Chapter Text
“Did you hear?” Sangjun asks as Hoseok tries to pick the least bad apples. He thinks about his nephew and pities how the kid can’t even have better food. Hoseok hates how they’ve been struggling so hard to just be alive since his father died. “The Kim Clan will hire a new blood bag.”
“They will what ?” This is enough to truly have Hoseok’s attention. “They’ll hire a blood bag?”
“Of course they aren’t calling it blood bag , just a ‘ recurring donor’ ” Sangjun moves his fingers, making air quotes, and rolls his eyes. “But we all know what it entitles. They’ll have the person living with them on the Palais de Taville, with five – no, six vampires, being a blood donor any minute they need it? That’s a walking blood bag, I’ll tell you that much.”
While he picks an apple that is only slightly hurt and with some black spots, Hoseok thinks about the Kim Clan. Since Hoseok was born in the Jeom Village, he always heard the most crazy – and probably untrue – stories about the Kim Clan. The Vampire Family that basically owns the small town – and a lot of places around. They were as old as time could tell, no one ever knew for sure for how long they’ve been alive, walking on Earth and drinking blood to survive.
Hoseok was never lucky enough to see them walking around town during some nights; it was a rare sight. The Kims rarely leave their castle (Palais de Taville, a name that no one could tell if it carried any meaning). For what people say, as expected from vampires, they are all gorgeous men, and whenever they decide to wander through the streets, laughing and talking between themselves, everyone stops whatever they are doing to watch the vampires.
No one really feared the Kim Clan; everybody feared the Kim Clan.
Hoseok has yet to form his opinion.
“Why would someone go along with it?” Hoseok asks while he gives the vendor some coins, the few he had. The bag on his hand carries two almost-rotten apples that he hopes he can save some parts for his mom, his sister, and his nephew. They’re lucky enough that some vendors charge really low prices for food that is already past good condition. “One must be crazy to accept living with vampires and serve as a recurring donor .”
“That’s the thing: a lot of people want it” Sangjun frowns, sighs. “They’re promising a lot of money for the person’s family. They say they’ll take care of every financial matter the donor’s family has. For life .”
Hoseok stops walking.
He looks at his plastic bag, at the two apples, one of them with a small black, puttered hole. It looks a lot like a new hole he found on their kitchen ceiling, one that will surely bring them a lot of problems during the rainy season.
After their father’s death, things became hard in the family. Hoseok’s side jobs didn’t pay a lot and nobody would give him something better, his mother couldn’t work due to her health, and his sister had to take care of his nephew, because of course the kid’s dad was completely out of the picture.
It was tiring, living like that. Counting every penny, afraid that they wouldn’t be able to eat the next day, fearing that someday they would actually starve to death.
Thanks to all gods, they had some friends, like Sangjun, that from time to time bought some food for them, gave them some money, and bought some medicine when needed. Maybe that was what was keeping them from begging money on the streets: the help they still got. But it was hard to just keep a smile when they had no money to pay for dinner, and had to live only with breakfast and lunch.
How wonderful would it be, to live a life where he would never worry again about bringing food to the table?
A life where Hoseok would be sure that his family had money, food, warm clothes during winter, a perfectly safe ceiling that wouldn’t sag and wet everything when the rain pours?
“You’re thinking about doing it, aren’t you?” Sangjun almost whispers, not looking at Hoseok.
“I’m not” Hoseok shakes his head, trying to send the thoughts away. “That would be insane.”
“I agree, but” Sangjun takes a deep breath and looks at Hoseok that way he hates so much. Pity. “I wouldn’t judge you, if you decided to do it.”
Maybe it's supposed to make Hoseok feel better about the entire thing. It doesn't. Hoseok just feels ashamed about how much his best friend pities him, to the point of thinking that maybe living with six vampires would be a good idea.
“But I won’t” Hoseok sighs. “I will not deny that it sounds a lot like a good opportunity, maybe even what my family needs, but I don’t know if I would feel comfortable being someone’s food.”
“Yeah, I get you…” Sangjun giggles. “Also, can you imagine having a man sucking on your neck? It would be so disgusting.”
Hoseok can easily imagine. Just not like that.
When he arrives home, Hoseok finds his sister in the kitchen, washing some dishes and humming a popular song that's been playing non-stop on the radio for weeks. Hoseok knows this because their neighbor always listens to the radio at the highest volume possible, and this song plays each 20 minutes. Hoseok hates it. It’s a fucking stupid song about luxurious life, having money, gold, drugs and women wrapping around your fingers.
