CHAPTER TWENTY: "Pieces of the Past"

•••

Seonghwa POV:

Despite having my four males around as a way of extra protection, I couldn't help but feel my senses going into overdrive. Within my hand held the gentle embrace of the one person I felt compelled to protect, and the moment we had returned back to the mansion, I could feel the heightened tension of the entire court upon our arrival. All eyes were glued onto him, and even though it was made clear to all that he was not be to harmed, it didn't negate the primal instinct that still lured within their beings. It was the first time in history that a human was brought amongst us in such close proximity in years, and that alone only made things that much more difficult to ignore.

Opening the door to my office, I made my way inside with Hongjoong while the other four followed behind, as Wooyoung being the last to shut the door. Each took their seats in respective places as I guided the two of us to my chair. However, as soon as I took my seat, Hongjoong released his grip and stood next to me with his eyes directly focused on the four. "Alright...out of you all, I trust Seonghwa and Wooyoung the most...with San being a close third. Although that in itself is still limited..."

Hyunjin rolled his eyes before leaning back into the velvet sofa with Felix in arm. "If we wanted to harm you, it would've happened before you could even processed it...Sit down, will you? We brought you here for more than just business."

The blue-haired male briefly glanced around the room slowly, assumingely trying to find a place to sit as instructed. A smile grew on my face, and without warning, I gently pulled him onto my lap with a brief whisper in his ear. "...just relax. Everything is alright, love..."

"Shut up..." He whispered, but I could see the raised blush on his cheeks as he directed his attention on the others. "Anyway...if I'm here fore more than that, explain to me what's going on? I don't know anything about you, except for Wooyoung."

"That's because we are besties now!" Wooyoung winked before looking at the others. "But Hongjoong's right...we can't expect him to accept anything we say if we don't at least give him something to learn or believe in first."

"How about we tell him our pasts? Maybe that would be something?" San suggested.

Hongjoong nodded, and I could feel the tension in his body slowly dissipate at the idea. "...that would help in making this whole....ordeal...a little more close to normal. As normal as that can be anyway...."

I sighed. "Some of our pasts aren't exactly...easy to talk about Hongjoong."

"It's fine...we can start we the easier ones and then go down the trail of darkness," Felix smiled, but the clench in his teeth showed tension as he turned to his partner, "Baby...you go first, hmm?"

"Might as well since this human has no thought of changing his mind." Hyunjin sighed, waving his hands as he began, "my story really isn't much to talk about as I feel as though it came about as a blessing rather than a curse."

"I was a blind patient in the hospital who was caught in an accidental house fire. I had just turned 19 and was without parents, kicked out of the foster home system or whatever...As you can assume, due to having no sight, all of my other senses were heightened already, and injuries were minimal compared to my claimed cousin who I had lived with at the time, but unfortunately passed away. Therefore, I was alone and unclaimed for." He continued.

"My life wasn't any sort of struggle at all. I had a job, I had friends, and overall my disability didn't hinder me in the slightest. My life was actually good, but I didn't know how bad my injuries were until our former master came into my hospital room one night. He offered me the chance to be...this... but I rejected it at first....The idea seemed revolting to me, and I refused to believe such things like this existed. However...it was until I heard that the process to heal my burns would be extensive...is when I chose this life as a way to continue living without any sort of pain....Little did I know that I would gain the one the missing in my previous one: the ability to not only see, but to also see further than one could ever imagine, literally and figuratively speaking of course."

Glancing up, I could see Hongjoong's eyes fully captivated by the words shared, his heartbeat slightly increasing in pace as he spoke up quietly. "So...you don't regret choosing this lifestyle?"

Hyunjin shook his head, and for the first time in a while I saw a genuine smile on his face as he answered. "I was saved in more ways than one, so no, I don't regret it...I have Foresight now as my gift for a reason, so I considered that my blessing."

"I'll go next, as mine is not as sad either," San playfully cleared his throat, "See, my life was more so living for survival..."

"I lived with a single mother who had the responsibility to raise me on her own from the young age of 16. She was a trader, one who had the skill to negotiate or...some would say...con the elites out of their money to put food on the table and shelter over our heads. Safe to say I eventually learned how to do it myself, and it was the two of us against the world."

"However...she started getting sick, caught pneumonia during one winter and her health began to deteriorate rapidly. I spent my whole life focusing on taking care of her, being the one to make the deals in her place and overall provide for us instead of her doing it...until she passed away in her sleep..."

Hongjoong's breath hitched, and out of comfort, I intertwined my fingers into his as San concluded this story. Wooyoung rested his head onto San's shoulder while he chuckled sadly. "Her death didn't hurt me as much as I thought it would...because I knew she was in pain. I didn't want her to suffer and her passing only made me realize that she was no longer tortured with the sickness. Therefore, I focused my energy on just surviving the rest of life until our former master came to me. He didn't even have to offer or convince me of anything, as I was too eager and fascinated by the idea of being immortal. I embrace this life as not only for me, but to carry on her legacy."

