1. An Unexpected Discovery

A/N - i know i have a lot of stories that i need to continue but this plot came to me and i had to write it, even if it ends up being a one-shot haha enjoy? finally writing about vampires again. will get back to the other stories soon

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Taehyung taps his foot impatiently. He huffs and glances at his wristwatch.

"Where is he?," Taehyung grumbles. "He's ten minutes late."

"Taehyungie!"

When Taehyung spots a figure dashing towards him in the distance, he immediately beams and waves his arms wildly in the air.

"Jiminie!," Taehyung yells. "Over here!"

Jimin reaches Taehyung, finally. He huffs loudly and grabs his knees. His large gym bag nearly slips off his shoulder but he catches it before it could fall.

"I'm sorry," Jimin heaves. "Was caught up with training. Coach wanted overtime."

"Hey, it's okay," Taehyung grins. "At least you made it!"

Jimin inhales deeply. He glances behind Taehyung. "Okay, so— now can you tell me why you want to meet here of all places?"

A mischievous smile grows on Taehyung's face. He fishes out his hand-cam from his pocket and cackles.

"Oh no," Jimin says.

"Oh yes!," Taehyung cheers. "I finally have an idea for my next video!"

"Tae," Jimin sighs loudly. "This is a bad idea."

Taehyung hums as he wipes his camera's lenses with a cloth. "What do you mean?"

"What do I mean?," Jimin grimaces. "Damn it, Tae! Just look at this place!"

Hearing the tone in Jimin's voice, Taehyung turns around to look up at the house— an abandoned one, in fact, located just a few blocks away from both of their houses.

The house's wooden exterior is dark and rotting with molds littered all over. Strangely enough, the grass on its yard is dried up compared to the property outside its area. Glass windows are shattered and Taehyung swears that he can see shadows moving inside.

"Hm?," Taehyung hums and switches on the camera. "Relax, Jimin. This house looks a lot tamer than all the other places I've broken into!"

"How is that reassuring?!," Jimin steps back when Taehyung turns the lens towards him.

"Smile for the camera!," Taehyung grins and snaps a pic, right as Jimin raises his hands over his face. "Hey!"

"Tae, I'm serious!"

Taehyung nearly drops his camera when Jimin steps forward and grabs his shoulders tightly. Despite their height difference, Jimin stands on his toes and looks up at him intensely.

"You know the rumors!," Jimin whispers. "There's a witch that lives there! What if you get cursed and turn into a frog!"

It makes Taehyung laugh. "Jimin, witches don't exist. And I'm pretty sure I'd be a good looking frog."

"Ew," Jimin frowns. He pinches his own nose-bridge. "Look, what if you caught get again? I am not bailing you out for the third time."

Taehyung puts on a wide boxy grin. "That's why you're here! To make sure I don't get caught!"

Jimin's eye twitches. "Eh?"

"Just scream if anyone comes near, okay?," Taehyung smiles. "I'll be right back!"

"Tae, wait!"

"It's for the content, Jimin!"

Jimin sighs and sits on the dried grass as his friend disappears into the abandoned house. Meanwhile, Taehyung fishes out his flashlight from his pocket and switches it on as soon as he closes the dual doors behind him.

Of course, Taehyung turns on his camera as well. A red dot glows as he starts recording.

Taehyung clears his throat. "Long time no see, Tae-natics! Welcome to another one of my videos!"

His flashlight flickers for a bit so he shakes it until the light is at its brightest. It illuminates the hallway in front of him and gives view of the dusty red carpets on the ground.

"Whoa, it's cold in here," Taehyung shivers. "Oh— today, I'm going to explore this supposedly haunted house!"

Then Taehyung flips the camera to face him and he smiles wildly. He ignores the chill in the air the low howling of wind from just up ahead.

"This house is located just a few blocks away from my house!," Taehyung whispers. "Isn't that spooky?"

After Taehyung makes a comedic expression, he turns the camera back towards the hallway. The big grin on his face fades almost immediately.

"Anyways, it's really cold here," Taehyung says as he starts walking. "Weird, it's the middle of the afternoon."