“I’m home” Hoseok says after closing the front door, putting the apples over the table. “Where’s Minsu and mom?”
“Both asleep” Jiwoo, his sister, answers. She dries her hands in the dish towel and comes to give Hoseok a hug. “Minsu just had his afternoon snack and is now dreaming about dinosaurs, probably. Mom was feeling a little weak and is resting. How was the market?”
“You mean the leftover tent?” Hoseok raises his eyebrows and Jiwoo makes a sad expression, forcing a giggle that is colored with absolute no humor. “Great, I paid 60 cents on two almost-rotten apples, but I guess you can save some parts for you, mom and Minsu.”
“And you.”
“I don’t need that” Hoseok sighs because he will not have this fight again, too tired for that. Jiwoo just has to accept that Hoseok will never prioritize his own needs over his family’s. Never. “Sangjun was telling me about the Kim Clan.”
Jiwoo freezes, something Hoseok has so rarely seen her doing, that he can’t help but frown, wary.
“What was that?” Hoseok asks, almost fearing her answer.
“What did he tell you?”
“I asked first.”
“I am older” she simply says and every time Jiwoo uses the ‘ I am older ’ card, Hoseok hates her more and more.
“He told me the Kim Clan is hiring blood bags.”
“ Recurring donors ” Jiwoo corrects almost instantly, making a scowl of regret right after noticing her mistake.
Hoseok stands up, crossing his arms and facing Jiwoo. Even though he's younger, Hoseok has been taller than her for years, and even though they're skinnier than it’s comfortable because of their lives, Hoseok is still bigger than Jiwoo overall. Now, especially, she looks even smaller, hiding inside her own body.
“Okay, that’s it” Hoseok snorts, feeling a strange shiver down his spine when Jiwoo doesn't even look him in the eye. "Spill."
“Did Sangjun tell you what the Kim Clan is offering, Hoseok?” Jiwoo still doesn't face him, but her voice is firm.
“I want to hear from you. What did you do, Jiwoo?”
“I signed up to be a donor.”
It's Hoseok's turn to freeze.
He stares at his sister in silence, a ball of despair forming in his throat. Hoseok thinks about his nephew, Minsu, about the possibility of the child growing up without seeing his mother, a child who already doesn’t have a father. Hoseok thinks about their mother, how fragile her health is, how Jiwoo is the pillar that still manages to hold her, keep her on her feet in moments of weakness. Selfishly, Hoseok thinks about himself, about how he can't imagine himself as the basis of their humble home. That person is and has been Jiwoo since their father’s death. Hoseok is just the son who puts a few pennies on the table.
At the same time, Hoseok can't blame Jiwoo for thinking about this alternative. He thought about it himself. For a single second, but he considered it. The life they lead is desperate enough for them to resort to it.
“You can't do this Jiwoo” Hoseok finally whispers, the ball of desperation holding his voice. His eyes burn. “You cannot abandon this family.”
“I can't not do this, Hoseok” Jiwoo also whispers. Hoseok knows her throat is also closed, that there is also an inflated ball of despair preventing her voice from coming out. “I can't let Minsu grow up in this miserable life we lead.”
“We can manage it” even Hoseok doesn't believe his own words. “Minsu just needs to grow up a little more, soon you get a job too, or, I…”
“Nobody is going to give me a job in this town, Hoseok, you know that.” Jiwoo rolls her eyes and a few tears run down her cheek. Hoseok uses all his self-control not to cry. “People here hate me. I'm the bitch, the whore , remember? The woman who got pregnant by a married man, the woman who was abandoned. The single mother.”
Jeom Village is a small town that, even at the 20th century, still lives as if it were in the 19th. A small town with people full of retrograde thoughts, with judgments that do not fit a mere human. Unfortunately, Jiwoo is right. Townspeople whisper when she walks, laugh at her, and rather not maintain a close relationship with her.
“And what that man said about you…”
“Forget about it” Hoseok shakes his head, trying to push away thoughts that threaten to break through the careful barrier he's created over the last few years. “There has to be another way, Jiwoo.”
“It probably has, but how long will it take, Hoseok?” giving up, Jiwoo sits on the couch and hides her face behind her hands for two seconds. “By then mom might be already dead. I don't even want to imagine what might happen to Minsu. I can't stand living like this anymore, and raising my son in this misery."
