Chapter Text
The town of Whitebridge was nestled between rolling hills and dense forests. Its cobblestone streets wound through a collection of charming buildings, their facades painted in soft pastels, wooden panels, and ivy draped over bricks. Flower boxes spilt with blooms, filling the air with a faint, earthy fragrance. The square, with a stone fountain in the middle and cosy shops surrounding it, was the centre of the town. A centuries-old clock tower watched over it all.
Beyond the town’s edge, the world opened into untamed nature. The ancient woods had canopies so thick they transformed day into night, and sparkling creeks snaked through the lush bushes.
Hyunjin couldn’t help but feel that this place had an air of mystery, maybe a hint of magic. Not that he actually believed in these kinds of things. But he had always felt out of place, like an intruder, in the buzzing city and decided to try his luck in a town that looked as if it instead belonged in a storybook rather than the real world.
His parents had been surprised when he told them he’d be moving away. Far away. But something had changed over the past few months. Hyunjin had started to feel an inexplicable restlessness in the city—as if the environment was stifling him. The noise, the crowds, and the fast pace had left him feeling more disconnected and drained than ever.
It hadn’t really been a conscious decision to come here—more like he had followed a yearning he couldn’t quite explain.
He felt eyes on him as he walked along the street as he explored his new home. With all the tourists visiting the town, he wondered why he was the one the locals were staring at. Hyunjin ducked his head, letting his hair fall over his face as if to shield him from the curious gazes people were throwing at him.
Hyunjin’s eyes lit up as he saw a cute café. His curiosity spiked when he realised it had been merged with a flower shop. He stepped inside, and a little jingle chimed over his head as he opened the door. Tall windows, each sill adorned with vases of fresh flowers, let in enough sunlight to make the place cosy. Shelves lined with small potted plants, tiny succulents, and jars filled with dried herbs and handmade trinkets added to the inviting ambience.
Hyunijn felt at ease right away.
A young man with long blond hair and tiny braids stood behind the counter, smiling widely and waving goodbye to a customer he had just served.
His eyes landed on Hyunjin, and they seemed to sparkle for a moment before he said, “Hi! How can I help you?”
Hyunjin blinked, his cheeks blushing faintly. He hadn’t expected the deep voice. The boy was really pretty, and his sunshine demeanour intrigued him.
“Oh, uhm, one cup of coffee, please.”
“Coming right up!”
The barista quickly got to work, and Hyunjin let his gaze drift over the shop once more. He breathed in, smiling softly at the scent of flowers and coffee in the air. A few customers were sitting outside at small, white tables, each decorated with a tiny glass jug filled with various wildflowers. Others sat inside, talking softly, eating pastries and drinking tea.
A counter divided the café half from the floral half. On one side, an expensive-looking espresso machine gleamed under a chalkboard menu listing an array of drinks and pastries. On the other, buckets of fresh flowers and bouquets stood neatly in rows, their colours a mix of pastels and rich tones.
The shop felt small in the best way—intimate without being cramped. It was the kind of place where you could lose track of time, sipping coffee while flipping through a book or chatting with the person across from you. For a moment, Hyunjin felt a pang of nostalgia for something he couldn’t quite place.
Hyunjin found himself standing in front of the flowers as if his feet had moved out of their own accord. He brushed a finger over the petals, and for a moment, he felt as if they leaned into his touch, and he quickly pulled his hand back.
“You like flowers?”
The barista’s voice startled him, and Hyunjin turned around, smiling sheepishly at the young man.
“Yeah. I love them.”
The barista hummed, his eyes lingering a little too long on Hyunjin, and he blushed, ducking his head.
“Your coffee is ready,” the young man said, his broad smile returning.
“Thank you,” Hyunjin muttered and quickly paid for the beverage.
“You should take some flowers before you leave.”
The blond’s eyes seemed to glow for a split second, and Hyunjin’s breath hitched. It must have been a trick of the sunlight.
Hyunjin nodded. “I might do that.”
“I’m Felix, by the way,” the barista introduced himself.
“Oh. I’m Hyunjin.”
Felix tilted his head slightly. “Are you a tourist?”
Hyunjin sipped at his coffee, shaking his head. “No. I just moved here.”
“Really? We don’t get a lot of newcomers here. Most get too bored of the small-town life and the folklore rooted within it.”
