The previous invasion by the demons had brought all of them to high alert. They were worried for their land and specially for the mortals residing with them.

So this time, Wonwoo was sent to inspect if everything was alright. But fate was really something. As he was enjoying his time with the three younger ones, Mingyu arrived at the apartment along with Jun and Minghao.

Jun and Minghao wanted to visit a place for their research but as they were instructed to always have someone by their side, they quickly made a call to Mingyu who gladly joined them.

As soon as they stepped in, Minghao dropped on the sofa, "Argh I'm exhausted."

"Too bad, we haven't even prepared anything to eat." Seungkwan brought three glasses of water for them.

Mingyu and Wonwoo simply ignored the fact that they were in the same room, they just went along with the flow to not to make anything obvious.

"We haven't even thought of what to eat yet." Vernon remarked as he scrolled through his phone.

"We won't eat anyways." Jun sat down as well, "Mingyu treated us with a good meal."

"That's not fair." Dino whined, "How can you even think of excluding us?"

"Why? Didn't you three go to the arcade yesterday with the hyungs?" Minghao pointed out.

"Food is a different matter." Seungkwan backed up Dino, "Plus we asked you to accompany us and you both denied. Is that our fault?"

"Calm down guys." Mingyu laughed, "They're teasing you. We didn't eat, we bought take aways for all of us."

"Woah!" Seungkwan approached Mingyu and engulfed him into a dramatic hug, "You're the best."

"Okay so this package contains food?" Vernon shuffled through the various bags kept on the table, "Jun hyung was good with tricking us as if it was work material or something."

"Ah okay!" Wonwoo's voice was heard as he was on a call, "Yeah sure, I'll be there in a couple of minutes." He hung up the phone and stood up, "Okay guys, I'll have to leave. Some important work came up."

"But hyung, let's eat first." Dino insisted, "Please?"

"It's okay Dino, some other day." Wonwoo smiled while leaving, "Have a good meal everyone."

Seungkwan's eyes trailed the disappearing figure of Wonwoo with a disappointed look. Vernon, Jun and Minghao didn't feel very happy either as Wonwoo left abruptly.

Mingyu sensed the dejection occupying the room, "Unpack the food, I'll call him back."

"Really?"

Mingyu nodded with a sly grin, "Really."

He walked out of the apartment as he saw Wonwoo approaching his car, "Wonwoo hyung."

The older halted and turned around to witness the younger stepping towards him.

"Can you please stay back? They're not feeling very good about you leaving all of a sudden." Mingyu tried to sound as oblivious of their differences as he could.

"But I already told them, I've some-"

"Unfortunately, we know each other very well. I know it was a fake call." Mingyu stated as he scratched the back of his neck, "I'll stay away from you, don't worry."

Now Wonwoo hated himself for making the younger feel this way. Of course he left the place because of Mingyu's presence but not because he wanted to, he was rather obliged to. It was impossible for him to stay sane around younger.

His usual calm demeanor didn't work in front of the former, "There's nothing like that."

"You don't owe me an explanation." Mingyu looked back at the apartment and then back at the older, "But being at the same place as me won't be a crime."

"Mingyu, there's nothing like that." Wonwoo explained with a stern voice, "It's all in your head. I left because I thought you would be more comfortable with them without me. Plus I was already there for long."

"I don't mind your presence." Mingyu retorted, "We don't need to repel each other every now and then. Let's go."

Wonwoo nodded as both of them walked back into the apartment and the humans seemed happy to get both of them back to join them for lunch.

"You're sure that your work won't suffer right?" Jun asked with concern.

"Don't worry, I'll manage." Wonwoo reassured.

It was when Seungkwan yelled slightly. He had scarred his finger as blood oozed from it. Vernon rushed towards him as he pulled out a first aid kit from the drawer of the table.

"It's just a small cut." Seungkwan assured Vernon and Dino that he was fine who were currently crowding him while Jun and Minghao took the packages away from the younger and continued to unpack them.

Meanwhile, it was terrible for Mingyu and Wonwoo. The smell of blood was triggering their inner beasts as their fangs dared to sprawl out.

"Calm down, calm down." The vampires whispered in unison. Unconsciously, they clutched onto each other's hands tightly as they tried to keep their self control intact.

"Should we run out?" Mingyu suggested.

"That would look wierd and suspicious." Wonwoo rejected the younger's idea.