Hoseok sits by his sister’s side. He wants to hug Jiwoo, hold her inside his arms because she’s hurting so hard, Hoseok knows that, can feel the hurt inside his own heart as if it’s his. Probably because it is. He shares this pain with her, this desperation for something new in their lives, something that can change this miserable fate they’ve been living for years now.
Hoseok can feel Jiwoo’s hurt because that’s the only thing he has been feeling.
When Hoseok touches her knee, he remembers everything they lived together, since their father fell severely ill, since Jiwoo got pregnant, and he hates his life. He loves his family, but god, how much Hoseok hates his life.
How does he keep living a life he hates?
“I’ll do it” is what Hoseok whispers, feeling his heartbeat increasing with nervousness, fear, anxiety. Most of all, fear.
“What?!” Jiwoo raises her head in less than a second, looking at Hoseok with wet, terrified eyes. “No!”
“Please, don’t make it harder, Jiwoo” Hoseok sighs, dropping his arms to his side, trying to organize his own thoughts. “If someone must go, it should be me.”
“Hoseok, no” Jiwoo is clearly so hurt, so lost. All Hoseok wants is to help her ease the pain. At least he knows how. “I can’t ask you to do that.”
“Luckily, you’re not” Hoseok holds Jiwoo’s hand and tries to smile. He hopes he looks reassuring. “It’s my choice.”
“But is it really?” Jiwoo holds his hand back, too strongly, but Hoseok doesn’t flee. He’ll be there for his sister, is all he can do. “I feel like you’re doing it to save me, Hoseok. I don’t need saving.”
“I’ll do it, so you don’t have to, sure. But, noona… Bringing money to this house is what I do. You need to take care of mom and Minsu. Noona, your son can’t grow up without his mom, not when he’ll already grow up without a father.”
“Hoseok…”
“It’ll be alright.”
It’s very hard for Hoseok to believe his own words, but he tries. He has to. Jiwoo hugs him, whispering countless thank-yous , her tears wetting Hoseok’s shirt. He also cries, but different from his sister, there’s not a single drop of relief inside him. Hoseok just feels fear, apprehension.
But he knows this is the right decision. Hoseok knows that this is the best way to help his family.
He has nothing to lose, after all.
***
Two days later, after Hoseok fills all the papers, their mom gets possessed when they tell her the (not so good) news. She's also a little too dramatic, saying things like how their father already abandoned her and how his son is doing the same.
"I will not die, mom" Hoseok rolls his eyes.
"You can't know that, can you? They're vampires ."
Despite her displeasure and Hoseok's fear, on the interview day, almost two weeks later, Hoseok wakes up early and makes the best breakfast he can for his family, and then the best lunch. Unfortunately, they couldn't afford dinner, so that was it.
It's not much, of course, but if they're lucky enough, this is the last time they'll live from hand to mouth. If they're very, very lucky, by this time tomorrow, Minsu will be able to have the first full dinner of his life. Maybe even have meat!
"I'll miss you so fucking much" Jiwoo says as she hugs Hoseok, hard, so hard it hurts. Doesn't hurt enough to make Hoseok want to let go, though.
"Take good care of mom and Minsu, alright?" Hoseok tries really hard not to cry because, if he does, Jiwoo will start crying too. And then they'll be a mess. "They need you, Jiwoo."
"And I need you, Hoseok-ah."
"Maybe I'll come back" Hoseok gives her a small smile. Jiwoo is hurt, but also so relieved that she'll get to be with her son, even if it means she has to give her own brother. Hoseok can't blame her. "Maybe they won't choose me."
He hopes he's right.
He hopes he's wrong.
When Hoseok hugs Minsu and hears his nephew begging 'please, uncle, don't leave us' , he can't help the tears that stream down his face. If the Kim Clan chooses him, Hoseok just hopes they let him visit his family once in a while.
The interview will happen downtown, in a fancy building that Hoseok has never even dreamed about entering one day. Hoseok leaves early, before the sun sets, because he wants to walk – especially with the backpack with all his clothes and stuff because you never know. It'll be a long walk, but he has no money for a taxi or even a bus. Also, maybe Hoseok will end up living with vampires, god knows when he might be able to breathe fresh air again.
It takes over one hour for Hoseok to arrive, but once he's there, he sees that the downtown looks empty. Maybe it's because everybody knows that today the vampires will be walking in their city. Every inhabitant of Jeom Village knows that the Kim Clan protects them and takes care of their small city. Everyone is afraid of what this protection truly means.