Hyunjin had read about that, of course. About vampires snacking on humans, werewolves roaming the woods, and witches selling their charms at the market.
“And you don’t believe any of it?” Hyunjin asked.
Felix chuckled. “I don’t have time for these bedtime stories. It’s all just part of the town’s charm, and the tourists love it, too. It’s mostly the elderly who still believe all these stories are real. I’m sure they’ll try to lure you in as well.”
Hyunjin smiled politely, though something about Felix’s dismissive tone made him wonder. It was a little too quick, a little too practised, like someone who had learned how to tell a lie so well that it came out automatically.
“Anyway.” Felix clapped his hands once. “Welcome to Whitebridge and my little haven. Thought it would be nice to have a place where people can grab a coffee, chat, and leave with a little piece of beauty to take home.”
Hyunjin nodded. “I really like this place. It has two of my favourite things: coffee and flowers.”
“Thank you!” Felix beamed at him, and Hyunjin’s smile widened as well. “It’s a bit difficult right now since we lost another colleague.”
Hyunjin’s eyes rounded. “Lost?”
Felix giggled, waving his hand dismissively. “No, not what you think! They moved away. They used to take care of the flowers, arrange bouquets and help out with the café during the busy hours.”
“Oh, I see,” Hyunjin replied, taking another sip of his coffee.
Felix curiously eyed him again, his eyes narrowing slightly as a grin spread over his freckled, pretty face. “Say… Do you have a job here? In Whitebridge?”
Hyunjin shook his head, blushing. He had taken all of his savings and some extra from his parents—which they had insisted he’d use—and moved here without spending too much time looking for work. He had expected he’d have to commute between the small town and the next bigger one.
“Excellent!” Felix exclaimed to Hyunjin’s surprise. “I could really use help around here. It’s only Jeongin and me, and Minho helps out as well. Minho is my brother, and Jeongin is pretty much like a brother to me.”
Hyunjin’s eyes grew bigger. “Seriously? You… you don’t even know me.”
Felix shrugged. “I trust my guts, and I feel like you’re a pretty good guy.”
“Are you really sure?”
“I’ll be honest. I’m a bit desperate. You need a job, I have one. Jeongin and I will show you how to make the beverages. It gets hectic during lunchtime and after people get off from work. Trains and buses stop here, and people have to wait for the following connections. You’ll get used to it, though.”
Hyunjin nodded along, still processing that he had been offered a job just like that.
“Of course, there are always the tourists, too. They tip very well,” Felix added with a grin. “But with your face, you won’t have any problems with that at all.”
Hyunjin’s lips parted, and he felt heat creep up his neck and ears. He chuckled shyly, shaking his head.
“Have you ever worked with flowers?” Felix asked.
“Yeah, a bit. Back at home—I mean my former home—I always bought flowers or bouquets and rearranged them to my liking…”
Felix’s eyes seemed to sparkle at that. “Oh, this feels like fate, Hyunjin! How are the chances that you walked into my café today when I’m looking for help!”
Hyunijn giggled, finding Felix’s reaction endearing. “Well, I have no idea if I’m any good at selling my creations.”
Felix grinned at him. “We can change that right away. Up for a little task and show off your skills?”
“Sure. What would you like me to do?”
Felix gestured at the flowers. “Just have fun and take whatever you need. I’m looking forward to the result.”
“Alright,” Hyunjin said softly, stepping behind the counter and closer to the buckets.
He reached for the freesias first, their hues of yellow, orange and red reminding him of light bursts of sunlight. He arranged them as the base. Next, he added hyacinths, their deep purple blossoms grounding the brightness of the freesias, followed by green trick, its soft, round texture adding a playful energy.
As Hyunjin worked, he lost himself in the quiet rhythm of the task. His hands moved instinctively, his fingers brushing over the petals as if they were guiding him. The eucalyptus came last, its muted green leaves curving around the bouquet like a gentle frame. When he tied the arrangement together with a simple white ribbon, he stepped back, surprised once again by how natural it all felt.
It always did.
“Done,” he said softly, turning to Felix.
Felix’s bright smile had faded, replaced by a more thoughtful expression. He took the bouquet from Hyunjin’s hands, his fingers trailing over the ribbon as he examined it.