"I don't think that the band-aid will help with the smell of fresh blood." Mingyu gulped, "We can't stay here."

"We've to leave really soon." Wonwoo clenched his teeth.

3...2...1

"WHAT?" Mingyu yelled while holding his phone against his ears, "Wonwoo hyung, hurry up! The sub HQ has caught fire."

"No way!" Wonwoo acted extremely worried as he turned to the humans staring at them, obviously horrified at the mention of fire, "We'll see you soon guys but I guess we'll have to leave immediately."

"But-"

"We'll explain later, it's an emergency." Mingyu hurried up towards the door, "And don't step out of the apartment okay? Remember the instructions at all costs."

"Yeah but what fire-"

"Don't worry, it'll be fine." Wonwoo assured as both of the vampires practically ran out of the house leaving the mortals speechless.

Wonwoo and Mingyu immediately linked their fellow stylths and informed them about the scenario as they knew that the mortals would try to contact the others for the same.

And that's exactly what they did. Vernon called Hoshi and connected him on the speaker, "Hyung?"

"Yeah Vernon, what happened?"

"We heard that there's fire at a sub HQ or something, is everything alright?"

"Yeah actually there was a fire at one of our export-import hubs. How do you know? Did you step out of the house without any supervision?"

"No we didn't. Mingyu and Wonwoo hyung were here a minute ago and they left in a hurry when they got a call about the same. Are you all okay?"

"Yeah don't worry, the fire is down now. The situation is in control and there isn't much loss. In short, everything is fine now, forget about it okay?"

"Yeah, please take care!"

"Ayy I like your concern but it's genuinely fine. I'll call you later okay?"

"Sure."

"I'm happy that they're fine." Seungkwan sighed in relief.

"I was worried too." Jun scoffed, "They take such good care of us that we sometimes forget that they have their own problems too."

"You're right." Minghao added, "They're pretty busy in their own lives but they're always there to help us."

"Right?" Dino jumped in, "They always take care of our research to go smoothly and that we don't get into any trouble. How can people make up such filthy rumours about this place."

"It's all about money." Vernon placed the food on the dining table, "Nowadays, people can do anything to get the spotlight and profits. Any nonsense video about Scarlet Coast gets millions of views and a lot of TRP if it's in the news."

"And that's why they cook up anything and serve it to the public." Seungkwan showed his distress, "Anyways, we'll prove it all wrong. We'll be the first to create the most authentic report on this place with solid proofs."

Little did they know how wrong their perspective was? The place they were worshipping was actually a living hell. The people they were admiring were actually ready to hunt them down.

But one thing was for sure, the humans didn't deserve it. They were too good to have a such a horrible future on their way.

"Any news of the demons or any other threat?" Jeonghan scrolled through the tablet's screen which was about that day's record of the entire Scarlet Coast as Joshua sat in front of him.

It was his job to sit back and look at the entire day's report of the Scarlet Coast. Not only his, Seungcheol had to look after it as another leader. Although they were supposed to do the inspection together as the leaders of their respective Stylths but meeting regularly was one hell of a task for them.

So they had decided to meet only for the monthly reviews or when some threat would show up while on other days they reviewed the reports at their respective places.

"Not yet." Joshua replied as he was equally indulged in the task.

"How about the humans?"

"They're doing well. They've started to trust us." Joshua looked at his watch as the older one stayed silent for about 10 minutes, scrolling through the report, "Jeonghan, can we call it a day if it's done?"

"Uh what happened?" Jeonghan looked up at the younger.

"Actually I'm not feeling very good today." Joshua explained, "I need a good walk around the town and have some fresh air to lift up my mood."

"It's alright, you could have told me earlier." Jeonghan chuckled, "Just send Mingyu and Hoshi to the meeting room before you leave."

Joshua nodded as he stood up and began to walk away. But he was halted by the elder as he called his name.

Jeonghan approached the younger as he rested his hand on Joshua's shoulder, "Are you fine? If anything's bothering you, we can talk."

"No, don't worry, there's nothing serious to be honest." Joshua chuckled at the older's concern, "There has been a lot going on lately. I just need to clear my head and organise all of these episodes."

"It's great that you know about what's going on inside you and what you need to do to get over it." Jeonghan pursed his lips, "You know you can talk to me anytime right?"

"Of course Jeonghan." Joshua assured, "Wait, are you thinking that we hesitate to talk to you? No way! These designations don't apply among us, we're all friends at the end of the day."