The building is not big, but it's surely fancy. It looks too new, newer than anything Hoseok has ever seen. The walls are painted in white, perfect white with not a single dirt stain. The structure looks contemporary, but too contemporary, as if this is how buildings are supposed to look like in five or ten years in the future. This building always existed in Jeom Village, and Hoseok never knew what it's used for. During daytime, it's always locked. It's the first time that Hoseok visits it during the night.
“Name?” someone asks as soon as Hoseok gets closer to the entrance.
A man stands tall and sulking. He holds a big notebook, that is probably very heavy and probably is making his arms hurt. Maybe that’s why he looks so displeased and bored.
“Jung Hoseok.”
The man searches for something in the notebook, flipping through it quickly, as if he knows where each word should be. After confirming what he was looking for, the man closes the notebook again, taking an envelope from its cover where he takes a small piece of paper and extends it to Hoseok, who does not hesitate to accept it.
"Your number is seven" The man's voice is husky and scratchy, as if there's something physically scratching his throat. "Once you enter, follow the corridor and turn right at the end. Just wait in the waiting room until your number is called. The Kim Clan reserves the right to take as much time as it deems appropriate in each of the interviews. If you are not selected and yours ends after public transport availability, a taxi will be called to drop you off safely at your doorstep. The selected person will go directly to the Palais de Taville with the Kims, and if there are more people waiting to be interviewed, they’ll be warned that the interview is officially canceled. If you wish to give up before the interview begins, just come back here and hand me your number. Is everything clear?" The monologue is completed in a monotonous tone, as if reciting a memorized text for presentations.
All the information was already known to Hoseok, part of the registration form, but it was less terrible to know that the rules weren't just a luxury to formalize the process.
"Like water" Hoseok agrees with a nod.
The man doesn't say anything else, looking away and staring down the street. Taking this as a sign for him to keep moving, Hoseok enters the building, jumping a little in fright when the door closes behind him, leaving him alone in the entrance hall.
The place is relatively large, with colors that are too light, which makes Hoseok's eyes hurt a little. In the hall, the walls are covered with the most diverse paintings. Art has never been Hoseok's biggest strength, but even with his little and almost forgotten knowledge from school time, Hoseok knows how to differentiate that the paintings represent the most diverse styles and artistic movements. The images vary, from still life to depiction of family posing for portraits. Hoseok has no idea who the people in the pictures were, and has no interest in getting to know them, especially as his attention is quickly drawn to a painting that depicts an apparently young man with a woman on his lap. She is half naked, wearing a white skirt and no blouse. A red line goes down to the nipple of her exposed white breasts, and the contrast of colors just doesn't steal all the attention from the painting because, facing the woman, there is a man with his lips completely smeared with blood, the red liquid dripping from his chin.
Hoseok swallows hard. He can't say what exactly it is about this painting that holds his attention so much. The woman has her head tilted back, her eyes closed and her mouth slightly open, almost oblivious to the blood flowing from her neck to her breasts. The man holds the woman by the waist in his lap, and stares at her torso with eyes filled with hunger and desire. As if the woman was the most delicious meal of his life.
The shiver that runs down Hoseok's spine is enough for him to look away from the painting and resume walking, following the path that was shown to him. It doesn't take long for Hoseok to enter the waiting room. On one hand, the relatively low number of people in the place surprises him – probably less than 15, a little more than 10. On the other hand, Hoseok couldn't expect much difference. Selling one's blood in this way is certainly something reprehensible, punished by society. Hoseok could feel the fear and embarrassment emanating from everyone who is there. No wonder no one makes eye contact. It is better for them to come and go as strangers.
A woman of relatively advanced age, leaves through a door on the left side of the room, and soon the number 10 is called. A tall, strong man gets up and walks with his head down towards the same door from which the woman had just left. Hoseok guesses that the numbers aren't being called in order, and sits down in one of the padded chairs scattered around the room, waiting – hoping – for his turn.
After two more people come and go, finally number seven is called. Hoseok stands up, feeling his heart race with each new step he takes. He tries not to think about what will happen once he enters the room, how the interview will go, if after leaving this building he will go to his own home and see his family again, or if he will be taken to a new life, completely unknown.