“Wow,” Felix murmured, his eyes flickering over the flowers. “This is… It’s stunning.”
Hyunjin flushed, brushing his hands against his jeans nervously. “It’s just a simple arrangement. The flowers are doing most of the work.”
Felix chuckled. “If you say so. I think this is way beyond simple. It’s perfect.”
Hyunjin glanced at the bouquet again, noticing how the freesias seemed to glow faintly in the sunlight. Their colours were more vivid than he remembered. He thought his eyes were playing tricks on him again, and he shook the thought away.
“You really have a gift,” Felix murmured, his eyes flickering up and down Hyunjin’s form. “I don’t know what it is. It’s like the flowers are more alive in a way I’ve never seen before.”
Hyunjin didn’t know what to say. He shifted awkwardly, feeling both pleased and somewhat unsettled by Felix’s words.
“If you want the job, it’s yours, Hyunjin,” Felix said.
“I would really love that.”
Felix clapped his hands, his smile so bright it could easily compete with the sun shining through the windows.
“You’re hired! You don’t have to start today, though. When did you move here?”
“I arrived two days ago. I lived in a big city before, and everything here is so… peaceful, and there’s so much nature… I love it.”
Felix nodded, humming. “It is, isn’t it?” he murmured. “Look around your new home, settle in and come back tomorrow, 8 a.m.”
“Thank you so much, Felix, I… I really don’t know what to say,” Hyunjin said, smiling softly at the barista.
“Hey, we’re helping each other out here. I look forward to working with you. Tomorrow, you can get to know Jeongin. Unfortunately, he’s out getting errands right now. You’ll love him.”
Hyunjin’s smile widened. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
Felix insisted on making Hyunjin a new coffee for free, though, since he had distracted him and the beverage had turned cold. Hyunjin thanked him, and with his coffee in hand, he continued on his way around the town, feeling a little lighter.
He wandered down the cobblestone streets, taking in its charm. More small shops with painted signs lined the road, their windows displaying everything from handmade jewellery to quirky knickknacks. The air faintly smelled of fresh bread and blooming flowers. Felix’s words about how the town loved its folklore echoed in Hyunjin’s mind as he took it all in.
He stopped at a shop tucked away at the corner of the street, its dim interior lit by fairy lights. He hesitantly stepped inside, and the elderly shopkeeper greeted him warmly. She looked at him curiously, and Hyunjin just smiled shyly at her as he looked around. The scent of old wood and lavender hung in the air.
His eyes wandered over the strange products on sale—jars of dried herbs labelled with fantasy-like names, small silver mirrors etched with intricate patterns, and a collection of tiny, beautifully carved wooden animals that seemed to follow him with their painted eyes as he moved around. On the old shelves, all sorts of pretty necklaces, rings, earrings, and charms were displayed.
“You’re new around here. Or are you a tourist?” the old woman asked.
“I just moved here,” Hyunjin said, his gaze lingering on some pendants hanging from a wire rack.
He reached out to touch one, a circular pendant carved from dark wood. He made out some faintly glowing runes on it. The surface was warm under his fingertips. Hyunjin frowned slightly at the feeling.
“It’s for protection,” the shopkeeper said.
Hyunjin’s hands fell from the pendant. “Protection from what?”
The woman’s lips curled into a soft smile as she tilted her head. “You have an air about you, dear. Like you belong to the stories.”
Hyunjin blinked. “I think you’ve got the wrong person,” he said, laughing nervously.
“Maybe,” the woman said. She picked up the pendant, pressing it gently into his palm. “But take this anyway. For luck.”
Hyunjin was about to refuse, but the look on her face stopped him. Instead, he murmured, “Thank you,” and slipped the pendant into his pocket.
He left the shop, looking back once more, but the shopkeeper was already busy rearranging some items on the shelves.
Hyunjin made himself comfortable on a bench, his gaze wandering over the buildings, over the people walking up and down the streets. He pulled his sketchbook out of his bag, flipped to an empty page and started sketching. He overheard talks of locals discussing strange happenings around the town—whispers in the woods, animals behaving oddly, and how some teenagers had claimed they had seen a ghost at the ruins of the old white bridge.
Hyunjin smiled to himself as he scribbled down some of their words, thinking about turning them into pictures inspired by the townsfolk's superstition and old beliefs. His gaze drifted to the woods a little way off the edge of the town, and his heart tugged at the sight of it.