A short silence passes as Taehyung walks down the hallway. Every step he makes scatters dust everywhere. He sneezes at one point and misses the shadow that passes overhead.

"God, it's so dusty!," Taehyung sniffles. "Smelly, too. Guess nobody has been here for ages."

When Taehyung spots a few doors, stops in front of one and tries to open it. The doorknob rattles loosely in his hand and he accidentally pulls it off the door.

Taehyung stares and chuckles. "Whoops."

He pockets the doorknob and moves on. Taehyung tries all the other doors but they're all either locked or have broken doorknob.

"Hey, I've been here for a few mins and I still have all my parts!," Taehyung says cheerfully. "I guess this place isn't haunted after a—"

Suddenly the floor beneath Taehyung collapses and he's falling. He screams and clutches onto his camera tightly as he free falls onto a hard wooden floor. His ass aches as he lands right on his bum.

"Ouch," Taehyung whispers. "That hurt. Don't worry guys, I'm okay!"

Once Taehyung finds his flashlight on the ground, he picks it up and switches it on. His jaw drops at the sight before him— contrary to upstairs desolate status, the basement area of the house is fully furnished and is adorned with candle lit lighting.

The same red carpet is spread across the ground but this time it's clean and actually smells freshly laundered. No longer pitch black, the hallways are illuminated by lit candles and torches hanging on the walls.

"Whoa!," Taehyung stumbles to his feet. "Look, guys! I think I've come across a secret area!"

Taehyung moves his flashlight around and sees multiple portraits hanging on the wall. They're all of unfamiliar people but are all wearing clothing from what seemed like the Victorian era.

Due to his fascination, Taehyung blindly follows the portraits and watches as the youngest of each grows older with each painting he passes. Eventually he reaches the last portrait, which strangely only has the image of a lonely who looks no older than him.

Taehyung stares. There's something different about the boy in this portrait— maybe it's the fact that his smooth pale skin glows considerably compared to the others or that his big red eyes are blood red and seemingly pierce through him even in paint.

"Huh," Taehyung speaks a breathlessly. "Don't you guys agree that whoever this is... is really pretty?"

Without realizing it, Taehyung finds himself sighing. As he stares at the portrait, he doesn't notice the shadows shift behind him again.

"What am I saying," Taehyung laughs and shakes his head. "This dude's probably dead anyways."

When a cold breeze pierces the air, Taehyung freezes on the spot. He feels a chill run down his spine and the hairs on the back of his neck begin to stand. Unknowingly, his hands start to tremble.

Taehyung laughs awkwardly into the camera. "Believe it or not, guys, I just felt that breeze again."

Goosebumps rise all over Taehyung's skin. The shadows behind him shift again but this time he sees it through the reflection of his camera's flip screen. A figure emerges behind him.

"Hah," Taehyung exhales loudly. "I know you guys can't see it right now... but there's definitely someone standing behind me."

The figure behind Taehyung doesn't say anything and just watches him. He eventually turns off his camera and shakily shoves it back into his pocket.

"You know," Taehyung chuckles to himself. "I didn't come here to die."

"Then you coming into my abode was a grave mistake."

Taehyung's heart stops. Although the deep voice is undoubtedly attractive, he thinks back to Jimin's words and remembers the rumors— don't you know, a witch lives in this house.

"Are you a witch?," Taehyung says without much thought.

Instead of a reply, a freezing hand grabs his arm. "It is rude to not face the person you are conversing with. Turn around and we shall speak properly."

Now, Taehyung's heart is pounding against his chest. The chilling grip on his arm is more than threatening. He gulps loudly and turns around with his eyes shut tightly.

"Open your eyes, mortal."

Mortal? Taehyung finds it weird. Why does this guy speak like he's from the eighteenth century? And who even calls people mortals?

Somehow, those thoughts give Taehyung the confidence to open his eyes. But then his heart stops again because the man in front of him— it's the same beautiful person on that portrait.

His skin is just as pale, eyes just as round and blood red. Taehyung himself is fairly tall and this stranger towers over him by a few inches. He's just as ethereal as he was in the painting— except he's right here, alive. The thought takes his breath away.