There's nothing very grand about the interview room. The walls are pristine white, the furniture is pale, and the huge window on the far wall is open, letting the white moonlight paint the floor in a cold way. Almost in the center of the room, there is a large sofa, which seems to be more comfortable than Hoseok's bed ever was. However, the impeccable decor in light wood furniture is not what makes Hoseok freeze as soon as he closes the door behind him.
That merit belongs to the three vampires sitting in three huge armchairs facing the large and comfortable sofa.
Growing up, Hoseok heard many stories about the Kim Clan, about its five – now six – members, and was never present on the few occasions they walked around town after dark. Hoseok heard about how the members of the Kim Clan were so imposing, frightening, like death walking among people. Vampires. Predators walking among prey. Don't come close. Don’t talk. Don't make eye contact. Vampires are beautiful to attract their prey more easily.
They are, in fact, the most beautiful people Hoseok has ever seen in his life.
The three men stare at him, and none of them smile. One of them points for Hoseok to sit on the comfortable sofa in the center of the room. In silence, Hoseok follows the path that was pointed out to him, sitting on the sofa and confirming that, indeed, it is more comfortable than his own bed.
“Jung Hoseok?” a deep, very deep voice says his name.
“That’s me” Hoseok says weakly, raising his head to face the man.
The man who called him appears to be tall, even sitting in an armchair. He has hair as dark as night, too black to be natural, of medium length, combed in such a way as to leave his forehead exposed. His skin is golden, and his eyes seem to penetrate Hoseok's soul, seriously. Hoseok tries not to think too much about having three vampires staring at him so intently.
"Pleasure. I'm Kim Namjoon” the vampire replies, still serious.
“Would you like a coffee? Water?" the vampire to Namjoon's right offers, voice slightly monotonous.
“I'm fine, thank you” Hoseok responds quickly. If he tries to ingest anything now, he'll probably throw up.
“If you change your mind, just let me know” the vampire blinks twice and shakes his head.
“Thanks” Hoseok smiles at him, seeing the vampire raise his eyebrows, as if he didn't expect a remotely friendly gesture from Hoseok.
The vampire who offered the drink appears to be smaller than Namjoon. He is pale, the palest of the three. Despite the flat, low voice, the feline eyes seem interested in Hoseok. His hair is long, reaching shoulder-length, and is styled in a messy way, which confuses and attracts Hoseok more than he thought possible.
“Okay, I guess we can start then” When Namjoon smiles, two dimples adorn his face. Hoseok blinks, completely fascinated by the way the vampire who seemed to be the most serious person in the room suddenly became the most adorable person Hoseok has ever met in his life. “As I said, I am Kim Namjoon, these are Min Yoongi and Jeon Jungkook.”
Hoseok smiles at the two. The vampire on Namjoon's right, Min Yoongi, smiles back, a gummy smile. Hoseok thinks he looks like a cat, adorable. The vampire to Namjoon's left, Jungkook, doesn't respond.
Hoseok knows very well who he is. Three years ago, Jungkook was the talk of the town. The newest vampire to join the Kim Clan, which for decades – perhaps hundreds of years – had established itself as a clan of five vampires. Nobody knows where Jungkook came from, why he joined the Kim Clan. All that is known is that he is a newborn who was immediately taken into the Kim Clan.
It's Hoseok's first time seeing Jungkook. Before, the newborn was just the rumors that ran around town. Now, Hoseok knows that Jungkook is young. So, so young, perhaps younger than himself. Hoseok has no idea if Jungkook is as big as Namjoon, or smaller than Yoongi, as Jungkook is hidden in oversized layers of clothing. Jungkook's hair is almost as long as Yoongi's, but slightly wavy, beautifully framing the younger vampire's face. But Jungkook's most distinguishing feature is his eyes. Round, huge, shiny. If Namjoon's eyes can read Hoseok's soul, Jungkook's eyes expose his own soul and heart to anyone who wants to read it. And ever since Hoseok entered that room, Jungkook's big eyes are completely glued to Hoseok.
To the point of being almost uncomfortable.
“Hoseok-ssi, why did you decide to apply as a recurring donor?” Namjoon still has his eyes completely locked on Hoseok.
“And please tell the truth. Don't say what you think we want to hear,” Yoongi completes in a fully rehearsed manner. Hoseok wonders how many times they've been through this dialogue.
“Because I need the money” Hoseok shrugs. “My sister can't get a good job with a four-year-old child to look after. I can't get anything better because we live in a shitty society. My mother is too sick to work. My father died six years ago. I don't want to see my family fall into destitution, so if I can change things now… so be it. I'll do whatever it takes.”