He would have to visit them another time as the sun was setting, and he wasn’t eager to find out if any of the tales were true.
—
Felix couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Hyunjin than met the eye. The way he carried himself, his beauty, his way with plants that seemed to be more alive after Hyunjin had touched them.
He didn’t feel any particular supernatural energy from him. But Felix was still a young vampire, after all. He wasn’t as good at these things yet as his brother or Chan.
Felix liked Hyunjin, and he was sure the young man was no danger. He was grateful to have more help around the café and flower shop. As he had told Hyunjin before, there weren’t a lot of newcomers, and people often would grow tired of the small-town life and the superstition carved into its heart.
The café was full by the time it was noon. Jeongin kept throwing curious glances at Hyunjin now and then as he waited tables. The flowers were selling well, and Felix often caught girls, who passed the time in town after school to wait for their next bus, staring at Hyunjin, giggling and blushing. The vampire rolled his eyes with a smile and made another cappuccino.
“So what’s the deal with the new guy?” Jeongin asked as he joined Felix behind the counter.
“What do you mean?”
“He just happened to come here, looking for a job, and he’s super good with plants by pure chance?”
Felix shrugged. “Call it fate. I’m just happy to have found someone to help us out.” His eyes drifted to Hyunjin. “Do you feel anything from him?”
Jeongin frowned. “Feel what?”
“Like, anything supernatural?”
The younger vampire turned a bit to look at the florist. His gaze narrowed slightly as he focused on the young man, but then shrugged.
“No idea. I’m sure Seungmin would know right away,” Jeongin said. “Why? Do you think he’s… something?”
Felix hesitated and then shook his head. “I’m just imagining things. It’s nothing.”
Jeongin leaned closer, whispering, “Are you hungry, maybe?”
“I drank earlier,” Felix murmured, handing a customer a cup of coffee with a flash of his smile.
After the onrush slowly began to die down, Felix pulled Hyunjin outside to take a break. He gave him one of the sandwiches they sold and a pastry and sat down on a nearby bench that was half in the shade and half in the sun. Felix made himself comfortable in the spot that shielded him from the bright light.
“How have you been settling in? It must be a huge change from the big city, I guess,” Felix said as he sipped at the coffee in his hand.
“Yeah, it is. But I love how peaceful it is here. The city was… overwhelming. And it only became worse the past few months,” Hyunjin said, his eyes trailing over the people passing by. “I knew I had to get away.”
Felix hummed, nodding. “How did you learn about this place, though?”
Hyunjin took another bite of his sandwich, his eyebrows slightly furrowed. “It was a complete coincidence, to be honest. I was browsing through a bookstore, and one of the workers there asked me if I was looking for something specific. And I said no, that I was only looking around.”
He chuckled. “We talked for a bit, and I brought up how I would like to move somewhere else one day, far away from the city and surrounded by nature. They showed me a book with photographs of landscapes from this area. They were really beautiful… I immediately felt like I wanted to be there. Like they were calling me… home.”
Hyunjin scratched his cheek, smiling. “I’m not sure if that makes any sense. But… I’m a pretty impulsive person, so I looked this town up on the internet, packed my things and moved here.”
Felix’s eyes widened, and he let out a laugh. “Seriously? Wow. You’re quite adventurous, huh?”
“Sometimes,” Hyunjin replied, shrugging.
“Hey, do you remember who the author of the book was?” Felix asked.
He was sure he already knew the name.
Hyunjin nodded. “I bought the book, so yeah. I often looked at the pictures before I came here. Lee Minho.”
Felix’s smile widened, and he excitedly hopped up and down the bench. “That’s my brother! Lee Minho! He’s a photographer.”
“Really?” Hyunjin asked, his eyes growing wider. “How big are the chances…?”
Felix chuckled. Right. This felt more and more like fate had brought Hyunjin here as if he were supposed to move to Whitebridge. He only wondered why. Hyunjin was clearly no vampire. He had seen the boy stand in the sun quite a lot; his energy would have been drained, and he probably would have suffered from the constant light touching him, which would feel like poison eventually.
Felix tilted his head, letting his eyes trail over Hyunjin’s features. He flared his nostrils slightly, drinking in his scent. He smelled good. Felix licked his lips.
