he ignored Yeonjun. “Meet him at the back door in five minutes.”
“Thank you?”
Taehyun smiled, his work clothes transformed into white, matching other Angels. “Unlike these two, I don’t need you to see me, but just know that I am here to help.”
Just like that, he disappeared.
Soobin didn’t have time to be thankful about the nice exchange, he headed out of the restaurant and went towards the staff door around the corner.
“Please, be quiet. I need to hear him.”
“It won’t happen again. I’m sorry, Soobin.”
He turned around to see Beomgyu pouting. “It’s alright.”
“It’s not alright, I’m failing my guiding duties, I’m affecting the way you live.”
“Still, it’s–“
The door opened behind him, Soobin turned around to catch a surprised Kai taking out the trash.
“Soobin.” He smiled. “You’re here?”
“I came to talk.”
Kai threw the bag into the dumpster, he dusted his hands off on his black pants and stepped closer to Soobin. “Yes?”
“I… I don’t have anything prepared. I’m just here to say that I understand if you want me to stay away from you.”
“What? No. I don’t want that.”
“You don’t?”
“Why would I?” Kai furrowed his brows. “Because you have the coolest ability ever? Why would that make me lose interest?”
“You think it's cool?”
“Of course.” Kai laughed. “I was worried that you wouldn’t want to speak to me anymore now that I know your secret.”
“I thought you wouldn’t want to speak to me anymore.”
“Listen, I like you, I want to get to know you even more, I want to know even weirder things about each other.”
“Weirder than seeing Angels?”
“You never know.” Kai smirked. “So? Can we still… Go on?”
Soobin kicked the pavement under his feet, keeping a smile to himself. “Have you eaten yet?”
“No.”
“Let’s go on a date.”
It’s been a week.
“The milk.” It was Beomgyu’s voice, but Soobin hasn’t seen him since that day.
Soobin turned around, turning off the stove just in time to stop the milk from spilling over.
“Beomgyu.” Soobin had tried calling him, but he stopped replying. “I miss you. I’m not mad at you.”
He waited, but he was still the only one standing in the kitchen.
“Yeonjun, you didn’t leave before saying goodbye, right?” Soobin sighed, leaning on the kitchen counter. “This is even meaner than everything you’ve done before.”
Finally, Yeonjun appeared in front of him again. He looked somewhat different, his gaze was down as he avoided Soobin’s eyes.
“Sorry.”
“Weren’t you supposed to ruin my life? Why do you feel sorry?”
“I won’t be bothering you anymore.”
“Is this goodbye?”
Yeonjun pressed his lips together before nodding. “I will leave.”
“Don’t.” Soobin frowned. “Don’t go.”
“I don’t have a purpose.”
“You do. Helping me.”
“That’s Beomgyu’s purpose.” He shook his head.
“Beomgyu, please come here with us.” Soobin sighed in relief as he saw his two Angels in front of him again. “I know I asked for space, but I want both of you to stay with me.”
“Why?”
“You two are my friends.”
“Friends?” Beomgyu cocked his head to the side.
“Yes, I don’t care about your purpose or your job or whatever.” Soobin moved his hand in the air. “But I want to see you every once in a while, I want to talk to you and have you answer back.”
The Angels looked at each other, a few seconds passed and they smiled.
“Friends.” Beomgyu repeated again, beaming. “I can be your friend.”
“Me too.” Yeonjun smiled. A genuine smile, nothing sinister behind his eyes.
“Good, please stay with me.” Soobin pleaded. “Except now, I have to wake up Kai for his shift.”
Soobin reached for the warm milk, pouring it into a cup with cocoa powder and mixing it before going to his room.
On his bed, with the sunshine coming from the window and his hair sprawled against ehite sheets, laid the most angelic human.
“Kai.” He sang his name as he sat on the edge of the bed. “It’s getting late.”
Opening just one eye, Kai frowned as he awoke from his sleep. He slowly sat on the bed, head hung low as he rubbed his face with one hand.
Soobin brushed Kai’s bangs away from his face, but the brown strands just flopped back to his forehead. He left a kiss on his temple and passed him the warm cup.
“Made you some choco.”
Kai smiled, receiving a kiss on the lips and the cup before looking at Soobin for a second.
“You're truly an angel, Soobinnie.”