“Okay” Namjoon writes something down on a piece of paper. He doesn't seem at all impressed by Hoseok's speech, which could be a little offensive, but Hoseok knows they've probably heard this speech from all the previous candidates, if not even sadder speeches. “You are aware that your ‘I can’t get a better job because society sucks’ situation is only going to get worse once you become a recurring donor, right?”
“I hope you pay enough so that having a job is no longer a problem in my life.”
“Of course” Yoongi chuckles, as if he thinks Hoseok is cute. Hoseok furrows his brows. “How long are you willing to be a donor, Hoseok-ssi?”
“As long as I can take it” Hoseok shrugs again. “For as long as you need.”
“Do you have a death wish, Hoseok-ssi?”
Namjoon's question catches Hoseok off guard. His eyes widen, and for a second, Hoseok doesn't know what to say. Namjoon and Yoongi stare at him seriously. Jungkook still looks at him with those giant eyes, almost scared, but now his hands are tightly gripping the chair’s arm.
“No” Hoseok's answer is barely a whisper. “No, I don't want to die. I want to see my family again, I want to see my nephew grow up, I want… I want to live. Longer."
“Great” Namjoon opens that smile again, with the dimples, and Hoseok breathes easier, although he still doesn't quite understand where the question came from. “Hoseok-ssi, another very important thing about this j–”
Before Namjoon can finish the next question, he is interrupted by Jungkook standing up. With his eyes still locked on Hoseok, Jungkook starts walking towards the human. Feeling his heart speed up and pure fear gripping him, Hoseok also stands up, shivers running through his body as the vampire approaches closer and closer, until he stops a few centimeters away from Hoseok.
“Jungkook?” Yoongi asks carefully. “What are you doing, Kookie?”
Jungkook doesn't seem to listen. His eyes are still completely locked on Hoseok, as if he's in a trance; and in a similar situation, Hoseok also cannot take his eyes off the vampire, who is now so close that Hoseok can feel his breath. Cherry. Jungkook smells like cherry. Hoseok swallows hard, body locked in fear when the vampire touches his neck.
“Jungkook, move away” again, Yoongi tries to talk to the newborn, but Jungkook continues to ignore him.
He leans towards Hoseok, and all Hoseok can do is close his eyes. Whatever Jungkook is going to do, Hoseok prefers not to look. With his heart racing, Hoseok just takes a deep breath and waits, regardless of what fate Jungkook will give him.
What Hoseok doesn't expect is to feel Jungkook's nose touching the skin of his neck.
Contrary to popular belief on vampires, Jungkook is hot. When the vampire's nose touches Hoseok's neck, it's like Hoseok's skin burns. In a good way.
“Jungkook, back off” this time Yoongi seems to be giving a warning.
Once again, Jungkook just ignores him. Hoseok feels him start to drag his nose down his neck, taking a deep breath. Absorbing Hoseok's scent. The room is tense, Hoseok can feel the worry and despair coming from Namjoon and Yoongi. From Jungkook, all Hoseok feels is calm. Peace. Hoseok opens his eyes, and sees that Jungkook has his eyes closed, one of the vampire's hands closing on Hoseok's waist, gluing their bodies together.
“Jungkook, get away from Hoseok. Now! " Namjoon's voice fills the entire room, the command finally rousing Jungkook from his stupor.
Jungkook opens his eyes, and this time he looks scared. Terrified. He looks at Hoseok one more time before taking a long leap backwards. Jungkook looks from Hoseok to the other two vampires, opening and closing his mouth several times.
“Hyungs, I… I'm sorry, please” Jungkook does a ninety degree bow, showing the utmost respect. "I don't know what came over me, I–"
“You can't scent a human without consent, Jungkook, you know that very well” Yoongi says sharply, with a twinge of disappointment in his voice.
"Please forgive me. Please, I'm really sorry.”
“It's not us you have to apologize to, Jungkook.”
Jungkook quickly breaks the bow, turning back to face Hoseok. And, to Hoseok's horror, he sees the younger vampire's eyes bathed in tears. Hoseok didn't even know that vampires could cry.
“Forgive me, Hoseok-ssi” in an even faster movement, Jungkook kneels down and does a full bow, touching his forehead to the ground. “My behavior was shameful and inappropriate, and for that I ask that you please forgive me.”
" What?! " Hoseok can't hide his shock when he sees the vampire in a situation of complete vulnerability. This doesn't match all the stories he heard during his life. “Please get up. It's okay, really, no problem at all.”