He was definitely not a werewolf, either. Not a dhampir. Maybe he was some woodland creature? A witch like Seungmin? Felix had to admit he wasn’t very well-read about all the possible supernatural creatures out there. Most were hidden away very well, and he would probably never cross their paths, even in the long life ahead of him. He mainly had only met vampires and werewolves so far.
They talked for a bit more about the music they liked and the shows they were watching. Felix felt it was very easy to like Hyunjin and get along with him. He enjoyed his laugh, his scent, and the way he talked. And, of course, he was gorgeous to look at.
When Felix returned home that evening, the vampire made a beeline to Seungmin’s room. He had gotten lost in the big house quite a few times when he had moved in only a few years ago. The layout, every corner and nook, was craved into his mind by now, fortunately.
“Seungmin’s not at home,” Minho mumbled from where he was working on his laptop in the living room.
Felix turned to him, stopping in his tracks. “He’s working?”
“Yeah… Some emergency came in. He won’t be back until tomorrow or the day after,” Minho said, and Felix let out a soft whine. He stretched, groaning lowly, and looked around to face his younger brother. “What do you need him for? Maybe I can help.”
“I told you about that new employee, Hyunjin, right?” Felix asked and wandered over to the couch to flop down next to Minho. “I’m not sure… I’m probably reading way too much into everything, but I just wanted to ask Seungmin some things about other… supernatural creatures.”
“You think this Hyunjin is supernatural?”
Felix shrugged. “Maybe. I can’t feel anything from him. I mean, sometimes the light hits his eyes a certain way… and his scent is to die for. And his hair is just perfect. Seriously, I envy him for his shiny, soft hair.”
Minho’s lips curled up into a smirk. “Sounds more to me like you have a crush on this guy.”
The younger vampire felt his cheeks heating up. “I don’t have a crush on him.”
Minho snickered. He leaned back into the couch and reached out to brush his hand over his brother’s hand. “Just be careful, okay? You haven’t been with anyone since you—”
“I don’t have a crush on him, Minho, I swear,” Felix interrupted him. “He just feels… different. The way he works with the flowers. It’s like they respond to him.”
Minho raised his eyebrows, his grin not fading. “Well. I’m sure it’s nothing, but talk to Seungmin when he’s back. He’s a walking encyclopaedia about everything supernatural.”
Felix hummed, slumping against the back of the couch.
—
The afternoon sun hung low in the sky, bathing the fields in a golden glow. Hyunjin rolled the window of his car halfway down, enjoying the warm breeze tugging at his hair. The wind carried the scent of wildflowers, and Hyunjin smiled as he breathed in deeply.
It was Saturday, and Felix had given him the rest of the day off, saying his brother would be coming in for help and another worker Hyunjin hadn’t met yet. Hyunjin finally used his free time to enjoy the peace of nature. His fingers drummed lightly against the steering wheel, and he whistled a soft tune as he gazed out at the landscape. The tall grasses swayed lazily in the wind, their tips catching the sunlight. In the distance, a few birds took flight, their dark shapes darting across the horizon.
Hyunjin slowed the car, pulling off to the side. He cut the engine, the sudden quiet leaving only the sounds of nature: the rustle of leaves, the faint song of crickets, and the occasional chirp of a bird. He took it all in as he closed his eyes, feeling calm and relaxed.
He grabbed his bag from the passenger seat and stepped out of the car. He wandered into the field, the grass brushing gently against his legs. He sat down cross-legged on the ground, pulled out his pencil and sketchbook, and began to draw quick lines that he would later turn into a painting on a canvas. He hoped he would do justice to the serene beauty in front of him.
For a while, he lost himself in the moment, but then, without warning, the wind picked up, pulling at his hair harshly and sending a shiver down his spine. He glanced up at the sky and saw the dark clouds gathering above him.
The first raindrop hit his cheek. Within a few seconds, the few drops turned into a steady patter, soaking the grasses and dampening the pages of his sketchpad. Hyunjin muttered a curse under his breath and stood to hurry back to his car.
He slid into the driver’s seat, water clinging to his clothes and hair as he tossed his bag back into the seat next to him. The rain intensified, drumming loudly against the roof and windshield. Hyunjin turned the key in the ignition—but nothing happened except for a weak sputter.