"Have you lost your words, mortal?," The man's voice rumbles as he steps out of the shadows. "I ask why you have entered my quarters."

And when the man steps out, Taehyung gets to see his outfit. Again, it's identical to the portrait. He's wearing a long dark coat with a spiky collar and an inner white shirt with ruffled sleeves. He has tight black slacks and matching shoes.

Taehyung instinctively steps back until he's leaning on the wall with the portrait hanging right overhead. The man steps forward until their faces are mere inches away from each other.

"I shall ask one last time," He bares his teeth to reveal sharp fangs. "Why are you here?"

Of course, Taehyung feels intimated— but the longer he stares at the man's face, the more the dots connect in his head. Pale skin, red eyes, sharp fangs

"Wait a minute!," Taehyung exclaims. "You're a vampire!"

The man raises his brow. "Your excitement confuses me."

Taehyung grins, fear no longer in his system. "Well, Jimin told me a witch lives here so I said— that's impossible! Now it turns out there's actually a vampire down here! Talk about jackpot!"

"...Do you not understand?"

Suddenly the man walks closer and his hot breath fans Taehyung's cheeks. He freezes a bit when that cold grip moves from his arm to his neck.

"All I have to do is sink my teeth into your neck," He whispers. "And I can kill you within mere seconds."

Taehyung blinks. Once it registers, he giggles. "Go ahead then. I won't mind!"

The man leans back. There's a big frown on his face. "You are... strange. What is your name?"

"Kim Taehyung!," Taehyung beams. "I live five blocks away!"

"I see," The vampire nods. "I am Jeon Jungkook, last of the Jeon clan."

"So you really are a vampire!," Taehyung grins. "Oh man, this is so cool!"

Jungkook tilts his head. "Do you not fear me at all?"

"Well, I did for a bit," Taehyung shrubs. "But honestly, you don't look that threatening."

Those words strike a nerve in Jungkook. "Excuse me?"

"What I meant was— you have round cheeks, round eyes," Taehyung points at Jungkook's face. "Basically, your whole face is round. People think that's cute."

And so do I, because God, I find vampires so damn hot— Taehyung announces loudly in his mind.

"Cute?," Jungkook hums. "The humans of this era... will think I am cute?"

"I don't speak for every human being on this planet," Taehyung laughs. "But yeah, that's a possibili—"

When Jungkook suddenly pins his arm to the wall, Taehyung jumps because of the loud cracking of stone he hears right next to his head. Suddenly the vampire's expression changes and his eyes glow brighter.

"For centuries, my family has threatened humans by haunting their dreams and feeding on their young," Jungkook hisses with bared fangs. "Not once has a relative of mine ever been called cute and I have no intention on letting you instill that image onto me."

Taehyung feels more conflicted than ever. Although he can tell by the look in Jungkook's eyes that his neck can be snapped any second, he can't but think of the possibility of being killed by a vampire to be so damn hot.

And who else is Taehyung to blame? Vampire Diaries. Twilight. All those pop culture versions of vampires feeding into his kink of being sucked dry has led to this moment.

But Taehyung doesn't want to die. He plants his hands on Jungkook's chest and pushes him back slowly. "So you don't want to be called cute. Got that. Noted."

It takes a moment but Jungkook eventually calms down. His eyes go back to a less brighter shade of red and his fangs pull back and hide within his teeth. He steps back and sighs.

"I apologize for my behavior," Jungkook shakes his head. "I am not used to interacting with your kind."

"Uh, it's fine," Taehyung brushes the dust off his shoulders. "I should probably go— I mean as fun as it sounds to be hanging out with a vampire, I don't think you'd want that."

Jungkook raises a brow but doesn't say anything. Taking it as a sign, Taehyung slowly slips away from the vampire's view.

"You have not told me your reason for being here," Jungkook announces.

"Doesn't matter," Taehyung grins sheepishly. "It was nice meeting you, Jungkook. I shall take my leave."

With that, Taehyung spins on his heel and makes a less than obvious run for it. Every fiber of his being has been telling him to run ever since that kadebon moment with Jungkook and now there's adrenaline pulsing in his veins.