“It's not okay, Hoseok-ssi” Namjoon sounds less harsh than Yoongi, but he still sounds serious. “Jungkook is aware that a vampire never touches a human without explicit permission. This behavior was unacceptable, especially in the face of an unknown person and potential donor.”
“Seriously, it's okay, he didn't hurt me” still bothered by the situation, Hoseok walks over to Jungkook, also kneeling down. “Jungkook-ssi, please get up.”
But Jungkook doesn't move. He remains hunched against the floor, his face hidden between his arms as small hiccups escape his lips. Hoseok feels guilty, even though he knows that nothing that is happening there is his fault. All he can do is stare at the sea of dark hair that hides such a young face, baggy clothes, and eyes that hold an entire universe.
Hoseok barely stirs when he feels a hand on his shoulder, lifting his head to face Yoongi.
“Can you please sit down again, Hoseok-ssi?” Yoongi's voice is velvety and gentle, so different from how he spoke to Jungkook just a few minutes before.
As Hoseok does as he's told and walks back to the couch under Namjoon's careful gaze, Yoongi kneels down in front of Jungkook, letting his fingers tangle in the strands of Jungkook's hair. “Baby, please get up. Everything is fine."
“Hyung” Jungkook whispers before standing up, eyes red and face stained with tears. Hoseok doesn't even know him, but seeing the boy like that really breaks his heart. "I'm very sorry."
“I know, baby” baby . Hoseok doesn't fail to register the endearment term that’s been used twice, now. “Why did you do that, Kookie?”
“I don't know, hyung, I…” Jungkook swallows and looks at Hoseok. For just a second, before facing Yoongi again. "His scent, it's like he's calling me."
Hoseok furrows his brows and discreetly raises his arm a little, trying to smell any hint of a bad odor, but everything seems normal.
“Calling you?” it's Namjoon who asks, still sitting in his armchair.
“I don't know how to explain it, but since he walked into the room, I just… His scent is… You can smell it too, can't you? It's unreal.”
Yoongi and Namjoon stare at each other for a long moment, as if they were talking from only a glance. Jungkook didn't look back at Hoseok, which is a little uncomfortable. Hoseok is worried but he doesn't know how to act. If he should act at all.
“Hoseok-ssi, if you'll excuse us… The three of us need to discuss something important” Namjoon finally gets up, and Yoongi does the same, helping Jungkook to his feet as well. "You can wait right here, we'll only need five minutes."
Hoseok just nods in agreement, seeing the three vampires leave the room and leaving him alone. Hoseok takes a minute to try to breathe. His heart is still beating fast, but Hoseok can't say for sure if it's because of the fear he felt having Jungkook so close to him, or because of the agony of seeing the vampire bent over on the ground, his eyes painted with tears.
Of all that Hoseok imagined that could happen in this interview, the event did not even cross his mind. Hoseok still doesn't understand what could have happened for Jungkook to act that way, and why were the other two so hard on him? Is it really that important for vampires to get consent from humans just to get close? This is definitely something Hoseok never even thought possible. Not that Hoseok thought vampires were heartless monsters – they ran the city, after all – but so… human?
Was it offensive to think that way?
Also, what's that about his smell? Hoseok showered after leaving the house, thank you very much. Just in case, he tries again to feel if there is any bad odor coming from him, but he only smells the cheap soap that his family uses. It might not be the best smell in the world, but it's definitely not as bad as Jungkook made it out to be.
Only a minute seemed to pass when the door to the room opens again and the three vampires enter. Jungkook seems calmer, but he still doesn't look in Hoseok's direction, besides staying completely glued to Yoongi, as if he were an extension of his body.
“Thanks for your patience, Hoseok-ssi” Namjoon gives a small smile, which doesn't quite make the dimples. Hoseok wonders if he's being fake. “Again, we apologize for the incident earlier. In case you are still interested in this… Job, we would be happy to have you as our recurring donor.”
Wait.
What?
"What?" Hoseok blinks, confused. “But… the interview?”
“It will no longer be needed. If you accept, we'll ask Haeseong to dismiss the rest of the candidates and head back to our house. Your new home.”
Hoseok opens and closes his mouth a few times, completely lost.
He did it? Will Hoseok be the new walking blood bag of the Kim Clan?
Why does he feel so happy and sad? It was what he wanted, wasn't it?