"That's the only thing I want." Jeonghan chuckled, "Anyways, go, take a walk or something. It will surely help."

Joshua nodded and left. He informed Mingyu and Hoshi to meet Jeonghan in the meeting room and flew off the mansion. He was quick to land at a dark alley through which he walked to a garden which was glimmering beneath the beautiful moonlight.

"I'm sorry I'm late." Joshua rushed towards Seokmin and both of them shared a hug. Joshua pressed a kiss on the younger's forehead and chuckled.

"It's okay hyung." Seokmin grinned, "I know the situations, no grudges."

"What did I do in my life to deserve you Seokmin?" Joshua cupped his cheeks, "You're such a great person."

"Hyung!" Seokmin laughed, "You took the best decision, that's all you did."
-------

"Woozi hyung isn't talking to anyone because he had an argument with Hoshi hyung. Wonwoo hyung and Mingyu aren't doing great either." Seokmin gulped the lump in his throat, "Do we really have to part ways like this?"

"Do you love me?" Joshua asked which took the younger off-guard, "Tell me Seokmin, it's now or never. Do you want us to end up like them?"

"No way! I love you hyung, I can't imagine anything that parts me away from you." Seokmin's unsteady words came out.

"Then let's not part ways." Joshua held the younger's hands with desperate eyes, "Let's love each other, forever."

"But-" Seokmin looked down, "I can't betray Seungcheol hyung."

"Fuck it Seokmin! Just think about us, for once!" Joshua calmed himself, "I can't betray Jeonghan either. But that's a different matter. Let's not make our duties a hurdle between our relationship."

"Is that even possible?" Seokmin scoffed, "They won't say anything to us but instead start fighting which is the last thing I want."

"We won't tell them. We won't tell anyone." Joshua sternly declared, "Let's keep our mouths shut, like this." He captured the younger's lips amidst his own as they moved in sync. The overwhelming emotions of almost breaking their bond were long gone as they were within each other's arms. The ecstatic feeling of the close proximity was enough for them to assure each other.

Joshua rested his forehead against the younger's, "I can't imagine being separated from you, please, don't even think about it."
-----

"I remember I was so scared at that time." Seokmin recalled, "But you saved us from falling."

Joshua simply nodded as he felt dizzy because a lot of things that were running inside his head.

"What happened hyung?" Seokmin held the older's hand, "You don't look in a very good mood."

"Of course. I'm sorry I'm not giving you my whole attention." Joshua sat down on a bench along with Seokmin, "But I feel really bad after lying to Jeonghan. He was worried when I said that I was not feeling well but it was all an excuse to come here."

"Don't worry hyung, I know, he was always like that." Seokmin chuckled bitterly, "He used to get concerned over the slightest things."

"We were all like that actually." Joshua added, "We were always by each other's side. It was so funny, no one dared to mess with us."

"Specially Hoshi hyung, he would instantly get ready to fight anyone and everyone who would lay a single hand on any of us."

"Right. He was the most hyper one." Joshua giggled, "But we can't say anything as all of us used to fuel and support him. Remember that one time, when we almost killed a man who tried to mess with you?"

"How can I forget that? But we were saved from getting suspended because of our academic image and the whole class supported us." Seokmin laughed, "We were really something."

"Seungcheol."

"Yeah Cheol hyung too, he was hella protective for us." Seokmin grinned.

Joshua forcefully turned Seokmin around, "Seungcheol is here!"

They saw the leader grazing past the bushes as he looked around the area. The immediately hid behind a tree as Seokmin caged Joshua amidst himself and the wood, "What is he doing here?"

"How can I know?" Joshua worriedly stated, "We can't get caught."

"No way!" Seokmin bit his lips, "I think he's inspecting this area for the clue of demons."

"You're right." Joshua took a glance and hid back again, "Seokmin, I think I should just leave. I'll teleport to my mansion, you lie to him that you were here to walk around or something. And please, take care!"

"But-"

"Seokmin? What are you doing here?" Seungcheol's voice rang in the younger's ears as he turned around. Joshua was gone by then, thankfully.

"N-nothing hyung." Seokmin smiled as brightly as he could to hide his nervousness, "I was just walking around."

"What a good place you chose to walk around." Seungcheol swung his arm around the younger's shoulder and continued to walk with him, "Don't spend too much time here. This place is the most dangerous one, you know that right? Let's go back, you must be tired."