"Carry on her legacy..." Hongjoong murmured, before raising an eyebrow. "So does that mean your power has to do with talking to people? Like hypnosis or something?"

San smirked looking at me with his voice teasing. "You got yourself a smart one, huh Hwa?"

"I consider myself still working to have him...but yes," I smiled, gently squeezing the male's hand, "I did."

"To answer your question...somewhat like that. I have the power of Persuasion, which is more so powerful suggestion than anything." San smiled. "I'm surprised you could've guessed."

"It wasn't hard, considering how you were able to basically cosplay as my agency's CEO that night." Hongjoong rolled his eyes. "I figured it was something like that, based on your story."

Wooyoung interrupted with a pout. "You know my story already, so I don't even get a chance to share it."

However, Hongjoong shook his head. "Actually, I do have a question. Your story doesn't quite add up regarding your power. You can read minds...but your past doesn't indicate anything close to mental illness or mental capabilities."

"Wooyoung, you didn't share everything, did you?" Hyunjin rolled his eyes. "Of course you didn't.."

Speaking up, I answered the hidden question lingering in his mind. "Wooyoung can read minds, but he's also someone who can use emotional manipulation too. I'm sure he shared with you his wish on his birthday, right?..." Hongjoong nodded in agreement, allowing me to continue, "basically...if he wants someone to feel a way, he can. Well, he's still learning..."

Hongjoong looked at Wooyoung with curiosity in his eyes. "So...you can cause pain if you wanted to?"

"Pain or...healing..." Wooyoung smiled sadly. "It's a work in progress, though..."

Felix spoke up, gathering everyone's attention instantly. "I'm allowing Seonghwa to share his story with the human in privacy, and will finalize this storytelling session..."

Focusing my eyes on the blonde, everyone except Hongjoong knew the magnitude and the tragic story that came with him. Out of all of us, I was the first one he ever shared the story with and that was out of pure trust from him. Only a select few had the privilege of knowing, and I knew that once the story was shared to Hongjoong, it solidified the trust of him being amongst us and our kind.

Hyunjin held Felix close as the male closed his eyes, taking a moments breath before reopening his eyes to a new color: a shade of green. Hongjoong grew wide-eyed at the sight, briefly glancing at me in confusion. All I could do was smile and shake my head, gesturing for him to focus on the male in the center of the conversation.

Tentatively, Felix began to speak. "...I was a sex slave since I was a young teenager. My parents sold me off for little money to supply their drug habits, and from then, I was passed around every night to different men and beaten every day for the owners personal fun..."

"Felix...you don't have to-" Hongjoong started, but Felix raised his hand to silence him.

"I'm sharing this because I want to, and if Seonghwa trusts you, then so shall I." Felix smiled, but it was clear that it was a struggle. "I won't bore you of the details, as that can happen at a different time...but I traveled all over the world, in different climates, conditions, and circumstances, all to just serve to the pleasure and benefits of others. However...one day I chose to escape...and it wasn't until I was nearly on my deathbed in the middle of an alley in Seoul when I was taken in by our former master. Similarly to you, I was still human when brought here...but I asked him to turn me. I wanted to be strong, to forget everything that ever happened to me...and I did...until I didn't."

Felix looked at Hyunjin with a smile. "I had my humanity turned off to all emotions until I met him...and without warning, something broke within me. Instead of hatred and pain...all I could feel was love. In some odd way I was saved twice, and I believe my gift of Mother Nature comes from two places: from my world experiences and from the love I feel in abundance..."

There was brief silence inside the room until Hongjoong spoke up quietly. "...I'm sorry of snapping at you earlier...I just-"

"There's no need to apologize, Hongjoong. I can tell you have your own personal history, and it's not my place to pry. In due time...I'll learn everything about you, including your boundaries." Felix smiled, and this time, the smile was genuine. "No hard feelings whatsoever."

Squeezing the male's hand in reassurance, I felt his body finally lean into me. Deep down, I could feel his heartbeat racing continuously, making me realize how much of a toll this whole thing had taken on him. Glancing at the four males, I spoke firmly. "Let's give him some space. It's been a long day..."

Each of them nodded and one by one, they made their way out of the office quietly. As soon as the door closed, leaving the two of us alone, Hongjoong broke out into a sob as he turned and hid his face into my neck. In quiet understanding, all I could do was wrap my arms around his shaking body as he released everything he was holding inside. A newfound feeling of pain came over me in that moment, a feeling that was long lost before now.

"It's alright my love...just let it out...I'm here..."

•••

Sitting down in my chair beside him, I watched as Hongjoong slept in my bed after two hours of weeping. His face looked peaceful, and all I wanted to do was keep that serene feeling alive for as long as possible. Based on his demeanor during the discussion earlier, I could feel the way his body was reacting to everything, not just to the stories that were told but also to the entire reality of the situation. Despite putting on a full front of confidence, deep down I knew he was overwhelmed from the moment we had stepped into the mansion. The fact that he was surrounded by vampires, creatures who were known to be silent killers of the night, would only terrorize any human just by the mere thought of it, and yet he remained as calm the entire time for as long as possible.