Hyunjin frowned, and he tried again and again, only to realise that the car wasn’t going to start.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he whispered and let out a long, exasperated sigh.
The rain outside showed no sign of letting up, and the dirt road was turning into a muddy mess. There was no chance he could walk all the way back to town.
Hyunjin fished out his phone and opened his contacts list. Felix was the only person he knew in town. Jeongin and he hadn’t exchanged numbers yet. He felt he still needed to warm up to the boy, anyway. He hated to bother Felix, but he didn’t have much choice. His thumb hovered over the call button for several heartbeats before Hyunjin finally tapped it.
The phone rang a few times before Felix’s cheerful voice came through.
“Hyunjin! What’s up? Are you alright?”
“Hey, Felix,” Hyunjin said, feeling embarrassed. “I’m so sorry to bother you, but… I need a bit of help. My car broke down. I’m out by the fields. It started raining, and I can’t get the car to start.”
“You’re not hurt or anything, right?” Felix immediately asked, his tone concerned.
Hyunjin’s heart warmed, and a small smile flickered over his lips. “I’m fine. I’m just stuck, and I don’t really know what to do…”
“Don’t worry,” Felix said. “I’ll call Chan; he’s a close friend. He’s great with cars, and he’ll come and get you. Just sit tight, okay? Send me your location, and I’ll forward it to him.”
“Thank you so much, Felix,” Hyunjin said, relief washing over him. “I really appreciate it.”
“Anytime,” Felix replied warmly. “Just stay in the car and… keep the doors locked, okay? It’ll be fine.”
The call ended, and Hyunjin let out a breath. He sent Felix his location and locked the doors as his new friend had advised, although he didn’t think he’d be in any danger here. He wrapped his arms around himself as the cold got worse, and he began to shiver. He was soaked, and he was sure water had seeped into his shoes.
Hyunjin let his head fall back and closed his eyes. He hoped Felix’s friend would be here soon. Even though he loved nature and the woods close by, he felt uneasy in the dark.
—
The sound of rain drummed against the garage's roof. Chan stood under the bright glare of a hanging lamp, his hands smeared with grease, working on the engine of an old car. He breathed in the smell of oil and metal as he focused on tightening a bolt.
He gritted his teeth. The strain in his chest was growing steadily, and the full moon was only a few nights away. The familiar edge of restlessness had begun to creep in and take over his body and mind. His emotions felt stretched thin, and his bloodthirst was rising—a low, simmering hunger. He knew he was never pleasant company around this time, so it was no surprise the others preferred to stay in town longer than necessary or keep to their rooms.
His phone buzzed loudly on the nearby workbench. With a frustrated sigh, Chan wiped his hands on a rag before picking up the phone. Felix’s name flashed on the screen.
“What now?” Chan muttered under his breath and answered with a curt, “Yeah?”
“Chan! I need a favour,” Felix said. “It’s about Hyunjin. My employee I told you guys about… He’s stuck out on that old road past the woods. His care broke down. Can you please, please, please help him?”
“Felix,” Chan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I… I don’t trust myself around humans right now. The full moon—”
“I know, but it’s getting dark, it’s raining, and he’s alone out there. He really needs help, Channie,” Felix whined. “Changbin isn’t in town, or I’d ask him. You’re the only other one who knows his way around cars.”
Chan’s gaze drifted to the small windows, where the rain pounded against the glass. The thought of stepping out into this weather, his heightened senses on edge and his hunger constantly gnawing on him, made his jaw clench and his chest tighten. But this boy was alone out there; it was raining and dark.
Chan muttered some curses under his breath. “Fine. I’ll help him out. But you owe me, Lix.”
“Sure! Thank you so much, Channie!”
Chan rolled his eyes fondly and hung up. He locked the garage behind himself and went back to the house and to the bathroom to freshen up a bit. A ping showed him Felix had sent his friend's location. At least he wasn’t stranded too far out in the fields.
With another sigh, he opened the fridge, took out a bottle filled with blood and brought it to his lips to take several big sips, hoping it would calm the hungry demon inside him long enough until he would be back home. Chan wiped the back of his hand over his mouth and put the bottle back. He put on his hoodie jacket, zipped it up, and grabbed his toolbox before making his way to his pickup truck.