His family will have money. Minsu will be able to have a good life, a good education. His mother will have the necessary medication to treat her illness, maybe even she will be able to get better enough to go back to work. Who knows, maybe Jiwoo will get a job one day. And Hoseok… Hoseok will be able to visit them. One day. Perhaps.
If he survives.
Why did Namjoon ask if Hoseok had a death wish?
“You are not forced to continue, Hoseok-ssi” Yoongi almost whispers, with Jungkook still glued to him, as if they were the same person. “In case you have given up, you can leave.”
“No, I… Just Hoseok, it’s fine. Don’t need to be formal.” Hoseok needs to take a deep breath, count to ten internally. Everything is getting too real. "And, yes, I want to. Be the… recurring donor.”
This makes Jungkook finally look at Hoseok again. For seconds, with huge, bright, hopeful eyes. And Hoseok just does what he can at the moment: he tries to smile at the vampire.
“ Oh ” Jungkook blinks and goes back to hiding his face in Yoongi's neck.
“Me and Jungkook will let Haeseong know he should dismiss the interview, Joon. If you want, you can take Hoseok to the car.”
“Right, hyung” Namjoon shakes his head. Hoseok didn't expect Yoongi to be older than Namjoon. “Hoseok, follow me, please.”
When they leave the room, Namjoon turns into the opposite hallway that Hoseok entered. The path is done in silence, Namjoon walks two steps ahead of Hoseok. The vampire never looks back, he doesn't say a word to Hoseok.
As he walks, Hoseok holds his breath. His heart beats too fast, each new step a reminder that he is going to meet a new life, a new reality that Hoseok had never imagined that one day would happen in his life.
They get into a modern car, one that Hoseok doesn't recognize. Namjoon stops in front of the car, frowns.
"Hoseok, can you drive?"
Hoseok blinks. "Yes…"
"If I guide you, will you drive?"
Hoseok blinks again in disbelief. He glares at Namjoon, who can't bring himself to look directly in Hoseok's direction. It's almost funny. Almost cute.
"Namjoon… you don't know how to drive?"
"I do!" Namjoon speaks quickly, his face turning red. "But just… it's not a good idea… I'm not… good. It's not my biggest strength."
"Of course" Hoseok tries very hard not to laugh at how embarrassed Namjoon is. "Your biggest strength is…?"
"I…" Namjoon's jaw drops, and he looks surprised at Hoseok. "It doesn't matter. Here" Namjoon almost throws the key to Hoseok and pouts. "You can drive."
Hoseok accepts the key and quickly enters the car, noticing that everything is written in some language that Hoseok doesn't know. Luckily, steering wheels and gears are the same in many parts of the world, so Hoseok quickly manages to find himself among foreign words and starts the car.
The trip is made in silence, except for Namjoon's guidance. Hoseok knows it's his fault that the vampire doesn't say anything more than is strictly necessary. He shouldn't have been trying to be funny. Hoseok and Namjoon don't know each other, they don't know each other's limits, they aren't friends. Hoseok is just their blood bag.
It takes just over twenty minutes for the car to enter a property protected by huge walls. The place is not a castle, as Hoseok always imagined it to be – especially considering its name. But it's the biggest house Hoseok has ever seen in his life, a real mansion. As he enters the place, Hoseok sees a few more cars parked, all foreign brands that Hoseok is unaware of.
"You can park here" Namjoon points to a spot between a red car and a… purple car?
After getting out of the car, Hoseok feels lost. He doesn't know what to do, where to go, what to say. Hoseok just stands beside the car, waiting for something that he doesn't even know what it is.
"Hoseok?" Namjoon motions for him to follow, so Hoseok does.
Just like the building where the interview took place, the Kim Clan mansion is contemporary to the point of looking ahead of its time. The front door is gigantic, and has a locking system that Hoseok had never seen before.
As in a movie scene, the double doors open, revealing the classic entrance hall, with a staircase in the middle that leads to the upper floor, and a few pieces of furniture and a lot of decoration with peculiar taste. What catches Hoseok's attention the most is the grand piano next to the stairs. He wonders which of the vampires plays it.
"Welcome to your new home, Hoseok" Namjoon's voice sounds lower than Hoseok is used to. "Hope you enjoy your time here."
Hoseok swallows hard, an icy shiver running down his spine. He feels his heart racing, fear taking over his entire body.
Hoseok can practically hear the sound of his blood pulsing hard through his body.
He wonders if Namjoon also can.