But Taehyung doesn't even take five steps before he slams onto someone's chest. Dread pools in his gut as he slowly looks up to meet Jungkook's angry red eyes.

"Did I say you could leave, human?," Jungkook asks with a smirk.

"Well, no, but—," Taehyung puts on an awkward grin. "My friend is waiting for me outside so—"

"The existence of my kind has been kept secret for centuries," Jungkook smiles. "And if you, a mere human with the grave knowledge of my presence, is to be let out into the world— That would be quite unpleasant, hm?"

"Er, it's not like I'll tell anyone—"

"Humanity survives with broken promises and twisted lies," Jungkook grins again with his fangs peaking from behind his lips. "Who will know if you are capable of keeping my presence a secret or not?"

Jungkook leans closer and their noses almost touch again. Although the expression on the vampire's face is much tamer, Taehyung still feels the same amount of dread swirl in his gut.

"Tell me, Kim Taehyung," Jungkook whispers. "Tell me why I should not confine you within my palace walls and feed off your blood for all eternity."

For a moment, Taehyung's mind goes blank and all his thoughts fade away. He stares at Jungkook's red eyes and studies the cocky smirk on his face.

Then Taehyung remembers the state of the hallways upstairs and huffs. "You haven't been upstairs, have you?"

Jungkook's smile fades. "Elaborate."

"Well, it's really dusty up there and it smells like ass!," Taehyung grimaces. "I bet not even a vampire like you would survive living in this so called palace."

Jungkook suddenly growls loudly. "You dare challenge me?"

Taehyung shrugs. "Check it out yourself."

After Jungkook releases another low growl, he disappears. Judging by the cloud of dust left in his place, Taehyung assumes that the vampire possesses some sort of super speed ability.

Taehyung confirms his thoughts when Jungkook returns within seconds with some specks of dust still on his hair. There's a big frown on the vampire's face.

"So?," Taehyung swats dusty air with his hand. "How was it?"

"I must admit," Jungkook runs a hand through his long curly hair. "I have not explored the remaining areas of my mansion for a few decades."

"De...Decades?," Taehyung questions.

"The foundations of my mansion has began to rot throughout the years," Jungkook sighs and pats the dust off his clothes. "Thus there is more risk of sunlight penetrating through the walls."

"Sunlight?," Taehyung beams. "What's wrong with that? Don't you just glitter like diamonds?"

Not even a second passes before Jungkook's eyes start to glow again. "Insult my kind one more time and I will slit your throat where you stand."

"Okay, okay!," Taehyung raises his hands. "You don't shine under sunlight, I got it!"

Jungkook immediately retreats. He sighs and his features become calmer. "Now what was your intention when you sent me upstairs?"

"Well," Taehyung clicks his tongue. "I'm just saying... if you're going to trap me here, you should at least clean up. You wouldn't want your blood-bag to suffocate, would you?"

Contrary to Taehyung's expectations, Jungkook laughs. "Your bravery amuses me. Maybe I shall let you leave."

"That's it!," Taehyung snaps his fingers. "So I'll go ahead—"

"Wait a moment," Jungkook calls. Taehyung freezes mid-sprint. "There is a condition."

A thousand thoughts cross Taehyung's mind upon hearing Jungkook's plea. What if the condition is for him to become a vampire and live by his side? Oh, how romantic, the very thought of it makes his heart beat against his ribcage

"Excuse me?," Jungkook waves a hand in front of Taehyung's face. "Are you in some sort of trance?"

"Oh, sorry, I was thinking," Taehyung grins. "What about that condition?"

Jungkook gives Taehyung another strange look. He looks like he's about to say something but in the end, the vampire lets out a loud sigh.

"Alright," Jungkook tugs at his cape. "I want you to answer all of my questions about your kind's modern culture."

"Modern culture?," Taehyung's eyebrows furrow. "Wait— how long has it been since you've been outside?"

The vampire hums. Jungkook ponders for a bit with both his eyebrows scrunched together. "According to my rough calculations... it may have been a little over seven decades."

"Oh my God," Taehyung murmurs to himself. "Why haven't you gone outside? Even in the night?"