Meanwhile Joshua sighed in relief as he got surrounded by the familiar four walls. He didn't get much time to relax as someone knocked at the door. He opened it revealing Hoshi.

"Ah Hoshi!" Joshua smiled, "You didn't sleep yet?"

"I was just going to." Hoshi paused, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah of course." Joshua scrunched his brows in confusion, "What made you ask so?"

"Nothing." Hoshi hesitated, " I just wanted to know."

"Jeonghan asked you to, didn't he?" Joshua investigated further.

"Well I'll not lie." Hoshi nervously fiddled with his fingers, "But he did. He was worried for you."

"He could have asked himself." Joshua looked away, "Plus I already told him that I was fine."

"He thought you didn't want to share it with him." Hoshi carefully revealed as he didn't want to cause any misunderstandings between the two older ones, "I mean, not like-"

"I'll talk to him." Joshua scoffed, "Go back to your room."

"Good night." Hoshi simply nodded and left. Joshua locked his room and went to visit Jeonghan.

He stepped into the room and found the older one staring at the sky through his window. He stood beside him and they had enough mutual understanding to perceive each other's thought process.

"I think there's something I should know." Jeonghan kept looking at the stars, "But I don't."

Yes, there is.

"I'm perfectly fine Jeonghan, you don't need to worry." Joshua reassured, "I already told you. The humans and then that meeting with Rose Quartz, everything was so messed up, I just needed some time to comprehend everything."

"I don't want you to explain, Joshua." Jeonghan's soft and alluring voice echoed, "I just want you to know that you can talk to me anytime you want. I would never force my differences with Seungcheol over you guys.

You guys shouldn't stay apart from each other. After all, this has nothing to do with you guys. It's between me and him, you all don't need to suffer. I tried to make Mingyu and Hoshi understand this too but they straight up denied."

"Of course they will." Joshua turned towards the older one, "Because this should be mutual. I don't think they're willing to make decisions like that then why should we?"

"Why? You guys don't need to fight because of me and him." Jeonghan rested his head against the wall, "You all should stay out of this."

"It would worsen the situation Jeonghan. When you left, yes, we fought over that incident but later, it turned into personal conflicts." Joshua explained, "Specially between Hoshi and Woozi. They used to have constant fights because Hoshi thought he wasn't enough for Woozi and that's why he used to push him away. Plus, the Rose Quartz Stylth used to hang out with some people who were our enemies so it never turned out well."

Jeonghan closed his eyes for a brief second, "Sometimes I regret everything I did back then."

"But it's all in the past now." Seungcheol sipped his wine, "I can't help it."

"I know right." Wonwoo nodded as they both sat on the balcony of his room, "Hyung, I too think that you should stop trying now. I mean it has been years and they don't seem to understand. It's not even your fault."

"I know but I can't spend my life with the tag of a betrayer." Seungcheol turned his face towards the sky, "I need to find out the person because of whom I got framed wrongly."

"I'm not asking you to stop your hunt." Wonwoo went to stand beside Seungcheol, "All I'm saying is to stop explaining yourself to them. It's useless until you get solid proof of your innocence."

"You're right." Seungcheol agreed, "My value keeps decreasing every time I beg him for a chance and all I get each time, is, disappointment. I really should stop."

"After all that's what they want." Wonwoo gulped down his drink, "And what did you want to talk about Seokmin?"

"Oh yeah, I totally forgot." Seungcheol looked at Wonwoo, "I think something is bothering him. I don't know why he was roaming around alone in the unsupervised area of the coast, he never goes there. I asked him but he said he was fine. I think you should ask him too, without being obvious."

"Okay I'll look into it, don't worry."

A/n : I swear this was the last chapter which seemed like a filler but was not, the spice is on the way. New appearances, in the next chapter along with core drama!! Stay tuned!

Carats, let's cry cuz Seventeen won the awards and our hearts + the speech+ SCOUPS😭😭. Congratulations to sebongs!! (I'm late here but I wrote this on the day of mama)

And no more divorce era cuz :-

Okay jokes aside, it was very heart warming! I'm so happy! We have a long way to go! Seventeen and carats, do well in your lives and careers! Praying for everyone!!
Fighting!

And, and, and - Guess who's arriving in the next chapter?

Take care everyone!
-Jeonghanneyonghaseyo