A small smile grew in my lips as I gently brushed a strand of hair away from his face, taking the sight beneath me with nothing but pure adoration. "...you're such a brave human...you don't know what you're doing to me..."

However, three knocks on my bedroom door could be heard, as with a slight wave of a finger, it opened to reveal Yuna and Julie standing at the doorway with two trays: one with water and another with food. "Please place the trays on the table over here by me." I commanded, not bothering to look as my eyes remained focused on the sleeping male next to me.

"Yes master, of course." They both said in unison, quickly following the order before bowing and departing silently.

My eyes never wavered from the male, as all I could see was him. I found myself feeling a way I never expected myself to succumb to, a combination between love and desperation that only compelled me even closer to him. There was something about it I couldn't put to words, almost as if it was as natural as breathing. As foreign as it may be to me, it was welcomed openly.

"You know he's not going to disappear on you, right?" A teasing voice spoke up, instantly collecting me from my thoughts.

With a soft sigh, I turned to the voice with a playful smile. "Very funny Wooyoung, is there something you need?"

"I just wanted to check in on you, and him..." Wooyoung smiled, making his way inside to study him closer, "..is he alright?"

"He will be...he was just exhausted.."

"More like overwhelmed. I could tell during the meeting," He sighed, "but I came here to also talk to you."

"About what exactly?"

Wooyoung's smile grew wider as he took a seat carefully on the edge of the bed. "It's nice to see you like this, Hwa...for the first time you are actually showing some vulnerability."

Rolling my eyes, I turned to the sleeping male with a scoff. "I'm not being vulnerable."

"But you are, and that's perfectly fine. You care about him...and it's safe to say that you've already chosen him as your mate."

"I can't choose that, Wooyoung. You know how that goes."

"I do," he paused, glancing over at Hongjoong's sleeping form, "but deep down, I know he already chose you too. Whether he wants to admit it aloud or not, he definitely cares for you the same way you do for him. Trust me. It's okay to be open about it."

"Did you come here to give me a lesson on love or something?" I teased.

"Oh not at all, master. How can someone like me do such a thing?" Wooyoung quietly giggled before getting up from the bed. "All I'm saying is that just go with whatever you are feeling. He may surprise you in more ways than one...he definitely has already in my eyes for even being here in such a place like this."

He began to walk towards the door to depart, but I stopped him in his tracks. "Wait...how is Felix doing?"

With a slow turn, I could see the strained look on his face as he answered. "Doing better than what we expected...he's currently sparring with San so that's a good sign."

"I just...didn't expect him to share his story so soon like that..." I whispered

"Neither did I, but maybe he sees something we don't in him," Wooyoung tilted his head with a soft smile, "out of all of us, Felix tends to know more about people's innermost feelings. He may have his own reasonings as to why he felt so comfortable opening up like that."

"Just watch over him for me. If anything happens, you call me."

With a playful salute, Wooyoung nodded. "You got it boss...just focus on who you have in front of you now. It seems as though he may be waking up anyway."

Before I could question him, he disappeared, but I could hear a slight groan come from the male below me as he stirred himself awake. "...Seonghwa?"

"Hey...take it easy..." I smiled, handing him a glass of water. "You must be exhausted."

"I'm fine..." he muttered, forcing himself to sit up before taking the glass, "thank you though..."

"For what?"

"For before...you know...me crying or whatever." He murmured, taking a sip to hide his growing blush on his cheeks.

A chuckle escaped my lips as I realized what was the issue. "There's no need to be embarrassed love...if anything, I commend you for holding out for so long."

Hongjoong rolled his eyes. "I don't cry, so don't expect it to happen again."

"Right, right, of course not."

"Are you sassing me?"

"Never," I teased, and I could see a smile threatening to break onto his lips in return, "but truly...are you alright? You know you don't have anything to be afraid of."

"I know...it's just..." he paused, "I just...didn't expect them to have such detailed pasts...it almost makes me wonder why you all are so feared when in reality, the similarities between us aren't that far off."

Placing the glass down, he looked at me with eyes that made my breath hitch before continuing. "...I don't want to know your story...yet...because I still need to earn your trust first. You gave me yours without warning...but I don't want you to trust me so willingly until I prove it to you."

A wave of warmth washed over me as I nodded, shaking my head in disbelief at the bluntness of words. "Alright...if that's what you wish, then sure."

"Glad we have an understanding then," He sighed, rubbing the back of his head, "I think I need to lay down again..."

"What you need to do is eat." I ordered, pulling the other tray towards him with mock sternness, "and don't worry, it's normal food, not blood bags."

"Ha-ha," he deadpanned, "Didn't take you for a comedian."

"Only with you if it makes you smile..."

On cue, a ferocious blush rose to his cheeks, but he quickly cursed to himself as he opened the tray. "Shut up, will you? All your smooth words..."

Chuckling to myself, I silently watched as he began to eat the prepared meal, vowing to myself that no matter what, he will always be cared for in the upmost matter inhumanly possible...