Jungkook looks up at him with a piercing gaze and Taehyung concludes that maybe that question might be a little too personal for the vampire.

"Okay, sheesh, you don't want to answer that," Taehyung thinks for a bit. "Hey... I have a condition too."

"Do tell," Jungkook smirks.

Taehyung smiles and pulls out his camera. "For every question I answer, I can ask you a question too!"

"That sounds reasonable," Jungkook gazes at the camera in Taehyung's hand. "What is that object?"

"This?," Taehyung chimes. "It's a camera."

Jungkook stares at the camera with wonder but looks back up at Taehyung with a glare. "No photography."

Taehyung pouts and puts away his camera. "Fine."

With that, Jungkook leads Taehyung deeper into the hallway. He basically prances down the hall, the very thought of sitting with a vampire and having a casual talk with one bringing him more joy than words could express.

So when Taehyung sits atop a closed casket with Jungkook right next to him, he just knows that his heart would burst out of his chest at any moment.

"Okay," Taehyung speaks giddily. "Hit me with those questions!"

Jungkook hums to himself. "May I see your camera?"

"Of course!," Taehyung immediately hands Jungkook his cam. "Here you go!"

Taehyung watches as Jungkook curiously fiddles with the camera. The vampire stares at it lenses and jumps a bit when the flip screen pops up after he presses a button.

"How peculiar," Jungkook hums. "So your kind has invented smaller cameras?"

"What were the cameras of your times like?," Taehyung tilts his head.

"They were called press cameras," Jungkook nods. "There were large bulbs attached to their sides. Where is the bulb of this device?"

"They're inside it now," Taehyung points at the flash. "To reduce it's weight."

"I see," Jungkook murmurs. "Interesting. Your kind comes up with the most unique inventions."

Taehyung grins. "Okay, Jungkook. Time for my question!"

"Hm," Jungkook smiles at him. "Go ahead."

It takes a moment for Taehyung to find the right words. "If you don't glow under sunlight... does that mean you burn?"

"Yes," Jungkook nods. "The sunlight burns our kind to ash. It is a grisly sight."

"So that's why you've been cooped up in here so long," Taehyung hums. "But why don't you go out in the evening?"

"One question at a time, human," Jungkook speaks a bit sternly. "It was our deal."

"Right, right," Taehyung laughs nervously. "What's your question?"

Suddenly, Jungkook scoots closer. Taehyung gulps a bit and can't help but feel a bit of excitement as the vampire ghosts his fingers down his cheek.

"I have been wondering," Jungkook whispers slowly. "What do you taste like?"

"Eh?," Taehyung squeaks out.

Jungkook chuckles and leans bit. "I am joking. I would like to know your purpose of entering my abode— since you have failed to answer that question."

"Oh," Taehyung blinks. "Well, I make YouTube videos!"

"YouTube?," Jungkook tilts his head. "What is YouTube?"

"Well, it's—"

Taehyung winces when he feels a sharp pain on his thumb. He looks down and realizes that his skin was cut by a splinter of Jungkook's coffin.

"Ow, damn," Taehyung sucks on his thumb. "Sorry, I'll continue."

But before Taehyung can speak, Jungkook grabs his wounded finger. The vampire's eyes shift again, this time the red hue turning darker. He stares at the wound and watches a drop of blood drip out.

Taehyung starts to panic a bit but also can't help but anticipate what's to come next. Then Jungkook plants a soft kiss on his thumb and Taehyung shivers at the light touch of his lips.

"Hm," Jungkook hums as he pulls away. "I see. This will be a problem."

Taehyung's mind freezes for a few seconds. He feels the heat rise to his cheeks as Jungkook casually licks his lips. A vampire just kissed my thumb, a vampire just—

"W-W-What do you mean?," Taehyung stutters.

Instead of answering, Jungkook gives him a smirk. Taehyung shrieks when a loud screech suddenly resounds across the halls. The sound is absurdly high pitched and he feels like his ears are about to bleed.

"What is that?!," Taehyung screams and covers his ears.

"Oh," Jungkook says simply. "It seems that they have found you."

"They?," Taehyung trembles a bit. "Who are they?"

"The ghouls," Jungkook sighs. "Please stand behind me."

Taehyung stumbles to his feet as the vampire stands in front of him. He peeks over Jungkook's shoulder and sees multiple tiny figures move in the darkness. In an instinctive action, he reaches for his camera.

"Now, now," Jungkook shakes his head. "This is no way to treat a guest of the manor. You are frightening him."

The ghouls flutter in the air and almost look like specks of dust. They swirl and continue to release that high-pitched scream until finally, they take shape. Taehyung stares at the grisly creatures, at their thin legs, saggy grey skin and large bulging eyes.

When the ghouls part, a much bigger one appears behind the crowd. It has little horns curving over its head with large beady eyes and even saggier skin.

Jungkook tugs at his cape. "This is quite interesting. The ghouls have never bothered any of my other guests."

"Other guests?," Taehyung questions with wide eyes.

With a light laugh, Jungkook steps forward. "Tell me, little ones, what is your business here?"

The ghouls look up at Jungkook. Their voices screech like forks against plates but somehow the vampire nods in understanding. Taehyung watches carefully— and fearfully at the sight.

"I see," Jungkook kneels down. "But he is my guest. I would much prefer if you and your friends leave him be."

The larger ghoul starts to screech angrily and Taehyung covers his ears again. Jungkook frowns as the other ghouls start to disperse at the very back of the ground.

"I have put up with you living within my walls," Jungkook smiles. "But there is a line you ghouls must not cross."

Taehyung stands frozen in front of Jungkook's coffin. He hears the ghouls' voices again but they sound like whispers all around him. Figures dance in the shadows and swirl on the ground around his feet.

"Uh," Taehyung gulps. "Jungkook?"

"Hm?," The vampire hums in response.

Taehyung fails to reply when he sees some of the ghouls appear through the pool of darkness on the ground. They clutch onto his leg and smile up at him with a sharp toothy grin.

Then something grabs Taehyung's arm. He slowly turns to the side and sees a ghoul hanging from his elbow like a monkey while another fiddles with his hand— and stares intensely at his wounded thumb.

"Hey there," Taehyung chuckles awkwardly. "You guys are kind of cute—"

When the ghoul suddenly chomps on his thumb, Taehyung screams. The rest of the ghouls open their mouths wide but before any of them can sink their teeth in his flesh, a gust of wind blows all over him.

Suddenly the ghouls are sliced in half and Taehyung sees black blood explode in the air. A dark cloak swings over him and Jungkook appears in front of him, his claws out and dripping with black blood.

"Was I not understood?," Jungkook growls, his eyes glowing. "Did I not say that my guest is not to be harmed?"

The ghouls screech, some yelling angrily and others screaming in pain. After the largest of the ghouls raises its bony fingers, they all pounce at the two with bared teeth.

"Well then," Jungkook sighs. "You have left me no choice. Human, do not move."

Taehyung nods and grips his thumb. There are teeth marks on his finger and the bleeding is worse.

He watches as Jungkook presses his own palm against his mouth. His fangs graze his skin and dark blood flows out of it. Then he swipes his fingers and the blood starts to glow and swirl in the air.

The vampire's blood takes shape and forms into a long sword— a katana, Taehyung realizes after looking closely. Jungkook swings at an inhumane speed, so much so that all the human sees is the blur of his dark coat and the explosions of blue blood.

Ghoul carcasses fall to the ground before fading away to ash in seconds. All that's left is the largest ghoul, presumably its leader, standing amongst the bodies of its kind.

Jungkook steps forward slowly. The blade of his sword scrapes across the carpeted ground and leaves a trail of blue blood. The vampire kneels in front of the ghoul and smiles.

"I have warned you, yes?," Jungkook tilts his head. "I have dealt with your presence long enough. Would you like to join your kin in the depths of hell?"

The ghoul doesn't say anything for a moment. Then it glances at Taehyung and screeches in his direction before fading into the shadows on the ground.

Jungkook sighs and stands up. The sword dematerializes in his hands and fades into droplets of blood. He cracks his knuckles and turns towards Taehyung.

"I apologize," Jungkook frowns. "Those ghouls have lived in my walls for centuries. I did not expect them to act so feral towards you."

Taehyung doesn't say anything and ends up collapsing on the coffin after his legs lose strength.

"Why," Taehyung breathes. "Why were they after me?"

Jungkook just laughs. He gently grabs Taehyung's wounded thumb and slowly licks it. The sensation makes the human wince but then he sees the wound close almost immediately. He gasps.

"You see, human," Jungkook looks up and pokes his tongue out. His eyes are glowing. "Your blood— in all my years of living, there is nothing that can compare to it."

"What do you me—"

Taehyung yelps after Jungkook pulls him to his feet and grabs him by the waist. The small distance between their faces makes the human blush.

"For the creatures of the night, there are different classes of blood," Jungkook explains. "And judging from what I have tasted, I conclude that you belong to the S-class."

"S-class?," Taehyung questions. "You mean like— the most powerful one?"

Jungkook shakes his head. "Unfortunately no— but you have the most delectable blood for us vampires. With the escape of that ghoul, the discovery of a human with S-class blood will spread across my realm."

"That's... not good?," Taehyung says, his mind brewing with thoughts.

"From now on, every creature from my realm will hunt you for your blood," Jungkook grins. "Which is why I have come up with a different version of our agreement."

Jungkook spins and suddenly he's standing behind Taehyung. He strokes the human's cheeks with his clawed hands.

"As long as you teach me about your kind and your cultures," Jungkook whispers. "I will protect you from anything that tries to kill you."

"Uhm," Taehyung gulps. "Wait—"

"Provided that I get a taste from time to time, of course," Jungkook chuckles and leans closer to Taehyung's neck. "Better one ghoul than the rest, yes?"

Taehyung's mind is in shambles. So much has happened and his mind still struggles to process everything, especially with a vampire literally breathing down his neck.

But with all that's revealed, and whether Jungkook is actually telling the truth or not, Taehyung feels in his gut that with whatever he decides, it will not change the fact that his life is still in grave danger.

Oh, and there's also the thought of Jungkook sucking his blood, damn if that doesn't turn him on—

Taehyung shakes away his thoughts. He huffs. "O-Okay. I'll teach you."

Jungkook grins and spins again until he's in front of Taehyung. "Good! Now, will you lead me outside?"

"Outside?," Taehyung raises a brow. "Didn't you say that you'll burn under sunlight?"

Wordlessly, Jungkook swipes his claw on his palm. His blood drips again and this time forms into a large hat. He plants it on his head and a shadow casts over his face.

"This will suffice," Jungkook winks playfully. "Experience is key."

"W-Wait!," Taehyung stammers as he tails the vampire. "If you could do that this whole time, then why have you been cooped up here all these years—"

Taehyung lets out a small oof when he collides with Jungkook's back. Contrary to what he expects, the vampire turns around and merely presses a finger on his own lips.

"The cat is not the only living creature to have perished due to curiosity," Jungkook winks playfully. "Hold on tightly and hold your breath."

Just before Taehyung could question Jungkook's words, the vampire pulls him again until their chests touch. Then there's a strong gust of wind. Taehyung barely gets to hold in his breath.

When Taehyung opens his eyes, both he and Jungkook are standing in front of the house's main entrance. He inhales and immediately sneezes.

"You're leaving?," Taehyung sneezes again. "I thought you didn't want to."

"Your words have convinced me," Jungkook smirks and tips his hat. "It is about time I explore the human realm. Besides, it will be difficult to protect you here."

The words seemingly swirl in the air around Taehyung's head. Protect me... protect me... a vampire protecting me? He finds himself swooning alongside those thoughts.

But then it hits him. Taehyung jumps out of his trance when he comes to a realization. "Jimin!"

"Jimin?," Jungkook tilts his head.

"He's my friend waiting outside," Taehyung explains. "I don't think he would handle it if he found out you were a vampire."

"I see," Jungkook hums. "That can easily be arranged. Would you mind if I used hypnosis?"

"No!," Taehyung waves his hands. "Just— change your eye color or something."

Jungkook raises a brow at that. He sighs and closes his eyes as he carefully fixes his hair. Now his long curly fringe covers one of his eyes. There's a bit of silence as Taehyung watches him anxiously.

When Jungkook opens his eyes, he reveals irises that are as dark as night. "Does this satisfy you?"

"Oh, uh, yeah," Taehyung blinks. "That's really cool, by the way."

Jungkook laughs. "Lead the way."

With that, Taehyung nods and steps forward. He takes a deep breath before he opens the heavy dual doors. Sunlight immediately spills in from outside and blinds for a few seconds. Jungkook merely tips his hat lower.

Once Taehyung's eyes finally adjust to the brightness, he sees Jimin running towards him in a panic. The moment he fully steps out of the house, he is engulfed in a big hug.

"Taehyungie!," Jimin wails into his chest. "Thank God you're okay! I thought something happened to you!"

Taehyung laughs whilst the flashback of everything that happened flashes in his mind. "It's okay, Jiminie. I'm fine."

After Jimin pulls back from the hug, the smile on his face fades immediately. "Who is that?"

"Oh," Taehyung turns around. "This is Jungkook."

Jungkook grins from under his hat and waves. He has gloves on and Taehyung wonders if he materialized that from his own blood as well.

"Greetings," Jungkook presses a hand on his own chest and bows. "I am Jungkook."

Jimin understandably gives Taehyung a strange look. "Where... did you find him?"

"In there," Taehyung points at the house behind them with his thumb.

A short silence passes before Jimin leans into Taehyung's ear.

"Why did you bring a homeless guy out here?," Jimin whispers. "Is this the kind of content you want to have?! What if he's a murderer?!"

"Relax, Jimin," Taehyung grins. "He's, uh... he's another urban explorer!"

Jimin squints his eyes. "Another explorer, huh?"

"Yep!," Taehyung nods eagerly. "I found him in one of the rooms at the back. Apparently he likes breaking into abandoned houses too."

"Oh," Jimin nods. "He dresses weird."

Taehyung turns around. He sees Jungkook stomp on the dried grass, his expression completely concealed by his fringe and large hat. His dark cloak is long but cuts just right to avoid touching the ground.

"I mean look at him!," Jimin exclaims. "Who dresses that warmly during a hot summer day?!"

"He said he's a fan of Goblin," Taehyung blurts out thoughtlessly. "So he likes cosplaying as the characters."

Damn smooth, Tae. Taehyung mentally gives himself a facepalm.

"Oh?," Jimin smiles suddenly. "Hey, Jungkook! You like Goblin too?"

Panic sets in Taehyung's gut when Jungkook turns around and glances at Jimin questionably.

"Goblin? Hm...," Jungkook mutters. "They are hideous and barbaric creatures. I am not fond of them."

Jimin frowns and understandably gives Taehyung a strange look. Now Jungkook is staring at him too.

"Uh," Taehyung freezes for a bit. "He's actually a fan of the Reaper!"

"Ah, yes the Reaper," Jungkook smiles. "Truly the icon of fear. Only the most powerful and most privileged can escape his clutches."

The expression on Jimin's face is something Taehyung can't describe. He sighs loudly and stands between the two before swinging his arms over both their shoulders.

"Okay guys," Taehyung grins. "Why don't we hang out at my place for now— and get out of this heat."

Jungkook glances at him. "I would very much prefer that."

"You wouldn't feel so hot if you were wearing thinner clothes," Jimin grumbles under his breath.

But Jungkook hears him loud and clear. Taehyung assumes that the vampire has enhanced hearing as well.

"You dare question my fashion choices?"

"I'm just saying, there's such a thing as weather-appropriate clothing."

Jungkook leans in with a glare. "We may have just met but you are not someone I am fond of."

Even though Jimin stands on his toes, he struggles to reach Jungkook's eye level. "Well, you're pissing me off too. What's with the way you speak? You talk like you're a thousand years old."

Taehyung pinches his nose-bridge. He drags the two of them down the street quite literally and lets them burn each other with their gazes. They continue to bicker throughout their entire way to his house.

All the while, a figure watches them within the thicket of the woods. It cackles at the sight of the trio and disappears into the bushes without a sound.

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